Mad Lib Time

Ok... here's the story to go with the list.

I have to tell you about the pretty time I had in Diagon Alley last weekend! My friend Agatha Vablatsky and I decided that we really needed some new stitchmarkers and had to get over to Diagon Alley immediately. Agatha put on their belt because it was huge and did not want to get a cold. I grabbed my keys and we headed to the trains.

While waiting for our train to Diagon Alley, we chatted with Callisto Verity and Thalia Tinkwych who were planning to visit Gringott’s. Thalia did not want to go alone because she was collecting a hydrangea bush and that was very purple and brought Callisto along for their excellence in protecting spells.

The train arrived and off we went. Our seats were very comfortable and the train sped along towards Diagon Alley and we were there in a flash! Before heading to the Yrsa’s Yarn Shoppe, we went into a house that sells the mean cakes!!! As we neared the house, we noticed quite a lot of commotion! The house owner had set the cake-making machine and it had gotten stuck! Cakes were boring everywhere! I ducked as a cream-filled cake came boring right at me and it fascinated into Professor Flitwick’s hat just as they walked through the door! A buttery cake did a nose dive and splattered all over the window most elaborately! We made it out of the store just as a cake frog and a kettle of Bertie Bott’s every flavor beans collided in a rainstorm of goo!

Since we were still blank, we walked the 28 blocks over to Florean Fortescue’s Ice Cream Parlor! I decided on a cone with sour ice cream and Agatha got the hot fudge sundae with extra fudge! Yummy! Professor Flitwick had made his way over there as well after the incident at the cake shoppe and had chosen a butterbeer float.

After that, we passed Gringott’s and headed to Yrsa’s Yarn Shoppe! I tried not to look at the beautiful skeins of silk and bamboo and wool and instead, headed toward the stitchmarkers while Agatha stopped to swim the stitch markers. I found a silly stitchmarker made out of steel and made my purchase. Agatha kept hedging between the stitchmarkers she came for and a pattern for a scarf. She chose the scarf pattern and we walked the back towards the train station just in time to make the 12:30 train.

After sitting down, we noticed Callisto and Thalia were on the train as well. Thalia looked quite smart to have the hydrangea bush with them. Callisto however did not look smart at all. While waiting to go into the vault, a baby goblin waiting in line with his Mommy, had drank on Callisto getting chocolate all over their clean robes! The smell really was just horrendous! Apparently, Callisto’s protecting spells don’t work well against chocolate!! We made our way to a less smelly compartment and talked about how we were going explain missing Professor McGonagall’s lecture on the valuable ways thestral’s are working with the Department of Mysteries in solving unsolvable Londons!

More Homework

1- Pretty
2- Agatha Vablatsky
3- A stitchmarker
4- A belt
5- Huge
6- Keys
7- Callisto Verity
8- Thalia Tinkwych
9- Hydranga bush
10- Purple
11- House
12- Mean
13- Cake
14- Boring
15- Fascinated
16- Professor Flitwick
17- A hat
18- Buttery
19- A window
20- Blank
21- 28
22- Sour
23- Fudge
24- Butterbeer
25- Swam
26- Silly
27- A scarf
28- Smart
29- Drank
30- Chocolate
31- Professor McGonagall
32- Thestral
33- London

One last quiz

I'm off to Blacksburg this weekend, but before I go, here is one last quiz. Can't let my fellow Claws down!

1. This “Harry Potter” character’s first name comes from Roman mythology. The mythological character’s twin brother is named Romulus. What is the Harry Potter character last name?
a. Black
b. Lupin
c. Pucey
d. Finnigan

2. Which “Harry Potter” character’s first name is the Roman equivalent of the Greed Goddess Athena?
a. Evans
b. Malfoy
c. McGonagall
d. Flitwick

3. In ‘Harry Potter’ World, this wizard has created the Philosopher’s Stone (called the Sorcerer Stone in the US). The historical figure from the 14th and 15th centuries was a scribe and a manuscript-seller who became famous as an alchemist. Who is this individual?
Nicholas Flamel

