Whoops!!!

I can't believe I haven't posted in a month!!! Things have been pretty crazy here. We lost power for 12 hours one day; our car was in the shop for 3-4 days (and will have to go back once a new part comes in, which, being in Italy, takes FOREVER!); Aidyn got sick and passed it to all of us, so altogether there was at least one sick person in this house for 2 solid weeks; now we're out of gasolio, which means no heat and no hot water (thank goodness for space heaters and friends with showers!!!); our DVD player died on us, so Arick had to buy a new one, and then when he tried to hook it up...our TV upstairs was too old a model for the player! So he had to bring up the big TV from downstairs and says we'll have to get another (larger) one for downstairs...it's just been one thing after another here! On top of all that, I've really been missing all my friends and family in the States. I'm missing out on all the Christmas parties, and I'm bummed with myself for not getting out the Christmas packages in time. :( The only one I got out was to my mom's. I still have my in-laws' package to finish and send out, as well as my best friend's, and a couple of other miscellaneous packages.

And I have been VERY distracted. I reached level 80 in WoW and my time has suddenly switched from being consumed by crafting to playing that silly game! There suddenly is a whole other realm to play when you reach 80...there's heroic dungeons to run, there's gear to be had, there's achievements to accomplish...so MUCH! But it's down for maintenance today, so I figured I'd catch up on a few other things...like posting about my kit!!!

WOW!!! I've been waiting and waiting and waiting for my HSKS6 kit to come in the mail, and DH brought it in one day and said, "Oh yeah, this came, like, 4 or 5 days ago. I just kept forgetting to bring it in from the car." And I was in the middle of a dungeon! So I had to wait to open it. The box was taunting me. LOL Sitting there, looking at me, saying "I'm here! I'm here! And you can't open me yet because you've got other people depending on you in this dungeon!" Ugh! But get the kit I did, and I opened it as soon as I was out of that instance! Here are the fantastic pictures:

Just opened:

My GORGEOUS new bag!!!:

I absolutely love the rich colors of the bag!!! It's gorgeous!!!

The lining and pockets on the side have origami swans! (She's in Japan...) How cute is that?!:

Super pretty sock pattern (Faux Cable Socks):

VERY yummy and soft Ravenclaw sock yarn and my first set of wood dpn's (Knit Picks, size 2):

I can't wait to make my faux cable socks with my new needles and delicious yarn! I was "oo-ing" and "ah-ing" over the yarn and petting it and commenting over and over how it was so pretty and soft....and my husband has the nerve to say "so you're using that yarn to make my socks, right?" HA!!!!! AS IF!!! This is SO for me! And like I would reward his late delivery of my kit to begin with... ;)

A little bit of Japan...chopsticks, a wine bottle holder and Japanese candy:

The wine bottle holder being "modeled":

Owl note cards, a beautiful wallet, and a fridge notepad:

The whole kit together!:

Thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, Jade!!! I love my kit! With no heat and no WoW, I may actually get to starting my socks today... ;) LOL (ETA: There was also a blue tape measure in there, but it somehow got out of being in the pictures...must not be very photogenic...) ;)

Then a day or two ago, my husband brought me in another package...it was my bookmark "kit"! Thank you, Antonio, I love it!

Bookmarks and tea:

I'm typically not a tea drinker, but I'm really looking forward to trying the vanilla chai...I've heard chai is pretty fantastic stuff, but haven't yet tried it. (Silly me...what a perfectly warming drink! I should go brew it...)

Bookmark (front):

I'm a bit of a superhero fan, so the Wonder Woman thing was very much appreciated! :) (Someone did their homework....and even between terms! I may have a little bit of a crush...LOL)

Bookmark (back):

And on the back of the bookmarks is a picture of Ron and two quotes:

"Aren't you ever going to read Hogwarts, A History?"

and

"That's what Hermione does. When in doubt, go to the library."

Love, love, love it, Antonio! Thank you!!! I still have to make Emma's...I could get that done today! Yay!

In other crafting news....I had intended to make 3 scarves for the Special Olympics, but have yet to even finish the first one! I don't know what days my husband has off this week (I've heard he's working Christmas Eve) :( but if he's home, I'm sure I could just tell him I'm not allowed to play WoW until I finish a project a day! LOL That wouldn't really be too challenging, really, as it only takes me 2-3 hours to crochet something up. As it is, he's even commented at how unnatural it is for me to be neglecting my crafting for video games! I've slowed waydown on the cancer caps, which is not cool, especially considering there's still new requests coming in and I still have several others to complete. Hmmm. Maybe I should tell the hubby to only allow me 2-3 hours of play time per project finished...that might be a little more productive...We'll see what happens, I guess! I'm sure I won't be posting again before Christmas, so Happy Holidays to all, whether you celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, or even none of the above! Stay warm!

Happy, happy, happy day!!!

Lately Aidyn has taken to expressing his likes with saying, "I love (enter object/activity)!" It's so cute! Last night it was all about dancing. "I love dancing! I love to dance!" Well, he just said one that gave me warm fuzzies! "I love books!" Yay! That's my boy!!!

I've still been making lots of hats, but seem to be losing my steam! (Maybe if I keep yarn in my hands at all times, Aidyn'll next say that he loves yarn...heeheehee!) I finished 3 more hats and started a fourth, but just have a hard time keeping at it. I'm not sure why. I almost wondered a little bit if it was because I messed it up. I changed needle size on the Claudia hat sooner than I was supposed to, and didn't feel like frogging back to where I messed up, so I just kept going. I have a hard time continuing with a project I know isn't my best work, but I really don't feel like undoing it all! That's so much knitting! It doesn't look bad. In fact, if you didn't know I made that mistake, you probably wouldn't even notice that the trellis work is going to poof out a little bit. I even started a 5th hat (crochet...the 4th is knit) to see if maybe it was the speed of the craft that made me less inclined to pick it back up, but I'm not feeling pushed to finish that one, either. I will keep at it, though. I've got people waiting on these hats! As it is, the last set that was supposed to be mailed out a week ago may have finally just been sent out today. We had to wait for payday. I can't believe that I've made so many, though! I'm sending them out in groups, so I've not really seen it as getting so many done, but the first set I sent out was 7 hats and the second set was 9, and I've finished 3 hats of the 3rd set....that's 19 hats!!! And a in pretty short amount of time, too!

