Chat & Greetings 2004

_____________________________________    

Padfoot - Aug 11, 2004 10:48 am (#1851 of 2955)

I can remember that plastic sweet smell of the Strawberry Shortcake dolls. I was so into them. Now I have not thought of them in years.

Veronika, now I have the Chicken to Ride song in my head.

_____________________________________  

VeronikaG - Aug 11, 2004 11:06 am (#1852 of 2955)

Don't blame me for putting that chicken line in your head, Padfoot, it was Penny's song. I have a funny picture of a girl with a 60's hairdo riding around on a giant chicken in my head now. At least I'm not the only one who has funny ear activity now and then.

And the blog finally takes anonymous posts. Flame is testing now.

You have a cute niece, Ladybug. You have a little daughter too, if my mind serves me right?

_____________________________________    

Kasse - Aug 11, 2004 11:36 am (#1853 of 2955)

I have a quick question for anyone out there willing to answer it. Since this is my first wait for a HP book I am just curious. How long is the wait between the day that the release date is announce and the actual date the book comes out usually? For example does she announce the release day six months early? Three months early?

I am asking because if the book does indeed come out next summer then when will we officially hear about it so the we can start a countdown to the exact release date. I am sure we do not hear about it a week before it actually comes out.

Sorry if I am not making much sense – blame it on the afternoon slump

_____________________________________    

Good Evans - Aug 11, 2004 11:42 am (#1854 of 2955)
Edited by Aug 11, 2004 11:44 am

Having asked my brother who is in the trade - they dont have to give a release date at all. they can just release it. But with all the hype I suspect it is a cert it will be given. last time I think we waited about 6 -9 months from the release date being given to actual release. not much help sorry....

_____________________________________  

Kasse - Aug 11, 2004 11:45 am (#1855 of 2955)

Thanks Good Evans - so if it is indeed going to be released next summer (fingers crossed) then hopefully we should be hearing something soon right? Now I am really excited about this Sunday!

_____________________________________    

Flame Alligator - Aug 11, 2004 11:49 am (#1856 of 2955)

Would someone please help me? How do I edit or delete on blogspot? I am asking for my friend. She looked everywhere........ we can not find out what to do.

Btw, goedemiddag everyone.

_____________________________________  

VeronikaG - Aug 11, 2004 11:53 am (#1857 of 2955)

Yes, it's me having trouble again. BLUSH! We had a little "test run" and it seems I can't delete comments. Didn't think that could be so tricky.

_____________________________________    

Accio Sirius - Aug 11, 2004 12:09 pm (#1858 of 2955)

I mentioned this on the PoA movie thread, but I wanted more people to know that Target has PoA toys on the clearance racks for 50% off--at least that was at my Target this morning. It's not too early to shop for the holidays!

_____________________________________  

Gina R Snape - Aug 11, 2004 1:09 pm (#1859 of 2955)

Holidays?! Who needs to wait for the holidays for PoA toys.

Oooooh, you mean for the children!

_____________________________________  

Ladybug220 - Aug 11, 2004 1:42 pm (#1860 of 2955)

Thanks Veronika. Actually I don't have any children. All the pictures have been of my nieces. Megan is 21 months and Lianne is 10 months and I spoil them as much as possible. Soon it will be even easier for me to do when they move back here to the States next month.

_____________________________________    

DJ Evans - Aug 11, 2004 2:50 pm (#1861 of 2955)

Hee hee I loved some of the "mis" heard lyrics that have been posted. And Fawkes? I did a very brave thing and did the Google search for "Kissthisguy" and it came right up to it. (whew!!!) Here is the link for the web page: MisHeard Lyrics Everybody ought to check it out, it's got some real loo-loo's on there!!! I believe you can even add your own misheard lyric on there if anybody is interested.

Loopy, thanks for the "pics" of the day!!!! I wonder how much Emma & Rupert would love to have those back and burned? hee hee

Thanks Padfoot on the compliment on my avatar!!! After seeing yours, the two of Orlando, Alan's and others, well I just couldn't NOT put up my cutie there. As I was telling Lelia, we all can "drool" over our avatars -- just not over our keyboards!!!! Yep, get on here -- talk and talk about HP and look at all of the great avatars. I can't decide which ones I like better the cartoon ones, the great art ones, the hand drawing ones, or the ones of real people from the forum. They are all so neat to look at!!!

Catherine -- count me on the "I solemly swear" too!!! It was so ironic the other day after Denise posted what she did on the little girls clothing (which I whole heartily agree with her and everyone) that I saw "2" different news articles about that very same thing. One was in our local paper and the other was in a magazine. So it seems to be a bigger issue than just us discussing it here on the forum. Maybe the clothing industry will take notice and more importantly PAY attention to what everyone is saying!!! Hey, there is a first time for everything, isn't there?

Mare`, if you do try the Coke/peanuts, as Madam Pince said it is better with the glass bottle. Also, you need to get just the regular ol' salted peanuts. What we always used was Planters salted peanuts that came in that clear package/bag. Those were the best to use.

Madam Pince, do you by any chance get the "Country" and "Country Extra" magazines? If so, aren't they just filled with breath taking pictures?!?!?! I think we take nearly all of the series but "Country" and "Country Extra" are my favorites. And how I wish all magazines would follow their practice of "NO" advertisements!!! That will never happen, I know, but it's a nice thought!!!

Take care everyone!!!!

Later, Deb

_____________________________________    

SarcasticGinny - Aug 11, 2004 7:04 pm (#1862 of 2955)

Hello hello hello!

504 messages is a lot of messages, so forgive me for not catching up. I swear to check in more often and see how you all are doing (bad Emily, bad bad Emily!) Perhaps a Dobby-style lamp smacking will follow this...who knows.

My excuse is Montana, where I've been for a while. The mountains are gorgeous-kudos to any of you who live near them and drive on that kind of terrain daily though! I got a chance to drive going to the Sun Road in Glacier Park which was nice, and the best part of all was horseback riding in the mountains. SO pretty!

I start new teacher training in less than a week and boy am I ever nervous!!

Hope everyone is well, and I will check in more, I swear! (...wandering off to go find a lamp!)

_____________________________________    

Gred-n-Forge - Aug 11, 2004 7:17 pm (#1863 of 2955)

Wow! Over 200 posts to catch up on in the Chat Thread alone!

Betty, I am glad to hear you had a wonderful birthday, and that you're doing better. Belated birthday greetings and hugs to you!

I have to admit, I've enjoyed seeing all the different avatars--Viggo, Ralph, Orlando, Ralph, etc. Luckily I have to sit back from my keyboard as I view these! (I have to admit, I distinctly remember seeing Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves and thinking, "y'know, the Sheriff of Nottingham wouldn't be a bad choice, really..."

Breck shampoo is making a comeback? OK, I don't feel quite so young now. . .I remember using that as a kid. I also remember Strawberry Shortcake, and Blueberry Muffin, and Pupcake, and Ginger Snap (my sister, who is 10 years younger than me, really liked them). And now Strawberry Shortcake is making a comeback as well, just a little updated (thankfully, in nothing sleazy looking). Now my daughter enjoys them.

So a moody 6 year old girl is normal? Thank goodness! (Apparently this extends to boys as well, my son had the same problem)

As for not peeking at the end of HP7, I'm afraid I can't promise anything, but I will certainly try.

Embarrassing moments? I have quite a few, really...one that really takes the cake for me, though, is when I took a class in college. The classroom was set up auditorium style, with concrete steps going down the center. The entrance to the classroom was at the back. One day I was worried about running late for the class, so I was in a hurry. Sure enough, I was one of the last ones to get to class, and I had made the unfortunate mistake of wearing penny loafers with slick soles on them. And of course, when I slipped, I slid all the way to the bottom of the steps--in front of the entire class, including the teacher. Luckily, nobody said anything as I slunk to my seat in embarrassment, but it sure was quiet for a few moments.

Oh, yes, and I got quite a laugh out of all the mis-heard lyrics!

_____________________________________    

ShelterGirl - Aug 11, 2004 7:30 pm (#1864 of 2955)

I waded through all of the posts. *whew*

I solemnly swear not to dress my imaginary daughters as skanks.

I also swear not to read the last chapter of book 7 first.

I also swear to attend every detention set for me by the Potions Master. That is if Gina will have me...

And I hugely, solemnly swear to keep up with this thread more often. Dang y'all...

North Carolina is about to get smacked by 2 hurricanes at once over the next few days. If I disappear, I'll take a page from Mike's book and Mark as Read. *sob* I can't do that. Oh bother...

Julie

_____________________________________    

Liz - Aug 11, 2004 7:53 pm (#1865 of 2955)

Thought I'd get this out here.......

GO BRECK SHAMPOO!!!

Now the question is.... What harry potter character is most likely to use breck shampoo?

Any-who... I have school tomorrow *sigh* and I won’t be on as much or read that many posts... sad I know...

However... I met my teachers today at orientation and they seem really nice and I think it'll work out grade wise...

*I am so going to be a teacher’s pet* I had a really long and nice conversation with my English teacher and she is a very nice woman and I think I'm on especially good terms with her *grins broadly*

_____________________________________    

Hem Hem - Aug 11, 2004 8:01 pm (#1866 of 2955)

I was out of town yesterday and missed my chance to post here, so HAPPY BELATED BIRTHDAY BETTY!!!!! I'm so glad you had a nice day.

The first time I read every HP book, I jumped forward a couple hundred pages and read a random page--I don't have the self-control to avoid doing that. But I certainly am not planning to read the last page until I get to it.

I love all the misheard lyrics. A great place to find other misheard lyrics (and other wonderful childhood beliefs) is http://www.iusedtobelieve.com . I absolutely love this site, and the misheard lyrics, especially the five-star ones, are excellent.

_____________________________________    

DJ Evans - Aug 11, 2004 8:23 pm (#1867 of 2955)

North Carolina is about to get smacked by 2 hurricanes at once over the next few days. If I disappear, I'll take a page from Mike's book and Mark as Read. *sob* I can't do that. Oh bother...: ShelterGirl

Let's all hope and pray that you "don't" disappear!!! We'll all keep everyone in that area in our prayers. Hopefully it will fizzle out and do no damage at all.

_____________________________________  

Julia. - Aug 11, 2004 8:26 pm (#1868 of 2955)

Wow, lots of posts today! Just thought I'd throw my 2 knuts in and say that I promise not to skip to the end of book 7.

W00T! Only one more day until I leave for Seattle. We're flying out of Laguardia at something like 7:30 in the morning, and we have to leave my house around 4 am! I'm never going to get to sleep tomorrow night! I'm so excited, it's a shx hour flight across the country, but I get to see an opera (not very excited about that bit) and two Yankees/Mariners games. Can't wait for that, I love to go into a ballpark and root for the visitors.

Julia, did you know who get you know what yet?
You mean that someone finally found Timrew a hippogriff?! --Gina/Mike

Well, I meant to send Tim a hippogriff, but I ended up sending Betty flowers and I have no idea how that happened.

_____________________________________  

TwinklingBlueEyes - Aug 11, 2004 10:52 pm (#1869 of 2955)

She had a friend who was a blueberry, right? Blueberry Muffin, but I can't remember the dogs name. Will come to me, was my girls favorites when they were small.

Now the question is.... What harry potter character is most likely to use breck shampoo? NOT Snape, the greasy git!

:-)

_____________________________________  

Leila 2X4B - Aug 11, 2004 11:00 pm (#1870 of 2955)

The dog was Pupcake.

_____________________________________    

Fawkes Forever - Aug 12, 2004 1:57 am (#1871 of 2955)

Julia... your avatars are so cute. You look so like my big sis when she was a kid in your recent one....

Debs... very Griffindor of you... I had a 'hufflepuff' moment. That website is very funny... I may post my 'Darth Vader' one... but they might think I'm a complete fruitcake.... it's ok for you guys to think (know) that.. but not sure about unleashing my madness further on the 'ol internet

Hope those in the States keep safe from nasty weather.... casting some keep you guys safe charms across the Atlantic

Happy thursday everyone & happy belated birthday to Ginny Weasley (Aug 11th according to JKs site).... lets hope Harry bought her a nice pressie

_____________________________________  

The giant squid - Aug 12, 2004 2:19 am (#1872 of 2955)

I don't see how singing the wrong lyrics to a song could be embarrassing...I do that to pass the time. Then again, I also create funny movie quotes by replacing key words with "pants", but that's a totally separate issue...

I'm thinking good thoughts for all of you on the U.S. East coast. I remember living in Georgia during "hurricane season"--not pleasant. Of course, now, the only way I'll get hit by a hurricane is if California falls into the sea. Living in a desert has it’s bonuses sometimes.

Hey Betty: Happy Day-after-your-birthday! Who says you have to stop celebrating at midnight?

--Mike

_____________________________________    

septentrion - Aug 12, 2004 2:29 am (#1873 of 2955)

It's raining rain today here , to misquote a song. I had some misheard songs too but they were in french. In english, I have mostly misunderstood songs for I'm dreadful at understanding spoken/sung english. Yet I can come with some misheard songs here : Michael Jackson's "billy" instead of "beat it", or "tarte aux pommes" (apple pie) instead of "funky town".

There was a tornado on an island in Brittany yesterday. It was awful for we're not prepared to that in France. The wind must have blown around 200 km/h while it usually hardly blows more than 100km/h. I have a thought for those who are suffering from hurricanes these days.

Have a great day everyone !

_____________________________________    

The giant squid - Aug 12, 2004 2:34 am (#1874 of 2955)

Won't you take me to...tarte aux pomme! I like it!

_____________________________________    

Marè - Aug 12, 2004 2:36 am (#1875 of 2955)

Well there are some cities with stranger names...

_____________________________________    

Ozymandias - Aug 12, 2004 3:22 am (#1876 of 2955)

Oh, Mike! You do the pants thing too! That's too funny.

May the pants be with you.

_____________________________________    

Round Pink Spider - Aug 12, 2004 4:11 am (#1877 of 2955)

My husband's been up, wretchedly sick all night (I've never seen him sicker). Right now, he has a pain in his side which we're a little afraid might be appendicitis. But he ate some questionable grapes yesterday, so we're hoping that it's just food poisoning...Funny thing, to be HOPING for food poisoning. :-(

Julia, I'll be sending those back newsletters to you in a few minutes. It'll give you LOTS of reading material for your trip (have a nice trip). I'm told Seattle's a beautiful city (if you don't mind the clouds).

_____________________________________    

septentrion - Aug 12, 2004 4:48 am (#1878 of 2955)

so the lyrics are : "won't you take me to funky town" ? I had them very, very wrong then because I've always understood : "oh two take me too tarte aux pommes". no wonder why they made no sense to me :laugh:

RPS, I hope for food poisoning too, to get the apendicits when you're adult is awful.

Have a nice trip Julia !

_____________________________________    

icthestrals - Aug 12, 2004 5:23 am (#1879 of 2955)

Hello everyone. I'm in North Florida and we are getting drenched at the moment thanks to tropical storm Bonnie. We received about two inches of rain yesterday due to an unrelated storm system and are due to get 2-4 inches today! Then we might have more rain tomorrow thanks to hurricane Charly. Anyone out there have some gillyweed they can send me? I may need it before the weekend. Aaahhh, liquid sunshine...

_____________________________________    

Marè - Aug 12, 2004 5:39 am (#1880 of 2955)

Liquid sunshine, I like that one!

ICthestrals, I wish I could send some sun your way, but alas earwax, it's pooring here too. Looking at the weathercharth I'd say the Mediteranean got all the sun today. I hope your doing fun stuff anyway!

_____________________________________    

icthestrals - Aug 12, 2004 5:55 am (#1881 of 2955)

Mare, thanks for the wish. I drove the 25 miles from my house to work this morning, so I shall sit at work and hope that I won't need a boat to get home this afternoon!

I have lived in Florida all my life, so this type of weather is not much to get concerned about. I just hope the electricity doesn't go out--no forum! Yes I have my priorities straight! Hee hee

_____________________________________  

Marè - Aug 12, 2004 6:03 am (#1882 of 2955)

Funny, when I picture Florida, I think of sun and palmtrees. Guess I have to adapt that image .

A few weeks ago, the university took all the students internet down (virus protection). I was practically walking up the walls. They hadn't said what or when, so I was checking every ten minutes wether I could check the forum again. I never yelled that much against my computer as that week (not that it helped...)

Maybe we should start the "Anonymous Potterfans" because I'm not so sure wether this is still healthy , Oh wait, wasn't that why I checked in at St. mungo's in the first place?

PS I got my London photo's today. St Pancras is barely recognizable (too dark). The picture in Kings Cross is funny, there are two people looking straight in the camera lens with an expression on their face: Why on earth would you make a picture of that?
And the pictures at 9/3/4 are nice. Hurray!

_____________________________________    

septentrion - Aug 12, 2004 6:22 am (#1883 of 2955)

Marè, is there any way you post your photos, or a link to your photos ?

_____________________________________    

Kasse - Aug 12, 2004 6:29 am (#1884 of 2955)

RPS - I hope that it is food poisoning too. We will be thinking of you and your husband. Please let us know how everything turns out.

_____________________________________    

Marè - Aug 12, 2004 6:36 am (#1885 of 2955)

The server I normally store my photo's on is currently down, but I will try to find something else.
I have to scan them first and see if they look good enough on the computer I'll post it if I found a way!

And spider, I'm crossing my fingers for food poisining too (never thought I would ever say that...)

_____________________________________  

Gina R Snape - Aug 12, 2004 6:59 am (#1886 of 2955)

Mare, try Photobucket. That's what I use.

_____________________________________    

Padfoot - Aug 12, 2004 9:29 am (#1887 of 2955)
Edited by Aug 12, 2004 9:29 am

RPS, I hope your husband gets better soon.

Julia have fun in Seattle. I lived near there (Redmond) for 6 years and only went to one Mariners game. My best friend's dad became an usher at the stadium after he retired from his regular job. He did it just so he could see all the games. What a nut.

I hope everyone who is in the path of those tropical storms/hurricanes stays safe!

_____________________________________    

virgoddess1313 - Aug 12, 2004 10:15 am (#1888 of 2955)

We are haivng such unusual weather in my area!!! I'm used to skin melting heat this time of year (temperatures of 90f and higher with super high humidity) but today it’s almost fall like. I don't even think it's 70f yet!! I'm hoping the lovely temps stick around for my trip to the zoo Saturday!

Have a great day all!!

_____________________________________    

Round Pink Spider - Aug 12, 2004 10:48 am (#1889 of 2955)

My husband is much better now. He was so sick still this morning! Then he got sick one last time and began to feel better. It appears he ate some really bad grapes and got a nasty case of food poisoning. He's actually gone to work for a while this afternoon (over my angry protests, I might add...).

Thanks for your good wishes, everyone! :-D

_____________________________________    

Kasse - Aug 12, 2004 10:50 am (#1890 of 2955)

Good to know RPS - thanks for keeping us posted and glad to know he is on his way to a full recovery thank goodenss it was not something more serious! So I can un-cross my fingers now?

_____________________________________  

azi - Aug 12, 2004 10:51 am (#1891 of 2955)

virgoddess - you have sort of nice weather. I just had 67mm of rain in half an hour meaning my train to town was cancelled due to flooding. Also, buses won't be running to time because of flooding. Therefore, I'm not going bowling with my friends any more. Oh well, I'll get over it, I'm not in the path of a hurricane, which I think is much worse! At least I'll have more money!

Hope your husband recovers soon RPS.

_____________________________________    

Padfoot - Aug 12, 2004 11:12 am (#1892 of 2955)

When I left for work this morning I noticed how it felt like Fall. Funny you should bring that up Sarah. It's 70 degrees here too. I hope Summer is not over just yet!

_____________________________________  

Dr Filibuster - Aug 12, 2004 12:29 pm (#1893 of 2955)

Happy birthday week Betty Boop

Icthestrals, I'll swap you some gillyweed for some flesh eating slug repellant (I'm too nervous to go into Knockturn Alley on my own).

It's been so hot and wet this summer (never seen so many thunderstorms in this country) that the gillyweed is thriving in my garden but the slug invasion has destroyed everything else. Even red hot chili peppers! We're used to an awful lot of slugs and snails here in the UK and know hundreds of tricks to get them but this year they seem invisible.

Good luck with the extreme weather to all who live on the east coast USA, but please don't send us the aftermath like you did with last week's Alex.

_____________________________________    

Julia. - Aug 12, 2004 12:48 pm (#1894 of 2955)

Thanks for the good trip wishes and avatar compliments everyone. I will do my utmost to have a good trip and bring you all back key chains.

RPS, thanks, I got your emails, they'll give me lots of reading material for those late nights in the hotel room. Padfoot, I say yay to your best friend's dad for getting a job at the ball park so he could see all the games. I had thought about doing that at our local minor league team, but I'd never get to watch the games because I'd be working. You've been near Seattle for 6 years and only been to one mariners Game! You should go just for the ball yard. Safeco Field is beautiful, although it doesn't hold a candle to Yankee Stadium...

_____________________________________    

Eponine - Aug 12, 2004 1:04 pm (#1895 of 2955)

It's raining here. I'm also in North Carolina, but farther in than Catherine, so we are getting less than she is. I'd hate to see what less than what we're getting looks like. It's coming down quite hard.

My husband and I just went to see Collateral, and it was great! I really like Michael Mann's work. Tom Cruise is quite evil in it. I would recommend it, but there is a bit of violence. Well, obviously as he plays a hit man. Anyway, great film!

I've recently started listening to the books on tape, and I'm a little disappointed. I suppose that if I hadn't seen the movies, I wouldn't hear Snape as Alan Rickman in my head, but I think that Jim Dale does the voices wrong. When I read the books, I hear things one way, and he reads things with a different expression or emphasizes something else. He does a good job, but it kind of bugs me. Does anyone else have that problem? I guess we all have our own idea of how different characters sound.

_____________________________________    

Kasse - Aug 12, 2004 1:06 pm (#1896 of 2955)

RPS - Did you send the newsletter out? I have not recieved mine yet

_____________________________________    

Accio Sirius - Aug 12, 2004 1:25 pm (#1897 of 2955)

Raining in DC--I guess it's the effects of the two storms systems, but it isn't bad enough to keep me off of the computer. Did anyone else find the HP stuff discounted at their local Target? Just curious.

Julia--In your latest avatar, you look a little like Mary Lou Retton! I met her once. A very nice woman. Her sister (also a gymnast) lived in the apartment above me in college. She practiced her routines at home! Every once in a while you would hear footstep, footstep and then THWUMP and the chandelier would shake. Try never to live below gymnasts. Speaking of which, I'm looking forward to the Olympics. Anyone else? Anybody we should watch from anybody's home town, state or country?

_____________________________________  

Kasse - Aug 12, 2004 1:37 pm (#1898 of 2955)

I am looking forward to the opening ceremony! Since I was a little girl that has always been one of my favourite parts of the Olympics!

_____________________________________    

Leila 2X4B - Aug 12, 2004 1:37 pm (#1899 of 2955)

On the topic of missheard song lyrics. I thought the song "Funk Soul Brother" was actually Funk So Rubber". I still sing it that way now.

Yesterday, I took my daughter to a local amusement park Canobie Lake Park. It was a blast. I spent a whole 7 and a half hours. We forgot our suit’s and went on the water rides anyway. We were soaked by the end of the day. Still, she was so fun to watch on the kiddie rides. The day before, Tuesday, we went to the Southwick Zoo and had fun there too. She rode a camel, a elephant, a pony, and other rides. Here is a picture of Katrina.

RPS hope your hubby makes a complete recovery.

Hope everyone has a great day.

_____________________________________    

Marè - Aug 12, 2004 1:48 pm (#1900 of 2955)

YES! I'm all set for the olympics, bring it on! It's the one sporting event where I watch everything.

_____________________________________  

DJ Evans - Aug 12, 2004 1:53 pm (#1901 of 2955)

Hey, Fawkes! I've got an idea, go ahead and put your own "Misheard" lyrics on the "KissThisGuy" web page and just sign your name as Luna!!! hee hee Just kidding!

Mike/Ozy = never heard of the famous quote/word pants game before. Sounds cool though & it does fit in nearly any famous quote!!!

icthestrals = It sounds like you and some others are getting the rain that we got yesterday. I checked our rain gauge and we had 3 & 3/10" of rain within an 8-10 hour period! For awhile there it was raining so fast/hard that the yard couldn't keep up with it and we had mini lakes all in the yard!!!! We also had some really bad lightening/thundering too! I'm sorry to say that it was heading in y'alls direction. Neither can I believe how "weird" our seasons have been this year. If you ask me it's kinda scary!!!! We've already got some of our leaves turning! You know it kinda makes you dread to think what this winter will be like!!

RPS = Oh I'm so glad to hear that hubby is doing much better. Though I'm so glad it wasn't anything more serious, I'm sure it was a fun 24 hour period for him or you. No more grapes for him for a while I bet!!!

Mare` = Oh definitely post your pics of your trip if you can -- would love to see them. As I doubt very seriously I will ever be able to make such a trip, it would be great to get to see it through others experiences!!! And do you by any chance have PhotoShop or some such program on your system? If so, you can sometimes "lighten" a too dark photo and have it come out pretty good. You might want to try that?

Again, I hope and pray that all turns out well for those in the East area! Please let us know how you all are doing during all of this. Out of tornado's (which my area is NOT a stranger to, by any means), hurricanes & earthquakes? I don't know which is worse. I think I'm more scared of earthquakes than any of them.

And may the weather be kind to us all!!!

Later, Deb

P.S. Julia? Have a blast girl & enjoy the heck out of the game!!! And we've all enjoyed your avatars -- we get to watch our own little Julia grow-up right before our eyes!!!!

P.S PART 2: Hey Mare`? Did you notice that you got to be post number 1900?!?!?!?! Cool!!!

P.S. PART 3: Sleeping Beauty = Just saw the pic that you posted of Katrina (lovely name by the way) and what a cutie she is!!! But you know, I have yet to see nothig BUT cuties on here. You've got to admit, we are one good looking bunch of folks around here!!!!!

_____________________________________    

Padfoot - Aug 12, 2004 1:56 pm (#1902 of 2955)

Julia, I use to live near Seattle, not anymore. I live in Denver now and have been to one Rockies game. Ok so I'm not wild about baseball. I went with my dad because my boss gave me two free tickets (club level no less) and my dad is the baseball fan in the family.

I am looking forward to the Olympics too. I like the opening ceremonies and the scenic shots of Greece.

_____________________________________    

Eponine - Aug 12, 2004 2:03 pm (#1903 of 2955)

I love the Olympics. They're so much fun to watch. We watched a thing on TLC (The Learning Channel, not the Leaky Cauldron) where people created machines to try and compete with Olympic athletes in events such as shot put, javelin throw, hammer toss, and some other things. The athletes won four and the machines won two. It was quite amusing when the machine they created for the long jump threw some unsuspecting guy face first into the sand. He was okay, though; he was a stuntman.

This is not my misheard lyrics, but now every time I hear the song Rocketman by Elton John, I hear them anyway. The line is "burning your fuse up here alone" or something similar, what I always hear is "burly dandruff shoes off hair real long". I can't ever hear the proper line.

_____________________________________    

Chemyst - Aug 12, 2004 2:19 pm (#1904 of 2955)

Real life is happening and my forum time is short this week, but I'm making time for a few quick posts --
Deb, re: post 1807, I don't know. I flip to the back on about 1/3 of what I read, often to see it the book is worth finishing-- which should not be the case with Harry. (I'd never have finished The House of the Seven Gables if I hadn't peeked ahead & come back-- that was the slowest starting novel I've ever read!)
Dr. Sue, you say the slugs ate hot peppers! Eew! That is the first time I've ever felt sorry for a slug.
RPS, 'Glad to hear the Mr. R. Pink Spider is no longer green.
Eponine, I totally identify with your audio book experience; I still hear the Rex Harrison DD in my head when I read. And of course, only Alan Rickman can do Snape's voice justice.
...and after a sunny day the clouds are filtering in; we are on the outer rim of the tropical storm Bonnie so we may miss the meteor shower tonight...

_____________________________________    

Catherine - Aug 12, 2004 2:54 pm (#1905 of 2955)

Well, hi y'all.

We're getting slammed with rain here (Oh, the basement! The horror that is the sump pump and shop vac!)!

It's great to still have power (after other NC storms, I do not take this for granted) and we are hoping that the tornadowarning does not actually result in a tornadoon top of the 2! yes 2 hurricanes we have now.

I wouldn't worry so much, but Floyd, 5 years ago, was so awful that I can never be blase about big storms ever again.

So, like Shelter Girl, if I disappear for a while, it's probably b/c a lack of power has caused my absence.

Wish us well! Good weekends to everyone if I don't speak to you before then.

Cheers!

_____________________________________    

Dr Filibuster - Aug 12, 2004 3:19 pm (#1906 of 2955)

Catherine, just curious...do your local authorities give special advice for extreme weather conditions? Do school children learn what to do? Are your buildings positioned and designed to withstand more wind than the rest of the country?

Do they evacuate areas or are you supposed to listen to news reports and get the heck out/stay put as soon as they tell you? How can you keep informed if the electrickery goes?

Because you know you live in an area prone to this type of weather I suppose that everyone is well prepared and clued up. All the best anyway.

P.S. What's a "sump pump and shop vac"?

_____________________________________    

Padfoot - Aug 12, 2004 3:28 pm (#1907 of 2955)

Sue, I am guessing that where Catherine lives there are more strict codes for buildings. Just as there are building codes that pertain to withstanding earthquakes in California.

A shop vac is a vacuum cleaner that sucks up liquid too. A sump pump is built into a basement to pump out water.

_____________________________________    

ShelterGirl - Aug 12, 2004 3:54 pm (#1908 of 2955)

Sue- In NC we actually don't have stricter building codes. This is part of the reason why we worry so much when big storms come through. The main trouble for most of us is that we live in a state with a HUGE amount of shallow rooted pine trees. During some storms, regular storms mind you, it's common to see a pine tree bend all of the way over and then just pull out of the ground. During Fran, which happened in 1996, huge, ancient, hardwood trees were pulled out by the roots. You can still see some of them lying around when you walk through wooded areas. The other major trouble we have here is flooding. We have many large rivers that reach flood stage fairly quickly, and home-owner's insurance generally doesn't cover flood damage. Right now we're in a lull in Raleigh, but it's due to get worse tonight. We're under a tornado watch until 8pm that could possibly be extended until midnight. There are evacuation routes, but right now it looks like they're having everyone stay put. We'll see.

Hugs to all, stay dry, and stay safe.

Julie

_____________________________________    

Dr Filibuster - Aug 12, 2004 3:55 pm (#1909 of 2955)

Ta Cynde.

I went on holiday to San Fransico once. The test broadcasts on the radio un-nerved me....so did the real earthquake we had!!!

All the locals were cool as cucumbers; only two houses fell down so it was no big deal to them.

The biggest thing we have to worry about in my town are the salt mines. Huge cavernous holes under the High Street. Eeek! If they collapse we might win next year's Restoration competition. (UK tv programme gives money to repair buildings, our saltworks recently lost).

Edit: Best wishes and cheering charms tonight for Julie, Catherine and all others in the area. Put the kettle on and settle in for the night.

_____________________________________  

Catherine - Aug 12, 2004 3:57 pm (#1910 of 2955)

Thanks, Padfoot, take 50 points. You are correct on both points!

Sue, we are issued advice when severe weather threatens. The government can issue an evacuation order. In North Carolina, this usually only happens on the "Outer Banks" or beach property. There can be advisories to evacuate, which we heeded several years ago. =) I was pregnant and even if the water was boiled, I was not to drink it, due to the corpses in the water and the farm runoff. It took us four days of no running water or "ekeltricity" before we could find a way out, and even then, the route was so circuitous (and frought with State Police issuing unannounced roadblocks) that a 3 hour trip to Richmond took us 11 hours. Sigh.

I don't really think this will happen today, but I've learned not to take things for granted when two storms hit (that's what happened 5 years ago--two hurricanes stalled for days and flooded us for over a month).

Anyway, I will hope for the best, that we are safe and untouched and retain power, and that everyone else is as well.

Florida, you have my very best wishes!

Talk to you all soon,

Catherine

_____________________________________  

Acceber - Aug 12, 2004 4:42 pm (#1911 of 2955)

Hey guys, sorry I haven't been talking much. I find that lurking is a lot more fun than I'd ever thought. Just saying this so you know I'm fine and I'm not dead **cough cough**Julia**cough cough**.

We're leaving tomorrow for our summer house in the Adirondacks, the beautiful mountains in the upper part of New York State. We (my family) go there every summer for two or three weeks; it's a nice tradition that was started oh so many years ago when my mum and her three siblings went to the same house with their parents. Currently, there aren't enough beds for all of us at once, so each sibling has an allotment of two or three weeks every summer. The lake where we spend half our time:



I have Internet access while I'm there, but less than usual, as there is only one computer for four eager people. So I won't be able to post every day. Hope you'll miss me.

_____________________________________    

Penny Lane. - Aug 12, 2004 6:13 pm (#1912 of 2955)

   Currently, there aren't enough beds for all of us at once, so each sibling has an allotment of two or three weeks every summer.



Just be glad you don't have to share with 2-3 brothers and sisters :-)

I'm wondering if all the hurricanes are contributing to the cooler than normal summer I'm having hear in MI. Yesterday we actually turned the heat on. I can't ever remember doing that in the past.

_____________________________________    

DJ Evans - Aug 12, 2004 6:58 pm (#1913 of 2955)

Penny -- I don't know what is causing all of the strange weather/temperatures! I'm here in the South (Arkansas) & if we get down in the mid 80's at this time of the year, we consider ourselves having a cold front coming through. Yet it is supposed to get down to 50 here tonight!!!! We don't ever put the words "August" and "down in the 50's at night" together!! I tell you, it's eerie really, isn't it?

Goodness, Rebecca, you're a very busy traveler here lately!! How neat to get to go everywhere that you've been!! Sure glad to hear that you'll have some access to a computer while you're gone though. We've really missed you around here. "...as there is only one computer for four eager people. You just tell those other folks that you've got important Harry Potter stuff to do & to move over!!! hee hee (we've got to get their priorities straight, right? )

Later, Deb

P.S. NC & Eastern's -- you guys/girls still with us? We're all thinking about you and will definitely have you all in our prayers & thoughts!!!

_____________________________________    

Marie E. - Aug 12, 2004 7:23 pm (#1914 of 2955)

We've had some cool weather here, too. Very odd. It starts out warmish, then cools off to the 60's. Normal temps around here for August are at least in the 80's.

Thanks to my brother, the giant squid, there are several songs I can't to listen to without hearing the wrong words. Hootie and the Blowfish "Hold my Ham", The Cranberries "Do You Want To Pull My Finger", etc.

I have a mini-rant that I need to get out. As some of you know, I teach private kindergarten in a child care center. Our school year starts the same time as the local district, August 19th. The amazing people at the corporate office emailed my boss a packet of "supplemental materials" for the kindergarten curriculum. I got a look at the new lesson plans and discovered that they were changing everything, not "supplementing" it. They were using a school calender that began the day after Labor Day, so giving teachers a month to prepare seemed reasonable. I had two weeks.

If I seem a bit stressed, that is why. And the lovely people are only sending me a month's worth of lesson plans at a time. This doesn't work for OCD people like me who like to know what's happening two months from now.

# Sigh*

_____________________________________    

Ozymandias - Aug 12, 2004 7:52 pm (#1915 of 2955)

Well, I wish we were getting some unseasonably cool weather here. Still 100+ every day. Bleh.

Hope everyone on the east coast isn't having the opposite problem. I'm sending an anti-hurricane charm your way.

Marie, sorry to hear that. I hope everything will work out for you. I don't suppose there's any chance of getting them to send you the whole thing early, is there?

Acceber, have fun at the lake! You shall be missed, but I'm not going to feel too sorry for you, because, well, you're at the lake.

_____________________________________  

Julia. - Aug 12, 2004 9:35 pm (#1916 of 2955)

It's about half an hour after midnight here on the East coast, which means it's time to say...HAPPY BIRTHDAY LEILA! (better known as Sleeping Beauty) Hope you have a great day and an amazing year!

_____________________________________    

Mynn - Aug 13, 2004 12:32 am (#1917 of 2955)

Hey SB, (Leila) Just wanted to add my wish that you have a really Happy Birthday.

_____________________________________    

Fawkes Forever - Aug 13, 2004 1:58 am (#1918 of 2955)

Happy Birthday Leila ... by the way your pic of Katrina is so cute. Julia won't mind if I give you some of her stash of butterbeer! Will you Julia, oh & Julia, enjoy your trip.

