Pistils not pistols

Was it Thomas Carlyle who said that being a lawyer is like having your intellect hung up in a shop window like a loaded pistol for sale.  Something like that anyway. Being a research consultant is somewhat similar.  You hire out your brain for the duration of the contract and when it comes to an end you feel as if you have discharged every shot in your barrel.  Okay, I know, that all sounds a bit dramatic, but I am glad to be nearing the end of writing this report and I do feel as if I have given it it all my best shots.  These are flowers brought for N by Matthew on Mother's Day.  They are just opening up now, blooming well time!