Chrysta the Cursed: Not Just a Name, It's a Lifestyle

Term End

2009-05-01T17:13:00.000-07:00

It's hard to believe that the term is coming to an end. I started at Hogwarts immediately after a trip to a fiber festival with my roomies Elanor and Violette, and I'm ending my Hogwarts career with another trip to that same fiber fest. I've met many wonderful people talented in knitting and crocheting, received marvelous kits from near and far. During the flood and other woes everyone hs been warm and supportive of me. I can't say how much I appreciate that! My Hogwarts Sock Kit Swap experience has been absolutely fantastic. I will not be participating in the Summer Camp coming up only because I will be too busy this summer for extra activities. I hope everyone else who participates has a great time! Fond farewells to all.

United We Sand!

2009-04-23T12:27:00.000-07:00

That's the motto of Fargo ND and Moorhead Mn.

At last! It's a beautiful day with sunny skies and warm temps. Tonight I'm going to unpack my flood evacuation bag. Fargo seems to have gotten thru the flood with minimal damage. Moorhead was a bit worse off, but still not so bad. Valley City, an hour away by muggle vehicle, had a mass evacuation of 40% of their citizens due to the failure of the sewer system. A grand total of 9 deaths can be blamed on the flooding in North Dakota, most of them because of health problems. Hard to estimate the dollar amount of damages done. but it's in the millions. The flood fight alone was millions, when you add up the lost wages of people who couldn't go to work and filled sandbags instead, plus the business closed, and now the massive clean up. Beautiful lawns destroyed, the soccer fields that were dug up to provide clay and earth for the dikes, the roads that have washed away or collapsed, city parks with playground equipment that were under tons of water... We have tons and tons of contaminated sand to move out. The dikes are being torn down now, to the sound of weary cheers.

Quidditch!

2009-04-17T14:13:00.000-07:00

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?
Lupin

2. Which “Harry Potter” character’s first name is the Roman equivalent of the Greed Goddess Athena?. McGonagall as in Minerva!

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 Flammel

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?
Viktor as in Krumm! (Boy, do I have a crush on him! Nothing like the sight of a man in a Quidditch uniform, hm?)

5. Which character’s name is the name of goddess in Indian mythology? Patil

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? Maurice Sendak

7. What was NOT one of the unexpected defense mechanisms that Harry, Ron, Hermione, and Griphook encountered in their attempt to rob Gringotts
The Geminio Curse

8. What was Snape aiming at when he cut off George’s ear?
Another Death Eater’s wand hand

9. How much older than James was Lily? (Referring to Harry’s parents, not children).
2 months

10. Food is one of the five exceptions to what magical law? Gamp’s Law of Elemental Transfiguration

The Kollage Square Knitting Needles --a Review

2009-04-14T15:51:00.000-07:00

On Saturday I received a set of the Kollage double point needles, 2.25 mm, as part of my swap package for the Hogwarts Sock Kit Swap. I was so excited I started a pair of socks right away. I couldn't wait to see how they felt, how the socks knitted up with these. My grade: A. I really like them. I am working on another pair of socks on KnitPicks Harmony wood needles, which I also like. But the square needles feel good. I don't gouge a groove in my index finger pushing the needle down, like I sometimes do with the sharper wood needles. Not that the Kollage aren't sharp. I am working with Tofutsies, which has a tendency (for me at least) to split with the harmony and my Addis. But with the Kollage the yarn hasn't been splitting. From the fabric I've knitted you can't tell that the needles are square and not round. I am so pleased that I plan to order a few more pairs of these. My mom is a knitter but her finger joints are swollen from arthritis. These may be more comfortable for her. The needles don't roll as I knit, so I don't seem to grip them so tightly. I tend to knit tightly, especially when I'm tense or nervous (and with the Red River Flooding and parts of Fargo-Moorhead evacuating, I'm nervous these days) and with these needles I am more relaxed. Coinsidence? I don't know. What i do know is that I can do a knit 3 together without trouble.

Wow! I have been Spoiled Beyond Belief!

2009-04-11T13:15:00.000-07:00

My spoiler, Cassandra Puddlemere, (Yes, She of the Crucio List) has been unbelievably good to me. I received my package today. Actually, it came yesterday but I wasn't able to retrieve it until today. I drove to the post office to pick it up, very curious and excited to see what it would hold. I got home and all three of my cats were even more curious than I was. The white Merry Miaow apparently thought she needed to try to hatch it for me. :)

I got so many wonderful things! There was two boxes of organic herbal teas, a pound of jordan almonds, a set of aroma therapy bath salts on a shallow glass bowl with a candle, and a bath fizzy on a stick, (and a coupon to an etsy shop for more!) Taht was wrapped in a cute bandana with bunnies saying things like "Please, make the stupid people shut up" and "Hi, where's your off button?" A box with sachets, a notebook and notecards and lacy coasters in gold and black were in there too. There was a roll of handpainted fiber in the "Pumpkin Patch" colorway for me to spin. There was TWO skeins of sock yarn, one a Tofutsies in Hufflepuff golds and blacks colorway and a lovely skein of what must be hand dyed yarn in a really nice blends of black/pearl gray/gold/pink. I can't wait to see how that knits up.

I can't believe she got me the square needles! Last term my spoilee had requested the new square needles so I went online and ordered them. When I got them I was intrigued and wished I had ordered a second pair for myself. Now I don't need to! I also received not one sock pattern, not two sock patterns, but a CD with FOUR sock patterns loaded on it. I can't decide if I want to try Nagini first or Merope.

The last thing I unwrapped was the bag. OMG! The bag is wonderful! It's a french market bag in black with gold and steel blue stripes along the top and bottom, and an open mesh design in the body. It is so perfect for what I want. I was at the store just this afternoon, and almost bought one of the shopping bags the grocery stores sell so you don't need to use the plastic sacks that end up overflowing under my kitchen sink. I am looking forward to using this next time I shop, or this summer when I take my knitting and a snack to join friends to knit in the park.

Cassandra, thank you so much! You totally rock!!

Back to Back Homework posts

2009-04-06T14:40:00.000-07:00

I am determined to not be late this week with my homework!! So although I am not positive aobut question #1 I am posting what I have and will edit to correct if necessary...

1. Who gave Harry an enchanted mirror? -- Sirius. It was a two way mirror.

2. Who said, "Imagine if something went wrong and we were stuck as specky scrawny gits forever?" -- Fred Weasley, when helping Harry leave Privet drive forever.

3. Who said "Are you planning to follow a career in Magical Law, Miss Granger?" -- Scrimgeour, when speaking to Ron, Harry and her at the Burrows about the Will.

4. a. What is Ron's middle name? -- Bilius
b. What did Dumbledore give Ron in his will? -- the deluminator

5. a. What did Hermione want to talk to Mr. Lovegood about? -- horcruxes
b. What is his first name? -- Xenophilius

6. What does it mean? --Greek for Lover of the Foreign/Strange (I think. Had a semester of Greek in college for transalting the bible. I don't believe Xenophilius was used in the gospels...)

Late, late, late!!

2009-04-05T12:31:00.000-07:00

I been late with just about everything this term :( And I can't entirely blame the flood any more. The mayor says this weekend is supposed to be a break for the city. A time to relax before getting back in the saddle for the second crest. Sigh. Here's this week's Hufflepuff homework.

