Beanswallow's

Back from a magical journey

2009-04-22T12:36:00.002-04:00

Hey guys. I've been away for several days visiting family and friends. Nothing much to add since my kit has been mailed and received (and I'm still looking forward to receiving mine!). Thought a share with you the lovely gift I received from a very dear friend. Pretty special, huh? Most of my knitting has been given away. I'm really looking forward to making something very special for myself with this yarn.

Round Three

2009-04-14T18:36:00.004-04:00

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?
b. Lupin

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

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?
c. Viktor

5. Which character’s name is the name of goddess in Indian mythology?
b. 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?
a. Maurice Sendak - under protest.

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

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

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

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

Picture Hunt
George

McGonagall

Patil

My Very Wonderful RAOK

2009-04-09T18:11:00.004-04:00

Miss Winifred Hornswaggle aka angel101580 sent me this lovely package. The lanolin hand balm is scented with orange, clove and cinnamon (some of my favorite smells!), a pair of delicate "no snag" stitch markers and a package of note cards featuring sock yarn. I especially appreciate that every items is from an etsy seller. Supporting entrepreneurs and artists is a big thing with me. Thanks you so much. Truly, it is if you knew me. Couldn't have been more perfect.

A Foodie Rockstar

2009-04-08T22:08:00.003-04:00

True story.

This week I met the man who invented tiramisu. And he took me into the kitchen of his bakery! Seriously, if I were a squee-er I'd be sqeeing my little cold, black Slytherin heart out.

Here's the back story. A few weeks ago I found this adorable little Italian bakery that is really off the beaten path. You can tell the place is relatively new, but it is very homey and the pastry case is to die for! I've been telling people about it and have gone in a couple of time. I was extolling the virtues of the place to a grad student from Hopkins and he googled it on his cell phone, but found it listed under a different address. When I got home I checked the website to make sure I'd been giving people the correct address and while I was there I checked out the media tab.

So on my next visit I introduced myself to Bruna, Carminantonio's wife and asked if he was still baking. She assured me he was in the kitchen making the Easter breads. Several minutes later, as I was sipping my cappuccino, he came out to introduce himself and say hello.

I swear I would not have been any more impressed if it were Emeril or Martha Stewart! A very unassuming man, we chatted for a few minutes about the baked goods and holiday baking, then he invited back into the kitchen.

Did you get that? He invited me back into the kitchen!

Stand mixers that I could bath in, stainless steel tables as far as the eye could see and a walk-in oven. We kibitzed a bit about the difference between panettone (Christmas bread) and pani pasquali (Easter bread) (mostly it's just in the shaping) as he nibbled the proofed raw dough. I told him of my love for Fiori di Sicilia (literally "the flowers of Sicily" - a flavor extract of orange and vanilla) and he flourished his own orange extract under my nose.

Easter is this coming Sunday. And although I am not a Christian, Friday I plan another visit to Piedigrotta to get one of those fragrant, raisin-studded, cross-shaped loaves. Sunday morning I will have it toasted with a schmear of fresh butter and a cup of my own house coffee and no doubt feel the promise of spring.

Oh Crap!

2009-04-02T14:24:00.002-04:00

Hester is missing! I've checked with Cass, Crucio and the babies and she's not there. I thought for certain she was off visiting friends and family - she so loves to travel. I'm practically heartsick.

I can't stay home looking for her as I have a package ready to ship of to Felly and must get to the owlery today. There's one more little thing to stuff into the aleady overfull box, I'm off to hire a professional courier. With the weight of this box, my little Buzzard would drop dead over Kansas and never make it to Oregon.

A post

2009-03-26T13:13:00.004-04:00

Today I am not at "Beanswallows" and have s bit of running around to do. My spoilee's kit is almost finished. There is an item I ordered that is taking its sweet time getting here. I am very pleased with her bag, found a great deal on a yarn/pattern set that exactly fits her very special needs.

There are also a couple of RAOK hitting the skies today!

In the meantime, I'm pretty sure I will be able to make it to the magical island to visit with Quinn and the crew (or should it be cru?) the last weekend of April.

House Quiz Results

2009-03-17T21:22:00.001-04:00

Fawkes
Black
Magical remedy
457 meters
Knitted cupcakes
St. Mungos
met Titus Pullo aka Ray Stevenson
Fire and Ice
One
Odin’s bird, Odin is considered the chief god in Norse paganism, the god of battle, magic, inspiration and the dead

By request - the new do

2009-03-16T21:59:00.003-04:00

Photo does not do the color justice. Dark chocolate brown underneath and red on top.

