Blogging as a Muggle

Hello, past and future students!
Many preparations are being made for the next set of students that will begin arriving at Hogwarts in January.

Future Changes for Next Term

• We are retooling the DA and might be getting rid of it all together. Still thinking about that one.

• We will be charging a $2 fee per person to help cover the costs of the HSKS website and angel gifts and prizes.

The castle is being aired out to allow the wonderful crisp winter air to circulate. Thankfully, everyone has a home to go to over the Winter holidays.

We are looking forward to seeing everyone soon!!

Just Jenean

For those that are interested or happen to trip upon this blog, please visit me at my regular blog - Just Jenean - until HSKS7 begins.

Another Lovely Package!!!

I've received another great package from our dear Ms. Pettigrew! I truly think this is the most spoiling I've ever had! Thank you, Victoria!!

Below you'll note a lovely book titled The Beginners Guide to Felting, the infamous Knitter's Almanac, a set of my favorite Knit Picks needles - 7" dpns and 10" circulars.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

His sister speaking on his mother

Daily Grind - Latte Art

My mornings are filled with the wonderful Latte art of one of my co-workers. He talks too much, but he is a great Barista. He takes pride in his work :) You've got to love it!

Wassup 2008

Oh, I do love my videos!!! My husband showed me a new one today. Do you remember the Wassup guys from Super Bowl 8 years ago??? Whoooo! Long time ago. Anyway they have a new one. Check it out -

Slytherin House Quiz #3

Where did the first kiss between Harry and Ginny occur?
a. The Gryffindor Common Room

2. Severus Snape made an unbreakable vow to whom?
b. Narcissa Malfoy

3. Why is Hagrid upset with Ron, Harry and Hermione?
c. They did not take his class in their 6th year

4. Who is the Half-Blood Prince?
b. Severus Snape

5. At what age are you legally allowed to Apparate?
d. 17

6. How long does it take to brew a batch of Felix Felicis?
c. 6 months

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

8. Which one of your roommates snores the loudest?
I've been told that Ophelia Crookshanks is pretty loud, but then again, when I'm asleep I'm asleep. Nothing short of a freight train would wake me up.

9. Which Hogwart's student is secretly dating the new DADA Professor Lucius Whitmarsh?
Wisteria Lovegoods has been secretly dating Lucius Whitmarsh.

10. Describe your favorite item found in Weasley's Wizard Wheezes!
Patented Daydream Charms

Latest Twilight

Can't wait!!!

Quidditch ~ Round Two

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

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

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

Updates, updates!

Well, how's a person supposed to participate in NaBloPoMo when they only blog once a week?? I can't believe how this week flew by and I certainly didn't post everyday. So, sorry to let you down folks. Maybe I'll just consider this practice for the month of November.

Today at church they played a short Godco spoof, which is similar to those Geico commercials we've been seeing. I couldn't find the exact video, but this one is pretty funny too. Let me if you have a hard time playing it. I couldn't seem to get any of the videos that I viewed tonight to run properly.

Cleaning

I want to say that I didn't do much today except clean, but I also went to church, singing practice and hung out with friends for a bit. Yes, it was all fun, but now I'm very tired and will be sloughing off to sleep as soon as I get to work tonight.

So, this post is short, but sweet. Now it's time for sleep.

Hogsmead Weekend!

Can I say anything else except fabulous?? First, my roommate Matilda almost thought that she would have to sit the weekend out because she woke up with a fever! Half hour before we were to leave, however, her fever mysteriously disappeared. We were all glad!! So was Bryce Arland.Can you believe that hottie is in love with Matilda??? Lucky girl! Anyway, where was I?? Oh, yes! Matilda and Bryce spent a little time at Madam Padfoot's. What they see in that place I'll never know. Anyway, I had to leave them there and head over to Dervish and Bangs because I needed to pick up my repaired broom. A little Quidditch accident last term was the cause. The main reason I wanted to make the trip to Hogsmeade, however, was Honeydukes! I had to restock on Peppermint Humbugs and chocolate.

After the day was over I just fell into the comfy chair in my dorm room and took a little nap. I hope everyone else had a fabulous time in Hogsmead. Can't wait to read about it.

Just in the Nick of Time

Here it is, only the 3rd day and I'm already slipping up. Actually I was going to post a little earlier, but got distracted by my husband. In a good way, but now I'm left scrambling a little to post this little ditty before midnight.

The NaBloPoMo theme for the month is voting!! So, let's view a little Miss Hogwarts Competition :)





I will see many of you in Hogsmeade tomorrow! My favorite shop is . . . Oh! I guess you'll have to stay tuned tomorrow to find out. Night, all!