Flame - yooohooo *big waves*

Deb - hmmm, Luna... hmmm, not a bad idea.... *cogs working in head*

RPS - hope your hubbie is feeling a lot better... poor guy..

Sue, it appears we've been getting the same stange weather... (well we are just across the Irish Sea from one another ) It's almost like someone has put a charm on it.

For the past week or so it's been, early morning.. very wet (but warm) raining bucket loads.... then the sun comes out & it heats up even more, then we have a thunderstorm (or heavy rain) about lunchtime, or there after & then the sun spilts the rocks for the remainder of the day. When I say hot temps I mean mid 20s C (mid 70s F). Ok that might not be that hot to most of the forum members... but thats hot enough for Ireland... believe me... 'cus it’s a very humid heat.

I can take the heat it’s the ruddy humidity that gets me... One of my colleagues at work is from Bangalore in India.. and he says he can't take the heat in Ireland... as it’s too humid! I'm melting here at my desk.... the dementors have forgotten to turn on the air conditioning (again) & my little desk fan is on over load... oh & just on schedule the sun has just broke through the storm cloud as I'm typing. I'm on the top floor of my building & we have a partial glass roof... perfect for sunny days (not)

Oh & as for the slugs... I've just bought some plants for my garden.. (nice roses) & the evil slugs are out to get them.. oh yes they are.. so I'm waging war on the slugs in my back garden.... must send an owl to Hagrid for the slug repellent... Sue, you want me to ask for you too?

Ok, ok, enough of my rants... it's friday... happy friday everyone

Anyone near those nasty hurricanes... stay safe

_____________________________________    

septentrion - Aug 13, 2004 3:06 am (#1919 of 2955)

Fawkes, we had some hot weather here for the last two weeks (around 25/30° C, a lot for northern France too) but since wednesday, we have rain and temperatures are around 19/20° C. At least we can breathe !

Still have a thought for those who are under hurricanes, stay safe, we need you around here !

Happy birthday Leila !

everyone have a nice friday and week-end !

_____________________________________    

Fawkes Forever - Aug 13, 2004 3:44 am (#1920 of 2955)

Just realised it's friday the 13th *cue scarey music* I wonder is Trelawny cowering under her desk today

Oh & happy international Left Handed day... to all the left handed buddies (heard something about that on the radio this morning).

Looking forward to the Olympics starting today....

_____________________________________    

The giant squid - Aug 13, 2004 4:53 am (#1921 of 2955)

It's a shame they've run out of tough-sounding names for tropical storms & hurricanes...it's hard to get scared of "Bonnie" and "Charlie". Unless you're in the thick of them, anyway.

Marie, I can feel you climbing the walls from here. It's so funny--we both inherited trait’s from our father; she got the OCD & I got the ADD. Of course, we--ooh, something shiny!

   Mike/Ozy = never heard of the famous quote/word pants game before. Sounds cool though & it does fit in nearly any famous quote!!!



“She needs to sort out her pants.”

“Why would I go looking for someone who's trying to pants me?”

And the one that just might get me in trouble: "Ronald has lost his pants."

_____________________________________    

mike miller - Aug 13, 2004 5:21 am (#1922 of 2955)

Mike - They should have named these two hurricanes Bonnie and Clyde! I can't believe they missed their golden opportunity.

Happy Birthday Leila!! I guess you can't be superstitious since your birthday occasionally falls on Friday the 13th.

Odd weather all around it seems. For those dealing with the direct effects of "Bonnie and Clyde" know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. Stay low, unless of course the water is rising!

Everyone have a great weekend!

_____________________________________    

Kasse - Aug 13, 2004 5:27 am (#1923 of 2955)

Happy Birthday Beauty (Leila) - another Leo, well I guess that there are quite a few of us. I hope you have a great day filled with love and happiness.

_____________________________________  

icthestrals - Aug 13, 2004 5:28 am (#1924 of 2955)

LOL Mike! Hey everyone, well my area of Florida dodged Bonnie. It went to the east of us, so we just had rain most of yesterday morning, then it cleared some. This morning we are having rain again, but nothing too heavy. Still waiting to see where Charley is going.

Dr F, I won't need that gillyweed after all it seems and I'm fresh out of flesh-eating slug repellent. Sorry

When I built my house about 11 years ago (shortly after Andrew visited south Florida) the building codes were stricter than before Andrew. Hurricane clips had to be used on all the rafters, etc and high-wind rated windows had to be installed.

Have a great weekend everyone. Oh and Catherine and other east coasters, stay dry!

_____________________________________    

tracie1976 - Aug 13, 2004 5:28 am (#1925 of 2955)

Sleeping Beauty.

_____________________________________    

Catherine - Aug 13, 2004 5:45 am (#1926 of 2955)

So far no nastiness from Friday the 13th.

We haven't gotten hit badly here. No major flooding. Woo-hoo! I'm sending drought charms to Florida, though. Hope you guys there are ok

Happy Birthday Leila! Hope you and Katrina enjoy yourselves. She's SO cute, and it looks like she's feeling better these days.

Happy Friday the 13th to everyone on the Forum. I'm off to mop the basement. Looks like "Myrtle" aka Bonnie got us wet down in the "dungeons." Just call me Argus Filch today!

I want to see some punishment!.....

_____________________________________  

ShelterGirl - Aug 13, 2004 5:53 am (#1927 of 2955)

You know, Catherine, since I grew up in NJ I always thought everyone had a sump pump. It never even occurred to me that some people didn't have basements.

Good luck with the mopping, I remember well those days.

(I also remember being scared witless everytime the sump pump kicked on when I was in the basement. I'd run as fast as I could back up the steps and try to play it off by saying I saw a waterbug.)

Happy Friday the 13th everyone!

Leila- A very Happy Birthday to you.

Julie

_____________________________________    

Accio Sirius - Aug 13, 2004 6:18 am (#1928 of 2955)

Leila--Happy Birthday. Hope Bonnie and Charlie aren't interfering with any planned festivities. Also, Happy International Left Handed day to all of the lefties out there! (Thanks for the heads-up Fawkes Forever, I can wish the same to my left-handed hubbie as if I knew it all along!) Friday the 13? Oh well. I'm going to side with Hermoine on this one. Hope everyone makes it through without any problems.

_____________________________________  

Leviosa - Aug 13, 2004 6:59 am (#1929 of 2955)

Happy Birthday Leila! I hope you're having a great day.

Here in Germany we also had a very stormy night and a huge temperature drop (yesterday 34°Cesius, today not even 20°). But on the bright side, I'm off to Italy for two weeks with my parents. I'll be back in two weeks. I hope you're all having a good time and won't have troubles with hurricanes.

bye Susi

_____________________________________  

mollis - Aug 13, 2004 7:01 am (#1930 of 2955)
Edited by Aug 13, 2004 7:02 am

Hey Everyone. Miss me? Unfortunately no good excuses like the vacations most of you have. Work has just gone into overload. If I could clone myself twice, all three of me would be working 40-hour weeks. Unfortunately the dementors here won't hire anyone because of the risk that they might not be busy in 6 months!

But oh well, things just might be a little late. It's Friday morning, gorgeously cool outside, and I've got my first cup of coffee.

This weather lately has been crazy. It is not uncommon to have a string of 10 days with 100 degree (F) heat this time of the year. We've been in the 70's most of the week. It is wonderful! I only hope that this nice weather hold out when I'm working outside most of the next 3 weeks!

Fawkes - Sounds like you need a rainbow: My building has no windows whatsoever (converted bowling alley), so I would love to be having too much sunlight pouring through the windows!

Catherine & all on the east coast: I hope you don't get too wet. Keep checking on the sump pump! And let us know that you are all okay!

Happy Birthday to all I missed (especially Betty!).

I probably won't be posting a whole lot over the next month, due to this workload they have piled on me, but I'll be lurking as often as I can!

I am so glad it's Friday!!! (Even though it is Friday the 13th img src=http://www.handykult.de/plaudersmilies.de/tiere/blackbat.gif> )And the start of the Olympics! Should be a great weekend. Have fun and enjoy your weekend!

_____________________________________  

Marè - Aug 13, 2004 7:13 am (#1931 of 2955)

hi mollis, yes I wondered where your recognizable font colour went. I thought it was me missing some members because I couldn't keep up with all the threads.

Take a good rest this weekend! And enjoy your outside work.

And the weather over here equals yours Leviosa. Currently it is Raining with a capitel R.
Well at least the temperature on the squash court will be do-able, last week it resembled a sauna. One 9-point game and my friend and me were already tired!

_____________________________________    

septentrion - Aug 13, 2004 7:28 am (#1932 of 2955)

Mollis, sorry for your overload work !

Susi, same weather here ! hope you'll enjoy Italy !

_____________________________________    

Sherbie Lemon - Aug 13, 2004 7:35 am (#1933 of 2955)

Well I'm back. We had a great time in Ohio, almost too great of a time, in fact. I actually got back on Tuesday evening and found my bad luck waiting for me! No sooner had I walked in the door than our house got hit by a bolt of lightening. It blew out my cable modem, my garage door opener, and killed off the answering machine I've had for 6 years. Ah, home sweet home.

I've got about a zillion posts to catch up on. Though I skimmed this one before I posted, I actually like to thoroughly read everyone's posts so that's what I'll be doing today.

We're having strange weather here too. In fact, we've had close to 4 inches of rain for this month alone! We NEVER have rain in August. Usually it looks like winter this time of year because all the trees and grass are dead. Like Mollis, it's not uncommon to have weeks of 100+ heat, but these past two months we've struggled to make it into the low 90's. I think it's 70 here currently. Weird...

To all those on the East coast, be safe! We had a sump pump in our pool, but I didn't know that they were common in basements. You'd think we'd have basements attached to every home, living in tornado alley as we do, but our red clay earth will not allow them.

Happy Birthday, Sleeping Beauty and everyone else I missed!Make A Wish

_____________________________________    

Marè - Aug 13, 2004 7:38 am (#1934 of 2955)

Sherbie do tell me, after getting hit by lightning, you surely can't be afraid of the oven anymore can you? I mean, what could it possibly do that is worse than killing, the door, the modem and the answering machine...

Tossing some virtual Irish clovers your way!

_____________________________________    

Sherbie Lemon - Aug 13, 2004 7:54 am (#1935 of 2955)

LOL, Mare! I must admit, the oven is looking pretty harmless to me now.

_____________________________________  

Flame Alligator - Aug 13, 2004 7:59 am (#1936 of 2955)

RPS, I hope your hubby's recovery is speedy. I have had food poisoning and they pumped my stomach........ OMG, never again. After that, I am extra careful. If I see any mold or rot on something...... out, out it goes.

Giant Squid........ LOL Thanks for the laugh.

Mike Miller, I thought the same thing about the "Bonnie and Clyde" storms. What is it? Don't weather people have a sense of humor? Or would that be a bit of wit?

Happy Birthday Leila! And the same to anyone else who made their debut on earth today.

Fawkes, *big wave back* *big toothy grin*

We have had unusually cool weather here in Nebraska, too. This is 100f time of the year. I was actually cold yesterday.

I am so psyched for the Olympics. I am with you Mare, I watch it all. Alas, I will be very busy on vacation and won't be watching. "Oh bother!!"

I am just 2 days away from my vacation. It is my first trip across the pond and I am "dead cool" about it. Last week, I was giddy, running around and screeching like a chimp but as my departure approaches I start to calm. My big dread....... airport security. We are on orange alert in this country and they are "nuts" at the airport. I just love getting dressed and then having to take my shoes off in the airport. *sigh*

While I am over there, I hope I will have time to stop at an Internet café and check the forum.

Ah yes........ Friday 13th......... enjoy. Is it correct to say Happy Friday 13th since it is a bad luck day? None for me so far. *crossing fingers*

Here's a good luck charm to everyone.

Goedemorgen!

_____________________________________  

Penny Lane. - Aug 13, 2004 8:07 am (#1937 of 2955)

From what I recall about the process of naming hurricanes, there is a list at the National Weather service of names that are to be used. I think - and don't quote me on this - that there is one list of names for every ocean, and the names are alternated male/female, one name for each leter. Sometimes they retire names, like they replaced Humberto with Hugo after the storm in .. 96? Even though many of the weather people would have liked to name them Bonnie and Clyde, Alas, they could not.

You can download a current list of names from the NWS here http://www.weather.gov/om/brochures.shtml

Great. Thanks for reminding me it’s Friday the 13. I woke up in a bad mood, because trespassers were cutting down trees the the woods behind my house and woke me up, out of my nice happy dream where I married Vince Vaughn.

_____________________________________    

Doris Crockford - Aug 13, 2004 8:26 am (#1938 of 2955)

Happy Birthday, Leila! And Happy Friday the 13th, everyone! (Mare, maybe if we say happy Friday the 13th, it will become a happy, lucky day).

Mare, hope everything goes well at the airport. I haven't been on a plane in about 3 years, but my parents have, and they said the wait and security checks were awful.

The weather here is pretty cool, too. I woke up this morning, and put on jeans and a sweatshirt. It's usually about 30 C here, but this summer the normal temp is low 20s. Which I must admit makes it really nice to play soccer in, but not so nice for everything else. It's also really cloudy, but it doesn't rain too much (I hope all of you dealing with the hurricanes make it out safe and dry- they were talking about 'Bonnie and Clyde' on the local news this morning).

Talk to you all later!

_____________________________________    

Flame Alligator - Aug 13, 2004 8:33 am (#1939 of 2955)

Awww Penny........ sorry the noise ruined your lovely "Vince dream". Oops, guess I am sorry for the Friday 13 reminder, too. *apologetic head bow*

_____________________________________    

mollis - Aug 13, 2004 8:40 am (#1940 of 2955)

Oh Sherbie! I was wondering about you when I posted earlier, but just thought I had missed you. Funny thing is, I had thought about putting a lightning bolt in my first post relating to the hurricanes and all, but couldn't fit it in very well. But now, just for you, it fit’s real nice: (Sorry, I couldn't resist!) Hopefully, since Friday the 13th is notosious for bad luck, you'll have a fabulous day!

Thanks for the well wishes and for missing me Mare and septentrion. It's weird, but I kind of miss you guys when I'm forced to be away.

Flame - I hope you have a wonderful vacation. You certainly deserve it after all the hard work you have been doing lately. Especially after covering everybody else's classes. We'll miss you while you're gone!

And for everybody getting dumped on - a little sunshine from Kansas!

_____________________________________    

Puja - Aug 13, 2004 8:43 am (#1941 of 2955)

I am visiting this forum for months, but it is only today that I found this thread. I've a bad habit of overlooking things, no wonder why I can't find a single clue in HP, untill somebody points it out

Well, all those who believe that Friday 13th is an unlucky day, I want to tell them that I am one of those rarest species on earth for whom Fri 13 is lucky.

_____________________________________    

Fawkes Forever - Aug 13, 2004 8:58 am (#1942 of 2955)

Hey welcome back Mollis & Sherbie... Sherbie... I'm with Mare on sending you good luck vibes... I think you need them, I take it Mike is having a good day then

Flame, you're going on holidays... lucky you. Wishing you a safe & happy trip.

Stay safe people & have a great weekend everyone

_____________________________________    

Padfoot - Aug 13, 2004 9:16 am (#1943 of 2955)
Edited by Aug 13, 2004 9:17 am

Wow, everyone seems to be just coming back from vacation or heading out now. Welcome back everyone who was gone! Have a safe trip everyone who is going on holiday now!

Sherbie, the luck continues I see.

Happy Birthday Leila! Birthday

Happy "regular" Friday everyone! Have a great weekend!!!

_____________________________________    

Eponine - Aug 13, 2004 10:14 am (#1944 of 2955)

I just got back from Tennessee a few days ago, and today we are leaving for DC for the weekend. Neither were really vacations though. I went home to see my best friend who was in town for a wedding, and we're going to DC because my husband's online gaming thing is having a get together up there. I am not going to that, though. I am just going to hang out at our friends house. Somehow, I don't find the idea of looking at servers all that exciting.

Sherbie- I hope your luck changes. I've been very close to objects being struck by lightning, but not actually in one. It sounds quite scary.

Happy Birthday, Leila! And to anyone else out there celebrating occasions. Have a wonderful weekend!

_____________________________________  

Good Evans - Aug 13, 2004 10:44 am (#1945 of 2955)

My wedding anniversary is the 13th - so I think it is a very lucky day.

Happy friday 13th everyone!

_____________________________________    

Dr Filibuster - Aug 13, 2004 12:03 pm (#1946 of 2955)

Happy birthdays, holidays, anniversaries, Friday 13th

I'm so glad that members have escaped the worst of the weather. Phew!

Sherbie...of all the homes to be struck by lightning!!! Hope everything was covered on your insurance and easily fixed. Glad your Beatles-fest was fun.

Did everyone see Ronan? I thought centaurs liked to keep out of the way, but there he was wandering across the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games

_____________________________________  

Denise P. - Aug 13, 2004 1:23 pm (#1947 of 2955)

Here is my DUH moment for the day.

Back in June, I bought some hay in bulk for my guinea pigs. I remember when I got it thinking that 35lbs sure didn't look like much but just shrugged it off. I reordered 35lbs last week when I was getting low. I found another supplier after I had placed my order and was tempted to get some hay from them as well since my girls apparently ate through hay like it was going out of style.

Imagine my utter SHOCK today when the box of hay arrived and it was not a box but a HUGE BALE! I looked up details from my first order and what I thought was 35 lbs last time was really 15 lbs. Bwahahahaha.....here I was thinking this box I keep my hay in held 35 lbs and in reality, it was holding less than half of that.

So now, I have a huge bale of hay sitting on my front porch until I get a bigger storage container to keep it somewhere. On the positive side, it will be Christmas before I need more hay.



_____________________________________    

Julia. - Aug 13, 2004 1:47 pm (#1948 of 2955)

Sure Fawkes, you're free to dig into my stash of butterbeer anytime.

Man I'm tired, I flew across the country today (not exactly my choice of Friday the 13th activities) We left the house around 4 in the morning to drive to New York. Being that I normally go to sleep around 3, I just stayed awake. I got some sleep in the car, but not much. Our flight left New York around 7:30 am Eastern time. I got some sleep, but again, not much. I was kept awake by the in flight movie, "Miracle" (great movie, by the way). We got into Seattle at around 12:30 Eastern time, ate lunch, and checked into the hotel. I am now going to take a nap before the ballgame tonight. See you all later!

_____________________________________    

Ozymandias - Aug 13, 2004 2:20 pm (#1949 of 2955)

Hi everyone! Welcome to chat-land, Puja, it's good to see some new people here.

Happy Birthday Leila and Happy Friday the 13th everybody!

Sherbie: Oh my goodness. I can't believe the luck you've been having. I'll send you some of my Irish luck. At least now you've used up your bad luck for several centuries.

The Chamber of Secrets has been opened. Enemies of the Pants, beware.

_____________________________________    

DJ Evans - Aug 13, 2004 2:22 pm (#1950 of 2955)

So glad and happy to hear from our folks in the Eastern part of the US are doing OK!!! Hope it stays that way too!! You'd think with all of our good wishes, thoughts & prayers that we've been sending that way, the hurricanes would be nothing but a summer shower by now!!

Marie E = Can't believe (well, yes I can really) that the Corporate Office has done you and the others like that!! How rude! What charm/spell would you like us all to send to them? Oh brothers!!! I can just see yours doing that to you -- isn't that in their genes to do sisters like that? I know mine loves to pull stunts such as that (on the wrong lyrics) and loves every minute of whatever he is trying to pull over on me! But I wouldn't trade him for anything in the world as I know you wouldn't take nothing for your's either!!!

Leila ==HAPPY BIRTHDAY - SLEEPING BEAUTY!!!==Hope you have a fantastic day!!!!

Fawkes == A top floor office with a partial glass roof -- gosh no wonder it's HOT!!! Where is the "chilled" pumpkin juice when you need it!!!

Flame -- Hope you have a great vacation and hurry back to us!! Here's a bit of advice though. If you are going to have to take your shoes off at the airport? Make sure you've got on socks/hose/whatever that have NO HOLES in them!!! hee hee

Mike == Too cute!!! How does these sound?

All work & no "pants" makes Jack a dull boy!! (hmmm?)
Are you a "pants" or a mouse?
Gone With the "Pants”
hee hee

Sherbie, welcome back!!!! You've been missed for sure! OK, girl this bad luck that you & Mike seem to keep passing back and forth MUST stop!!!! Maybe the two of you could find some poor old weed or better yet-- get DELORES UMBRIDGE--to rub your bad luck onto? Something!!!!

Take care everyone, may we all have a safe Friday 13th & most importantly -- may we all meet back here soon!!!

Later, Deb

P.S. Oh and Julia? Heads UP & catch a home run ball!!! How cool would that be?

_____________________________________    

True Love - Aug 13, 2004 3:06 pm (#1951 of 2955)

Fawkes - thanks for letting me know this is Left Handed Day. I too am a lefty. One of my colleagues noted that if you ever want to have a chuckle, just watch a lefty write. Cruel but sometimes true. I always end up with blue ink smears on the side of my hand. I have "white boards" where you use dry-erase markers. I end up erasing what I've written! My dad was ambidex... (I can't even say it let alone spell it) because as a child he was forced (with the whack of a ruler) to write with his right-hand, so he ended up learning to write with both hands. I thought that was cool. Something like the sword fight in Princess Bride.

_____________________________________    

wormsé - Aug 13, 2004 3:40 pm (#1952 of 2955)

I'm back... now I can fully appreciate all the members who go on vacation and return only to diligently read all the posts they missed. Ya'll are a chatty bunch... As for the weather- In Kentucky it does indeed feel like autumn. I love it! It's happy weather. I didn't know we even had a Left-handed day. Interesting. I'm teaching myself to be ambidexterous- I've almost mastered the art of feeding myself with my left hand.

Happy Birthday to everyone who has had one!

_____________________________________    

Leprechaun Jack - Aug 13, 2004 4:05 pm (#1953 of 2955)

What's that comment about my pants (or lack thereof) and being DULL !!! Well I never. (then again maybe if I did people wouldn't think I was dull)

Happy birthday to all I missed.

Flame Alligator- I'm going out on a limb here...but have you received my last 2 E-Mails ???

Jack

_____________________________________    

Kasse - Aug 13, 2004 4:14 pm (#1954 of 2955)

True Love, I like your dad I am ambidextrous, some things I feel more comfortable doing with my right and others with my left. So Fawks do we get a special day too?

_____________________________________    

timrew - Aug 13, 2004 4:20 pm (#1955 of 2955)

Gosh! I'd give my right arm to be ambidextrous!

_____________________________________  

mischa fan - Aug 13, 2004 4:24 pm (#1956 of 2955)

Tim, that was bad, even for you.

_____________________________________    

DJ Evans - Aug 13, 2004 4:58 pm (#1957 of 2955)

What's that comment about my pants (or lack thereof) and being DULL !!! Well I never. (then again maybe if I did people wouldn't think I was dull) Jack

hee hee Well, Jack you never know -- it might be worth a try there. Just don't be surprised if the good folks at St. Mungo's come to take you away!! Which isn't necessary a bad thing, from what I hear they've got great Jell-O!!!! hee hee

Later, Deb

_____________________________________  

boop - Aug 13, 2004 5:08 pm (#1958 of 2955)

Leila and Haymoni, I hope you are having a wonderful Birthday. I couldn't get on the forum this morning to post your birthdays. I am glad someone went ahead and did it for me.

Happy Anniversary Good Evans!!!!!

_____________________________________  

Hem Hem - Aug 13, 2004 5:37 pm (#1959 of 2955)

I hope you're enjoying the game, Julia. And I bet you're not the only one rooting for the visiting team! With the way the Mariners have been this year, I even may family has gotten lessinterested in listening--and we're big fans who usually go to about four or five games a year. This year we haven't gone at all. But for the Yankee series, I've heard that the stadium is sold out for all three games. Go figure.

Also, enjoy the nice weather! RPS, I know we're known for having clouds in Seattle, but this time of year is gorgeous...although this year is hotter than most. I can't deal with temperatures above 80-- completely spoiled!

_____________________________________    

Leila 2X4B - Aug 13, 2004 6:02 pm (#1960 of 2955)

Hi, thanks for all the birthday wishes. I had fun. Just take a look at my cake!!!



If it isn't clear, it states "Have a Harry Birthday"

_____________________________________    

Round Pink Spider - Aug 13, 2004 6:12 pm (#1961 of 2955)

Hem Hem, sorry I slandered your weather. I grew up in the SECOND cloudiest city in the US, Rochester, NY, right after Seattle. We never saw the sun in the winter.

Thanks for all the well-wishes for my husband. Kasse, did you get your newsletters? I'm afraid to ask by e-mail, in case the note goes south (and gets drowned in the rain). I'm afraid can't read through all of the posts to see if you said anything Kasse, I have to go pick up my husband and I'm really heads-down on the newsletter write now, I'll be lucky if this one comes in under 30 pages...I'll just check here now and then.

_____________________________________    

haymoni - Aug 13, 2004 6:53 pm (#1962 of 2955)

Thanks for the Happy Birthday, boop!

It's nice to be remembered!

As I was born on Friday the 13th, it's an extra special day.

Hope everyone else has a great one.

Monica

_____________________________________    

Leprechaun Jack - Aug 13, 2004 7:17 pm (#1963 of 2955)

I love their Jell-O it's the Bestest !!!!

Jack

_____________________________________    

Sherbie Lemon - Aug 13, 2004 7:37 pm (#1964 of 2955)

Thanks for all the well wishes and four leaf clovers, guys! Hopefully Umbridge (good plan, Deb!) will suffer some bad luck now!

And a big Happy Birthday Haymoni!

_____________________________________  

Archangel - Aug 13, 2004 8:03 pm (#1965 of 2955)

Hello to all and Happy Birthday to Haymoni!

I seem to remember that there's quite a handful of Liverpool fans here in the forum so I thought of sharing this. Anyways, I was watching Sportscenter last night and I don't know if you already know this but it was mentioned there that Michael Owen is moving to Real Madrid. Well, the move was finalized this morning.

_____________________________________    

Penny Lane. - Aug 13, 2004 8:24 pm (#1966 of 2955)

Okay, I may not be a mother, I'd like to share a lovely "cute" child story. I was babysitting for this 7 yr old boy that I've watched on a fairly regular basis for the last 7 years. Anyway, so we are putting together this Lego Harry vs. Giant Troll thing that I found in a closet. (I swear it was his idea :-)) And anyway, so after like 3 pieces he looks at me and says "Gee, I thought kids were supposed to be able to put this together - what were they thinking?" So, 45 minutes later, it was semi-finished, but we still had pieces left over... Has anyone else had problems with the HP Legos?

_____________________________________    

Ozymandias - Aug 13, 2004 8:27 pm (#1967 of 2955)

Happy Birthday, Haymoni! Sorry I missed you the first time I posted. I'll go iron my hands now...

_____________________________________  

DJ Evans - Aug 13, 2004 8:31 pm (#1968 of 2955)

Haymoni, I hope I'm not too late here? But have a HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!

Sherbie -- Remember you need to get with Mike and both of you attack Umbridge with your bad luck!!! Hopefully that will wipe your's and Mike's out completely! With her, she won't know what "hit" her!!!! hee hee

Later, Deb

Jack? So we've had their Jell-O before, hmmm? We must have missed each other in the hallways then. hee hee Just stay away from their sandwiches -- I've heard tales about what "some" of them are made of!!!!

_____________________________________  

Leila 2X4B - Aug 13, 2004 9:46 pm (#1969 of 2955)

Happy Birthday Haymoni, I am sorry I forgot you. We share our b-day!!! Whooo-hoo.

Leila

_____________________________________    

septentrion - Aug 14, 2004 2:45 am (#1970 of 2955)

happy belated birthday Haymoni !

Sherbie, your bad luck MUST go to Umbridge, she deserves it, really.

Denise, so you have much hay ? My grandparents were farmers and the had ppppppppplenty of hay in which my sister and I loved to play. What we preferred was to jump from a high place onto a bunch of hay and to tunnel from one side to the other. My parents didn't like when we did this, they were always afraid that we could suffocate, in which they were right of course.

Archangel, I've heard of Owen's move to real Madrid, in fact Patrick Vieira from Arsenal was supposed to make that move but it happens that Vieire stays with Arsenal and Owen moves.

Flame, have a good vacation, enjoy it !

Julia, will you still have voice after the match ?

_____________________________________    

azi - Aug 14, 2004 4:18 am (#1971 of 2955)

Happy birthday to everyone I missed! Sherbie, you really need some good luck so my inch-high leprechaun Shamrock is sending you his. My brother was extremely happy when he heard Owen was moving to Real Madrid (he is a Liverpool fan also and doesn't like him).

Hope everybody in the path of hurricanes is safe and well.

_____________________________________    

Kasse - Aug 14, 2004 5:05 am (#1972 of 2955)

Happy Birthday, Haymoni I am so sorry that I missed you first time round. I must go and iorn my hands now

RPS: I still did not get the newsletter I do not know what happened.....

_____________________________________    

The giant squid - Aug 14, 2004 7:00 am (#1973 of 2955)

Sherbie, I shudder to think what you'll get hit with next. Lightning, for Pete's sake!

   I take it Mike is having a good day then



Well, I did get a call from work about a problem my new guy was having, but I was able to fix it over the phone instead of having to go in, so I guess that's good. I guess that guy in Albuquerque figured out what was going on & sent the luck back to us.

I like the Umbridge idea...Catherine, do you have a good Bad Luck Banishing charm handy? If Sherbie & I synch it up right we might just be able get rid of it once and for all!

Happy Belated Birthday to Sleeping Beauty & haymoni. Hope y'all had a great day!

--Mike

_____________________________________    

Flame Alligator - Aug 14, 2004 9:43 am (#1974 of 2955)

DJEvans, LOL I have no holes in the socks I am going to wear but they are made of hemp. Do you think the drug dogs and DEA will give me grief? Hemp socks are great... very soft.

Jack with no pants? Doesn't that make him an interesting boy? hee hee

Leprechaun Jack, *tackle hug* NO, I did not receive your last 2 e-mails. I was beginning to think you did not love me anymore. *pouting* In the future, if I don't respond to your e-mail within 48 hours..... I did not get it. I feel bad no contact with you before I leave. *hug and kiss*

Tim, LOL

Fawkes, *waving madly*

Sherbie, May I suggest surge protectors? Just in case lightening strikes twice your modem and other basics won't get fried again.

Thanks everyone for wishing me well on my holidays. I am going to Sin City/Amsterdam to be with someone I love and adore. We are going to do museums by day and ........ well, I guess party at night. I am excited today after being so "dead cool" the last few days. I was packed a week ago. One problem with packing early, I keep adding more stuff to my bag. My carry-on is packed with "beauty products". Mind you, I only wear lipstick. Do I really need 2 shampoos? Yes, cause they smell different. lol See! Please, somebody stop me!

Happy Birthday Sleepy Beauty and Haymoni! And Happy Birthday to anyone else who stepped out today.

I will miss you guys and I do so appreciate those who wish me well. It seems I have attracted some........ well, dementors to my life. I appreciate anyone who likes me and wishes me well. *kisses to you*

I definitely will do my best to get to an Internet café to read some posts and say "Hi".

Have a great weekend, y'all,

Goedemorgen

_____________________________________  

Acceber - Aug 14, 2004 10:36 am (#1975 of 2955)

Happy Belated Birthdays to Leila and Haymoni! May you have many more to celebrate.

Have fun on your trip Flame. No, one shampoo will be legitimate. Hope you're having fun Julia.

I'm in the Adirondacks now (yay!). Tis beautiful here. If I can use my limited computer techie skills, I'll get a new avatar as a pic I took today.

Gonna go catch up on the threads. Have a great day everyone!

EDIT: Almost forgot, RPS, would you mind sending me a copy of your newsletter? My email is in my info; just click my avatar to get there.

_____________________________________    

VeronikaG - Aug 14, 2004 10:44 am (#1976 of 2955)

Have a good trip, Flame!! Take good care of yourself, or else I beat you up! And remember; take pictures!!

Happy belated birthday to Leila and Haymoni.

I had bad luck on Friday 13th! My mom had ordered me a dentist's appointment, and turns out I need a filling. Grr... At least the new dentist was cuter than my old one.

I thought I'd just share a funny story from the start of term-ceremony on Thursday. My friend had signed up as "big sister", helping new students find their way around the school, and she wanted me to come with her. So I signed up, and put on the blue t-shirt they handed out. The first thing we managed was to loose most of the group we were guiding. A boy who was the third "big sibling" on our study took them all, and we found them by the end of the tour. Then our duty for the day was mostly over, and we went to buy some ice creams. I completely forgot that I was wearing a shirt pointing me out as oficial advice person. As my friend and I were finishing our ice creams outside the cafeteria, a group of three of four first year girls come over, and one of them ask me where to find "the big clock" where the bus leaves from. I had bit off a large chunk of the cracker, and in the same second I turned to answer her, I realized I still held it between my teeth. The girls started laughing, and so did I, pointing at my friend. Then i discovered that she had stuck the whole cone in her mouth, trying to get out the rest of the ice cream with her tongue. She looked like a funny bird. I laughed even harder, and managed to swallow the rest of the cracker, and point the girl in the right direction. So typically us.

_____________________________________    

Round Pink Spider - Aug 14, 2004 11:17 am (#1977 of 2955)

OK, Kasse, I think I know what happened. Is your e-mail samantha_kasse or samantha kasse? In your profile, it looks like a space (which might not even be possible in an e-mail address). I'm going to try the _ now. Let me know if they don't come this time. If they don't, please give me your current, up-to-date e-mail address in the post. We'll see if this works.

Acceber, I'll send you the back issues of the newsletter at the same time.

_____________________________________    

Liz - Aug 14, 2004 11:22 am (#1978 of 2955)

*Humms* Happy Birthday to you *cha cha cha*

Happy Birthday to you *cha cha cha*

Happy Birthday dear all yall

Happy Birthday to you *cha cha cha*

_____________________________________    

Doris Crockford - Aug 14, 2004 11:25 am (#1979 of 2955)

Round Pink Spider, could you pretty please send me the newsletter too? Thanks a bunch. My email is also in my info.

I had my first driver's ed class today. The good news is I didn't get into an accident. Although there was this one maniac going about 20km/h above the speed limit, and almost rear-ended me. And once, my driving instructor didn't tell me to turn, and I decided to turn left anyways.

Happy birthday haymoni! Sorry I missed it yesterday.

_____________________________________    

Round Pink Spider - Aug 14, 2004 11:30 am (#1980 of 2955)

Doris, this is the same problem I had with Kasse's address. Is that sarah_z_21 (with underbars)? The underbars blend in with the underline, so I'm not sure.

EDIT: Please post requests for the newsletter on "Long Theory", I might not be able to keep up with all the posts on this thread. And again, "Long Theory" and the literary discussions in the subsequent posts are very characteristic of the newsletter, so if you don't like "Long Theory," you probably won't like the newsletter.

_____________________________________  

Doris Crockford - Aug 14, 2004 11:41 am (#1981 of 2955)

Yes, there are underscores, the way you wrote it in the post above.

_____________________________________  

Round Pink Spider - Aug 14, 2004 11:57 am (#1982 of 2955)

Okay, the back issues are on their way. Hopefully, a new issue next week, but there's a lot of sickness in the house right now, and that's really slowing me down (must have been a virus instead of food poisoning; even the baby's got it, but fortunately no one is as sick as my husband was).

_____________________________________    

Marè - Aug 14, 2004 12:11 pm (#1983 of 2955)

Hey Flame have fun in Amsterdam. If you go do museum, try the vincent Van Gogh museum. Gina, Snape and I found a painting there that seems to be the prove that wizards exist!
(I have never been able to find a picture of it, but I think the title was something with a blue bird...) It was not a Van gogh painting though, was some-one else.

PS Only two shampoos?? You should see what I pack, for four days half of my bag is full off bottles, (sun)creams and other stuff you really don't need that much, but just can't leave behind.

_____________________________________    

septentrion - Aug 14, 2004 12:15 pm (#1984 of 2955)

Marè, you're describing me seen by my husband when we go just for a week-end. He's always amazed at the quantity of things I take with me and that I consider being minimalist. Well, Flame, you're just a normal girl !

_____________________________________    

Marè - Aug 14, 2004 12:17 pm (#1985 of 2955)

Well, I did managed to bring just one tiny bagsac for my weekend to Paris. But then again, when we went back I couldn't fit it all in so I had to "borrow" some space from my friends...

_____________________________________    

Celestina W. - Aug 14, 2004 12:20 pm (#1986 of 2955)

Hi, everybody, I'm back. I had a nice trip, but I missed the Forum quite a bit. Guess I'm even more addicted than I thought.

