this and that

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This is the little side-park off Crotona Park, the "main" one I live against now - basically just some park benches with a tree or two interspersed. And now, obviously, ice. That's the remnants of the superstorm that wasn't, quite a bit of ice and sleet we were gifted with on Monday and Tuesday, which has now been barely thawed and refrozen several times. We've had some days that were mid-thirties (2-3 Celsius) but more often it's been frigidly cold. Currently it's 17 F/- 8 C according to the little weather man in my computer, which I can only describe as Xinzhou-like. (Cabin Pressure fans will get the referene.)

Which is not so fun when you've struggled with a cough and head congestion for going on two weeks now, but it is beautiful. Aesthetically, I think winter is my favorite season, though I think I enjoy the autumn most at a personal level. On the stuffiness front, I finally found a doctor with weekend hours in my neighborhood that's accepting new patients, and I made an appointment for Saturday. So we'll see how that goes.

Given I've complained about the weather and mentioned a John Finnemore program, it's almost mandatory I pop this in.( Read more... )

super-duper quick ACD fic rec

It's nearly midnight and I need to finish up some stuff and get to bed. However, a post at a fandom comm looking for stories where John served as a spy reminded me of one of my favorite stories from the most recent acd_holmesfest exchange: huntingospray's "The Dancing Shiva."

The premise is sraightforward enough. During his service in Afghanistan, Watson was called upon to "carry letters" and basically serve as a spy on behalf of queen and country. A relic arrives in the mail warning him of his danger, and he and Holmes have to move to save Watson's life and good name. Wonderful atmosphere, incredible use of suspense, and the touches of Indian culture give it a nicely exotic feel (without engaging in stereotypes too much for the period, I didn't think). It's Doyle canon, but if you're only familiar with the BBC it's really still very enjoyable without knowledge of specific Doyle stories. Though a general sense of the kind of characters Holmes and Watson are would be helpful.

Do check it out.