Last Quidditch Round

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

b. Cecilia


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

c. Wrackspurt


3. How much do the primary Apparition lessons cost?

d. 12 galleons

4. What is Professor Merrythought's first name?

b. Galatea


5. What Hogwarts club was Eileen Prince captain of?

b. Gobstones Club


6. Who is head of the Goblin Liaison office?

b. Dirk Cresswell


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


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

b. 70


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

d. The Most Extraordinary Society of Potioneers

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

d. The antidote for a blended poison will be equal to more than the sum of the antidotes for each of the separtea components

An Owl Has Arrived!

And it was carrying my swap package.

What an awesome package! Thank you Emerald for the hand-dyed Gryffindor color sock yarn. I love it!!

I received a very nice bag in house colors. I needed a knitting bag to take with me to knit-ins and this is going to be it. It's perfect for the job.

I also received some Hiya Hiya needles. I've been wanting to try those. Lots of great Halloween goodies that are now in new home on shelves. Some wonderful crocheted candy corn. I love candy corn and was excited to see those in there.

There was plenty of candy (including candy corn!). Some great Vanna yarn in house colors. Lovely stitch markers. Just a totally great package!








Thank you so much Emerald!

Gryffindor Quiz #4

1. Name your favorite magical creature, and describe why it is your favorite.

I love unicorns. I don't think they're anywhere in the HP books, but they are my favorite magical creatures. After that, centaurs. Perhaps I should mention that I also love horses. I'm fairly certain that my love of horses has a lot to do with my favorite magical creatures. I like the Pegasus too, but you just don't see them around as much in fantasy books. Unicorns and centaurs pop up a lot more.

2. Tell us your favorite charm, spell or curse, and explain why you like it.

All right. It's 7 am and I haven't had any caffeine yet. I can't think of any charms, spells or curses that I totally love. I love Transfiguration because I think it would be very cool to be able to transform yourself into something else.



3. Describe your favorite holiday family tradition - which holiday and what makes it special.

Halloween is currently my favorite holiday. Mainly because I like all the dark, spooky stuff. We don't have any traditions surrounding it though.

4. Name your favorite fiber-based (knitted, crocheted, or spun) finished object.

Hmm... I honestly don't think I could have just one as a favorite. I love all my FO's. I have some spun yarn that I am pretty proud of and love. Especially my spindle spun stuff. I also have a very pretty crocheted shawl that I love.

Happy Halloween!

We went to a Halloween party last night. After the party we came home and pretty much went to bed, so I didn't get my blog post up. The party was a lot of fun. Ethan had a really good time. He ate a few cookies, appeared to get a sugar high, was running around like a maniac and then tripped and fell. He was done after that. He was ok, just the sugar and being past his bedtime...

Today I'm going to our Jax Ravelers get together. It should be a good time with good food too. It's also a destash, so I gathered a few items that I don't think I'll be using.

I am almost done with my 1st pair of socks. I think I have about another half inch or so before starting the toe decreases. I'm pretty excited about it! I would have been done with them, but last weekend I started another pair. I am to the heel turn on that pair. I had to stop because the needles were too slippery and kept dropping out. I ordered another set from Knitpicks (in Harmony) and am just waiting for them to arrive. I stared my 3rd pair yesterday with my "Thriller" yarn from the Halloween Sock Kit Swap. I'm using the pattern that came with my kit too. I think they're going to be very cool socks. My other 2 socks, I am using the book Sensational Knitted Socks.

I don't know why the sock bug has suddenly hit me. It all started when I went to see the Yarn Harlot. I bought a skein of Lorna's Laces Bee Stripe sock yarn. I wanted something mindless I could do while listening to the Yarn Harlot and my Pinwheel hat wasn't going to cut it. So, I bought one skein thinking I'd try some ankle socks. Then I just kept going and had to go back and buy another skein. And I've been destashing a lot of my sewing stuff and some yarn and have been building up my sock yarn stash. Even though my stash pales in comparison to many others, I am quite happy with it. :)

I do still need to finish my Pinwheel hat. It's going to be very cool. I also need to get the Mini Boob Holder done for my sister. I also have to get started on a pair of longies for a trade. And I need to find someone to sew for me.