In other news...Ravenclaw did not catch the snitch last night. It's very sad. I want to congratulate the 'Puffs for getting it (especially since they prevented Slytherin from getting it, lol), but I'm not done moping yet. We were so close to getting it!!! ::sigh::

But on a (much) happier note....I'M GOING TO SALZBURG!!!!!!!!!! It's not until this weekend, but I am soooooooooo excited! Kristin and I are going to the Christmas Market there and hopefully do some sightseeing, like Mozart's birthplace. If we had enough time (which I was told we likely wouldn't, unfortunately), we could even go see where parts of The Sound of Music was filmed. That would be beyond awesome! I grew up watching that musical! And after that trip, I've got Thanksgiving plans to really put into play! We're having 7 adults and 4 kids (that eat table foods...Collin and Riley don't yet...) over! And I've got to have a clean house and everything lined up to clarify who's bringing what! It's going to be FUN! So I certainly have enough to keep me busy! Now I'm off to make myself finish that "Claudia" hat...

As the term ends...

Wow! I can't believe that my first term here at Hogwarts is nearly over!!! I think I may actually cry...this has been such an amazing and wonderful experience for me! I seriously don't know what I would have done without this swap. I came across it totally by chance, joining Team Hogwarts for the Ravelympics. I had so much fun chatting in that thread! I was so excited when I found out that all the teammates from the Ravelympics were already in a group!!! Before I discovered the group, I was actually very much becoming a depressed recluse. I was holed up all day long in the house with my two toddlers. We only have one car, and as I can't do side-along apparition with the kiddos, I couldn't go anywhere whenever DH was at work. Living abroad is an amazing experience, but by the time he'd get home from work, I'd have maybe two hours to go and get out on base before everything closed up. Being a part of the swap has helped me, with others encouraging me to get out and see things, as well as giving me contact with new people that are just fun!

Ah, I told myself I wasn't going to get all sappy. *sigh* Well, I noticed Hufflepuff's quiz up, so I thought I'd do it just for the fun of it. (And yes, I did extra schoolwork at Muggle schools for fun, too...)

1. If this was your first HSKS, have you enjoyed yourself. If you are alumni, was this term better than other terms (if so how)?

This was my first HSKS term, and I enjoyed myself immensely. Being in the swap helped pull me out of the depression I was, prior to joining, starting to sink into.

2. Will you be returning for HSKS7?

I have every intention of joining HSKS7, but it will largely depend on what's going on at the time.

3. What is your favorite part of HSKS?

Oh man, you mean I have to pick a favorite?...poo...Actually, I think it may have been just to have the opportunity to have an alter-ego that I could live vicariously though, that didn't have to worry about changing diapers and refilling sippy cups and wiping up messes...no matter how brief those stints of being Hermione were.

4. If you had the chance to switch houses next term would you? What house would you be in?

Absolutely not! I love being in Ravenclaw! I got sorted into what is, IMO, the best house! :)

5. Are there any problems that you need to talk to the Head Girl or Prefects about?

Well, there's not anything they can do about the consistency of my Internet connection (or lack thereof), so no. lol

6. Has your Spoiler been in contact with you about your package?

That she has! Busy woman, that, what with being in the middle of moving and being a military wife! Something I can definitely empathize with!

7. Have you been in contact with your Spoilee to let them know you are still with us? ;)

Yes, I have, and he's been so understanding about my Internet issues!

Final Quidditch Quiz!

1. Who was Tom Riddle Sr.'s girlfriend before Merope gave him the love potion?

a. Eleanor
b. Cecilia
c. Sally
d. Mandy


2. What does Luna say floated into Harry's ear when he was in the train car that supposedly caused him to lose focus?

a. Demiguise
b. Jobberknoll
c. Wrackspurt
d. Runespoor


3. How much do the primary Apparition lessons cost?

a. 10 galleons
b. 8 galleons
c. 15 galleons
d. 12 galleons


4. What is Professor Merrythought's first name?

a. Eileen
b. Galatea
c. Carol
d. Jocelyn


5. What Hogwarts club was Eileen Prince captain of?

a. Charms Club
b. Gobstones Club
c. The Slug Club
d. Occlumency Club


6. Who is head of the Goblin Liaison office?

a. Ambrosius Flume
b. Dirk Cresswell
c. Ciceron Harkiss
d. Barnabas Cuffe


7. Mrs. Weasley offers Fleur a goblin-made tiara for the wedding with Bill. What family member is currently in possession of the tiara?

a. Aunt Muriel
b. Aunt Ethel
c. Aunt Edna
d. Aunt Thelma


8. How many points does Snape take from Gryffindor for Harry's late arrival and muggle attire?

a. 30
b. 70
c. 50
d. 90


9. When Profressory Slughorn first meets Hermione, he asks her whether she is related to Hector Dagworth-Granger. What society did Dagworth-Granger found?

a. The Most Extraordinary Society of Charms
b. The Most Extraordinary Society of Herbology
c. The Most Extraordinary Society of the Defense Against the Dark Arts
d. The Most Extraordinary Society of Potioneers


10. Which of these describes Golpalott's Third Law?

a. The antidote for a blended poison will be equal to less than the sum of the antidotes for each of the separate components
b. The antidote for a blended poison will be equal to less than the product of the antidotes for each of the separate compenents
c. The antidote for a blended poison will be equal to more than the product of the antidotes for each of the separate compenents
d. The antidote for a blended poison will be equal to more than the sum of the antidotes for each of the separte components

Back online...again...I think...