Happy Belated Birthday to Betty, Leila, and Haymoni!

I had completely forgotten that the OotP paperback was coming out until I saw a display of them at Wal-Mart the other day. They looked so nice and pretty, I just had to stand and stare at them for a while. It was my nutty Potter-freak moment for the week. I almost bought one even though there's absolutely nothing wrong with my hardcover copy. (Unlike my PoA hardcover, which is falling apart from being read too much. ) Some other people were looking at OotP, and I really wanted to tell them, "Buy it, you'll love it, it's great, I promise", but I resisted. They might have thought I was weird (hee hee, imagine that ). The store also had some very nice HP notebooks with pictures from the PoA movie, but I already have all of my school stuff. And no, I don't think there's anything wrong with a senior in high school looking at Harry Potter school supplies, but unfortunately they were wide-ruled, so I couldn't have used them anyway.

Flame, I completely understand why you would want to take two shampoos. I'm a horrible over-packer, too. I take at least five days worth of clothes for a two-night trip. My philosophy is, "well, if I don't have it, then I'll wish I did, so I'd better take it", and as you can imagine that fills up a suitcase pretty fast. Have fun on your trip.

I hope all of our Florida members aren't being swept away by the hurricane. And RPS, hope your family gets better soon.

Oh, and here's the next in the "Avatars for My Generation" series.

_____________________________________    

Round Pink Spider - Aug 14, 2004 12:27 pm (#1987 of 2955)

Thanks, Celestina, and welcome home!

OotP is out in paperback? Yea, now I can FINALLY start marking up book 5 with a highlighter! I'll have to pick one up from Wal-Mart when we go shopping!

_____________________________________    

timrew - Aug 14, 2004 3:09 pm (#1988 of 2955)

Happy Birthday to Betty, Leila, and Haymoni! Sorry I'm late!

Enjoy your trip, Flame!

_____________________________________    

mike miller - Aug 14, 2004 3:37 pm (#1989 of 2955)

Well is seems the remains of Charlie are finally starting to arrive in the Baltimore area. Hope everyone in Florida has made it through all right. They weather gurus are calling for alot of rain between now and tomorrow morning and some tidal surges along the bay. The real problem could be the winds that will be coming over-night. There has been so much rain in the last few days there is a concern for trees falling over causing power outages. Nothing like the damage farther south.

We went to the Maryland Bar-B-Que Contest this afternoon. I have to say that pigs smell better when they're smoked! Lots of good food, live music, arts and craft and stuff for the kids (face painting, Moon Bounce, etc.). I love food! and dabble a bit in the BBQ arts. My daughter tells me I should enter my venison tenderloin next year. Alas, no catagory for venison, just Chicken, Ribs, Pulled Pork and Beef Brisket.

Flame - Enjoy your vacation

Tim - ROFL "I'd give my right arm..."

Mare' and Septentrion - With all due respect, you guys might be good, but I don't think anyone can touch my wife when it comes to packing. A full suitcase, cosmetics bag and large bag just for an over-night.

RPS - What's this I hear about a newsletter? If it's not too much effort, I love to have a peak at your next installment.

Well, that's all for now. I'll settle in for a night of Olympics watching (O.K. I might be checking a thread or two).

EDIT - Almost forgot - Happy Birthday Haymoni!!! sorry I'm late

_____________________________________  

Flame Alligator - Aug 14, 2004 5:28 pm (#1990 of 2955)

OK Ladies, now I don't feel so bad. I just put in 2 more pairs of pants and extra sarong and some more lotion. lol Septentrion saying that she takes things just in case. Mind you I have 2 sarongs in there already but of course I need the red one, too. Now should I take another jacket and 2 more tank tops? Help! I will probably throw in one more thing right before I walk out the door.

Mare, I am definitely going to the Van Gogh museum. I love musseums and can spend hours and hours in them. I am so psyched up!! I will not be sleeping till I get on the plane.

Again, thanks for all the "well wishes". I am going to do some yoga to work off some of this excess energy and calm myself down.

Doei



Veronika, LOL Thanks for the funny story......... so you, girlfriend.

Doei for real this time.

_____________________________________    

Round Pink Spider - Aug 14, 2004 5:49 pm (#1991 of 2955)

Mike, it's OK with me if you want to read the newsletter, but, a word of warning, it's like the "Long Family" thread but PhD (piled higher and deeper). If you find that one hard to swallow, you might not care for it. I'll add you to the mailing list for the next one, and if you do like it, I can send you the back issues.

EDIT: OK, Kasse, NOW did you get the back issues?

_____________________________________    

DJ Evans - Aug 14, 2004 7:26 pm (#1992 of 2955)

Celestina W -- Though I don't recognize who you've got in your avatar, but I must say very nice. He definitely fit’s in!!! Yep, definitely fit’s in!! And WELCOME BACK!!!!

Mike Miller == Hey, why not start your own competention? I don't know how it is where you live, but venison is very big in my state. Plus, I think every hunter has his own special "the best you've ever tasted" recipes for it -- so you wouldn't have trouble in getting people to enter it, I'm sure.

Flame, another jacket and 2 tank tops? Hmmm, I don't know about the jacket, but come on girl-- how much space can 2 little bitty tank tops take up? hee hee So go ahead and take them!!! What I've always done on the shampoos/lotion and such, is to save my "sample" bottles and use them. That way I can take several varieties of shampoos/lotions and with them in smaller bottles, they don't take up as much space, so you can take more!! Plus, put them all in plastic baggies for the unforeseen accidents -- like one spills?, it won't get all over everything else!!!! I've been there and done that!!! Believe me, no thrill to open up your luggage and see lotion all over your stuff &/or clothes!!!

Was watching the news tonight & I just can't believe the damage that they've suffered in the East. I just hope and pray all of our folks are OK. And my thoughts and prayers are with those that suffered the ultimate consequences and their families.

Later, Deb

_____________________________________    

Celestina W. - Aug 14, 2004 7:44 pm (#1993 of 2955)

Deb, that's Heath Ledger. If you didn't recognize him, I guess you haven't seen A Knight's Tale, so go out and watch it now, OK? Great movie. Paul Bettany is also in it -- another avatar-worthy actor, IMO. I like your pic, too, by the way. Two of the Lord of the Rings posters in my room feature Aragorn. (The other two are the Argonath and one of Legolas, if anyone cared to know.)

I consider myself so fortunate right now that I don't live in a hurricane-prone area. It must be so scary to know that you have one of those bearing down on you. Around here we get severe storms, but they move through quickly and unless there's a tornado, the damage is usually not worse than some trees down and water in the basement. Reading the newspaper reports, I just can't imagine what those who've been hit by Charley are going through now. My thoughts and prayers are with them and especially any of our members who are in the storm's path. Stay safe!

_____________________________________    

Kasse - Aug 14, 2004 7:55 pm (#1994 of 2955)

RPS: I got the newsletters!! Thank you so much

_____________________________________  

SarcasticGinny - Aug 14, 2004 7:57 pm (#1995 of 2955)

Happy Happy Belated Birthdays to Betty, Leila, and Haymoni! Hope you had fun and maybe are enjoying some leftover birthday cake still.

Best wishes for anyone dealing with Charley's nasty temper right now...

Thanks for all the Friday the 13th wishes too, considering that was the day I bought my very first car! I've never purchased anything important in my life and sure enough I end up buying a car on Friday the 13th. Hopefully it will be okay, right?

Safe travels to anyone who's on the road. Hey virgogoddess, are you an Illinoisian? Your comment about the weather usually being really horribly hot and humid but being rather cold this summer struck a chord with how things are currently running in the Chicago 'burbs...

_____________________________________    

haymoni - Aug 14, 2004 9:55 pm (#1996 of 2955)

Thanks for all the birthday wishes, guys. 39 ain't so bad!

Celestina - A Knight's Tale is one of my favorite movies. Mostly 'cause it ends with AC/DC's "You Shook Me All Night Long". "It's called a lance! Hello!!" "The Protector of Italian virginity..." "Thank you, thank you...I'll be here all week."

Anyway, it is 12:42 am here in Northeast Ohio and my ungrateful, "I don't want a Harry Potter themed birthday party", 11-year-old and his 7 friends are downstairs playing PS-2 games until their eyes bleed.

The Gang arrived at 5:00 pm. We had pizza, mini eggrolls, cheese, crackers, chips, salsa, potato chips, and 6 kinds of pop. They played football in the back yard - Hubby was leading the pack.

Fortunately our 4-year-old passed out at 7:00 - no nap. She's still asleep, thank goodness. The boys had ice cream cake at 8:00 pm and opened presents - not one HP gift among them. What have I raised???

As it grew darker, the boys played "12:00 Midnight" - some sort of hide-n-seek game. We had a bonfire - (Bonfire for you AC/DC fans) and made the classic S'mores.

I bought some of those Glow Sticks and the boys had fun throwing them at one another - nobody lost an eye, but a few of the sticks are hanging in my tree.

I believe they are playing "ESPN Football" - we'll see who passes out first. Actually, Hubby wins the prize - he is asleep already!

Special thoughts to our Florida friends. I hope everyone is OK.

_____________________________________    

virgoddess1313 - Aug 14, 2004 10:05 pm (#1997 of 2955)

Actually, SarcasticGinny, I'm from southwest Missouri, so not real close to Illinois, the states touch though!! Must say that I do really appreciate the weather though. It’s quite beautiful and Will and I have been able to go out and get some really amazing pictures.For some reason we've gotten quite a few in cemeteries. My mom and his think we are morbid, but my dad and Will's older sister Laura said they used to do the same thing.

I've decided Will and I need to make a book with all our photos in it because we have some really incredible scenery around here.

My aunt, uncle and cousins are down in Florida and I believe this is their first hurricaine there. They haven't been there long. I think my uncle is rather excited about it to be honest. But he always was a strange bird.

Hope everyone is having a great weekend!!!

_____________________________________    

Julia. - Aug 14, 2004 10:26 pm (#1998 of 2955)

Phew, you guys talk like no one I've ever met! Flame, have a great time on your trip, take lots of pics, and bring me back a key chain. As for over packing, you should see my sister. The girl brings a huge (and I really mean huge, you could fit a few small children in that thin) suitcase, packed to the brim, and a bookbag for a weekend, and somehow manages to find room to pack all the stuff she picks up on the trip.

Thanks to everyone who told me to have a good time on the trip. The two games I went to were awesome, the Yankees won them both. I've decided that Mariano Rivera comming into the game is much cooler with 'Enter Sandman" by Metallica playing in the background. I've also decided that Derek Jeter looks better in the home pinstripes than he does in the road grays. And yes, I still have my voice, despite yelling myself silly in attempts to be louder than the Mariner fans. We're going to see the opera tomorrow, I hope I can stay awake.

Hope everyone on the Wast coast of the US is safe and well. Have a good evening everyone!

EDIT: Grrrrr! I misssed getting post 1985! Oh well, 1998 was a really great year too...

_____________________________________    

The giant squid - Aug 15, 2004 12:17 am (#1999 of 2955)

Haymoni, my personal favorite Knight's Tale quote is, "I'm a writer--I give the truth scope!" Pretty much every word uttered by Paul Bettany in that film is gold.

As for packing, let me give you the (a) guy's perspective: for my recent week-long business trip, I was able to pack everything into one airline-approved carry-on suitcase. That included my portable CD player, a handful of CDs and 5 books (including the OotP hardcover). I think clothing took up maybe a third of the space.

Julia: Anyone entering a room/stadium/what have you to Metallica's "Enter Sandman" is by definition much cooler. Heck, that even beats out Charlie Sheen's "Wild Thing" entrance in Major League.

--Mike

Hmm...who gets to be #2000?

_____________________________________  

Ozymandias - Aug 15, 2004 12:47 am (#2000 of 2955)

Me!

I just went on vacation for a week, and took a huge suitcase (I could probably fit in it) and a big tote bag full of books. I don't know how you guys pack so little. I need clothes for every contingency, and then there's extra of everything, and books and shoes, jackets if I'm going somewhere cold...yeah, I'm a pack rat. I need a magical trunk like Moody's.

_____________________________________  

boop - Aug 15, 2004 2:31 am (#2001 of 2955)

Kasse and Maddest Dragon, This is your special day. Have a wonderful fun day!!!!!

Thank you everyone for the birthday wishes. Things are not going well for me. I am just tired of living this way.

_____________________________________  

Kerstin - Aug 15, 2004 3:05 am (#2002 of 2955)

Hello to everyone.

I'm back from my 14-days-vacancy and find a few thousands new posts on the forum. You guys were really busy! I tried to read this thread with about 550 new, but there's no chance to take them all.

Happy Birthday to everyone who had or has.

Now I'm off to read.

_____________________________________  

timrew - Aug 15, 2004 3:07 am (#2003 of 2955)

Flame, why are you taking sarongs? Amsterdam is a lo-o-ong walk from the beach! Unless, of course, the dyke gets a hole in it - then it'll be under the sea!

I was just looking at the schedule for the Olympic Games; and would you believe it? I can't find Quidditch anywhere! Hasn't it been accepted as an Olympic Sport yet? And if not, why not??

_____________________________________    

Ozymandias - Aug 15, 2004 3:57 am (#2004 of 2955)

If curling is allowed to be an Olympic sport, then it's a travesty to exclude Quidditch. (Curling is the stupid one where they push the weights on the ice with the brooms, right?)

Happy Birthday, Kasse & Maddest Dragon! Have fun!

Betty, I'm so sad to hear you're not well. I hope you are better soon, and in the meantime you can count my support & that of the whole forum. (I think I'm pretty safe in speaking for everyone on that.) *BIG GIANT HUG*

_____________________________________    

septentrion - Aug 15, 2004 4:56 am (#2005 of 2955)

yes Ozy you're safe in speaking for us, at least for me, to support Betty in het hard time. I hope too you're going better very soon Betty.

Happy birthday Kasse and Maddest dragon.

About the packing, I think it's all a question of education and of social pressure : women are taught and told to wear something different for any occasions, to use so many different cosmetics for as many supposed purposes...My husband's wardrobe is half mine and he never looks bad. I have to have clothes for summer, for winter, for going out, for...he just wears the same kind of things from January the 1st to December the 31st. He just put a jumper on in winter. And you wonder why women may need a big suitcase just for a week-end ! Vacation 2

_____________________________________  

True Love - Aug 15, 2004 5:20 am (#2006 of 2955)

My carry-on luggage always consists of my camera gear (I am a serious amateur photographer) a book, and a few personal items in case the luggage in cargo ends up in a place more interesting than my destination. After my last trip I finally realized the convenience of digital photography. Oh, yeah, always bring binoculars to check out the action - um, the sail boats at the beach.

_____________________________________    

True Love - Aug 15, 2004 5:35 am (#2007 of 2955)

To change the subject - I have been immersing myself in all things HP these past two months (yes, a late bloomer) and am always thrilled to chat with other people about it, hence my total appreciation of this site and all who post on it. I met up with family yesterday and was mortified to hear some "die-hard" fans (as if) still haven't read book 5 yet! And some think Harry and Cho are still an item, even after reading book 5 (have you read it - really read it? I asked). I shook my head in disbelief and sought out this site the minute I returned home. Mind you I was thrilled when one cousin asked me to go see PoA with her on Tuesday night. We are the same age and both admit to finding the young men in the film to be quite attractive. So this time round (my third time viewing it) I may just concentrate on their performances and set aside the need to look for more prophetic clues.

_____________________________________    

septentrion - Aug 15, 2004 5:49 am (#2008 of 2955)

True Love, they can't be "die-hard" fans ! BTW I beat you with the number of viewings of PoA : it was my firth one yesterday...couldn't help it

_____________________________________    

Round Pink Spider - Aug 15, 2004 6:23 am (#2009 of 2955)

How can any die-hard fan not have read OotP after all this time (scoff)? My TEN-YEAR-OLD has read it!

I beat you, Septentrion, I saw the movie six times (attended with a notebook and tiny flashlight to take notes the first three times). But then, those first three times were on official Round Pink Spider business, so maybe they don't count? :-D

I've got the creeping crud today. Yesterday three of my children were sick; my oldest son and my youngest daughter couldn't keep anything down all day. Hopefully I won't get that sick... :-P

Best wishes, Betty, hope you're feeling better...

_____________________________________    

Acceber - Aug 15, 2004 6:57 am (#2010 of 2955)

Happy Birthdays to Kasse and Maddest Dragon!

Thanks for the newsletters RPS. I only read the first one, as I was shooed off the computer before I could read more .

Feel better Betty! *virtual hugs*

Julia-I watched parts of both Y*****/Mariner with my Y***** loving family and I thought, "Hey, Julia's there, isn't she?" I looked for you on the fancam and in the audience, but alas earwax, no one's that lucky.

Have a great day everyone!

PS For those who don't get what Y***** means, check Official Boston Red Sox Site and see the team that is 10.5 games ahead of us currently, but won't be come October.

_____________________________________    

True Love - Aug 15, 2004 8:09 am (#2011 of 2955)

Pink Spider and Septentrion - thanks for the encouraging words about number of times you've seen the movie. The discussion with friends and family will now be "but I've only seen it twice!"

_____________________________________  

Julia. - Aug 15, 2004 9:44 am (#2012 of 2955)

I didn't make fan cam, awwwww! I wore my Yankee shirt and sat next to my mum who wore her Sox jersey.

Betty, I'm so sorry you're feeling yucky, if you need to talk you know where to find me.

Hope everyone has a good day.

_____________________________________    

DJ Evans - Aug 15, 2004 11:35 am (#2013 of 2955)

Kasse & Maddest Dragon == HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!! Here's wishing you both a FABULOUS day!

Welcome Back, Kerstin!!!!

Betty == And just as Ozy said, you've got our support for sure!! Hope you get to feeling better soon! Try this: close your eyes and wrap your arms around you. Now squeeze real hard -- that's all of us giving you the biggest hug that we can from here. Just remember that we are all thinking about you and care about how you are doing!!!

True Love? Did I read your post right? Those folks "haven't" read OotP yet? That ain't right!! Hmmm, wonder if you can consider them a fan even, much less a "die-hard" fan!! hee hee Sounds to me like they need to get their priorities straight!!!!

RPS == Oh no!!! Not the whole family down with the crud? My heart so goes out to you. Here's hoping all of you will be up and about "very" soon.

Later, Deb

_____________________________________    

Marie E. - Aug 15, 2004 12:15 pm (#2014 of 2955)

I got to meet a forum member yesterday, padfoot herself! We chatted over cheesecake in Denver and probably bored my boss to tears. It's funny how you can meet someone for the first time and yet find yourself talking for almost three hours.

Betty, consider yourself hugged!!!

_____________________________________    

tracie1976 - Aug 15, 2004 12:19 pm (#2015 of 2955)

Hello everyone! Just stopped by to wish who ever is having a birthday today . I've been really busy today...it is my son's 8th birthday today so I've been cleaning and baking.

Have a good day!

_____________________________________    

Marè - Aug 15, 2004 12:47 pm (#2016 of 2955)

Happy birthday to Kasse and Maddest Dragon.

And Betty, there're going to be good days and bad days. Now will be bad days, just hang in there and keep coming back here till you're having good days again. It may not seem like this right now, but it'll pass. Hug for you!

And 11 hours and 10 minutes till my exam, please guys, cross your fingers. I so am going to need all sorts of good vibes!

_____________________________________    

Catherine - Aug 15, 2004 12:50 pm (#2017 of 2955)

Happy Belated Birthday Haymoni! Mmm, S'more's are my favorite! Excellent choice!

We're pretty wet down here. Our basement is making our whole house smell like 10 dirty wet dogs live here. Pee-yew! It smells really musty! I'll need a bubblehead charm pretty soon.

Hope everyone is doing well. The highlight of my weekend was the update to Jo's site. This is the first time I've used the computer this weekend, so I look forward to catching up on everyone's posts.

Stay dry and safe, everyone!

_____________________________________  

wormsé - Aug 15, 2004 1:02 pm (#2018 of 2955)

Happy belated birthday to Haymoni! And Happy Birthdays to Kasse and Maddest Dragon!! Hope they are good ones!

Betty- I'm really sorry your day hasn't been the greatest. I second what everyone else has already said- we're all here for you. You know where to find me if you wish to talk.

Maré- I'm crossing my fingers for you and the exam. Good luck!

Well, I'm off to take a look at JK's site. Hope everyone has a good day!

_____________________________________    

septentrion - Aug 15, 2004 1:13 pm (#2019 of 2955)

Marè, I'm not only crossed but twisted for your exam

_____________________________________    

True Love - Aug 15, 2004 4:25 pm (#2020 of 2955)

This is the official day of celebration for Acadians everwhere - and they are everywhere, from Louisiana all the way up to Newfoundland. My husband is Acadian so we have been playing Acadian music all day in celebration of his culture. A truly excellent group of people who love music, love to party and have a good time.

BTW - I no longer consider my cousins true HP fans. They are just people who have read the books and saw the movies. I guess I will continue to be a closet Potter fan for now. So glad to have found this site! I love ready all the older discussions too, such as recommended actors for the movies and the many twists and turns JKR has in her stories and what she lets drop during her interviews. Must read more..

_____________________________________    

Leila 2X4B - Aug 15, 2004 5:12 pm (#2021 of 2955)

Happy Birthday Kasse and M. Dragon. Yeah for Leo's.

Julia I am sorry to here that the Yankee's did so well this past weekend I know that you are a closet Red Sox Fan.

I just got a a copy of PoA for GBA and Gamecube. I know have SS, CoS, and PoA on gamecube. YEAH. I now have Potter in multiple media.

Yeah for birthday gifts and men that spoil their little women.



_____________________________________    


DJ Evans - Aug 15, 2004 5:41 pm (#2022 of 2955)

True Love, I know how you feel. All previous kidding aside, I've got a sister who has read the books ONCE, but most likely she will never pick them up again to re-read them. Sad, if you ask me. I just can't understand how she's not into it like I & the rest of us are. But I'll keep on trying to convert her over to being a HP fan -- maybe one of these days she'll see what we see in them?!?!

Later, Deb

_____________________________________    

wormsé - Aug 15, 2004 5:54 pm (#2023 of 2955)

I've been trying to convince my Mother for years to read them. One time, she started the first book. I was so happy! Then she comes in and tells me she couldn't finish the first chapter because, of all things, it was boring!! She hasn't picked them up since. *sigh* Maybe one day...

_____________________________________    

Loopy Lupin - Aug 15, 2004 6:09 pm (#2024 of 2955)

Catherine,

So good to see you post here. I've been wondering where the heck you've been and then it would dawn on me *smacks forehead* that you've been a little pre-occupied lately. You've been missed though.

I posted this in the Vote thread about my favorite part in POA. It seems relevant to the discussion here about people who haven't or won't get into the books:

But, the Shrieking Shack is a close second. If you just read the first two, you might wrongly conclude that all the books end with LV trying to return to power and being thwarted by "those meddling kids" again . (I've told a lot of people who "just couldn't get into" the books, to at least read POA.) The Shack broke that trend and gave a glimpse into just how intricately and fully JKR had imagined this world. From this scene, you can't help but be impressed by her plotting in POA and overall. This scene also has Snape pointing his wand at Sirius and saying "Give me a reason and I swear I will" which I thought was wickedly cool. *waves to Gina*

cya

_____________________________________    

haymoni - Aug 15, 2004 6:14 pm (#2025 of 2955)

Sleeping Beauty - I crack up every time I see your avatar.

“I did not see you playing with your dolls, sir!”

boop - thinking about you as always.

Happy Birthday to my fellow Leos!

_____________________________________    

Celestina W. - Aug 15, 2004 7:36 pm (#2026 of 2955)

Happy Birthday, Kasse and Maddest Dragon!

Boop, all I can tell you is just keep taking it one day at a time, and I hope things get better for you soon.

Well, Julia, Twins-Yankees series coming up. After this week, I may not be on speaking terms with anyone who confesses to being a Yankee fan. The Twins have been taking a real nose-dive lately, but they managed to scrape out a win today. I'm not too optimistic about this coming series. Unfortunately, my family's busy this week, otherwise we'd probably go to one of the games.

Loopy Lupin, I completely agree with what you said about the Shrieking Shack scene. I think people really shouldn't judge the books without reading at least the first three. But if they don't like one or two, I suppose it's hard to convince anyone to read book three. Oh well, they don't know what they're missing!

_____________________________________  

Loopy Lupin - Aug 15, 2004 8:20 pm (#2027 of 2955)

They truly don't. I got hooked on the books over a Thanksgiving visit with my folks and, quite honestly, I'm very glad I started them quite early on that holiday trip. If I hadn't finished POA, I may never have tackled the 700 page GoF. (Which I've now read umpteen times.)

_____________________________________  

Leila 2X4B - Aug 15, 2004 9:02 pm (#2028 of 2955)

Betty. HUGGIES AND ICE CREAM WITH CHERRIES AND WHIPPED CREAM

Love Leila By the way, I am not referring to diapers

_____________________________________    

Sherbie Lemon - Aug 15, 2004 9:25 pm (#2029 of 2955)

OK, Mike, it is time we joined forces and sent this bad luck to Umbridge once and for all! My bad luck has been unusually light these last couple of days, which makes me a bit hesitant to ask about your recent luck!

Flame, when I went to Ohio with my mother, I took a suitcase big enough to fit myself comfortably in, as well as a slightly smaller one and a good-sized piece of luggage I use as my carry-on when I fly. I packed (and I kid you not) every single pair of summer shoes that I have, along with my favorite pair of knee-high boots. I think I wore every pair too, as I changed my outfit at leat twice a day. Keep stuffing those suitcases until they won't hold anymore, and then buy another set of luggage to cram the rest of your stuff into! Oh, and I do have surge protectors but I think it may be time to invest in a battery-supported one.

It sounds like you had an eventful night, Haymoni! Though I cannot believe that not one piece of HP merchandise was given to your son! What kind of kids are these?

Betty, I'm so sorry to hear that things haven't been going well for you. I sincerely hope your situation improves. Have a big hug from me!Big Hug And some very belated happy birthday wishes!


Julia, I'm glad you made it home OK and that your Yankees made you proud!Cap 4

Mare, I have everything crossable crossed right now. Good luck to you!

Birthday Balloons Kasse and Maddest Dragon!

Catherine, I'm sending you the Scourgify charm I used when my kitchen went up in flames. I hope it works for you too, and I'm glad you and yours are doing well. How's poor little Daisy, by the way?

Thanks for the lightening smiley, Mollis! You must have saved it for a reason. Unfortunately, we're due to get more rain tonight (it rained all day) but I'm not sure if it will be severe enough for me to unplug the computer. Last time I did that, my modem started acting up again which makes me wonder whether or not this round of icky weather will truly warrant it.

Our house warming party was today and we got quite a few gift cards for Lowes, which were much-needed. Other than the steady rain, everything went well and we had a nice turnout. *Bonus* We still have about a million cookies left, which I must say, warms the house up nicely (better than an oven fire, even ).

_____________________________________          

Leila 2X4B - Aug 15, 2004 9:27 pm (#2030 of 2955)[/B][/Size]

Sherbie, it is great to hear that your life is not stinky for once. Yeah for presents. Too. I am sending you a nice cyber wish of good tidings in your new home.

Leila

_____________________________________          

Sherbie Lemon - Aug 15, 2004 9:29 pm (#2031 of 2955)    

Thanks, Leila!

_____________________________________          

Leila 2X4B - Aug 15, 2004 9:36 pm (#2032 of 2955)    

Not at all, Sherbie.

Marcus, I miss you. Where are you? I feel like the only H/P shipper left. *cries*: There is even an homage to you in my fan-fic.

Leila

_____________________________________          

Loopy Lupin - Aug 15, 2004 9:39 pm (#2033 of 2955)    

Um, excuse me. What am I? Hotdog water?

But, anyway, yes where the heck is Marcus?

_____________________________________          

Leila 2X4B - Aug 15, 2004 9:41 pm (#2034 of 2955)    

I never meant to not include you Loopy. *hands a tissue to Loopy so we can cry together*

Leila

_____________________________________          

DJ Evans - Aug 15, 2004 10:30 pm (#2035 of 2955)    

Wasn't he going on vacation? Or did I dream that? I know I haven't seen Marcus doing any posting lately either, but I just assumed he was chilling out somewhere with an umbrella drink!!! I know you must "never assume", so I'm probably wrong here!!

What am I? Hotdog water? Loopy Lupin

Thanks for the chuckle today, LL!!!! Never heard that one before, but it's a keeper, must remember it!!!

Later, Deb

_____________________________________          

septentrion - Aug 16, 2004 12:21 am (#2036 of 2955)    

True love, did you know that the Acadians are the star guests of the most popular festival inter-celtique in Lorient (Brittany) this year ?

_____________________________________          

The giant squid - Aug 16, 2004 12:50 am (#2037 of 2955)    

First and foremost, a humongous, super-duper, Hagrid-sized hug for Betty! We love ya, mom.

Happy Birthday (somewhat belated) to Kasse and Maddest Dragon.

Sherbie, I've been holding steady at "minor annoyance". I would say that the bulk of the bad luck seems to have moved elsewhere, but that would jinx it.

   We chatted over cheesecake in Denver



Why does that sound like a Warren Zevon lyric to me?

--Mike

_____________________________________          

VeronikaG - Aug 16, 2004 3:03 am (#2038 of 2955)    

Happy birthday to Kasse and Maddest Dragon.

*Big feel better hug for Betty*

I'm such a minimal packer that I usually end up borrowing socks from the person I'm camping with. :-D My friend Monica is the opposite. When I go over to hers for the week end, I bring my tooth brush, paste, cleaning fluid for my contacts, a t-shirt to wear to sleep, and new underwear for each day I plan on staying. It all fits in a small shoulder bag. Monica brings along a bag the size of a mobile home, filled up with magazines, her journals, her make-up which she never uses, her two purses and her two cell phones. Plus a bit of extra clothes, of course. And I often end up carrying some of it for her. But what are friends for?

Ahhh, back at school!

_____________________________________          

Fawkes Forever - Aug 16, 2004 3:16 am (#2039 of 2955)    

Happy Belated Birthdays to Haymoni, Kasse and Maddest Dragon...

Hey 'Mommy' Betty .... BIG BIG BIG HUGS.... just so you know we are all here for you.... sending loads of Honeydukes Cyber Chocs to help get rid of those dementors. Oh & some cyber flowers too

Flame.. you lucky girl... I still have to book a holiday this year (been too busy... hmph) Thinking on a week in London next month... I still can't believe I've travelled around the SE of England... & even been in the London suburbs, but still haven't managed to go into the city.... If I go I'll be hanging around Kings Cross & hunting for the Leaky Cauldron methinks!

I can be terrible when it comes to packing if I have the luxury of being able to take my car, I just throw everything into a bag & throw it in the car boot. I also never know what shoes to bring... so I bring quite a few (very girly). However, when I don't have the car... I get all Hermione about packing.... I plan my wardrobe... pack... then unpack... take out a few items.. pack again... then unpack... take out some more items... repeat until I have a streamlined wardrobe with the bare essentials... You can also buy small travel bottles over here for shampoos etc.... which are very handy.

Hope those on the east coast of the States are safe... I have a friend on holidays in Tampa at the moment... so I'm a bit worried about her too. Anyways.. stay safe everyone..

Celestina... nice avatar.. *feedomp... Fawkes faints*

EDIT : WHOOPS... (thanks for the reminder Kerstin).... Mare good luck today.. keeping.. eyes, fingers & toes crossed....

_____________________________________          

Kerstin - Aug 16, 2004 3:37 am (#2040 of 2955)    

Deb, thanks for the welcome back.

Maré, good luck for your exam (I hope I'm not too late with my finger crossings)

For the subject about how often one has seen POA-movie: I've seen it only once, and I'm pretty sure it will stay that way because I like reading so much more, and so many things are missing in the movie. Once is enough.

I'm on my fist day on work after vacancy and I'm not really awake, I think it has something to do with the 6-hours-difference between New York and Germany.

I want to greet everyone from New York City, Boston, Quebec, Montreal, Ottawa, Toronto, Niagara Falls, Harrisburg, Gettysburg, Philadelphia and Washington DC, (the places I have seen) and of course all others too.

_____________________________________          

Catherine - Aug 16, 2004 5:01 am (#2041 of 2955)    

Um, excuse me. What am I? Hotdog water? --Loopy Lupin

Uh-oh, early morning SPEW! Thanks for the giggles this morning. Daisy actually looked up from her morning snooze to see what the commotion was about. Oh, and lest I make the same mistake twice, let me tell you that I just love your new Krusty avatar, Loopy! Quite nice. Even if you are a Pansy/Harry 'Shipper! And speaking of that, where is Marcus? I haven't seen him for ages. Hope he's doing well.

I have been a bit preoccupied lately! Our basement has flooded, and we've had the start of school to deal with here. The endless task that is homework has been sucking up our entire afternoons. I've been managing to read most of the new posts on the Forum, but not comment. So I've probably been saving up all of my insufferable know-it-allness, so watch out!

Thanks for the encouragement, Sherbie! I hope the Scourgify works, because I feel like our house smells funny. It seems to have progressed beyond wet dog into the realm of old potatoes that grow all the sprouts out of their eyes. Eeeek.

Hope all the birthday boys and girls have a good one! See everyone around the Forum, I hope!

_____________________________________          

mike miller - Aug 16, 2004 5:05 am (#2042 of 2955)    

Happy Monday Morning!!!! Remember, we all get to choose the kind of day we're going to have. You only have to accept that lousy things can happen on great days!

Betty - BIG HUGS!! Know that there are many people sending Cheering Charms your way.

I'm starting a real crazy couple of weeks between work and personal life. Fall softball begins Tuesday with a double-header under the lights, then a round of sporting clays (like golf only with a shotgun and clay tragtes) on Friday afternoon and a softball tournament on Saturday. That's the fun part. A 2 day meeting in the middle of this week and traveling for 4 days next week. I'm heading to Sarasota Florida which would normally be a good thing, but with the effects of Charly and I think Earl waiting in the wings, I hope all goes well.

Have a great week everyone!

_____________________________________          

septentrion - Aug 16, 2004 5:29 am (#2043 of 2955)    

Catherine : I hope the Scourgify works, because I feel like our house smells funny. It seems to have progressed beyond wet dog into the realm of old potatoes that grow all the sprouts out of their eyes. Eeeek.

eeeek too, I think one more scourgify charm can't harm.

My thoughts for those who deal with hurricanes.

_____________________________________        

Round Pink Spider - Aug 16, 2004 5:29 am (#2044 of 2955)    

Hi everybody :-( The crud goes on...The baby got sick three times last night, and my two older daughters and middle son are sick this morning. My oldest daughter has to go to her high school orientation this morning, sick or not, so we can write the usual check after check after check... I am so SICK of washing icky sheets, blankets and pillows. Bleurrrgh :-P It's raining too...*whimper, self-pity*

Mike, I will try to listen to your sentiments and tell myself this is just a great day with bad things. :-) I hope Florida is OK (I think I'd rather be in Minnesota...)

Ewww, ick, the baby just ... well, you don't need to know.

_____________________________________          

Acceber - Aug 16, 2004 5:38 am (#2045 of 2955)    

Kerstin-I'm from Boston! Yay! When were you in Beantown? Did you see the Red Sox play? (My favorite activity.)

I don't know who's birthday it is as Betty isn't posting (big big feel better hugs for you, Forum Mom) so I'll just say Happy Birthday To All That Fall Into That Category.

Did any of you watch the Olympics last night? I saw the woman's gymnastics which was amazing to someone who can't and has never been able to do a split .

RPS-Sorry about your family. Hope you all get better soon!

Ummmmm....have a fantabulous day all!

_____________________________________          

Loopy Lupin - Aug 16, 2004 5:45 am (#2046 of 2955)    

Morning to all. Glad to see you're hanging in there Catherine.

I must iron my hands because I realize I neglected to give Betty my own *big hugs.* Hope things get better Betty.

Thanks for the avatar complement Catherine. Yes, the Simpsons seem to be a wellspring of possibilities. I'm actually kind of sorry that I did Ralph Wiggum already because I ran across a quote the other day that made me spew: "Me fail English? That's unpossible."

Hehe. Maybe I'll still do that one once I've run through the cast.

Oh, and by the way, if you want to have a real SPEW, check out the Lupin is James Potter thread. Timrew proves he's still the King.

_____________________________________          

Round Pink Spider - Aug 16, 2004 5:47 am (#2047 of 2955)    

Hey, Acceber, I just noticed that you live in NY. Where is Buttermilk Falls? I grew up in Rochester, NY (ironically, I'm now living in Rochester, MN, named for Rochester, NY :-D).