My swap package is coming along nicely. When I ordered my needles, I picked up a couple of other items for my spoilee. With that, the package will be just about finished. I just need to finish my 2nd handmade item (which has been sorely neglected with all the sock love going around) and my package will be in the mail next week. I have to check on the early shipping date again.

I think that's it for now.

Gryffindor House Quiz 3

"Dumbledore said people find it far easier to forgive others for being wrong than being right."

Hermione Granger

Bonus 1: Who became scarred and developed a taste for raw meat in Chapter 29 of HBP? Bill Weasley
Bonus 2: Who developed an antidote for a birthday present in Chapter 18 of HBP? Horace Slughorn

Quidditch Round Two

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


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


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

b. Gwenog Jones


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

c. 5


5. What is Professor Sughorn’s favorite candy?

d. Crystallized Pineapple

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

c. Hippogriff


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

b. Magenta


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

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

c. 16 Galleons


10. What are Professor Slughorn’s initials?

b. H.E.F.

2nd Gryffindor Quiz

1. At what are Hogwarts students allowed to swear loudly if Venomous Tentaculae attempts to strangle them?

2. An animal form protector charm is a Patronus.

3. Who is the potions master in HBP? Horace Slughorn

4. What is Aragog? A Acromantula

5. Who is imperiused and cursed by a necklace in HBP? Katie Bell

6. What does Harry destroy in HBP? Horcruxes

7. Draught of living death is comprised of ? (list the four components) Wormwood, Asphodel, Sopohorus, & Valerian.

8. What potion can reverse the draught of living death? Wiggenweld Potion

Bonus: Who is R. A. B.? Regulus Arcturus Black

Yay, it's Friday!

Wow, it's been quite a week! Ryan has been working late every night this week, coming home after 9 or 10 pm. He goes to work at 7:30. Last night was the worst, he didn't get home until after 3 am. We were up again at 6:30 to get ready for work. I snuck in an hour nap today, but we are still beat.

E's been fussy, not just because he's off schedule with Ryan working late, but also because we took the pacifier away this week. I think it was Tuesday we threw it away. Each day has been better, but he still does ask for it.

E turned 3 today!! Gosh, it's gone by fast. He's still such a little guy, but not as little as he used to be. He had a really good day. I took him to Chick-Fil-A for breakfast. Our next door neighbors actually made his day. They are having a yard sale today and tomorrow. We walked over after getting home this morning. Our neighbor gave E her birthday balloon she had received the evening before. He loved it. He was also given a small vintage fire truck they were selling. Well, that alone made his day. He spent the rest of the day playing with the balloon and the fire truck. He even took his nap with the balloon. I went in to check on him and he was sleeping holding onto the balloon. I moved it to the end of the bed, went in to check on him again in like an hour or so and he was holding it again! lol This evening we were almost done eating dinner and our neighbor came over with a wrapped present for E. He was so excited. So we gave him his birthday cupcake with a 3 candle, sung him a birthday song and let him open the gift. He got a truck and trailer ensemble, which he loves. We didn't even buy him any gifts, because he just has so many toys already. His great grandma did send him some cash that we used to buy him a couple of new trains earlier in the week (to help ease the pacifier loss). So, our neighbors rocked his socks. :)

This week I finished off my Moebius Cowl. I started the Pinwheel Hat yesterday. It has cables. I am doing cables and am very proud of it! It looks so cool. Why was I scared of cables for so long? I also crocheted one of the Punk Wrist Warmers fingerless gloves.

Spinning wise, I finished 2 projects. Got a bit further along on the 3rd and started another one. I am definitely happy just having spindles.

I tried to get some sewing done this week as well. I've decided that sewing is not my #1 hobby. I was doing a simple project and it was still so frustrating! I've decided to sell my Brother sewing machine and my Juki serger and put that money towards servicing my vintage table machine. I'll use that machine for any sewing that I want to do. I've had the machine for probably a year now and haven't used it. It's a very nice vintage machine with a Brother motor. I think it's from the 50's.