1. James Potter and his friends have nicknames for each other - give three names and who they belong to.James Potter - Prongs Remus Lupin - Mooney Sirius Black - Padfoot Peter Pettigrew - Wormtail

2. What are the three Deathly Hallows?The Elder Wand, The Resurrection Ring and The Invisibility Cloak

3. What are the four items that belong to the founders of the houses at Hogwarts?Gryffindor - Sword Ravenclaw - Diadem Hufflepuff - Helga's Cup Slytherin - Locket

4. What is the Hogwarts Motto? Never Tickle a Sleeping Dragon

5. What is the Hogwarts school song (Book 1)? Hogwarts, Hogwarts, hoggy warty Hogwarts,Teach us something please,Whether we be old and bald,Or young with scabby knees,Our heads could do with filling,With some interesting stuff,For now they're bare and full of air,Dead flies and bits of fluff,So teach us things worth knowing,Bring back what we've forgot,Just do your best, we'll do the rest,And learn until our brains all rot.

6. What does O.W.L. stand for? Ordinary Wizarding Level

7. What exams do Hogwarts students take at the end of their 7th year? NEWTs - Nastily Exhausting Wizarding Tests (took that one from my roomie Elanor)

8. What form does Snape's Patronus take? A Doe

9. Who takes over teaching divination after Trelawney is sacked by Delores Umbridge (Book 6)?Firenze the centaur

10. Who is Elanor Cadogan's boyfriend? Easy. He's always hanging around our dorm. Dean. And his brother (not quite as cute as Dean, but not bad) is Sam

Tired

2009-03-26T17:04:00.000-07:00

The assignment this week for Hufflepuff is to blog about our week. Well, probably most of you know that my muggle town, Fargo ND, is facing the worst flood in the entire history of North Dakota. It has kept me (and about 125,000 other people) a tad too busy for school work.

I feel shell shocked. This afternoon it was announced that the projected crest will be up to 43 feet, 2 higher than previously expected. They have raised the crest of the river about a foot each day, always saying this is the highest it can go. And each day they look grim and say they were wrong, it's going higher. Our dikes are fine at this level, but if we don't add to the dikes we will be innundated by Saturday. We have to raise the dikes another 2 feet. More neighborhoods have been evacuated. The mayor is looking grim on the news. The city council is no longer "cautiously optimistic". I got my evacuation bag ready to go. Allergy and asthma meds? check. Fresh undies and socks? check. A couple changes of clothes? check. Toothbrush, etc? check. Extra knitting project? check. Bedding? Check.

But I feel like I'm sagging. So tired. So worried. I have 3 cats. What will happen to them? And I'm in the middle of this swap. I simply don't have room to take all that with me. The city is advising one bag only. Should I mail what I have at least? Then if the flood does not take my town under I can still send the other items later. And if the flood does overwelm us and I have to flee then at least Cecily will have almost the entire kit. All I have left actually is the bag and one or two little gifts.

I'm done sandbagging. I actually haven't done that much. It just seems like it. But the ladies in my church are asking for people to bake bars to take to the National Guard troops. My pastor is a chaplain in the Guard. That's easier than sandbagging. But getting accross town to drop the bars off at the church is going to be troublesome. So many roads have been closed that it will be tricky to find the open ones that will take me there.

OK, done whining now.

Flood Update

2009-03-25T07:04:00.000-07:00

So far pretty much so good. We are still working hard to get the sandbags filled and in place. We went from rain to snow last night. Lots of it. My car got stuck in the parking lot this morning. The city is not plowing since the equipment and manpower is needed for flood fighting. So I wrestled my car back into my garage and called in to work to say i couldn't make it. Last night one of the dike in the south part of town broke and one neighborhood was evacuated. Since I'm home from work I am going to work on my spoilee's bag today.

My weekend

2009-03-22T12:02:00.000-07:00

This weekend some of us who are from the upper midwest in America were going to get together in Minneapolis for a meet and greet and yarn shop crawl. (Yes, I know we were off school grounds, but since one of us was the assistant headmistress, we got a pass)

Unfortunately I had to bow out. It was really said to not be able to go. Instead I got together with a muggle friend. I had taught her to knit before Christmas. She was very strange, She refused to knit anything but socks. I suggested, somewhat desperately, that really a dishrag was an easier first project. But she would hear none of it. It was socks for her or nothing. Not even a gauge swatch. So I taught her to knit socks. I purposely put on a positive face. I said that knitting was just knit and purl, no matter what you were making. But inside I was cringing, expecting her to fail. But no. She produced her first pair of socks, very well made, in two weeks. Since then she hass knit 4 pairs of socks. I must confess I am green with envy. I did NOT make my first sock so quickly or easily.

As a thank you for teaching her to knit she gave me a 90 minute massage. She is a liscensed massage therapist with her own business. After the massage we had lunch and then we went to both yarn shops in Fargo. She bought two sets of double points for more sock knitting and a skein of yarn for socks for herself. I picked up the prettiest yarn for my spoilee and another pattern for her kit. I'm almost set. Just need to finish the hand made item.

Anyway, I promised my roommate Elanor that I would take pix of the yarn outing. Here it is.

2009-03-17T15:25:00.000-07:00

Dear Hogwarts friends, sometimes life gets the best of you. First my 'puter died. Then when I went to the library to use their computer I found I am not able to get on Ravelry. I have absolutely no idea why. Rumors are that I was a member of a group whose discussions became politically heated. I don't know if that's true since I never looked at the board much less posted. I joined because a friend invited me. I have emailed Ravelry asking for an explanation, but no answer yet. Hopefully it will be sorted out soon. :) Too bad I don't have a charm that will hurry things up...

I apologize for not being very active this term. I completely missed Quidditch because of little to no computer time. I deeply regret that and promise to do better. Not being on the 'Net does not mean I have been neglecting my spoilee or her package. I am moving nicely along collecting the items needed and plan to have the handmade item complete by March 29.