Birthday Package!!!

I think this is the first time that I will write this - Squeeeeeee!!! I got a fantabulous birthday package today from my spoiler :) It was so awesome to get home from work today and see that on my porch. I am actually waiting for an order of something, so at first I thought it was my order.

I've lost my real camera, so you'll have to bear with the phone pictures.

First a wonderful letter

Hello Miss Wartbobble!
I hope this owl post finds in time for your birthday.
I hope it's everything you will need for the rest of the school year.
I got you a back up cauldron because it's always nice to have a back up . . . just in case. There's a few Slytherin snakes to show your house spirit along with some super soft alpaca yarn to dye (in Slytherin colors, of course!) There should be some spare t-pins. I can never seem to fine mine when I need to block my knitting. There's also a journal/notebook. I tend to take a lot of notes in Professor Srpout's class, so I always have a spare handy. I also picked up the latest copy of The Government Manual for New Wizards. Theres a bunch of new laws and rules this year. I don't want you to get put in Azkaban for a small traffic violation. There's also a few other little surprises in there.

I hope you enjoy everything!
Love,
Victoria Pettigrew

Thank you for the t-pins!!!! Do you know what else I used them for? The insulated wraps that I put around the cake pan when I'm cooking a cake. I lose those things faster than money it seems. Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!!

And now the pictures..

Post One - October One

Well, today is the first day of October. My absolute favorite month ever!!!! Why, you ask? Well, because it's my birthday month, of course! It's also the beginning of the holiday season. So, October, November and December are my absolute favorite months of the year.

Women's Suffrage
For NaBloPoMo the theme is 'voting.' So, for this post I thought I would talk a little bit about Woman's Suffrage.

The battle for women's right to vote started with the National Women's Convention in 1848. The convention was brought about because two women that attended the Anti-slavery Convention in 1840. They were able to attend after much opposition, but had to stay in a segregated area behind a curtain and they were not allowed to speak on any of the issues or to speak at all really. So, basically they couldn't be seen or heard while they were there.

At the Seneca Convention many sentiments were passed, but the one's concerning voting saw opposition until an ex-slave and newspaper owner, Frederick Douglas, spoke on behalf of the women's right to vote sentiment.

The battle did not end there! Many newspapers wrote articles riduculing the convention and a few of the people that had signed the sentiments wanted their names removed. The battle went on until 72 years later the 19th Amendment finally passed, giving the women the right to vote. This struggle was truly a battle. Women were riduculed and beaten for their stand on this issue. If you would like to read more concerning Women's Suffrage please go HERE and HERE.

Slytherin House Quiz #2

Many, Many congrats to Enid for finding the Snitch and to Slytherin House for FINALLY being in the lead! It only took 6 swaps, but we're finally making some progress. Way to go Slytherins!!! On to winning the House Cup!

• Are you a sock knitter?What are your foot measurements? Nope, I'm not a sock knitter. I'm not entirely sure of my measurements, but I'll try and update that information before the end of the week.
  

• Do you have a yarn winder and/or a swift? Unfortunately, no.Where/how to you keep you needles/hooks? In a needle roll that I made.

• Do you collect anything? Yarn! LOL Starbucks or Daily Grind paraphanelia and Old Fashioned bears or Starbucks bears LOL

• What is your favorite type of music? Are you MP3 ready? Country, and no, I'm not MP3 ready, but I'm CD ready! Listen to music in my car all the time.

• Do you like sweets? What are your favorites? My favorite candy is Apple Sour Punch.

• What is your living situation like? Any pets? Children? No pets, but four children and a husband.

• Do you have an online wish list (Amazon, Etsy, Loopy Ewe, etc.)? Please include links for your swap pal. Amazon - jeneanw

• Favorite Harry Potter movie character? Harry first and Dumbledore second.

Something Fun ~ NaBloPoMo

I'm sure that some of you may have heard of either NaBloPoMo or NaNoWriMo.
NaNoWriMo stands for National Novel Writing Month and NaBloPoMo stands for National Blog Posting Month.

Well, I participated in the 2006 NaNoWriMo. Never finished, though. I thought it would be fun to start a HSKS group on the NoBloPoMo website for those that might want to participate. So, if you are daring and willing, please join me!!

Quidditch ~ Round One

1. At the beginning of the book, Cornelius Fudge is talking to the Muggle Prime Minister. Which member of the Order of the Phoenix has recently been found dead?

c. Emmeline Vance

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

b. Fox

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

b. 11 p.m.

