Ambyr's Attyc

HSKS 13 - Yule Ball - Triwizard Tournament - Task 1

2011-10-31T20:33:00.000-07:00

Yea! I am one of three with this coveted award. So much fun with my Ravelry friends!!!

HLBOE - Herbology (6th term)

2011-07-16T10:17:00.000-07:00

The Orthocarpus bracteosus (Scrophulariaceae), or Rosey Owl-Clover, is an endangered species of plant in Washington state.

It seems this species is restricted to one large meadow complex; a majority of the known plants are located within a county road right-of-way. Grazing is a concern, as well as maintenance of the county road and weed control.

It is an annual species, completing it's life cycle in one year. It flowers from June through August, and sets seed in July to August.

Magical Properties

Master Herbologist Witches and Wizards are trying to cultivate this special clover in large meadows. Various portions of the plant are used for phoenix birds. As rare as the phoenix bird is, that is how rare you will find this owl-clover. Most of the mysterious uses of this plant are kept in strict confidence by master herbologists and phoenix owners, and therefore little is in print. Apprentice herbologists, when going for their degree as a master herbologist, learn these properties and are sworn to the secrecy.

HLBOE - Colin Creevey Challenge #1 (6th Term)

2011-07-16T09:52:00.000-07:00

1. Nargle (center) 2. Snape's Potion book (some muggle got hold of it and altered the cover slightly) 3. Luna's tennis shoes 4. Lupin's traveling case (black bear is personal item)
Tonk's before
Tonk's after

Reducio 15 - The Hospital Wing

2011-06-30T14:25:00.000-07:00

And the mystery continues! This round of Reducio was based on the hospital wing. I sent out Dobby in his tea towel, skelegrow, and a Slytherin sock. I also sent a small sewing kit (for suturing), some mini chocolates (for dementors), and a sachet of lavender (for good sleep).

Below is the package a I received today. Each item was carefully wrapped up in separate tissue packets.
And ... REVEALIO!
Madam Pomfrey has recruited me to help bring aid to Hufflepuff students. I have completed my internship with her and she has set me off with these items to help Dumbledore's Army and their defeat of the evil which will begin at Hogsmead.

The pad of parchment is for me to record all my activities, a package of powdered pepperup potion (peppermint tea), a reducioed Hufflepuff scarf that can be engorgioed to warm the neck of a chilled Hufflepuff ... it has also been infused with a vampire-repelling charm. Isn't she smart?? Then there is a small bar of chocolate in case there is a dementor attack, a wee vial of balm designed to sooth minor injures (and only to be used for Hufflepuffs, as it's magical powers are geared toward their characteristics), and lastly, the CUTEST talisman in Hufflepuff colors. LOVE the beaded flower on the side of the wee tiny sock! Just perfect!

Reducio 14 - Ministry of Magic

2011-04-27T19:24:00.001-07:00

From Arthur Weasley, Department of Magical Accidents and Catastrophes.

Arthur and the boys were intrigued with "cow tipping" but it seems it got out of hand and things did not turn out as expected. They were unable to find any cows, so set about trying to tip sheep instead!

The Weasleys were apparently misinformed about the spell to be used. Sadly, a sheep, frog, mermaid, and dragon subsequently were disastrously changed in and adverse way.

My package included a wee black felted zippered notions bag, a frog pen, and a severely reducioed mermaid and dragon. I have been working diligently since Arthur's post to try and return all objects to their former selves. I have minions in the office working on a spell to bring the dragon and mermaid back to size, but it seems the sheep and frog are forever deemed to be a zippered bag and pen. Both the mermaid and dragon have been informed they will have a home in our green belt if they so desire when returned to their normal selves. In the meantime, my daughter has decided to try and learn mermish and my youngest son is taking the opportunity to study the dragon in depth.

Oh, and Arthur, if you read this, I have your scarf! Our owl, Fle, shall return said scarf as soon as our horrendous weather improves. In the meantime, as it is also reducioed, I hope you don't mind if we let the dragon use it to keep warm until he returns to full size. I offered the wonderful Gryffindor sock to the mermaid should she decide she wants to sleep in a cozy manner vice a small bowl of water.

Thank you, Arthur, for the wonderful tea. I'm frozen through to the bone, so you couldn't have sent anything better!

All the best!

HLBOE - Kit from Creativemouse

2011-04-01T07:18:00.000-07:00

To what did my eyes behold? A box of loveliness!

Doggie biscuits and sweater (left), swiffer cover/pad and owl dishcloth (bottom), Knit Picks yarn and pattern for Horcrux socks (center), mini sock keychain and two packages of lovely flower seeds (center left), and Earl Grey tea and Goldfish crackers (top).
My Rose wearing her lovely gift. Made her look like a young lady again :)

HLBOE - Colin Creevey Challenge #3 (Feb. 2011)

2011-02-05T12:13:00.001-08:00

Brave Little Knitters Cut Their Knitting!

2011-02-02T15:00:00.000-08:00

Wee Tiny Steeked Sock

I am a member of the Wee Tiny Sock Club and our most recent adventure was into steeking! ACK! I've NEVER cut my knitting (at least not on purpose!). This is something I've wanted to learn but have been afraid to try. I was not going to venture out on a huge beautiful garment and then mess it up ... so those projects have stayed in hiding!

However, this club has afforded me the opportunity to attempt such a feat, and here it is as I went through each heart-pounding moment.

Ready.
Back stitching with needle and thread to make sure the stitches, after cut, will remain secure. The best part of this was the fact the yarn we were using is very "grabby" and had already proven itself difficult to "pull out" when trying to repair a mistake. I knew if I missed something in my stitching, the yarn would save me later!
Both rows of stitches have been completed.
I turned my work inside out to make it easier to find the stitches I would have to cut.
Snip ... snip ... snip ... heart pounding away here! And, as I'm cutting, I'm realizing what wonderful fabric this yarn has created. It's thick, resilient, and the fibers are holding. I'm going to make it!
Almost there. Just half way to go!
DONE! I've done it! I've cut my knitting!
My project is complete. The steeking yielded an area to knit ribbing on both sides, one with button holes. I LOVE this project and look forward to making another Wee Tiny Steeked Sock.
This is the other side.

Reducio 13 - Deathly Hallows

2011-01-29T13:44:00.000-08:00

Today my angel package arrived. This is in association with my Reducio 13 swap. The theme was Deathly Hallows. Sadly, a little clay pot did not make it safely :(

Here are the contents fresh out of the envelope.

Look at all this loveliness! It's simply amazing, and I have no idea on who to thank. I have a Muggle name on the outside of the package, but I don't know which witch sent it :( A package of origami paper (I really like to make little cranes); a wee Nagini; Forget-Me-Nots (is this for Hermione in reference to her parents?); a VERY big ruby stone (my boys thought it was the Sorcerer's Stone, but I'm wondering if it's to represent Gaunt's ring?); a soap flower; and inside the purple drawstring bag was a gorgeous Ravenclaw sock and extra yarn and little needles (the yarn is so soft and the sock is absolutely beautiful!); four star stitch markers and matching earrings (origami no less!); and the piece de resistance ... (drum roll, because it really deserves it!) ... Hermione's beaded bag!
The amazing stitch markers, earrings, and bag up close. Isn't this bag phenomenal????? I coveted someone else's and never thought I'd ever have one as I am pretty sure it's difficult to make (and I believe that even more now that I've held it in my hands)! It's the most sumptuous shade of deep purple and I LOVE IT!
This is the fantastic mini sock. LOVE the amber colored yarn with this blue. They just shimmer and shine together. I'd LOVE a pair that actually fit!

Now, I just need to find out who my angel is to thank them properly!!!

HLBOE - Colin Creevey Challenge #2 (Jan. 2011)

2011-01-22T11:50:00.000-08:00

HLBOE - Transfiguration - Term 5

2011-01-19T17:01:00.001-08:00

Knitimus Minimus Dobbymus Sockimus

Ta-da

Mickey Mouse Socks

2011-01-18T17:13:00.000-08:00

I made these socks for the kids for a surprize trip to Walt Disney World in Florida. I had hoped we would get to see the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, too, but we didn't :( Perhaps some day we'll be able to swoop in on our brooms to enjoy it for a day or so, but it wasn't to happen this trip. Sadly, the socks on the end, for boy #3, were too small and have since been frogged to be redone in a larger size.

Wee Tiny Sock Ornaments

2010-12-30T15:43:00.000-08:00

I endeavor one day to have a Wee Tiny Tree on my kitchen counter with all sorts of wee tiny ornaments. Here is the start of my Wee Tiny Collection ... socks from the Wee Tiny Sock Club!

I joined this club via Ravelry in March (2010) and my collection contains almost a year's worth of Wee Tiny Socks:

Wee Tiny Aran Sock (March)
Wee Tiny Raindrop Sock (April)
Wee Tiny Flower Sock (May)
Wee Tiny Campfire Sock (June)
Wee Tiny Fireworks Sock (July)
Wee Tiny Sunflower Sock (August)
Wee Tiny Sampler Sock (September)
Wee Tiny Halloween Sock (October ... last in the photo)
Wee Tiny Origami Sock (November ... in front of Halloween)

For Knitters Everywhere ... 'Twas the Night Before Christmas ...

2010-12-21T17:09:00.001-08:00

‘Twas the night before Christmas and all around me
Was unfinished knitting not under the tree.
The stockings weren’t hung by the chimney with care
‘cause the heels and the toes had not a stitch there.

The children were nestled all snug in their beds
but I had not finished the caps for their heads.
Dad was asleep; he was no help at all,
And the sweater for him was six inches too small.

When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,
I put down my needles to see what was the matter.
Away to the window, I flew like a flash,
Tripped over my yarn and fell down with a crash.

The tangle of yarn that lay deep as the snow
Reminded me how much I still had to go.
Out on my lawn, I heard such a noise,
I thought it would wake both dad and the boys.

And though I was tired, my brain was a bit thick,
I knew in a moment, it must be Saint Nick.
But what I heard then left me perplexed-ed,
For not a name I heard was what I had expected

“move, Ashford; move, Lopi; move, Addie and Clover Move, Reynolds;
move, Starmore; move, Fraylic--move over”
“Paton, don’t circle round; stand in line.
Come now, you sheep wool work just fine!
I know this is hard semi, it’s just your first year,
I’d hate to go back to eight tiny reindeer.”

I peered over the sill; what I saw was amazing,
Eight woolly sheep on my lawn all a’grazing.
And then, in a twinkle, I heard at the door
Santa’s feet coming across the porch floor.

I rose from my knees and got back on my feet,
And as I turned round, Saint Nick, I did meet.
He was dressed all in wool from his head to his toe
And his clothes were handknit from above to below.

A bright Fair Isle sweater he wore on his back,
and his toys were all stuffed in an Aran knit sack.
His cap was a wonder of bobbles and lace,
A beautiful frame for his rosy red face.

The scarf round his neck could have stretched for a mile,
And the socks peeking over his boots were Argyle.
The back of his mittens bore an intricate cable,
And suddenly on one I spied a small label.

SC was duplicate stitched on the cuff,
and I asked “Hey Nick, did you knit all this stuff?”
He proudly replied “Ho-ho-ho, yes I did, I learned how to knit when I was a kid.”

He was chubby and plump, a quite well-dressed old man,
And I laughed to myself for I’d thought up a plan,.
I flashed him a grin and jumped up in the air,
And the next thing he knew he was tied to a chair.

He spoke not a word, but looked in his lap
Where I’d laid my needles and yarn for a cap.
He quickly began knitting, first one cap then two;
For the first time I thought I’d really get through.

He put heels on the stockings and toes in some socks
While I sat back drinking Scotch on the rocks!!
So quickly like magic, his needles they flew,
That he was all finished by quarter to two.
He sprang for his sleigh when I let him go free,
And over his shoulder he looked back at me.
And I heard him exclaim as he sailed past the moon
“Next year start your knitting sometime around June!”

Author unknown

Galway Scarf KAL

2010-11-29T15:23:00.000-08:00

Finished. It will be a gift for my sister who is moving from the Adirondack Mountains in New York State, to lower Michigan.

My Horcrux Kit!

2010-11-27T15:12:00.000-08:00

Here is the box from Celestina Pettigrew (Sherry Harrison). The brown wrapped item to the left was labeled that it was for my little witch and wizards.
This is the kit in its entirety, but below is a more detailed description with photos!
Dragon ornaments for the kids.
Mug (Helga Hufflepuff Horcrux) with owl mug cozy (I love owls!), honey spoon, pressed penny (between the spoon and Harry bookmark), HP bookmark, Walker shortbread (yum! my favorite!), a peanut butter and chocolate bar (I bet it's unbelievable, too!), four peppermint teas, and HP movie cards!
Yummy, squishy sock yarn ... fantastic colors! All my favorite colors wrapped up in one yarn! Who thought that was possible??? It is Plymouth Yarn Co.'s Happy Feet, spun in Peru. But my absolute favorite thing ... the wizard on top of the yarn. Gryphon shouted out, "It's Dumbledore!" And then I lifted his cap ...
The wizard holds the DPNs to be used with the yarn! How inventive and creative!
Then I unwrapped this felted HP bag ... it's double sided. (Harry as the Horcrux.)
Cool, huh??? And inside ...
A spells and potions book filled with a wide variety of patterns (yup! patterns!), a blank black bear notebook (I totally love bears), and a notions box which held a Mickey Mouse key chain (totally awesome, as I'm also a Disney fanatic, too!), Chibi needles, purple tape measure, and (you can see it in the bottom of the box) a key chain row counter and the attached is my name and on the back is the Kitchener stitch and a wee with stuck on the back!