Hufflepuff Homework

2009-03-09T20:30:00.000-07:00

1. Who likes TeaPots and cat toys? That would be ME!!

2. Who wants Polyjuice so they can have Cullen Eyes? Cliodna Trelawney - mmm, love those smoldering Cullen eyes

3. Who wants postcards and a hardcover book? Eladora Madley

4. Who wants silky terrier? It is not a type of wool but a dog. Winifred Wartbobble

5. Who would like a wicked necklace and bloody stupid johnsan hat? Felula Pinkstone

6. Who never had anything made for her? Violet Starfire (we gotta fix that!)

7. Who learned how to knit with Maya and Soren? Kaae

8. Who is Pretty as a Peacock Pattern? Lily May Clearwater

9. Who does Fair Isle mittens and Tea for Toe up socks? Mafalda Grubbly-Plank

10. Who likes Cinnamon flavored coffee? Antonio dela Weasley

11. Who likes clever storage systems and mysteries? Mantacora Crimson

12. Who wants World Peace and Wool Wash? My roomie Violette from France

13. Whose Ancient Runes notebook holds the secret of Moonstone earrings? Mona Ravenscroft

14. Whose dog is on a low protein diet? Selena Starfire

15. Who does not have much of a ‘stash’ and favorite scent is Pine trees? Sian Doge (this week's birthday girl!)

16. When you go to her wish list, you find yourself surfing the net? Suzie Weasley

17. Who really, REALLY misses Hawkins Cheezies, Big Turk chocolate bars? Ursula Longbottom

18. Who likes pencilthings and rosewood? My roomie Elanor Cadogan

19. Russian nesting dolls and cute stationary are on this list. Winifred Hornswaggle

20. Who likes the Seven Dwarves and the Evil Stepmother? Bernadette Hobsworth

My week

2009-03-01T13:09:00.000-08:00

So, I have a sinus infection. Maybe. On Wednesday I woke up with a sore upper gum. You know, sort of a tooth ache. Just an aching pressure. But I'm an expert on sinus infections. After 12 years of chronic sinusitis and 4 sinus surgeries I oughta be an expert, right? So I ignored it. On Thursday we had a really nasty winter storm and I left work early to go to the doctor about my "face ache". After only a few blocks I decided to go home instead. There was just too much snow blocking the intersections and there was an inch of ice under that, so getting stuck or going off the road was a real possibility. Besides, it wasn't that bad yet. I woke up friday in some pain, which only got worse as the day went on. Now, I'm a sinus expert, right? And I practically live at my ENT's office so he takes my word for it when I say I have an infection, so I called and got a prescription for antibiotics over the phone. Saturday morning I had no pain. then I brushed and flossed my teeth. Oh lord! It hurt something fierce for hours afterwards. Not just one tooth, even touching any of the three molars on top hurt. Maybe it's a bad tooth after all? But all of the teeth on top? It's the weekend, tho, so I can't even call the dentist. I'm continuing on the antibiotics and maybe Monday I'll call the dentist.

On a happier note, I received the items I ordered for my spoilee in the mail this week.

Quidditch!

2009-02-19T11:33:00.000-08:00

1. What momentous event was the reason that the members of the Order of the Phoenix felt it necessary to move Harry out of the Dursley’s house? d. Harry’s upcoming birthday

2. Who revealed the actual date of Harry’s transfer to Voldemort, despite the misinformation the Order had been spreading around that the move would occur on the eve of his actual birthday?a.Snape

3. With the use of Polyjuice Potion (and to confuse any possible attack by Death Eaters), six member of the Order were disguised as Harry and escorted out of Privet Drive, along with the real Harry. Which member of the order did not survive that night?a. Mad-Eye

4. Who informed Harry, Ron and Hermione of the bequests left to them in Dumbledore’s will? d. Rufus Scimgeour

5. During the wedding celebration for Bill and Fleur, Kingley Shacklebolt sent a Patronus to tell the guests that the Ministry had fallen, Scrimgeour (the Minister) was dead and the wedding celebration was about to be attacked by Death Eaters. What form did the Patronus take?a. A

6. Escaping from the wedding to London, our three friends found themselves confronted by a pair of Death Eaters, disguised as workmen. b. Sirius Black’s house

7. Kreacher’s animosity towards Harry, Ron and especially Hermione (a Mudblood) was well documented in book five, “The Order of the Phoenix.” His initial interaction with them showed that his attitude had not changed. How did they win him over? By giving him Regulus Black’s old locket

8. Who did they eventually find was in possession of the locket/Horcrux? d. Dolores Umbridge

9. What did Harry find embedded in the door of Umbrdige’s office? a. Moody’s magical eye

10. Before retrieving the Horcrux, they tried to return to their safe place but they were pursued (actually Yaxley tagged along when they disapparated). This meant that the Death Eaters knew their hiding place and they had to go somewhere else. Where did Hermione take them? d. To the site of the Quidditch World Cup

Homework Part Deux (as my french roomie Violette would say)

2009-02-10T08:03:00.000-08:00

1. I both crochet and knit.
2. Do you spin? What type of spinning do you do? Yes, I spin and that's why I knit. I like the drop spindle (top whorl) for spinning fine threads. Otherwise I have my trusty Louet S15 wheel. I'd really LOVE to have a Kromski Minstrel or Prelude, but I just can't justify spending that kind of money when I have so many bills to pay.

3. Are there any other crafts that you participate in? Um... Costuming, embroidery, weaving, dying, felting, scrapbooking...

4. What are your favorite yarns/fibers? Too many to count. I loved working with the JoJOland Quartette which was a cashmere blend I received in HSKS1. I like woft wools or wool blends.

5. What are your LEAST favorite yarns/fibers? I recently made a hat for a teenaged boy out of Vanna's Choice, Not a bad yarn by any means, but it's acrylic. Bleh.

6. Are there any types/brands of yarn that you are dying to work with but haven’t gotten a chance? I want to try Socks That Rock, and Smooshy. Or maybe the alpaca sock yarns.

7. What are you currently working on? You want a list of everything? Hm. No, you really don't....

8. Are there any knitting/crochet techniques that you would like to learn? Maybe double knitting? Not sure.

9. Do you have a yarn winder and/or a swift? Yep, both. Also a knitty knoddy.

10. Where/how to you keep you needles/hooks? In a plastic accordian file. Each tab is for one size.

11. Do you like sweets? What are your favorites? I love sweets. Like Turtles, Jordan Almonds, Rollos.

12. Are you having a birthday during this swap? Nope, that was in the last swap.

Turning in My Homework

2009-02-06T20:25:00.000-08:00

Our first assignment of the term is easy. I just have to tell about how I learned to knit.

Well, one of my hobbies is to spin wool and silk into embroidery threads and yarn. After a couple of years of that I found myself with lots of yarn. I gave some away, offered some for charity raffles and sold some on eBay, but I didn't use it. That's because I couldn't knit and some idiot told me you can't crochet with hand spun. Hmph.

I went to the local yarn store. The nice lady there helped me pick a (relatively) inexpensive wool/acrylic blend yarn, the right size needle and a "learn how to knit" booklet. I went home and tried and cried. I went to the library and got a video on "learn how to knit" and tried and cried some more. But I'm sorta stubborn and by golly I was going to learn to knit. And after lots of trying and crying I got the hang of it. Then I was lonely. I had friends who loved to knit (Hi, Violette!) but they lived hours away. What I needed was a local knitting group. None of my local friends knew how to knit, So I taught 'em. More trying and crying, but this time it wasn't me. Now we meet once a week at a local coffee shop and have lots of fun.

I honestly cannot remember my first projet. I remember making squares... well, actually oddly shaped rectangles, of garter stitch and then of stockingette. I made a couple disrags, and weird hat. The frist "real project" was a pair of socks in Lion Brand Woolease. They turned out OK, except that somehow I forgot to do a gussett on one. Don't ask.

Last Weekend Before the Term Starts

2009-01-30T14:55:00.000-08:00

Well, I'm finished packing up to move into a new House at Hogwarts. The cats are anxious to go! It will be so nice to see my roommates! Violette moved away a while ago so I haven't seen her in too long. Same with Elanor. We don't live so far apart, only a four hour drive, but we are both busy over the hols that we don't connect. I have my books, my robes, plenty of yarn and needles and several pounds of wool to dye. I am quite looking foward to the new term, and can't wait to find out who my spoilee will be. Sign ups end in only a few hours. We were told that assignments would be made by the end of the weekend, but now we're told that the staff wants to take extra time to be match each spoilee/spoiler perfectly. I'll force myself to wait.

I am determined to excel in Charms after my recent poor showing.

New Term at Hogwarts

2009-01-22T19:17:00.000-08:00

The new term at Hogwarts is starting soon! I've been in Ravenclaw for the past two terms, but my former roommate Elanor Cadogan has moved from Slytherin to Hufflepuff so I'm following her. Elanor is also dragging Violette Black to Hufflepuff. If we three are roommates it will be a VERY interesting term!

Quidditch!

2008-11-15T18:02:00.000-08:00

I have not been a very good student this term at Hogwarts. Too much other stuff going on in my muggle life, unfortunately. But I have mostly kept up with my homework... Here's the answers for the last Quidditch match of the term.