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

a. An armchair

5. What grade did Harry get for Herbology?

a. E – Exceeds Expectation

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

b. A duck

7. What is Professor Sprout’s first name?

d. Pomona

8. What is Dumbledore’s idea of ‘a few words’?

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

Dorm Mates

So, I finally found out who my dorm mates are! Excitement!

Matilda Edgecomb
Jade Bladvak
Ceciley Fortescue
Emma Gorodok

Time for those late night talks, girls!!!

What is your earliest memory as a child?

Mine was when I was 3 years old. I remember my grandparents on my mother's side taking me to Disneyland. I don't really remember much about the event, but I do remember that they took me. What do you remember?

My Husband

Yes, I finally took the test that everyone is taking and I'm sure some of you might be jealous :)

Your result for The Harry Potter Husband Test...

Mrs. Harry Potter

Have Tea With Me!!

Yep, that's right. I announced last night that we will have a Beginning of the Year Feast tomorrow in the Great Hall. Now what I want to know is, if you are planning on attending what are you bringing?? Last year I made some Pumpkin Pasties that were deliciouso!!! I think I'm going to make them again this year.

Find your favorite recipe and share pictures!

Hogwarts Recipes

My Swap Partner!!

I'm so excited! This is the first swap that I'll be participating in NOT under the cover of a pseudo personae. I'm also not working every other out of the day besides the time that I'm writing a paper for class, so I'll be able to give more back to this swap. Totally jazzed!! AND we're entering my absolute favorite time of the year.

My swap partner this term is a 1st year named Petunia Cronkshanks. I'm looking forward to getting to know her a little better and to also see her enjoying herself as the swap progresses. She's looking forward to receiving a sock kit, so that shall be fun to put together. Maybe I'll even get a little knitting done this term!

Well, it's time for me to do a few administrative duties! Whew!! Admin duties and homework this term. I'm pulling the double duty! LOL

Slytherin House Quiz #1

1. Do you knit and/or crochet : I knit

2. How long have you been at your craft? Since December 26th, 2005.

3. Do you spin? No.

4. What type of spinning do you do (drop spindle or wheel)? N/A

5. Are there any other crafts that you participate in? Sewing, Scrapbooking, Baking ;)

6. What are your favorite yarns/fibers? Loves me some Lamb's Pride Bulky and Alpaca blends.

7. What are your LEAST favorite yarns/fibers? I will knit with most anything, but prefer soft to scratchy even in acrylics.

8. Are there any types/brands of yarn that you are dying to work with but haven’t gotten a chance? I see them, but can't remember the name!

9. What are your favorite types of projects to knit/crochet? Love bags and hats and baby items.

10. What are you currently working on? A dishcloth, Doctor's Bag and a Hufflepuff bag.

11. Anything you plan to start this autumn? Dr. Who scarf for hubby's Xmas gift.

12. What is your favorite Finished Object? (Please, post a picture if you would like.)

13. Are their any knitting/crochet techniques that you would like to learn? I want to learn to double knit.

HSKS 6 Questionnaire

Potter Name: Miss Winifred Wartbobble

Rav ID: misswartbobble

I am allergic to: Nothing

Pets that I have: None of the four legged kind

My favorite yarn: Lamb's Pride Bulky, Cascade 220 runs a close second because of the variety of colors.

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

My favorite flavor: Peppermint and Pumpkin

My favorite holiday: Thanksgiving

I would like to receive a: Yarn Dyeing Kit

List your favorite brand of needles or hooks, including size and length: Any needle made with Bamboo anywhere between 7 and 13.

Is there a brand that you are dying to try?: Harmony!

I've participated in HSKS: 5 times, I skipped HSKS 4

Do you have a birthday during this swap? Yeppers!! If so which day? October 7th

KnitWitz

Yay! I finally - after four months - stepped foot in my favorite yarn shop!! Have you ever put your knitting down for a period of time and just have a hard time picking the needles up again?? That was me. I just have to throw myself back into knitting or I'll never get anything done.

Anyway, I must fly once again. Time to pick up the kiddos at school!

Not Feeling Well

Not sure if it's just Aunt Flo, but Winnie does not feel well today. Everything hurts! I worked my graveyard - 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. job and then drove over to Daily Grind for a 6:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. shift. Totally forgot the potion for pain, so by the end of my shift I was in some terrible pain. After driving home I went straight to sleep and completely slept through picking up the girls from school at 2 p.m.!!! It was almost 3 p.m. by the time I got them. Poor Cree was quite sad!

