Saturday, August 2, 2008

What was lost is now found!

After weeks and weeks of flying in circles, Wisteria's owl finally arrived at my parents house in Alabama. Lucky for the owl I was in Alabama for the week-end to pack up the rest of my things and I was able to enjoy my fantastic package!

I have no idea where my camera is...it could be in one of three cities that I currently "reside" in, so when I can, I will post pictures.

I got a beautiful felted bag - I'm in awe of how difficult the pattern looks - I'm excited to use it and maybe get inspired to try one myself. It's the perfect size to hold all my knitting needs - and look great in public!

I got a copy of the Harry Potter Magical Knits - I've been eyeing it , and my husband was really excited - his next project will be the wand holder, followed quickly by the wizarding cap!

I got the most beautiful sock yarn - yummy shades of yellow and grey - I can hardly wait to see how great it knits up! I got a set of double pointed needles and addi turbo circulars - my favorite kind of circulars!

To aid my tea obsession, I was given the yummiest blend of Peach and Blueberry Rooibos - it is amazing iced...and Azteca Fire, which I have been hearing much about and can't wait to try! They both came in the most beautiful tin from Teavana in my favorite shade of purple! I also happily saw the package of tea filters - which will come in VERY handy in my month long stay in a hotel - so much easier to enjoy my tea!

I got a beautiful set of stitch markers - an adorable bumble bee tape measure (I'm going to have to fight my husband over this!) a cute fizzing wizebee tin with Dinosuar eggs (which are quite yummy) and two fun test tube potions!

THANK YOU FOR EVERYTHING!!!! I'm so sorry your owl had to circle for almost a month before being able to land - but everything is great!

Thursday, July 17, 2008

Quidditch Round 3

1. When Hagrid returns to Hogwarts after being sent to see the giants with Madame Maxime, Professor Umbridge questions him on his late return to school. She suspects that Hagrid had been to the mountains, but where does he tell her he has been?
d. South of France

2. Professor Umbridge comes to Hagrid's Hut and searches his cabin one evening (as she believes Harry, Ron and Hermione are there visiting him at night when they are not supposed to). When she walks past the place where Harry, Ron and Hermione are hiding under the Invisibility Cloak, Harry holds his breath. True or false?
b. False

3. A stately-looking witch in an emerald green shawl is one of the members of the Advance Guard who rescues Harry from Privet Drive. What is her name?
a. Emmeline Vance

4. What is the name of the witch who was killed two weeks after the photo of the original Order of the Phoenix was taken?
b. Marlene McKinnon

5. Which two fifth year Ravenclaw students does Dumbledore choose to be prefects?
d. Anthony Goldstein and Padma Patil

6. Which house was Rose Zeller sorted into?
d. Hufflepuff

7. What is the color of Murtlap's essence?
c. Yellow

8. Name the Ravenclaw girl who became prefect in Harry's fifth year.
b. Padma Patil

9. According to a healer's portrait at St. Mungo's hospital, which disease was Ron suffering from?
d. Spattergroit

10. Which book did Harry give Hermione for Christmas?
a. "New Theory of Numberology"

Picture Scavenger Hunt
Padma Patil
Hannah Abott

Percy
Dumbledore's Army

Cedric Diggory


Extra 5 pts - What movie will Robert Patterson star in this December - Twilight

Wednesday, July 9, 2008

Hufflepuff Quiz #5

1) What is a Chimaera?
A vicious. bloodthirsty creature with a lion's head, a goat's body and a dragon's tail. Chimaera's eggs are classified as Class-A Non-Tradable Goods.
2) Name 3 of the 4 breeds of Winged Horses.
Thestrals, Abraxen, Granien, Aethonan
3) What are Yeti afraid of?
they fear fire
4) How does a wizard rid a farm of a Nogtail?
Must be chased off the farm by a pure white dog
5) Why are Fwoopers sold with a silencing charm?
Because the Fwooper's song will drive the listener insane
6) Where are Erklings found?
It is native to Germany
7) Name the only spell known to repel a Lethifold.(Bonus if you can name the wizard who survived a Lethifold attack)
The Patronus Charm

Sunday, June 29, 2008

Hufflepuff Quiz #5

I am horrible at these types of puzzles!!! I'll do my best to decode and answer by Tuesday - I'll take any hints my housemates wish to offer!

'PSX JBST TRHF?' YSB WXYWXYZE, CSSJDBV SGZY HF FRZ QHY TDFR ZBFRXIDHIW. 'TZ MSXCE SYEZY HBPFRDBV TZ CDJZE DB RZYZ. D QZF FRHF QCSJZ TSXCE IZCC XI HBPFRDBV, RZ TSXCEB'F MHYZ. D'GZ HCTHPI THBFZE FS FYP KDYZTRDIJP -'

and with a little help, I came up with...

