And then I started to pull everything out of the box

She must have put an undetectable extension charm on that box because it just seemed like I kept pulling more and more things out of there!  Once I got everything out, I started upwrapping!

You had me at the coffee…. I love it all!  Thank you so much!  The sock yarn came at just the right time.  My friend’s mom is going to teach me to knit socks 2 at a time!  And of course, before I could open the coffee or bust open the candy, it needed to pass thru security.

Don’t let Jimbo fool you.  He’s had several correspondence course in package security.  He’s a true professional.  Thanks again Arriana!  I love it all!

1- Who wrote the obituary of Dumbledore in The Daily Prophet? Elphias Doge
2- What is a Squib? witch/wizard born person has no magical skills for themselves.
3- Who stole the locket Horcrux from the Black House? Mundungus Fletcher
4- What are the Albus Dumbledores’ siblings names? Aberforth and Ariana
5- Where did Hermione leave the money for the eggs and bread that they stole from the lonely farm? - under the chicken coup
6- What is the quote Lily and James Potter have on their tombstone? The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death
7- Why did Gilbert Grindewald leave wizarding school? he was expelled for experimenting with black magic
8- Where does Xeno Lovegood first say that Luna is when Ron, Hermione and Harry visit? at the river looking for plimpies
9- What wood is the wand from The Deathly Hallows supposed to be made out of? elderwood – from a tree near where the brothers died.
10- How did Harry, Hermione and Ron escape the vaults of Gringotts? the same way they did in Oceans 12… I kid… I’m a kidder, they made their way out on the back of a dragon
11- What is the name of the all-female Quidditch team that Ginny has a poster of in her room? Hollyhead Harpies
12- Describe what the Undetectable Extension Charm is. Say you have a soup can.  This charm makes is so that the soup can has endless space in it.
OK now that my homework is done… albeit late, let’s move on to Mad Men. I’ve hear so much so much about this show, that I got online and went to the Seattle Library page and put a hold on the dvds.  You can imagine that the wait for the dvds was a couple of months.  But it was worth the wait.  The cast is amazing, the writing is phenomenal and the sets and the costumes are incredible.  The show reminds me a little of the Sopranos because all the characters are flawed, in some way or another.  And the lead character, Don Draper (played by Jon Hamm) is not always likeable but you are still rooting for him.  Not to mention, he’s one good looking guy.  He’s got that Paul Newman/Gregory Peck/Rock Hudson look about him.   And he was great in his guest starring role on 30 Rock.

John Slattery (seen in this photo with Christina Hendricks, who’ll talk about in a second), who plays Roger Sterling, used to be on a show called Homefront back in ’91 that I loved.  There’s something about him that makes him so well suited for period shows.  He has such a great 40s/50s look about him.  He did show up on Sex in the City where he played a politician who has a strange fetish.  But let’s get back to Mad Men.  The one gal who plays Joan (Christina Hendricks) is awesome.  I don’t know if I love her character or the fact that she’s built like most women with curves.  And her character doesn’t hide them. She uses them.  Not something I’m terribly comfortable with, but then again, I don’t have those kinds of curves.

So now I’m waiting for season 2 to come out on dvd.  I believe it’s sometime in June or July.

As for the knitting that went on this weekend.  Well, here’s what I did.  I had to frog a fair amount because I just wasn’t paying attention to my knitting.  I was paying too much attention to Mad Men.

I’m hoping to get the lace part on the bottom (the peplum) done today or tomorrow and then it’s on to the sleeves and the button bands.

And can I just say this, thank god the first family finally got a dog.  Now we can get back to fixing the economy.  Actually they just showed the annual White House Easter Egg Roll.  I have to say, there’s something somewhat comforting to see the President do some of the same things my dad did for me – reading books and acting them out from time to time, playing games.  Not to mention that you can see how much love there is in that family.  Kinda reminds me of my family.  ‘Cept my dad wasn’t a basketball fan.

PS – way to go Al Franken!