_____________________________________          

Catherine - Aug 16, 2004 5:59 am (#2048 of 2955)    

Oh, and by the way, if you want to have a real SPEW, check out the Lupin is James Potter thread. Timrew proves he's still the King. --Loopy Lupin

I went. I read. I SPEWED.

All hail Timrew as the King of Spew! *and give a little hail to Loopy Lupin who is the Spew Prince and is available in case Timrew is unable to fulfill his duties as King*

EDIT: RPS, I am so sorry that your household has such a nasty bug. Good luck to you!

_____________________________________          

Loopy Lupin - Aug 16, 2004 6:05 am (#2049 of 2955)    

Yes, all hail me too. LOL.....

_____________________________________        

haymoni - Aug 16, 2004 6:08 am (#2050 of 2955)    

And what am I? The next-door-neighbor's?

I'm an H/P 'shipper too, but nothing compared to Marcus!

Where's the man been???

I'm home this week - nothing exciting, just getting ready for school to start next week. We still need a few things on my son's list and, since he won't try on any of his existing wardrobe, I get to guess at what he needs. Oh, joy!

Have a good one, guys!

_____________________________________          

Loopy Lupin - Aug 16, 2004 6:17 am (#2051 of 2955)    

Marcus, me, Sleeping Beauty, and haymoni. Hey, we're becoming a force to be reckoned with.

_____________________________________          

Fawkes Forever - Aug 16, 2004 6:21 am (#2052 of 2955)    

Hee hee Loopy.... checked out the Lupin is James thread... very funny!

Hmmm, was just about to say.. the Harry/Pansy 'ship appears to have picked up a few passengers in the last few months.. well done Marcus... 'fraid I'm still not convinced, but you never know

_____________________________________          

Catherine - Aug 16, 2004 6:35 am (#2053 of 2955)    

While we're putting forth our theories, I am proposing "TISK" for "Timrew is Spew King."

In addition, I propose "LISP" for "Loopy is Spew Prince."

I was going to suggest "LIPOS" for "Loopy is the Prince of Spew," but that made me think of liposuction, which made me think of a giant sucking sound, which made me think of the Hogwarts lake, which made me think of the Giant Squid, and that's Mike . So obviously LIPOS doesn't work.

EDIT: I just read the above post, and am worried that the flooding in our basement has produced toxic mold which is affecting my brain. Oh, well, off to St. Mungo's....

_____________________________________          

Kasse - Aug 16, 2004 6:50 am (#2054 of 2955)    

I am Back!! After almost going crazy not having the Forum to keep me company for a whole 24 hours (computer troubles)

Thank you all so much for the birthday wishes - I only got one HP related gift I mean don't these people know me....

Tom make not to previous discussions anyone who claims that they are a true HP fan and had not read OOP yet is not to be trusted!! Like everyone else I am doing my best to try and turn non HP fans into serious HP fans

RPS - So sorry to hear that the family is feeling sick. I hope everyone feels better real soon. Keep us posted.

Boop - sending lots of hugs your way.

Ok off to read/post on some threads now.

_____________________________________        

Chemyst - Aug 16, 2004 6:58 am (#2055 of 2955)    

Loopy, you are dead-on-center correct about PoA. I read PS/SS aloud to my son because he'd received it as a gift before he could read for himself. CS pretty much same story. I waited until PoA came out in paperback. By that time he could read but was so slow that we switched off odd/even pages reading aloud just to keep the story flowing, otherwise he'd have to work so hard at reading the new page he'd forget what was in the chapter before. Anyway, If PoA had been just another book ending with LV trying to return to power and being thwarted by those meddling kids, .I may never have tackled the 700 page GoF either.

Sherbie, I wanted to make a comment about your Muse being confused... sending you a lightning bolt when she meant firebolt for the house warming, but alas, I lack the witty Tim-spewablilty. The Lowes cards sound wonderful! (Lowes is a big home center that sells everything for a house)

on suitcases - I like to pack for beach vacations, I can cram an entire week of warm-weather stuff into a backpack. I hate going north in winter- an overnight takes more space than that.

Poor Catherine! Worse than wet dog!. The only thing worse is a wet dog who has been floral scented with cheap perfume--- you have my compassion.

Betty - more hugs.

H/P shippers - if you are a force to be reckoned with, I reckon we can do something about that!

Have a great week everyone...

_____________________________________          

Loopy Lupin - Aug 16, 2004 7:22 am (#2056 of 2955)    

In addition, I propose "LISP" for "Loopy is Spew Prince." -- Catherine Allen

At your thervice, Mith Allen.

H/P shippers - if you are a force to be reckoned with, I reckon we can do something about that! – Chemyst

Well, on behalf of Marcuth and the otherth, we'll meet you on the battlefield gladly.

_____________________________________          

Catherine - Aug 16, 2004 7:34 am (#2057 of 2955)    

At your thervice, Mith Allen.

Well, on behalf of Marcuth and the otherth, we'll meet you on the battlefield gladly.

*Catherine, beset by toxic mold and the high SPEW factor of Loopy's post, has been ROFL hysterically and will probably have to be on a locked ward for the remainder of the afternoon...*

Hey, Loopy, at least now you have a title. It might not be as good as the Pillar of Storge, but, hey, it's a start.

Chemyst, it sounds like you have are readying yourself for a fresh battle. I will try to get in shape for it as well. Maybe Marcus has been resting up for a fresh wave of attacks against the Harry/Pansy 'ship.

Back to the damp dungeons for me. Eurggghh....

_____________________________________          

DJ Evans - Aug 16, 2004 7:54 am (#2058 of 2955)    

Mare`, K'n lwwung nt gimhwrs zrpsswd!!! (translation=I'm keeping my fingers crossed!!!) Not so easy to type that way, you know? Anywho, hope you pass with flying colors on your exam!!!

Kasse, computer trouble is the pits, isn't it? So glad to see you've got everything back up and running though!!!

Catherine = Though I've never had to deal with a flooded basement or anything, so I can't even imagine what all you must be going through. I'm just so glad & happy to know that you and your family are all right and have survive the hurricane bout there. Just as a hint on your "erm" yucky odor problem -- I know if a house is smelling musty you can get a pan, fill it with water and put a few cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, & if you have them orange peels. Then put it on a very low flame and it will make the house smell so good!!!! I do this a lot during the holidays!

RPS = Hope you & the family are doing a bit better today? Sure wish I had a house-elf that I could send you. I know by feeling poorly yourself, washing the bed linens and such is the last thing that you want to be doing!!! Get well soon!!!

Later, Deb

EDIT: hee hee I did a spell check before posting and it went a bit crazy on my statement there for Mare`

_____________________________________        

Sherbie Lemon - Aug 16, 2004 8:10 am (#2059 of 2955)    

Lol, Chemsyt! We are excited about the Lowe's gift cards. Now my husband can have a nice, gas weedeater as he (and I, with the way our luck has been lately) are afraid he would electrocute himself with an electric one. I'll go ahead and defend you on the battlefield, Chemyst. I am not a H/P shipper either.

Lol, Loopy! Though I disagree with your choice for Harry, I can completely appreciate you being the LISP. Rolly 3 See you and Catherine on the battlefield!

_____________________________________          

Padfoot - Aug 16, 2004 8:15 am (#2060 of 2955)    

Leila, I love Space Balls. All this talk of packing reminds me of Princess Vespa's giant hair dryer.

True Love, I was born in Acadian country but have since moved away. My parents live down there now (Lafayette, LA). The last several years I have gone down to visit them and heard plenty of Cajun music.

Betty, I hope today is a better day than yesterday. If you want to talk, just e-mail me. *Hugs to you*

Marie, it was so much fun getting to meet someone on the forum! I had a great time. One forum member met, 999 more forum members to go.

_____________________________________          

SarcasticGinny - Aug 16, 2004 9:10 am (#2061 of 2955)    

Betty, I sincerely hope you feel better soon! More hugs your way...

Padfoot, who is that handsome guy in your avatar?

virgogoddess, Missouri weather and Illinois weather are generally pretty close...only MO gets less snow and junk in the winter. You and Will are definitely lucky!

Health care is a pain in the be-hind, on a totally unrelated note. I don't have insurance until August 20th, and I need a physical for school. Yikes!

_____________________________________          

Padfoot - Aug 16, 2004 9:23 am (#2062 of 2955)    

Ginny, it's Ralph Fiennes. He is the new Voldemort in GoF.

_____________________________________        

Gina R Snape - Aug 16, 2004 10:47 am (#2063 of 2955)    

Howdy all! Gee, this forum got busy over the weekend. SOOO busy that I am actually :gasp: behind on the Snape thread.

I hope no one here got blasted by the hurricanes. Penny--do you know if they retired the name Camille? That one would be too famous IMO to keep.

Anyway, I was gonna tell a proud but icky story about Nymphadora catching a mouse Sunday morning, but now that I'm here I think maybe I shouldn't. Let's just say she left it for me and I thought it was a toy mouse at first...

_____________________________________          

Leila 2X4B - Aug 16, 2004 11:17 am (#2064 of 2955)    

I do aim to please with my Avatars and posts. They are meant to enduce giggles...sort of a muggle cheering charm, I suppose.

Still I hail to the almighty King of SPEW, Tim.

Leila

_____________________________________          

Padfoot - Aug 16, 2004 11:21 am (#2065 of 2955)    

The radar has been jammed!

_____________________________________        

Leila 2X4B - Aug 16, 2004 11:22 am (#2066 of 2955)    

Raspberry! There is only one who would dare give me the raspberry....Lonestar!!!

_____________________________________        

Padfoot - Aug 16, 2004 11:28 am (#2067 of 2955)
Edited by Aug 16, 2004 11:28 am    

I love the "He singed my hair" scene. "That's not bad for a girl." "Hey, that's not bad for Rambo!"

_____________________________________          

septentrion - Aug 16, 2004 11:37 am (#2068 of 2955)    

I've read today in the newspaper about a woman round here who is obsessed with owls, just as we are with HP. In fact, she had a heart attack 9 years ago, and when she woke up in the hospital, one of the first things she saw was a white owl. Her wealth got a lot better just after that, so she was sure the owl cured her. Two years ago she saw another white owl and the next day she bought tickets for the loto (national lottery) and she gained ppppppplenty of money. It can't be a coincidence. What was Hedwige doing in France in 1995 and in 2002 ? Well I couldn't believe my eyes when I read that story. Now that woman is a seer (I don't know if she's trelawney-like or not) and she's collecting everything bearing an effigy of an owl, so that she now possess 1550 fake owls.

_____________________________________          

Leila 2X4B - Aug 16, 2004 11:48 am (#2069 of 2955)    

MARCUS...You are back. Welcome, we missed you.

_____________________________________          

Penny Lane. - Aug 16, 2004 12:47 pm (#2070 of 2955)    

Gina: Camille was retired as it was a particularly devastating storm that killed over 100 people. Hurricane names are retired for 10 years minimum, so it could be used again in the future. I think the primary purpose of this is to avoid lawsuits and panic.

_____________________________________          

Gina R Snape - Aug 16, 2004 12:51 pm (#2071 of 2955)    

Yes, I would be surprised if they brought the name Camille back because I know it was particularly devastating. I was just curious.

I wonder if there will ever be a hurricane Gina. Or Severus...

_____________________________________        

Kasse - Aug 16, 2004 12:55 pm (#2072 of 2955)    

I like the new avatar Gina – keep them coming !

_____________________________________        

Madam Pince - Aug 16, 2004 12:58 pm (#2073 of 2955)    

Well, I'm back from my trip to Virginia Beach and all the unpacking, etc. that goes along with it. We had a great time -- got to visit with dear friends that I see far too rarely. Our beach day (Thursday) was absolutely perfect weather-wise: clear and sunny but with a nice cooling breeze, no bugs, and warm water with manageable waves. Nobody got sunburned or anything either, which is a biggie for my fair-skinned son and me. Great fun. It was his first ever trip to see the ocean.

Guess what type of shampoo was in the little tiny bottles that they give you in the hotel we were in at the beach? ***ding, ding*** Yes, that's correct, it was BRECK SHAMPOO! Nice marketing on their part, I think, getting a hotel contract.

Then we went on to Jamestown, VA and visited the first English settlement in the U.S., and only had little sprinkles of rain despite the two hurricanes supposedly bearing down on us. I left to drive home on Saturday to try to "beat" the storms north, and was mostly successful although I had to drive in a moderate rain all day and some fairly heavy traffic with everyone else trying to escape the storms too. We live on the Eastern Shore of Maryland and were expecting some pretty heavy storm activity, but fortunately the moderate rains were all we got! Yay!

Then after we got home it started going downhill. My washing machine stopped working in the middle of a load of beach stuff, and when I checked its paperwork I find that the warranty expired a mere month ago. Grrrrrr..... Because the repair guy can't come until Thursday, I went to my in-law's empty house (they're on vacation) to finish my laundry, and I pulled shut and locked an exterior door to their house which Hubby now informs me that they don't have a key to and it is impossible to open even with a key. Oops. Now I have to pay a locksmith as well as a washer-repairman. I tried "Alohomora" but it didn't do anything. (I had tried a trip to the laundromat before trying the in-laws' house, but, well, suffice to say that the employee who works there and is responsible for communicating the correct "closing" time is a complete and utter idiot.)

Last thing was that I left the key to my neighbor's house (I'm feeding their dogs while they're on vacation) in the pocket of the raincoat which was conveniently hanging on the door, and then Hubby wore it to work, which meant I couldn't get in the house to feed the dogs until he got home -- not too major of a deal but still an annoyance. Sigh.... still, I haven't gotten struck by lightning ****cough **** Sherbie! ***cough*** so I feel quite fortunate.

RPS, sorry to hear about your family all being ill. That is such a drag. I had it a few weeks ago, but fortunately nobody else in the house got sick. I'm so sorry you're having to go thru all that! Get well soon!

Padfoot -- I thought it was "Secret Asian Man" for the longest time, too! I had a friend in college who thought "There's a bad moon on the rise" was "There's a bathroom on the right." I still hum that one in my head every time I hear it on the radio.

DJ Evans -- yes, I do get "Country" and "Country Extra," as well as "A Taste of Home." I have sampled a few of the other mags in the family but those three are the ones I've kept up with. You're right, the photography is so fantastic! And I love the no-ads, although my main pet peeve is those inserts that are attached inside a magazine and try to sell things like commemorative plates or collectible dolls. I go through my magazines as soon as I open them and tear out all such ads, using probably unnecessary savagery, muttering to myself.

I swear not to peek at the last page of either HBP or Book 7. I never do that -- like Flame said, it feels like cheating. Although I do tend to read really really fast when it gets close to the end.

Mare, guess what's on TV even as I type this? "Miffy!" My son is mesmerized (which is why I have a few minutes to type!)

Celestina W, if Heath Ledger is an avatar for your generation, then I think I need a time-turner! I think I'm just a *few* years ahead of you, but I think he is a perfectly lovely young man. And I am so distressed that they did not cast Paul Bettany as Barty Crouch, Jr., because I have him so firmly pictured in my head as that character that I don't know how I'll be able to accept any other actor.

Gina, I love your avatar! *snort* Gum on my shoe....

P.S. Awwwwww.... doorbell just rang and Mr. Pince sent me flowers. Think he missed me while I was at the beach?

_____________________________________          

Celestina W. - Aug 16, 2004 1:09 pm (#2074 of 2955)    

Madam Pince -- well, all right then, we'll say he's an avatar for all generations, how's that? I also thought Paul Bettany would have been a great Crouch, Jr., but then I realized that it's much too small a part anyway. So he's on my list of actors that J.K.R. should write a part for in one of the next books.

RPS, I'm sorry to hear that your family still has the crud. Stomach bugs suck; there was one going around last Christmas that I think half of my school had (including me).

_____________________________________        

Penny Lane. - Aug 16, 2004 1:31 pm (#2075 of 2955)    

There was a Tropical Storm Gina by Australia in 2003. No Severus though :-(

Celestina - i used to have that Heath Ledger poster in my dorm room. But Alas, I've never seen A Knights Tale.

Aww - Mr. Pince sent Madam Pince flowers. Thats very sweet.

_____________________________________        

True Love - Aug 16, 2004 2:08 pm (#2076 of 2955)    

Septentrion - didn't know about the festival. Is there a website I can check to read up on it? That is so cool.

_____________________________________          

True Love - Aug 16, 2004 2:16 pm (#2077 of 2955)    

Kersten - a lot of car time. Glad you made it through Ottawa (where I am) and Quebec City (where my brother-in-law is). Both beautiful cities IMHO.

_____________________________________          

Prefect Marcus - Aug 16, 2004 2:50 pm (#2078 of 2955)    

Yes, I am back, sort of. I am touched by your kind comments and concerns.

I have been gone for several reasons.

(1) I have to make a living. Things have been very busy at work recently.

(2) Nothing really new happened until the Edinburough transcript and the new HBP excerpt appeared behind the door. It will take a little time to absorb it all.

(3) I felt I was spending too much time and energy on the H/P 'ship thread. There is so much more in the Harry Potter universe than that, fascinating as it is. So I thought I would give it a rest for awhile.

(4) I also finally found a new Avatar to my liking.

_____________________________________          

Marè - Aug 16, 2004 2:56 pm (#2079 of 2955)    

Oh, I love wily E. coyote. I just wished they made one episode in which he just caught roadrunner. I always feel sorry for him when he fails again!

And madam Pince, glad you are home. I hope all your technical troubles are going to be solved soon. I never saw Miffy as a cartoon (it's a recent thing) I only know the books, but I'm always astonished when I see what the artist did with the few colours he uses. Did you ever see/read the one where her grandma died. It was suppossed to help children understand dead, but even I found it very sad still...

_____________________________________          

Padfoot - Aug 16, 2004 3:10 pm (#2080 of 2955)    

Welcome back Marcus!

_____________________________________        

haymoni - Aug 16, 2004 3:16 pm (#2081 of 2955)    

Here, here!

And, Marcus, you are much more than the Captain of the H/P 'ship.

You leave your mark on every thread in which you post!

I do know about real life getting in the way though.

Welcome back!

_____________________________________          

DJ Evans - Aug 16, 2004 3:27 pm (#2082 of 2955)    

Madam Pince -- Welcome BACK!!!!! Sounds as if you are trying to join Mike's & Sherbie's bad luck club there!!!! You must get with them, as they are going to try and rub all of their bad luck that they've been having onto Umbridge!!!! Glad you had a good time otherwise and are back with us!! Hubby sent you flowers? He sounds like a "keeper" to me!!!!

You too Marcus -- Welcome Back!!! Boy was I off of where you had been. I had pictured you chilling out with an umbrella drink and just kicking back!!! So sorry work had to get in the way there!!

Later, Deb

_____________________________________          

Prefect Marcus - Aug 16, 2004 3:28 pm (#2083 of 2955)    

Mare,

He did catch the road-runner once. He still didn't win, however.

_____________________________________          

TwinklingBlueEyes - Aug 16, 2004 3:51 pm (#2084 of 2955)    

Was just reminded of something a while back on this thread.

In my mind’s eye, where-ever(danged hyphen again!) that may be, the words I swear stand out. And I did. Then, I think, correct me if I'm wrong, it started out as not reading last chapter of book before it's time. Then it kind of changed to young girls clothing? Or have I totally lost it?

Any rate, I swear not to peek at last chapter of ANY book, and NEVER encourage a young girl to dress by todays peer and advertising pressures.

Think I covered all bases....butterbeer anyone?

_____________________________________          

Madam Pince - Aug 16, 2004 4:12 pm (#2085 of 2955)    

You've got it, TwinklingBlueEyes! There was only the one original "I swear" about the girls' clothing, I think, and then somebody else also swore not to read the end of the book first, so it sort of morphed into two "I swears."

We have to stop all this swearing or we'll get Kippendoed.

_____________________________________          

Sherbie Lemon - Aug 16, 2004 5:00 pm (#2086 of 2955)    

Welcome back, Madame Pince! Your first day(s) home sounds awfully familiar to me...wonder why? Please join Mike and me if your "Sherbie" luck continues, as we are currently trying to send everyone's favorite toad our bad luck. I'm glad your trip went well, though. Perhaps Mr. Pince should contact Mr. Sherbie? I wasn't greeted by so much as a dandelion when I returned.

_____________________________________          

Madam Pince - Aug 16, 2004 5:04 pm (#2087 of 2955)    

Should we hold hands or something, maybe, and close our eyes and ****wish**** our bad luck onto Delores? OK, I'm ready whenever you guys are....

_____________________________________          

Catherine - Aug 16, 2004 5:46 pm (#2088 of 2955)    

My oldest daughter used to have a "wish" ritual when she was 3 years old.

She would turn around a few times and say the whole time, "Wish, wish, wish..."

She believed this was effective. Especially since she used to express her Christmas and Birthday present wishes during this ritual! Apparently, it works if someone is listening! 

*Wishing all Sherbie's and mine and Madame Pince's and everyone else's bad luck onto Umbridge... and turning so much that I get dizzy*

Good luck!

*waves to Marcus!*

_____________________________________          

Ozymandias - Aug 16, 2004 5:48 pm (#2089 of 2955)    

Holy panic attack, Batman!

I just realized that I move back to school on Sunday! This Sunday! In six days! I haven't started packing at all. And then of course, there's the Edinburgh info and the new excerpt, so I have far more interesting things to do than pack. If I freak out come Friday or Saturday, you'll know why.

_____________________________________          

Madam Pince - Aug 16, 2004 6:34 pm (#2090 of 2955)    

Thump! ***Madam Pince falls down dizzy from spinning around with Catherine***

_____________________________________          

Catherine - Aug 16, 2004 6:39 pm (#2091 of 2955)    

***Thump! Catherine is wretchedly dizzy next to Madame Pince, but hoping that the bad luck is on Umbridge now! ***

Well, we showed her, didn't we ladies?

Wish, wish, WISH!

_____________________________________          

Gina R Snape - Aug 16, 2004 7:39 pm (#2092 of 2955)    

Hey, Madame Pince. Too funny. Long live Breck shampoo! wOOt!

Thanks to all for the compliments on my avatar. It was made by someone on LJ named subliculous. She also did a Snape drawing for me which I'll use at some point in the future. But first I have a home drawing of Snape from Accio's daughter! It seems I am blessed with artists just bursting to draw Snape for me.

Oh, I know I missed something when I had to skip some posts...but what is the H/P ship? Or rather, who? Harry/Pansy? Hagrid/Pince? That was all I could come up with.

_____________________________________          

Catherine - Aug 16, 2004 7:55 pm (#2093 of 2955)    

Oh, I know I missed something when I had to skip some posts...but what is the H/P ship? Or rather, who? Harry/Pansy? Hagrid/Pince? That was all I could come up with.

LOL, Gina! Yes, it's Harry/Pansy. Although the Hagrid/Pince idea will probably keep me awake in a NOT good way...

Cheers!

_____________________________________        

I Am Used Vlad - Aug 16, 2004 8:07 pm (#2094 of 2955)    

Gina, how could you overlook the Hedwig/Pigwidgeon 'ship?

_____________________________________          

Ozymandias - Aug 16, 2004 8:25 pm (#2095 of 2955)    

Or Hermione/Percy?

_____________________________________        

Leila 2X4B - Aug 16, 2004 8:27 pm (#2096 of 2955)    

Ozy, a room at St. Mungo's is on standby.

Just for you.

Leila

_____________________________________          

Gina R Snape - Aug 16, 2004 8:29 pm (#2097 of 2955)    

Hedwig/Pigwidgeon. How could I forget that one?! Mea culpa, where was my head... :snort:

_____________________________________          

Ozymandias - Aug 16, 2004 8:30 pm (#2098 of 2955)    

Ooh, yay, does it have a good view?

*tries to think of more H/P ideas*

*fails*

_____________________________________          

Lunar Tides - Aug 16, 2004 8:35 pm (#2099 of 2955)    

Hey everyone,

I finally found a home where my growing thoughts of the Wizarding World can rest...

I'm a new member, even though I've been reading the posts for ages.

I prefer talking about events and theories rather than the characters themselves. But, in general, I love talking about anything in Rowling's world.

I just wanted to greet everyone and I'll see you all around.

Wishing the best,

Chanuel

_____________________________________          

Madam Pince - Aug 16, 2004 9:27 pm (#2100 of 2955)    

Welcome, Lunar Tides!

Funny coincidence you should just join us and recognize a good thing when you see it -- I was just looking at some of the other HP websites (looking for screensaves for Cezar Salem) and I checked out some of their forums. Man alive, I am glad to be a member here at the Lexicon Forum!

My mother said "If you can't say something nice, then don't say anything at all." So, I'm not saying anything.....

_____________________________________        

The giant squid - Aug 16, 2004 11:28 pm (#2101 of 2955)    

  I was going to suggest "LIPOS" for "Loopy is the Prince of Spew," but that made me think of liposuction, which made me think of a giant sucking sound, which made me think of the Hogwarts lake, which made me think of the Giant Squid, and that's Mike . So obviously LIPOS doesn't work.



LIPOS, huh? Hey, I've been called worse...

Sherbie/Pince: Wish wish wish, indeed! Actually, the last couple of days have been fairly good for me, so I apologize in advance. Sherbie, better rustle up some non-conductive undies!

Hedwig/Pigwidgeon... *snort*

_____________________________________          

septentrion - Aug 16, 2004 11:57 pm (#2102 of 2955)    

True Love, here is the link you asked for : festival inter-celtique de Lorient. The next year star guest will be Ireland *waves to Fawkes*

I join the wish, wish, wish to send Umbridge all the bad luck. Some more help to cross the Atlantic...

_____________________________________          

VeronikaG - Aug 17, 2004 12:43 am (#2103 of 2955)    

I thought H/P was Harry/Parvati. Now that wouldn't be too bad a couple, would it? IF she can forgive him for what he did at the Yule Ball.

_____________________________________        

Kerstin - Aug 17, 2004 5:27 am (#2104 of 2955)    

Acceber, I was in Boston on 2 August, but only for one day. It was a trip with a group from town to town, so there was not the time for anything else than the typical Sight-Seeing-Events. BTW, I have no idea of baseball. It's not a very popular sport in Germany.

True Love, it wasn't car time, it was bus time, but a long journey anyway. You're right, they are very bautiful, but I wouldn't live there: 5 months of the year winter and with -40 degrees! Nothing for me.

Maré, how was your exam?

A happy day to all of you.

_____________________________________          

Loopy Lupin - Aug 17, 2004 5:48 am (#2105 of 2955)    

Oh, I know I missed something when I had to skip some posts...but what is the H/P ship? Or rather, who? Harry/Pansy? Hagrid/Pince? That was all I could come up with. – Gina

Yes, Gina its Harry/Pansy and discussed on the "Harry's 'ship Uniting the Houses" thread. The name invites broader discussion, but so far its really a thread regarding Marcus' prediction for a Harry/Pansy 'ship. Some of us have been won over to the idea while others *waves to Cathryn et al. * aren't buying it one bit.

Anyway, good to see you back around Marcus. I know how that stupid "making a living" thing can so unfairly interfere with this Forum. Too bad we can't get paid for this.

_____________________________________          

Fawkes Forever - Aug 17, 2004 6:33 am (#2106 of 2955)    

Loopy : Waves to Catherine et al

* puts thumb to nose & waves at Loopy*

Hey Sept *waves back* Just had a look at the website you linked. Wow, brings back so many memories. My parents used to take us on holidays to south brittany when we were kids, quite near Lorient & Vannes actually .... hmmm, wish I was there now.

Hope everyone is having a nice day... trying to focus on work, but can't... I got distracted by the open door / dart board riddle on JKs official site... very cool indeedy! I even went out on my lunch break to 'shoot some hoops' in a local park... (basketball not Quidditch before anyone asks ) to try & help myself focus this evening... nope... not happening... it's too hot! I'm not cut out for all this heat & humidity....

_____________________________________          

Sherbie Lemon - Aug 17, 2004 7:00 am (#2107 of 2955)    

Mike - Sherbie, better rustle up some non-conductive undies!

LOL, Mike! Now that was totally unexpected! Thank God I had just swallowed my Dr. Pepper, or my modem would probably be fried again.

Speaking of my modem, I bought a battery backed-up surge protector that I hope will help my computer survive another storm. But just watch, now that I've bought this Oklahoma will go under the longest drought in state history and lightening will cease completely. Oh well, better to be safe than sorry.

Unfortunately, bad luck is not new to me. In fact, it is so common amongst the members of my family that we refer to it as "The Brown Curse." I'd hoped getting married and changing my last name would fool the curse, but alas, it is too sly and has slowly begun to infect my husband. But he can't say I didn't warn him.

Thus I fear that practicing Catherine's ritual will simply aggravate the Curse, but I'm spinning around and chanting anyway...
Crud! I just knocked over my drink with my outstretched arm and a steady stream of Dr. Pepper is making it's way toward my keyboard.

_____________________________________          

Catherine - Aug 17, 2004 7:21 am (#2108 of 2955)    

Oh, dear, Sherbie. Maybe you need to look indirectly at a basilisk and spend a few months petrified until this wave of bad luck passes over. I'd call the basilisk for you, but I'm terrified of snakes; it's my big phobia. Oh, and I don't know Parseltongue either. Snakes. EEEeeek!

*Waves to get Loopy's attention* Hi Loopy! *Sticks out tongue and blows raspberry at Loopy for taunting me about the Harry/Pansy 'Ship! Drat, has to wipe monitor.* Oh, well, Loopy's not the LISP for nothing....

I know what Marcus means about having to deal with real life vs. the Forum. My husband says we'd be rich if I got paid for all the time I spend here.

The house is smelling better today. I got a dehumidifier going, and it's made a huge difference already. It's amazing how fast that sucker pulls water from the air.

Hi to everyone and thanks to those who were in the chat room last night. I'd had a pretty terrible afternoon and early evening, and you guys made me laugh so hard before I went to bed that I woke up with a smile on my face this morning.

Cheers to everyone!

_____________________________________          

Loopy Lupin - Aug 17, 2004 7:31 am (#2109 of 2955)    

I got a dehumidifier going, and it's made a huge difference already. -- Catherine Allen

Those are the greatest invention since frozen food.

_____________________________________          

Marè - Aug 17, 2004 7:48 am (#2110 of 2955)    

Oh, my exam, it wasn't fun at all. I'm not even sure the answers I got are theoratically possible...
I have decided to use all your "crossed fingers" for next week But big thanks for everybody who send good luck thoughts over. I don't have the results yet, so maybe it's just not so bad...

The coyote caught the roadrunner once? Well that's good, but it means nothing... the big bad wolf sometimes catches the pigs, but those annoyingly perfect creatures always manage to escape!

Harry/Parvati hmmm. Well it's possible, what about Harry/Penelope, could explain some of Percy's anger towards Harry.

_____________________________________          

Prefect Marcus - Aug 17, 2004 9:17 am (#2111 of 2955)
Edited by Aug 17, 2004 9:17 am    

Some of us have been won over to the idea while others *waves to Cathryn et al. * aren't buying it one bit. (Loopy Lupin)

Now Loopy, don't be too hard on Catherine. It was she who came up with the Yule Ball color scheme. I am grateful that she was honest enough to point it out.

_____________________________________          

Catherine - Aug 17, 2004 9:37 am (#2112 of 2955)    

*Catherine hears the giant sucking sound that means she's getting pulled back into the Pansy/Harry thread...*

NOOO! Must sit on hands. Must turn computer off. Must not get sucked in...think happy thoughts...Pansy as a moose...keep Marcus and Loopy at bay for a while longer....do not let the glowing tic-tac escape...

Off to put Full Body Bind on myself before I get sucked in....

*Catherine waves wand frantically at herself*

_____________________________________        

Padfoot - Aug 17, 2004 10:45 am (#2113 of 2955)    

Morning everyone! I just got a new (to me) computer and have been taking all morning just to set it up. I forgot how much time it takes to organize a computer and get all the software needed on. But it should be worth it as it is a faster and cooler computer. I am trying to adjust my eyes from looking at a 16" monitor to a 20" monitor.

I like the Hedwig/ Pigwidgeon ship. Although I don't think Hedwig has the patience to deal with Pig.

Have a great day everyone!

_____________________________________          

DJ Evans - Aug 17, 2004 11:07 am (#2114 of 2955)    

Congrat's Padfoot!!!!!! A new computer!! Even if it's not a brand new one, it's still , especially since it is a much faster one!!! I know it does seem to take forever and a day to get all of the "important" stuff on one, doesn't it? But well worth it!!! Again, congrat's and have a blast with your new computer!!

Later, Deb

P.S. Hee hee Don't forget to get all of your HP on there first!! That's the #1 priority!

_____________________________________          

Kasse - Aug 17, 2004 11:08 am (#2115 of 2955)    

Padfoot -Congratulations on the new computer! Goodness knows I need one.

By the way I thought Pigwidgeon was too young for Hedwig, just an opinion.....

Catherine - glad to hear that the dehumidifier is working out well.

Sherbie - I will do Catherine’s ritual on your behalf and send some good luck you way

_____________________________________          

Loopy Lupin - Aug 17, 2004 11:42 am (#2116 of 2955)    

Now Loopy, don't be too hard on Catherine. It was she who came up with the Yule Ball color scheme.—Catherine Allen

She's also laid out some great possibilities regarding Pansy's antlers. Hehe. (Just kidding.)

_____________________________________          

B]Padfoot[/B] - Aug 17, 2004 12:24 pm (#2117 of 2955)    

I am loading up all my HP stuff onto this new computer. You are right of course, that is the number one priority.

Oohh, that reminds me, better go get smilies while I am thinking about it.

_____________________________________        

Catherine - Aug 17, 2004 12:58 pm (#2118 of 2955)    

Um, Loopy,

About your last post when you wrote: Now Loopy, don't be too hard on Catherine. It was she who came up with the Yule Ball color scheme.--Catherine Allen

As much as I love being quoted, I didn't say that. I think someone else *cough* Marcus *cough* said that! Not to be an insufferable know-it-all, of course!

_____________________________________          

Loopy Lupin - Aug 17, 2004 1:04 pm (#2119 of 2955)    

Whoopsie. That was, of course, Marcus. I would point out to you that you failed to mention that I spelled "Cathryn" a few posts back. Let me correct that now. You spell your name C-A-T-H-E-R-I-N-E. I was wrong. How's that for being an insufferable know it all.

Hehehehehehehe.....LOL....Oh, I kill me.

_____________________________________          

Catherine - Aug 17, 2004 1:15 pm (#2120 of 2955)    

I would point out to you that you failed to mention that I spelled "Cathryn" a few posts back.--Loopy Lupin

I was being polite!

I was tempted to address my next post to "Loopy Lupyn," but in a rare moment of maturity I restrained that impulse.

Thanks for the correction, anyway! You know you are a know-it-all when you make sure that you even correct yourself!

_____________________________________          

Loopy Lupin - Aug 17, 2004 1:17 pm (#2121 of 2955)    

Hehe

_____________________________________          

Prefect Marcus - Aug 17, 2004 1:23 pm (#2122 of 2955)    

Yes, we need to be careful with Catherine's name.

You lie, in faith; for you are call'd plain Kate,
And bonny Kate and sometimes Kate the curst;

:-D

_____________________________________          

Chemyst - Aug 17, 2004 1:36 pm (#2123 of 2955)    

So shrewd an observation....

'though I noticed you stopped before the prettiest Kate in Christendom part.

_____________________________________          

Loopy Lupin - Aug 17, 2004 2:06 pm (#2124 of 2955)    

Hey Chemyst. Howya doin?



_____________________________________          

Prefect Marcus - Aug 17, 2004 2:12 pm (#2125 of 2955)    

Well, since I've seen naught but her dogs, I really couldn't make that observation, could I?

_____________________________________          

Loopy Lupin - Aug 17, 2004 2:21 pm (#2126 of 2955)    

But the dogs are definitely the cutest in all of Christendom.

_____________________________________          

Catherine - Aug 17, 2004 2:27 pm (#2127 of 2955)    

So shrewd an observation.... –Chemyst

*Waves halloo to Chemyst!* You are very punny, today, Chemyst. I hail you, as always.

Padfoot, congrats on the new-to-you computer! Hope it enhances your HP experiences!

Marcus, I would post a picture, but I feel like I should shave off my chest hair and trim my mustache first.

Loopy, even though you said you were kidding, I bet you still liked my Pansy antler list despite yourself!