Well, I think that is all for this week. Oh, Grandma Grubblyplank has decided to start a new Hogwarts swap. It's a little bit of everything and looks to be much fun. It won't be starting until January. I think it's going to be a great swap.

I'll be getting my Halloween Sock Kit Swap package out on Monday. I have a couple of more goodies to pick up this weekend and a little something I want to make too.

I think I'll be able to get out my HSKS6 package within the next 2 weeks. I wanted to have it out on the 15th, but I'm not sure if I'll be done with my 2nd handmade item. I have a couple more little things to pick up as well.

We'll be going to the swap meet tomorrow. Yay! I love the swap meet. I think we'll also be going to Joann's. I have 2 50% off coupons and 1 40% off. I'm going to get some refills for my B Stylin button machine. I also want to see if they have Cotton Ease in black. I'm going to make my sister a Mini Boob Holder for Christmas and she wants black. I may also check out the Paton's SWS.... :) We may also have a trip to AC Moore to see if I can find adhesive magnets for the backs of my buttons. I discovered that it's easy to take the pin part out. It would be fun to make magnets for E.

Ok, that's really it for now. :)

1st Gryffindor Quiz

What yarn shop did Henry Longstaff shop at for yarn? Mrs. Mac's
Who is the HSKS6 SPEW coordinator? Cliodnia Acromantula
Which Gryff student just returned from London? Lady Ferula the Forgetful
Which Gryffindor has cats named after the muggle rock band, The Ramones? Dagmara Grindelwald
What is your favorite childhood television program (Magic or Muggle)? Scooby Doo
What is your favorite adult television program (Magic or Muggle)? The Closer and Law & Order
Which travel destination did you last visit? St. Augustine, FL
What was your last finished object (FO)? Fingerless gloves for Ethan
How many project(s) planned for holiday gifts? How many do you expect to actually finish and give? I have 2 planned holiday gifts. One for my mom and one for my sister. Hopefully both!
Who is the mother of Half Blood Prince? Eileen Prince
Which Weasley became engaged in Book 6 (Half Blood Prince)? Bill
What is the result of a Sectumsempra curse? It causes cuts to appear and extreme bleeding. Harry used it on Draco. Who can blame him? Though I doubt he would have used it if he knew what it did.
Who used a Bezoar to reverse poisoning? Harry used one to save Ron's life.

What a Week!

It's been a busy week for this Gryffindor girl! Nothing specific really. Just a lot of running around and Ethan being almost 3. Next Friday is his birthday!

I did a fair amount of housework (for me anyways!) this week. I worked on my Moebius cowl and something else I'm doing for my spoilee.

This evening I was cutting fabric. Enough for 15 fleece soakers. It took me about an hour and a half or so. I want to try to get them sewn up this weekend.

Also this weekend, I'm hoping to get 3 hats crocheted and a couple of other little crocheted items done. I think this is going to be a crafty weekend.

It's after 11 already. I'll be back tomorrow to do the quiz.

Oh! I also got a B Stylin button machine this week. It really is a lot of fun! I've made 7 buttons so far and they have all turned out great. The buttons are 1". I don't particularly care for the pins on the back, but otherwise, they're great!

I told Ryan about possibly buying a regular button machine in a couple of months or so. He kind of made fun of me, but said that was fine. Then later in the evening he asked if I could make a button for him! Really! I'd really like to make magnets and have been pricing machines and magnet parts. I like the 1" buttons. So, we'll see how I feel about buttons come tax time.

I am pretty well decided that I will not purchase another wheel. That was what I had planned on doing around tax time. Honestly though, I am perfectly happy with the spinning I've been doing on my spindles. I have been doing so much more knitting and crocheting since I sold my wheel. I've really been enjoying it. I'll have pictures tomorrow. The production is much slower on a spindle, but that is ok. I still have a good amount of yarn sitting here from when I had a wheel. Slower production is a ok. I am on the waiting list for a Bosworth Moosie and I think that may complete my collection for the time being. I've thinned out my stash a bit and sold/gifted 3 of my spindles. Currently I am spinning on my Bosworth and 2 of my Butterflygirldesigns spindles. Yes, I have 3 spinning projects going on. :) Oh, and I'd also like to get another Ashford niddy noddy. If I'm doing singles, which is what I'm usually doing, I like to wind my yarn off on my niddy noddy and keep adding to it as I go. When one project lasts for weeks, this ties up the niddy noddy. :)

So, tomorrow I'll post pics of a lot of my FO's. Some are from months ago, but some are from the past 6 weeks or so. I took most of the pics this evening. I'll be posting them on Ravelry too.

