Pretty brown packages, all tied up with strings!

These really ARE a few of my favorite things. :) And I've received TWO in the past week or so. One contained my demise in the Hat Attack II competition and the other was my Ravenclaw Trick Or Treat Mini Swap. Both were welcomed with open arms and are much appreciated.

First, we have my package from Emily, which contained my pretty hat of death. She was also kind enough to include some yummy chocolate and candy to soften the blow.

And here is a photo of just the hat. I've written about how difficult this pattern was. Emily's hat was SPOT on! And it's such a pretty combination of dark green and a corally pink!

The next package to arrive was from Arriana Stylos, a fellow Ravenclaw. Her task was to send me a trick, a treat and a Ravenclaw themed item. As you can see below, she did FANTASTICALLY! She sent me some super soft Twinkle Toes yarn in a very pretty light blue color way -- what a treat! For my trick she hid some spiders (of the plastic variety) within the yarn -- what a fright! For the Ravenclaw item she sent me a sticker of the Ravenclaw crest. She also included some yummy chocolate gold coins (both a trick AND a treat!). Thank you again Arriana!

RH Quiz #2

I. What security question does Mr. Weasley ask Mrs. Weasley before he enters the Burrow? What is the answer? Q: “What is my name for you in private?” A: “Mollywobbles”

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

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

IV. What three D's are needed for apparating? Destination, determination and deliberation.

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

VI. Who did an arrow salute at Dumbledore's funeral? The centaurs.

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

VIII. What Christmas present did Kreacher give Harry? A box of maggots.

IX. What is on top of the Weasleys' Christmas tree? A garden gnome.

X. What was the most popular item at Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes? Nosebleed Nougats

XI. Why did Harry threaten to kick Ron off the Griffindor Quidditch team? Because he was being a real jerk to most of the team… just goes to show that attitude IS key! :)

XII. What happens if you break an Unbreakable Vow? You die.

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

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

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

Back from Bean Town

Last week I was up in Boston for a conference. The conference was ok... found a few possible speakers, heard presentations on things I only KIND of understand and met a few cool people. All in all it was a success.

This was, I think, my fourth time visiting Boston. I love this town! I really think that if I ever moved away from the DC area, it would be to move to Boston. It appeals to my love of history and tradition (which is also why I love living in the DC area!). Unfortunately, the cost of living is about the same as here, but salaries aren't. So, I'll content myself with the occasional visit. Below are a few pics from this visit.

First, here is Trinity Church and its reflection in the Hancock Building.

And another picture of Trinity Church and the Hancock Building. What I like the most about this is the contrast of the centuries old church and the modern skyscraper. The mix of the old and the new. I love that!

My hotel was very close to the Boston Public Gardens. I snuck out during a break and grabbed some shots.

The first is a shot of the Lagoon as the sun was setting.

Next is a statue of George Washington. I have to wonder if EVERY city has a statue of him...

Here we have another shot of the lagoon. This time I was trying to capture the pretty fall foilage.

People crossing the bridge on their way home from work or back to their hotels.

Another shot of the bridge, but from a distance. I'm loving the fall colors and the wheeping willow!

Woo hoo! It's Make Way for Ducklings! It's a popular children's story that I was introduced to on my first trip to Boston. I was excited to see this statue of them!

Finally, we have Julie and Jenny. We were all at the conference by ourselves and decided to hang out together. So, of course, I had to get a picture to add to my blog!

And so ends my trip to Boston. I was happy to get home just in time for the weekend. I can't wait to go back. Maybe this time it'll be for vacation rather than business! Here's hoping! :)

Quidditch Round 2!

Ok, it's time for the 2nd round of Quidditch. I just know that the Ravenclaws are going to find that snitch first this time! Soar, Claws, soar!

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. (S.)
c. H.A.L.
d. H.K.D.

Favorite Character: Remus Lupin

Favorite Magical Creature: Hedwig, no one can argue that she was no regular owl!

Charming Chums Photo Hunt

OK, all of Ravenclaw was challenged to find a few items for a photo scavenger hunt, created by Olive. My fellow roommmates and I banded together under the Charming Chums banner and with a tape measure in hand, went out in search of the items. Below is a pictoral list of the items that I was able to come across. Here's hoping that Emma and Molly were able to find the same group of items so we can get the most points possible!

Starting with the upper left photo:

1. Diadem

2. Raven feather

3. House socks

4. Lucky potion (Felix Felicis)

5. Used textbook

6. Broom

7. Horcrux (Slytherin locket)

8. Tree changing seasons

9. Engagement ring

10. Muggle artifact (Electrical outlet)

11. Magical creature

Darn the Luck!

So, this past weekend was the first really nice fall weekend and I miss out due to a cold. I know that it's never CONVENIENT to be sick, but some times are better than others, you know. For example, I would not have minded so much to be stuck inside recovering if it were gray and cold and gross out. Instead, it's my stupid luck to be sick the first truly fabulous fall weekend. And to top it off, I had to watch as my fellow Ravenclaw housemates took their first trip to Hogsmeade! No butterbeer at The Three Broomsticks, no getting scared at The Shreaking Shack. I even missed out on getting a few things from Zonkos to get back at those mischievous Slytherins! And to make this weekend even MORE of a bust, I was really too tired to do much knitting and lord knows I have enough of it. Oh and then there was the lack of picture taking for the Photo Scavenger Hunt. But that's ok since I have until Wednesday to get that completed. Here's hoping!

Oh well, I'm over the worst of the cold, so it's back to work for me! Talk to you all again soon!