It seems as though I'm finally back online. Again. Hopefully, this time for good...


In the time I was offline (and chafing at the fact that I was so out of the loop with the swap) I was able to make a second set of cancer caps to send out. (I just have to wait to send them out until payday...*sigh*) I'm actually quite proud of the results!




I definitely prefer to crochet the hats, as it goes soooooooo much faster, but I love the look of the knit hats a lot, plus knitting takes a lot less yarn than crocheting. Only one of the hats in the last set was knit (the black one).


Here's the first set:





That set has 3 knit hats (the middle row), but to be honest, the middle hat (which, yes, is a Gryffindor House Hat) didn't go out because it was insanely and comically large. It was my first ever knit hat, and I didn't know how big to make it, so I went with the large size. Yeah, it came out large alright! LOL I still have a few more on my to-do list to make...


In other news...my poltergeists are driving me batty! They're constantly fighting and screaming and throwing tantrums. I just wish they had an off switch. Or, better yet, that I had a Vanishing Cabinet so that I could toss them inside it for a few hours at least, to give myself some peace and quiet where I could actually craft without being interrupted for having to break up a fight or settle a sharing dispute. I guess that it's just one of the many "perks" of motherhood. I'll be very relieved when they pass out of their current stages. Especially the 2-year-old.


I was able to send my package for Draco off by the early deadline, last Friday, the 7th. :) I really can't wait until he gets it and I hear about how much he likes it! Or at least, I hope he likes it...lol I haven't been able to really do many projects as of late. I made the tree skirt for the US troops that are deployed at the front lines, Draco's handmade item(s), and hats. Lots and lots and lots of hats. In fact, my husband asked me how many I was going to make. LOL I have even told him that I'm making them for cancer patients going through chemotherapy, and he asks "how many?"...the male mind, I guess. It's not like there's a set number of people that are going through chemo. But right now it's time to feed my little poltergeists. Hopefully a little lunch will put them in a better mood...

Super Secret Super Spy!

Here are my Ravenclaw Quiz answers! (I'm sorry they weren't up by Sunday! I swear I had it done! I just couldn't post it!)

1. Astrid Cloverleaf
2. Cassandra Grubbly-Plank
3. Enna Kirts
4. Selena Starfire
5. Henry Longstaff
6. Ceciley Fortescue
7. Mona Ravenscroft
8. Argentia Pascal
9. Prendolyn Wilcox
10. Lizzie Wychwood
11. Ursula Longbottom
12. Rowena Weasley
13. Aurora Curlyfur
14. Lily May Clearwater
15. Megaera BlackBonus

1: ME!!! ;D Hermione Bagnold
Bonus 2: At my count, 37...which is less than half (since I counted 58 not yet RAOK-ed)...

Trick or Treat!

Wow! Today certainly has not calmed my fear of owls! I received a package today from Bevin Rae that took multiple owls to carry it! I nearly ran away in fright at the sight of all those birds winging their way toward me, but once Rowena and Ophelia C. assured me they carried something for me and were not merely erratic birds (nor were they as over-excited as the bunch of owls that landed me in St. Mungo’s), I relaxed. A little bit, anyhow. :)

The package was for our in-House Trick-or-Treat swap, and I was blown away at how much there was inside! At first I couldn’t believe it was for that swap, as Olive said to use a bubbled envelope. I thought she meant a small one. I almost feel bad for how small and simple mine was that went out. Bevin used a bubbled envelope, but it was a large one.

I got a knit sock pattern, a crochet scarf pattern, a kit to make a Halloween garland, a witch pez dispenser, a post card from California, a candy corn candy holder STUFFED with candy (I don’t know how she got it all in there!), 4 pairs of plastic vampire teeth, and some Ravenclaw blue ink that I used with my quill tonight. :D On top of all that, there was also another envelope in there stuffed with fun craft goodies from her kiddos to mine!

My boys were very excited to see it all and were quite upset with me when I told them it was too late for them to get into it tonight. (I didn’t get the package until my husband got home.) They seemed to be pacified, though, with a sticker each and to each play with a set of the fangs. Tomorrow we’ll be crafty. :)

I’ve been keeping myself quite busy with S.P.E.W. as of late. I still haven’t heard anything about anything officially this term for it, so I’ve kind of just gone my own way and done my own chapter of it, if you will. As October is breast cancer awareness month, I’ve been making free beanie-style hats, some knit and some crochet, for cancer patients losing their hair because of going through chemotherapy. The first 7 I made are long gone, and I’ve got another 15 to send out yet. Over the past couple of days, I’ve finished 3 of those needed 15, and am working on the 4th.

I am really not happy with the fact that our Internet is down again. I had started to get back into playing WoW, and was actively leveling my paladin, trying to prepare for the expansion by making level 70 before the release on November 13th. The other night, I got up to two bars away from making level 66 and was in the midst of getting the seasonal achievements for Hallow’s End…and I got booted offline. I’m trying to give the Italians the benefit of the doubt that it was caused by the massive storm that we’ve had going on over the span of the past couple of days, even though it stormed the whole day before it cut off that night and that it was clear out today and we’re still not back online, but given that they’ve shut us off twice in the last 8 months, it’s hard. They had better not have disconnected us again. (The Italians will shut off your Internet without any cause, just so they can charge you the reconnect fee to get a little extra money, and it ticks me off! They get away with it!) If they did, they’d better hope it’s my husband dealing with them, because I’ll have no patience with them. Especially since we’ve been back online from the last time for maybe a month! I guess only time will tell, though…

Tomorrow (Halloween), there’s a carnival going on at the base in the afternoon, so I’m hoping I can get my boys to actually wear their costumes (they wouldn’t the other night) and get some pictures. Here’s hoping!

So, thank you, Bevin Rae for the spectacular trick-or-treat package! I absolutely love it! I feel quite spoiled! :)

Halloween Preperation!