I think that's going to be it for tonight. I'm going to go get a couple of games of Scramble in on Facebook. Good night!

Quidditch Round 1

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?

c. Emmeline Vance


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

b. Fox


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

b. 11 p.m.


4. What did Professor Sluhorn transform into when he was trying to hide from Harry and Professor Dumbledore?
a. An armchair


5. What grade did Harry get for Herbology?
a. E – Exceeds Expectation


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

b. A duck


7. What is Professor Sprout’s first name?

d. Pomona

8. What is Dumbledore’s idea of ‘a few words’?
a. nitwit, odder, blubber rand tweak


9. Who is Marcus Belby’s famous uncle?

c. Tiberius


10. What is Snape’s mother’s name?

b. Eileen Prince


Pictures
Post pictures to your blogs or link to the pictures from your blog post.



Narcissa

Snape

Bellatrix

Professor Sprout

Professor Dumbledore

Picture Pages, Picture Pages...

Time to get your Picture Pages, time to get your crayons and your pencils...

Oh, this isn't picture pages, it's Picture Day. Sorry, I had a slip back to the late 70's/early 80's. I just Googled Picture Pages. It was on Captain Kangaroo in the late 70's, with Captain Kangaroo doing it. I don't remember that, I remember Bill Cosby doing the PP. He started doing them in 1980.

Anyways, here's my picture:



This is in St Augustine inside Flagler College. My sister and I went on a tour. The chair I am sitting in is an original, as old as the building. St Augustine is a wonderful place, full of history. I love it because it's Florida history. And a lot of it is based around Henry Flagler. Growing up in West Palm Beach, we have some Henry Flagler history there too. Very interesting.

So, I don't have any interesting Hogwarts story to go along with my picture. And I've noticed that the picture that I use on Ravelry also has the orange Sightseeing Train sticker on it. Hey, I live in Jacksonville, very close to St Augustine. I love to visit St Augustine. :)

A Knitting Marathon...

For me anyways! That's what I've been doing and I completed my hand made item. I am quite happy with it and hope my spoilee is too. I've also already ordered other parts of my kit. I'm having quite a good time with it. :)

Finally went to the gym yesterday after a 2 week hiatus. I had a session with my trainer. Today I have been sore, but in a good way. It was nice to get moving again.

I've been taking Ethan to the park this week. He loves it! We bring his tricycle and he has a great time. I've decided my gym schedule is going to be Tues (Pilates), Wed (cardio and strength) and Fri (cardio and strength). So, I can take Ethan to the park Mon and Thur mornings. He loves going to the Playcenter at the gym too.

I can't believe Ethan will be 3 on October 10th! I'm going to make cupcakes for his birthday, from Vegan Cupcakes Take Over the World.

Tomorrow I really need to bake some bread. I also need to wash diapers and finish up some other laundry. Dueling starts tomorrow too. I need to get my yarn and hook ready.

I must say, I really enjoyed knitting up my handmade item. The pattern was fairly simple to follow and the yarn was a joy. I am also somewhat proud of myself, as it's something different than the stuff I'm used to knitting.

And I found something else I'd like to knit tonight. A Hogwarts scarf, in Gryffindor colors, of course! I'd really like a nice, long scarf. The pattern calls for 4 balls of yarn, 2 of each color. I found some online for $5/each, so I just have to wait until we have a little extra $$.

So, I guess that's all that's been going on this week. I really need to get to sewing some stuff, but I've been all about knitting, crocheting and spinning lately. Especially knitting and crocheting, since I sold my wheel.

A Plethora of Quizzes

I decided it was time to finally get my wand posted. :)

Wood type: birch Length: 11 inches Core: Gryffon Feather get your own wand!

And to post my Patronus charm....

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

My HP Husband....

Your result for The Harry Potter Husband Test...