'YOU KNOW WHAT?' RON MURMURED, LOOKING OVER AT THE BAR WITH ENTHUSIASM. 'WE COULD ORDER ANYTHING WE LIKED IN HERE. I BET THAT BLOKE WOULD SELL US ANYTHING, HE WOULDN'T CARE. I'VE ALWAYS WANTED TO TRY FIREWHISKY '

Checking In

I was feeling a little homesick, so I was able to leave Hogwarts this past weekend to visit with my family. Sometimes it feels like the trip just takes forever, but it was such a great visit, it was worth the traveling.

Happy to report that my loving husband is doing well off by himself and he is so happy to have out little dog with him. Sergei stayed with me for the first two weeks, and then went to visit Mark and he will stay with him in the cabin the rest of the summer. He is thoroughly enjoying chasing the geese and squirrels, they have white squirrels there which are protected by state law, but Sergei still enjoys giving a good chase. His doggies friends Izzy and Gertie are back for the summer as well, and now that all 3 have had their summer haircuts, there is much fun to be had outside. Excitement of the weekend was a masterclass with Yo Yo Ma, arguably the world's best cellist and possibly musician, followed by an amazing concert featuring Yo Yo playing the Dvorak cello concerto. Fantastic weekend, but now back to studying and catching up on Hogwarts news and projects.

Thursday, June 19, 2008

Quidditch Round 2

1. At the beginning of the year feast, who is the only person who rudely interrupts Dumbledore during his speech?
b. Professor Umbridge

2. Off what street is the alley where Harry first met Sirius?
c. Magnolia Crescent

3. Tonks’ mother had two sisters, both pure-bloods, and both left on the Black Family Tree. What are their names?
c. Narcissa and Bellatrix

4. What spell are the students studying in McGonalgall’s class when Umbrdige is doing her inspection?
d. The Vanishing Spell

5. Who comes to warn Harry and the rest of Dumbledore’s Army that Umbridge and her group of followers are coming to break up their meeting?
Answer: Dobby (five letters)

6. Who are the members of the Order that met Harry Potter in the Dursely’s house during the summer before his fifth year?
c. Alastor Moody, Nymphadora Tonks, Kingsley Shacklebolt, Elphias Doge, Dedalus Diggle, Remus Lupin, Emmeline Vance, Sturgis Podmore, Hestia Jones

7. Moody used the Disillusionment Charm on Harry.
a. Yes

8. Which of these Death Eaters is Sirius related to?
d. All of these

9. At what age did Sirius leave his home?
Answer: 16

10. How many of the original Order members were killed (don’t include those who disappeared)?
b. 8





Wednesday, June 11, 2008

Curious Meme

I was tagged by Catriona Lestrange for this meme, so here goes!

1. What was I doing 10 years ago?
That would be the summer of 1998...I attended the International Tuba-Euphonium Conference in Minneapolis, decided to transfer schools, made several life-long friends, and realized that with help I could puruse this crazy dream of being a professional tuba player.

2. What are 5 things on my to-do list today?
Do laundry
Go to work
Call my sister
Call my husband
Look for jobs

3. Snacks I enjoy...
Parmesan Goldfish crackers
M&M's (the chocolate cherry ones are amazing)
Bit O'Honey
COOKIES!!!

4. Things I would do if I were a billionaire...
Pay off all my student loan debt
Pay off all my sister's student loan debt
Buy a new car for my husband and me
Travel - spend a LARGE portion of my money doing this
Buy homes for my whole family within a one-hour drive of each other
Pay off my closest friends student loan debt
Invest
Donate to St. Jude/Susan G. Komen/Human Society

5. Places I've lived..
Louisville, KY
Lafayette, IN
Decatur, IL
Newark, DE
Omaha, NE
Greencastle, IN
Vincennes, IN
Highland, IN
Cedar Falls, IA
Spring Hill, TN
Tallahassee, FL
Pine Bluff, AR
Tucson, AZ
Tempe, AZ
Oxford, AL
Athens, GA
Macon, GA
Brevard, NC
(umm, we move a lot???)

6. Jobs I've had...
Grocery Store Cashier/Bagger
Parking Guard for a Performing Arts Center
Short order cook at the K-Cafe (K-Mart)
Youth Minister
Adjunt Professor of tuba and euphonium
Graduate Assistant
Assistant Dean of Students
I sold Stryker Tanks to the Government
Footwear Manager
Video Store Assistant Manager/Shift Leader/Customer Servivce Rep
Principal Tuba Player in orchestras and brass quintets

7. Peeps I want to know more about...

Penelope of Flitwick
Antonio dela Weasley
Eleanor Wigworthy
LunaLuna
Perenelle Ballycastle

Wednesday, June 4, 2008

My Patronus



Your Patronus is the Cougar! The cougar is a symbol of power, swiftness and balance. He is one of the most beautiful creatures in North America and will protect you with his powerful claws. Congratulations!
That your Patronus is a cougar says that you are a quick thinker who leads a very balanced life. This quick thinking and balance cause you to often be chosen as a leader. Be careful not to let that power go to your head and you will be an excellent witch or wizard!