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

3. How much do the primary Apparition lessons cost? 12 galleons

4. What is Professor Merrythought's first name? Galatea

5. What Hogwarts club was Eileen Prince captain of? Gobstones Club

6. Who is head of the Goblin Liaison office? Dirk Crestwell

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

8. How many points does Snape take from Gryffindor for Harry's late arrival and muggle attire? 70

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

10. Which of these describes Golpalott's Third Law? The antidote for a blended poison will be equal to more than the sum of the antidotes for each of the separte components

RavenClaw Secret Quiz

2008-11-09T11:26:00.000-08:00

Well, the RavenClaws are *determined* to win the House Cup. And, of course, we're a very frinedly bunch. We want to know our fellow Hogwarts students. So... Here's the answers to the quiz. (I had to swipe a couple of these ansers...)
1. Astrid Cloverleaf
2. Cassandra Grubbly-Plank
3. Enna Kirts--my spoiler from last term!
4. Selena Starfire
5. Henry Longstaff
6. Cecily 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 Black

Bonus 1: smileynetta

Hand Painting Yarn

2008-11-03T15:20:00.000-08:00

I got together with some Muggle friends this weekend and we practiced the muggle art of turning plain white yarn into rainbows. It wasn't magic, of course, but I must admit the muggles have a certain je ne sais quoi ... Perhaps it is a way of coming close to magic. First we had to wind the yarn into skeins, then soak the fiber for an hour to thoroughly wet it.

Then we mixed up the dye in little bottles. Professor Snape would have had a fit, I'm sure, to see Muggles mixing a potion. We removed the fiber from the tubs they had soaked in and laid them out flat on plastic to protect the tables. Then we went mad squirting and brushing the dye on the yarn in wild and disharmonic color combinations that nonetheless turned out beautiful. We had to hang the yarn to dry.

Now we have beautiful hand painted yarn to knit with!

My Package Arrived!

2008-10-30T15:45:00.000-07:00

And, boy, is it great!!

The cats like it too!

It began with a nice note from Penelope (Daisy) Clearwater of Slytherin, explaining in Harry Potter terms what each item was . Bath salts = potions, balls of yarn & needles = Muggle artifacts, hand sewn purse = wand pouch. Everything was so nice. It was obvious that Daisy had selected each item with an eye to my wish list. On my list I had said I'd like to try the Lantern Moon Sox Sticks, but I knew they were too expensive for a swap. But I got them - Ebony, size 2.25! I also said I wanted to try out the Panda wool and bamboo sock yarn, and I got 4 skeins in a gorgeous blue/green mix, plus a pattern that looks marvelous, called Lupine Lace Socks from Fiber Trends. I got a fun Christmas card with a picture of a box of "fast growing moths" which is what Santa gives to naughty knitters. There was a nifty little knitters notebook with pen, a tin of ginger candies, bath salts, a can of spice tea, two bars of really nummy chocolate. All those items were on my wish list. The one thing I really did not expect to recieve is a tea pot. I collect tea pots. My spoiler didn't disappoint. She gave me a ceramic tea bag holder (like a spoon rest) in the shape of a teapot. It's adorable. So I really did get everything I had wanted, and more than I expected. Thank you Daisy! It is a lovely package. And tonight I am planning on opening one of the chocolate bars and having a cup of tea.

Bad News

2008-10-29T18:42:00.000-07:00

My brother in law was found in his home this morning, dead. It appears he had died several days ago. He and my sister have been estranged for the last two months, trying to reconcile but unable to reach any agreement. The cause of death is unknown, but may be self inflicted. My five year old niece doesn't know what is going on and my sister is overwelmed. Please pray for us.

Here is a picture of my sister, her husband and their daughter a couple years ago.

I am going now to take comfort in the lovely assortment of goodies my spoiler sent me. I think a cup of tea is just what I need right now. I am not able to properly post about my package now, but I will post tomorrow.

Handmade item finished!

2008-10-26T13:24:00.000-07:00

I got my handmade item finished in time for the deadline on Friday. See? Here's my scroll.

yay! Now I have to wait for the witchy knitting needles to arrive by owl before my package is complete.

RavenClaw Quiz

2008-10-24T11:42:00.000-07:00

Here's the next house quiz for Ravenclaw. I'm guessing on a couple of these:

What security question does Mr. Weasley ask Mrs. Weasley before he enters the Burrow? What is the answer? Mr Weasley asks what is his private name for her? Mollywobbles

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What is on top of the Weasleys' Christmas tree? a golden garden gnome in a ballet costume

What was the most popular item at Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes? Love potions

Why did Harry threaten to kick Ron off the Griffindor Quidditch team? His bad attitude about the other players

What happens if you break an Unbreakable Vow? You die

Who did Hermoine go to Slughorn's party with? Connor McLaggen

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

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

A Dollar Short and A Day Late

2008-10-18T11:21:00.000-07:00

That would be me...

My Favorite Character and Magical Animal

2008-10-16T17:22:00.001-07:00

Really, how can anyone choose one absolute favorite Harry Potter character? My friend Daye would chose Snape hands down. She teaches literature at a Michigan university, and one of her classes is actually about Harry Potter. She's written scholarly papers on the appeal of Snape's character. And don['t get me wrong, Snape is a very complex and well written character. But somehow I'm drawn to the bad boy openly on Harry's side: Sirius Black.

Unicorns have been sadly over-done. They tend to look almost cartoon-ish. Anyone who has read Anne Bishop's Black Jewels books knows that unicorns are not sweet cartoons.

Time For Quidditch Again!!

2008-10-16T17:17:00.000-07:00

Hopefully the RavenClaws will get the Snitch this time. Rah-Rah-RavenClah!!

Quidditch Round 2
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.

A Great Time At Crown Tourney!

2008-10-12T18:48:00.000-07:00

I just got back from my trip away from Hogwarts for my home country's semi-annual armored combat tournament to determine our next King and Queen. I got to put away my school robes and put on my native garb. The talented Lady Berenice spent half an hour putting my hair up in the stylishly elaborate braids and loops that are the current fashion at home.

I made my curtsey to the King and Queen and their new heirs.

I had a wonderful time renewing my friendships with the friends from home.

I even snuck out with a couple friends to investigate a local yarn shop. Naturally I spent my entire allowance there. :)

I'm back now in good old Ravenclaw Tower, and I have some hard studying to do to get caught up with my school work. I've been in the irmfirmaty so much this year I bet my room mates don't even know what I look like! I'll have to re-introduce myself.

What a Week!

2008-10-10T12:45:00.000-07:00

The entire month of September was horrible, health-wise. October has been better, except that at my annual exam they found a cyst, so I've been in and out of the clinic for that. Getting a cyst in a highly tender place cut out is... um... uncomfortable. yeah, that's the word. It's sad that when you hit a certain age things just go downhill.

Tonight I'm heading out to the other end of the state for the Kingdom of Northshield Crown Tourney. They're supposed to get 9-12" of snow on Saturday and Sunday. :( But I'm hoping to get my life together during the week after the Tourney. I'm gonna clean lilke a madwoman and knit as much as possible.