Quidditch Round 2

2009-03-16T13:32:00.006-04:00

Quote of the week
"I don't think death is kosher."
- Quinn

1. On which day did the Order of the Phoenix come to get Harry?
c. Saturday

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?
b. Death Eaters

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?
b. No

4. Why did the Dumbledore's move to Godric's Hollow?
c. The father went to Azkaban

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?
b. That Dumbledore was friends with Grindelwald for a while.

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 Brother'. The brother buried there once owned what?
b. The cloak

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

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?
c. Snape and Lily having fun in a potions class

9. On the search of the Lost Diadem, Harry finally gets to takl to the Gray Lady. Who was the Gray Lady when she was alive?
c. Helena Ravenclaw

10. Which of these is not one of Harry or Ron's children?
d. Victoria

Picture Scavenger Hunt

Just a post. Nothing really new.

2009-03-13T11:43:00.002-04:00

Thanks for all the well wishes. My wrists are doing much better. My business partner worked especially hard this week to give me some extra time off - which is both appreciated and frustrating. For once I have spare time and I can't knit! Agh! I have been knitting for just a few minutes at a time, being careful not to overdo it.

Also got a great haircut this week, along with a new colorway. Dark chocolate brown underneath and a very hot red on top.

I've picked up a thing or two for my spoilee's kit this week. Am making a trip to a LYS today on her behalf and am pretty sure I can get this out in the "early send" window to make extra points for THE house.

In the infirmory

2009-03-06T22:27:00.002-05:00

Both hands in braces. Tendonitis has run amok. No knitting. No chopping. No lifting. One finger typing. Have been dictating my real life "Beanswallow's" blog to the staff. You can check it out here.

House Quiz No. 3

2009-02-25T21:48:00.004-05:00

1. Harry discovers in Regulus' room that he and Regulus have something uncommon and unexpected in common. What is this, and how did he figure it out?
Regulus had also attempted to destroy Voldemort's horcruzes.

2.On three occasions former professors can be presumed to have "visited" the trio while they are in "exile" - which professors and which occasions would these be?
Umbridge at the Ministry of Magic, Lupin at 12 Grimmauld and Phineas Black in the forest from the portrait of Hermione in her bag.

3. How do Ron and Harry get into the Ministry?
Changed their appearance with polyjuice potion.

4. Who is the blond-haired boy, and why is he important?
Grindelwald, stole the Elder Wand and was later defeated by Dumbledore who had possession of the wand until his death.

5. How is the exception that food cannot be conjured classified? It is an exception to Gamps' Law of Elemental Transfiguration. Food in hand can be multiplied but not created from nothing.

6. Where does the trio first run into Dean Thomas?
In the woods when he is on the run.

7. Bathilda Bagshot does not speak in front of Hermione and Ron because....
they would hear parsel tongue and know she was an imposter.

8. Who can Harry be said to have buried in Deathly Hallows?
Crabbe

9. Which Horcruxes has Harry actually seen in person before the book starts?
Tom Riddle's Diary, the Resurrection Stone, Nagini and himself.

10. Who actually destroys each of the Horcruxes?
Dumbledore the resurrection stone
Harry the diary
Hermione distroyed Helga Hufflepuff's cup
Crabbe the Ravenclaw Diadem
Ron distroyed the Slytherin locket
Neville Longbottom killed Nagini
Harry was destroyed by Voldemorte

Extra credit:
Tom Riddle's grandfather inherited the stone of resurrection. Harry's father inherited the invisibility cloak. What does this imply about Tom Riddle and Harry Potter? That they were related.

Quidditch Round 1

2009-02-19T10:54:00.004-05:00

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?
b. 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 Moody

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 lynx

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?
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?
d. 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. 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?
d. To the site of the Quidditch World Cup

Mad-Eye Moody

Nymphadora Tonks

George Weasley

The Dursley's House

Kreacher

Happy Valentine's Day

2009-02-14T21:27:00.002-05:00

So what is new in the hollow? Been working on the TKGA Master Hand Knitter's program. Have worked through 8 of 17 swatches. One of them is fine, several of the others need to be reworked. Also took advantage of Knit Pick's 40% book sale and got a number of the books recommended as reference material for the course. Also got some green and black yarn to make a Dark Mark Scarf. Let's see.....what else. Have been keeping a real-life cafe blog so customers have a place to check out our daily soups and specials. Some ponderings, but mostly a place to post specials.

Have been skulking about my spoilee's blog and such getting a vibe on her. Felly's a "special needs" knitter - poor thing is allergic to wool! I love a challenge! I've already stashed away a few little items in my treasure chest.