What a fun night! Arick got a brand new video game (Fable II for the Xbox 360) and he wanted a few hours to play without the interruption of the boys, so he “kicked us out” of the house for the day. Not that I was sad to go! We spent the day at Kristin’s. When we first got there, we carved pumpkins. I’ve never carved a pumpkin before! The most I’d ever done was draw a face on it with permanent marker. Kristin had a pumpkin carving kit, but she couldn’t find it anywhere, so we had to use the “medieval” tools of knives and spoons. LOL I actually think they turned out quite well, considering I’d never before done it and had to use, what I hear is, such “primitive” pumpkin carving tools. I picked up two pumpkins from the commissary the night prior, so that there would be one for each of the boys. Aidyn really got excited about it and got into scooping all the insides out with his spoons and dumping it into a bag. It didn’t quite smell like what I expected…I guess I just thought it’d smell like pumpkin pie. LOL It most definitely did not! On Aidyn’s pumpkin, I did two spiders, and on Calen’s, I did a ghost. Kristin carved a cat and stars on hers. J

One of Kristin’s other friends, Liz, came over as well with her 2 month old baby girl. We all ended up going over to the base to try and take the kids to the Trunk-or-Treat and the non-scary hours for the Haunted House. Unfortunately for me, neither of the boys would wear their costumes. L I went through all the trouble of getting Aidyn a Halloween costume (Spiderman!), and he refused to wear it. I didn’t think of costumes ahead of time enough to order any online or ask my in-laws to send us some, and the options at the BX were little to none. They had infant and adult costumes and pretty mush nothing in between. So I was going to let Calen decide between his and Aidyn’s costumes from last year, James or Thomas, but he didn’t want either. Collin looked really cute in his skeleton jumper, though! If we get to make it to the Halloween carnival on base on Halloween day, maybe I can convince them to dress up then. Or maybe Arick can. He seems to have that touch.

When we got to base and around to where the line was for the trunk-or-treat, it really ended up not being worth the wait. The line was waaaaaaaaaay too long to stand in with 4 kids aged 2 months through 3 years. It was a little nippy as well, and not good for Hannah and Collin to be out in. So instead, we went to the food court inside and the boys got pizza. That made them happy. J The food vendors also had some candy set out for the kids, so we got a little (and I mean very little) bit anyhow. While I was there, I had to run and grab some diapers (I ran out in the diaper bag before we even got to base!) and picked up a little thing of Snickers bars as well, just so that Aidyn could say “trick or treat!” and get some candy in his bucket. I let him hold on to the bucket for the trip back to Kristin’s. That turned out to be a mistake.

Kristin and I were talking in the front, when all of the sudden, an aroma caught my olfactory attention. And we’re not talking about stinky diaper aroma, either. I could smell chocolate. I asked Kristin if Aidyn had gotten into the candy, and sure enough, he already had half of the bar gone! (They weren’t the mini-sized…probably about the size of the ones you see at the check-out counter.) I didn’t even know he could open packages like that! Needless to say, he didn’t get to hold the bucket for the rest of the trip. I guess the chocolate-y mess could have been significantly worse than it was, but I was just too miffed (and amused, really) that he’d even gotten it open to fully appreciate that. He got some on his socks and some on his shirt. (He was pant-less due to a wetting accident, just before getting in the car.) No chocolate, seemingly, on his car seat or anywhere on the car’s upholstery, thank goodness! We went back to Kristin’s and baked some cookies. Yum! Aidyn was very excited about using the cookie cutter to help make Halloween sugar cookies! In fact, when I turned my back (I know, I know, foolish me!) to put one on the cookie sheet, Aidyn helped himself to using another cookie cutter, smack dab in the middle of the rolled out dough! He even had pulled it up and set it aside, with the dough caught inside the cutter! He’s getting awfully sneaky and very independent. He makes his own choices on what he wants to do and acts on it.

After the cookies were all in the oven, the boys played their little hearts out while Krsitin and I chatted and crocheted. (I’m teaching her how to make the round ripple afghan!) J She and I got to decorate the cookies, too. At first we thought about letting the boys try to do it, but then this mental image of Aidyn squeezing the icing tube as hard as he could and making a huge mess just wouldn’t get out of my head! So we had fun with it instead. J I looked at the clock at about 10p, and thought that I should start to get the boys ready to go. I really try to not keep them out too late. When they started getting inexplicably cranky, though, was when I finally got around to getting us out the door. Guess why they were so cranky….it was because it was two in the morning!!! I can’t believe we stayed that late! I have no idea how 10-30 minutes turned into four more hours! I still can’t believe that was four hours!

I got home and the boys in bed, and went downstairs to apologize to Arick for us getting home so late, and I asked him if he enjoyed his 13 kid-free, gaming hours, and you know what he said? “It wasn’t long enough.” *eye roll* Gamers. ;) LOL So today I was going to return Kristin’s cell phone to her (she accidentally left it in the car last night), and he suggested that I take the boys and a movie and that the boys and I stay over there for an hour or two…or five. LOL We ended up getting to have some yummy pumpkin pasta dish that Kristin had never made before. It was quite tasty! Much to Arick’s dismay, though, the boys and I didn’t stay nearly as late this time around. LOL All in all, I had a fantastic weekend!

Ahh, that's better...

Whew! Some of the pressure has been let off! I finished the round ripple tree skirt last night.

You can't tell from the pictures, very well, but the middle red, green and white section is done with the Red Heart Holiday Yarn...it's got silver sparkles in it...never again will I buy that yarn! It's too painful!!! The overall effect once it's done is nice, but in my opinion, not really worth it. My finger felt like steel wool was being rubbed across it. Ouch!

But as of this morning, it went off to join the other donations for the deployed troops on the front range. I didn't make it very large, but that's because their tree is only 4.5' tall...I hope they like it!

In other news, I finished another hat!