Ravenclaw House Quiz

2008-10-01T15:07:00.000-07:00

*What potion has the strange side effects of excessive singing and nose-tweaking? Euphoria Elixir
*What ingredient can be used to counteract the effect of the above side effects? Peppermint
*How much can you get for Acromantula venom? 100 Galleons a pint
*What is the most powerful love potion in the world? Amortentia
*What antidote does Harry use to help Ron when he is poisoned by Madam Rosmerta's finest mead? A bezoar
*How does Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes' Owl Order Service get their potions past the security at Hogwarts to their customers? Cough syrups and perfumes
*What did Draco Malfoy make in Potions class when Professor Slughorn assigned them to make something amusing? Hiccuping solution
*What spells will not work in an area affected by Instant Darkness Powder? Light or fire spells
*What are the ingredients for the Draught of Living Death? Wormwood, Asphodel, Valerian roots, and a Sopopherous bean
*How much will unicorn tail hair fetch? 10 Galleons a hair

Extra Credit:

I. I prefer to knit
II. I don't think I have a favorite weight to knit with, it depends on the project. For socks I like sock/fingering weight. For hats and scarves I like worsted or aran.
III. I really don't like the feel of acrylic, although there are some decent acrylics out there now. FAves? I made socks out of a cashmere blend once and it was heavenly to work with.
IV. I'm not sure how many socks I've made i nthe past 6 years... maybe 30?
V. Right now I'm on a hat kick. But I bet I'll get sick of it soon. Sock knitting desires may come and go, but I'll always have a pair of socks going.
VI. Fave treat? Hmmm... high quality chocolate. Caramels and nuts.
VII. I drink coffee in the morning, herbal tea (cinnamon or spice is good) in the evening.
VIII. I did put a "things I collect" list on this blog.
IX. I am in about 10 Ravelry groups, but I really only look at 4 of them regularly.
X. We don't have really decent silk or linen fabric here in North Dakota. Or the Harry Potteryar nby Opal. Sigh.

Knitsy is a Good Elf!

2008-09-29T12:33:00.000-07:00

Knitsy the house elf in Ravenclaw Tower is keeping my on my toes. I feel terrible when I leave the dorm a mess and I come back and everything is in its place. But I have to admit I wish she wouldn't put my natural dye materials with my potions equipment. Why, this morning I accidentally added powdered logwood to the potion I was working on in class and it turned the lovelieset dusty purple. It was really a beautiful color. But Professor Snape wasn't impressed at all...

quidditch!

2008-09-26T10:38:00.001-07:00

Quidditch!
click above to see the pix!

Here's the quiz for this round.
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 Slughorn 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’?d. nitwit, oddment, blubber and tweak
9. Who is Marcus Belby’s famous uncle?b. Damocles
10. What is Snape’s mother’s name?b. Eileen Prince
Posted by Chrysta the Cursed at 3:23 PM 0 comments Links to this post

On The Mend

2008-09-24T16:18:00.000-07:00

At LAST I'm starting to recover from pneumonia. I made it through all my classes today, even Potions, although the smell made me feel quite dreadfully ill. Thanks to my thoughtful roommate Minerva Kwikspell I even had all my cauldrons when I needed them. Thanks Minee! I must get to work on the quiz for Quidditch. But to be honest after a full day I think I need my rest tonight. Besides, the Minnesota Twins are playing on muggle television. Does it make me a bad witch to admit I enjoy the muggle sport of baseball even more than Quidditch?

Pictures of me

2008-09-21T21:31:00.000-07:00

Still pretty sick so will keep this short. I don't like any pictures of me. But here are a couple that show me. The first is a painting made to look like a Byzantine illumination. (See my kitties? Isn't that sweet?) The second is a pic of me in the dress that inspired the illumination and a couple friends. The third is me and my sister. I'm on the left with the longer hair.

I was Naughty and Now I'm paying for it...

2008-09-20T18:02:00.000-07:00

I felt somewhat better this morning so I called my friend and we went on our 180 mile round trip Yarn Shop Hop today after all. That was a mistake. Now I feel much worse. My mom ( a retired registered nurse) is on her way over to my place insisting that she take me to the hospital. My temp is over 103 F and I haven't eaten much for the past 3 days. In fact I dropped almost 6 pounds since Tuesday. So if you don't hear from me for a few days you'll know where I am.

This is all the fault of my rotten sinuses, which have been infected on and off for the past 15 years. When in doubt, blame the sinuses. That's the reason I have asthma. And that's the reason I get bronchitis twice a year that developes into pneumonia once a year....

Sick, very sick

2008-09-20T01:43:00.000-07:00

A couple weeks ago I had bronchitis. But I got over it and was able to enjoy life. Now I'm back to being sick. A friend and I had planned a Yarn Shop Hop for Sept 20. But now I am sick again. I'm so disappointed to not be able to go. This time I have bronchitis again plus nausea. Blah. Must be the medicine. The infirmary is a necessary place, but I hate it. I hope Wisty and Minee are taking good care of my cats.
Back to bed before Madam Pomfrey catches me up.

New Term Quiz

2008-09-14T20:08:00.000-07:00

Potter Name: Chrysta the Cursed-- don't ask...
Rav ID: Terese
I am allergic to: aspirin, advil, mold and cats. Don't ask why I have three of the things
Pets that I have: 3 cats, Merry-Miaow, Black Magic Cat and Masuku (whom I usually call Little Bit)
My favorite yarn: Don't have a favorite, but I'd like to try some Socks that Rock or something from Panda
If you are a Ravenclaw, do you prefer the film colors or the book colors? It doesn't matter, Both are nice. I like really rich blues, tho, if that helps
My favorite flavor: Hm. Ginger is nice and spicy. But chocolate is always yummy
My favorite holiday: Halloween, Thanksgiving or Christmas. Definitely Christmas!
I would like to receive a: (Sock kit, scarf kit or yarn dyeing kit) I can't decide. Probably a sock kit, but I wouldn't want to muffle my spoilee's creativity. Whichever she decides is great.
List your favorite brand of needles or hooks, including size and length: I like the Addi double points, the shorter ones, in whatever size is appropriate for the yarn being given.
Is there a brand that you are dying to try?: maybe the Hiya Hiya?
I've participated in HSKS: (How many times have you participated in HSKS swaps?) This is the third. I've been in on 1, 5 and now 6
Do you have a birthday during this swap? If so which day? Yep, September 22.

House Elf

2008-09-12T11:05:00.000-07:00

We've been asked to post a suggestion for a name for Ravenclaw's new House Elf. Hm... I'm not good with names. When I was young we had a cat named Cat. Cat passed and we got a new super sized cat that we called Big Cat. Then we got a new little cat so we called him Little Cat. Then one of Cat's progeny came to live with us and we named him Little Big Cat. We did break the mold when we got a girl kitty and called her Catti. I loved cats when I was young and still do. here are two of mine, Black Magic Cat and little Masuku.

I'm not sure I have a good suggestion for a house elf name.

We've lost a lot of Emmas this term. Would it be confusing to Emma Wigworthy to call the house elf Emma? Yeah, probably.

Can't Wait For My Spoilee!

2008-09-11T16:45:00.000-07:00

Very soon now we'll be receiving our swap partner assignments and I can't wait to start collecting stuff and knitting a little something special. Will my partner be a Slytherin like last year? Or maybe a bold Gryffindor? If s/he is Ravenclaw I have a little something I picked up at a fiber festival earlier this year.