4. What is the first name of a character whose last name is the name of a Bulgarian leader from early 9th century who doubled the country’s territory?
a. Theodore
b. Cedric
c. Viktor
d. Vincent

5. Which character’s name is the name of goddess in Indian mythology?
a. Creevey
b. Patil
c. Zabini
d. Vane

6. “Where the Wild Things Are” tells the story of Max, a young boy sent to bed without his supper for his wild antics. Who created this winner of the Caldecott Medal?
a. Maurice Sendak
b. Chris Van Allsberg
c. Ezra Jack Keats
d. John Steptoe

7. What was NOT one of the unexpected defense mechanisms that Harry, Ron, Hermione, and Griphook encountered in their attempt to rob Gringotts?
a. The Flagrante Curse
b. The Thieves’ Downfall
c. Anti-summoning Enchantments
d. The Geminio Curse

8. What was Snape aiming at when he cut off George’s ear?
a. Another Death Eater’s back
b. George’s wand hand
c. Another Death Eater’s wand hand
d. George’s face

9. How much older than James was Lily? (Referring to Harry’s parents, not children).
a. James was older
b. 6 months
c. 1 month
d. 2 months

10. Food is one of the five exceptions to what magical law?
a. Grimp’s Law of Elemental Transfiguration
b. Gamp’s Law of Elemental Transfiguration
c. Gamp’s Law of Fundamental Transfiguration
d. Grimp’s Law of Fundamental Transfiguration

Picture Hunt

George

McGonagall

Patil

Where the Wild Things Are

DC Requirement

The picture below seems to be a requirement for this time of year if you are a DC area resident. Yes, that is a cherry blossom. However, it's not from one of THOSE cherry blossom trees, it's from a tree close to my office. I did not head into the craziness that was The Cherry Blossom Festival this past weekend. Instead, I headed out to Berryville to take my little brother to his art school audition. You see, my stepdad had to have his appendix removed, so I took care of Noah so mom could take care of Michael. Afterwards, I went to my BFF Jamie's for a girl's night of wine and chick flicks. Good times. Oh, and even BETTER?! I FINALLY lined the bag for my HSKS7 spoilee! Oh man am I glad to have that off my plate. The package went out on Monday. Once Pandora gets it, I'll share some pictures, but until then, it's still a secret!

The pretty cherry blossoms near my office.

Fabulous things await!

It came, it came! Oh happy day it came! "It" being my reveal package from my SP 13 pal -- Brooke! And let me say how fabulous this package is and how worth the wait it was! I really don't the words to justify it, you'll have to just see for yourself.

Here is the box right after I opened it. Looks promising!

This was under the pattern and letter. Look at the pretty pink cloud of yarn!

This is the tea cup and saucer that is to be used for chai tea. I am instructed to drink while I peruse the patterns or book she also sent. I think that is an EXCELLENT idea!

Ok, so the pretty pink cloud was the "buddy shawl" that she started for me. She got me to about the half way point and I'm all set to finish. The yarn is so delicate and soft -- I'm loving it!

Here is the shawl with the pretty little jars of pampering goodness. We have body whip and body sugar. Both smell divine!

Here is a new pair of Crystal Palace circs and a super cute mint candy tape measure. Love it!

She also sent along the premiere issue of Debbie Bliss magazine, the pattern for the Fiber Trends felted hat and some more lace patterns.

A hank of Cascade 220 in a pretty shade of brown -- I think I'll pair it with some soft gray Cascade 220 I have to make a felted hat.

This is two hanks of Handpaint Originals in some really pretty blues, reds and oranges. Super soft stuff!

And finally, here is the whole package all together. The book she sent was In Her Shoes. I really enjoyed the movie and can't wait to read the book!

Brooke, thank you so much for such a generous package! I know that this has not been the easiest time for you -- which just makes these gifts all the more special. Thank you for being so kind and I wish you nothing but the best. I feel really lucky to have had you as my Secret Pal and I hope we can now be pals period! Thank you!!!