Oh, Miss Celestina, you CERTAINLY outdid yourself and if you were standing next to me I'd be jumping up and down hugging you! This is an amazing kit and I'm so enamored with the entire thing. Thank you for thinking of my wee witch and wizards, and incorporating all the little things I so love. You stalked VERY well!

Our First Snow This Year

2010-11-22T07:48:00.000-08:00

DH put up new LED lights this year. After 10 years with our other lights, and missing bulbs and no replacements any more, we decided to get new ones. So, he hung lights yesterday afternoon. Then with the pretty snow, we have such a pretty picture!

The End is Drawing Nigh

2010-11-20T15:31:00.000-08:00

It's so sad ... the swap is nearly over. I have all the contents of my package. Now to creatively wrap it up and package it. I have an idea, and I hope it turns out the way I have it in my head. I missed getting it to the owlry today. So, it will be a special trip on Monday. I also have to print out a special instruction sheet for one of my handmade items.

I have yet to see the Deathly Hallows, Pt. 1, but I am assured by my sister-in-law that it was really good and she was upset because she has to wait until July for part 2!

Well, back to the needles. Wish my wand was working so I could charm my other needles to knit along beside me and I could finish all my projects at the same time! Ack! Christmas is coming and I'm SO behind. That's what I get for doing test knits for others. Next year ... I vow to focus on the items I want to make and be better prepared for gifts.

HSKS 12 - Week 9 - Pop Quiz

2010-11-08T12:33:00.000-08:00

Pop quiz? I hope I studied enough. I've had gremlins for a week now and they JUST DON'T LISTEN! I mean, when I tell them BE QUIET ... you'd think that was understandable!

To which prison was Gellert Grindelwald sent after he was defeated by Dumbledore in 1945? Nurmengard
Who is the first casualty in The Deathly Hallows? Charity Burbage
What does Draco Malfoy name his son? Scorpius
Before Harry gains control of it, who is the master of the Elder Wand? Draco Malfoy
Severus Snape’s Patronus takes the same form as which other character’s? Lily Evans
Where do Ron, Hermione and Harry apparate when Death Eaters invade Bill and Fleur’s wedding? Tottenham Court Road
Who does Harry send to search for Mundungus Fletcher and the missing locket? Kreacher
Who destroys Salazar Slytherin’s locket? Ron Weasley
What does Hermione use to destroy Helga Hufflepuff’s cup? Basilisk Fank
Following the death of Lord Voldemort, who is named temporary Minister of Magic? Kingsley Shacklebolt

(Special thanks to my young middle wizard son for his assistance with his aging mother's memory.)

HSKS 12 - Week 8 - Anagrams Homework

2010-11-01T15:17:00.000-07:00

I am SO not good at these things. It will have to be a work in progress. I'll keep updating until it's done.

SPARSE VENUES - Severus Snape
GO UNLOAD LOVE - Luna Lovegood
A MOTH SEDAN - Dean Thomas
FLUSH CIGAR - Argus Filch*
SLICK AIRBUS - Sirius Black
DUMB ANALOG - Ludo Bagman
A DRY MOO-CALF - Draco Malfoy
UNSNAP THE SKI - Stan Shunpike*
PIT-A-PAT RIVAL - Parvati Patil
AN OLD JEER - Lee Jordan

HSKS 12 - Week 7 - The Seven Horcruxes

2010-10-24T11:32:00.000-07:00

Here is a cool bracelet with all the seven Horcruxes.

Harry

Tom Riddle's Diary

Ravenclaw Diadem

Hufflepuff Cup

Gaunt's Ring

Slytherin's Locket

Nagini

Super Secret Spoilee Surprize

2010-10-22T14:16:00.000-07:00

I completed the test knit of the item I'm going to send to Lavender. Sadly, I'm still not allowed to show a photo or put it on my project page. I await the okay from the designer.

In the meantime I found out my poor son, Gryphon, has had to do a 180 change on his kit because the person he was spoiling is no longer a part of HSKS and he has a new spoilee. We've been working together to try and figure out what to do for Fuddles. It's really tough, because she has very little info on her Rav ID page! He did find out he can return the yarn he purchased, and we'll be making a trip to the other store to return all the other items he had already purchased for the previous kit. I'm very thankful he's able to return the items. It is an experience for this young man, as he's never had to purchase things, save receipts, and then return items before. Life lessons! The only item he can't return was the "treat" he'd purchased. He's decided to save it for himself, unless Fuddles likes seasonal holiday sweets!

To top off that hectic news from yesterday, my daughter decided to try and step over the baby gate on the stairs. It is not fixed to the wall, it's just propped there to keep DH's dog from going where she doesn't belong. At any rate, my daughter slipped, fell down the stairs, and crashed her ankle on the tile floor below. Of course, I wasn't home! By the time I got home I'd made the decision to take her to Urgent Care, because the doctor's office wouldn't see her. I was very disappointed with the medical care she received because the doctor, not once, sat down, looked at her ankle, or even touched it. She was x-rayed and then a fiberglass splint put on. She'll be splinted for about a week. We see her regular doctor next week. The doctor said she had an abnormality on her film, but wasn't sure if it was her normal ankle or if she had chipped it. This is important, because she's a dancer. So, we wait to see what the regular doctor says. Muggles! Go figure! Wish we could have taken her to Saint Mungo's!

And all the menfolk are off for the weekend to wallow in rain and cold on a camping trip. Yuck! Not me! I'd rather stay warm and dry. But, this is a scout activity and one needed for our youngest, who is a Webelos going for Boy Scout next February. Plus, the boys needs more camping for further advancement and badges. DH is going along because he's the Webelos II leader. Looks like it's just the girls this weekend. Although, I have to admit, it won't be too exciting. My daughter is getting her eyes examined and I'm afraid we'll be coming home with glasses for her. Poor thing.

And that is our week in review.

Back to knitting socks!

Reducio 12 - My kit has arrived!

2010-10-15T13:49:00.000-07:00

My kit arrived from Gabrielle Rozier (bijou3owl). It was so fragrant we could smell it before getting to the mailbox to retrieve it!
Inside was the second mini sock she's ever made. It's so cute and she did a marvelous job! There was also lavender soap and two chocolate candies. I still haven't opened them. There was also the very aromatic spearmint tea. It was very overpowering. But the best part of the entire package was the mini shawl! Isn't it gorgeous? It's the Laminaria shawl. She split the lace weight yarn into cobweb and then knit it on DPN 0s!
Here is a close up of the fantastic shawl and mini sock.

Thanks again! I love it!

I hope to post below the package I sent, once it's arrived at its destination!

HSKS 12 - Week 5 - Matching

2010-10-11T20:00:00.000-07:00

Okay, assignments are up and I just had to jump into this one. It was fun. Ron used a bunch of wands, so I included a snippet I found about him and then narrowed it down as I found the others.

At any rate, here it is:

Instructions: Please match up the wand (wood and core have been listed) with its owner. Each wand/ name of owner will be used once. Please use the web, books, each other for answers. Post answers to your blog for this week’s activity.

Vine wood and Dragon Heartstring
Walnut and Dragon Heartstring
Hawthorn and Unicorn tail hair
Hornbeam and Dragon Heartstring
Ash and Unicorn hair
Rosewood and Veela Hair
Elder and Thestral Hair
Mahogany and an unknown core
Elm and Dragon Heartstring
Cherry and Unicorn hair
Yew and Phoenix Feather
Holly and Phoenix Feather
Willow and Unicorn Hair

a. Ron Weasley - 13. Willow and Unicorn Hair
b. Albus Dumbledore - 7. Elder and Thestral Hair
c. Mary Cattermole - 10. Cherry and Unicorn Hair
d. Viktor Krum - 4. Hornbeam and Dragon Heartstring
e. Lucius Malfoy - 9. Elm and Dragon Heartstrnig
f. Harry Potter - 12. Holly and Phoenix Feather
g. Cedric Diggory - 5. Ash and Unicorn Hair
h. Tom Riddle - 11. Yew and Phoenix Feather
i. Hermione Granger - 1. Vine wood and Dragon Heartstring
j. James Potter - 8. Mahogany with an unknown core
k. Belatrix Lestrange - 2. Walnut and Dragon Heartstring
l. Fleur Delacour - 6. Rosewood with Veela Hair
m. Draco Malfoy - 3. Hawthorn and Unicorn tail hair

Ron's Wand: Initially used Charlie’s old wand. There is conflicting information about his second wand. According to PA4, it is 14-inch willow containing one unicorn tail-hair, but according to Jo's website it is Ash (JKR). Ron used this wand until it was taken by the Greyback and the snatchers (DH23). He never got that one back. Eventually he won Pettigrew's: Chestnut and Dragon Heartstring, 9.25 inches, Brittle (DH23). Ron also took a blackthorn wand from one of the first set of Snatchers and gave it to Harry (DH19, 23).

Quandary

2010-10-11T16:10:00.000-07:00

I still remain in a quandary over my spoilee's kit. I don't think I've ever been so stumped as I am on this particular round. I have had no hits of inspiration whatsoever and it's getting me down. I knew I was going to have trouble with this particular theme, I just didn't know how much.

I have made two different items and purchased the yarn for the kit. Had to change patterns midstream, though. Frustrating.

I walk around and around knowing I need to do something else for this kit, but it's kicking me in the butt! I just don't want it to come back to haunt me before it's time to send it out. I have SO many things to make right now for Christmas, but this is the one thing from which my mind cannot let go. Hrumph. I'm in a pickle and a funk.

Time to shake it off. Wish chocolate wasn't so caloric!

HSKS 12 - Week 4 - Quiz and Essay

2010-10-04T17:59:00.000-07:00

Oh my gosh, I'm not good at this sort of thing. I've only read the book once. We are always trying to read from book 1 to the end prior to a movie and we just haven't gotten through book 1 at all this year! ACK! I don't have free time to read or knit any more. It's so sad.

At any rate, my knowledge of the Deathly Hallows is very limited. We shall see how I fare.

Why does Harry accuse Remus Lupin of being a coward? For leaving Tonks alone while she is pregnant and abandoning their child.
Who is R.A.B.? Regulus Arcturus Black
According to legend, what would a person become if he could assemble the Deathly Hallows? The Master of Death
What is Ariana Dumbledore rumored to be? A squib.
What is written on Harry’s parents’ gravestone? The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death.
Why does Krum want to fight Xenophilius Lovegood? Lovegood wore a necklace with the symbol of the Deathly Hallows on it and it was known to Krum as Grindelwald's sign.
Why does Voldemort seek the Elder Wand? It's a wand that would overpower Harry's.
Where did Dumbledore’s family live? Godric's Hallow
Whose eye does Harry see in his magic mirror shard? Aberforth Dumbledore
What item does Harry steal from Gringotts? Hufflepuff's Cup
Where does Rita Skeeter get her information about Dumbledore? Bathilda Bagshot
What is inside the Snitch that Dumbledore leaves Harry? The Resurrection Stone
Why does Dumbledore leave Ron a Deluminator? Because he knew Ron would leave and would need help finding his way back to Harry.
Why has Hermione not read The Tales of Beedle the Bard? She was raised as a muggle and not read them as a child. She read the book while on their trek through the woods.
What is Dumbledore’s greatest regret? Helping Grindelwald (or even the circumstances surrounding Ariana's death - did he or didn't he kill her.)
Whose mail did Snape open? As a child he opened Aunt Petunia's mail.
What form does Snape’s Patronus take? A doe representative of Lilly's patronus doe.
Why can the Sword of Gryffindor destroy Horcruxes? Because of the basilisk venom.
What name is given to wizards who help Mudbloods? Blood traitors
How do Harry and his friends enter the Ministry of Magic? They transformed using Polyjuice Potion and then entered through the toilets.
Who made Harry’s wand? Ollivander

Essay Question

Choose one of the following questions and post your answer to your blog.

How does Harry change over the course of the novel? Is The Deathly Hallows a true coming-of-age story? Harry's life is crappy and he's treated horribly. Hogwarts becomes his true family, and then his life/parent's life comes about to bite him in the butt. He cannot grow up as a normal child from age 11 on up. He is marked, figuratively and literally, for life. He has to actually struggle to stay alive and keep adults around him, and friends, alive. He has to face the most horrible thing in the wizarding world and still come out a whole person. Essentially, he has to meet the devil face to face and conquer him. His time at Hogwarts is about honing and strengthening his skills instead of making friends, joining clubs, etc., all the things young kids and teenagers do as they are coming into adulthood. So, I'd say, yes, it is a true coming-of-age story, but at an accelerated speed.
In what ways do the dead speak to the living in this book?
In what way do Ron and Hermione act as foils for Harry, drawing out his qualities and characteristics more clearly?

HSKS 12 - Week 3 - Word Association

2010-09-27T13:28:00.000-07:00

Pumpkin - pasties
Owl - Hedwig
Leaf - autumn
Weasley - Molly
Quaffle - red
Hallow - Deathly
Mad - Mardigan (not HP nor fall ... from Willow ... who also played Flitwick!)
Dragon - egg
Crystal - Billy (again, not HP! ... from Princess Bride)
Trees - Forbidden Forest
Hermione - Granger
Hogwarts - School of Witchcraft and Wizardry
Burrow - homey
Dobby - house elf
Horcrux - yuck; evil
Ministry - of Magic
Magic - sorcery
Sirius - Black
Apple - juice
Juice - pumpkin
Candle - ceiling
Ghost - filmy
Snake - eek!
Wand - instrument
Invisibility - cloak
Tent - large and spacious
Spell - book
Umbridge - evil
Dursely - fat
Prophet - knowing

Wee Tiny Wolf

2010-09-22T08:23:00.000-07:00

I have been muddling with something to make for a certain someone and I came across this pattern for a wolf. The pattern called for bulky weight yarn and a large hook ... well, I didn't have yarn in that color, so, I went down sizes until I had all three colors ... and wouldn't you know it would be fingering! So, here is my wee tiny wolf ... and I have to tell you, those openings got VERY small ... narrow ... minuscule ... hard to see ... ! Sure made stuffing difficult. But, I think he's cute just the same. He's about 3 inches tall instead of the projected 7!