EDIT: Aww, Loopy! Thanks! *Catherine blushes and grins foolishly about her dogs*

_____________________________________          

Loopy Lupin - Aug 17, 2004 2:29 pm (#2128 of 2955)    

Marcus, I would post a picture, but I feel like I should shave off my chest hair and trim my mustache first. -- Catherine Allen

You could just go to Daisy's last groomer. **ducks**

_____________________________________          

Catherine - Aug 17, 2004 2:41 pm (#2129 of 2955)    

Hey, good suggestion Loopy!

The groomer (let's call her "Barbara") obviously likes the razor-burned look. But since I've registered my displeasure with both my veterinarian and the Better Business Bureau, I think I should steer clear.

Plus, she's a lot bigger than I am, and obviously she's meaner.

*Catherine, Phoebe, and Daisy shake uncontrollably at the thought of visiting "Barbara" again*

_____________________________________          

Madam Pince - Aug 17, 2004 2:43 pm (#2130 of 2955)    

Hey Julia, how was the opera? Better than the ballgame? (Har-de-har-har.) They said in the movie "Pretty Woman" that you either love the opera from the first moment you see it, or you can only hope to learn to appreciate it. I've not ever been, but I'm afraid I'd fall into the second category, unfortunately. I'm anxious to hear how you liked it! Hope Seattle is a great trip!

Mare, don't worry about your exam. I'm sure you did great, and anyway, it's over now so there's no point in thinking about it. I know I worried myself to death after my SAT's because I was convinced that I had gotten onto the wrong line when I skipped one question to come back to later, and thought I had therefore missed every single question in the last half of the test. (I realized that I had one extra line left over at the end of the test just as they called "Time!" Oh the horror....) But my score came out OK.

(Of course, what if that was because I got on the wrong line....? )

****Waves to Betty***** Hiya Betty how are you doing? We miss you!

_____________________________________          

Chemyst - Aug 17, 2004 2:50 pm (#2131 of 2955)    

Well, Catherine, as long as you don't have horns antlers...Oops! that's another thread! Sorry. Well, I should go check out the Harry's 'ship because I've really let that slide...
*Waves to Loopy & Marcus*

I'm involved in working on a project to make a suggested reading list that matches positive character traits. (e.g. The Little Engine that Could for perseverance.) I need one children's book and one college-prep youth title for each of the traits of Citizenship, Leadership, and Respect; and a college-prep title for Kindness. Any suggestions are welcome.

_____________________________________        

Padfoot - Aug 17, 2004 2:52 pm (#2132 of 2955)    

Going to the opera is so much fun! No one in my family really appreciates it except for my 95 year old Grandma and myself. So we make it a point to go together every year. Ok, so she has fallen asleep the last couple of times. But that is due to her age, and not the opera. I know I had a good time.

_____________________________________          

Kasse - Aug 17, 2004 3:37 pm (#2133 of 2955)    

I just wanted to say......

I have been a member of the Lex for about a six weeks now (however I have been reading the Lex since mid June) Two days ago I picked up PS to start my re-read of all 5 books. I have to say that reading the books with all the theories from the Lex floating around in your head is amazing and I just wanted to suggest to all the new members who have not tried this yet to give it a go.

I feel like my eyes have been “opened” to the books – it is exhilarating

_____________________________________          

Loopy Lupin - Aug 17, 2004 4:03 pm (#2134 of 2955)    

Kasse,

That's a great suggestion. You pick up so much. **waves back to Chemyst**

I would like to send further **hugs** out to Betty. Oh, and I never gave my congrats to Padfoot on the new-to-you comp.

_____________________________________          

Padfoot - Aug 17, 2004 4:06 pm (#2135 of 2955)    

Thanks Loopy!

Say, where is Betty? Oh Betty! Come out, come out, where ever you are.

_____________________________________          

Catherine - Aug 17, 2004 4:14 pm (#2136 of 2955)    

Boop,

We love you! We hope you know that you are quite missed when you are not here.

Did you get my card, Betty? I thought with all of the goings on in the Forum, you might like a pug card. Sssh, though, don't tell Marcus, for Merlin's sake.

Oh, and Betty, did I mention that I will peek behind every tapestry in the castle to find you and give you a hug? I don't have the advantage of the Marauder's Map at the moment, but I know all of the hiding places. Don't even THINK about hiding inside the tunnel behind the one-eyed witch. We all know where that one is

_____________________________________          

Loopy Lupin - Aug 17, 2004 4:18 pm (#2137 of 2955)    

Sssh, though, don't tell Marcus, for Merlin's sake.-- Catherine Allen

Oh my god! That's funny. Check out what I wrote on the Longbottom's illness thread not two seconds ago. We're going to give poor Marcus a complex that there are rampant secrets going on here.

_____________________________________          

Prefect Marcus - Aug 17, 2004 4:30 pm (#2138 of 2955)    

Yes, Loopy. I saw that on the Longbottom thread, and I am curious. Why would I be concerned to find out that you sometimes mix up book and movie? Don't we all?

And I suspect Catherine was just anxious that I not find out she likes pugs for some odd reason.

_____________________________________          

Catherine - Aug 17, 2004 4:41 pm (#2139 of 2955)    

And I suspect Catherine was just anxious that I not find out she likes pugs for some odd reason. --Prefect Marcus

Oh, pulleeeaase! I have admitted that I in fact like all of the smush-faced Chinese-bred dogs. Pugs shed like gangbusters, but I like them fine. I'm a dog lover, so I'm not against any dogs. I just like shih-tzus a teensy bit better than any other breed.

I like pugs. You mention "for some odd reason," as though pugs aren't likeable. I like them fine. Or maybe the "odd reason" is that I wouldn't want you to get the idea that I would like Pugsley, er, I mean Pansy, and don't want you to know.

Ok, Marcus. I confess. I like pugs. I sent a card to someone with pugs on it. The pug in question was photographed wearing underwear on its head.

So now you know.

Glad we don't have any more big secrets!

_____________________________________          

Loopy Lupin - Aug 17, 2004 4:42 pm (#2140 of 2955)    

Why would I be concerned to find out that you sometimes mix up book and movie? Don't we all? -- Prefect Marcus

I said that because (I'm sure you don't remember; I have a weird memory for odd details) one of our first "conversations," as it were, involved you cautioning me about "movie contamination." I don't remember the context (or what I got wrong), but you were right and I learned to be more careful. (An excellent excuse it was to re-read the canon.) Funnily enough, one of my first similar conversations with Catherine involved me saying something to the effect of "Are you sure you're not mixing up the movie with the book?" To which she, justifiably, replied, "How dare you!" ;D

And, yes, pugs are adorable, but basset hounds rule.

_____________________________________          

Catherine - Aug 17, 2004 5:05 pm (#2141 of 2955)    

Bassets rule, Loopy, no doubt about it. My college roommate was a longtime lover of them, and her family had had them for years. I know one of them was named "Emily." *Catherine blows a kiss to Robin, knowing that Robin is not an HP fan and wouldn't be caught dead here but she is a great gal and a bassett lover all the same and I love her always...*

I'm flattered, Loopy, that you remember that long ago encounter about movie contamination. I was a bit petulant about it, but then, we didn't know each other very well yet. Now we know each other well enough that you are sending me off to sadistic "Barbara" for a trim.

Long live the internet.

_____________________________________          

lupin’s daughter - Aug 17, 2004 5:09 pm (#2142 of 2955)    

join the chat??

_____________________________________          

Prefect Marcus - Aug 17, 2004 5:22 pm (#2143 of 2955)
Edited by Aug 17, 2004 5:23 pm    

Catherine,

I apologize for not making myself clear. I should have said, "For some odd reason, Catherine is anxious for me not to know she likes pugs."

Stupid English Language

_____________________________________          

boop - Aug 17, 2004 5:23 pm (#2144 of 2955)    

Hello Everyone, Sorry I have not been around much lately. I am still having a rough time, but taking one day at a time. I want to say thank you for all the hugs and support, it means so much to me. I just want to say how much I love each and every one of you. Each and every one of you are very special to me.

Catherine, Yes I did get the card. Thank you so much. The pug is so cute.

*Waves Back* Catherine,Loopy,Mike,Madam Pince, Padfoot, Marcus

_____________________________________        

Hem Hem - Aug 17, 2004 5:37 pm (#2145 of 2955)    

Betty! You've been in my thoughts a lot lately, and I hope you feel happy soon! (((((hugs))))

Make sure to eat some chocolate and visualize all of the forum people smiling to you!

_____________________________________          

Loopy Lupin - Aug 17, 2004 5:41 pm (#2146 of 2955)    

I'm flattered, Loopy, that you remember that long ago encounter about movie contamination-- Catherine Allen

Awww. *smiles*

Boop, Let me give you some more **hugs** and tell you to ready yourself for the rush to hug you that will follow.

** moves out of the way for others; hey! no pushing!**

_____________________________________          

Catherine - Aug 17, 2004 5:42 pm (#2147 of 2955)    

Don't be sorry, Betty!

Just know that we will ferret you out, like Buckbeak does for worms!

See, we really like you, and we like to know how you are, even if how you are isn't so good at the moment. We don't expect you to act happy for us, or even be polite. The good thing about the internet is that you can be in your pjs! I know that I have had more than one bad hair day whilst posting....

So, Betty, here's a **big hug from me, and some puppy love from the shih-tzus.**

Take it a little bit at a time, and know that it gets better. Promise it does.

**Catherine casts her shih-tzu patronus at all of the dementors surrounding Betty and offers Betty a nice big S'more **

And a napkin. S'mores are messy.

*Squeezing Betty in a big hug.*

_____________________________________          

Leila 2X4B - Aug 17, 2004 5:43 pm (#2148 of 2955)    

Betty, someone wants to give you a hug.



_____________________________________        

DJ Evans - Aug 17, 2004 6:19 pm (#2149 of 2955)    

Awwww, Leila, that even made feel warm all over!!! What a cutie pie there!!!! That pic is bound to make our Miss Boop feel the warmth that we all have for her on here!!! Just as many have said before Betty, just take it one moment at a time and DON'T give up!!!!

Mare`, I bet you've done much better on your exam than what you think. I know many of us have felt as you do and it all turns out OK in the end results!!!!

Later, Deb

_____________________________________          

True Love - Aug 17, 2004 6:29 pm (#2150 of 2955)    

Septentrion - thanks for the link! Very nice indeed. Will give it a better look once I leave this site, although I find I spend more and more time here than anywhere else.

_____________________________________        

Julia. - Aug 17, 2004 8:24 pm (#2151 of 2955)    

Madam Pince, I actually liked the opera. We saw "Lohengirn" and it was actually very good. I wouldn't suggest it as my favorite Sunday afternoon activity, but I don't object when my parents take me. Since the general director of the opera is a friend of ours, we got to go back stage after the performance. We met Albert Bonnema who played Lohengrin, Greer Grimsley who played Telramund, and Jane Eaglen who played Ortrud. But I still liked the baseball games better!

I look like a chipmunk at the moment. I got my wisdom teeth taken out this afternoon. My mouth hurts, thank G-d for Perkeset!

_____________________________________          

septentrion - Aug 18, 2004 12:13 am (#2152 of 2955)    

Julia, no more wisdom teeth ? beware, that's the beginning of the end ! An end that began 14, no 15 years ago for me

Marè, I know what you've been through having took some exams recently myself and the best counsel I can give you has already been given : don't think of it until you get the result, which will undoubtlessly be good.

Betty, one more hug for you !

_____________________________________          

Fawkes Forever - Aug 18, 2004 2:42 am (#2153 of 2955)    

everybody... one... two... three... Big squishy group hug with Betty in the middle.. sorry Betty, yes thats my elbow in your eye

Julia... so you got your wisdom teeth removed... does that mean you are no longer wise... I'll save you a space in the dining hall at St Mungos then shall I? Seriously thought.. hope your feeling ok... sending soothing pain relief charms...

Mare.... fingers, toes & eyes crossed for your results. Talking of results... good luck to any of our members waiting for their A-level (NEWT) results tomorrow. (lets see what else I can cross... hmm, think I'll plait (braid) my hair )

_____________________________________          

The giant squid - Aug 18, 2004 3:16 am (#2154 of 2955)    

Catherine said to Betty: See, we really like you, and we like to know how you are, even if how you are isn't so good at the moment.

Honestly, I couldn't have come up with a better way of saying that if I'd bludgeoned myself about the head & shoulders with a dictionary for a month. Betty, please keep stopping by even if you're feeling down; it's quite likely that we'll find a way to lift your spirits a teensy bit. By accident, if nothing else.

*dives into the big squishy group hug*

Julia, you're braver than I am...I'd've waited until after they gave me the Percocet before subjecting myself to opera. Not that I'm opposed to it or anything, I just think they need more distortion and heavier bass riffs.

--Mike

_____________________________________          

Ozymandias - Aug 18, 2004 3:30 am (#2155 of 2955)    

Aw, Julia, I hope your mouth feels better soon. Dentists are mean. I have to go tomorrow, hopefully just for a cleaning, but you never know what torture they'll decide to inflict.

Good luck to everyone awaiting exam results. I'll keep various appendages crossed for you!

Oh yeah, one more thing... gets running start and jumps into group hug. Hi guys! (Hope this hug isn't by invitation only.)

_____________________________________          

The giant squid - Aug 18, 2004 3:41 am (#2156 of 2955)    

   Hope this hug isn't by invitation only



Well, kinda...but you got your invitation when you joined the Forum. I'm sure it was in the fine print somewhere...

_____________________________________          

Ozymandias - Aug 18, 2004 3:55 am (#2157 of 2955)    

Oh, good. *shoos away the group-hug bouncer that was approaching menacingly*

_____________________________________          

septentrion - Aug 18, 2004 4:18 am (#2158 of 2955)    

diving in the group hug *** septentrion having askew glasses now, experimenting Harry' weakness*** oups, who walked on my toes ?

_____________________________________          

Catherine - Aug 18, 2004 4:25 am (#2159 of 2955)    

*oops, think I knocked Septentrion's glasses askew by joining on the hug*

Sorry! But we're here, Betty!

Hope everyone has a good start to their Wednesday!

_____________________________________          

septentrion - Aug 18, 2004 4:37 am (#2160 of 2955)    

oh it's you Catherine ! nice to see you join the hug. Betty, can you still breathe ?

_____________________________________          

Fawkes Forever - Aug 18, 2004 4:38 am (#2161 of 2955)    

Ozy... *sounds muffled* nosh invites nessseshary... *removes head from someone’s armpit* All you need is a big heart & a pair of arms... well again those aren't necessary either Although Mike has an advantage there... what with giant squids having two hearts & multiple arms

Betty, we're here for you.. whether you like it or not... maugh haugh haugh

_____________________________________        

Ozymandias - Aug 18, 2004 4:43 am (#2162 of 2955)    

Squids have two hearts? Weird. You learn something new every day...night...whatever.

Anyway, glad to hear I'm hug-worthy, even though I'm still fairly new here.

*gets off septrention's toes*

_____________________________________          

septentrion - Aug 18, 2004 4:46 am (#2163 of 2955)    

thanks Ozy, I'm rather small, so that kind of things happens rather often. But it's worth it ! Betty, we'd like to hear of you !

_____________________________________        

mike miller - Aug 18, 2004 4:53 am (#2164 of 2955)    

I'm jumping into Betty's squishy group hug! We are a "warm and fuzzy" bunch aren't we, all of us forum siblings.

Don't squeeze Squid Mike too tightly, we don't want ink everywhere!

_____________________________________          

Marè - Aug 18, 2004 4:57 am (#2165 of 2955)    

My my, what is this for sweaty bunch. There are so much of you, I could go crowd surfing (if I dared)
But well if it is for Betty, I'll just join in. :Hugs!:

Okay, ouch, on who's foot or. tentacle did I just step?

On another note: that's brave Julia, the one thing I'm never ever going to do is let some-one take my wisdom teeth. I've seen people who had that done, and it looked so painfull (needles in your mouth!) Best wishes to you!

_____________________________________          

ShelterGirl - Aug 18, 2004 5:48 am (#2166 of 2955)    

*sleepily wanders into Betty's hug* Hey! This isn't bad! And here I've been worried that someone would suffocate me...

*picks up Catherine's dogs so they can get in the action too*

Hey, can they arrest us for detaining Betty if we don't let her out of her hug?

Julie

_____________________________________          

Catherine - Aug 18, 2004 6:08 am (#2167 of 2955)    

Hopefully Betty won't press charges against us, Shelter! We're not detaining her, exactly. We're just not letting the dementors have her. Thanks for including my pups; I couldn't reach them over here! *sorry for stepping on the tentacles just now*

Julia, you need to get well quick! Wisdom teeth--owie! Take your happy pills and eat lots of ice cream! *Catherine begins to tremble just thinking about oral surgery and Obliviates herself so that she won't remember what it's like...*

I have both good and icky things planned today. On the good side is my monthly book club meeting. I really didn't care for this month's selection though, and I'm a newbie to the group, so I'll have to work extra hard to not offend the others members. Sheesh. It's not like I'm a know-it-all, or anything, right Loopy? **Waves to Loopy!**

On the “ick” side is a lengthy meeting at my daughter's school. I just hate those. Sometimes I'm sitting in that little meeting room and I think the top of my head is going to just shoot straight off into the stratosphere, leaving any gray matter that still remains to ooze over my shoulders. Sometimes when I leave those meetings I have nail marks in my palms from clenching my hands. You could say that I get a little tense about this.

But there are always good things happening here, so if I need a break I'll nip back here for a few smiles and my daily soothing HP fix.

Cheers, y'all!

_____________________________________          

Accio Sirius - Aug 18, 2004 6:10 am (#2168 of 2955)    

Big hugs to Betty!! And the whole group here too! What fun you all are--with or without any Percocet!

Hang in there Julia. I hope you feel better soon. My niece is getting hers out this week too. I don't even have any wisdom teeth. My husband loves to make cracks about that! : )

_____________________________________        

Kasse - Aug 18, 2004 6:27 am (#2169 of 2955)    

Is there any more room for one more hug? *squeezes in* Lots of hugs Betty you are in our thoughts.

Julia hope you feel better soon. *hugs Julia*

_____________________________________          

Loopy Lupin - Aug 18, 2004 6:34 am (#2170 of 2955)    

Morning Betty! See, I told you to brace yourself for the stampede of hugs!

Julia-- Ick. I got my wisdom teeth out when I was 16. It was no fun, especially since my mother controlled the pain pills. "It says every 4 hours or as needed. Mom!!!

Catherine-- **waves back** What's this month's selection?

_____________________________________          

Catherine - Aug 18, 2004 6:43 am (#2171 of 2955)    

Loopy,

This month was The Great Pretender.

I don't have a lot to say about it. It was tragic at the end, but it almost needed to be farce, as it took itself too seriously. I think Quentin Tarrantino needs to make it into a movie, and then we can laugh at it.

**Catherine looks over her shoulder for angry book group members, her wand at the ready...**

_____________________________________          

Doris Crockford - Aug 18, 2004 6:54 am (#2172 of 2955)    

I'm joining in on the hug. Betty, I'm always thinking of you, and I hope that you feel better.

Ew, Julia, your wisdom teeth? Ouch. I haven't gotten my wisdom teeth yet, but I have had a total of twenty teeth pulled out by the dentist (4 of them were adult teeth which had to come out with 5 baby teeth before I got braces), so I feel your pain.

Today I'm going to go see Spiderman 2 with my friends. I'd be a lot happier about that, but it'll be the second time I see that, and I've only seen PoA once (that's what happens when you wait to see it a second time when your mother can go with you, but she's really busy on weekends and works during the week). Oh well, once I get the PoA DVD for Christmas, I'll just see it too many times to count.

_____________________________________          

Loopy Lupin - Aug 18, 2004 7:03 am (#2173 of 2955)    

Never heard of that book. Oh well. And, I love your tag line. (I just noticed in a previous post.) Hehe.

_____________________________________          

Catherine - Aug 18, 2004 7:08 am (#2174 of 2955)    

Took you long enough, Loopy. I just love that phrase. It might even be better than "My cat's breath smells like cat food.' And that is saying something.

About The Great Pretender, don't worry if you haven't heard of it. You are not missing anything. Thank goodness I didn't actually purchase it or waste time trying to find it at the library. I was able to borrow a copy. If I wasn't determined to be on good behavior today, I might call it the "The not-so-great Pretender of a novel," but that would probably get me "Thumpered" from the group.

I'll just have to be my most meek and mild. The strain might kill me, so I'll probably have to let off some steam in the Pansy/Harry thread.

_____________________________________          

Padfoot - Aug 18, 2004 9:41 am (#2175 of 2955)
Edited by Aug 18, 2004 9:41 am    

**Hugs for Betty** (I would use a cute smilie here, but when I try using them, Internet Explorer closes down.)

Julia, I remember having my wisdom teeth pulled out. It's never fun, but at least it over and done and out of the way. Accio Sirius, you never had any wisdom teeth?

_____________________________________          

virgoddess1313 - Aug 18, 2004 9:55 am (#2176 of 2955)
Edited by Denise P. Aug 18, 2004 10:09 am    

Hooray, I have a new job!! And I finally registered for school (about time, since school starts on the 23rd!!). My classes are a bit dry, but I'm hoping to do better this semester than last.

I can't wait to leave this job forever! My new one is at Subway, where Will works, but we're not allowed to work together. I'll be on days and he'll be at night. Not my dream job, but there are worse things.

Have a great day everyone!!

_____________________________________          

Fawkes Forever - Aug 18, 2004 10:02 am (#2177 of 2955)    

Hope you're still able to breathe Betty.. hee hee.

Just want to say good luck to the Irish Football Team tonight... we're playing Bulgaria in a friendly here in Dublin... alas I didn't get tickets, but I'll watch the highlights on the TV tonight.

I had a very Potter moment today at work... someone mentioned that they were going to the Ireland Bulgaria match today & I said... "Oh Quidditch?"

Lets just say I got a few strange looks & I could have sworn a seen a tumbleweed roll past in the deafening silence that followed my 'joke'.

Sara, well done on the job.. it may not be your dream job... but I'm sure it goes towards the rent

_____________________________________          

Loopy Lupin - Aug 18, 2004 10:19 am (#2178 of 2955)    

Lets just say I got a few strange looks & I could have sworn a seen a tumbleweed roll past in the deafening silence that followed my 'joke'.-- Fawkes Forever

What about crickets? Did you hear crickets chirping?

_____________________________________          

Fawkes Forever - Aug 18, 2004 10:21 am (#2179 of 2955)    

Hmm, I wondered what that noise was

_____________________________________          

Padfoot - Aug 18, 2004 10:26 am (#2180 of 2955)    

Congrats Sarah on your new job!

_____________________________________          

Celestina W. - Aug 18, 2004 11:01 am (#2181 of 2955)    

Wow. You guys are too funny. I can't count the number of times I SPEWed or near-SPEWed reading these last 100 or so posts...

Betty, I'm getting in on the hug if it's not too late. *hugs* Hope it helps.

What a coincidence, Catherine, I have book club today too. We're discussing Eragon, which was a pretty good book, but I'll probably end up steering the discussion around to Potter-related stuff at some point. I think I can accomplish that by wearing my shirt that I made for when the PoA movie came out. I love talking about HP with people who are fans, but don't keep up with the news sites, because then I can share stuff that they don't know and it makes me feel really smart. I mean, some of these poor unenlightened people might not even know the title of book six yet!

Julia, hope you're feeling better soon. I've heard so many wisdom tooth horror stories over the years that I really hope I never have to deal with mine. If that means I don't have any wisdom, well, too bad, I guess...

_____________________________________          

DJ Evans - Aug 18, 2004 11:02 am (#2182 of 2955)    

Oooooooh, I know I'm kinda late, but I want to join in the group hug for our dear sweet Miss Betty too!!! If we get many more in the hug, we're going to have to get a bigger room for us all to fit in!!

Julia -- ouch!!!! I've had my all taken out too!! I know what you are going through. On me, they were able to pull the two top ones, but had to cut out the two bottom ones. Double ouch!!!! Let's see I recommend the ice cream too, along with mashed potatoes, jello, puddings, etc.... well you get the idea. hee hee Hope you get to feeling better very soon!!!

Catherine -- a bit of advice, if the person that you are having the school meeting with turns their backs to make you a cup of tea?!?!? BEWARE -- don't drink it!!!! hee hee Just remember Umbridge! We wouldn't want you to be telling them all of your secrets, now would we? hee hee Seriously, hope it and the book club goes well. And I would like to know just "why" one of the Harry Potter books wasn't read? hee hee

Virgoddess1313 -- Good luck on your new job!!! And by the way, how is Will's recovery going along? Hope he is up and about again!!!

Hope everyone has a great day and that Betty's day turns out better than any of ours!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Later, Deb

_____________________________________          

Julia. - Aug 18, 2004 11:56 am (#2183 of 2955)    

*joins in hugging Betty* Weeeeeeee! This is fun, I love huggung people.

Sara, I'm so glad to hear that things are going well for you. Yay for new job and finally getting registered for school. Hope your semester goes well. By the way, How's Will doing after his surgery?

Thanks for all the hugs and well wishes guys. My mouth feels a bit better today, but I still can't bring myself to get off this sofa. My mum is going shopping tonight, she offered to get me jello, I told her to make sure it wasn't lime green. Oh man! My mouth is bleeding again, I'd better go deal with that. Have a great day everyone!

_____________________________________          

boop - Aug 18, 2004 11:56 am (#2184 of 2955)    

LOL Thank you so much for the group hug. Thank you for making my day. I couldn't help but laugh. ) I love you guys!!

Julia I hope you feel better today.

Hugs for everyone!

_____________________________________          

Dr Filibuster - Aug 18, 2004 12:44 pm (#2185 of 2955)    

Hurray , it's good to hear you laughing Betty.

Eeeuw to the bleeding mouth. Hope it doesn't hurt too much Julia.

Congrats for the job Sarah. I've only ever seen one episode of Sponge Bob Square Pants: he made great burgers really quickly. I now have visions of you and Will making super-fast butties (sandwiches) whenever you get together. You could have races.

Fawkes, Bulgaria V Ireland!!! How could they expect you NOT to say anything about Quidditch? Did anyone on tv mention it? It's England 1 Ukraine 0 at the moment, but I prefere the sound of your match.... Troy! Mullet! Moran!

Catherine, you are going to be SO nervous when they offer you a drink at the meeting now.

Edit: hehehe, just seeing my first use of colour up on a post and I'm well chuffed with it.

_____________________________________          

septentrion - Aug 18, 2004 12:52 pm (#2186 of 2955)    

well, it's France-Bosnia tonight, with a brand new french team but obviously I'm not in front of my TV.

Betty, good to see you laughing. Keep on, we still have many, many hugs in store for you !

Julia, hope you won't suffer a too long time from those nasty ex wisdom teeth.

Sarah, congrats with your new job !

_____________________________________          

Catherine - Aug 18, 2004 1:03 pm (#2187 of 2955)    

Betty, good to see you out and about!

Celestina, quite honestly, this thread has made me SPEW or near-SPEW quite frequently lately. My monitor is a wreck.

Deb asked, "And I would like to know just "why" one of the Harry Potter books wasn't read? hee hee. TEN POINTS TO DEB! It's not like I haven't been extremely pushy on this point. So far they are politely ignoring me about including Harry Potter. I love 'em, but they're being gits!

I'm off to help my 9 year old with her homework. Oh, joyfulness! . Then I have to hit the grocery store and pick up my 4 year old from a birthday party and pay a bill in person because I forgot to mail it last week during the storm mess. I mean, who wants to walk outside to mail a letter in a hurricane? Oh, well...I make things difficult for myself.

Have a good afternoon, y'all!

_____________________________________          

dobbyiscool - Aug 18, 2004 1:23 pm (#2188 of 2955)    

Hello everyone. I haven't been on for quite a while, we've had band camp this last month or so. Our show is so cool this year, but it takes up a lot of time to get ready. That and school starts in less then two weeks for us, so my schedual has been filling up rapidly with last minute get togethers with friends, etc.

I haven't had my wisdom teeth removed yet (my braces are still on), but the orthodontist said I'll have to get them taken out eventually.

_____________________________________          

Loopy Lupin - Aug 18, 2004 1:36 pm (#2189 of 2955)    

band camp -- dobby is cool

**bangs head with lamp; runs headlong into wall; irons hands**

There. Whew.

Hey Dobby!!!! Long time no see!!! Hope you had fun at camp (what instrument by the way?). Haven't seen you in a while. There's lots of new people here nowadays.

_____________________________________          

DJ Evans - Aug 18, 2004 1:49 pm (#2190 of 2955)    

Yeah, Betty!!!!! Glad to hear we were able to help a bit today. May each day, be just a bit better than the previous day!!!

dobbyiscool -- Hey stranger!! Welcome back!!! ****waves to dobbyiscool****

I've had a brainy idea. In most stock car racing, each of the drivers wear helmets. Those helmets have what we call a "tear away sheet" on them. What that is, is a very thin piece of clear plastic over their face shield (what they look out of) so that they can tear off as their helmets get dirty from dirt/oil/water whatever it might be. That way they constantly have a clear view from their helmets. Now if only one of us could come up with the same idea -- except for our monitors -- then no more worries over our "spew'd" monitor screens!!! We could just tear off one of the clear plastic "tear off's" and viola--clean monitor screen!!!! hee hee Hey, it was just an idea guys!!! Please put down your rotten fruits/veggies!!! (runs off to hides!!!!)

Later, Deb

_____________________________________          

Accio Sirius - Aug 18, 2004 2:29 pm (#2191 of 2955)
Edited by Aug 18, 2004 2:30 pm    

Nice to see you back Betty!

Padfoot, according to my dentist, wisdom teeth aren't necessary and over time will disappear as we humans evolve. I guess as far as teeth are concerned, I'm a little ahead of the game! That's about as lucky as I get though! I did have my tonsils out as an adult and that was really no fun, so I feel for anyone with mouth/throat or dental surgery!

BTW, does anyone else have a crush on Ian Thorpe?

_____________________________________          

Padfoot - Aug 18, 2004 2:35 pm (#2192 of 2955)    

Yes, Accio, me too. Although I suppose I should be rooting for Michael Phelps as he is an American. I love watching the swimming and the diving events.

_____________________________________          

Eponine - Aug 18, 2004 2:39 pm (#2193 of 2955)    

Ian Thorpe causes extreme girlie sighs. I love his tousled hair.

Oh, yeah. Go, USA.

_____________________________________          

Accio Sirius - Aug 18, 2004 2:42 pm (#2194 of 2955)    

Michael is from Baltimore, not far from me, so I am rooting for him. There was an article in the paper about the couple that owns the diner where he eats his breakfast (some inhuman amount of food in one sitting) after practice. He calls and gives updates to the owner almost daily. I thought that was really sweet. Although I am as patriotic as the next person, I like to see the medals go all around. The Romanian woman who won the gold in swimming was just a mess. Apparently she's been around for a while and this was her first big win. I was really happy to see that--and see the Greek divers win! I left my heart in Greece and love and miss it, so I'm rooting for them as well!

_____________________________________          

Sherbie Lemon - Aug 18, 2004 2:48 pm (#2195 of 2955)    

Lol, Loopy! I believe you and I are thinking along the same lines. "This one time, at band camp..."

Welcome back, Dobbyiscool!

Congratulations on your new job, Sara. Perhaps it's better that you and your boyfriend don't share the same shift. I know if my husband and I worked together, we probably wouldn't be speaking to each other when we got home!

I missed the group hug for you, Betty, so let me give you two to make up for it!Right HugLeft Hug Right HugLeft Hug

Kasse, thanks! Keep sending good luck vibes my way. I had my teeth cleaned today and the dentist found a "sticky spot" not a cavity, but apparently the beginnings of one. I still have to get it filled, darn it! But otherwise, my luck could be going MUCH worse.

Speaking of teeth, oh Julia! I feel your pain! I remember having my wisdom teeth out when I was 17. Did you have to watch that cheesy/scary film about the potential complications with having surgery? Each one of my teeth were impacted, so they really had to cut me up to take them out. I was puffed up like a chipmunk for almost a week and had horrible black and blue bruises running along the sides of my neck and under my jaw for a few weeks after. I think my doctor had to stand on top of me with his foot on my neck for leverage to wrench them out! Like you, they put me on percocet, which I will NEVER take again. I don't think I do well on painkillers. I could never tell if I was awake or dreaming and got into a rage while taking them about not being able to eat. I threw my remote against the wall, which broke and caused my TV to have a big red 3 on it permanently. All of this in front of my boyfriend of 2 months who had insisted on taking care of me during my recovery. He thought I was insane. Still does, in fact, but I guess he likes insanity and Cursed women because he married me a couple years later.

_____________________________________          

Eponine - Aug 18, 2004 2:51 pm (#2196 of 2955)    

I agree with you Accio Sirius. I am just as happy for the other countries who win medals as well. It really bugs me when the news people make it seem like a silver or bronze medal is just a huge disgrace. The women's gymnastics for instance, everything I've read or seen is about how they lost the gold, not how they won the silver. Yes, it's disappointing to make it that far and now get the highest honor, but come on! It's still an Olympic medal, and that's something that most of the world will never see. Ok, enough ranting.

We are moving this weekend, and I am sick of packing books. I love my books, and I wouldn't give them up for anything, but oh my word! do we have a LOT of books. Looking at them on the shelves, I never think we have that many, but once you start to box those suckers up... I don't think it will ever end.

Julia - I had my wisdom teeth out several years ago, and it wasn't fun. I hope you recover soon. When I went for the pre-surgery check-up, they asked me if I wanted local anesthetic or to be put to sleep. Are you crazy? Do I want to be awake while you're yanking teeth out of my head?

_____________________________________          

Padfoot - Aug 18, 2004 2:53 pm (#2197 of 2955)    

I never had any problems with my wisdom teeth being taken out. Then again, I don't have Sherbie's luck. :pcpb:   Thank goodness! I remember not doing to well on the pain killers though, made me feel sick.

Accio, I like to see countries other than just the US win medals too. I mean, it's fun to see "our" teams win. But it gets boring if "we" win them all. Plus the reaction of other countries winning is fun to watch, as you say.

Wow, it just started raining buckets here!

_____________________________________          

Loopy Lupin - Aug 18, 2004 3:31 pm (#2198 of 2955)    

Hehe Sherbie.

_____________________________________          

Chemyst - Aug 18, 2004 4:33 pm (#2199 of 2955)    

Gosh, there is so much to catch up with----

Betty, sorry I missed the group hug --well, not the toe-trodding part, but how about if I send you an encouraging smile instead,     and note that it is one with teeth showing in tribute to kind dentists and dedicated orthodontists everywhere. Smiles are wonderful things to have.

Catherine, your book comments made me so curious that I went to Amazon to look up an excerpt. I have one word: Ick. Ok, maybe some more words: You'd be SO much better off spending your time here on the forum.

Celestina, I looked up Eragon too, but they don't have the excerpt option. If one can judge a book by its cover, it looks cool.

Deb, tear-aways sound good for the screen, but sometimes I need something with a shorter range. Any recommendations for a keyboard bib?

Dobbyiscool., Welcome back.

Sherbie, your painkiller/caretaker story was really quite touching, in an odd sort of way...

_____________________________________          

Catherine - Aug 18, 2004 4:33 pm (#2200 of 2955)    

Sherbie,

I am sorry to laugh at your pain, but your wisdom teeth story brought back awful memories that I can now laugh about.

I had four impacted wisdom teeth (does this mean that my wisdom runs deep? ) They were cut out at the same time, and my face looked like a basketball for 3 weeks. Plus, the oral surgeon found out what my summer job was (entering subpeonas for the Sheriff's department), and realized that I knew that he was being sued by a whole lot of people. So he spent all of our consultation time defending himself (like I cared) and trashing all of the people who were suing him. His big thing was that people were wimps and wanted too much pain medication. This raised a HUGE red flag with me, but my mom was adamant.

Turns out I'm allergic to lots of pain medication, and that even though I was in massive pain, I voluntarily quit taking the meds because the side effects were awful. My Ob-Gyns was very surprised when I refused the first several pain meds offered after the birth of my children, and had to figure out what I should take that wouldn't make me sick.

How unfair is that? Allergic to opiates? Grrr. Well, at least I won't be an additct to THOSE. Just Harry Potter for the time being. Oh, and the Harry Potter Lexicon Forum!

EDIT: **waves to Chemyst** because Chemyst posted the following: Catherine, your book comments made me so curious that I went to Amazon to look up an excerpt. I have one word: Ick. Ok, maybe some more words: You'd be SO much better off spending your time here on the forum.

I know. I KNOW! This book was decided upon back in June when we were in the Outer Banks on vacation. I was able to put forth a rule that someone in the group must vouch for a book before it is selected. The Today Show doesn't count.