Since October is Breast Cancer Awareness month, and I've still not heard anything about S.P.E.W. through HSKS for this term, I've decided to do my own little chapter of S.P.E.W. I'm making hats free for cancer patients undergoing chemo, and I am also going to sell some on eBay, with the proceeds going to cancer research. Here are all the hats I've finished so far:

I also got my Trick or Treat package sent off to my Ravenclaw "spoilee" yesterday morning. My owl, Sylus, took off dutifully and purposefully. I hope they get it quickly!!! :) I can't wait to hear the reaction to my trick...it's absolutely priceless!

So now I'm just down to working on the Special Olympics scarves and finishing up on Draco's package! Yay! ::scampers off to work on said projects::

Ravenclaw House Quiz

1. What security question does Mr. Weasley ask Mrs. Weasley before he enters the Burrow? What is the answer?
What is Arthur's nickname for Molly when they're alone? Mollywobbles

2. What two names does Mrs. Cole call Dumbledore when she takes him to see Tom Riddle at the orphanage?
Mr. Dumberton and Dunderbore

3. What is the name of Ginny's Pygmy Puff?
Arnold

3. What three D's are needed for apparating? Destination, Determination, and Deliberation

4. What spell did Harry perform when he was attacked by Dementors? Patronus Charm

5. Who did an arrow salute at Dumbledore's funeral? the centaurs

6. What did Dumbledore set on fire to prove to Tom Riddle that he was a wizard? Tom's wardrobe

7. What Christmas present did Kreacher give Harry? a large number of maggots

8. What is on top of the Weasleys' Christmas tree? a garden gnome that had bitten Fred, stupified, painted gold, and stuffed into a mini-tutu with small wings glued to it's back

9. What was the most popular item at Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes? Nosebleed Nougat

10. Why did Harry threaten to kick Ron off the Griffindor Quidditch team? His attitude toward his teammates

11. What happens if you break an Unbreakable Vow? the person that breaks the vow dies

12. Who did Hermoine go to Slughorn's party with? Cormac McLaggen

13. Who is Mrs. Weasley's favorite singer? Celestina Warbeck

14. Who are the only two people who know the full contents of the prophecy made about Harry and Lord Voldemort? Harry and Dumbledore

Up to my ears in it!

Wow!!! So much homework needing completed in this Ravenclaw dorm room! The hats for cancer patients is going to be an ongoing thing, likely through the whole winter, which is well past the end of this term. The same goes for the Special Olympics scarves. I'm trying new forms of Transfiguration for those, stitches I've never tried before. And the first one is coming out quite well, if I do say so myself! On top of all that, I'm attempting a modified version of a Transfiguration spell I am very adept at: the round ripple! I'm making a Christmas tree skirt in a round ripple variation! Donations are being taken at our local military base to go with the tree that they sent down to our deployed troops on the front range.

On top of all that, I've still got some Potions to finish up! I've been collecting the ingredients for a little while, and I still have a couple more to get, but I can't wait to put it all together and mail it off to Draco! Plus I need to get the final ingredient for the Trick or Treat potion to send to...my fellow Ravenclaw! :) The identity of my housemate I'm sending to is a secret until they get their package. :) I bought the Ravenclaw item when I was in Venice, so I really hope they like it!!! I know I do! LOLOn top of all that, I have requests from a family member to do some research for the Italian-themed Christmas they're having this year (in honor of us being here) and to find a sock monkey pattern to make them for my nieces. :) And I found a free crochet pattern that I'm going to use. I'm definitely going to have to tweak it a bit...it definitely needs longer arms and legs, and I may have to adjust the rest accordingly...in the meantime, I smell a surprise from one of my two poltergeists. I'd better go and locate the source and get it taken care of, and then I'm off to work more on my Transfiguration and S.P.E.W. awareness. I swear that campaign never rests...::sigh::

Quidditch Round 2

1. What animal does the portrait in the Muggle Prime Minster’s office resemble?

a. Rat
b. Frog
c. Cat
d. Lion


2. What drink does Romilda Vane try to give Harry?

a. Gillywater
b. Butterbeer
c. Pumpkin Juice
d. Elf-Made Wine


3. What is the name of the person who heads the Holyhead Harpies?

a. Gwenog Smith
b. Gwenog Jones
c. Glen Jones
d. Glen Smith


4. How many ‘Exceeds Expectation’ grades does Harry receive in his O.W.L’s?

a. 6
b. 3
c. 5
d. 4


5. What is Professor Sughorn’s favorite candy?

a. Cockroach Clusters
b. Sherbet Lemon
c. Acid Pops
d. Crystallized Pineapple


6. What tattoo is Harry reported to have on his chest?

a. Mermaid
b. Blast Ended Skrewt
c. Hippogriff
d. Unicorn


7. What color robes do the staff at the Weasley’s shop wear?

a. Buttercup
b. Magenta
c. Royal Blue
d. Aqua


8. What is the man outside Flourish and Blotts selling?

a. Amulets
b. Cloaks
c. Wands
d. Hats


9. How much is the skull, which Hermione enquires about at Borgin and Burkes, worth?

a. 9 Galleons
b. 18 Galleons
c. 16 Galleons
d. 12 Galleons


10. What are Professor Slughorn’s initials?

a. H.F.G.
b. H.E.F.
c. H.A.L.
d. H.K.D.

My favorite Harry Potter character should really be no surprise....

I mean, really, when you come across a character in any book that is so thoroughly channeling yourself, how can they not be your favorite? Though the following also come in a close second...

and

As to my favorite magical creature...that one is a toughy...in all honesty, even though I empathize with their enslavement and, at times, awful working conditions, I really wouldn't mind having my own....

Though I guess if we're simply talking about a favorite, and not necessarily one you'd like to own, there's always these...

After all, I have always wanted to experience flying like a bird does...