The following photo is needed for a class submission ... excuse the extra posting ... I don't know any other way to get it into Ravelry without putting it here first :)

HSKS 12 - Week 2 - What would you take with you?

2010-09-22T07:25:00.000-07:00

Ah, the big question, "What 5 things would you not leave home without if you were going into hiding, camping, or running away and WHY?"

I've been asked this before and the same answer always comes up, "I don't know," and that's mainly because I need to know, is my family going with me? Why is this important? It's important because it makes a difference about what I would bring with me. The other big question is, "How long will I be gone?"

Now, if I were camping, I'd probably be with my family. HOWEVER, I am not a camper, so it is probably quite likely that I would not go camping. BUT, if I did, the first thing I would bring would be a toilet, or a toilet seat, or some way I could make facilities for myself a lot easier ... and then the toilet paper as well!

If I were running away or hiding, the first and foremost item on my list would be my Bible.

If I were camping, I'd more than likely have my family with me.

If I were running away or hiding, I'd like to think it was with my family, but if not, I'd bring a photograph of my husband and children.

NOW, this posses another question ... who is running away or hiding? Me? The REAL me? Or Ambyr, my HP persona?

All answers change at this point if it's Ambyr!

***
Okay, later. Like days later, and I'm still muddling over this and not sure of my answer.

As a witch, I would most definitely take my wand.

As a muggle, I'd probably get bored. I'd better take a knife of some sort to help me hunt and whittle down some sticks for needles. I'd have to find a way to knit stuff, too, because I'd be VERY bored. I would also bring potable water in a refillable container. I'd also bring a fire starter kit (kit counts as one item ;) ), and dry socks, and a VERY warm sweater.

I guess, in all, I can't really answer this question well. But I've certainly made a long blog about not being able to answer it well!

HLBOE - Colin Creeve Challenge #6

2010-09-18T17:37:00.000-07:00

Darn, it's the last Colin Creevey Challenge for this term :( It's been lots of fun. My marker is the black bear.

1) The graveyard Harry and Cedric were transported to by the portkey. (Bear is resting foreground on the stone wall surrounding this particular graveyard.)

(This second graveyard was made by my youngest son, just for the challenge!)

2) Wormtail's silver hand.
3) The foe-glass ... (it broke, I have pieces):
4) Moody's trunk.

5) Harry's prize money he gives to the twins.

HLBoE - Swap package from Prew

2010-09-17T14:54:00.001-07:00

A very large box arrived today with some amazing things inside. My daughter just loved the color of the tissue wrapping! The box smelled tantalizingly of chocolate! Our cocker spaniel, Rose, could not keep herself away. She had her nose buried in the box. The chocolate smell was homemade dipped pretzel sticks! Yum! We are setting them aside until tomorrow. I want them as a treat on our anniversary!
This is the cutest project bag, with fairies on the front. Prew sent a fairy in my box, but I think she's still a bit shy and nervous, because she hasn't shown herself yet. However, Prew sent a picture of her family on this adorable zippered bag. The material is a watery combination of lavenders and blues ... I so totally love it! She also included two sets of stitch markers and a pair of earrings inside. One set is blue and has fairy wings. The other set was made from Shrinky Dinks and features the other elements of HP I so enjoy (and had listed as my favorites for this swap). The earrings match the fairy stitch markers.
This is Prew's first felted project! These are fairy castles. The large one will house my 7" dpns and the smaller one my sewing needles (I took my cable needle to knit night in it this evening!). I think they are amazing and they will be very pretty on the table next to my chair. Better than the bag that sits on the floor, and much easier to see my needles! I love these! AND, I love the colors of bark brownish gray and purple.

Here is the entire package. Back row, left to right: Hermione Sock and specially dyed yarn from Prew in such a beautiful range of Ravenclaw colors (!), personalized notebook with pencil and pen, and the fairy castles. Front row, left to right: Twinings decaf Earl Gray (yum!), 3 local postcards (forgot to do that for my spoilee), fairy project back with stitch markers and earrings, notebooks for my children with pen and pencil each, and chocolate dragon eggs (from "How To Train Your Dragon") and in the immediate front, hand dipped pretzels!

Prew, thank you SO much! This was a truly amazing package and it sure felt like my birthday and Christmas all rolled into one! I just love the fairy houses!

HSKS 12 - Week 1 - Adventures in Knowing Others

2010-09-13T19:41:00.000-07:00

Well, I've completed all the requirements of this assignment and I must say, we have some EXTREMELY talented crafters with this group! WOW! Amazing!

I also found out that, until we let in our three missing (late to coming) wizards, there wasn't a soul in our group with a birthday the same month as myself! I saw lots of July and December, though!

It was fun peeking in on everyone tonight and I hope to get to know everyone a bit more this next swap. This is so much fun!

HSKS 12 - Week 1 - Getting To Know You

2010-09-13T15:33:00.001-07:00

Someone already stole (I mean, USED) my idea of singing the song. So, imagine you're in Ceylon, in the palace, surrounded by LOTS of kids, and you're their new teacher and you are trying to get to know all of them, and they you! (ha-ha!)

At any rate. First I'll list my info (just in case you need to find it quickly), and then I'll post my assignment.

Favorite Color(s): Lavenders, rust tones (colors that remind you of autumn) ... new favorites are sunny/cheerful yellow, rust, and olives. I do not care for black or orange and I don't look very good in red. But, youngest son LOVES red.

Favorite Flavors: Not sure how to answer this one. I mean depends on what I'm eating, I guess. I like cheddar cheese, cucumber sandwiches w/ cream cheese, apple pie, fresh homemade bread, meatless lasagna, homemade raspberry jam, homemade hot chocolate, gingerbread cookies, decaf creme de menthe latte, mint chocolate chip ice cream ...

Favorite Scents: Roses, fresh homemade apple pie and bread, fresh mowed grass, gingerbread cookies fresh out of the oven, the smell of autumn, evergreen trees, fresh clean crisp air (like winter or spring or fall).

Favorite Season: That's easy ... AUTUMN! Sweater weather!

Favorite Holiday: Christmas (I love the decorations and the baking ... GINGERBREAD! YUM!) Just wish it would snow like when I was a kid :) (I like little red cardinals in the snow ... aren't they the cutest? I don't see them where I live now, but we did when I was little in upstate NY!)

Favorite Fiber: I don't know this one yet. I suppose we have to be specific? Yarn?

Favorite Pattern: Umm, I don't know as I have one of these, either. It's always the one I'm working on, I guess.

Favorite Designer (s): I had to make that plural! I love our Ann Kingstone, and I also like Sheila Joynes designs as well. I also really like Cat Bordhi's socks.

Favorite Needles: Well, at first I did not like bamboo or wooden needles. I'm liking them more and more as time goes on. I think the multi-colored ones are beautiful.

Something about myself no one knows: Um, I don't know what to put here, either. I love to dance and have no outlet to do it. I want to tap dance, but have no class available. I would love to do musical theatre, too. I think ballroom would be fun. I'm jealous of my kids' opportunities.

Wizarding Families Assignment:
1. Someone with the same craft as you: Wychwoodlady's (Lizzy Wychwood) baby beret

2. Someone who was born the same month (January) as you: Starsplash (we're the only 2 in January!)

3. Someone from a different country (I'm in the USA): kristo (Cassandra Grubbly-Plank) is from British Columbia, Canada.

4. A new HSKS Family Member (I'm not new, I've been around a couple swaps): Cayden (Caradoc Brocklehurst in the UK) and Nicky Lovely (ynkchck2).

5. Someone who has been in 3 or more HSKS swaps (this makes 5 for me!): MissLucy (Fleur Sweeting) ... this is her 9th!

6. Someone who has a bigger stash than you (just about everyone!): smileynetta (Hermione) with 75.

7. Someone who both knits and crochets (I do both, too!): foxyfiberchick (Emma Diggory) does both.

8. Someone who has the same favorite color as you (see above listing for mine): staroftwilight (Morgianna Defeufaucon) autumn colors!

9. Someone who has the same favorite season/holiday as you (mine are Autumn and Christmas): angel101580 (Winifred) loves Christmas!

10. Someone who has the same favorite fiber as you (I don't have one yet ... yarn?): knottieknitter (Lavender Diggory) and I both love soft squishy yarn! (Woo-hoo! Leave it to my spoilee to come to my rescue!)

HLBoE - Care of Magical Creatures - Nifflers!

2010-09-11T10:10:00.000-07:00

Ack! The nifflers have gotten loose!

For class, I present the metallic tools used for crafting.

I also present other metallic objects.

My Care of Magical Creatures project will be PMd as my package has yet to be sent ;)

HSKS 12 Begins!!

2010-09-07T12:33:00.000-07:00

Horcrux - horcruxes - horcruxs ... hmmm ... not an easy word to pluralize!

At any rate, Houses of Horcrux seems to be our theme this next round and it's very exciting.

The kit choices center around the horcruxes Voldemort made and the hardest part is picking which horcrux to be the center of your kit.

The choices this time were:
Harry Potter - anything relating to Harry (wand, glasses, Gryffindor, a mother's love, lightning bolt scar, even a pair of Gillyweed socks). Personally, I LOVE the idea of the Gillyweed Socks! (hint!)

Nagini - anything snake or animal related (I knew Gryphon would jump on this one right away!)

Rowena Ravenclaw's Diadem - things to go around or on your head. Well, as I look simply horrible in hats, this is NOT one of the ones I chose. I'm just not a hat person. I like making them for others, but my hair is just too bushy and I just look plain stupid.

Salazar Slytherin's Locket - things that go around your neck. This one was one I was interested in, but I didn't chose. Necklaces, things that frame. Good ideas, but I felt I had a closer affinity to a couple others instead.

Helga Hufflepuff's Cup - containers to hold things. Now this is up my alley! I love bowls and things that contain things, lending themselves to orderliness! I also love my hot mug of cocoa or tea (as I'm chilled most of the time). I'm thinking a yarn bowl (hint!) or felted bowl/container (love the acorn one on Ravelry - hint!), or even a big mug with a cozy to fit!

Tom Riddle's Diary - anything related to books, journals, or diary. I love books, I love empty books, but I have them. So, I steered clear of this one. I wish I had an iPad or similar device to download JKR's or Gabaldon's marvelous books. Then I'd need a cozy for it. But, I don't, so again, not a theme I chose. However, Gryphon latched onto this one, and I'm glad he did. He's writing a book, and I think this is a marvelous way to encourage him.

Marvolo Gaunt's Ring - anything circular. Well, that's open ended! I love the idea of a stitch marker/counter bracelet (hint!). I've seen many, but never held one, so not sure how they work or even how to go about making one. This could be an adventure. I'm thinking socks, here, too, as they are done in a circular motion. So bracelets and socks here for me!

Then there are the house choices! Wow! CelticMommy and Neila have certainly had the creative juices flowing! Personally, I hope to end up in Hermione's Heroic Brainiacs, but that will have to be left to the sorting hat. My second choice would be Harry's Horcrux Hunters, then Ron's Muddle-Headed Mates, and lastly, Draco's Pure Bloods and Dark Arts. But, like I said, it's up to the sorting hat! Time will tell.

HLBOE - Colin Creevy Challenge #5

2010-09-05T07:48:00.000-07:00

The Black Lake (my bear marker was taking some time off, so Harry helped out out on this challenge).
Gillyweed

Witch Weekly - poor Harry is in the news again.

Depressed Winky - I caught her curled up under a blanket with her bottle in her hand. She was snoring. Poor dear has been at the butterbeer again.

Maze in the third task. The cup is still in the middle.

Variety of Harry Potter Crafts

2010-09-02T19:42:00.001-07:00

2010 - Monster Book of Monsters cake for 2nd son's 13th birthday.
2010 - Snitch birthday cake for third son's 11th birthday.
2010 - House stitch markers. This required tricky scissor work. Didn't want point to catch in yarn, so had to make sure things were rounded off or not as intricately cut as desired. Also included Beaubatons and Durmstrang.
2010 - Harry Potter creatures as stitch markers. These were fun. I used Shrinky Dink paper for these. The hard part was figuring out how opaque to make the photos because they darken as they shrink!
2010 - Yellow mini dragon made for a swap.
2010 - Mini reducio'd Slytherin sock. I'd made this sock on either US 00 or 000 and with fingering yarn. Then I used crochet thread in a sparkly white for the snake. I've made a couple of these now.
2009 - Our Harry Potter Halloween party favors. We made milk and dark chocolate frogs. The dark chocolate ones were glossier than these milk chocolate frogs. We had some left over, which still reside in our freezer ... sometimes one hops out!
Circa 2002 ... and they still wear them! My daughter was 1 at the time, but she was napping when the photo was taken, so she's not in this photo. The wands are spurtles ordered from Scotland. They made perfect wands.

Small collection of Harry Potter Crafts

2010-09-02T19:42:00.000-07:00

Specky has arrived!

2010-08-21T15:39:00.000-07:00

Specky arrived this afternoon with a parcel and he wedged himself through the window to deliver it! My youngest son helped retrieve the package and we have watered and fed Specky and he's resting now with Fle before heading back to Lizzie.

This is what I saw when I opened the kit and I knew right away it was game themed! Oh, MY what fun it was to individually unwrap each item. It was Christmas to me with excitement and oohs and aahhs from both myself and my son!