Mrs. Bill Weasley

Your perfect HP man is Bill Weasley.

You like guys who are cool. And not cool in that fake, dicky way, but actually cool. He's so cool that they couldn't find any actor to adequately portray him, so they decided to just leave him out of the movies rather than risk not doing justice to his coolness. He's like the Chuck Norris of Harry Potter: plain freaking awesome. When Voldemort says "You-Know-Who", he's talking about Bill Weasley.

(Fanarty by The Starhorse http://the-starhorse.deviantart.com/ Used with permission.)

Take The Harry Potter Husband Test at HelloQuizzy

Questionnaire

Potter Name: Morgana Black

Rav ID: cathiasplace

I am allergic to: Nothing

Pets that I have: Arty the Wonder Dog

My favorite yarn: Hmm... I really love Peace Fleece and Malabrigo. Really, any type of non-synthetic yarn is yummy!

If you are a Ravenclaw, do you prefer the film colors or the book colors? N/A

My favorite flavor: Chocolate and candy corn.

My favorite holiday: Halloween, Thanksgiving or Christmas: Gosh... I really like Christmas, but I'm going to have to go with Halloween.

I would like to receive a: (Sock kit, scarf kit or yarn dyeing kit) If I had to pick, a sock or scarf kit. A surprise is good though. :)

List your favorite brand of needles or hooks, including size and length: I really like Addi's and Knit Picks Harmony. Size 2 is needed. DPN's or long circ.

Is there a brand that you are dying to try?: Nope.

I've participated in HSKS: (How many times have you participated in HSKS swaps?) This is my 3rd term.

Do you have a birthday during this swap? If so which day? Nope.

New Term!

It's time for a new term. This will be my 3rd term here at Hogwarts. I am very fortunate to be able to return this term.

This swap is so much fun, I am glad I am able to participate again.

Roar Roar Gryffindor!!!!

Just under the wire

Wow, I'm barely making this post on time this week. Things have been hectic here with the move. We also ended up having car troubles this week and our account has gone into the negative. It's not been a fun week on the financial front. I'm selling my spinning wheel to help us out. And I'm already dreaming of what I'll get when tax time rolls around. :)

Otherwise, things have actually been fun around here. My sister is visiting. She is a champion packer and is being a huge help, even fixing dinner. Plus we're having fun playing board games in the evening. Ethan loves her and she's great with him.

We're almost done with packing and moving. I think we'll get all the smaller stuff done tomorrow. Monday we'll have the truck for all the furniture and will be spending Monday night at the new place. Tuesday will be cleaning. Fun fun.

Anyways, that's what has been going on around here, been a busy week!

Quidditch Round 3

Quidditch ~ Round Three

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?

d. "Moste Potente Potions"

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

An Owl Arrived Today!

And he had a lovely package with him! Ophelia Crookshanks went above and beyond on her kit. I love love love the messenger bag. It fits perfectly, is roomy enough for E's diapers etc., and is just lovely! Here are the pictures!












As you can see, it's a totally awesome package! Thank you, Ophelia! You did a great job and I love everything!

Time if flying...

I can't believe it's been a week since my last post. I almost forgot again this week. Just been busy here. Getting ready for the move, visiting the gym more often and taking care of Ethan, it's just busy a lot. We've been eating out quite a bit the last week or so, though I am still eating veggie (mostly vegan) and watching what I'm eating out. I went to a Stretch and Balance class at the gym yesterday, it's pretty much like yoga. It's an awesome class and I'll be going again. Tomorrow I'm going to try a spinning class. It looks like fun.

My handmade item is coming along. Didn't get it done in time for the June 2nd cut off, but that's ok. I'm really excited to see how it finishes up. Should be nice! :)

Well, not too much else going on now.

Hello!!

This is going to be short and sweet. It's just been a busy week. And I don't see an end anytime soon. Too much to do, not enough time. I'll try to get on and do a longer update either later today or tomorrow. I just wanted to get a post up. :)

Quidditch!

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__________ (Number)

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

b. 8

Picture Scavenger

Post these pictures to your blog. They must either be posted or linked to from your blog in order to receive points.