Scavenger Hunt (Part 1)

I was really trying to hold out until I got all the pictures, or at least the two in my mind, but I think I should just post what I have, since it's already late as it is....So without further ado, my photos!

First is my engagement ring (it's sitting atop the tower of Pisa)

Secondly is a broom, a common household item of any witch or wizard

Then comes the horcrux; I was surprised to find an object of such dark magic in my house! I suspect that my husband (who is a Slytherin through and through) had something to do with it's appearance...

Next, we have a bottle of Felix Felicis, my lucky potion, that I finally finished brewing recently

I found a certain Muggle artifact that Mr. Weasley would love to have....it's a plug converter! The appliances in my Muggle home are from America, so they're not compatible with Italian plugs. We have some actual energy converters for the larger Muggle appliances (like the television), but for the things like the laptop computer that have an AC adapter, we can simply use this plug that can change the number and shape of prongs that go into the wall

The next object I found in my travels is a tree changing seasons; this one happens to be in my Muggle neighbor's yard...I get to see this beauty every day...(the tree is now orange!)

I was fortunate enough to find a used textbook from a Muggle class I had taken a few years back

Oh, and I snapped a picture of the butterbeer that I was sent by owl from Ophelia Croockshanks while I was laid up at home. It was so sweet of her to think of me, since I missed the first Hogsmeade weekend and all! Thanks, Ophelia! It was tasty! :)

I found this fanged frisbee abandoned in one of the classrooms at Hogwarts, and it was only after I took it as my own that I found out they were banned in the school halls! So I brought it home. :)

And I can't believe I found this Boggart in my Muggle house! This magical creature turned into the Muggle version of a ghost when the Muggle children I was watching stumbled across it. Luckily, I was able to rid the house of it without anyone (even the MoM!) noticing...

And lastly, I found this raven's feather. Don't be fooled by it's color! It was a feather left over from an upper-year's Transfiguration class. I'm guessing that either the student couldn't turn it back to it's rightful color, or it somehow shed this feather before being turned back to black.

Unfortunately, that's all I have right now. Naturally, I'll be posting the other items as I get them, because even though it's late, I still have to complete the entire assignment! It would go against my nature to not! So keep your eyes peeled for the rest!

My Marker

So it's late, but I'm at last getting my scavenger hunt pictures up...I was afraid that my stay in St. Mungo's followed by the doctor ordered bed rest at my Muggle home would mean that I had let my roomies down, but alas, Rowena and Arianna didn't even post any of the pictures! I sure am glad I didn't pull a classic me and stay up all night searching for all the desired objects....but at least one Soaring Eagle has to post! So to begin, here is my marker:

I figured it was appropriate, seeing as how my Muggle residence is currently in Italy...

Oh yeah, I suppose I should take this time to share photos of the offending packages that landed me in St. Mungo's...

The first package was from fellow Ravenclaw Fiera Firenze. :) She was helping me to get my hands on some things for Draco's kit that I couldn't get shipped to my address, so I'm not posting any pictures of the full package, but here's what she stuck in there for me! :D I got very excited when I saw these pins! They still make me smile every time I look at them. :) They're decorating my crafting bag.

This one was from Minee. A prize for winning the quote pop quiz. I love the little sewn bag, can't wait to use the yarn, and this brings my collection of stitch markers to two whole sets! :D

This one was from my Muggle sister. There's nothing really special about the yarn or anything, it's just your plain old, soft Caron yarn, but this many packages in one day with yarn in them? Too cool! ;) She sent it to me to make her a poncho, along with a copy of her wedding invitation (she got married on Sept. 19th) and a little activity book for my boys.

And lastly...

...the package that sent me to St. Mungo's. My beautiful hat from Elladora and some sock yarn in Ravenclaw colors. I'm so excited to get to make myself my first ever pair of house socks!!!

That many owls setting upon any person at once is enough to do some serious damage without even the duel hat being a part of the deliveries! But I have one more picture to get before I post my scavenger hunt results....::scampers away clutching her camera::

My down time...

Oh, how I long for the halls of Hogwarts! I’m getting a bit stir-crazy being cooped up in my Muggle residence while waiting for the all clear for me to resume classes. I guess it’s a good thing that I’m out of the future duels, since I doubt I’d be able to have access to the pattern the moment of its release.

It really is almost disturbing to find out just how much time I spend in my transfiguration studies. I’ve been babysitting some Muggle kids that have been demanding every second of my attention, and I still have been getting bored! I have some good ideas on promoting elf awareness once I return to Hogwarts, though! I think I’ll try to put together a day where S.P.E.W. members remove all furniture from the assigned dorm, clean it thoroughly and then replace the furniture. I’ve been doing similar projects on a smaller scale, and they’ve been oddly satisfying.

And even though I’ve been MIA at school, I’ve been pushing hard to keep up with my studies! I’ve made excellent progress on Draco’s package, and I am getting more and more excited as each piece of it falls into place! I have also been hard at work in the intra-house scavenger hunt! I felt very bad for all but abandoning Rowena and Arianna with my St. Mungo’s trip. I contacted Olive, though, so hopefully I’ll get a little bit more time to get my pictures in. My Muggle Internet has not been working, so I didn’t even have access to the list of what I needed to take photographs of! I got the list last night, though. One of my Muggle companions let me use her Internet. I will post the pictures as soon as I can, I promise! Here’s to hoping the Soaring Eagles (I think that was what we had settled on for a name, though I’m not entirely certain) gets a bunch of points!!!

I was also very excited to find I had a couple of e-owls I had been looking for waiting in my inbox when I used the Internet last night. I got permission from the designers of the patterns that were used in the first round of the hat bracket of the duels to sell some with all of the proceeds going to fund cancer research! But I’d better get back to these Muggle children…they really are time consuming…

Hogsmeade...