I am in a strength training class that meets at work. My employers pay for the certified trainer to come in twice a week with the hand weights and resistance bands etc (I work for an insurance company. Makes sense that they would rather pay a little now to help us be more fit and save money on health claims later) I was out for a week with a sinus infection/bronchitis, and I coughed so much I almost died on Tuesday. I managed to complete the 35 minute workout, and I didn't feel any lingering soreness. Today I went and although I felt pretty good, my arms and shoulders are still sore. I guess it doesn't take much for us middle aged women to lose what little fitness we are able to build up. Yikes. Off to take a hot shower and then read for ahour before bed.

Signed Up For the New Term!

2008-09-05T08:08:00.000-07:00

Well, I signed up for the new term at Hogwarts today. I'm sure I'll be in Ravenclaw House again, which is good. But I'll sure miss my old roomie Elanor. She has gone over to the dark side... But Wisteria and Minee have invited me to share their dorm this term, so that should be all good and exciting.

I have been laid low by a horrid cold. I made myself go to work every day this week, but I gave up after a couple hours today. Now that I've completed filling out the forms for the next term I'm going to lay down. Need to save my energy for moving into the dorms...

The term is ending soon!

2008-07-23T16:56:00.000-07:00

It's hard to believe, but the term is almost over. I have not done very well in my schoolwork. I'm not sure I will even get an Acceptable this term. Sigh. Oh, well, maybe school is not for me...

On a brighter note, I entered a contest to get to read and ARC (advanced readers copy) of the fifth book in a series that I love. My roomie Elanor congratulated me on my win, but added sorrwofully that it was not Breaking Dawn by Stephenie Meyer. But we don't have so long to wait for that one!

Quidditch!

2008-07-17T22:22:00.000-07:00

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? 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. 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? 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? Marlene McKinnon

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

6. Which house was Rose Zeller sorted into? Hufflepuff

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

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

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

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

EXTRA POINTS: The actor who played Cedric Diggory in Harry Potter will play Edward Cullen in Twilight.

I Cannot Rave Enough

2008-07-11T14:37:00.000-07:00

about my spoiler, who has totally lived up to her title! Just look at all the fantastic things she sent me. Enna Kirts, you rock! She's from one of the larger cities in the Netherlands. In the middle ages it was a center for trade thanks to a canal that was dug to allow goods to go from the Rhine to Utrecht more easily. It was also important in church history.

First, I had to pick up the box at the post office because it was too large to fit in my mailbox. So I picked up it on my break at work. Boy, I had to sit with it at my desk all day at work without opening it. That was TORTURE! I didn't dare leave it in the car all day in 90 degree heat. What if she had sent me some of that delicious European chocolate?

As soon as I got home I tore the box open and tossed all the newspaper (written in Dutch. Lenny Kravitz was in the Dutch newspaper. Weird.) out of the box. Look! It's stuffed full of good things. Right on top was a post card of some of the famous sights in Utrecht like the Dom, and the canal. Enna had written me a nice note describing the contents of the box for me. She apologized for not including more items that were directly related to Hogwarts. Silly girl. She put in a lovely assortment of things related to the Netherlands including fabric with a Dutch theme. Can you see it it the pictures? Windmills and tulips and a Dutch boy and girl kissing. I think I'll make a table runner for the breakfast nook. And, yep, there's chocolate. A nice thick bar of the very best milk chocolate. I have to keep telling myself: Not until after supper! And there's a bag of yummy peppermints and another of Stroopwafels, which Enna confessed she had to buy a couple times because she kept eating them herself!

How can I even begin to describe the wonderful things Enna sent me? First there's the knitted bag in my favorite colors. I'm gonna take that with me to my knitting group this weekend, along with the handpainted Ravenclaw yarn. I haven't decided yet whether to make the Millicent Socks from

Cookie A. or the Chuck's Cabled Socks yet. I think the skein of variegated Regia will be nifty for the two-tone cabled socks. I have the KnitPicks Harmony needles to use, and the very nice stitch markers in Ravenclaw blue. She also sent a zippered bag to hold my double point knitting needles. Very very nice.

For me the very nicest thing in the box were the items that related to the Cathedral of St. Maarten. In case you couldn't tell from my opening paragraph, I am devoted to European history, particularly European history in the 13 and 14th centuries. I believe the Dutch refer to the catherdral today as the Dom. It is a masterpiece of late Gothic architecture built in the 13th Century. Part of earning my history degree required a fairly in depth paper on a topic of our choice, and I chose Gothic architecture. I wanted to avoid all the obvious monuments like Chartres and Notre Dame and the cathedrals in built in France in the 12-13th centuries and concentrated on the later Gothic period in northern and western Europe. OK,OK, I'll stop teaching now. Anyway, my point is: this cathedral is one I had used in my paper. And Enna, that mind reading angel, sent me postcards and pictures from that church. See the postcards and the smaller lighter medieval images? They are *exactly* what I would have bought for myself if I had been in Utrecht. I'm dancing with glee.

Thank you, Enna! This is the best present I've had all year!

Homework for Ravenclaws

2008-07-10T05:33:00.000-07:00

1. What is the literal translation of "Albus Dumbledore"?
White Busy Bee
2. "Occlumency" is not, in reality, a word. However, it seems to be derived from a familiar real word that means "to block". What is that word?
Occlude
3. Remus Lupin, the werewolf, has a name that is a double reminder of his traits. From what languages are his two names derived?
Greek and Latin
4. Percy Weasley's owl takes its name, quite appropriately, from the Greek messenger god. Who is this god?
Hermes
5. Many of the creatures studied in the Care of Magical Creatures class or encountered by Hogwarts students are based on mythological animals while many others were made up. Name a mythological animal which is studied and/or encourntered by Hogwarts students.
Unicorn
6. Harry is tried for the "crime" of using magic outside Hogwarts by the Wizengamot. From
what culture is the name "Wizengamot" derived?
Old Norse
7. The hospital in OotP is called St. Mungo's Hospital for Magical Maladies and Injuries. Who was the real St. Mungo?
Saint Mungo is the commonly used name for Saint Kentigern (also known as Cantigernus (Latin) or Cyndeyrn Garthwys (Welsh)). He was the late 6th century apostle of the Brythonic Kingdom of Strathclyde in modern Scotland, and patron saint and founder of the city of Glasgow.
8. Dobby the house-elf gets his name from another kind of creature. In English folklore, what is a dobby?
A work horse
9. Mundungus Fletcher is a disreputable little wizard with a penchant for trading in stolen goods. What exactly does mundungus mean?
Poop
10. Harry's arch-nemesis throughout OotP is Professor Umbridge. Why is her name appropriate for her?
Because she takes umbrage at everything - especially at the breaking of rules/lawsAnd because almost everyone takes umbrage at her attitude

My Owl Has Left the Building

2008-07-08T14:22:00.000-07:00

I tied the package I'm sending to my Spoilee to my Owl's leg and sent it off this afternoon. I hope she likes everything. I have almost nothing that is specifically Slytherin and I'm wishing now that I had gathered more things from Hogwarts.

Oh, well, too late to second guess myself. I guess I'll hear in a few days if she liked it.

Allergies Lead to Asthma and Asthma Leads to...

2008-07-06T12:33:00.000-07:00

I honestly don't know what is more frightening than not being able to breathe. I did manage to drive myself to the Walk-In Clinic, but there was quite a wait and everyone could hear my struggles to breathe so they walked me down the hall to the ER.

So... I guess I need to make an appointment with my doctor to review my asthma meds. Gee, I sure wish I could go to the infirmary wing and let Madam Pomfrey heal me.

The worst thing is, this is the first time all term that I haven't blogged at least once during the week. Usually I blog multiple times.