Kingsley Shacklebolt

Bellatrix Lestrange

Nymphadora Tonks

Remus Lupin

What was I thinking?

So, 3 days ago I decided that since I have been eating healthy and exercising that I should eliminate soda from my diet as well. Yes, I thought, giving up caffeine would give me a headache for a day, big deal. Ha! Not just headaches, but I was completely lethargic. No energy, no motivation, nothing. I just wanted to sleep and I felt like crapola. After 2 days of that, I decided now was not the time to break the habit. I've got too much on my plate to be lying around and sleeping as much as possible. This morning after dropping Ryan off at work, E and I went to do a spot of grocery shopping and I have a sweet Pepsi. :) Oh yes, it's been a much better day!

That being said, I'm pretty proud of myself exercise and eating wise. I've been preparing our meals at home almost every night. We've eaten out once last week and once this. For us, that is a small amount. Every other night I've been cooking. I've been making vegetarian meals that are just wonderful! I'm actually using my vegan cookbooks (Vegan with a Vengeance is awesome!), but I still have butter and milk here, so I've been using that as needed. Anyways, it's been a lot of beans and veggies and whole grains. I've also been making Ryan's lunch everyday. I usually try to take a day or two off each week from this and he eats at Subway. For the past 2 weeks, today is the first day he's eaten at Subway. And that is only because I was feeling so crappy and we had to leave extra early this morning. So, I have actually lost a bit of weight without really trying and I am feeling good! Except for those 2 caffeine free days. :)

This weekend I am for sure starting on my handmade item for the swap. I have the fabric and am ready to go! I am also planning on dyeing the yarn this weekend. I'd like to have my package in the mail within the next 10 days. I need to start packing here and time seems to just fly sometimes.

I am also finishing up some knitting for a swap and still have those 2 diapers to finish. They are pinned at least. I did finish all my stuff I am listing for sale, so that is good.

Oh, we signed the lease for our new house. Hooray! It's a bit closer to base and it has a huge yard! I can't wait to not have to walk the dog anymore. :) Plus, both Arty and Ethan will love having the yard to run around in. The house itself is a bit smaller than our apartment, but it's nice. It's the bedrooms that are significantly smaller. But the neighborhood is very nice and the rent is less then we're paying here. We're going to be downsizing as we're packing, which is a good thing. We're overlapping 2 weeks so we'll be able to leisurely move our stuff and only have to use a moving truck for our larger items.

All right, I think I'm going to reformat this computer. It's acting a bit weird and I'm thinking I may have a virus though Norton says no.

Really

You'd think amid reminding everyone to post in their blogs, I would remember to post in mine! But I almost forgot. We put up a new house quiz this week. It seems to have gone over well and I'm pretty happy about that.

I got a lot accomplished this week, which is great! I'm hoping to get much accomplished this weekend too. I have 2 shower diapers I need to get done and I'm hoping to get started on my handmade item. Plus finish up some knit shorties. It looks like my spinning may have to wait until Monday. Oh yes, I also need to get a small soaker done to stock next week, plus the wipes I am serging. I need to get some yarn dyed too. I have a long crafty to-do list. It all needs to get done within the next 10 days or so because we need to start packing.

We're moving! Our lease isn't up here until August 1st, but we'll be moving into our new place on July 16th. That gives us almost 2 weeks to move everything over. I'm hoping to do a room at a time and unpack as we go. We'll be signing the lease on Monday or Tuesday. Did I mention we'll be renting a house instead of an apartment? The square footage on the house about 140 less than here, but it has a fenced in yard. A HUGE yard. It's in a great area and it's closer to base. Awesome! I know Ethan and Arty will love having a yard to run around in. I plan on starting a garden. Possibly even a clothesline.

Tonight I hand made some whole wheat corn tortillas. They were pretty good, even if they weren't round. Been cooking a lot lately since our extra money is going towards the new place. The security deposit is quite large, plus we'll be overlapping in rent. Not eating out so much is healthier anyways and we've been trying great new vegan and vegetarian dishes.

So, I've really been into spindle spinning lately. I am thisclose to being done with 2 full skeins. I wasn't able to get any done today, but I can't wait to finish those 2 up! Here is a picture of almost all of my spindles.