Here is what the kit contained. From back left corner, clockwise to front left corner: A Harry Potter tin with 6 dice and a small packet for playing Yahtzee (I really like playing by myself, even though it's not a solitaire game) and it was packaged perfectly for traveling!; pick up sticks; knitting sticks (so I decided I have pick up sticks to play AND pick up sticks to knit! lol); fabric rear view mirror dice; Harry Potter Diagon Alley game cards (I can't wait to play! I love these because they cannot be found here at all); jelly beans and hot chocolate; handmade dice stitch markers (SO cute!); purple No Tickle (hee-hee) wool (absolutely PERFECT for me in more ways than one ... color and no itch!) and thread to reinforce the heels and toes of future socks; a magnetic travel chess game; wooden solitaire game; and LAST, but CERTAINLY not least ... PASS THE PIGS! How cute are they???????!!!!! (I love this game!)

Close up of the very beautiful and soft yarn and stitch markers.

My son and I decided they needed to have names. I have lovingly named them Lizzie and Emma, the Pigworthy twins! I SO love these! Thank you, Lizzie, from the bottom of my heart!

Hogwarts Stitch Markers

2010-08-10T19:40:00.000-07:00

My husband so graciously bought me a couple packages of Shrinky Dink "paper" to be used in our printer. I finally decided what I wanted to make and came up with these designs. Two Hogwarts' crests, a crest for each of the houses as well as Beauxbatons and Durmstrang. I miscalculated my first few sheets, so I have several of the bigger "charms" ready for zipper pulls and key chains.

HLBoE - Divination extra credit

2010-08-07T12:13:00.000-07:00

This is a little bag I have constructed for my daughter to use for dance class, specifically ballet class. She can carry her ballet shoes and her bun materials.

This project was made for divination class as a prediction my daughter will become the professional ballerina she so desires to be. The material used on the outside has ballet terms written on it, and the inside lining are pretty pink flowers. Pink is her favorite color.

Scottish Shortbread and Kit Progress

2010-08-05T11:03:00.000-07:00

This morning I made Scottish Shortbread. I love the smell it has left in our home. My sister made some for me for Christmas a year or so ago and I've really been wanting to make some since. I didn't have her recipe, so I used one I found in my Betty Crocker cookbook. I had to add a whole lot more butter to it and it still was very crumbly. I'm not totally sure how it's going to come out.

On a good note, I finished my handmade item for Emma Wigworthy (Ann Kingstone) yesterday and I'm very pleased with the final product. I was not, however, pleased with the pattern as the person who wrote it didn't do her math very well and I was short on materials and had to fudge it a bit. I did make corrections to my copy of the pattern, though, and want to try to make this again for someone else. It's a great idea, just needed some fine tuning.

I also want to make one more item for Emma's kit before sending it out. Need to do a bit of digging, first, though, to make sure I have the right house!

WINGO - BINGO! (x4)

2010-07-20T22:11:00.001-07:00

W5 - Neila - Since HSKS3
I4 - Ann Kingstone - UK
N3 - SeverusSnape (Quietus) - Snape, of course!
G2 - SmileyNetta (Hermione) - 1 brother and 2 sisters
O1 - Angel101580 - Spanish

I actually have 2 WINGOs!!

N1 - Selana (she said lots and lots of destinations)
N2 - DanniBeez
N3 - SeverusSnape/Quietus - Snape (of course!)
N4 - Kauraqt/Puppy - Chocolate
N5 - AJKane - trumpet and piano

And another!

I1 - Tpau - Sprout Lake, Jewish sleepaway camp
I2 - Loomatic - none pictured (not sure how to get specifics)
I3 - Dragonsinger - dragons, wolves, thimbles, HP
I4 - Ann Kingstone - UK
I5 - Wychwoodlady - many places

And yet another!

W2 - Sherry Harrison
I2 - Loomatic - none pictured
N2 - DanniBeez
G2 - Hermione - 1 brother, 2 sisters
O2 - Suenosdejmi - 5

WINGO - to help you along!

2010-07-20T09:20:00.000-07:00

If you are looking for input on your WINGO, here are some things which might help you out :)

W1
W2 Yes, have seen every HP movie in the theater.
W3 Black Bear Patronus
W4
W5 Started HSKS in summer camp last year (HSKS8)

I1
I2 I dyed yarn two days ago, and am planning another skein today or tomorrow.
I3 Black bears, Tea cups, Disney Salt and Pepper shakers
I4 Live in US
I5

N1 Yes, from Baltimore to Philadelphia.
N2
N3 Yes, I have a wand and wizard hat! My wand is wooden. (Need more?)
N4 Chocolate, gummy bears
N5 I play piano, flute, handbells, and percussion (bells/bass drum), and glockenspiel.

G1 Sorry, I don't have a favorite brand of yarn. :(
G2 (I only have 1 sister)
G3 Yes ... Powys Castle ... to name one.
G4 Like in HSKS 10? Then, yes. In Muggle form, no.
G5 January

O1 Yes ... ASL, some French (been a LONG time, though)
O2 I have none in my queue. So everyone has more than I do!
O3 Yes, I do.
O4 Yes, we do.
O5 Yes, a tiny knitting dragon named G'Whymzy and my owl, Fle.

HSKS - Summer Camp - Kit Choices

2010-07-12T20:06:00.001-07:00

I don't think I'm a finicky person or even slightly picky, but I am a bit OCD when it comes to putting things in a dishwasher a certain way or even folding my laundry.

However, these kits have thrown me for a loop. I couldn't decide which one I liked the best, and in all actuality, they all are first place in my book for various reasons. I like a little bit of something from each one.

To top it off, we could ONLY pick three, and in my little world, I would have listed them all. My spoilee can not go wrong with any choice.

However, to aid in kit assembly, I thought I'd add these tidbits into the workings of my brain and why I finally listed the ones I chose: Nature, Game, Craft.

Nature:
I find the outdoors peaceful, this is not to say it is my favorite place to be! I abhor bugs and insects and hot weather. I LOVE the autumn weather and what I call "sweater weather" and would be perfectly happy if each day was the same perfect autumn day. However, that being said, we all know that is not possible! I love to hear the pretty little birds singing around our house; to watch the bunnies as they hop around our yard; the chipmunks as they scurry (hopefully away from our eaves); the occasional dear that pops in to take a nibble on the tall grasses; and the pretty birds who visit our feeder during the colder months to gather seeds and whatever else we put out there. So, for a nature kit I have looked through things and come up with the following: http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/little-acorn-project-bag ; http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/falling-leaves-socks-3 ; or http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/vignes-vineyard-dishcloth .

Game:
As a family we like to play games, both inside and outside. We we live in a fairly wet and chilly climate, we tend to play more indoor games. The kids and I LOVE Harry Potter and for the longest time were collecting HP trading cards for the trading card game (not motion picture cards). Sadly, they have stopped making them :( I also appreciate traveling games, something easily packed to take along on a ferry ride, or when waiting during dance classes, etc. Books are also a favorite past-time, so bookmarks are always needed. Here are a couple items I have found which I think are cute and would be fun: Pass The Pigs ; a dice bag ; sockology bookmark for sock pattern books ; piccola bookmark ... but then again ... anything fun is always good :)

Crafts:
Well, here we are, at the toughy. Crafts. I have done some beaded stitch markers and earrings and a couple bracelets; I've knit tiny socks and other tiny things; scrapbooked numerous photos; TAKE photos all the time; have done some paper crafting (not a lot). But, I have not tried needle felting or spinning. I am still in the learning phases of felting and not sure I'll ever catch on to spinning ... that's an expense I am not quite ready for and does not, to me, offer the instant gratification of a completed project. I have done decoupage and stamping. But, I always come back to my needles :) Perhaps crafts was not quite the kit I should have chosen ... and maybe that is why it is at the bottom of the list :)

Well, there you have it.

Getting to Know You ...

2010-07-11T17:54:00.000-07:00

This reminds me of a muggle musical, "The King and I" or "Anna and the King."

"Getting to know you, getting to know all about you ..."

Oh well, I digress. I sat watching Gryphon update his blog before he left for muggle boy scout camp and thought perhaps I'd better get on the ball and add some information to my blog. I hope this helps any and all get to know me a bit better.

* Allergies - smoke, cats, and scratchy yarns (sensitive skin)

* My favorite color(s) - lavender, plums, mauves, and as of late, cheery/bright yellow (not goldenrod, not mustard, not neon), and turquoise. I also like some earthy tones.

* Lease favorite color(s) - greens, blues, oranges, black.

* Favorite HP character(s) - Molly, Luna, Sybill, and Minerva (although I do like Hermione and Hagrid, too)

* Knit or crochet? - Both :) I'm bi-stitchual.

* What weight yarn do you use the most? - I tend to use more sock yarns.

* Favorite fibers/least favorite fibers? - I like soft and squishy, and I like my sock yarns to be able to withstand wear in the heels and toes (I'm very rough on heels!). My least favorite are scratchy acrylics and wools, as they tend to irritate my skin (I have very sensitive skin). I am not partial to stripes and don't like striping or pooling yarns, but I do like self-patterning yarns (these are difficult for me to find, as most stripe and don't self-pattern).

* Favorite gadgets - row counters (I've seen some bracelet types online, but never up close and not sure how to use them, but I think they are cool/neat); homemade stitch markers (I think these are personal and when themed are awesome)

* Other things I like - Little black bears, buttons are cool, handmade stitch markers (because they mean more), mechanical pencils (I know, odd, huh?), cool pens (just because they are neat or oddly shaped, etc.), scrapbooking or regular stickers (we homeschool, so we are always using stickers :) )

* Any knitting tools you've been drooling over? - Well, like I said, in the gadgets line, and then there are the harmony needles, which are ever so pretty and so nice to hold.

* Would like to try, but hesitant to actually do? - Dyeing, needle felting, and spinning.

* Any items you absolutely do not want/dislike/no longer need? - Acrylic yarn - I was given several bags for baby hats and other projects and I have so much that it will take me a while to get through it all. I'm working through it for charity knits.

* Hats/Scarves/Shawls/Mittens? - I don't wear hats (I don't look good in them); I have a plethora of scarves for keeping warm, but nothing that is dressy (to dress up an outfit); I have "keep warm" shawls, but nothing to dress up an outfit; and I have more than enough mittens, but I have never made myself hand warmers, as I tend to do that for everyone else.

* Pierced ears? - Yes :)

* Favorite projects - pretty socks and hand warmers :)

* Favorite designers - Sheila Joynes and Ann Kingstone

* Salty or Sweet or ... ? (favorite food items) - In essence, a combo person I guess, chocolate covered nuts or just peanuts or almonds, just chocolate (not dark), raisins (or chocolate or yogurt covered raisins), goldfish, black licorice, gummy bears, chocolate/yogurt covered pretzels

* Tea or Coffee or ... ? - Decaf tea (Earl Gray or peppermint); hot chocolate

* Measurements:
feet - 10.25" heel to toe; 9.25" arch; 9.5" ankle; 9.25" ball of foot/first knuckle of toes
hands - 6.5" wrist; widest part of hand 9.5"; 7.5" length of hand from wrist to finger tips

* Anything else you care to share? - I'm a stay-at-home mom to four, ages 9-14, whom I homeschool. We are a very close Christian family and it's tough when one or more are away from home more than a day at a time. Floo Network, brooms, and the ability to apparate would be prized in our home :) We tend to share all things, and try to spend time together whenever we can and share many interests with each other. We all really like HP a LOT (well, kids and I are a bit obsessed I guess :) ) and enjoy reading the books aloud (me reading, they listen); playing games (board and card); and they LOVE to dress up and be specific characters. I even made my youngest son an invisibility cloak one year for his birthday. We are always trying to find something else to add to their costumes to make them more authentic. And there you have us ... a houseful of zany and fun-loving knuts!

Hogwarts Little Bit of Everything (HLBOE)

2010-07-09T11:15:00.001-07:00

The little bear is my marker:

1) nagini
2) dudleys diet breakfast (get it righ tor dot get the points. what could it be?) ;)

The reference I found was that Petunia gave Dudley 1/4 of a grapefruit, and when Uncle Vernon left the table for the mail, Dudley stole his father's 1/4 grapefruit as well.

3) the weasleys letter envelope inviting herry to the quidditch world cup.

The reference I found to this had Uncle Vernon reading a letter to himself and Petunia from Mrs. Weasley asking if Harry could come. So, I addressed this to Mr. and Mrs. Dursely instead of Harry, as the salutation in the letter was to the Dursleys.

4) ton tounge toffee5) the portkey (you know the one) to the quidditch world cup :0)

Ambyr/Ravenclaw

Summer Camp - Shell Cottage

2010-07-08T14:50:00.000-07:00

Ah, the luxury of a seaside cottage ... I am so looking forward to hunting for seashells this summer.

I so enjoy the sound of the ocean and think I should be sleeping soundly in the evenings. Campfires on the beach ... yup, this is going to be a good summer.

Exits cottage for a romp on the sandy beach looking for unique shells.

Reducio 11

2010-07-02T14:28:00.000-07:00

Edited:
7/15/10 -- My package should be sent out from the owlery today. It has a long trip ahead of it!

I got my package today! It's amazing! When blogger lets me, I will post a photo.
Such wonderful goodies! Three absolutely beautiful dishcloths! I love the turquoise color as it's calming and cheerful. The whole theme had a blue hue - how Ravenclaw!

The little Ford Anglia held a divine piece of soap, as did the Ravenclaw sock (which also had some lip balm). There was a tea bag dish and three little bags of tea ... which are very timely as we are having unseasonably chilly weather, and also two specially selected treats for the children (no color dyes), as well as treats for our dogs (which were eaten and photographed right away).
Again, a stupendous package and I am so thrilled. I hope the person I am spoiling will be just as happy as I am!