Thursday, May 29, 2008

Quidditch Round 1

1. Which of Arabella Figg's cats ran out from under the car?
a. Tibbles

2. Which of the following is NOT one of Albus Dumbledore's middle names
a. Ignatius

3. Which educational decree introduced a High Inquisitor to Hogwarts?
d. 23

4. Apart from Harry, Ron and Hermione, who was the first person to enter the Hog's Head that showed an interest in Harry's Defence Against the Dark Arts classes?
Neville Longbottom

5. In the first Quidditch match of the year which player attempted to score first
a. Angelina Johnson

6. What kind of bush does Harry hide behind to listen to the news?
b. A hydrangea bush

7. Why is Mundungus Fletcher disguised as a woman when he witnesses the DA (Dumbledore's Army) meeting in the Hog's Head pub?
b. He was banned from the Hog’s Head pub 20 years ago.

8. When Harry and Cho go on their first date to Madam Puddifoot's in Hogsmeade, what is it decorated with for Valentine's Day?
c. Golden cherubs and pink confetti

9. How old is Sturgis Podmore and where does he live?
a. 38 and number 2 Laburnum Gardens Clapham

10. What did Fred and George Weasley do to Montague?
a. Forced him head-first into a Vanishing Cabinet on the first floor.


Picture Scavenger Hunt

Fred and George Weasley (Together)
Hog’s Head Pub

Sirius Black

Mr. Weasley & Harry (Together)
Draco Malfoy

Monday, May 19, 2008

Quiz No. 2

Potions Ingredients

1. colimamhe - chamomile

2. hianeaecc - echinacea

3. lgveoa - lovage

4. nsaie - anise

5. itlhhawcez - witch hazel

6. ladeevrn - lavender

7. oynranlype - pennyroyal

8. iwelnrepki - periwinkle

9. aavvakka - kava kava

10. waoalhmlsrm - marsh mallow

11. gseginn - ginseng

12. uwgtrmo - mugwort

13. What is your favorite thing to do besides knit and crochet?
dear

14. Do you collect anything? (yes and no are invalid answers)
eat

15. What is your favorite flower?
yalallicl (2 words)

First Week Reflections

Wow has this first week flown by! I have so many classes...I'm hoping I'll get the hang of things soon! I got an owl from my mum this week and thought I might have to leave Hogwarts. One of my family members passed away, and I thougth maybe I should leave and go home for the rest of the term. After many owls from family and friends, I've decided to stay here and make the best of my first year at Hogwarts. I think Cathe would be very happy that I'm doing this, so I'll do it for her.

Well, back to studying I go.

Wednesday, May 14, 2008

Quiz #1

1. Is from a muggle family and the first to attend Hogwarts?
-Penelope Willow

2. When knitting socks you use dpn's, 2 circ, 1 circ 1 sock, 1 circ 2 socks?
-One circular needle for one sock

3. Their owls name is Owlbert?
-Eleanor Wigworthy

4. Beat Agatey Mirrofold in a contest?
-Lily Clearwater

5. Your favorite non 'puff color?
-purples, with pink a VERY close second!

6. They learned to knit for a school play?
???

7. They got engaged last week?
-Selena Starfire

8. One sentence/statement you would use to describe your stash?
-My stash is a rainbow of fun!

9. Their best class is Divination?
-Daisy Chang

10. Last term everyone thought you were your sibling?
-Antonio dela Weasley

11. When not going to Hogwarts your favorite thing to do is?
-Curl up with a good book and a great cuppa tea.

12. You have read the books, watched the movie or both?
-I have read the books multiple times and watched the movies way too many times as well!

13. Your family includes?
-A loving husband, and one adorable doggie.

14. They have frogs in their room?
-Clidonia Acromantula

15. Has a dog named Kluane?
-Ursala Longbottom

16. My favorite thing to knit is.
-Socks are fun, but washclothes are so much faster and easier!

My favorite character is:

Hermione...mostly because I unfortunately seem to possibly share some character traits with her - not ones that I see, well, maybe a hint, but after the first movie was released, well, I, umm, well, some friends thought it was funny to call me Hermione...especially when I was getting upset in class. Really, grad school is serious, and there just isn't time to goof off, we should be studying!

Monday, May 12, 2008

I'm a Hufflepuff!

Things have been very crazy during the last week, but I'm happy to say I'm a Hufflepuff - and I love Hogwarts! It is looking to be a fantastic year - I'm so happy that I'm finally here! I'll share more later, once I've had a little time to adjust to all the changes!

Saturday, May 3, 2008

The Best Owl EVER!

I got it!!! My letter came by owl post this morning - I'm going to Hogwarts!!! I'm hoping I get sorted into the same house as my sister - she said the sorting ceremony is really special, so I'm a little nervous. We leave tomorrow, so I'll know soon!

Thursday, May 1, 2008

Hoping for a letter...

My name is Violet Le Veela, and I am hoping I will get the same letter my sister received two summers ago. She is a witch, and studies at the magnificent Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. I love helping her get her trunk on the train each fall, and I keep hoping I might get a letter and get the chance to go to Hogwarts, too.

Life at home without my sister just isn't as fun, and I would love to be in her house at Hogwarts. I've been told letters are being sent by owl post and I am anxiously awaiting an owl...I'll be sure to let you know if I get one!