Administrative Duties
Anyway, I got the matches done last night, but the list still needed a little tweaking before it could be released.

Only one more day before the swap begins!!! I can feel the exitement already :) I am quite surprised at the turn out, actually. I assumed because of the holidays that some would be sitting this term out, but we are up to our regular attendance. Yay!!

Well, I'm going to do a little homework and then head off to work again. Nigh all!!

Buzzing Little Bees!!

Once again the halls of Hogwarts are alive with chatter and a little mischief!! Hogwarts Sock Kit Swap 6 is about to begin in a few days and there is so much to do already!!

A few things that we will focus on:

• A less intensive Dumbledore's Army

• House Awards - more to come later

• Dueling Club

• Sending our kits early!!!

I would love to blog more, but must run! Miss Wartbobble has children to take to cheerleading practice.

Is this obvious??

First one to leave a comment here is the winner!!

Leisure Strolls

I laugh at the title of this post. Leisure? I suppose very little about my life is leisure right now. I do appreciate the calm in between Quidditch tournaments, however. Gives me a little more time to visit with some of the students.

I've been marveling at the craftiness of Morgana Black, the sock knitting of Antionio, the wonderful dragon eggs found by Minerva Kwikspell, and the constant happenings of Catriona Lestrange. Who have you enjoyed visiting this term?

Dueling Club
I'm excited to say that of this date, June 10th, the hat bracket on has one more hat death to await before they all move to the second round. The sock bracket is awaiting 3 deaths.

Fantasy & God

Today's post may be a little controversial :)

I am a Christian. I also love fantasy. To me it is all about pretend. I know that to some elements of fantasy are real, but to me they are not. Hopefully, that will not be a matter that will separate me from those that believe that the magikal world that Hogwarts represents is real. In any case, I have to share an incredible video that I saw today at church. It has nothing to do with HSKS, but it does have to do with things that impress the life that Miss Wartbobble lives every day. So, please take this PORTKEY to my muggle blog to see the video.

And the fun begins . . .

This term has already proven to be loads of fun for all the students attending HSKS 5. Quidditch is under way with the Snitch to be released on Saturday. Previous games of Quidditch have mostly proven to end very soon after the Snitch is released. The first round was always very confusing to the students. Could it be that I don't communicate the rules very well? Well, a little confusion is needed to ensure that the playing field is even and no house is favored over the other.

The Dueling Club's first activity has begun! The excitement grows :) Some of the students have expressed anxiety over having to learn cables for this event. Believe me, when I participated in the YarnSmackDown and realized that cables were involved I turned a few shades lighter myself. I had done cables before, but maybe only on 2 other projects, and certainly not under the pressure of a deadline. Knitting with a deadline in mind challenges a knitter and pushes them to grow in their speed and knitting skills. I think every knitter should participate in a knitting competition at least once in their lives.

Family Histories
I've enjoyed a few of the family histories and have noticed that quite a few students have had a long line of family attend Hogwarts. I hope to read a little bit more about the wonderful and crazy things that were apart of every family growing up. Families of note are the Longbottoms, the Vablaskys, the Plunketts, and the Cadogans. Hopefully, a few will blog about family holidays and such.

Memorial Day Weekend

I spent this weekend with my family. I never really appreciated the weekend as much as I do now. Working two jobs certainly has given me an appreciation for my leisure time.

Coming back to Hogwarts this term has been very exciting! Many new and interesting things have come about that I'm very excited to see take place. Among the list is the Dueling Club. There are 26 students participating in the Duel. I know that there are knitters of every level in the Duel, but knowing my competitive nature, I try to finish a hat within the same day as receiving the pattern. I've lost much sleep due to these types of knitting competition. Lack of sleep is why I've sworn off these types of competitions for a while - probably until the fall at the very least.

New Staff
We've had another turn of events this term that many of the students will find out about when they go back to their classes tomorrow. Professor McGonagall has decided to go and visit some distant relatives because one has become gravely ill. Taking her place is the wonderful Professor Ewan Hennessey. He will be subbing in our Transfiguration class for the remainder of the term. Professor Hennessey hails from the town of Dundee, Scotland, and speaks with a wonderfully deep Scottish burr. He attended Hogwarts as a young boy and excelled in Transfiguration. He is a registered Animagus.

Welcome to the Wartbobble Blog!

This is my very first post as Winnie. I've decided to blog in character about the happenings and ins and outs of HSKS. I'm pretty sold on this template, but can't get the date to work yet, so you may see another change around here soon. For now, though, we'll have to be happy with this first post. My daughter has asked me to take her to the mall!