Here is what I'm devising for my spoilee - (minus the tea pot)

End of Term

2010-06-16T13:38:00.000-07:00

It is so sad that it's end of term. I have started to pack my trunk. How come it all fit when I arrived? Oh well ...

I do look forward to summer camp, though, and hope to meet up with some of my new friends.

Sadly, the parcel I sent to StrangeCat met up with an accident and the handle broke off the teapot. I was very upset about it, but she said she could easily repair it. She has been so busy, she's only been able to send me a PM to say she's received it.

I guess I'd better search around for any other things I may have left in the common room.

See some of you this summer?

Muggle Studies Homework

2010-06-06T16:48:00.000-07:00

Ah, homework has been posted. Time to bring out my quill and parchment. This one is really stretching my limits, too.

Part 1: Short Answer
1. Explain why Muggles need electricity.

Muggles use electricity to run their appliances such as toasters, mixers, blenders, computers, and vacuum cleaners. They also use it to see by rather than candles.

2. What are the most common ways Muggles communicate when they are not together in the same place?

They yell at each other ... well, wee Muggles do at any rate. Otherwise, those who are a bit more civilized us paper and pencil/pen, write their missive, put it into an envelope, address it, and adhere a stamp, which pays the message's way through the postal system to the recipient. If the Muggle is lucky to have a computer, they can communicate via the odd geeky waves that hook up computers through wall jacks. Lastly, there are telephones and cell phone, where the signals are bounced around through the air until received at the other end.

3. How do Muggles cope with broken items?

This depends on what's broken. Super glue, tape, rope, yarn, string, Elmer's glue, wood glue, epoxy glue, duct tape, paperclips and rubberbands, or hammer and nails or screws can mend most things.

4. Describe a popular Muggle sport.

I'll pick one close to my heart. Dance. It's even considered a contact sport. Young kids don't tend to like that part, but older dancers do! It's rhythmic movement, creative expression to any type of music. Dance in costume or regular every day clothing. Sometimes special shoes are required, like in tap or ballet (pointe shoes).

5. Name something you'd like to try doing without magic, and how you would accomplish it.

Knitting, of course! This way I won't feel overwhelmed. I'd hire an octopus. Well, maybe not, maybe more along the lines of Molly Weasley. I'd have to go and ask her what type of spell or charm she put on her needles. The charm would have to be very exact because it would have to deal with needle movements, yarn movements, and pattern/design.

Part 2: Identify these common Muggle items.
1. A small squared-off rod held in the hand with many soft buttons on one side with numbers and words written on them.

This can be a cell phone, telephone, or a remote control for a television or VCR/DVD player. As there are more words on the remote control, I'll chose that one.

2. A metal box with a long, handled hose, which counts several sets of numbers when you compress the handle.

Gas station gasoline dispenser thing.

3. A heavy rod with a single button that emits light when pushed.

flashlight

4. A small, thin, glossy rectangle that has pictures on one side and emits a variety of noises, often attached to Muggles' ears with a thin cord.

iPod, iTouch, iPhone, MP3 player, iPod nano, iPod shuffle, etc.

5. A large cabinet with one glass side, displaying a variety of neatly organized items, which occasionally spits one out when the correct code is entered.

Vending Machine

Part 3: Find a picture of the following Muggles and describe why they are famous.
1. Spike Jonze - director and producer of movies and music videos, such as "Where the Wild Things Are" and others.2. Oprah Winfrey - talk show host. 3. Bono - Born Paul David Hewson and is the main vocalist for the Irish singing group based out of Dublin, U2.
4. Elizabeth II - Queen of England. The Queen Mother. I always fancied I was named after her, but my mother states that's not true.5. J.K. Rowling - Well, she is a prolific writer! Super imagination. I mean, we could go on and on with this one! She's the famous author of our beloved Harry Potter series of books. Looking forward to more of her work. She is the queen of our literary world right now as of a family of 6, 5 of us are enamored with her work and she's touched us the most with her writing.

My kit arrived

2010-06-05T13:10:00.000-07:00

This is my kit from Dagmara. It is based on Nymphadora Tonks.

A set of beautiful rosewood US2 double point needles, Harry Potter "Opal" Yarn with a picture of Tonks on it, and some really pretty brown (and VERY soft yarn). There is a small sock coin purse, and a book of patterns. My kids were thrilled with the HUGE box of Goldfish. The teas are my favorite and I'm nearly out of both, so timing was great. The brown bear sits on his bum with sand weight in his tushy. Lastly are the striped items. I'm not quite sure what they are. The smaller one may be a purse/bag. I don't know what the other is. Dagmara?

Thank you again. Mortimer arrived in good form and was fed and cared for and will have a rest in our cedar tree before heading back home.

Wee Tiny Daisy Sock

2010-06-05T09:59:00.000-07:00

I am a member of the Wee Tiny Sock Club and this was the May sock. These are my pretty violets. I do not have much of a green thumb. The violet is one of the hardest plants to care for, and I have yet to kill it! My wonderful children gave me this plant several years ago for Mother's Day. It had more blooms this year than ever before.

S.P.E.W. - Stitches for the Heart

2010-06-04T15:12:00.000-07:00

Here are the items I sent on to CelticMommy. One is missing from the photo, because it was made afterward (to make an even dozen).

What a week ...

2010-06-02T19:18:00.000-07:00

It's been a busy week here. Last Thursday we were passed on a wee tiny baby bunny rabbit. Neighbor's dog got out, ate the nest of siblings, only one got away. Other neighbor said the mother was not coming back, vet wouldn't take the bunny, would we like to have it? DH was NOT a happy camper, but I could not let it die and was determined we'd find the right home or get it to the right place. LONG story short, it ended up at a Wildlife Rehabilitation Center that following Sunday. We are going to call and check on it tomorrow (Thursday) to see whether it has survived and been moved to live on her own outdoors.

I was working on a special item for my spoilee's package and finally finished. I did two items. I think if I block the second one I made, it will turn out okay.

Planning the next school year ... what a chore. We are going to co-op with another family next year and hope this doesn't mess with our friendship. She's a bit pushy in getting the school year planned now ... and I'm not even done with this year yet! I need a breather. She wanted to plan straight through 36 weeks of a certain curriculum, but I need to breathe between unit studies. Time to collect my thoughts and re-energize my brain cells. Hoping she will understand that as the year progresses. Things don't always go as smoothly as we hope them to!

Gryphon received his package this past week. It was WONDERFUL. I'm hoping he blogging about it, because he really does need to share!

On that note, I have photos to download and probably add to this entry, but I wanted to get my words written down in case I totally forget.

Arithmancy Homework

2010-05-23T21:25:00.000-07:00

Well, not only did I volunteer in a Quidditch match today, I have completed the homework for the week. What a relief.

The answers to the Sudoku puzzles:

Puzzle #1 - Dobby
Puzzle #2 - Harry Potter
Puzzle #3 - Hogs Head

The Quidditch match was Slytherin vs Hufflepuff. I was recruited as a chaser for the Slytherins. I posted a sock and a hat. I felt the sock was very important because, after all, this is the Hogwarts Sock Kit Swap group! The hat will wing it's way with the rest of my S.P.E.W. contribution.

Busy Muggle Week

2010-05-21T09:42:00.000-07:00

I have to blog about my little witch and wizards. They so totally amaze me. We have the privilege of being able to be a part of a homeschool band. My oldest is in jazz band and concert band. My 2nd also is in concert band, and my younger two were in intermediate band this year. My daughter, the youngest, was also in intermediate, but, essentially, this was her first year in band. I had taught her the year prior so she could start at intermediate instead of beginner. She was on the cusp of the two bands and just picked it up so well this past year.

They performed admirably and beautifully! Our daughter volunteered for a solo, too! She just wowed us. She was the youngest performer.

I am going to try to post one of the mass band pieces here later. I'm not sure if I can, but I will try. The piece was called "Spania" and it combined the advanced (concert) band with the merged intermediate/beginner band. (Their director merged the two this year because everyone was doing so well.)

Our oldest son plays trumpet, 2nd son is a percussionist, 3rd son plays French horn, and daughter plays flute. I also had the opportunity to play with them this year and migrated between percussion and flute section.

We had SO much fun. It's a bit sad it's over. But I'm thankful in the break in our weekly schedule now.

Who are you? What are you doing?

2010-05-19T16:48:00.000-07:00

Homework. Something to do! I was scratching my head wondering what I was going to blog about this week ... and low and behold, we have a teeny bit of homework. Yeah!

PART 1

Find one person for each of these questions. No repeats!

Who is new to HSKS this Term? Fuddles
Who has played Quidditch for their House this Term? Mutz (Intarsia Bindoff)
Who is working on the same project (WIP) as you? I don't think anyone is working on the same item as I am :(
Who has more items in their Queue than you? Wychwoodlady (Lizzie)
Who has donated to SPEW this Term? Smileynetta (Hermione)
Who has participated in Dueling Club this Term? Sylvo
Who lives within 100 miles of you? SirDancealot :)
Who is from a different country than you? Ann Kingstone (Emma)

PART 2

Comment on at least one blog from each of the other houses. List their names here and something you learned about them from their blog post.

I found Knyquol of Slytherin house and she is raising chickens. They are the cutest and fuzziest little things. She has shown how they are growing. She's even named them. I had wondered if they were for eggs or dinner, but after seeing the names, I think more for eggs!

Suenosdejmi of Hufflepuff house likes to post about all things that interest her ... and I find she likes scarves. She has lots of little photos of scarves and neck warmers.

Beccalou is from Gryffindor house. She likes apple pies! Yum! I think the best smell in the world is a homemade apple pie! I think SirDancealot would be drooling if he found her blog with the recipes! He is an apple freak!

Lastly, from Ravenclaw house, Selana. She lives in Germany and I found one of her projects really intriguing. It's a felted bowl. The photo shows purple (favorite color for me) flowers with a skein of yarn in the bowl. She translated that it is a place to store yarn or her WIPs. I think she likes purple, too. She also made what looks like some form of sea creature out of purple and it holds her USB stick! Great idea! She said it would make a great gift. I agree!

TOGETHER WE'LL RULE THE PITCH!

2010-05-14T09:36:00.000-07:00

Go, Ravenclaws,
Soar to new heights!
You'll rule the pitch,
Thru the days and the nights!

GOOOOOOO RAVENCLAW!

Random ramblings for the week

2010-05-13T21:55:00.000-07:00

I don't actually have much to write about. I've been working on a pair of kilt hose (knee socks) for my daughter for Christmas. I really need to put more charms on my needles so I can get all my projects done, but then I don't get the satisfaction of actually doing it myself.

DH is taking the three young wizards out into the woods this weekend to work on hiking and camping skills. I look forward to hearing how their fair upon their return.

My little witch and I are going on a yarn crawl. Our area has a yearly yarn crawl and we are going to try to hit all participating shops in a two day span. It's supposed to last all weekend for a total of 3 days, but she has a birthday party on Sunday and I have the Quidditch match.

I'm not even sure we're going to even be able to play Quidditch at this point. We have all our team members (GREAT RAVENCLAWS), but the opposing team, Gryffindor, is having trouble getting a team together. I had a team meeting tonight and four of the six team members were able to attend. I think we are prepared. I'll have another team meeting starting an hour prior to game time to make sure we're all set.

Well, I'm not feeling well, so this is not going to be a long post. I think I'll hit the hay early tonight ... although, ice cream sounds good right now. I have a really swollen gland and nothing has relieved it today. Thinking cold might do the trick. We shall see.

Potions Homework - Part 3

2010-05-05T16:45:00.000-07:00

Now it's time for the third part of my potions homework ... concocting something. What fun!

This was created today. However, it was NOT as flavorful as I had thought it would be and if I had to do it again, I'd do something completely different. But, it was cold, and if you needed something cold on a hot day, this would be it. Probably would be very good on coffee ... to bring down the temp.
I started out with about 3/4 cup milk, and added a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a scoop of chocolate ice cream. To that I added 3-4 drops of peppermint extract. (In the future, I would add more ... the aroma was there when it went in, but the flavor was nil.) I also added peppermint vanilla chips. Also, not enough vanilla. To this I also added about half a waffle cone.
I churned it all up in the blender, which took some doing, as I'm not sure what stuck in the blades, the waffle cone pieces or the chips.
Then served it in a pretty glass, garnished with a few more peppermint vanilla chips.

As for flavor, I thought it was bland. I needed more mint. I would have liked to have been a bit more creative, perhaps more on the healthier side of things. My first thought was homemade hot cocoa ... which we have. But, we were out of the ingredients. So, my mind must have been on unhealthy chocolate things.

My mind also went to Bailey's Cream, which I haven't had in YEARS, and therefore explains the reason we do not have any in the house! In years, I mean late 1980s ... before I was ever married! That would have made me feel all warm and cozy inside!

Now the question comes to mind, WHY did I concoct something cold, when I have had problems all day with not being warm? I have been cold since the moment I woke up this morning and still have cold hands/fingers, and chills. Brrr ... I need something hot!

Well, this is all my homework! Yea! I made it through all three parts!

Potions Homework - Part 2

2010-05-05T15:52:00.000-07:00

The professor has put forth another part to the potions homework ... this quiz. Time to hit the books and find the answers:

Part 2:

Answer the following potions questions:

1. Sneezewort, scurvy grass, and lovage are used to make what?

B:Confusing Draught

2. Porcupine quills are to be added when to a Boil Cure Potion?

D: After it is removed from the fire

3. What potion, if brewed correctly, should change color numerous times throughout brewing including deep purple, lilac, and finishing clear?