End of Term is Getting Closer

2008-06-28T10:34:00.000-07:00

The end of term is right around the corner. I have most everything I want for my spoilee's package. I'm just waiting on an item to come by owl and to put some last touches on the bag, and then it's off by owl. My plan is to finish everything up and get it sent by July 7.

The goofiest thing happened this morning. I went downtown to a specialty boutique I know to pick up a little goody for Perenelle and when I tried to open the shop door I found it was locked. I looked through the glass door and there was a woman wearing only her bra and knickers standing by the counter. The moment our eyes connected she dropped to hide behind the counter. I stared for a moment and decided that I would not get that particular item for my spoilee's package. Sorry, Perenelle. I wish Elanor had been with me. She would have made me laugh about it.

House points

2008-06-24T05:20:00.001-07:00

Well, Ravenclaw House is firmly in third.

Good thing this is only a game! Competitive people don't take being in third place well.

Quidditch time again!

2008-06-20T10:54:00.000-07:00

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

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

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

4. What spell are the students studying in McGonalgall's class when Umbridge is doing her inspection?

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?
Dobby the House Elf

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

7. Moody used the Disillusionment Charm on Harry.

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

9. At what age did Sirius leave his home?
when he was 16

10. How many of the original Order members were killed?
8

Our Room Reeks Again

2008-06-14T06:09:00.000-07:00

Sorry, Emma. I know Elanor never did quite get that odorbegone charm to work...

I got my Bare yarn yesterday by owl and couldn't wait to get going on dying it in lovely Slytherin colors. I also dyed a skein for me. I did have a little boo-boo, though. Instead of the green for my spoilee I grabbed the teal I was going to use for me. I didn't figure it out until after I had used quite a bit of it. Oops. It doesn't look bad, does it? I mean a Slytherin might like to wear socks (or a shawl or whatever she may like to use it for) with some teal mixed in with the green and gray and white, right?

Will some of you fine Slytherins let me know if this is acceptable? If it is too blue-ish I do have some other yarn she might like. For the past few months I been buying every skein of green yarn I've seen. So I do have other choices if this isn't appropriate.

Here's a pic of the yarn I dyed for me, too. See how nice the teal looks there?

Another Ravenclaw Quiz

2008-06-10T18:58:00.000-07:00

Some of these answers I'm absolutely postive of. Some are really good guesses. Some are what my friends think and I have no reason to doubt them. Did I mention that I lost my Order of the Phoenix textbook when I moved a couple months ago? Musta lent it to someone. So these answers are strictly off the top of my head.

Below are some quotes taken from Order of the Phoenix. I would like you to identify who spoke each.
1. It's changing out there. Just like last time. There's a storm coming, Harry. And we all best be ready when she comes. Dumbledore

2. Dumbledore's Army was about doing something real. Or was that all just words to you? Neville

3. Dementors in Little Winging? Whatever next? The whole world's going topsy-turvy. Mrs Figg

4. The mind is not a book, to be opened at will and examined at leisure. Thoughts are not etched on the inside of skulls, to be perused by an invader. The mind is a complex and many-layered thing. Snape! :)

5. Face it, Petunia. Our boy has gone lumpy. Uncle Vernon

6. You're a fool, Harry Potter, and you will lose everything. He Who Must not Be Named?

7. Practicing is good, but there's something else that's even more important: believing in yourself. Look at it this way: every wizard in history has started out as nothing more than we are now -- students. If they can do it, why not us? Harry

8. I WILL have order! Umbridge9. When are you going to get it into your head? We're in this together. Hermione? Ron10. When all this is over we'll be a proper family, you'll see. Sirius

11. That's right. Anyway, my mum always said things we lose have a way of coming back to us in the end. If not always in the way we expect. Luna, when harry ws mourning Sirius while everyone else was at the end of term feast

12. You may not like him, Minister, but you can't deny: Dumbledore's got style.Phineas Nigelus Black

13. Who wants to watch me take off Snivelly's trousers? James Potter

14. One person can't feel all that, they'd explode! Ron

15. They're very clean, these Muggles. It's unnatural. Tonks

16. How dare you speak his name! YOU FILTHY HALF BLOOD! Bellatrix le Strange

17. Just because you can use magic now does not mean you have to whip your wands out for everything. Mrs Weasley

18. Did you actually believe, or are you truly naive enough to think that children stood a chance against us? I'll make this simple, Potter. Give me the prophecy now, or watch your friends die. Lucius Malfoy

19. You sort of start thinking anything's possible if you've got enough nerve. Ginny

20. Ah, I thought we might hit this little snag. You seem to be laboring under the delusion that I am going to -- what is the phrase? -- come quietly. Dumbledore

Hogsmead Trip

2008-06-09T19:00:00.000-07:00

This weekend I went with Elanor to Hogsmead. She was wanting to pick up some more tea and chocolate and a new quill. I always want chocolate, of course, but what I really wanted was to get my hair cut. Not a lot of course. When I got out of the muggle American army after 8 years I swore to never have short hair again. Since that was 16 years ago, and I usually get a trim only once a year, my hair is pretty long. When I wear it in a single braid down my back it goes to my waist. When it's unbraided it goes down a bit past my waist. I DO NOT want to cut it short. I am a bit vain of my hair and like to wear hair sticks and other types of hair jewelry, especially in the summer when I like to keep it up off my neck. But when it gets to a certain length it tends to look ratty.

It's at that length now, so it must be time for my annual hair cut. I thought I should have maybe 5 inches taken off. While Elanor was off doing her shopping I went to a place that cuts hair. I watched while one customer whose hair was about down to mid-back told the hair cutter repeatedly that she wanted only 2 inches removed. I watched with horror when the hair cutter took at least six inches off. I got up and left the waiting room in great haste. Too bad I couldn't have gotten a "Stupify!" out in time to save that poor girl's hair.

So I did not have my hair cut after all. Oh. well. I'll work up the nerve eventually.

It's really hard to get a picture of your hair when you don't have someone else to take the picture!

My personality test

2008-06-07T07:38:00.001-07:00

Hmm... Not sure who i wanted to be, but Dumbledore is certainly acceptable.

Harry Potter Personality Quiz by Pirate Monkeys Inc.

Pop Quiz

2008-06-07T07:04:00.000-07:00

This is a great way to get to know our housemates better!

1. Which Ravenclaw does not like games?
Miranda Moonstone

2. Who is taking a course in Remedial Magical Symphony?
Miz Kettleburn

3. Who got 3 puncture wounds in the bottom of her foot by stepping on a hair brush?
Ophelia Hopkirk

4. Who was formerly employed by the Ministry of Magic?
Emma Diggory

5. Who has been enrolled in a Magic Fibres Class in order to learn to knit?
Stuart Cauldwell- read his blog! It'a a hoot

6. Whose mother is a squib?
Minee’s

7. Whose father is an auror?
That would be ME!

8. Whose room smells like wet wool most of the time?
That would be our room, mine, Elanor Cadogan and Emma Diggory's. Altho you can't blame poor Emma. She just has to put up with it.