1. On which day did the Order of the Phoenix come to get Harry?
a. Tuesday
b. Sunday
c. Saturday
d. The day of his 17th birthday

2. During all this chaos with voldemort and the Death Eaters, people still had lives to live and Ron’s oldest brother, Bill decided to marry Fleur Delacour? Who were the uninvited guests at Bill and Fleur’s wedding?
a. Voldemort
b. Death Eaters
c. Scrimgeour
d. Grindewald

3. Voldemort had seven Horcruxes hidden in different places. Six of them were hidden at the Gaunt shack, Hogwarts, a cave, inside Harry, inside his snake, Nagini and Tom Riddles Diary. Did Voldemort hide the last Horcrux inside the Malfoy’s vault at Gringotts?
a. Yes
b. No

4. Why did the Dumbledore’s move to Godric’s Hollow?
a. The reason is unknown
b. They were tired of their old home.
c. The father went to Azkaban
d. It was a better place for their children to grow up

5. Harry and Hermione read a part of “Life and Lies of Albus Dumbledore,” written by Rita Skeeter. Then they met Dumbledore’s brother Abeforth and he told them the same story, just with a few details changed. Which of the following did Aberforth and Rita Skeeter agree on about Dumbdore’s past?
a. Why the Dumbledore family moved to Godric’s Hollow
b. That Dumbledore was friends with Grindelwald for a while.
c. Why nobody outside the family noticed Ariana much.
d. The reason for Dumbledore’s father’s imprisonment in Azkaban.

6. When Harry and Hermione visit Godric’s Hollow, they visit the graveyard to see Harry’s parent’s graves. Harry walks by a tombstone that we later learn belong to tone of “The Three Broother’. The brother buried there once owned what?
a. The ressurection stone
b. The cloak
c. The wand
d. The sword

7. The Trio finds out that Luna had been kidnapped by the Death Eaters , and that they won’t give her back until they got Harry Potter. Why did they kidnap Luna?
a. Her father sided with Harry and Dumbledore
b. They though he would come to her rescue
c. She was a muggleborn
d. Her father failed as a Death Eater

8. After Voldemort killed Snape, he left the room and Harry came out from under the cloak. Snape gave Harry some of his memories all the way from when he was a child to just months before. Harry dived into the Pensieve and which of the following did he not see?
a. Dumbldore telling Snape that at some point Snape had to kill him.
b. Snape telling Lily she was a witch
c. Snape and Lily having fun in a potions class
d. Snape talking to Dumbledore on a hilltop

9. On the search of the Lost Diadem, Harry finally gets to talk to the Gray Lady. Who was the Gray Lady when she was alive?
a. She didn’t remember because she had been dead for so long.
b. Rowena Ravenclaw.
c. Helena Ravenclaw.
d. A girl who was put in ravenclaw 800 years previously

10. Which of these is not one of Harry or Ron’s children?
a. Rose
b. Hugo
c. James
d. Victoria - I wish… that’s my Harry Potter name!

Pictures!

Lily
Ron
Snape
Luna
Godric’s Hollow

As for the progress of my Aunt’s scarf, well, here it is:

And here’s a close up of the lace:

I’ve used one full skein of Rowan RYC Cashsoft 4ply which is about 200 yards and I got about 22 inches so far.  I’m hoping, now that I’ve got the pattern down and I can get into a bit of a rythmn with it, I’ll have it done by the end of the month, at the latest.

On the knitting tip, Aunt Nancy’s scarf is coming along swimmingly.  I’ll try and take a picture of it tomorrow.  It’s actually a great first lace project.  It’s easy to see the pattern and easy enough to memorize.  I really like it.  I probably won’t ever do it again because there’s not enough change up in it for me.  But I really like the way it’s turning out.

Sure, easy for you to say.  Here’s what I’m realizing about this recent homework assignment -  I will never be a code breaker in Dumbledore’s Army.

Here’s what I think it says -

Snape running wildly; smacked right into  the arms of Delores Umbridge; who had been lying in wait for him.  And before Snape knew it, Delores had swept him, literlaly off his feet and planted one heck of a kiss on him.

Apparently some of my other classmates got this as the answer -

Harry looked around; there was Ginny running toward him; she had a hard, blazing look in her face as she threw her arms around him. And without thinking, without planning it, without worrying about the fact that fifty people were watching, Harry kissed her.

I was way off.

As for the sign of the times, today I went to my favorite grocery type store – the Grocery Outlet (or as my good friend Darren calls it, the Gross Out).  The Grocery Outlet is basically the Ross/Marshalls/TJ Maxx/Tuesday Morning/Home Goods of grocery products.  For example, I can get a 4 pack of Kombucha Wonder Drink for $3.  I can barely get one Kombucha drink for that price.  I noticed today, when I pulled into the parking lot, which is usually about a quarter full, was now almost completely full!  The place was packed because everyone is doing their best to save as much as they can of their paycheck.  I also noticed, on the drive home, there were 3 houses on the lake that were up for sale. This is unheard of as any property that sits on Lake Washington is a hot commodity.  But with the taxes for such property being around $20,000 (and I wish I were kidding on that) it seems like people are ready to give up that luxury.