A: The Draught of Living Death

4. This ingredient in the Draught of Peace, would likely bring you permanent peace since it is poisonous, what is it?

D: Hellebore

5. Chopped daisy roots, skinned shrivel-fig, sliced caterpillar, one rat spleen, dash of leech juice are all ingredients to what?

C: Shrinking Solution

Potions Homework - Part 1

2010-05-05T12:55:00.001-07:00

Homework ... a chance to learn something new and see what turns up while "cooking up" concoctions! This week it's potions.

Part 1 stipulated I needed to take photos of five different plants, herbs, or flowers that might be used in potions. I went overboard and took six. I hope this won't detract from my grade. I just had to add in the final one because after I looked at it on the computer, I noticed something different which I had not seen when I took the original shot!Rhododendron blossom. We've been studying plants and this was a great example of the stamen and it's anther and filament, as well as the pistil and it's stigma and ovary (at the base). I additionally like how the photo came out with the water droplets. These shots were all taken after a rain storm. As you may be able to tell, the petals have a soft appearance to them. It is for this reason I use them in lotions. With age comes wrinkles. Dewy petals = dewy skin! At least that is what I'm hoping for as an end result.
Basil, a lovely herb in one of our garden boxes. My daughter and oldest son were out pulling off leaves so they could sniff their heady essences. This leaf I use for food and creating gastronomical deliciousness. Wonderful as a pork rub. The leaves, also have a fuzzy, soft texture. They would lend themselves nicely as a wrap over a cut. Perhaps the plant has hidden health qualities not only through digestion, but also as an applicant. Something worth trying out.
Parsley. Oldest son's instructions? Pull off a leaf, roll it up, stick it inside your nostril, squeeze your nostrils shut, blow out the leaf, and then inhale through your nose. Essence of parsley! If this isn't nature's way of waking you up, I don't know what is! Perhaps better than smelling salts. Will have to inquire with Madam Pomfrey if this is something I could keep in a vial in my pouch for just such occasions.
Lemon thyme. I love the aroma of this plant and it's wonderful for cooking. This photo came out so well, you could see the minute details of the hairs on the leaves! Again, another soft plant to the touch. Like a lamb's ear. Great for gastronomical discoveries, but I'm wondering if it, too, might be good for lotions for the face, due to the softness and aromatic qualities. Would make a wonderful shampoo, as well, leaving a very fresh smell to ones hair and skin.
Lilacs, my husband's favorite flowers. They have such a divine fragrance. The color is superb. I would love to have my house surrounded by all varieties of lilacs. But, sadly, we only have the two bushes, and only one is flowering at the moment, and this is the extent of it so far. I would include the nectar from these flowers in a love potion. It is very heady and sweet and soft smelling.
Lastly, the chives were flowering and my son had plucked off the heads. I picked up this really pretty one because I just love the purple color. What I didn't notice when I was shooting it was the livestock inside! Look closely. Can you see the inhabitant? This one I would use for the color properties only in just about any potion. However, I do not like the aroma from the chives, so I'd have to find a way to omit this particular element. Will have to use only the petals in the potion and make sure not an ounce of nectar makes its way into whatever I'm brewing.

Divination - Extra Credit Quiz (Hogwarts @ Ravelry)

2010-05-01T15:14:00.001-07:00

These stitch markers are made for extra credit in Divination Class at Hogwarts at Ravelry.

Reducio 10

2010-05-01T13:11:00.000-07:00

I received my parcel for Reducio 10 today.

Claire Clovenhoove (Holly) sent me some crocheted socks and a special broom, with a core of DPN :) Love that!

She also sent bookmarks for the kids, some Bertie Botts Beans, some Gryffindor colored tic-tacs, G sticky notes, and tea in house colors.

Boo-Hoo ~ Ravenclaw lost to Slytherin

2010-05-01T13:09:00.000-07:00

Sadly we did not win this match.

But I am SOOO proud of my team. They really pulled together in the locker room and I couldn't be happier!

I am proud to call myself Ravenclaw!

We put 3 goals in, but Slytherin found the Snitch.

Score: 30-160

There's always the match against Gryffindor on May 16!

QUIDDITCH ~ QUIDDITCH ~ QUIDDITCH

2010-04-30T22:08:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow is the day ... Ravenclaws Soar High and Mightily SCORE!

SOAR AND SCORE!

GO TEAM!
I'm nervous and excited. I feel like I should be wearing sweats or something for tomorrow and some kind of brow band to keep the sweat from my eyes! (LOL)

I have a basket of various yarns next to my chair, my needles and hooks lined up on a tray, and I think I'm heading to bed early so I can get up at a decent time.
To complicate matters, I have a young wizard going off to watch muggle baseball tomorrow. Great fun for him ... but right in the middle of my prep time with the team.

I'm happy to say his ride picks him up at 8:55 ... but I hope no later than that! I won't be able to give him a fantastic sendoff otherwise! Praying his ride shows up about 8:45 instead! (Is that selfish?)
Gryphon is raring to go. He's all set up in the same room with me and I've prepped a table with a laptop in hopes it will be high enough fro him. Not sure how comfortable it will be, but we can always readjust the furniture again. Love magic ... things just miraculously happen!

To my team ... I'm so proud of you all pulling together and coming out like this. We are going to do fantastically well!

GO RAVENCLAWS! Woo-Hoo ::loop-de-loop on my broom::

SOAR SOAR Ravenclaw!

2010-04-26T15:53:00.000-07:00

SOAR RAVENCLAW!!!!!!!! Gearing up for Quidditch this weekend. Wow, the tournament this past weekend was fast and furious with Beater trivia. I am praying my Beaters are on their game!

In the meantime, a bit of fun. Last week we selected words to be used in a mad-lib. And here are the results of my off-the-wall and odd selections:

Harry Potter And The Curse of Dudley

Harry Potter, the boy wonder, the (dumb blond) of the wizarding world; sat alone in his tiny bedroom scratching his (cochlea) and cleaning the (henna) out of Hedwig's cage. This summer wasn't nearly as boring as his previous summers had been.

Over the summer, his cousin Dudley had grown quite frightened of him. Harry secretly kept cursing him, even though under age use of magic was strictly forbidden outside of Hog(psoriasis)'s school of (Germ-X)craft and (Ego).

It seemed the wizarding world turned a blind (uvula) when it came to Harry, and he never got in trouble for his... transgressions.

One particularly memorable curse on Dudley happened on the (1,964)th of June. It was so hot, you could (solicit) a (tweezer) on the sidewalk.

Dudley sat on his enormous (thorax) in front of the telly, spooning (drum)ful after (drum)ful of (apple pie) down his throat. Harry thought he looked rather (polar bear)ish, with his piggy little eyes and fat body.

Harry got an evil little grin on his (thyroid gland) and raised his wand behind Dudley's head. "(QUI DOCET DISCIT)" he shouted; which translated to English means "Turn this boy's head into a (star fruit) and make him dance around like a (black bear) with (arachnoid cysts)!"

And that's just what Dudley did! He (warped) off the couch, screamed "(KNORPHLYTIACLE)!" to the top of his lungs, and began (fabricating) on the floor, while turning in circles and flapping his (coccyx).

Harry was laughing so hard, he almost peed his (truss). He was still laughing, and Dudley was still flapping, when Uncle Vernon came thundering down the stairs. He had gone a nice shade of purple. He looked at Harry, shaking in anger, then looked at Dudley, horrified. "(A WOMAN WHO SEEKS TO BE EQUAL WITH MEN LACKS AMBITION)!" he screamed, then calmly turned and walked away.

Harry and Dudley looked at each other in abject confusion. Harry shrugged his shoulders in a "beats me" gesture, and the two cousins sat on the sofa, temporarily forgetting their animosity toward one another.

Dudley lifted the half empty (drum) of (apple pie) and offered it to Harry.

"Don't mind if I do!" said the bespectacled young man, grabbing a spoon and preparing to dine.

Dudley's (coccyx) gave one mighty final flap, and the boys had a most enjoyable evening, indeed.

Quidditch, knitting, and Mad-Libs ... what's the world coming to?

2010-04-22T15:11:00.000-07:00

Oh my, what have I done? I have gone and volunteered to be Quidditch Team Captain for the Ravenclaws. I only hope I can live up to it! I'm not in any way, shape, or form, a Quidditch player, but I can organize the living daylights out of anything! Here's to seeing if my years of OCD will pay off! Ha-ha!

In the meantime, word games. I like word games. In order to facilitate and fill in the spots for an upcoming Mad-Lib, I humbly give my responses to the following:

1. a verb solicited
2. a number 1,964
3. a body part uvula
4. an abstract noun ego
5. a noun Germ-X
6. a skin condition psoriasis
7. a body part cochlea
8. type of person/stereotype dumb blonde
9. a substance henna
10. a fortune cookie phrase in all capital letters A WOMAN WHO SEEKS TO BE EQUAL WITH MEN LACKS AMBITION
11. article of clothing truss
12. verb ending in "-ed" warped
13. neurological disorder arachnoid cysts
14. an animal black bear
15. a fruit star fruit
16. a latin (sounding) phrase in all capital letters QUI DOCET DISCIT (he who teaches learns)
17. a body part thyroid gland
18. a large animal polar bear
19. a food apple pie
20. a body part in plural coccyx (tailbone)
21. a verb ending in "-ing" fabricating
22. a nonsensical word in all capital letters KNORPHLYTIACLE
23. a container drum
24. a body part thorax
25. a noun tweezer

Little Bit of a Mess

2010-04-14T21:15:00.001-07:00

Okay, so this mess is the result of a secret kal and it has been a headache! This pair of socks was started as two-on-one-needle, but then had to be separated to DPNs because of all the bobbins! I've never knit with bobbins. To date, I'm still running in ends. These sheep are a definite headache.

For the other sock (not pictured here) I decided to carry all the colors. I'm so glad I did. The end result is just about the same. You can still see colors through, but FAR less ends to run in.

Care of Magical Creatures Homework

2010-04-13T20:36:00.000-07:00

Well, I made it down to Hagrid's for Care of Magical Creatures and thoroughly enjoyed myself and the class. I think Hagrid really gets a bad rap. He's very knowledgeable about these mysteriously phenominal creatures.

I did find I needed to have certain items for the class that I neglected to bring with me on this first trip, but will remember in the future. They have been placed in my pack ... after receiving a reducio spell, of course. I don't know as I could carry all of it AND my books!

Supplies needed for Care of Magical Creatures:

1. Special heat-resistant gloves to protect my hands from the nasty effects of some animal salivas as well as blast-ended skrewts, and other HOT items ... they are well padded, too, so they can protect my hands from sharp pointy things and the bites of some creatures who may desire to sink their teeth into something meaty ... like a hand!

2. Goggles to keep debris with special lenses to protect against bright blasts from a blast-ended skrewt or dragon breath, and the spray of nastiness from unknown creatures.

3. Salad tongs to aid in the picking up of gross things, baby blast-ended skrewts, and small eggs (as I do not want to leave my scent on the eggs when observing them and being able to return them to their nests).

4. A camera to take photos for my scrapbook and notebook to aid in learning and remembering what I've been taught in the Forbidden Forest. I feel this is important, because then I will nto have to rely on memory. I can also keep a running recorded record of my findings and continued research.

5. A blanket to cuddle and help care for baby creatures, to wrap them up and protect them.

Part two of my Care of Magical Creature's homework is a quiz about House Elves.

1. House elves have a pasty, clay-like coloring to their skin and are only about 3 to 4 feet tall. Their ears are large and bat-like, never missing a sound, keen like those of a canine. House elves eyes are large and bulbous, softball-sized orbs with a glassy appearance, always aware. Their noses are small and can be pointy or squashed in appearance, as different from one elf to another as human beings' noses are different. Their attire is generally that of an old used pillowcase, tea towel, or other household item transferred into clothing. House elves arms and legs are long and gangly, their hands and feet seeming larger than required for their body size, and their hearts are so giving, wanting to fulfill their needs to the family for whom they work.

2. Kreacher is the house elf for the Black family.

3. Hermione Granger is knitting hats for the house elves. She leaves them lying around the Gryffindor Common Room, sometimes hidden under objects, in the hopes that a house elf will pick one up and be freed from servitude. However, none of the Hogwarts house elves will go into the Gryffindor Common Room any more because they do not want to be freed. Dobby is not afaid and has taken on the task of keeping it clean and picked up, and as a result, has acquired a large quantity of hats.

4. A house elf is only freed when given a piece of clothing by his master.

5. S.P.E.W. stands for the Society for the Promotion of Elfish Welfare.

Part three is a bonus/extra credit assignment. I have made another beret and this one in a lovely light lavender color.

Transfiguration - Homework 2

2010-04-04T11:27:00.000-07:00

This is my personal identification marker for this assignment. It is my wedding ring.

This week I am learning how to transfigure things. I have a list of items I am supposed to be able to charm into something else. Perhaps some items may appear wonky, but I have studied the books rather diligently and I hope my efforts will pay off.

These are the items I gathered to be used in the making of Hagrid's Rock Cakes. My marker is located on top of the Morton Salt container on the left of the photo.

Hagrid's Rock Cakes Charm
Measured, precise, Sugar and spice,
Yeast, and eggs from a hen.
Whirl around, Flour is sound,
Currants to add near the end.
Rise and grow, Heat and so,
Ready to share with a friend.

Wand movements:The wand is held delicately between the fingers, letting it have an airy touch. This is important if you want the cakes to be light and fluffy. Twirl the end of your wand in tiny clockwise circles above the ingredients following a figure-eight pattern. At the end of three figure-eight patterns, flick your wand upward in a quick motion. This additionally adds to the light and airy quality of the cakes. If you are not precise with the wand movements, cakes could end up heavy and leaden.
And, voila! The end result! My marker is located on the bottom right Rock Cake.