Due to circumstances beyond my control involving out of control owls, I, unfortunately missed out on the first Hogsmeade trip of the year! To say I was disappointed would be an understatement. But my stay in St. Mungo's wasn't all bad, I suppose. I was able to get some much needed rest, though it seems that I lost my duel. To say I'm not disappointed would be a lie, but at the same time, I now have more time to devote to my studies and S.P.E.W.

I really hate to cut this short, but the Muggle contraption called the "Internet" has gone out at my Muggle residence (I was instructed my St. Mungo's staff to take off a bit more time to recuperate) and I am at present borrowing the use of a friend's computer. I hope to be back at Hogwarts soon!!!

Daily Prophet Special Rush Edition

Hogwarts Student Found Near Death After Owl Assault

Oct. 3, 2008, 5:10 p.m.

Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry (DP) - A Hogwarts student has been transferred to St. Mungo's Hospital for Magical Maladies and Injuries today after an absurd raining of owls. Hermione Bagnold of Ravenclaw House was eating a late dinner in the Great Hall with her roommates, Rowena Bladvak and Arriana Stylos, when a group of owls appeared to attack her. It turns out that they were all merely overzealous in delivering their packages, all being new owls from various owleries around the globe. The Ministry of Magic is looking into the situation to determine if this was truly by mere chance.

"It was pretty scary," says Rowena of the attack. "Out of nowhere, owls came all at once for her. One from a yarn dyer, one from the U.S. with potions supplies, one from a member of her own family, and another with a contest prize." Hermione seemed to obtain nothing but surface scratches and bruises from the initial group, but the last owl that came in is the one that kept her from being held at Hogwarts' hospital wing. A package from a certain Elladora Madley contained a hat that all but finished her off.

Elladora's representative maintains that it was an act of following dueling club procedures, and nothing more. Elladora herself has not yet been reached for comment, though she appeared to be overjoyed at the news her package found it's mark.

"Hermione was pretty stressed out about the duel's outcome," confides fellow Ravenclaw Minerva Wood. "She sent her owl out for delivery first and was anticipating going far in the tournament. I guess Elladora just had a better owl."

An anonymous Slytherin scoffed at the idea that it came down to the owls. "I suspect dark magic involvement," he states mysteriously. "I mean, Hermione finished her hat first and then helped out the others struggling with the pattern on top of it all! I think that Elladora should have surrendered on those terms alone."

A member of Gryffindor House, Prendolyn Wilcox, disagrees. "Hermione was all about fair. She helped out a lot of us that were struggling with figuring the hat out. She said it was an unfair advantage if others were seriously struggling with it. There are some things that are just beyond control, like international owls."

A second Slytherin, Ophelia Crookshanks, a friend of Hermione's long before the entered at Hogwarts, was only slightly shocked. "She did it to herself, you know. She helped her opponent out. Encouraged her to keep trying. I've seen Hermy do it before. When we were in Muggle school together, there was one spot open for Drum Major, and there was only one person that was an actual threat to her obtaining her goal, and he was going to give up! She told him he was better than he thought and convinced him to try out anyway, and he beat her out by half of a point!"

That story does not surprise her soft-spoken roommate Arriana. "She is a very encouraging person. I hope she pulls through!"

Hermione remains under close watch at St. Mungo's, with little hope of recovering, but many hope that she will beat the odds and come back to the duels, thirsty for more.

Ravenclaw House Quiz

House Quiz

1. What potion has the strange side effects of excessive singing and nose-tweaking? (Elixir to Induce) Euphoria

2. What ingredient can be used to counteract the effect of the above side effects? Peppermint

3. How much can you get for Acromantula venom? 100 galleons a pint

4. What is the most powerful love potion in the world? Amortentia

5. What antidote does Harry use to help Ron when he is poisoned by Madam Rosmerta's finest mead? A bezoar

6. How does Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes' Owl Order Service get their potions past the security at Hogwarts to their customers? disguises them as perfumes and the like

7. What did Draco Malfoy make in Potions class when Professor Slughorn assigned them to make something amusing? Hiccuping Solution

8. What spells will not work in an area affected by Instant Darkness Powder? no light spells (such as Lumos and Incendio)

9. What are the ingredients for the Draught of Living Death? Wormwood, asphodel, velarian roots and a sopopherous bean

10. How much will unicorn tail hair fetch? 10 galleons a hair

Extra Credit

Answering the following questions are extra credit and will earn you an additional ticket in the drawing for the prize.

11. Do you prefer to knit or crochet? crochet, though knitting is quickly pulling even on preference!

12. What is your favorite weight yarn to knit/crochet with? worsted

13. What fiber contents do you most like to knit/crochet with? What fiber contents do you dislike knitting/crocheting with? I've not tried enough to really know, though I am getting tired of 100% acrylic...

14. How many complete pair of socks have you knit/crochet? 1 knit and 1 crochet

15. What is your favorite item to knit/crochet? Crochet: blankets Knit: dishcloths

16. What is your favorite treat? skittles or Reece's

17. Do you drink coffee, tea, or both? neither, but if I HAD to pick, (iced) tea

18. Do you have an online wish list? If so, where? yes, on amazon.com (you can find the list here)

19. How many Ravelry groups are you in? 19

20. Is there any special item you have been really wanting, but can't find in your local area? Hahahaha, a GOOD, LARGE craft store that is open late enough for me to get to shop!!!

Duel Club worries and woes...

::sigh:: I needed this weekend. I've had a pretty busy week! My duel hat went off to Elladora of Hufflepuff after a minor snag with the owl post. It went out on Tuesday, but I have yet to hear whether or not she's received it. The cause for the worry is that she sent hers to me on Thursday or Friday, and it's already all the way to New York!!! Ahhhhh!!! I reeeeeeeeeeally hope I win the duel! I would be lying if I said I wouldn't be upset to lose. I finished the hat in 2 hours and would have had it in the mail right after I was done, had it not been a Sunday night. I would have had it going out first thing Monday morning, had it been in my power. But no. If I do lose, though, I will be a good sport about it and laugh good-naturedly at my obituary and wish Elladora luck in the continuation of the duels. At least to the public eye. My roomies may have to comfort me in the privacy of our dorm, though, with butterbeer and chocolate frogs.