As for the knitting, We’ll I’ve got about a 1/3 of one sleeve done on my February Lady Sweater.  I’m hoping to finish one sleeve today.  But we’ll see.  I’ve got to clean up the house and start packing.  My landlords are selling our house in May, so I thought now would be a good time to start weeding out some of the stuff that I don’t need or didn’t know I even still had!

I’ll try and get some photos of the sweater progress once the workmen have left.  Oh yeah, the landlords are doing some upgrades to the house.  Currently they’ve turned the water off to fix my upstairs neighbor’s kitchen. They said that they’d have the water on in about 45 minutes.  That was over an hour and a half ago.  I haven’t had anything to eat or drink because I would hate to have to knock on the neighbor’s door and ask to use the bathroom.

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?
a. The start of the new school year
b. The Dursleys kicking him out
c. Voldemort’s escape from Azkaban
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. Mundungus
b. Snape
c. Yaxley
d. Shacklebolt

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 Moody
b. Nymp0hadora Tonks
c. Hagrid
d. George Weasley

4. Who informed Harry, Ron and Hermione of the bequests left to them in Dumbledore’s will?
a. Kingley Shaclebolt
b. Minerva McGonalgall
c. Arthur Weasley
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 lynx
b. An otter
c. A doe
d. A stag

6. Escaping from the wedding to London, our three friends found themselves confronted by a pair of Death Eaters, disguised as workmen. This close brush impressed on them the need to find someplace to hide. Where did they decide to go?
a. The Leaky Cauldron
b. Sirius Black’s house
c. The Dursley’s house
d. Ron’s Auntie Muriel’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?
a. By giving him clothes and his freedom
b. They didn’t win him over!
c. By giving him something to eat
d. By giving him Regulus Black’s old locket

8. Who did they eventually find was in possession of the locket/Horcrux?
a. Severus Snape
b. Lucius Malfoy
c. Lord Voldemort
d. Dolores Umbridge

9. What did Harry find embedded in the door of Umbrdige’s office?
a. Moody’s magical eye
b. Nymphadora’s purple hair
c. Hedwig’s head
d. George Weasley’s ear

10. After 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?
a. To Godric’s Hollow
b. To the Forbidden Forest
c. Back to the Burrow
d. To the site of the Quidditch World Cup

Choice 1 – the dark wooden button:

Choice 2 – the flower etched shell button:

Choice 3 – the burgundy plastic button:

Choice 4 – the white wood button:

So those are the choices. Vote below and when I finish the sweater I’ll let you all know what button won!
[polldaddy poll=1336789]

And now for the HSKS7 homework!