The Golden SnitchThe items gathered to transfigure into the Golden Snitch.

Golden Snitch Charm

Zippitty fast bird,
Darned near impossibly seen.
Airy Golden Snitch!

Wand movements: A light touch is required with this charm as you flick your wand up and down during the casting of the spell. You do not want a heavy hand with this one! You will desire the snitch to end up fast and quick, so your movements must be precise. Make sure your wand arm wrist has been limber up prior to performing this charm, otherwise you will not obtain the maximum flicking required to make the snitch quick.
The transformation took place rather quickly, but I had only moments before it took off again ... with my ring! I had to have the house elves help me corner it to get my ring back!

Remembrall
I gathered the items I thought I could transfigure into a Remembrall.

Remembrall Charm

Orb of wonder you will become,
Remembering my thoughts
Long time gone.

Wand movements:Wave your wand over the items as you repeat the incantation three times.

Bowtruckle

Supplies laid in and ready for the charm:

Wood and glue fuse as one
Make this into a Bowtruckle for fun.

Voila! Had to grab the little sucker before he ran away so I could take the photo!

Decoy Detonator
I gathered what I thought would be good supplies and waved my wand over them with my eyes closed. I wasn't sure what was going to happen:

Decoy Detonator Charm:

Blastomus Maximus!Eegads ... I better grab my ring and run!

Nose-Biting Tea Cup

After hunting up the supplies for this transfiguration experiments I grabbed my wand and with numerous flicks and whirls:

Gentle cup for quiet tea

Fascinate me with your teeth!

ARHG! Excuse me while I save my son!

Spectrespecs

I had visions of Luna in my head when I gathered these supplies. What fun!

Spectrespecs Charm:

Witty glasses full of charm
Present me with Spectrespecs to disarm!
Woo-hoo!

Time Turner
This was a little more challenging, but here it goes:

Time Turner Charm:

Time may come and and time may go
But let me pass through it to and fro!

Whee! Yippee!

First Homework Assignment

2010-03-29T15:15:00.000-07:00

This year I am in the Ravenclaw Tower and meeting old and new friends. I'm so glad to be back at Hogwarts again. I was counting the days and kept waiting and waiting with anticipation. Now it's here and we have our very first homework assignment.

The three characters I have chosen for this term are Molly Weasley, Nymphadora Tonks, and Minerva McGonagall.

I love all the strong qualities of these women.

Molly touches me closely because she has a houseful of children and her life centers around her family. She is not disturbed by the fact her house is cluttered, because she knows when it matters most, the family will pull together and help. She dresses comfortably, not for show. She is warm, loving, and caring, and will fight for her family to the bitter end. Creatively, I love how she can knit, cook, and care for the family, all at the same time. A true homebody!

Minerva touches me because she has to be firm, but she most definitely has a soft spot. She is an educator and seems to passionately enjoy her role as Deputy Headmistress and Transfiguration teacher. She, also, will fight for what is right, and seeks to help those who really need someone on their side, at least when she can. Of course, rules are rules, but she will bend those when she can. I really love the tartans she wears.

Nymphadora Tonks intrigues me. It is the book character, not the movie character I am drawn to. (Truth be told, I couldn't decide between her or Sybil Trewlawney.) I like her name. I like how she is a fierce protector. I like her oddities. She likes to have fun. She fights for the underdog. (Okay, I have to be truthful here ... I also liked Luna Lovegood as my other choice. Noticing a pattern here? Not one of them fits a mold ... they are all highly unique. But, as I could only list three ... well, there you go.)

Care of Magical Creatures

2010-03-18T14:48:00.000-07:00

You need a special book for the Care of Magical Creatures class. Here is my Monster Book of Monsters. (This is the cake I made for my son's birthday.)
I wanted to make the chocolate frosting look like hair, but the tip would not work. Next time, note to self, use the same recipe as the white, but color it brown and forget the chocolate. It just doesn't push through the decorating tip like the white! (But, he liked it, and that's all that counted!)

Ravelympics 2010

2010-02-24T21:49:00.001-08:00

I entered my Owl Cup Cozy for the Cable Cross-Country! Looky-looky!

I finished a little NICU Petal Hat for the Premie Hat Project for Charity Curling. It was also entered in Stash Dance, and Junior Olympics.
Bouquet of snowdrops from the knit-clad Bobettes and crochet-covered Bobdudes

Finished my first WIPS ... here is my medal! Woo-hoo!

Reducio 9

2010-02-16T15:02:00.000-08:00

My package arrived! Look at the pretty wrapping. A neckerchief/scarf in pretty colors.

A crocheted sock, heart, scarf, and Harry sweater!

I believe this is a tiny pygmy puff and of course, a nice button pin!

Thank you, whoever you are! There was no indication in the package as to who sent it.

2010-01-31T22:06:00.000-08:00

Not sure what to expect during this event. But I've signed on via Team S.P.E.W. and will do my best to make my team proud.

I believe most of my work will be WIPS Dancing. I have a prayer shawl I started several years ago. It's time it was completed. I also have a variety of other started projects which need to be completed, but my main focus is going to be that shawl because it's for me.

If I get it done, I have some slippers in wool, which will need to be felted upon completion of being knitted, a headband that I'm learning to make with the fair isle technique, a pair of wool socks, and the second sock of a pair of baby socks.

If these all get done (yeah, right!), then I want to cast on a pair of mitts for the Mitten Moguls.

Time will tell what I will be able to complete!

GoTeam S.P.E.W. !

On break ...

2010-01-13T14:20:00.000-08:00

While HSKS is on break until after the Ravelympics, I have cast on for Dobby's Socks KAL ... the socks will be for me, but they are not progressing. I'm not motivated to get them done for some reason. I also have a sweater for my DD on the needles, and that's kicking my backside because I'm rewriting the pattern to a size that will fit her (larger). I have to improvise the pattern repeat to make it work near the shoulders.

I also joined Hogwarts at Ravelry and am "taking classes" and have been challenged to become imaginative for some items. Today I'm working on another small item for one of the classes. I have also completed a couple baby hats (for flying class) and a binary code iPod cover/cozy (for arithmancy class and muggle studies). (I was sorted into Hufflepuff house for this particular group.)

My HSKS9 package arrived!

2010-01-04T15:00:00.000-08:00

All the way from Maisy Muddlestix in Australia ... it was well worth the wait!

Here are the packages as they were wrapped in the box. I loved the polar bears on the wrapping paper!

This is what I found inside! A beautiful purple and gold/yellow crocheted bag. It's amazing! Perfect for taking my current project to the local yarn shop for social knitting!
Three skeins of spun yarn by Maisy herself! I hope she tells me how to care for it! I know nothing of the type of yarns she said it was spun from. Wondering if they would be considered worsted or bulky? Also 3 skeins of a yummy purple soy silk yarn. I've been wanting to try that type of yarn! Yeah! She also made me a burgundy and black bookmark to remember her by ... as she is from the Wigtown Wanderers team. There was also a 2010 Australian calendar (perfect for keeping track of swap requirements!), a reindeer Christmas magnet, some Sherbet Lemon hard candies, and chocolates (yum!).

Closeup of the wonderful bag.
The chocolates and a HUGE candy cane! Yeah! Love peppermint!
One of the three skeins of the purple soy silk and the little reindeer.
Last, but not least, the bookmark, homespun yarn, and lemon drops!

Thank you so much for spoiling me, Maisy!

The final decision on the thief and location

2009-12-23T20:47:00.000-08:00

Well, I remain stumped.

I don't think it's Draco, as I thought we were led to believe the thief was a vampire.

And, as we were led to think that it could be actually in the muggle world, vice HP world, that would leave out any place like the Malfoy Mansion, Hogsmeade, Diagon Alley, or Hogwarts (more specifically Room of Requirement).

And, as we need more specific than a country, less specific than a city, I'm thinking you need to know a region, so I'd say somewhere in the UK the mid regions around London? Scotland? That's a region. Great Britain?

I have no idea. But time is drawing near and we have to have some sort of answer, don't we?

So, I'll say, the region of Great Britain because it's not a city.

(Deep down, personally, if it were in the HP world, I'd say it's in the Room of Requirement because all roads out of Diagon Alley and Hogsmead join to Hogwarts in one way or another either beneath the Whomping Willow or through the Room of Requirement or the One-Eyed Witch Passage.)

There, I think I've covered everything and I'm as vague as the clues seem to me!

Winnie's Pilfered Package

2009-12-14T14:23:00.000-08:00

Okay, so, SirDancealot and I (that would be Gryphon the Great and I) have sat her pondering and wondering if the letters were all correct.

We quickly got the 9 letter word, but in trying to decipher the remaining letters, we seemed to come up a vowel short.

So, we have decided that perhaps there was a smudge on the first set of letters sent to us from Winnie, and perhaps one of the green letters should have been a U?

That would make the mystery words: Stolen Quidditch World Cup Trophy!

We hope we are correct!

Winnie? Where are you?

2009-12-11T14:04:00.001-08:00

I'm going to say, by the clues, that Winnie needed garlic for some reason, and crosses, so she went to Rome. Perhaps Vatican City for the crosses? But Italy for the garlic, most assuredly.

As for after that, maybe she's in Transylvania?

Again with the hidden message of darkened letters. I still haven't figured out that puzzle, but we've been so busy with muggle holiday preparation ... most specifically, Nutcracker, that I have not been able to piece these letter together. Her latest: HPCHWPYIQ . Wonder if we'll find out?

She has also written that she is heading to a place where Christmas began. I can only think of a couple things here, and the quickest to mind is Bethlehem, in Judea, the City of David. For, that is where Christ was born! Now, if we go back further, I cannot recall where the Holy Spirit visited Mary, so if Winnie's going that far back, I don't know as I can answer that question.

At first I thought she was going to the North Pole, what with it being so cold, but again, I'm at a quandary, so everything is a guess!

Again with the letters. This time: IR. Hmmm?

Reducio Sock Swap

2009-11-30T15:53:00.000-08:00

My package arrived today from Celestina Pettigrew (aka Sherry Harrison). It is so amazing.

Everything was neatly packaged in this beautiful cardinal tin. I love cardinals. I think they are the prettiest birds. I miss seeing them. I grew up in upstate NY and we had them at the feeders all winter long. So pretty against the white snow!
Inside was some vanilla chai tea, some Harry Potter Blood Pops, Harry Potter trading cards, Reeces lip balm (I don't need to eat chocolate ... great fix, less calories!), a tiny tin of mints, and three wonderfully knitted items. I think my absolute favorite is Molly Weasley's knitting basket! I LOVE it. Is there enough yarn in each skein for a wee pair of socks I wonder? Next she made me a mismatched handmade sweater with my initial on it ... complete with holly decoration! How cool is that??? Lastly, a fantastically knitted Gryffindor sock ... with a gorgeous lace/cable pattern on the side.

Thank you, Celestina/Sherry!

What am I thankful for?

2009-11-20T11:57:00.000-08:00

Because Neila has given us this challenge, I am going to try to attempt to complete it ... but sometimes I just don't feel like I'm very original!

I am thankful my Lord and Savior died on the cross to save me.

I am extremely thankful we have a roof over ours head, heat in our home, running water for showers and a bathroom, and a loving husband who is willing to work at a job he doesn't always love in order for me to be able to stay home and educate our four children.

I am thankful for a car that can get us where we need to go.

I am thankful for the children's blessed dance teachers.

I am thankful for small talents given by the Lord which ease my daily stress burdens (knitting, crocheting, reading, photography, etc.)

I am thankful for my online Ravelry friends whom I've never met but who are always there to offer an "ear" and advice ... so many friends I've never met, but I know I can turn to them :)

Miss Wartbobble's Sandy Misfortunes

2009-11-14T17:55:00.001-08:00

Methinks Winnie has made it to the Middle East and Africa.

Winnie wrote about a fascinating public library whose architecture rivals that of an open book. She is most likely in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The plans for this building were set into motion in 2006. She also writes of sand (lots and lots of sand) and pyramids, so my guess is that she is also visiting the Giza Plateau just outside Cairo, Egypt.

I am still questioning her odd placement and use of capital letters. This time the letters DOTEOU stand out. I wonder if we are supposed to do something with these letters? How strange?

Happy vacationing, Winnie! We hope you return back to us soon and share more pictures of your travels!

Winnie's World Wanderings

2009-11-06T11:14:00.000-08:00

It seems Miss Wartbobble is doing to Central America to celebrate the Day of the Dead ... more specifically, she would be in Mexico for that.

First she visited the capital city of Mexico City, located on dried up Lake Texacoco (or Texcoco depending on which reference you read!).

As for where she landed next, I'm not quite sure. I originally thought perhaps she was in Ocean City, Oregon, but then remembered "northeastern" so I then I thought Ocean City, Maryland. THEN I remembered the first part of her missive said she was heading south, to THAT leaves out North America, so I think I shall have to investigate kite flying in South America.

In that case, she probably went to Chile. I can't be more specific than that, but they celebrate with kites on Independence Day there, which is mid-September, so maybe they are still flying kites in November? Perhaps it's Brazil? They seem to do quite a bit of kite-surfing on the northeastern coast of Brazil!

Lastly she visited another northeastern coastal city, which I haven't yet been able to figure out. Pink library? Multicultural Carnival? I'm thinking Brazilian Carnaval in Brazil. Did you stay at the Pink House in Brazil, Winnie? It didn't say it was a library, but it was listed as an alternative place to stay instead of a hotel!