Can't go into any detail but I'm knitting something that Cass is knitting. Criptic, huh? I think she may be giving her thing to someone who may ready this so all I'm going to say is aghhhhhhh! seed stitch!

Slytherin House Quiz #2

2009-02-12T15:16:00.005-05:00

Voldemort on a pogo stick! I just almost posted this on the HSKS7 site. This is not funny......

1. Which housemate has an 11 ½ inch holly wand with a Dragon Heartstring core?
Bathilda Boomslang

2. Which housemate creates rockin’ sock patterns?
Emma Wigworthy

3. Which housemate has the hots for David Boreanez?
Queenie

4. Which housemate used to be the top badger who made a habit of eating snakes?
S. Quinn

5. Which housemate shows off her awards from HSKS6 on her blog?
M. Ferula Finnigan

6. Which housemate makes kicka* * cookies IRL?
Must be talking about me 'cause I haven't seen any cookies coming my way from anybody else!

7. Which housemate is a third year Slytherclaw, whatever the hell that means?
Callisto Verity

8. Which housemate wants Plymouth to make her feet happy?
Belladonna Boomslang

9. Which housemate is a knitting addict? (Ok, all of us, but one in particular.)
Lily of Flintwick

10. Which housemate loves to sing?
Cass Puddlemere

11. Which housemate has issues with muggle devices?
Ginny Crookshanks

12. Which housemate likes Darth HelloKitty?
Cecelia Fortescue

13. Which housemate has a member of the family with his own fan club?
Diana Lockhart

14. Which housemate has never-ending PMS?
Olivia Moody-Gaunt

15. Which housemate originally comes from South New Joisey?
Penelope Caerphilly

16. Which housemate “adores” European chocolates?
Clara Clovenhoof

17. Which housemate has a roommate who seriously put a crimp in her communication abilities?
Rowena Weasley

18. Which housemate was fortunate enough to lose her HP husband?
Lavender Diggory-Dolohov

19. Which housemate likes some Nascar dude?
Andromeda Finch-Fletchley

20. Which housemate needs a new time-turner?
Ophelia Crookshanks

I Won!

2009-02-07T11:12:00.002-05:00

I won the Slytherin House Quiz prize! Rumor has it that a lovely hank of Crazy4Dying Slytherin Sock Yarn is in flight. I'm pretty sure this is the sage, gray, muted colorway that I have been salivating over! See, wickedness does pay......

House Quiz

2009-02-02T00:20:00.003-05:00

What are your three most favorite colors? Purple, maroon, sage green (love the sage and purple combo)
What are you three least favorite colors? Yellow, orange and thing that looks unnatural.
Your favorite candy is dark chocolate. Diabetic and trying to be good, however, dark chocolate is "allowed".
Draco, Lucius, or Snape? Hands down, SNAPE.
Do you knit, crochet, or both? Both
What type of kit did you ask for? Seriously? I can't remember.
Acrylic—has its uses, should all be burned, best yarn to work with (choose one)? Well I'd say burn, but melt would be more accurate. I have used acrylic, but it would never be my first choice.
Who is the Slytherin Head Girl this term? Quinn thinks she is.
Name four “extras” you would love to receive in your kit. Something paper (post-its or a pad), a treasured family recipe, book my spoiler read and loved (passed along would be fine!) and an 8 gig iPod Touch.
What are your three most favorite scents? Patchoulli, eucalyptus, lavender.
Do you prefer salty or sweet snacks? salty
Which Slytherin is the Keeper of the Crucio List? Although everyone talks smack about it, I think my dear Ms. Puddlemere keeps the list.
Do you really need more stitch markers? Is it really about need? Honestly?
Dpns, circular, or straight? I'm bi-stitchual - dpns and circs.
What yarn makes you squee? None. I'm not a squee-er. However, I could get naked and roll around in a good smelling cellulose fiber.
Favorite HP Movie? The one that has not been released.
Favorite HP character? No one in particular. Do not like the Malfoys.
Who was your first choice for DADA professor? CENSORED
What is the Slytherin Common Room called? The Pit
What makes you worthy of being in Slytherin House? Puleez. This a quiz, not my damn life's story.

A new term and I'm taking extra classes!

2009-01-27T17:20:00.004-05:00

Well it has been almost two months since my last post. Life at Beanswallow's continues to keep me busy and, as if that were not enough, I have decide to do The Knitting Guild Association's Master Knitters program. It is a freakishly detailed research and a critical examination of knitting skills that is accomplished in three parts. Level one involves 16 swatches, 17 questions, a report on blocking and the care of knits as well as a completed project - a multi-colored hat. The program get progressively more challenging. The second and third levels cover color work, pattern design, detailed cabling, argyle, etc. By the time the program is complete, you should be able to handle whatever knitting can throw at you!