Sadly, though, my book group consists of Muggles who don't think that HP is worth their time. Well, there is ONE person who says she can't wait for a new book, but get this--she didn't know that Book Six had a title already. So I filled her in, and let her know about this site. But she kind of laughed at me, and I could tell that she thinks I'm a weirdo.

Sigh.

_____________________________________          

Marè - Aug 18, 2004 5:37 pm (#2201 of 2955)    

Ian Thorpe, Michael Phelps? Pfffff Pieter all the way!
Can you believe I missed the race because there is apparently an hour time difference? Aaargh! Luckily for me, they just kept repeating it all evening
And yes the american gymnasts... Romania won and was happy (whew, that last girl was good!) and they just stood there. We were watching with a whole kitchen full of people wondering if they even were going to smile...
So you don't have gold, you are at the Olympics (!!!) and you came in second, that means out of all the competing teams there is just one a tiny bit better than you...

_____________________________________        

virgoddess1313 - Aug 18, 2004 7:37 pm (#2202 of 2955)    

Deb, Julia, and anyone who asked that I might have missed- Will's doing great after his surgery. We were able to go out and do stuff within a week afterwards. He's stopped limping at all now and his doctor said he only needs to go to therapy if he really feels he needs too.

_____________________________________          

B]Eponine[/B] - Aug 18, 2004 7:44 pm (#2203 of 2955)    

Mare, I just saw Pieter for the first time. He's dreamy too!

_____________________________________          

Ladybug220 - Aug 18, 2004 8:14 pm (#2204 of 2955)
Edited by Aug 18, 2004 8:14 pm    

Betty, I am sorry that I missed the group hug so here's one from me **HUG**

Well, I am getting very nervous because I fly to NC tomorrow and my interview is on Friday. I really want this job, so everyone please cross your fingers for me.

_____________________________________          

DJ Evans - Aug 18, 2004 8:59 pm (#2205 of 2955)    

Sarah, so glad to hear that Will is doing so good and I know he must be tickled to death to be up and about again. Having to stay in-active for any length of time can get "very" boring very quickly!!!

Ladybug -- good luck on your interview!!! And may you have the smoothest - safest flight on your trip!!! Here's hoping your seat partner not be yucky but another HP fan -- how much fun would that be?!?!?!?

Later, Deb

_____________________________________          

Marie E. - Aug 18, 2004 9:15 pm (#2206 of 2955)    

Accio Sirius, I don't have any wisdom teeth either! Guess we're both genetic freaks. Heehee. Poor Julia, hope you're feeling better.

Today I was at the dentist with Shayla, again, and the power went out. We were in the middle of a really cool lightening storm. The dentist came out to tell me that he had already cleaned Shay's teeth, put a sealant on one tooth, numbed her up and knocked her out for a filling, but hadn't started drilling yet. We waited almost half an hour then decided to reschedule for the filling. Poor Shay had to be numb for no reason.

I took the girls to their school for "meet your teacher" day. Lexie announced to her kindergarten teacher that she prefers to be called Alexis. Huh, news to me! Shayla's two best friends from Brownies are in her class, so I expect a few calls from her teacher about "she won't settle down and be quiet" just like last year.

And padfoot was right, it did rain buckets here today. Flood warnings and everything!

_____________________________________          

]Maddest Dragon - Aug 18, 2004 10:09 pm (#2207 of 2955)    

Just wanted to say thanks for the flood of birthday wishes, everyone! And happy birthday to everyone who's had/having one, too.

_____________________________________        

Leprechaun Jack - Aug 18, 2004 11:26 pm (#2208 of 2955)    



Happy birthday to all I missed !!!!!!!!!!!!

Betty- So sorry I missed the group hug... they're the best kind. So tho' I may be late for the last group hug,sign me up to be the first in line for the next one.

Well I am about to join the rest of the adults here who have recently lost their minds and am on the market to buy a house, Although the prospect of home ownership is exciting to say the least.. I am forced to have to move to New Jersey because I am priced out of Staten Island, NY.

The funny thing is one of the first houses I looked at had an electric stove and oven (I have always had gas)and I immediately had visions of the oven debacles mentioned earlier. I had a very good laugh while the Real estate lady looked at me like I was some kind of kook. So I tried in vein to explain... and finally gave up. I think someone else will most likely be showing me properties from now on

Jack

_____________________________________          

Madam Poppy - Aug 19, 2004 12:34 am (#2209 of 2955)
Edited by Aug 19, 2004 12:41 am    

I've been busy getting our house and yard cleaned up so we could have the annual church picnic here. Last Sunday the few that turned out, sat and cooked in miserable heat. A member said that their car thermometer read 107!

I've also been out in the 90 degree heat stripping. Yes, I've been stripping paint off old furniture. My oldest daughter wants to move into her own apartment. (Sniff..sniff) I was dumb enough to say it would be easy to remove the orange and green paint off of a garage sale TV stand. That project expanded to an end table, 2 chairs and a dresser! We have 3 of the 5 almost ready for the stain. It has been too hot the last week to be outside.

We have terrible fires in our area. The closest fire is the Number 1 fire in the nation right now! We've had several weeks of smokey skies from a fire north of us. Now we have even worse smoke and falling ash from the local forest fire. The officials are concerned that the fire will keep going until it reaches the Columbia River! Many many homes and a local landmark park are at risk. We need a good rain and cooler temps, but who knows when they will come?

We got a "new" vehicle yesterday. It is an Isuzu Trooper. It has 45,000 miles and is in good shape. Now we can tow the tent camper a friend gave us and take a much needed vacation. My husband does alot of driving on the icy/snowy winter roads and has really needed a 4-wheel drive.

Backtracking a little, my husband took me last month to see Prisoner of Azkaban at the I-Max in Seattle. It was so much fun to see it on the huge screen. The last time I saw it was at our local drive-in three weeks ago.

Guess that catches you up on my "news". Even though you don't hear from me often, I always read at least this thread. So I can say, "Congats...Happy Birthday...poor doggie...welcome back...missed you...good luck and a kiss on the cheek for Boop." (I am not a hugger)

Madam Poppy

_____________________________________        

The giant squid - Aug 19, 2004 2:18 am (#2210 of 2955)    

Sherbie, your story reminds me of an adage I heard somewhere. Basically, it states that one sure way to find out if a relationship will last is to have one of the people involved get very sick. They'll either stick it out or run screaming into the night.

Marie, give Shay a hug for me. No one should have to endure Novocaine for no reason. We had flash flood warnings here over the weekend. Typical desert rains--absolutely nothing for ages, then 6 inches of rain in 15 minutes.

--Mike

calmly scrubbing footprints off his tentacles

_____________________________________          

VeronikaG - Aug 19, 2004 3:47 am (#2211 of 2955)    

Argh! I'm just a tiny bit angry today! I've been looking forward to today all summer, because I was finally getting DSL at home. Then yesterday the hole diggers from city services came with dynamite and the lot to blast away some rock, and ended up blasting away our phone line as well. It may be a couple of days before it gets back up, as the diggers need to finish their job first, before the phone company can send some one to fix our line. So I guess I'll sneak into the forum at school.

Feel better, Boop!

Flame, are you having a fun holiday in Amsterdam? (You said in a chat you'd find a net café.)

Everyone else, have a really nice Thursday.

_____________________________________          

Acceber - Aug 19, 2004 5:05 am (#2212 of 2955)    

Whew! I know, I've said that too many times this summer when referring to how many posts I read, but 100+ over 3 days just means we talk too much. But I've known that for a while.

RPS (a while back): I'm not from NY, but this is where my summer house is. Buttermilk Falls is in Lake Luzerne, which is near Lake George, which is near Glens Falls, which is about 2 hours north of Albany.

Boop!!! *tries to join in group hug, fails because it broke up a few days ago and just hugs boop alone*

I've actually never SPEWed when reading the Forum; after hearing other people's stories, I've decided it woudln't be a good idea. So I just laugh like crazy.

Julia-wisdom teeth-can't say much being that I still have my braces, which have been torture enough. One little story I have to type here to waste time: A few checkups ago, the orthodontist's assistant told me I wasn't brushing correctly because I had these little wavy lines on my bottom gums. I had to brush there or risk getting cavities. One problem, no one had told me how to brush correctly! So I'm trying to brush my gums and it's not doing anything! Next appointment: same thing! Grrrrrr.....

Off to read the other threads.

_____________________________________          

mike miller - Aug 19, 2004 5:38 am (#2213 of 2955)    

Good Morning Everyone! Hope all is well.

Sarah - Congrats on the new job and classes, some of them may be dry but think about how they are moving you closer to the finish line. Wishing Will a speedy recovery, PT can be painfull but the sooner you start to work at it, the sooner you're back to normal. I actually scheduled my knee surgery a couple fo years ago right after my last volleyball match in January so I could be back for summer softball.

Julia - I hope your feeling better, the mouth does heal quickly!

Ladybug - Good Luck in NC!!!

Madame Poppy - The fires can be brutal. Most people think of Washington as a rain soaked forest and don't know that Eastern Washington is a desert. I remember dealing with the heat when I was a teenager working in the orchards.

Betty - Glad to hear we could give you a laugh. Your cyber-family is always only a few key strokes away!

Have a great day everyone!

_____________________________________          

Loopy Lupin - Aug 19, 2004 6:25 am (#2214 of 2955)    

Happy Thursday to all. Woot! Weekend's almost here.

_____________________________________          

Kasse - Aug 19, 2004 7:00 am (#2215 of 2955)    

Hello All,

My comp at home died so that means that the only time I can check to Forum is (illegally) at work. A girl has got to do what a girl has got to do.

Sarah - Glad to hear that Will is doing great. Keep us updated.

About wisdom teeth it seems almost everyone has had theirs taken out. I never want mine taken out, is there some reason that they should be removed and I am the only one who does not know it?

About the Olympics. It is so great to see so many countries. I have lived in many places so I feel the need to be patriotic to a lot of different countries. I have never lived in Australia, never even been there for holidays but it is Ian Thorpe all the way! However if Phelps is swimming (and Thorpe is no where to be found) then I support Phelps.

Well done to the USA gymnastics team I was very proud of them.

_____________________________________          

Round Pink Spider - Aug 19, 2004 7:01 am (#2216 of 2955)    

Hi Everybody, I'm back from crudland.

Everybody's back to normal at our house. The baby's on lactose-free milk for a few days, but he's fine other than that. Thank you for your well-wishes. I got back and saw 100+ posts, so I can't read through all of them, but Happy Birthday to anybody that's having one.

Acceber, did see yours just above. Thanks for your response. I've never been in that part of New York; I lived in Western NY, then lived in Southern NY for college and the early years of my marriage. But my father's mother lived in Beverly, MA, and I always enjoyed my visits to Massachusetts. It's a beautiful state!

Those of you waiting for Issue #4, I'm hoping it'll be out tommorrow or Saturday. It hit 40+ pages. I was so burnt out on Harry Potter for a couple of days that I wanted to do my housework! (Sick, huh?)

_____________________________________          

Sherbie Lemon - Aug 19, 2004 7:44 am (#2217 of 2955)    

Kasse - About wisdom teeth it seems almost everyone has had theirs taken out. I never want mine taken out, is there some reason that they should be removed and I am the only one who does not know it?

If there's lots of room in your mouth to support 4 more, quite large but utterly useless teeth, then there's no reason to have them removed. But I had to have several teeth pulled even before having my wisdom teeth out because my mouth is not big enough to hold all those teeth! Had they allowed my wisdoms to come in, they would have destroyed the results I finally achieved with braces.

Sara, I'm glad to hear Will is doing so well.

Veronika, it sounds like you've been having a bit of "Sherbie's luck" when it comes to your DSL. Your stories on the matter sound quite similar to all the problems I had trying to get my cable internet up and running. But as I am impatient and occasionally irrational, the cable guys were instructed to give me the manager's direct line so now I'm able to get a tech out here within an hour of my call.

Congratulations on your new car, Madame Poppy! I'm sorry to hear of the fires in your area, however. Those must be scary. After my oven mishap, I see fires in an entirely new light.

Ladybug, good luck at your job interview! I've got my fingers crossed for you!

Padfoot - I never had any problems with my wisdom teeth being taken out. Then again, I don't have Sherbie's luck.

Well, why don't you just rub it in my face, then? Actually, neither did my husband. And he went to the same oral surgeon. In fact, I insisted he go to my oral surgeon. When he failed to look like a chipmunk the next day and was eating foods that I only dreamt of eating during that first week, I was not exactly happy for his speedy recovery. I think he was in pain, and not serious pain, for about an hour.

Lol, thanks, Chemyst!

Catherine, your story sounds even worse than mine! Yee haw! Someone else had a worse experience! No, seriously, I cannot believe that your mother insisted you have your teeth ripped out by that crazy man! You poor thing! And then being allergic to painkillers on top of that. Hmmm...Mind if I swap my story for yours? It just sounds even more "Sherbie" mine.

It seems everybody's been going to the dentist this week, Marie. I'm sorry about your daughter, how horrible to have to endure a numb mouth for nothing. I remember when I was young and had to get Novacaine, my mom took me to Target afterward and bought me a cherry icee. I don't think I actually swallowed any of it! At least the Target floor was red to begin with.

Mike, at least it was me who got sick first, then! My husband has the patience of a saint. If the situation were reversed and he started chucking remote controls and percocet bottles at me after only knowing him for a couple months, I would probably be living quite comfortably in the hills right now!

Edit: Glad to hear your family is doing much better, RPS!

_____________________________________          

Elanor - Aug 19, 2004 8:33 am (#2218 of 2955)    

Hi everybody ! Hope everybody is or will feel great today !

Speaking of the Olympics, have you heard of Tyler Hamilton and his gold medal in the Race against the Clock (cycling) ? I was very happy for him because he had such a bad luck in the last two Tours de France and he is so courageous ! I love that guy ! But I don't know if he is as famous in his country as he is here in Europe where I think people watch cycling more often.

_____________________________________          

Padfoot - Aug 19, 2004 9:14 am (#2219 of 2955)    

Morning everyone! It rained so hard all last night, it was unbelievable. For those who don't know, it hardly ever rains here in Colorado. Last night it rained 3-4 inches (depending what part of the state you live in)! I really could have taken a boat home. It's supposed to rain again all week, but not like last night.

I will keep my fingers crossed for you Ladybug! Good luck.

Sherbie, I was talking to an acquaintance yesterday and found that she has had worse luck than you! Probably even if we combined your bad luck and Mike's (the squid) luck, she has had even worse. Which is really too bad as she is not an Umbridge type at all. So watch where you send the bad luck vibes!

Have a good day everyone! And yay to Paul Hamm!

_____________________________________          

Mynn - Aug 19, 2004 10:08 am (#2220 of 2955)    

Wow! Go on vacation for a few days and look what happens.

I missed out on the group hug for Betty too, so *hug* and I hope everything is going better.

_____________________________________          

septentrion - Aug 19, 2004 12:00 pm (#2221 of 2955)    

Has anyone some good luck these days ? It seems my body crossing for good luck can't do anything anymore. I'll try and send a lucky charm across the ocean, hope it'll be still strong enough when it arrives Horseshoe Clover Fingers Crossed
Is it enough ?

_____________________________________          

DJ Evans - Aug 19, 2004 1:47 pm (#2222 of 2955)    

Jack, here's wishing you the best of luck/experiences in your housing hunting!!! (just be sure to wear your pants!!! )

Madam Poppy = hmmm, would you like a few other pieces of furniture to re-do? I'm sure I could send you a few more, if you like! I don't envy you the process, but the end results are well worth it. I've got my Mom's old dining table that I need to do so bad, but for some odd reason I keep finding all sorts of excuses to put it off. We are suppose to have rain tonight & tomorrow (must be leftovers from Padfoot's rain!!!) -- sure wish I could send you all some of it. ****does rain dance for Poppy**** If it's not hurricanes, it's been fires!! Sure hope nothing else of that nature (or worse) happens for a long LONG LONG time!!!

Yeah!!!! RPS & family are no longer "crud" infested!!!

septentrion = My luck has been just fine -- not sure if I "should" say that, as it just might draw that yucky bad stuff toward me!! (no offense guys! ) And, like you, I've been crossing any & all things that I could for those who needed it. But it doesn't seem to be working very well, does it? Hmmmm? Maybe I've got everything crossed the wrong way? Hold on a sec. ****sits & uncrosses everything, only to cross it all back in the other direction***** OK, back now!!! Did that help guys? Maybe between septentrion's "good luck" charms and my new & approved body crossing, will bring the good luck you need and drive away the bad luck!!!!!!

Have a fabulous day, but most important have a "safe" one!!!

Later, Deb

_____________________________________          

Loopy Lupin - Aug 19, 2004 2:47 pm (#2223 of 2955)    

Have a good night all.

_____________________________________        

The giant squid - Aug 19, 2004 3:46 pm (#2224 of 2955)    

Sherbie, your dental woes sound similar to mine (mouth too small for the teeth, etc.) though I haven't had my wisdom teeth out yet. I only had two come in (the bottoms) and they aren't wreaking too much havok, so they stay in for the time being. I'm not a wimp, but I prefer to avoid pain when possible.

   But as I am impatient and occasionally irrational



Ah, yet another thing we have in common.

Cynde--you actually found someone with worse luck than the Sherbinator? That poor, poor person! Right now I'm wish-wish-wishing my bad luck to Svetlana Khorkina. Oh, and in response to all you Phelps/Thorpe fans, go Natalie Coughlin!

--Mike

_____________________________________          

Catherine - Aug 19, 2004 4:11 pm (#2225 of 2955)    

Hi everyone.

I had a fairly ick day, although not of Sherbie proportion, thank goodness.

I have to "say sorry" to Loopy Lupin because I was in a snit today and he felt like he was personally responsible, and he wasn't.

Weeny Owl was so nice to me that I almost couldn't remember my snit, and I felt bad that I made Loopy feel bad.

Plus, his new avatar is way cool, and I'm a little jealous of it.

Oh, and Mike, I love your idea of "wish, wish, wishing" the bad luck onto good ol' Svetlana. Not to be TOO jingo-istic, but go U-S-A! Sorry, International Forumers! I had to do it.

Hope everyone has a good evening!

_____________________________________          

Sherbie Lemon - Aug 19, 2004 4:46 pm (#2226 of 2955)    

Mike, if my modem is now totally fried, I'm billing you for the cost! That "Sherbinator" remark had me laughing so hard and spraying Dr. Pepper with such force that my husband came in to check on me.

Padfoot - Sherbie, I was talking to an acquaintance yesterday and found that she has had worse luck than you! Probably even if we combined your bad luck and Mike's (the squid) luck, she has had even worse.

That, my dear Padfoot, is simply not possible. Ask her if she's ever sustained a serious injury from a belt. If the answer is yes, then I'll gladly hand over my title as the Queen of Freakishly Bad Luck, or "The Sherbinator" if you will. Now I can hear you all asking, "How could a harmless piece of leather be the cause of serious injury?" Well, I'll tell you. My freakish accident will hopefully make you all look at these "harmless" pieces of leather as the horrid little weapons they truly are.

I was 15 years old. It had been a seemingly good day (always a danger sign). At about 1 am, I was to be found talking on the telephone. Suddenly, something small and dark moved ever so slightly from the corner of my room. I assumed it was my dog and told my friend to hold on. I sprung out of bed and landed clean on the buckle of my belt. That dull, thick piece of metal that normally sticks through the holes of the belt went straight into the arch of my foot and nearly came out the other side. The Brown Curse had struck again. I couldn't walk for about 2 weeks. I still bear two scars (three if you count the emotional scar ), one that is rather large on the bottom of my foot, one smaller, yet still visible one on the top of my foot. Even today, I will never be found wearing one of those vicious things.

About two minutes ago, the cable guy arrived at our house to check our phone line (the cable company supplies our internet, television, and telephone) and told us that we have no problems with our line, but that our brand new cordless is broken. Take that, Padfoot's friend!

_____________________________________        

Liz - Aug 19, 2004 4:51 pm (#2227 of 2955)    

Happy Birthday to those I may have missed...

Well I just started school and had my fist scale test today to see what chairs we get... I got First Chair YAY! so I get to play the top part and get all the solos...

Also this forum helped me with my history project... I had to make up a country and think of a name... and well I knew nobody would make a name in Latin so I'm calling my country Corpus De Lumen 'Body of Light' so I thought I'd thank the lexicon for the spells encyclopedia.

_____________________________________          

Leila 2X4B - Aug 19, 2004 4:54 pm (#2228 of 2955)    

YEAH LIZ. I am so proud. Congratulations.

Leila, who doesn't find Liz the slightest bit annoying.

_____________________________________        

wormsé - Aug 19, 2004 5:20 pm (#2229 of 2955)    

*slowly drags herself to the forum* I've started school... *cries* I thought I liked it; apparently not. It was only the second day and they dumped essays on me like mad. So, here I am trying to figure out what the second chapter title in "Cold Mountain" means, how it's meaning is used in the chapter, and how it relates to the book as a whole. I had an idea, only to find it disproven by my Mother who seems to be gifted with the ability to find symbolism. But enough of my rant.

HUGS to Betty!!! Congratulations, Liz!! That's quite an acomplishment! And hello to everyone else!

_____________________________________          

Catherine - Aug 19, 2004 5:39 pm (#2230 of 2955)    

Ok, I was the self-proclaimed Ick Queen today, but Weeny Owl deserves a crown for niceness and also wit: A little synchronized swimming in that cup of pumpkin juice? (giggling)

Ok, Weeny Owl, I deserved that. Good thing I wore my flowered bathing hat! Orange hair would NOT suit me. For some reason Weeny was laughing at this

Hmm. Should I shave my legs next time before I swim in pumpkin juice?

Oh, well. Have a good evening, folks.

_____________________________________          

Madam Poppy - Aug 20, 2004 12:19 am (#2231 of 2955)
Edited by Aug 20, 2004 12:24 am    

Congrats to Liz! All your hard work has paid off!
Tomorrow is my 1st day off since Sunday and I'm spending it in the dentist chair. I'm catching up on neglected dental work because I now have dental insurance through my job. Two weeks ago I had 2 cavities filled and then had to go right to work. I lisped for several hours. My co-workers thought I was too too funny. (Actually I had fun watching their reactions to my "new" voice) My new dentist is more expensive, but worth it. For the first time ever, I never felt the shot! Be thinking of me at 9:00 a.m. Pacific Time.

Madam Poppy

_____________________________________          

septentrion - Aug 20, 2004 1:27 am (#2232 of 2955)    

dentists are an inexhaustible subject ! Fingers crossed Madam Poppy !

Today is the great day for my colleague who's currently travelling through the US : she's getting married at Las Vegas at 3.00 pm *plays wedding march*

Speaking of the Olympics, don't you think Damien Touya had a Harry-like attitude at the sabre team finals ? He had a hand injured during the half-finals but did the final all the same and won. It made me think of Harry who fights even when injured, or still tempts to catch the snitch with a broken arm.

_____________________________________          

The giant squid - Aug 20, 2004 4:21 am (#2233 of 2955)    

   Oh, and Mike, I love your idea of "wish, wish, wishing" the bad luck onto good ol' Svetlana.



Just to be clear: I wasn't doing that necessarily because she's Russian, but because she's just so freaky looking! Here you are with all these little 14-16 year old girls, and then this thing that's all arm & leg walks up. I think the term is "spindly".

Sherbie, it wasn't the belt that bit you, it was the nasty ol' buckle. Don't discriminate against the poor strips of leather when the true culprit is that pointy hunk of steel. As for the "Sherbinator", well...I dunno, it just came to me. Some people get inspirations like "boy doesn't know he's a wizard, goes to wizard school", I get "The Sherbinator".

Liz, congrats on getting first chair! As a former band geek I understand the significance one seat can have.

--Mike

_____________________________________          

Marè - Aug 20, 2004 4:32 am (#2234 of 2955)    

but because she's just so freaky looking

Well she looks better when she smiles.
And as for freaky turnsters, have you seen the little girl from Greece?

Oh a question popped up last night, maybe some-one here can help.
When our country wins a medal, the sporters go to the "Holland Heineken House" (Yes, go with the advertising...) to be honored. Everybody who has been wearing nothing but orange for the last few days, comes there to celebrate.
Now the question would be: Do other countries have clubs like that too? I figured with so many nationalities, some-one around here could give me some answers...

_____________________________________          

Chemyst - Aug 20, 2004 5:22 am (#2235 of 2955)    

Mare, there has been a fairly successful advertising campaign where some announcer will pretend to interview a winner by sticking a microphone in their face and asking, "So, athlete's name, You've just won the name of event! What are you going to do now?" The standard answer is, "I'm going to Disney World!"
Septentrion, your comments made me smile because I'm so used to hearing the word, semifinal, that I don't even think of it in terms of being a "Half-final." (There is that hyphen thing! Anyone wanting to analyze a "semiblood" Prince?) And yes, Damien Touya had a Harry-like attitude, which I would have missed if you had not pointed it out.

_____________________________________          

Catherine - Aug 20, 2004 5:36 am (#2236 of 2955)    

Anyone wanting to analyze a "semiblood" Prince?—Chemyst

Oh, dear, I nearly choked on my breakfast. You know, Chemyst, if such an analysis were to take place, it would happen on this Forum. No doubt about it.

Well, I've already had Sherbie luck this morning. Am I the only person on the Forum to be seriously injured by a Pop-Tart? It got stuck in the toaster and I tried to pry it out, and the frosting was super-hot and it stuck to my finger and by the time I washed it of I had this huge blister on the tip of my finger. Now typing is painful. I can't tell anyone else about this injury, because my friends will think I am a "slacker mom" for letting my kids eat Pop-Tarts in the first place. Some days we have to leave for school by 7:00 a.m., so I let 'em eat Pop-Tarts.

Have a good day, everyone!

_____________________________________          

Kasse - Aug 20, 2004 5:56 am (#2237 of 2955)    

Good Morning all - the weekend is almost upon us! Just wanted to say a quick hello and now I am off to post/read.

Hope everyone has a really great day.

Sorry about the finger Catherine hope it gets better soon.

_____________________________________          

septentrion - Aug 20, 2004 5:59 am (#2238 of 2955)    

that's what happens when you don't know a foreign language well enough, you say half-final instead of semifinale. ... semiblood prince...chuckle

Marè, I don't know about that kind of club, I don't really follow the Olympics.

Catherine, I don't know what pop-tarts are but I know blisters only too well except that I usually get them on my feet. They're really paining.

_____________________________________        

ShelterGirl - Aug 20, 2004 6:05 am (#2239 of 2955)    

Catherine-

If it will make you feel better I once committed the abominally idiotic mistake of trying to spray paint an inflated balloon silver. It was one of those moments where just as you're doing the thing you think, "Wait..." BLAM!!

Paint in my hair, in my eyes, all over my face and clothes...

I had done this at work, and unfortunately in the sight-line of one of the security cameras. When I got to work the next day my coworkers were rewinding and replaying that part of the tape over and over...

Julie

_____________________________________          

Eponine - Aug 20, 2004 6:12 am (#2240 of 2955)    

Catherine, I once burned my finger on fudge. The tip of my finger got blistered, and I was unable to participate in my typing class for a few days.

Although that wasn't nearly as bad as the time I burned myself in Chemistry class. We had been in the lab getting ready for some experiment and had been heating up a little ceramic cup over the bunsen burner. For some reason completely unknown to me, I decided to pick up the cup after it had been on the burner for a good 5-10 minutes. I held it for a second, and then when the fact that is was hot actually penetrated my brain, I screamed and dropped it, smashing it spectacularly all over the floor. My fingers blistered up again.

_____________________________________          

Catherine - Aug 20, 2004 6:19 am (#2241 of 2955)    

Glad I'm not the only one with silly accidents. Shelter, that paint episode is worthy of the "Sherbinator." Stupid security cameras!

Septentrion, Pop-Tarts are a packaged food that masquerades as a "breakfast pastry." They have crust on the outside and filling that is way too sweet on the inside. They are heated by toasting them in a toaster, or cold. They come in a dazzling array of artificial flavors from apple and other fruit flavors to chocolate combinations. They can also be iced or plain. As you can tell, they are not one of my favorite things, but my husband and children love them!

EDIT: Turns out that there is an official Pop-Tart website. Go figure. Anyway, for anyone who doesn't know what Pop-Tarts are, you can check it out at www.poptarts.com/promotions/poptarts/

_____________________________________        

Denise P. - Aug 20, 2004 6:21 am (#2242 of 2955)    

Catherine, never had a Pop Tart mishap but has a Karo syrup mishap. Many ages ago, I decided to make some divinity at Christmas time. The directions called for the Karo syrup to be heated to 180°F or until a soft ball formed. I microwaved it and not having a candy thermometer, decided to do the finger test. After a few choice words, hopping around like Carina's Killer Bunny Rabbit, I stuck the syrup-ed finger under cold water until I could get it off. Needless to say, I had a huge blister (yes, Virginia, it was hot enough!) and promptly got a thermometer for the rest of my holiday baking. The divinity turned out fine too.

Let's not go into hot glue gun mishaps....

And to add to Catherine's Pop Tart description, they now make Hot Fudge Ice Cream Pop Tarts and encourage you to freeze them prior to eating them. I also just recently saw Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough ones.

_____________________________________        

septentrion - Aug 20, 2004 6:26 am (#2243 of 2955)    

thank you for the link Catherine ! I noticed they even have pop-tarts french toast...must be as french as the cookies sold here are american.

_____________________________________          

Catherine - Aug 20, 2004 6:26 am (#2244 of 2955)    

Denise, I love your "killer bunny" image! I'm so glad that the Divinity was divine.

I've had caramel accidents. It bubbled so hard out of the pan that it flew all over the kitchen and onto the dog, who got a bad blister on her neck. I have not made caramel since.

I am so "unhandy" that I do not even own a glue gun, as I am worried that I would burn the house down, or else glue the dog to the carpet. My husband does not even let me know where the super-glue is. He hides it ever since I glued all my fingers together 8 years ago, and he had to run to work to get chemicals to unstick them.

Stupid super-glue...

_____________________________________          

Loopy Lupin - Aug 20, 2004 6:31 am (#2245 of 2955)    

Pop-Tarts Rule! You're not a "slacker mom" Catherine. I'm sure that you serve one of those little glasses of orange juice along with milk and the pop tart. That way, according the commercials anyway, the pop tart is merely " part of this nutritious breakfast." Hope your finger gets better. I hate burns. Its one of those times that you would give anything if healers were real.

(And I got your email and I'll say again, don't fret; everyone's entitled to an off day now and again.)

EDIT-- Mmmmm Karo Syrup.

EDIT-- "Hints from Loopy"-- For future reference, doesn't nail polish remover take care of super glue? I know from experience that it used to.

_____________________________________          

Accio Sirius - Aug 20, 2004 7:01 am (#2246 of 2955)    

I'm sad because my daughter doesn't like pop tarts and won't be let me use her as my front so I can buy pop tarts for myself! I remember fondly watching Scooby Doo mysteries and enjoy a strawberry frosted PT! A good friend of the family was French and sent their son to the states for a summer when I was younger. He stayed with us briefly and was utterly horrified at pop tarts! I've had French pastries, so I can kind of understand. A few years ago, we had a girls night party (adult women, mind you) and along with raw cookie dough, I served untoasted, cut-up pop tarts and called it pop tar-tar! Anyway, Happy Friday everyone!

_____________________________________          

Sherbie Lemon - Aug 20, 2004 7:05 am (#2247 of 2955)    

Aw, Catherine, you have had a Sherbie morning, haven't you? Amazingly, I have never burned myself on a PopTart before, though I have stuck my finger in a car cigarette lighter and then couldn't get it off when I realized that those lighters do in fact work when the car isn't running. May I reccomend mustard? Just plain old French's Mustard. It takes the burning away. Granted, you smell like a hotdog for awhile, but it does work.

Hehe, Mike. You and JKR and your flashes of sudden inspiration. Will the similarities never end? As for me and belts, well, I guess we'll never be companions again. I hate pieces of clothing/appliances that seem to be smarter than me, or are able to do me serious injury, even if it is my stupidity that is responsible. Instead of acknowledging my idiocy, I take pleasure in blaming whatever the offending piece of clothing/appliance is and vow dramatically to never wear/use it again. Which is why I do not own a toaster oven.

_____________________________________          

Catherine - Aug 20, 2004 7:11 am (#2248 of 2955)    

I served untoasted, cut-up pop tarts and called it pop tar-tar!--Accio Sirius

That is too funny!

Yes, Loopy, nail polisher remover works if it contains acetone, I think, except that I had some kind of remover that smelled lemony and didn't separate my fingers. My husband got WAY too much enjoyment out of that episode. He kept asking how I did it, and honestly, I don't know how it happened. It's not like I set out to fuse my fingers together. My skin was rough and bizarre looking for weeks after this. And the thing I was trying to fix wouldn't stay glued. That's a Sherbie incident for you.

EDIT: I love the "hints from Sherbie and Loopy." I'll try the mustard, because this finger hurts. And it appears that I can't stay off of the Forum or quit typing to give it time to feel better.

And Accio Sirius: mmmm....raw cookie dough....

_____________________________________          

Chemyst - Aug 20, 2004 7:23 am (#2249 of 2955)    

Septentrion, Whew! *expresses relief that you chuckled* I almost didn't post that because I didn't want to sound like I was trying to correct you, but then I figured anyone as adept at multiple languages as you are is going to be able to appreciate the humorous side of translating. I was also chuckling at myself because it made me look at the word semifinal in a different way.

_____________________________________          

Padfoot - Aug 20, 2004 8:46 am (#2250 of 2955)
Edited by Aug 20, 2004 8:47 am    

Wow, who knew pap tarts were so dangerous? (Not a fan of them) Actually, I cut and burn myself on almost anything. I am very klutzy, usually only a danger to myself. Yesterday I fell as I was walking upstairs. Made a tremendous amount of noise and frightened my co-workers. I blame the sandals!

That, my dear Padfoot, is simply not possible. Ask her if she's ever sustained a serious injury from a belt. If the answer is yes, then I'll gladly hand over my title as the Queen of Freakishly Bad Luck, or "The Sherbinator" if you will. I don't know if she was ever hurt by a belt or belt buckle. Yikes, that does sound painful. Lets see, this woman has had her house burglarized, her parent's home destroyed in Florida (she is helping them out), her brother committed suicide and she found him. And when she told me all this, she was parked in her assigned parking space (we're neighbors) that was acting as a retention pond! This normally cheery and happy woman was very subdued and depressed. Which is to be expected. Oh, all this happened to her this month!

On a happier note, I take my car in to the body shop first thing Monday morning to be fixed. I am looking forward to getting that done and out of the way.

Everyone have a great weekend!

_____________________________________        

Penny Lane. - Aug 20, 2004 8:49 am (#2251 of 2955)    

We have this vending machine at school that sells pop-tarts... only they alternate the "good" flavors (chocolate - smore, etc.) with the "yucky flavors" (blueberry, apple, maple). The good vs. bad flavor seems to be everyones opinion too, because when the blueberry is in front of a smore or hot fudge there are usually 2-3 people waiting by the machine for someone to come along and not check what flavor they are getting. After the person picks up their blueberry packet of Pop-Tarts and grumbles, all the people sort of run to the machine to see who is going to get the next set. Sometimes people just buy 2 packets and leave the poor blueberry or cherry flavor on top of the machine, where it sits there until someone comes along and throws them away. - This is college BTW -

Oh - when I was in 8th grade "a friend" of mine managed to burn off her eyebrows during a physical science experiement involving a balloon and some sort of chemical/hot air.

_____________________________________          

Sherbie Lemon - Aug 20, 2004 9:53 am (#2252 of 2955)    

Oh no, Padfoot! Wow, that does sound like a horrible, horrible month, even by my standards! Have you mentioned our Umbridge plan to her? Perhaps she'd like to join in the "wish, wish, wishing" too?

Hopefully, this is just one of those times where everything hits at once and will gradually improve for her. A "worse before it gets better" kind of thing.

Try the mustard yet, Catherine?

_____________________________________          

VeronikaG - Aug 20, 2004 10:06 am (#2253 of 2955)    

That poor woman! All in one month.

Yes, I'm having "Sherbie luck" with my DSL. Getting rather tired of it, really. Now our phone is working, but not the DSL line. I've been on the phone with the ISP for two days, and they are checking into the problem... next week. Apparently, lots of stewpid people leave their computers on during thunderstorms, and there are a few waiting to be fixed. I really do think that I, who am not responsible for my problems should come before the dumb people who brought it upon themselves, but that's not their business rule. And from Monday morning an until we get the message the line is up, we're stuck with only one working phone in the house, and I'll have to lay off the dial up. I guess I'll sneak in at school. Until then, have a good week end!