Tracking Miss Winnie

2009-10-26T13:07:00.000-07:00

Well, Miss Wartbobble is certainly getting her flying in, isn't she? First one continent, and then another! She has flown back across the ocean and is now writing to us about talking with ghosts, well, one in particular, Cyprian Youdle. But, I am wondering if she has made an error in her writings. In my research about Mr. Youdle, I found he perished during a friendly game of Quidditch in 1357, not 1857, as noted here http://harrypotter.wikia.com/wiki/Cyprian_Youdle . Mr. Youdle was born in 1312, so if he died as she said in 1857, I either have the wrong Youdle, or he died VERY old, or there is an error in the missive, as pondered above earlier.

Again, Miss Wartbobble has purposefully made some distinct letters stand out in her missive, DNT. I'm not sure as to their reference yet, but am wondering if I need to start putting these letters together to see if they will eventually spell out something? Hmmmm ...

But, I digress, as I need to state where she is located.

Now, in my research about the unfortunate Youdle, I found he was from Norfolk. As I have no way of getting to Norfolk to check it out, I'm pretty sure she's referring to the Norfolk in Great Britain, and not Norfolk, Virginia! Either way, both are tremendously far from where I am located, and I'm not able to visit them at this time.

Conversely, I checked on the Appleby Arrows, and they were formed in 1612 ... almost 300 years from the unfortunate death of Mr. Youdle.

Now, I ask you ... is there more than one Youdle?

Will have to continue reading between the lines before I come up with my official locational answer.

***** Later in the week ****
Okay, so earlier in the week I began this blog entry, and today I shall add to it my thoughts as to the whereabouts of Miss Wartbobble.

I'm still a wee bit confundled as to her exact location, but I'm going to take on the Appleby Arrows hint and suggest perhaps she has been resting in Appleby Village (in Lincolnshire), occupied by little more than 500 residents with 177 homes. Sadly, there are no shops or public houses here. http://www.appleby-lincolnshire.co.uk/aboutappleby.html However, I think, if she has a bit of free time on her hands, she may like to take a peek at St. Bartholomew's Church, with it's carved gargoyles and dragons. At least, I would. Makes me want to take a bit of a trip myself and see what I presume is a picturesque and charming little village.

More specifically, I can't state her EXACT location with Youdle, because all research I've done concerning the location of the game he was refereeing has become invisible. It just mentions the year and the match, no location.

So, that's what I say. She's been in Appleby Village. I can't get more specific than that!

Winnie's Wingings = Week 2

2009-10-21T08:56:00.001-07:00

Wow, Winnie is sure getting around! She's had some distance on her broom this week, unless she apparated ... hope she brought her repair kit with her!

It looks as though she has flown out to the spring climates of New Zealand and is staying in Dunedin near the only castle in New Zealand, Larnach Castle. It's located on the Otago Peninsula. The views must be breathtaking. Did she take her camera?

And then she must have used the winds to help her, because she had a very long trip across the big pond ... unless, of course, she apparated! It appears she has visited/is visiting the Sugar Shack in the heart of the Laurentians in St-Donat in Quebec, Canada. This cute little shack is situated with two neighboring lakes ... Lake Archambault and lake Ouareau. Quite breathtaking, actually. It's almost like looking at an old picture postcard! Beautiful snow in the winter! I hope she remembers to get herself some maple sugar leaves!

Where to next, Winnie?

PS: Incidentally, what's with the cryptic green letters CLR and CLS? I haven't figured those out yet. I think they are important, but I can't figure out how they figure in!

Where is Winnie?

2009-10-15T14:48:00.000-07:00

Okay, I have come across a conundrum. I know many feel Winnie wrote from the Ministry of Magic, and more specifically, St. Mungos. However, there is one bit of information I glommed onto which throws me for a loop, and that's her salutation, where she wrote Ciao.

So, my question is: Is there more than one Ministry of Magic (one for each country)? Because, if there is, then I'd say she wrote from the Italian Ministry of Magic.

Now, I could very possibly be reading FAR more into this and making it much more difficult than it really and truly is ... therefore really making my answers way out there!

So, for this particular post, I'll take a leave of faith in that I am going beyond what is right in front of my eyes, and I'm going to say:

Winnie is at the Italian Ministry of Magic.

As for more specifics ... well, she could have been visiting the 75 wayward wizards who splinched themselves, as she did mention the rude bedside manner of some officials. Of course, she could have visited any other number of places, possibly several ... you know, killing two birds with one stone. Maybe she was called in for interviews about how she taught these students? Poor Winnie, being questioned by the Wizengamot!

We shall have to keep our eyes wide open for more owls to find out what really happened there!

More later ...

First Quidditch Homework Assignment

2009-10-12T14:39:00.000-07:00

Here is what I found out about my fellow Quidditch players and HSKS-9ers! What a talented bunch they are!

1. Someone with the same craft as you (either those listed above or another one).
VeryBadDogs - knitting and crocheting
2. Someone who was born in the same month.
LoverofallEmo - January
3. Someone from a different country.
Spinningmaid - West Yorkshire, UK
4. A new HSKS Quidditch player.
ItsYourNickle86
5. A player who has been in 3 or more HSKS swaps.
Misslucy - Game #7!
6. A player who has a bigger stash than you! (And if your stash is the biggest, proudly say so!)
Wychwoodlady - 40
7. A player who both knits and crochets.
Smileynetta
8. Someone who has the same favorite color as you.
Kauraqt - purples

I have so much trouble commenting on blogs, that I decided to go see what everyone has made or was making. I went through and commented on an item from each person's projects. I have to say, the one I loved the most was the Knarl by Wychwoodlady! It's TOO CUTE!

I also found that Smileynetta really like to make hats, and some folks have LOTS of WIPs! I hope they are able to get them completed! So many talented folks here ... anyone would be lucky to be paired up with any of the folks I peeked in on today!

Heading to the Quidditch Pitch for practice

2009-10-12T07:21:00.000-07:00

It seems a bit chilly to be outside, but we have to get out there before the other teams. Need to practice in all types of weather so we're prepared!

Over the weekend, while repairing my broom, I received an owl stating my spoilee is Albatross Harbinger of the Appleby Arrows. She's new to our group of HSKSers, but I think she's going to fit in very well and very quickly. She has joined us from Deleware.

My spoiler is Maisy Muddlestix who hails from Australia and is on the Wigtown Wanderers team.

I'm wondering where some of my teammates are, now. It's nearly 7:30, it's not like them to sleep in like this! I mean, I know it's chilly out and all, but we'll warm up after a bit! That Gryphon wanted to do some broom work, but haven't seen hide nor hair of him.

Oh, wait ... it's a holiday!

Hey, that shouldn't matter ... we still have to practice, right?????

(stomps off the pitch looking for teammates)

Quidditch Pitch - here I come!

2009-10-07T21:49:00.000-07:00

I can't believe it's time for Quidditch. I've waited to see what this is all about, and now it's here.

I think one of my little house elves made off with my broomstick, so I may have to go digging around for it. Gryphon says little sis has used it to sweep the cobwebs and like from the garage ... but I haven't dared to wonder what may have happened after that! My guess is there are a few straws gone awry!

Now to find some Pride of Portree colors and gear up! Yippee!

And so we say farewell ...

2009-08-29T07:48:00.001-07:00

I don't like this part, where we have to pack everything up and head home. Why is it there is no room in the darn trunk when it's time to go? It all fit before! I had so much fun here at summer camp and it was a terrific experience for me. I'm going to miss chatting with everyone and evening sits around the campfire toasting marshmallows and working on projects. I want to thank Hermione, my cabin counselor, for EVERYTHING she did for me as a newbie. I hope to be teammates/cabinmates again in future HSKS events.

Well, I need to go, otherwise I'll have to charm my glasses with wipers to clear away the tears. Have a great school year ... hope to see you at Hogwarts!

Cruising the Lake today

2009-08-22T08:07:00.000-07:00

Have socks, will travel! I finished a pair of socks and started another pair. While DH reacquaints himself with his youth (high school reunion), the house elves have played park tag and I sat and knitted. Love the portability of socks! I thought I was going to get both of the pair on needles, but I've just plugged along on the one and hit the heel this morning. We have a 6 hour trip ahead of us for home tomorrow, I'll have plenty of time to get the other pair on the needles ... unless I just work to finish the one up. Not sure what I'll do ... depends on my mood I guess.

Today we are taking a cruise of the lake ... something I've always wanted to do (but we've never spent the money on). (As it's part of the reunion package ... we get to do that today!) Debating if I want to bring the socks with me ... afterall, have socks, will travel! And they are portable! Wonder if we'll see anything interesting in the inky depths?

But, as summer winds down, and the thunderstorms roll and roil overhead, and the last vestiges of the lazy days disappear behind the hazy blue-gray mountains, I sadly must say good bye to summer camp and get ready for another school year. Ho-hum. I hardly feel like I had a summer at all at this point.

::disappears back into the cabin to begin packing my trunk for home::

It's Here! It's Here! My Workshop Kit is Here!

2009-08-18T12:14:00.001-07:00

I took the house elves to the free movie at the local theater and came back to find an owl had delivered my package! It is so beautiful! I can't post photos just yet ... making lunch for the house elves now. But, I took lots of photos and will get them posted as soon as I can! Yeah!

Oh, and Rowena ... it's GORGEOUS!!!!!!! I'm in love with the bag! (Well, if one could love inanimate objects!)

***************************

Okay, it's later, and the kidlets are fed ... oops ... house elves ... and I was able to take some photos. The lighting does NOT do justice to the lucious color of the bag.

Here is the yummy bag, which has a set of stitch markers pinned to the front of it (close up photo below). Rowena also sent some beads and instructions for making my own stitch markers! Also included in the kit is the Gryffindor House bag pattern and yarn! I've had my eye on this for a while! Along with this she has included several bags of herbal tea (she knew me ... I can't drink caffine), which was labeled CALM ... the perfect tea for drinking while working on a beading and fair isle project!

Her partner in crime???? My own son ... Gryphon the Great! He sure was sneaky!

Ho-Hum ...

2009-08-13T20:03:00.000-07:00

Patience really was never one of my virtues, and, as I am not virtuous, I am not patient! As the days roll steadily along I continue to haunt the owlery on continual lookout for any feathered creature wending its way toward our humble abode. ::sign::

Can't believe summer is nearly over. I've packed my trunks and am not prepared to head home to start another school year ... the house elves aren't quite ready to be there, either. Wonder if homeschoolers can take a year off? ::wishful thinking::

Linking Marauders' Map Idea

2009-08-06T10:32:00.000-07:00

This is not my creation, but that of papilionette on www.craftster.org/forum/index.php?topic=314606.0 which was posted on July 26, 2009 at 4:49 p.m.

This is something I REALLY want to make and I'm a pattern person ... so I have to find a pattern, first ... but it's definitely something I'm going to do at some point! Too totally cool!!! I want to make it for my DPNs!

Bubble ~ Bubble ~ Toil and Trouble

2009-07-31T15:53:00.000-07:00

Game #6 is afoot. (All my answers and guesses are listed in purple.)

My first potion guess, with the ingredients of Powdered Moonstone and Syrup of Hellebore is the Draught of Peace.

My second potion guess for what to use when someone has been petrified is the Mandrake Draught.

More to come later as the clues are revealed.

** Update **

My third potion guess for what potion you would use to hear nothing but nonsense would be the Babbling Beverage.

I'm confused on the fourth potion. The question asked what potion Fred and George TOLD Lee Jordan to use after testing the Fever Fudge. I found LOTS of references to Lee Jordan telling the twins about Essence of Murtlap ... but that is NOT what the question asks. Additionally, I found that the Fever Fudge is with the Skiving Snackboxes and when you bite one side of these "treats" you need to bite the other side for the antidote. But, does that mean the other side is a potion or part of the fudge itself? Here is where I am stuck on symantics. If Jordan tells the twins to use Essence of Murtlap in their Fever Fudge to get rid of the boils, then perhaps the antidote is the other side and did the twins tell him to eat the other end??? Hmmmm .....

Guess that leaves me with a combined answer ... the Essence of Murtlap/Murtlap Essence which is used on the other side of the Fever Fudge. (Hope that counts!)

*** Update *** again ***

Okay, I guess we aren't getting any more clues ... so I suppose I'd better come up with some potion guesses. As our headmistress did post a list of potions in her trunk, I'd have to say the following are the other three I'm going to list and hope I'm making the right decisions!

Wit-Sharpening Potion
Shrinking Solution
Mrs. Scower's Magical Mess Remover

OH MY GOSH IT'S HOT!

2009-07-31T15:50:00.000-07:00

Okay ... I've had enough of this heat. I can't take it any more! I am not a hot weather person. Much prefer the cooler and colder temperatures. I find it much easier to get warmer than I do to get cooled off! Blessedly our temps are down today. We reached record high heat a couple days ago at 106 degrees! My brain has been fixated on my boys who are at boy scout camp and in an area where there is little relief. Thankfully they are north of us and I found out yesterday that it hasn't been as hot where they are, and they get a cool lake to swim in during afternoon sessions!

Mixed-Up Matched-up Mumblings - Game #5

2009-07-20T13:49:00.000-07:00

Can you fill in the blank?

1. Man or Mouse? (4) = Anamagus
2. Start Spreading the news (4) = Daily Prophet
3. Stick Tree Guardian (3) = Bowtruckle
4. Telescoping Eavesdropper (5) = Extendible Ear
5. Brassicaceae danglers (4) = Radish Earrings
6. Prohibited Growth of Trees (5) = Forbidden Forest
7. Metallic rosy-faced child with wings (4) = Golden Cherub
8. Fleshless black-winged skeleton (2) = Thestral
9. Lofty philospher (5) = High Inquisitor
10. Instructive Order (7) = Educational Degree

Yeah! That was fun!