9. What Ravenclaws spent time in the infirmary for allergies?
Wisteria Lovegoods, Allitrya Spelling, me...

10. Whose wand is made of holly with a kelpie feather?
Hydrangea MacDuff

11. Whose mother was a Ravenclaw and father was a Hufflepuff when they met at Hogwarts?Olive Bladvak

12. Whose silencing potion backfired?
Emma Scrimgeour, Andromache Tonks, and Patonga Pinkstone

13. Who has purple hair?
Andromache Tonks

14. Whose son attends Hogwarts?
Emma Diggory’s son

Hufflepuff Sock Knitter's Bag

2008-06-02T16:28:00.000-07:00

Dear Diary,

Last week I decided it was time to get started knitting a simple bag as an "angel" gift. In my stash I had some odd balls of yellow/gold and black. Obviously those would make a nice little bag for a 'Puff. And I do think that after i felt it and add a lining it will be quite nice. And of course it's a good thing to do. And I should be pleased that a Hufflepuff caught the snitch during our first Quidditch match of the year.

So why am I feeling so pouty?

Maybe my roomates Elanor and Emma have some butterbeer stashed around our room somewhere? I need some cheering up...

Quiddich! (or whatever that wizarding game is...)

2008-05-29T12:15:00.000-07:00

Dear Diary, We are to complete a quiz of 10 questions and find an post some pictures for this week's quidditch match.

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

Tibbles

2. Which is NOT one of Albus Dumbledore's middle names?

Ignatius

3. Which educational decree indroduced a high inquisitor to Horgwarts?

#23

4. Apart from Harry, Ron and Hermione, who was the first peron to enter the Hog's head that showed an interest in Harry's Defense agaisnt the Dark Arts classes?

Neville Longbottom

5. In the first Qui9dditch match of the year which player attempted to score first?

Angelina

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

hydrangea

7. Why is Mundungus Fletcher disguised as a woman when he witnesses the DA's meeting in the Hog's Head Pub?

he was banned from the Hog's Head 20 years ago

8. When Harry and Cho go on their first date to Madam Puddifoot's in Hogsmeade, wh is is decorated with for Valentine's Day?

Golden cherubs and pink confetti

9. How old is Sturgis Podmore and where does he live?

38 and #2 Laburnum Gardens, Clapham

10. Waht did Fred and George Weasley do to Montague?

Pushed him head first into a Vanishing Cabinet on the fifth floor

Why I knit

2008-05-25T07:01:00.000-07:00

Dear Diary, when I knit in public people sometimes ask me why I knit? Wizarding folk raise their brows and ask why I do it the muggle way instead of just charming the needles to do the work. Muggles say they wouldn't have the time or patience to knit. Phooey on them all. Knitting is a soothing, relaxing thing to do and when I am done I have (hopefully) a useful item.

I learned to knit for two reasons: one, because I had learned to spin and had to do *something* with all that yarn, and two, because I thought hand knit socks were the best. I understand Professor Dumbledore thought so too. My first pair of socks that I ever tried to knit were... interesting. Not sure to this day how it happened, but one of the socks turned out perfect. The other... How could I make a gussett and decrease stitches on one side of the ankle but not the other? It is a mystery that haunts me to this day. I was in the Great Hall where Emma Gorodek (is that the right spelling?) was showing off a gorgeous bag she had knitted from pattern she designed herself. It the the first time she had combined so many different techniques in one project and everyone was talking about how their first attempts at something turned out. I think most people did better than me on the first try at socks.

I don't have a picture of those socks, but here's a picture of my first attempt at felting. I had put off doing any felting for years because I wondered why on earth anyone would want to take the time to knit something and felt it when they could just felt it. I still feel that way to an extent. But I admit that for larger projects throwing thigns into a washing machine instead of pounding soapy hot fiber is a lot less physical labor.

yarn!

2008-05-21T18:10:00.000-07:00

Dear Diary, I finished up spinning, plying, washing, drying and skeining that blue/purple/lavender/black romney roving. The cats are always fond of helping with fiber arts. These muggle photos are terrible, not as color-true as wizarding photographs.

I'm afraid the smell of wet wool in our dorm room was a bit much for poor Emma. But it wasn't just me. After all, Elanor is busy dying some yarn, so her fiber stuff stunk too. I'm not sure that Elanor's odorbegone charm is quite working as we thought it would. Must do more research into Charms...

Can you keep a secret?

2008-05-19T19:51:00.000-07:00

OK, I sat down with this tonight and tried to figure out the cryptogram. I figured the flag sign had to be either an A or an I because it was by itself. That helped me to crack it.

"do you want to know a secret? The headquarters for the Order of the Phoenix is at no. 12 Grimmauld place."

I was thrown off at first because I thought there was only one cross sign. But actually there are two, one for H and another, with a darker, thicker line on one side, for E.

Homework

2008-05-19T11:47:00.001-07:00

Ok, we Ravenclaws have homework this week, a cryptogram that we need to deciper and post to our blogs. Oy! I need a couple hours alone with a pencil and a barrel of butterbeer to get this. maybe Emma and Elanor and I can brainstorm tonight in the dorm and figure it out.

Dorm assignments

2008-05-17T13:21:00.000-07:00

Dorm assignments have been posted in the Ravenclaw common room. It will be me, Elanor Cadogan and Emma Diggory. Wonder if she's a relation on Dad's side of the family? I hope she doesn't have a rat. My cat Masuku LOVES to chase rats. And I hope she doesn't mind the spinning wheel and all the yarn...

A Little Bit About Myself

2008-05-13T06:48:00.000-07:00

Dad and Mum

Dear Diary, I want my school mates to get to know me so I'm going to say a little bit about myself. There's nothing terribly exciting, you know. I have absolutely no idea why I am called "the Cursed". Everybody wants to know that right off. It's true that I tend to have streaks of horribly bad luck. But then, doesn't everyone? Mum is Celestina Black. She and nearly her whole
family were Slytherins. She was pretty disappointed when I was sorted into Ravenclaw. Dad is Aldo Diggory, a Gryffindor who works as an auror. My roommate is Elanor Cadogan. She's lovely and seems fond of my cat Masuku.

My favorite hobbies are spinning wool and silk into yarn and knitting it into socks and hats. Spinning is a muggle sort of thing, but it is surprisingly soothing to the temper. I also love to read. Ta for now. Off to Herbology!

All Set for the Term

2008-05-12T06:51:00.000-07:00

I think I'm all set for the school term. I have a wonderful rommate, my class list, a swap partner to spoil and now a wand!

Wood type: rosewood
Length: 11½ inches
Core: Gryffon Feather

get your own wand!

Sheep & Wool Festival

2008-05-12T04:46:00.000-07:00

Dear Diary, I had a wonderful weekend at the Shepherd's Wool Festival in Lake Elmo. My roommate (Elanor Cadogan) and I met up with some muggle friends and went shopping for fiber stuff. That's Elanor in the dark blue sweater, and I have the darker hair. Since we were with muggles we travelled in a car. It was great fun! I bought sparkly wool, a new niddy noddy, a new spindle, five ounces of a nice romney roving dyed in varying shades of blue and part of a very nice clean fleece with really nice crimp. In the car I realized that I had not bought any yarn! So we went to a shop called the Sheepy yarn Shop and later Borealis Yarns. My, that was fun!

But now I'm exhausted and here it is the beginning of the term. Hope I can stay awake!

The term starts soon!

2008-05-08T20:28:00.000-07:00

Dear Diary, I'm very excited to be going to Hogwarts. Term starts after this weekend. Hope I do well. I'm not very good in school, but I want to do everything I can to help my House, Ravenclaw, to win the the House Cup. Luckily, my roommate, Elanor Cadogan, is an old hand around Hogwarts. I'm sure she'll steer me right. We're going to spend the weekend together at a Sheep and Wool festival. I'll be sure to report everything to you when we get back.