From left to right: Golding, Butterflygirldesigns (3), Greensleeves Mjolinor, Trixie and a DIY. Not pictured is my Bosworth which I am using to spin up my Spunky Club. Too bad I don't have an on-the-bobbin picture for my wheel. I am working up this funky batt and loving it. I already have one skein done. I don't have a picture of that either. I am slacking with the pictures since I wasn't planning on a big blog post this week.

If you've made it this far into my post, you may have noticed that I am not posting as if I am at Hogwarts. My character blog is a bust, so I'll just post as if to my regular blog. It's better than the 3 line posts I've been posting. I think so anyways. :)

A MeMe

1. What was I doing 10 years ago?

Oh, 10 years ago. Young and single. Let's see, probably working and partying. I may have had a horse, I can't remember. I had had 2, then took a break and had 1 more for a bit.



2. What are 5 things on my to-do list today?

Since it's 10 pm, this is for tomorrow.
1. Grocery shopping
2. Finish swap/shower diapers
3. Find Snitch!
4. Spin!
5. Relax




3. Snacks I enjoy...

Chocolate is my favorite. I also enjoy popcorn, nuts, muffins, cupcakes, cookies, and cake. Fortunately, I can make some of those somewhat healthy. :)



4. Things I would do if I were a billionaire....

Buy a house. Have a housekeeper and a cook. Get a new car that I really want. Pay off my mom's house. And I guess my brother's house too. Pay off our debt. Take a long vacation to Disney World and stay at the Polynesian Inn.



5. Places I've lived

I've spent most of my life in South Florida. Hollywood, Miami and then West Palm Beach. We moved to WPB when I was about 7 and I lived there until I joined the Navy at 31. Since then, I've lived in San Diego and Jacksonville. Temporarily lived in Great Lakes and San Antonio.



6. Jobs I've had.

I've had a lot of jobs between my first real job at TJ Maxx when I was 16 and my last real job in the Navy at 33. Mostly behind a cash register, but I've worked at warehouses, restaurants, vets office, horse feed store, horse barn, gas station, auto parts store, pharmacy, babysitting....I think that's it. My longest job was at a privately owned Mobil station. I was there for 4 years before I joined the Navy. It was the first time I was able to support myself on just one job, which was nice. It was also my favorite job.



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

Gosh, I hate bothering people with these things and I am such a loner. I don't think I'm going to tag anyone. :)

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?

2. 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?

2. 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?

a. Golden cherubs and red 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

Pictures may either be posted to your site OR you can hyper-link to the pictures location, BUT when I visit your site I MUST be able to see or get to the pictures in some way by seeing or clicking. Simply having the words of what the picture is will not work.

Fred and George Weasley (Together)

Hog’s Head Pub

Sirius Black

Mr. Weasley & Harry (Together)

Draco Malfoy

Startling Revelation

That's what I had a few minutes ago when I realized that though I reminded all my fellow Gryffindors to post in their blogs, I had not done so yet myself.

So, I have figured out what I am making my spoilee, I just need to find and buy the materials. I also know what yarn I will be buying. Just need to find a pattern now.

This past week and next, I have severals days off from Hogwarts to visit with my mom. I still have to attend to my Prefect duties, so it's been busy and I have been slacking a bit. But we're having a great time visiting. :)

It's the Weekend!

Ahhhh... the weekend! Time to kick back and relax after a busy first week at school. Well, to semi-relax, as I have duties to attend to over the weekend and am just getting ready to start them. :) Next week there will be homework and Quidditch practice!

Almost time!

Well, this is proving to be a busy term already! Who knew being a Prefect involved more work? :) I finished sending all the owls out today, Hooray! It's been a busy weekend for all the owls.

I have my new spoilee. She's in Hufflepuff. I have already bought my stitch markers! I couldn't resist them. I can't wait to get the sign up info and get moving on the rest of the swap.

I think this is going to be a great term!

A New Term

It's almost time for our new term to start! This term I made Prefect! How exciting! I'm a bit nervous about my new responsibility, but also excited and looking forward to the term.

There is still room for others to enroll.

Just click on the logo to join!!!