1. What are your three most favorite colors? I think I’m in my green phase.  Olive green, moss green, blue green, greenish blue, you get the idea.  Top three are probably a nice heather brown (nothing too dark – something neutral), a nice green color (nothng too bright… No Rainbow Bright action for me), and a nice blue color.  A color that makes you just sigh like you just walked into a spa.  Ok, so I just named the colors we used to call “spa like” colors when I was doing web design.
2. What are you three least favorite colors?  Anything bright.  If there’s a wattage chart on the label for the color, I want none of it.  And as far as I’m concerned Orange is color that should only be seen on pumpkins and road worker vests.
3. Your favorite candy is _________________.  anything chocolate… anything with chocolate and peanut butter, anything with chocolate and caramel.  Any chocolate that is missing raisins.  Raisins creep me out.  They shouldn’t be sneaking into my foods.
4. Who is your favorite Weasley?  Ron… no wait Fred, or is it George.  Ok, I’m changing my answer back to Ron.  Ron… final answer.
5. Do you knit, crochet, or both?  I can crochet, but it’s not pretty.  I guess that’s why I stick to knitting.
6. What type of kit did you ask for? I think I asked for a sock kit but I’d also take a bag kit.  I won’t be picky… it’s a present via mail that doesn’t include a bill to me.  I’ll love it, whatever kit that comes to me.
7. Acrylic— (a) has its uses, (b) should all be burned, (c) best yarn to work with? (choose an answer) A – has it’s uses.  I’m now using it knit up patterns that I want to do, but am not sure if I’ll like the way it looks on me.  If I like it in acrylic, then I’m sure I’ll love it in the super expensive yarn.  Actually my favorite sweater (that i knit for myself was made with Simply Soft Tweed – it’s the cabaret raglan sweater).
8. Who is the Gryffindor Head Girl ?  I’d like to say it’s me, but it’s the lovely, talented, gifted, and giving Millicent Brocklehurst.  I hear she’s also quite a looker.
9. Name four “extras” you would love to receive in your kit – 1 – a row counter (the red clicky kind), the knitter’s almanac, I would love, love, love these (my grandma got some for me and I left them on the plane and I never got to replace them) and a lint shaver (the battery operated kind) or perhap the knit klips because I hate seaming and hopefully these will help me from seaming crazy.
10. What are your three most favorite scents? coffee, vanilla and lavendar
11. Do you prefer salty or sweet snacks? both!
12. Which Gryffindor and Slytherin students are sisters in real life? Is this a trick question?  Come on…. this can’t happen.
13. Do you really need more stitch markers?  yes, but none of those dangly ones. I can’t seem to keep from knitting those into whatever I’m doing.
14. DPNs, circular, or straight? circulars and straights
15. Favorite yarn? Dream yarn? the kind of yarn that knits itself into beautiful garments.  Malabrigo worsted and anything rowan.  I’m sure there’s more but I’m forgetting them at the moment.
16. Favorite HP Movie? All of them.  Don’t make me pick. please… please don’t make me pick one.
17. Favorite HP character?  I’m torn between Ron, Hermione and Professor Snape (Alan Rickman… that voice… Col. Brandon… yummmy!)
18. What is your favorite pattern? I love my cabaret raglan sweater (I just hate all the seaming), there’s a ton in my favorites that I haven’t tried yet that may end up being my favorite.

Dear Mr. Morrette,

Thank you for your e-mail regarding your recent trip with our Delta and
our Delta Connection partner, Comair. We regret the circumstances you
described and appreciate your taking the time to share the details.

Your time is valuable, and operating on schedule is equally important to
us. When a flight is delayed or canceled due to weather, as was the case
with your flight, it is being done for the safety of all passengers.

As our customer, you are in the best position to point out areas that
need attention. Our goal is to provide consistent and accurate
information to our passengers at all times. I am sorry that in this
instance you did not receive the service you expected and should have
received from our airport agent. Feedback like yours will help us
improve our airport process and customer experience. Please know I will
be sharing your comments with our Customer Service and Airport
Operations leadership team for internal follow up.

We appreciate your comments regarding the lack of service you
experienced. After reading your remarks, I certainly understand why you
wanted to bring this matter to our attention. I am sorry that in this
instance you did not receive the service you expected and should have
received from our airport employee, as we expect our employees to be
helpful and professional at all times. Please know that I will be
sharing your comments with our Customer Service and Airport Operations
leadership team for internal follow up. Thank you for taking the time to
share this disappointing experience with us.

I understand the inconvenience you were caused. Like you, we certainly
wish that instances of mishandled luggage never occurred. Please know
that I will be sharing your comments with our Customer Service and
Airport Operations leadership team for internal follow up. Thank you for
taking the time to share this disappointing experience with us.

Please accept our apology for the unfavorable impression you received in
this instance. We appreciate your selection of Delta and will always
consider it a privilege to be of service.

Sincerely,

Steve P. Paul
Manager
Customer Care

Thanks Steve for all your help.  First, it’s not Mr. it’s Miss or Ms.  Whatever floats your boat.  Second, when did we start talking about misplaced luggage.  Fortunately for me, all my luggage was carry on.  That was with me the whole time.  But it’s nice to know that this seems to be a big problem for your airline that you had to throw that in towards the end of this somewhat apologetic email.  I’m so glad that you’ll be checking with “Customer Service and Airport Operations
leadership team for internal follow up.”  No need.  I can give you the full report – you don’t care about your customers and you really don’t care about how you treat them.  We can call that investigation done.

I called Delta and talked to someone who had to hear the whole new and improved story again.  She gave me the address of where to write that will hopefully make it directly to someone who can fake caring about how their company looks to the people who use their airline.  So part 3 of the story is coming soon.

On a positive note, I signed up for the HSKS7 swap!  After I finish up with the Secret Pal swap, the Harry Potter swaps will be the only ones I do this year.  I wish I could do more, but I think because of the economy and everything else that’s going wrong, er, I mean, on with this country and the economy, it’s probably best to cut back to one.