In the other aspects of my Hogwarts life, though, things are going well. I love all my classes and am throwing myself into my studies. I even read a Muggle-penned book called Twilight in order to add a Muggle perspective to my DADA essay on vampires. It was certainly an interesting read. A good book, overall, but I'm not yet entirely convinced that it lives up to all the hype in the Muggle world. Maybe I just have to read the other books in the series to get it.

Arriana has already gotten into trouble with Professor Snape. Rowena and I tried to help her out when she was targeted in class, but she refused our help and had to spiral into trouble on her own...Personally, I think Professor Snape is intimidated by her potions brilliance and doesn't want to lose his school renown of potions master. So what if she didn't have her full set of scales! If she'd have just taken the ones we tried to slip her under the table, she'd have been fine...But she wouldn't do it. Honest girl, I tell ya'. But aside from those slight moments of forgetfulness when it comes to supplies she needs to have on hand, she's a brilliant mind at potions! I think he should cut her some slack, but, like I said, I think she scares him.

I'm not sure whether or not Rowena or Arriana have had any problems with this, but I've got all kinds of bites all over my feet and ankles! I suspect that someone set some doxies or something loose in our room. I think it might be Elanor, in Slytherin...she asked where her cheerleading uniform was for the Quidditch match that took place earlier today and I asked her if that was what was tied to the topmost branch of the Whomping Willow. I think she mistook that for meaning I put it there (which I most certainly did not!) Maybe I can find Knitsy and see if she can help me get rid of the annoying things....

Speaking of Quidditch, the first match was today. We were brainstorming like mad in the Ravenclaw Common Room, and doing quite well. Unfortunately, Enid Black found it mere moments before we did. :( (See, Elanor? You didn't even need your uniform! Your team won anyway!) I felt somewhat like a dunce, though, trying to figure out the clues. I couldn't seem to focus and would never have come to the same conclusions that my house-mates did! Of course, it didn't help that about halfway through the match, a certain poltergeist dumped milk all over the table that had my homework on it. I was momentarily distracted by that incident.

But I think that I'm going to try and put all of this from my mind for now. All of my homework for the weekend is completed, and I'd like to finish some more hats for my personal branch of S.P.E.W. before working on the ones to send off to the "real" S.P.E.W. A relaxing weekend of hooking and needling does sound nice, doesn't it? Oh yeah, after taking care of the doxies...where on earth is that house elf?...

Furthering S.P.E.W....

Since that first night, I've not seen Haxal. I may have frightened her off with my, er, tenacity. In her place we seem to have gotten a permanent house elf resident! I haven't introduced myself to Knitsy yet, but I hear she's very helpful. Maybe I can get her to give me the inside scoop I need for the enslavement on the side of the captive...hmmm...

I'm not sure where to go looking for her, since the common room is completely empty, and it looks as though she's already done her work here. Maybe I should go wander the halls a bit and see what I come upon, be it Knitsy or some other house elf, to help out...

Quidditch Round One

1. At the beginning of the book, Cornelius Fudge is talking to the Muggle Prime Minister. Which member of the Order of the Phoenix has recently been found dead?

a. Hestia Jones
b. Elphais Doge
c. Emmeline Vance
d. Dedalus Diggle


2. What animal does Bellatrix Lestrange kill when she and her sister, Narcissa, are going to see Professor Snape?

a. Owl
b. Fox
c. Rabbit
d. Cat


3. What time does Professor Dumbledore collect Harry from Privet Drive?

a. Midnight
b. 11 p.m.
c. Noon
d. 11 a.m.


4. What did Professor Slughorn transform into when he was trying to hide from Harry and Professor Dumbledore?

a. An armchair
b. A bed
c. A table
d. A wardrobe


5. What grade did Harry get for Herbology?

a. E – Exceeds Expectation
b. P – Poor
c. O – Outstanding
d. A – Acceptable


6. Herbert Chorley, the Prime Minister’s Junior Minster, has been entertaining the public by impersonating which animal?

a. A hen
b. A duck
c. A lion
d. A squirrel


7. What is Professor Sprout’s first name?

a. Pimmy
b. Pomony
c. Pommy
d. Pomona


8. What is Dumbledore’s idea of ‘a few words’?

a. nitwit, odder, blubber rand tweak
b. nitwit, odder, bubblegum and tweak
c. nitwit, oddment, bubblegum and tweak
d. nitwit, oddment, blubber and tweak


9. Who is Marcus Belby’s famous uncle?

a. Bertie
b. Damocles
c. Tiberius
d. Savage


10. What is Snape’s mother’s name?

a. Helana Prince
b. Eileen Prince
c. Lily Prince
d. Elizabeth Prince


Narcissa Malfoy:



Severus Snape:

Bellatrix Lestrange:

Pomona Sprout:

Albus Dumbledore:

A couple of quizzes for fun...

What Patronus Charm would you create?

Sea Otter You would create an Otter Patronus just like Hermione. Your personality must be intelligent, determined, thoughtful, and graceful.

How do you compare? Take this test! Tests from Testriffic

How Randomly Cute Is Your Personality?

Odd Cute Your just a bit odd, but its still cute. I would totally give you a hug.. but I don't trust strangers.

How do you compare? Take this test! Tests from Testriffic

are you obsessed with harry potter?

obsessed you my friend are super obsessed w/ harry potter. if you wanted to you probably write out the books word for word without looking.

How do you compare? Take this test! Tests from Testriffic

What Harry Potter school do you go to??

Beauxbatons You are a snobby Beauxbaton.You live in France.No one actually knows where your school is located,but they do know that you are a very talented witches and wizards and will succeed in whatever you do.

How do you compare? Take this test! Tests from Testriffic