Sarah, congratulations on your new job.

Lindsay (Sherbie), nice chatting with you.

_____________________________________        

DJ Evans - Aug 20, 2004 10:44 am (#2254 of 2955)    

Madam Poppy == Hope all went well at the dentist!!!!

Liz -- Congrats on getting 1st chair!! YEAH for Liz!!!

Catherine -- Ouch!!! Hope the finger is doing better too. I'm anxious to hear if the yellow mustard worked too. But I'm not so anxious that I'm willing to go get a burn to try it out! So I figured we'd let Catherine be our tester. (And like some others, I like a good ol' Pop-tart every once and a while)

ShelterGirl -- All right!! I've had my first laugh of the day from your balloon/paint story!! I'm sure it wasn't funny at the time, but it sure was to hear about it!

OK, so if Sherbie shouldn't be discriminatory against belts but against the buckles themselves -- then I guess you could say I've got bad feelings against sewing needles!!! My experience is a bit like Sherbie's. Back when I was, oh around 14 or so, I stepped on a sewing needle that went in AND broke half-way off inside the ball of my foot. Needless to say a trip to the ER was called for. But the one thing I will never forget. The stupid git of a doctor that they handed my case to was just about to get off of duty, like within the next 30 minutes or so. Being in such a hurry, he gave me a shot in my foot to deaden it, THEN proceeded to start cutting into my foot, not giving the shot a chance to do it's thing. All I can say is I got a real good look at their ceiling as I came up off of the table. To top that off, he commonly looks up at me and says "Oh, is it not deaden yet?" Well, DUR you stupid cow -- NO!!!!!! Anyway, he never could find the needle and another doctor came in and took over. He found it within 5 minutes. That is one experience I will never forget!!!!!

Have a great and wonderful weekend everybody!!!!

Later, Deb

_____________________________________          

haymoni - Aug 20, 2004 10:55 am (#2255 of 2955)    

I love Pop-tarts - Frosted, Unfrosted - good flavors, "good" flavors - doesn't matter.

Does anyone remember "Merry-Go-Rounds"? They were supposed to be Pop-tarts for Grown-Ups. They were spiral-shaped and were covered in some sort of sugar. My mom wouldn't buy them very often because they only came 4 to a package and were probably twice as expensive as the regular Pop-tarts, but they were really good.

Chemyst - I completely missed the meteor shower this year. Either the skies were cloudy or I'd forget to look up. Were they any good?

_____________________________________          

Chemyst - Aug 20, 2004 12:30 pm (#2256 of 2955)    

Alas, haymoni, the peak night was the time we were getting scud clouds from the back edge of tropical storm Bonnie.

_____________________________________          

Julia. - Aug 20, 2004 2:37 pm (#2257 of 2955)    

Wow, quite a chatty bunch we are. My mouth is feeling a bit better, which is good, because I'm out of percoset and have moved on to normal motrin. I still look like a chipmunk though...

Madam Poppy, hope all went well at the dentist, and I hope you don't look like a chipmunk too!

Marie, Poor Shayla! She had to get all numb and they didn't even do what they were supposed to! Give her hugs for me!

Catherine, awww, poor finger, hope it gets better soon! Perhaps if we all wish wish wish it to get better, perhaps it will.

Liz, mazel tov on making first chair, that's awesome!

Accio Sirius, can I come to your party too? Untoasted pop tarts sound like good times to me, but you have to have frozen Eggos too!

Well, I'm off for now. Hope everyone has a good evening and a good day tomorrow!

_____________________________________          

Madam Poppy - Aug 20, 2004 2:43 pm (#2258 of 2955)
Edited by Aug 20, 2004 2:44 pm    

Survived the dentist visit. It turned out to be 2 small fillings. (I've had much much worse)
I picked up my pay check and then went to some garage sales. (tag or yard sales in other parts of the country.) The big sale days here are Friday and Saturday. I got a salad spinner for $1.00 to use as a children's craft project.

Salad Spinner Painting
Make great works of art using a Salad Spinner!
Materials Needed:
Old plastic salad spinner
Small paper plates
Paint
Dropper
Instructions:
1. Have Children put the paper plate into the salad spinner.
2. Use a dropper to drop little drops of different color paints onto the paper plate that is in the salad spinner.
3. Put on the lid and wind up the spinner fast as you can.

_____________________________________          

Ozymandias - Aug 20, 2004 3:27 pm (#2259 of 2955)    

Thanks, everyone, for the great embarrassing stories! You made my day. (Note to self: don't spray-paint inflated balloons.)

Congratulations on making first chair, Liz!

Hope everyone recovers from their various injuries or dental procedures soon.

Mmmm...pop tarts. I love the brown sugar ones.

And I love garage sales even more than I love pop tarts. I got a set of dishes with only a few missing for my new apartment for only $1.00.

Countdown to moving: 2 days. The stress is setting in, and I seem unable to connect separate thoughts with any sort of logical transitions. (See the rest of this post.)

_____________________________________          


The giant squid - Aug 20, 2004 4:19 pm (#2260 of 2955)    

Eponine's bunsen burner incident reminded me of one from my sordid past...

We were supposed to be soaking red cabbage in alcohol to get the dye out. It can be used as an indicator (to tell whether something is acidic or not). Well, brilliant me thinks, "If you heat a reaction, it goes faster." So I set up the bunsen burner & set the beaker of cabbage & alcohol atop a nice flame. All was well, and my lab partners were looking on with murmers of, "I should try that" when the alcohol reached kindling temperature. Yup, my beaker suddenly sprouted a crown of fire. Needless to say, my lab partners' murmers started devolving into shrieks of "Put it out! Put it out!" I very calmly shut off the burner and capped the beaker, putting out the fire. It became known as the "burning cabbage incident" despite my continued insistence that it was the alcohol, not the cabbage, that had caught fire.

Incidentally, I got perfect scores on my indicator exercise.

As for Pop Tarts, I've never burned a finger but have scorched my tongue or lip a few times. That filling gets VERY hot... My wife has grown fond of the Hot Fudge Sundae flavor, so of course our local Wal-Mart Superstore only occasionally carries them. Just enough to keep her coming back, really.

Good luck on the move, Ozy. Just be prepared: the only thing that will break will be the one item you packed, reapcked then packed again to make sure it wouldn't. That crappy doo-dad that you couldn't care less about will make it through unscathed.

--Mike

_____________________________________          

timrew - Aug 20, 2004 5:00 pm (#2261 of 2955)    

Oh yes! Do you need the skin removed from the roof of your mouth? Then eat a Pop-Tart!

Or any hot McDonalds Pud will do. You'll have a cleft-palate in no time!

I prefer the soldering-iron flavour myself.....

_____________________________________        

Catherine - Aug 20, 2004 5:01 pm (#2262 of 2955)    

You all are making me laugh too much! Keep in mind that my husband is a Chem Prof, so I think these stories are extra funny--mostly because they are too much like me and all my non-scientist friends (apologies to Chemyst, who is SO much above this part of the conversation )

Also know that accidents are not confined to novices in lab. Poor Hubby had a grad student who committed an awful error that involved the police, campus security, and the local news.

Thanks for being sympathetic. As I am married to an Organic Chemistry professor, I do NOT get sympathy for burns. Or fingers glued together. Or for any kind of chemical involvement, i.e. the new toilet cleaner really reeks and I got light-headed and thought I would pass out, et. cetera.

Um, the mustard cure is interesting. It might really work. I felt kind of "wonky weird" pouring mustard on my finger (and Hayley did not help by asking, "Why do you have the mustard out at breakfast, Mommy?"), but by the time the whole thing was done--the finger did not hurt anymore. So, Woo-hoo! Maybe mustard works, maybe placebo, but who cares? I'm typing again!

_____________________________________          

Eponine - Aug 20, 2004 5:57 pm (#2263 of 2955)    

I have another burn story. I was eating a chicken sandwich, and when I took the first bite, I got squirted with some kind of boiling hot chicken juice just below my lip. It blistered, then scabbed over. It was not pleasant.

Also, I saw a toad tonight as I was walking into my in-laws house. It made me think of Umbridge at first, but it was so cute I felt that it was an insult to toads to compare her to them.

_____________________________________        

Celestina W. - Aug 20, 2004 6:58 pm (#2264 of 2955)
Edited by Aug 20, 2004 7:02 pm    

Hello! Good luck; congratulations; sorry to hear that; feel better soon. Please choose all that apply, I'm not going to be specific.

Pop-Tarts are yummy! Totally without any nutritional value, though, so my mom only gets them for me once in a while, like Christmas and my birthday. I think Pop-Tarts and Combos go well together when you need to make a meal out of vending machine food. By the way, Tim, what's a McDonalds Pud? I don't think the McDonaldses here have them. (If "McDonaldses" was not previously the plural of McDonalds, it is now. )

Hmm, embarrassing injury stories. We have a heater on the wall in our bathroom. Early one morning, I got out of the shower into the freezing cold room and flipped on said heater. After a few minutes, it didn't seem to be working, so I brilliantly decided to touch it and see if it was on. Yes, it was on, and yes, I got burned, and yes, it hurt. I also hit myself in the nose with an ice cream bucket once, but wasn't seriously injured.

I went shopping yesterday. Theoretically, I was looking for school clothes, but I only got one pair of jeans. Instead I spent (not wasted ) my money on a whole bunch of other cool stuff, including the PS/SS movie soundtrack, the third season of M*A*S*H on DVD, the Sirius wanted poster from PoA, a Pirates of the Caribbean poster, some HP, PotC, and LotR stickers for decorating my notebooks, and a Shrek 2 folder. Actually my mom paid for some of that, too. She must understand that the above items are as necessary for getting me through school as new clothes are.

_____________________________________          

Madam Pince - Aug 20, 2004 11:26 pm (#2265 of 2955)    

Julia, glad to hear your mouth is feeling better. I was lucky like Padfoot when I had mine out; all four were impacted and got taken out all at once so I feared the worst, but I had no problems at all. They gave me Vicodin but I never even had to take one, and luckily didn't swell up either. The only problem was that I was soooooo hungry, but couldn't feel my lower jaw and chin at all, so I couldn't eat without dropping all my food out of my mouth! (Lovely mental image, that, no?) I finally figured out to use a mirror to eat so I could tell when the food was actually in my mouth.

I remember having to read & sign this disclaimer before I went in for the surgery, which essentially said "It is possible that you may die under anaesthesia. It is also possible that we may make a mistake and sever some vital nerve or tendon or something important which will mean that your jaw will hang open and you will drool constantly for the rest of your life. By signing on this line, you agree not to sue us if that should happen." Oh sure. By all means, let's get started. Can't wait.

I got burned with caramel once, too, Catherine. I was microwaving it to make caramel apples, and I took it out and tried to stir it, thereby disturbing an air bubble that had formed underneath. When the bubble popped, it shot flaming hot caramel right at my face, and landed around my eye. Fortunately I was wearing my glasses so I wasn't blinded for life, but it was a near thing, and I got a pretty bad burn near my eye for my troubles. I'm like you -- I've never made anything caramel-related since.

Penny L, you can send me all the apple Pop-Tarts that get left on top of the vending machine. I like them best of all! No icing please.

Best wishes and (condolences?) to all who are starting school again. The first week's always the worst, isn't it? It'll get better!

Madam Poppy, yay on the new car! You'll get lots of fun use with it, it sounds like.

Accio Sirius, where near Baltimore are you? Maryland, or DC or Virginia maybe? I'm on the Eastern Shore near Annapolis. Mike Miller is near Baltimore too. I think there are a few others in the DC area also.

Edit: Oh by the way, my washer got fixed yesterday, yay! One of my son's tiny little socks had somehow made its way over the rim of the tub and gotten jammed into the pump motor. So to the tune of $124, (what, about 1/3 the price of a new machine, right?) the nice man removed it for us. Anyway, at least it works now!

_____________________________________          

septentrion - Aug 21, 2004 1:34 am (#2266 of 2955)    

Chemyst, you needn't worry if you make fun with my language mistakes, that's part of the game when you try other languages.

Padfoot, what happened to your neighbour is really awful, I hope she'll find her good humour back very soon.

_____________________________________          

Acceber - Aug 21, 2004 7:20 am (#2267 of 2955)    

I like this conversation. I don't get Poptarts that often; my mum doesn't buy them and I only do if someone who has them at school is nice enough to give them to me . Poptart story: Once my dad and I were driving on the highway and we stopped at a rest stop for brain food. I got Poptarts. So he wanted a bite, I gave it to him, and he said something like, "How can you eat something like that? Pure sugar..."

The only thing I've ever got burned on is hot chocolate, in my mouth mind you, because I can never tell when those boiling hot ones are cool enough to be consumed. I've gotten burns that last until the next morning. Not fun. Which is why I don't exactly like hot chocolate anymore.

Sorry to anyone who got burned by anything.

Happy Birthday to Anyone Who Deserves It!

It's raining here and we were supposed to have a community softball game. Ho hum. *sings* Tomorrow, tomorrow, we'll play tomorrow, it's only a day away...

_____________________________________          

Accio Sirius - Aug 21, 2004 7:44 am (#2268 of 2955)
Edited by Aug 21, 2004 7:45 am    

Madame Pince, I love the Annapolis area--very beautiful. Great crab cakes and oyster shooters right there next to the water. Baltimore is also a great city. I'm an O's fan, right after the Pittsburgh Pirates (my hometown), seeing as there is no baseball team in Washington. I am right across the bridge from DC in Alexandria, VA. I know there are a couple of us right in the DC-Baltimore area! I'm hoping to make it to the gathering in Maryland next month. How about you?

_____________________________________          

Loopy Lupin - Aug 21, 2004 7:52 am (#2269 of 2955)    

Or any hot McDonalds Pud will do.-- timrew

Does "pud" refer to something specific or is that your general comment on McDonalds Food? (BTW, anyone see "Super Size Me"?)

_____________________________________          

Sinister Kittens - Aug 21, 2004 8:17 am (#2270 of 2955)    

Hi all - I know I haven't been around much, just lurking - soooooo Happy Birthday, Congratulaions, Commisserations and Good Luck to those that it applies to - and a big HELLO!!!!! to All!

I think Tim was probably referring to an English habit of referring to Puddings as Puds. Or at least I hope so, otherwise i'm going to be really embarrassed about breaking my long silence to talk about desserts! Hmmm I guess you could say that i'm motivated by food then huh?!

*Waves to HP Lexicon Family* Right i'm off to lurk again.

_____________________________________          

Catherine - Aug 21, 2004 8:20 am (#2271 of 2955)    

Yeah, Tim, I wondered what that meant, too!

Nice avatar, Loopy. Is "Super-Size Me" worth seeing? I haven't seen it.

I'm having a relaxing Saturday morning. I've let the kids fry their brains on cartoons and eat chocolate fudge Pop-Tarts (and I was VERY careful taking it out of the toaster). Go Slacker-Moms!

Hubby is out with his buddies this morning. Has anyone heard of Fountain Boats? There are made around here. Our neighbor across the street won a tour of the factory at a charity auction. Supposedly they are getting a ride in one of the really fast boats at the end of the tour. He was pretty excited.

I should probably do something constructive like weed the flower beds or give the dogs a bath.

Nah!

Have a good Saturday!

Hope everyone else is enjoying their morning.

_____________________________________          

Loopy Lupin - Aug 21, 2004 8:37 am (#2272 of 2955)    

Yes, "Super Size Me" was pretty good. Even if its very unlikely that anyone will try to live off McDonalds for three meals a day for any length of time, it was interesting to see what would happen trying to do that for 30 days. (It was also interesting because the guy's girlfriend is a vegan chef; she wasn't very happy about this.) (Random quote comes to mind: "I'm a level 5 vegan; I don't eat anything that casts a shadow.")

I thought pud might refer to pudding which I know, in British, can refer generally to desert or ice cream. That said, McDonalds has hot pudding?

_____________________________________          

azi - Aug 21, 2004 8:50 am (#2273 of 2955)    

They have heated apple pies...I don't go to McDonalds personally. Expensive and bad for you. Their sliced apple in bags cost more than in Sainsburys! (Sainsbury's is a supermarket if you didn't know)

Hmmm, interesting random quote, where's it from? Pud - I'd refer to it as a dessert or 'Yorkshire pud' - a savoury thing. I wish my mum would let me have pop tarts but she won't buy them or nice chocolatey cereal. I have to make do with rice crispies and cornflakes.

_____________________________________          

Catherine - Aug 21, 2004 8:52 am (#2274 of 2955)    

Yeah, Loopy, I can see how that might strain a relationship! I didn't know that vegans had levels. (It reminds me of the defcon levels in War Games.) The girlfriend's criteria seems overly strict, as I think that apples would cast a shadow (That reminds of the "fruitarian" in Notting Hill who believed that eating tree fruit was committing murder.) Maybe the chef only cooks and eats food in the dark!

My brother-in-law became a pretty strict vegetarian after he started dating the woman who would become his wife. She did most of the cooking, so I think at first it was kind of out of laziness, but now he seems to prefer it. I know it strained their relationship when he would eat meat at his parents' house. We would be eating meat in front of him, and he would be staring at it as longingly as the dogs did.

I commend anyone who can completely resist fast food. I myself have an addiction to Sonic and Bojangles that I would do better to overcome.

mmmm....Bojangles sweet tea and cajun fried chicken and biscuits....Sonic milkshakes...mmmm.

Maybe I'll load up the kids and we'll go clog our arteries for lunch. I'll have a complete Slacker-Mom kind of day.

EDIT: I just turned around, and saw the dogs cuddling together near my HP books, so I took their picture and thought you all might like to see it.



_____________________________________          

VeronikaG - Aug 21, 2004 9:43 am (#2275 of 2955)    

Awwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww!

They are so cute! Good to see Daisy's fur growing back.

Good advice to all of you complaining about your mom not buying pop tarts. Buy them for yourself when your parents let you stay home alone for a few hours. We don't have pop tarts, so I usually made cheese sandwiches when my parents were out. Just as unhealthy I'd say.

There are a lot of congratulations and good luck wishes going around, so I'd like to hand out some myself. But as I'm afraid of forgetting someone, I'll just leave the basket with congrats and wishes by the st. Mungo's main entrance, and you can go and pick them up yourself!

Is there a TV show where somebody is living on MacDonald's food for three months? Their clothes won't fit after that! MacDonald's is a fitness killer and a fashion killer of the grandest kind. I heard about a group of teens sewing MacD's for making them fat, they had eaten there before and after school, and before bed for three years, and gained a few hundred pounds. Apparently, they had become addicts.

Ah, Saturday. Time to do nothing much.

_____________________________________        

Loopy Lupin - Aug 21, 2004 10:42 am (#2276 of 2955)    

The "random quote" wasn't from the "Super Size Me" movie. At least I don't think it was. Can't remember where its from, but "vegan" just churned it up for me.

Yes, the apple pies could be what Tim was referring to. They are ridiculously hot.

Cute doggies! I think its safe to say that if reincarnation exists, I would like to come back as either (1) one of my dad's basset hounds or (2)one of Catherine's shih-tzus.

_____________________________________          

Doris Crockford - Aug 21, 2004 10:57 am (#2277 of 2955)    

Hmmm, I think Loopy's quote is from the Simpsons (the one where Lisa falls for the environmentalist guy and lives in the tree?), I'm not sure that vegans actually have levels.

Catherine, those are some cute dogs (and nice books- which one is on top? GoF? OoP? I've never actually seen the backs of the US covers). Daisy looks pretty comfortable there.

Veronika, Super Size me is a documentary (a movie), not a TV show. I don't think that I could actually watch someone who ate McDonald's food for that length of time without being completely grossed out. My brother kept bugging me to go, though.

_____________________________________        

Catherine - Aug 21, 2004 11:01 am (#2278 of 2955)    

Thanks, Doris.

It's GoF on top.

If reincarnation exists, Loopy, I want to be one of my shih-tzus, too! Imagine being able to lie around all day with a Harry Potter book!

_____________________________________        

Liz - Aug 21, 2004 11:26 am (#2279 of 2955)    

I like the picture w/ the HP books and the cute doggies...

I have good news... *hem hem* ok... My mom just called the manufacturers of my piccolo that we sent back to them and they are going to fix it with in the next few days and ship it back to me in a couple weeks...

Personally I was like... "I hope they lost it in the mail because the piccolo is the most out of tune and uglyiest screaching high instrument you can play."

But I hope I can make the piccolo sound better once I get the chance to practice it.

_____________________________________          

Loopy Lupin - Aug 21, 2004 11:32 am (#2280 of 2955)    

Hmmm, I think Loopy's quote is from the Simpsons (the one where Lisa falls for the environmentalist guy and lives in the tree?), I'm not sure that vegans actually have levels. -- Doris Crockford

Me, have random Simpson quotes flowing through my head? That's unpossible. 

_____________________________________          

Marie E. - Aug 21, 2004 2:03 pm (#2281 of 2955)    

Madam Pince, thanks for the SPEW moment regarding presurgery warnings. We had to sign a similar statement when Shayla was having eye surgery. She had just turned two a month prior so she was just a baby to us and here they were telling us it was possible she could be blinded for life. I was a month away from having Lexie and very hormonal so you can imagine my reaction. They did take her to surgery in a Little Tykes wagon, which was cute.

Liz, I remember my sister switched from clarinet to bass clarinet so she could be first chair. It's easy to be first chair when no one else plays your instrument.

I don't buy my kids Poptarts very often, mostly for the fact that if they're in the house I'll eat them too. My favorite was always the frosted strawberry. When I'm in a time pinch I've been known to give the kids Eggo waffles to eat in the car.

Lexie started kindergarten on Thursday and I didn't cry. I didn't cry because she took off and ran away from me without even looking back. I had to call her name five times to get her to come back and give me a hug. *sigh*

_____________________________________          

Catherine - Aug 21, 2004 2:36 pm (#2282 of 2955)    

Lexie started kindergarten on Thursday and I didn't cry. I didn't cry because she took off and ran away from me without even looking back. I had to call her name five times to get her to come back and give me a hug. *sigh* --Marie

**hugs Marie**

She sounds so well-adjusted. What a great mom!

_____________________________________          

timrew - Aug 21, 2004 3:40 pm (#2283 of 2955)    

Sorry about that, folks. It's two nations divided by a common language again! Yes, by 'puds', I meant 'puddings' or 'desserts'; and McDonalds does an apple pie that releases superheated apple 'lava' when you take a bite, which, on contact, dissolves your teeth.

For residents of the UK that watch Corrie (Coronation Street). Did you see the episodes this week involving Bobby Octon, the pervy night-club manager, who tries to seduce Leanne?

Well Bobby was played by a very old friend of mine, Tony Nyland, who in real life doesn't wear those Professor Trelawney glasses. He told me he couldn't see a thing through them, and they had to point him in the direction of the girl who was playing Leanne at the beginning of every scene.

_____________________________________          

Celestina W. - Aug 21, 2004 3:44 pm (#2284 of 2955)    

Hi all! I'm in a good mood right now because I've got my new HP soundtrack cranked up on the stereo. Wow, I'm such a nerd...

Congratulations to Madam Pince on the washer, Liz on the piccolo, and Marie on Lexie starting kindergarten (and anyone else I missed). I'm remembering my first day of kindergarten right now and it's making me feel really, really old.

I start school on September 1st. I've just realized that's only about a week and a half away and I am really starting to dread it. I wonder what the school would do if I just sat at home and refused to go? Probably they'd arrest me...oh well, it's my senior year, so the sooner I start, the sooner I can get it over with, right? Something like that, anyway.

Catherine, I see your dogs have got their priorities straight! Reading HP and sleeping, two very important activities.

Veronika, trust me, if cheese sandwiches were bad for you, then I'd be dead by now. Being the picky eater that I am, I've survived on them as substitute meals for most of my life.

I remembered what I forgot to talk about in my last post -- the Olympics! Way to go, U.S. athletes, especially gymnasts and swimmers. What a comeback by Paul Hamm the other night! That was a lot of fun to watch. Also, good job, Carly Patterson. My one problem with the female gymnasts, U.S. ones especially, is that they wear way too much eye makeup and glitter. And they're so darned perky-looking; it annoys me. They really are amazingly talented, though. I'd be lucky if I could walk across a balance beam without falling off. I also like watching the swimming. I agree, some of those guys are quite nice-looking (mainly Phelps, Piersol, and Thorpe). The other thing that bothers me about the Olympics is the female beach volleyball players wearing bikinis. Can anyone explain to me exactly why that is necessary for their sport?

_____________________________________          

Catherine - Aug 21, 2004 4:02 pm (#2285 of 2955)    

Hi all! I'm in a good mood right now because I've got my new HP soundtrack cranked up on the stereo. Wow, I'm such a nerd... --Celestina W

Uh-oh. Then we are Supra-nerds at our house, because the soundtrack is one of our faves, and it's playing in several rooms. Oh well, I kinda like being a nerd.

Thanks, Celestina for noticing that my dogs have sorted out THEIR priorities. I good a good chuckle about the comment. We might need to add feasting (it's in the books, after all) to their list of preferred activities of sleeping and HP.

Cheers on this Saturday night! Off to eat dinner.

_____________________________________          

boop - Aug 21, 2004 4:11 pm (#2286 of 2955)    

Hello Everyone *Waves to Everyone* Thanks for the support and hugs, I have felt everyone of them.

Catherine your puppies look so cute, and daisy's fur is growing back too.

_____________________________________          

ShelterGirl - Aug 21, 2004 5:30 pm (#2287 of 2955)    

Hi all! I'm glad everyone is having a somewhat peaceful weekend so far.

I got good news today, of a sort. I am now officially a kitten foster mom.

A tiny 8 week old black and white boy named Charley is living in my house now, ticking off my geriatric residents. He was brought to us alone last Saturday during the hurricane, and he still only weighs 1 pound 13 ounces. He is staying with me for 2 weeks to give him a chance to fatten up so he can be large enough to be neutered. He seems to be ok with Emma the Dog, but Emma refuses to even look at him, as if by not seeing him he isn't there. Koko, Bagheera, and Clancy the cats keep hissing at him, and he doesn't understand why. He isn't afraid of them though, too much.

I took him home because all of the other foster litters currently have respiratory infections, and no one in my house is sick. We're trying to keep him well, and make sure he can go to a good home.

Three cheers and a butterbeer for Charley! The kitten who blew in on the wind...

Julie

_____________________________________          

The giant squid - Aug 21, 2004 6:00 pm (#2288 of 2955)    

   "I hope they lost it in the mail because the piccolo is the most out of tune and uglyiest screaching high instrument you can play."



And here I thought the oboe was the screechiest, most godawful noise in the band...although my (and Marie's) sister's choice of bass clarinet was right up there. It sounds like an overweight goose with a head cold.

Speaking of my sisters, it sounds like Lexie (my niece) is taking after Bekki (the bass clarinet-playing sister). Bekki always liked school too, for some unknown reason...

Catherine, Daisy's looking well. She seems to be dealing nicely with her furlessness. I suppose curling up with a good book helps.

--Mike

_____________________________________          

haymoni - Aug 21, 2004 6:02 pm (#2289 of 2955)    

McDonald's apple pies are not the atomic bombs they once were. When I was a kid....they looked something like a flattened eggroll with a bubbly crust and you had to bite off one corner and let it "vent" a bit before you could actually bite into it. They were great! That was back when they used REAL oil to cook the fries and everyone was singing the "Big Mac" song. "Two all beef patties..."

The first taste of hot chocolate must blister the tongue. I think it is a rule.

Attention Cat Experts:

My cat, Smog, (yes - he's dark grey.) is now 13 years old. He has lost a ton of weight, he eats and drinks constantly and likes to pee on piles of shoes/clothes. I am guessing diabetes. If I take him to a vet, would they actually give me something to help him or will they just tell me to keep him in the garage? He was my first baby and I am more than willing to spend the bucks if it will actually help. Anyone been there before?

_____________________________________          

Catherine - Aug 21, 2004 6:39 pm (#2290 of 2955)    

Haymoni, I am not a cat expert, but it sounds like Smog might need some good advice. Change in habit and behavior is a good reason to talk to an expert. Call your vet; it might not be as bad as you think. It could be as simple as an infection. ** sympathizes over the stuff that's been peed upon ** I haven't been there with a cat, but I have had dogs with special needs. I also have known (through friends) dogs who needed insulin, and the owners gave them a daily shot. These owners were M.D.s, but I don't think it's rocket science for a loving pet owner, or the average HP fan. **hugs Haymoni about her cat**

Thanks to everyone who noticed that Daisy's fur is growing. She still looks strange to all who knew her "before," but she's cuting up. She actually is getting a sweet, puppy look going. It must be the HP influence!

Our house is almost back to normal. The dehumidifier has made life much less allergenic and stinky. I highly recommend this device.

Shelter, good for you! I envy you and your sweet, tiny kitty! You will have fun with this little baby, and then you can see it go to a good family. I laughed at your description of Emma ignoring the kitty, as though this would change things. I always roll my eyes at people who claim that dogs do not have emotions, and say, "Yeah, that's what YOU think!" **hugs Emma and tells her that she doesn't need to worry about the cute little kitten**

Dogs definitely know who is who and what is what.

_____________________________________        

Celestina W. - Aug 21, 2004 6:56 pm (#2291 of 2955)    

Haymoni, I'm not a cat expert either, but I'd also say that it might not be as bad as you think. My 10-year-old cat Blizzy (short for Blizzard) started acting very strangely this spring; he was walking like it hurt to move, sleeping even more than normal, and just not being himself. Anyway, my mom and I were quite convinced that he was dying, and when she took him to the vet, I was positive that he'd have to be put to sleep and I'd never see him again. It turned out that he just had a urinary tract infection and was slightly anemic. We had to give him pills for a month (not easy ), but he seems to be fine now. I hope Smog is all right.

Shelter, here's hoping Charley grows up nice and healthy and finds a good, loving home. Kittens are the cutest things in the world. Think you can post a picture?

_____________________________________          

ShelterGirl - Aug 21, 2004 7:19 pm (#2292 of 2955)    

Haymoni-

Email me. I have a diabetic cat. It definitely sounds like diabetes to me, but go to the vet to be sure, immediately if not sooner. It sounds like it's complicated with a UTI. It is a TREATABLE disease, and any vet who tells you otherwise is not worth your time.

Clancy had those same symptoms. He's wonderful now, and I couldn't love him more.

I'm removing the restriction from my profile so you can email me. Please do.

Julie

_____________________________________          

Mynn - Aug 21, 2004 7:22 pm (#2293 of 2955)    

My friend also has a diabetic Cat. With treatment he does very well and he's the sweetest cat you could ever want to meet.

_____________________________________          

True Love - Aug 21, 2004 8:28 pm (#2294 of 2955)    

Haymoni, sounds more like urinary tract infection - one of my female cats had that but the vets were able to clear it up. She is currently taking medicine for a hyperactive thyroid (she is 15 yrs old). We just crush the pill up and put it in her food or with a bit of milk.

Shelter, how I wish I can see your foster-kitten Charley. Feel free to send me a photo to my email address. How sweet of you to take the little guy in.

Nice to see everyone is providing advise regard young or older cats. They really are nice to have around, even if they cause us a bit of grief.

_____________________________________          

MzWhizz123 - Aug 21, 2004 9:15 pm (#2295 of 2955)    

Well, am I the only person on Earth who has NOTHING ELSE TO DO ON A SATURDAY NIGHT than to chat up Harry Potter?

Jeez! I feel like such a bore!

_____________________________________          

Round Pink Spider - Aug 21, 2004 10:20 pm (#2296 of 2955)    

It's 12:15 in the middle of the night in Minnesota, and I finally just mailed off my ENORMOUS newsletter (46 pages *gasp*, twice the normal size!). Those of you on the mailing list should have it (probably before you read this). Anyone who wanted it and didn't get it, please let me know.

Have a great Sunday, everyone! G'night.

_____________________________________          

True Love - Aug 22, 2004 4:31 am (#2297 of 2955)    

Pink Spider, I would love to see your newsletter! I used to produce a newsletter but it was for the office. I would much rather read about Harry Potter than public health workers. My email is not blocked.

_____________________________________        

True Love - Aug 22, 2004 4:38 am (#2298 of 2955)    

It is 7:30 in the morning (EST). I doubt if there could be anything new since I logged off last night at 11:30pm. This site is a wonderful distraction from the sad thoughts haunting me in my day-to-day life right now. It keeps the demons at bay. Keep posting folks and have a good day, ay.

_____________________________________          

boop - Aug 22, 2004 4:58 am (#2299 of 2955)    

RPS, I would love to be put on your mailing list for the newsletter. My e-mail is boop196078@hotmail.com

True Love, I understand where you are coming from. I too read this thread and it usually puts a smile on my face. There is lots of support here, if you ever need it just let us know. If you would ever like to just talk about anything that is bothering you, I have msn: screen name is my e-mail address, and I also have aim: screen name is onebtbp. So feel free to add me if you have either and would like to talk one on one.

I have spent the weekend in Ohio, visiting forum friends. I leave today for home. This was a good break from everything that has been going on with me. Just what the doctor ordered. I hope everyone is having a wonderful weekend as well. Jim(Mischa Fan) and I are going to the zoo, for the day.

I hope I have not missed anyone birthday, if so please let me know so I can add you to my list. I have only 2 more birthdays for this month to post, so if your birthday is coming this month please let me know. We have alot of birthdays in Sept. So for anyone whose birthday I might have missed Happy Birthday.

HUGS to everyone!!!!!

_____________________________________          

True Love - Aug 22, 2004 5:11 am (#2300 of 2955)    

Thanks Boop - I took you up on your offer.

_____________________________________        

ShelterGirl - Aug 22, 2004 5:23 am (#2301 of 2955)    

Betty-

I hope you have a wonderful time at the zoo. Just remember not to let Jim insult the hippogriffs.

Julie

_____________________________________          

boop - Aug 22, 2004 6:33 am (#2302 of 2955)    

Julie thanks I will. I will remember that with Jim and the hippogriffs. I was thinking of seeing if they would like Jim to join the monkeys, hehehe. He would probably have way to much fun with them. I will do my best to keep Jim under control, but it will be a tough job.hehehe

_____________________________________          

Sherbie Lemon - Aug 22, 2004 7:31 am (#2303 of 2955)    

Catherine, I'm glad you tried the mustard and I'm happy it worked for you. Neither my husband nor I ever use mustard as a condiment, but it sits in our fridge in case we suffer a burn. I have no idea how it works; I'm just happy it does!

Haymoni, my cat had bladder stones and a urinary track infection a few years ago. He used to come into the living room and squat in front of me, I assume to tell me that something was wrong. At first I just thought he was being his weird little self and had developed some new quirk, but he soon began to howl while squatting, and try as he might to pee, nothing would come out. I took him to the vet and they told me had I waited any longer to take him in, he would have had to have a permanent catheter. Luckily they were able to remove the bladder stones and we put him on a special prescription diet that contained a lot of sodium, which caused him to drink water, thus keeping his urinary track healthy. I definitely think that your cat has a similar problem, or diabetes as Julie suggested. Regardless, I would take him to the vet ASAP.

_____________________________________          

haymoni - Aug 22, 2004 9:54 am (#2304 of 2955)    

Thanks all on the kitty advice. I just didn't want to hear "Your cat is old, there is nothing we can do."

I'll let you know how Smog-man fares.

We also have a Sheltie named "Tiny" (runt of the litter) and another cat who I swear looks just like Minerva when she transfigures. My husband named her Kelly after Kelly Holcomb (at that time he was the Cleveland Browns quarterback - now he's the back up.) If I had only gotten to her first - "Minerva" it would have been! Alas, earwax!

_____________________________________          

Round Pink Spider - Aug 22, 2004 11:30 am (#2305 of 2955)    

True Love and Boop, I have forwarded our back issues and the latest issue that went out last night (I should warn you that I'm overwhelming you with reading material -- all of that adds up to about 130 pages, I think!).

Boop, I'm having some failures delivering to your e-mail address. My guess is that it was just too much all at once, since the first two issues went through. I'll try sending the remaining issues (3,4, and the special movie issue) again, maybe over the next day or two, to give you time to receive them.

_____________________________________          

[Chris.]Chris. - Aug 22, 2004 11:33 am (#2306 of 2955)    

Round Pink Spider, thanks for the new issue! ^_^ Always a wonderful read, and things just make so much sense now.

_____________________________________        

SarcasticGinny - Aug 22, 2004 1:11 pm (#2307 of 2955)    

Haymoni - Maybe Minerva can be Kelly's "middle name"...? Sounds like a beautiful cat. I thought the one they used in the film was a gorgeous cat, so by extension, she must be a pretty girl. Good luck with Smog too, I hope the doctors treat your kitty with the respect he deserves. (I do love the name Smog).