HSKS6 Package

2008-11-22T18:44:00.003-05:00

I received a lovely package from Suzie Weasley. It included a felted scarf pattern, several skeins of Knit Picks yarn and the new Harmony straight needles, a crochet hook, monkey tape measure, bookmark, stitch markers and chocolate. Not included in the photo is a felted bowl which is already in service!

Beanswallow's Under Construction

2007-12-29T21:02:00.000-05:00

Welcome to the future home of Beanswallow's - a gentile place to set aside your woes, pull up by the fire, warm your toes and enjoy a cuppa.

A New Year and already so much to be thankful for....

2008-01-02T15:47:00.000-05:00

A very generous spirit must be a Hufflepuff characteristic because Miss Mandy Finch-Fletchley graciously offered instructions for making the HSKS4 logo a hot link. And how exciting that so many are joining the ranks!

Frankly, I'm not sure I can wait. We will have to come up with a way to keep from getting into mischief. I threatened Headmistress Wartwobble with sneezing dust in her face powder when the sign-up didn't appear at midnight eastern standard time and that was before the real waiting began!

I've been wanted to try lace and an Invisibility Shawl might be just the thing. It would keep my hands busy and when the project was done...who knows what mischief I could manage!

Happy New Year!

2008-01-01T01:48:00.000-05:00

Down in southern Hogsmead Village, we have a tradition of eating black-eyed peas on New years day to bring good fortune; some folks say greens on NYD bring prosperity. Last year I made this dish that combined the two and it was delicious.

Hoppin' John with a Twist

2 cups dried black-eyed peas
1 pound ham hocks (optional, to make this vegan I add 1 teaspoon chipotle for the smoke flavor)
1 large onion, chopped
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
5 cups water or chicken broth
2 cups uncooked long-grain white rice
10 oz. bag of frozen chopped greens (I like kale, but collards work too)
Salt and black pepper to taste

Preparing dried beans by sorting through them for mis-formed beans, pebbles & other debris. Place beans in a large soup pot, cover with cold water and bring just to a boil. Turn off the heat, leave covered for 1-2 hours. Drain and rinse.

Using the same large soup pot, over medium-high heat, add soaked black-eyed peas, bacon or ham hock, onion, and red pepper. Add water or chicken broth; bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low and cook for 1 1/2 to 2 hours or until the beans are tender.

Remove ham hock and cut meat into small pieces. Return meat and bone to pot. Stir in rice and greens, cover, and cook 20 to 25 minutes or until rice is tender and liquid is mostly absorbed. Remove from heat and season to taste with salt and pepper. Serve with your families favorite hot sauce (and maybe some cornbread if they've been good to you!)

Makes 8 servings.

Almost time!

2007-12-31T13:58:00.000-05:00

Less than a day until the fourth Hogwarts Sock Kit Swap begins! Plans are running amuck - a special bag to design, sock yarn and goodies to surprise my pal/cohort. This is my first knitting related swap and I'm ready to get to it...

Today would have been my Grandmother's 107th birthday. She was an avid knitter, although she did needlepoint, crochet and such, knitting soothed her. Ironically, knitting never "took" with me until a couple of years ago. I think when I go to bed tonight I'll imagine a yarn shopping trip with Grandma to my favorite LYSs. Maybe the wish will turn into a dream....

HSKS4 for House Points!

2007-12-30T23:12:00.001-05:00

hsks4.jpg,
originally uploaded by Beanswallow.

Weather Most Fowl

2008-01-08T19:26:00.000-05:00

It is well past Winter Solstice here in the Northern Hemisphere and today it was 70° F! It is not right and though no one can put a finger on it, all know it does not bode well. Owls jumped back and forth between perches in the Owlery; a rank odor rolled through the halls downwind of the first year's potions class; and my robes are hot and scratchy. So I called Mum and she called the Head Mistress and she called the Prefect and I got permission to go into town for the afternoon!

Ran into Bella Shackleford at Madam Malkin's. I was looking at the Whopperwear temperature-adjusting robe and she was there with her dad. Bella and I picked out robes. Then Mr. Shackleford went over to Flourish & Blotts to pick up Bellas books, we darted over to Scribbulus Everchanging Inks to pick up quills, ink and parchment.

We stopped in Beanswallows and had a Broomaide 2000 sports drink. This weather is so unseasonable... and concerning.