Round Pink Spider - I'm sorry, I had to scan through the posts rather quickly yesterday...issues of what?

_____________________________________          

wormsé - Aug 22, 2004 1:34 pm (#2308 of 2955)    

RPS- If it isn't too much trouble, I would like to see your newsletter as well. If you can send it, email it here: pinkgrapefruit@yahoo.com Thanks!

Betty- I hope you have lots of fun at the zoo and keep your eye on Jim!

Haymoni- I hope things are all worked out for your cat. I love cats, have 5 of them myself.

_____________________________________        

Richard !!!Reid - Aug 22, 2004 1:42 pm (#2309 of 2955)    

Hi everyone. I would just like to post my site... http://wc4.worldcrossing.com/webx?14@@.1ddeae41

It's clearly not as good as the Lexicon, but I would be thrilled if some of you would visit it.

Richard.

_____________________________________          

Catherine - Aug 22, 2004 3:15 pm (#2310 of 2955)    

Boop, it's great to see how excited your are about your visit.

Did Jim "monkey around?" Oh, I wish I could have seen it.

Loopy Lupin, did you make a splash at the pool party? **has image of Loopy doing giant cannonball and splashing innocent bystanders after sipping firewhiskey**

Julie, your cat advice was great. I'm coming to you next time for therapy before I go to the vet! How's little Charley doing? Is Emma still being standoffish?

We've been cleaning today. Call me Molly Weasley. I HATE TO CLEAN! Quadruple ick. Total furniture moving, dusting under beds, behind couches. My allergies are killing me now. We rearranged all the furniture and have rolled up the rugs to send them out to be cleaned. Boxed up old toys to donate, cleaned gutters, that kind of thing.

Hope everyone enjoyed their weekend. I'm having a proud moment right now thinking that hubby officially has tenure at 9 a.m. tomorrow when the convocation starts at his university. Yeah, tenure!

_____________________________________          

Leila 2X4B - Aug 22, 2004 3:20 pm (#2311 of 2955)    

Tenure, Catherine ? That is wonderful news. Congratulations to you and, of course, your hubby!!! I am pleased to note that my "other baby", Tommy(my little "alley" Cat) is in perfect health and is not even close to being obese. My vet was so thrilled.

Leila

_____________________________________          

Gina R Snape - Aug 22, 2004 3:35 pm (#2312 of 2955)    

Hiya all.

I just wanted to share some 'frustration' from today. I was playing Scrabble with a friend and wouldn't you know it but I could have (but wasn't able to) spell BOGGART, KIPPENDO and ACCIO today. I need to play with Potter people who understand those are REAL words!!!!

Also, question: Have we had a recent influx of new members in the past few days? Over the past week or so I've been busy, but I'm finding my 'usual' threads with like 200+ new messages. Just got me wondering.

_____________________________________          

Ozymandias - Aug 22, 2004 4:11 pm (#2313 of 2955)    

Hello everyone!

I'm so relieved. The great dorm move ordeal is complete. I'm mostly unpacked, and loving my cute little apartment!

Haymoni, I hope your kitty is feeling better soon.

Congratulations to Mr. Catherine's Husband on his new tenure!

Gina, I've had that same problem with Scrabble. My father and his narrow minded ideas that if it's not in the dictionary, it's not a word. Pffft.

Betty, I'm so glad to hear you enjoyed your vacation! Did you see any Dudley-like gorillas at the zoo?

And with that, I will bid you all farewell.

EDIT: Yeah, it does seem like there are more posts lately, but it could still be from Edinburgh and the door opening.

_____________________________________          

True Love - Aug 22, 2004 4:39 pm (#2314 of 2955)    

Oz - glad to hear the great dorm move went well. Hopefully no more sleepless nights. Now the task of unpacking...

_____________________________________        

Lupin is Lupin. Natch. - Aug 22, 2004 5:14 pm (#2315 of 2955)    

Gina, I can understand your Scrabble frustration. I'm kind of a Scrabble geek and actually keep Travel Scrabble and The Official Scrabble Dictionary in my car--laugh all you want folks, but when the kids are in school my girlfriend and I can while away the hours at Starbucks in a blissful kid-free and hot beverage-filled haze. My friend is very relaxed about the rules and is also an HP fan so I'm sure she would allow the inclusion of HP related terms. If they're not part of the OED yet, I'm sure they will be soon. Has anyone checked the OED for LOTR terminology?

I once tried to entice a forum friend into a nice little game of Travel Scrabble but she was a non-Scrabble player and could not be persuaded. ***casts a still-horrified look at Julia***

My husband is also a willing Scrabble player and Starbucks coffee drinker so he has also spent time in a comfy chair for a rousing game of Scrabble. Alas, he is constantly outmatched as he is only a lawyer and I was an English major. ***waves furiously at Loopy Lupin and Catherine Allen***

_____________________________________          

Catherine - Aug 22, 2004 5:33 pm (#2316 of 2955)    

[]i]Alas, he is constantly outmatched as he is only a lawyer and I was an English major. ***waves furiously at Loopy Lupin and Catherine Allen*** --Lupin is Lupin[/i]

**Waves frantically back at Lupin is Lupin and Loopy Lupin**

LOL! I adore Scrabble. My hubby is pretty good for a chemist who was almost an English major and almost a lawyer! **looks around and waves furtively at Chemyst**

We had some "issues" early on though, because he wouldn't count some of my words. I pulled out the Oxford English Dictionary, and he relented. Of course, he likes to include chemical or scientific words that practically no one would ever know **waves to Chemyst again**, which always annoyed me. We now like to try to make up words to see if the other person will risk a challenge. It's a great triumph if we can be sneaky enough to get a faux word by! Keeps the game exciting. He laughs that he can only beat me if he cheats by adding up the scores wrong. Took me a while to catch onto that one!

Another game I like to play is "Acquire." Any Acquire fans on the Forum?

I'm off to catch up on some posts, so I don't have to cheat and hit "mark as read." See you guys around!

_____________________________________          

Gina R Snape - Aug 22, 2004 5:48 pm (#2317 of 2955)    

You don't live in or near NYC, do you Kim? I am always dying to find new people to play with. None of my friends want to play with me anymore because I always win.

_____________________________________          

Lupin is Lupin. Natch. - Aug 22, 2004 5:56 pm (#2318 of 2955)    

I haven't been to NYC since I was seven years old, Gina. But if you ever find yourself in Boston, let me know, I'm always up for a game.

_____________________________________          

I Am Used Vlad - Aug 22, 2004 6:26 pm (#2319 of 2955)    

Gina, I just have to ask. Did you have a chance to play BOGGART and KIPPENDO in the same game? And would you have received the 50 point bonus for playing BOGGART, or was one of the letters already on the board? If I'm ever in NYC(or Boston) I'll play a game. I love Scrabble.

_____________________________________          

Round Pink Spider - Aug 22, 2004 6:30 pm (#2320 of 2955)    

Round Pink Spider - I'm sorry, I had to scan through the posts rather quickly yesterday...issues of what?

Sarcastic Ginny, that would be issues of "The Cupboard Under the Stairs," which is the Harry Potter Club newsletter that I write once a month.

Glad you liked it, Prongs! :-D

Wormse, I'll be happy to send it to you, but I usually send the back issues too, because I have this really annoying habit of referring constantly to previous articles in back issues. With the latest issue that went out last night, that comes to about 130 pages of text (just to warn you!).

_____________________________________          

wormsé - Aug 22, 2004 6:33 pm (#2321 of 2955)    

That's perfectly fine, RPS! It shall give me something to do! Thanks muches.

EDIT: Of course, looking back now... I realize it isn't going to work simply because I typed my email wrong. *blushes* It's really pinkgrapefruit07@yahoo.com Sorry! *hangs head in shame*

_____________________________________        

TwinklingBlueEyes - Aug 22, 2004 6:50 pm (#2322 of 2955)    

RPS, I hate to bother you again, but could you send all to me one more time? I have lost two hard drives it the last two days, not to mention all data on them. At this point am on friends computer and REALLY need something to do to take mind off evil computers!

I think the squibbytoad got loose in my computer tower. :-)

_____________________________________        

Gina R Snape - Aug 22, 2004 6:59 pm (#2323 of 2955)    

Yes, Nimrod. I had TWO HP seven letter words (i.e. where I could use all seven letters in my hand). You can only imagine how much it killed me to not be able to put them down...

_____________________________________          

Marye Lupin - Aug 22, 2004 7:00 pm (#2324 of 2955)    

Wow I've been away for almost a month!

I'm feeling terrible right now. I just said goodbye to my best friend. We're both leaving for college next week and I might not be able to see her until December (She's in Boston I'm in Maryland). I thought I was used to moving (my dad's in the foreign service so we move every few years) but I realized today how much I'm going to miss her. I've only known her for two years but we have so much in common and she's been such a wonderful friend. I keep trying to tell myself we can stay in touch but I've moved so many times and it never really happens...

I'm sorry for bringing this up here but I needed to "talk" about it with someone. My parents just shrugged and said I'll make new friends (Of course I'll make new friends but I don't want to lose my old ones).

_____________________________________          

MzWhizz123 - Aug 22, 2004 7:09 pm (#2325 of 2955)    

Marye: Being 40+ in years, I, too, have had to say good-bye to many friends. The interesting thing I have found is that when I see some of them again, one of two things happens: We either acknowledge the relationship and do a bit of catching up then go our separate ways again, OR it's as though we have not been parted for long and just pick up where we left off!

This past summer I had the good fortune to become re acquainted with the girl who was my closest friend all through high school. We have not seen each other for nearly 20 years! But after we stopped screaming and hugging, the years simply melted away and we were goofy teenagers again.

Keep in touch with your friend and make a DATE to get together again and KEEP IT! Sounds like you have a good thing going!

_____________________________________          

boop - Aug 22, 2004 7:15 pm (#2326 of 2955)    

Marye, feel free to email me anytime. I will be glad to talk with you. I understand that feeling because I am going through the same thing. If you have msn you can reach me there by boop196078@hotmail.com or if you have aim here is my screen name onebtbp.

Yes I had a great time at the zoo. They didn't want Jim, so I couldn't leave him there. My trip was nice, good to see Tracie and her family again and Jim.

Have a great Monday everyone.

_____________________________________          

Eponine - Aug 22, 2004 7:15 pm (#2327 of 2955)    

Marye, I know how you feel. My best friend has been in Alaska for the past year and will be there for another year at least, but the year before last she was in Israel for a year getting her master's degree. We weren't able to keep in touch that much when she was in Israel (It's something like an 8-9 hour difference), but since she is at least in the US, it's much easier now. It's only a 4 hour difference now, it's like we're practically next door neighbors! E-mail is wonderful. It is possible to keep in touch when you live in different parts of the country. I do hope you are able to keep in touch with her. Do set a date to see her, maybe you could both come home on the same weekend.

_____________________________________          

virgoddess1313 - Aug 22, 2004 7:29 pm (#2328 of 2955)    

RPS... I'd like to recieve your newsletter as well, if its not too much trouble.

Marye, I can certainly sympathize. My best friend and I were at college together last year, but this year she is going to a school in Kansas to be with her fiancee. I really only have 2 close friends, Jenn, the one in Kansas and Amanda (or Conig, as I call her)who also goes to a school a decent distance from me. The internet has proved invaluable in keeping in touch, although we talk on the phone occasionally and make plans to meet when we can. Its hard, but you'll make it. And you will make some new friends. You may not be as close to them as your other friend, but that will still help things to be easier for you. Good luck and hugs!!

I start school tomorrow... Latin and religion bright and early on the first morning.. ick. What was I thinking? Oh well. Can't wait until next year when I transfer schools. Very excited about that. I am also a little excited and nervous about starting my new job tomorrow.

I hope everyone had a great weekend and has a wonderful week!!

_____________________________________          

Marye Lupin - Aug 22, 2004 7:40 pm (#2329 of 2955)    

Boop-- Thank you for the offer. I would love to talk with you via e-mail if you want to. Unfortunately I am going to the beach for three days so I will be without internet access but maybe when I get back I'll e-mail you. (my e-mail is maryk_angel@msn.com)

The wierd thing is that every other school I've been to the other students were mostly in the same situation as me-- Their parents had jobs that involved moving every few years. It was pretty much an unspoken understanding that a large percentage of the people in our classes were going to leave every year so I never really let myself get too attatched. I haven't had a best friend in a really long time. It was wierd when I moved the last time in tenth grade because it seemed that 90 percent of the class had known each other since at least the sixth grade (there's only one middle school that feeds into my high school) and they had all formed tight knit groups. Now it feels so much harder to leave all the people I've gotten to know. I feel like it's a little worse for me because this was the first time since I was very little that I have let myself feel like I belong somewhere and now I'm leaving.

This one friend though means a lot to me. She basically introduced me to most of my other friends and I can talk about things with her that I can't discuss with anybody else other than my sister. I guess you could say she understands my inner dorkness (I already dread showing my roommate that my CD collection consists of almost nothing except musicals and movie soundtracks and that I have a poster of the British royal family tree -- and this doesn't even cover that small Harry Potter obsession of mine)

Edit: I really need to go to bed! I'm practically falling asleep-- I'll "see" you all in a few days when I get back from the beach.

_____________________________________          

Solitaire - Aug 22, 2004 7:44 pm (#2330 of 2955)    

Twinkling, what HAVE you been doing to your computer? It sounds like Umbridge may have set some Cornish Pixies loose on it! Mine has been misbehaving rather a lot lately, too.

None of this bodes well, as I begin a week of teacher meetings and workshops tomorrow, followed by lesson plans in the evening and kids next Monday. Waaaaaaaaahhhhhhhh!! Summer vacation is definitely over.

I will miss being able to post as much as usual and will probably have to trim the number of threads I watch closely. This forum has been a breath of fresh air ... not to mention a chance to sweep the cobwebs out of my brain! I have really enjoyed getting to know those with whom I regularly exchange ideas--in fact, I feel as though I've spent entire days with some of you! LOL

I hope you all have a great week!

Solitaire

_____________________________________          

Round Pink Spider - Aug 22, 2004 7:57 pm (#2331 of 2955)    

Wormse, that would explain why I got those 5 notifications that there was no such e-mail address on yahoo! I'll try again.

Twink, I'm with Solitaire! Good heavens! Have you been tap-dancing on your CPU or something? Sure, I'll send 'em all along, it's no trouble since I'm sending them off to Wormse anyway.

Virgoddess, I'll send them to you at the same time.

Boop, I'm still trying to get all the issues to you. It looks like you've got all of the back issues, but this month's issue still hasn't gone through. I'll try again tomorrow.

_____________________________________          

boop - Aug 22, 2004 8:00 pm (#2332 of 2955)    

Marye, Have a fun time at the beach. I will look forward to us e-mailing each other.Good night

RPS thank you I have the other newsletters. You should be able to send the new one then. Sorry my e-mail is being such a pain.

_____________________________________        

Julia. - Aug 22, 2004 8:04 pm (#2333 of 2955)    

*puts hands on hips and looks over at Kim* Ok, fine, I admit, I'm not a Scrabble player. So sue me.

Betty, glad to hear you had a good trip. I hope you bothered Jim a lot in my absence.

Catherine, mazel tov to you and hubby on Tenure. It's good times.

Marye, I'm sorry you're not going to see your friend as often as you'd like. I'm still very very close with my friends from high school, and I start my second year of college next week. Since we graduated over a year ago *gasp* I've seen them very few times. Of the seven of us, I still go to school with only one, and the campus is so big I almost never see him. The internet is a wonderful thing for keeping in touch with my friends. I see them rarely, but thanks to AIM, I talk to them all the time. It just makes you value all the time you do spend with your friends.

Phew. I had a really long day today. I'm on the board of the Jewish Student Assocication, and we had our first meeting today. My friend Ben and I spend the afternoon comming up with ads to get people to come to make Shofars and learn about Kaballah. Advertising is really hard! But the good part was that we went to a BBQ for dinner. My friend Josh got married three days ago and didn't bother to tell us! We got to see him and meet his wife tonight, and it was an all around good time. Phew, I'm tired. I think I'll just go off and read the rest of the forum now. Have a good evening everyone!

_____________________________________          

Pinky - Aug 22, 2004 8:12 pm (#2334 of 2955)    

Ooh - Julia - did you hear about the recent event where a whole bunch of people blew on shofars to get into the Guinness Book of World Records? I'd love to come and make one. And I don't play Scrabble either. So there.

_____________________________________          

Round Pink Spider - Aug 22, 2004 8:15 pm (#2335 of 2955)    

What a neat idea for a world's record!

OK, Boop, I'll send that now. G'night, everyone!

_____________________________________          

Julia. - Aug 22, 2004 8:23 pm (#2336 of 2955)    

Really Pinky? I actually did not hear that. That's awesome! What a cool world record.

_____________________________________          

Gred-n-Forge - Aug 22, 2004 10:19 pm (#2337 of 2955)    

Wow, lots of posts to wade through! Happy birthday to all who had birthdays so far this month (Leila, your daughter is so cute!) Betty, I'm glad to hear you had a good time on your trip, and here's a hug from me since I missed the group hug. To all others who went on trips, I hope you had a good time.

I'm glad to hear nobody was hurt during the hurricanes.

After reading all the stories about burns, super glue, etc, I can definitely relate. I'm surprised I have any fingerprints left. Yes, Pop-Tarts get pretty hot. Which is why I quit heating them. I guess I fall in the ranks of "not-so-good-moms", since my kids eat 'em quite a bit (but, hey, at 5:30 in the morning, when we have to leave the house shortly after 6. . .). It hasn't been so bad ever since they learned to fix their own bowls of cereal on the weekends!

Been a busy week for me. . .the kids started school this last Tuesday. It's still a bit of a jolt for me when they do start school--my son is now in 2nd grade, and *sniff* my daughter is now a 1st grader. Work has been going pretty nuts for me, I've been going in at strange hours, working 6 days a week. Oh, and I recently got a learner's permit to learn how to ride a motorcycle!

Liz, congratulations on your getting 1st chair. (See? All that practice does pay off!)

And, oh, all the tooth stories. I think my worst experience with getting a wisdom tooth pulled (mine came out, one at a time) was when I was about 4 months pregnant with my son. I had a abscessed wisdom tooth that was so bad I couldn't close my mouth, and Tylenol wasn't helping any with the pain, so in I went to the dentist that morning. Needless to say, I had virtually no anesthetic when the tooth was pulled (quick little surface swab on the surrounding gum, that was it). It was probably my most painful experience with a dentist.

_____________________________________          

The giant squid - Aug 23, 2004 12:27 am (#2338 of 2955)    

Scrabble!! Unfortunately, I haven't played hardly at all since my grandmother died (way back in '84), since the only other person I know with as large a vocabulary as me is my cousin--and his is bigger. No one will play Trivial Pursuit with me either... My grandma was the undisputed queen of Scrabble, though--you never needed to bother checking the dictionary, she knew whether it was a word or not. My grandpa used to try to trick her, but never succeeded.

Marye, I know how you feel about losing touch with a close friend. Since I moved to Las Vegas three years ago I've seen my best friend twice. He lives in the L.A. area (Thousand Oaks, for those of you familiar with SoCal)--only a 4-5 hour drive--but got in a car accident about 6 months after I moved & has been dealing with major back problems ever since. Sitting in a car for an extended period of time is sheer torture. The worst part is he's not real good at answering e-mails, either. I'll go for months without hearing from him, then send out a "Are you still alive?" e-mail and get an"I'm really really sorry..." response. He says he'll be coming out around Thanksgiving, though, so we'll see what happens.

_____________________________________          

boop - Aug 23, 2004 2:47 am (#2339 of 2955)    

Half Blood Princess today is your special day!!! So Have a wonderful Day Michelle!!!!!

Happy Monday Everyone!!!!!

_____________________________________        

Fawkes Forever - Aug 23, 2004 4:39 am (#2340 of 2955)    

Half Blood Princess... cool name... Happy Birthday to ya

Hey Betty.. hope you're having a good day Heres a hug just in case

I've also been a victim of the 'lava' poptarts... I burnt the roof of my mouth with one... actually ended up spitting the offending bite back out unto the floor... which would have been the day my parents has guests over... *cringe*. Needless to say, my Mum said that was the first & last time she'd ever buy poptarts!

Tim... wow, your mate is in Corrie Street.. too cool. He's the guy with the Trelawney style specs no less. Hee hee, you know I was just wondering the other day if he could actually see out of those jam jars.... hee hee! He's very funny, wonder if they will extend his part... it's much funnier than a lot of the others in the show! I also have a mate whos been on tv a few times... even guesting as a patient on Holby City (UK Hospital Drama), & a few Irish movies. My own brush with 'acting' is that when I was at school, I appeared in an ITV saturday morning kids TV show once... I even got a speaking part, alas I never even got to see the programme...

Stupid work had been keeping me distracted of late, indeed I haven't been near the forum since last week.... wednesday I think, so many unread posts & the 'cheat' button (mark as read) for the entire forum is looking like an option... oh well.

Jules... nice to see you popping back in for a quick chat... you have been missed!

Hope you are all having a nice monday... weather is mad here at the moment... torrential downpours one minute & loads of sunshine the next! Just off now to try to read as many posts in my lunch break. TTFN

_____________________________________          

Catherine - Aug 23, 2004 4:48 am (#2341 of 2955)    

They didn't want Jim, so I couldn't leave him there.—Boop

Oh, no, Betty, an early morning SPEW! Glad to hear that you and Jim had fun at the zoo, even if you had to take Jim home again.

Marye Lupin, I think a lot of us know how you feel. I didn't have a best female friend for years (not until college, which is a long time) after my best junior high friend suddenly moved to Texas. **waves to Lisa, who would never visit the Forum** We cried and pouted, and our parents allowed us to take family vacations together every summer. She and I went to Europe after we graduated high school, and she was the maid of honor when I got married.

We can still pick up the phone and it is like we're thirteen again. In fact, Lisa works in New York City, and came to watch me when I was on a show that was being filmed. The hardest thing in the world was knowing that she was in the audience and not being able to turn around and look at her! At that point, I hadn't seen her in person for over ten years. But it was just like old times. We traipsed across NYC, shopping and eating and drinking and it made my whole year. And the female friends I made in college **waves to Caroline and Robin, (who also would never be on the Forum, alas earwax)** were worth waiting for. I can remember seeing them both standing in our dorm suite after a long summer's absence, and we would all start crying because we were so happy It was like finally coming home.

Have a good Monday. Only I hour and 13 minutes until "official tenure." I will be doing a happy dance at that time! Woo-hoo!

_____________________________________          

mike miller - Aug 23, 2004 5:44 am (#2342 of 2955)    

Good Monday Morning to all!!!

Catherine - Congrats on your husband receiving tenure. A real milestone.

Betty - I'm so glad you had a great day at the zoo. I echo Julia's sentiments regarding "bothering" Jim.

It's been crazy for me over the last few days and it's really just picking up steam. Last Friday I had the opportunity to shoot a round of sporting clays (shotguns and moving clay targets simulating various hunting situations) with my best friend and his boss. A great time had by all. Saturday I played in a softball tournament with my church team. Four games in one day, I sure could have used some of Madame Pomfrey's Pepper-up Potion. Saturday night in Ocean City, MD. Sunday, driving home (3 hours) to cut the grass. We have a 2 acre lot, so it takes a couple of hours. This moring I fly to Florida for a 4 day business trip.

I can relate to the moving and leaving friends. I've moved five times since going away to college. I still keep in touch with one or two of the friends I've made along the way. The best thing about the most recent moves is that they were related to work and my best friend's wife worked for the same company so they moved too!

Happy Birthday in advance for all those having birthdays this week!

Well, off to the airport. I hope they have high speed at the hotel!

_____________________________________          

Kasse - Aug 23, 2004 6:08 am (#2343 of 2955)    

Wow you go away for the weekend and come back and there are 86 new messages. I had a very average weekend – I get to move into a new flat next week so I am really excited.

Julia – I like the new avatar. Glad to hear that you are feeling better, hopefully you will not look like a chipmunk for too much longer.

Ozy – Did you move yet? How did that go?

Loopy Lupin - "Super Size Me", yes I saw it. All I can say is I am glad that I gave up fast food a year ago, but I agree who in there right mind would live off that stuff for a month. For all who have not seen it, I would say it is quite interesting.

Catherine Allen - That picture of your dogs near the HP books is so cute!Glad to hear that the dehumidifier is still working wonders. By the way I kinda like being a nerd too

Celestina W. – I do not have the PS soundtrack is it good? I have the POA one and I love that, I listen to it when I am in one of my moods and it always cheers me up.

ShelterGirl – Good for you for taking that kitten in. He does sound really cute, keep us posted.

RPS – I got the newsletter I have not read it yet but thank you for sending it out.

True Love & Boop – yes this site definitely keeps the dementors at bay. I tell you reading this site and listening to the POA soundtrack is all I need to get my mood back up.

Thanks to everyone on this site for being so lovely *hugs all of the HP Lex family*

Richard Reid – I have not checked out your site yet but I promise to give it a look.

Gina – I feel your frustration, they should allow real words into scrabble, where are peoples priorities? I am in NYC so if you ever need a scrabble buddy let me know. (though I admit I am not too good at the game so you have been warned) Speaking of board games how about HP monopoly? That would be great.

Marye – I know how you feel I am in NYC and I have one best friend in Scotland and another one in South Africa, yeah it is tough but thank god we live in an electronic age.

Michelle - happy birthday

Ok I am off to read/post. Have a great day all.

_____________________________________          

Chemyst - Aug 23, 2004 6:14 am (#2344 of 2955)    

Boop, a trip to the zoo sounds like the perfect diversion right now. I once had a teacher who described our study hall as a zoo. It would be hard to produce an analogy more insipid and less true. We could not walk around at leisure. We could not enjoy the natural light of the sun or breathe in fresh air. We were not even supposed to turn our necks and gaze around at what little view we had. No laughter. No sense of wonder. No exclamations of delight. No, a study hall is not a zoo. Some of the administrators on the other hand, they might be animals...   porcupines come to mind.

Ah, Scrabble. My set is gathering dust. I used to have a hard time finding people to play with too, but I haven't really bothered looking since I got Internet.

Marye, distance is not always a death for a friendship. I have two friends from my school years that I'm still in contact with, even though we haven't lived in the same state since before you were born. Of course, it helped that we were good letter writers, and now e-mailers. **wonders how life would have been different if we'd had instant messaging back then**

Happy Birthday HBPrincess.

_____________________________________          

TwinklingBlueEyes - Aug 23, 2004 6:23 am (#2345 of 2955)    

Do any of you Scrabble players play online? I know there are several sites where you can play in "real time". Am a domino player myself, but I remember seeing several places to play word games, board games, etc.

_____________________________________          

Gina R Snape - Aug 23, 2004 6:39 am (#2346 of 2955)    

TBE, I've never looked into playing Scrabble online. That is an interesting idea. Though, part of why I like to play with friends is to get away from the computer

Kasse, you are in NYC?! Why didn't you tell me sooner?!?! You have to join our NYC meetup in September. Who knows, Jack might even show up...

But seriously, email me privately and let's chat. Oh, and I nearly forgot to mention that I have the SS/PS 'trivial pursuit' game.

_____________________________________          

Round Pink Spider - Aug 23, 2004 6:41 am (#2347 of 2955)    

Happy Birthday, HB Princess!!!

Virgoddess, your e-mail address couldn't handle the flood of incoming newsletters and kicked Issue 4 back out. I'll try again later.

Have a good Monday, everyone!

_____________________________________        

Catherine - Aug 23, 2004 6:41 am (#2348 of 2955)    

Some of the administrators on the other hand, they might be animals...   porcupines come to mind. --Chemyst

As a former teacher, I have to say that porcupines didn't come to mind for me! I was thinking of boa constrictors, slowly squeezing the life and breath out of learning. Or cockroaches (which I had in my room--eeuurggh!), scurrying around and taking cover whenever bad things came to light. Or, maybe since I'm in a charitable mood this morning, maybe just donkeys.

Cheers, y'all! Oh, and Happy Birthday HalfBlood Princess!

_____________________________________          

ShelterGirl - Aug 23, 2004 8:18 am (#2349 of 2955)    

Good Monday everyone!

Half Blood Princess, happy birthday!

I've finally bitten the bullet and created a mini-page so folks can see photos. The foster kitten is on there as well.

here's the address:

http://homepage.mac.com/juliesummerell/PhotoAlbum1.html

Hope everyone has a great day.

Edit: The mac.com site won't allow me to post this as a link for some reason. Go figure.

Edit #2: Ok, now it works...

_____________________________________        

Catherine - Aug 23, 2004 8:21 am (#2350 of 2955)    

Hey, Shelter! **waves**

I tried the link, but got a "sorry" page instead

I really did want to see those pets! I'll try again later.

EDIT:

Yeah, Julie! They are all so cute. I really liked Emma's picture. She looks like she's trying to be tolerant and pathetic because you brought Charley home. I love Glory's name, and she seems sweet. I hope it works out for the two of you. Nice Harry Potter books in Koko's picture!

_____________________________________          

Kasse - Aug 23, 2004 8:24 am (#2351 of 2955)    

awww shelter the pets are really cute. I love animals. Charley is so tiny, but cute as a button, posed very well for the camera as did Bagheera2 and Koko

_____________________________________        

Padfoot - Aug 23, 2004 8:59 am (#2352 of 2955)    

Happy Monday everyone. And Happy Birthday Half Blood Princess!

Well I took my car into the body shop this morning. It should be finished by Friday. I got a rental car from Enterprise, a Mazda M3. I have never heard of it or seen it before, it's a small red car. The sales guy tried to talk me into renting a fancier car, an SUV in fact. But I really don't want to pay lots of money for a car I will only be using in town.

ShelterGirl, your foster kitten is really cute.

All those poptart injury stories make me glad I don't eat them. I have only tried a poptart once in my life, strawberry I think. This was years ago, back when they first came out. It tasted like cardboard with sugar. Now those toaster strudels are pretty good.

Have fun on your trip Mike!

Sounds like you had fun Betty. I always love going to zoos and aquariums.

I hope everyone who is starting school/new job today has a great day!

_____________________________________          

Accio Sirius - Aug 23, 2004 12:58 pm (#2353 of 2955)    

Happy Birthday HB Princess!

Have you Scrabble fans read Word Freak yet? It's a great book. The writer is a really nice guy too--he's trying to entice my husband to join his local Scrabble club. My hubbie was the South Western Scrabble champ back in the early 80s. He was dubbed the Bobby Fischer of Scrabble until he basically fell out of the game, for which I am thankful as I have seen and met the really serious national competitors! I won't play him anymore. It's too humiliating. He does play on line, and I'm sure would love to meet up with anyone really interested in a challenge (Mike, Gina or Kim perhaps?). And I think it would be great to use HP words. It would do him good to get his behind kicked every once in a while!

Hope everyone has a good Monday. We did some major cleaning last week, so the office actually echos now because all of the junk is gone. It's so liberating. I hope it lasts the rest of the month! LoL.

_____________________________________          

Leila 2X4B - Aug 23, 2004 1:52 pm (#2354 of 2955)    

Happy Birthday HBPrincess.

Julia, aghast, my dentist wants me to schedule an appointment to have my wisdom teeth removed.

Chipmunk city here I come.

The burn story I have is a bit different. My daughter came in the room when I was about to drain the Spaghetti and ran into my back, sloshing the water(boiling) down on my stomach. Youch. Luckly, I am big enough, hehe, to block her from getting splashed, but youch the same. It hurt soooo badly. It was like having a sunburn in an instant. Still, nothing compares to biting into a Lava flavored Poptart, that hurts too.

I was the reigning Scrabble Queen in Highschool. I won all of the tourneys that we had. So Scrabble players, watch out.

_____________________________________          

mike miller - Aug 23, 2004 2:58 pm (#2355 of 2955)    

Well I made it to Sarasota without incident! Something one of my co-workers cannot say (the infamous lost luggage). I guess if you have to go away on business, there are a lot worse places than Florida.

The hotel has high-speed - HOORAY!!!

Hopefully, I will not fall any further behind on the postings than I am already. *resist the mark as read option*

I only have an hour until dinner, off to check a couple of my favorite threads. Have a great week everyone, especially those just starting school.

_____________________________________          

haymoni - Aug 23, 2004 3:07 pm (#2356 of 2955)    

Hi guys - another "quiet" evening - have to leave around 8:00 pm to pick up my son at baseball practice - it's not enough to play all summer - he has to play "fall ball" too. Oh well, when he's pitching at Jacob's Field, I won't be complaining.

Gina - I have SS/PS Trivial Pursuit also. I refuse to move the pieces around the board and collect "pie slices". We just ask the questions. It's always fun to play with my husband since he has only seen the movies. He actually isn't too bad at guessing the right answers though.

Smog is going to the vet tomorrow. Vets around here charge an arm and a leg, so we take our animals to the vet where my sister-in-law works. Hubby is taking him. He's much better at these animal things. I do better with the kids.

Have a good evening all!

_____________________________________          

True Love - Aug 23, 2004 4:22 pm (#2357 of 2955)    

Happy Monday everyone. The folks who were off on holidays in August are slowly trickly back to work, which means I can't sneak off to read HP stuff as much as I like. And when I do, my system at work crashes. I dare not call in the tech. folk or they will know instantly what sites I've been visiting. Really cannot justify the HP sites with my work yet but I am working on it. I am organizing a "take your kid to work" day - maybe tie it into that.

Boop - what zoo did you visit? I love zoos but the more "modern" ones. I like the Toronto Zoo and love to photograph the animals there.

Shelter Girl - loved your photos. What heart breakers you have there. Must spend a lot of time just hugging the little critters.

I promised to be off the computer at 8pm EST so my husband can use it so must fly to check out new postings and see who is on the chat line. Will probably sneak back on when he goes to bed. Will see. Love chatting will all of you and reading all the posts.

Talk to you soon - hopefully.

_____________________________________          

Hem Hem - Aug 23, 2004 4:33 pm (#2358 of 2955)    

Wishing everyone on the forum a great year. I'm leaving for school tomorrow, so this will be my last day on the forum until June. Thank you all for the great discussions, the firendship, and the good times. I hope that if I stop back here a year from now, I'll find the forum flourishing-- with discussions about HBP.

Fondly,

Jackie

_____________________________________          

ShelterGirl - Aug 23, 2004 4:48 pm (#2359 of 2955)    

Good luck Jackie.

Be safe and have fun.



_____________________________________        

boop - Aug 23, 2004 5:10 pm (#2360 of 2955)    

Jackie, Gone for a whole year, I will miss you. If you must be gone the whole year, good luck. I hope you have a wonderful year at school. If you do get a chance please stop by and say Hello. It won't be the same without you Jackie. Take care Jackie, BIG HUGS to you!!!!

True Love, I was at the Cleveland Zoo.

_____________________________________          

haymoni - Aug 23, 2004 6:09 pm (#2361 of 2955)    

Jackie - Best Wishes to you!

(Are you sure you can't sneak away to the Forum???)

Boop - how'd you like the Rain Forest? I still like watching the elephants. Wish they had more room, though. The gorillas are always facinating as well. So are the giraffes.

_____________________________________          

Pinky - Aug 23, 2004 6:57 pm (#2362 of 2955)    

Jackie! We will miss you terribly. If it is ever possible for you to check in with us, please, please do! Hurry back when your year is up. Have lots of fun, and take advantage of every opportunity. I can't wait to hear about all you are able to do.

_____________________________________          

boop - Aug 23, 2004 7:01 pm (#2363 of 2955)    

Haymoni, I liked the Rain Forest. Alot of the animals were active yesterday so we got to see them moving around not just laying there. The polar bear just paced back and fourth. There was a black bear in a tree. Its a good place to go and forget about what is going on in your life. I love watching the animals. I wish there was a zoo close, because I would probably visit it weekly.

_____________________________________          

Julia. - Aug 23, 2004 7:03 pm (#2364 of 2955)    

Jackie, have a wonderful time in Israel! I hope you learn a lot and come back a great scholar, then I can bug you with all my annoying questions. If you had a spray of chocolate sauce... Anyway, have more fun than is legally allowed and be safe. Hugs to you!

Awwww, poor Leila, good luck with your wisdom teeth, I hope you don't look too much like Alphred Hitchcock.

_____________________________________          

True Love - Aug 23, 2004 7:07 pm (#2365 of 2955)    

I love zoos too. The Toronto Zoo is a 4 hour drive away and since it takes all day to tour it I don't go too often. My husband doesn't like zoos so I either go alone or with another photo buddy. I will try to post some of my photos. I've had some good success with zoo animals but sometimes they are just too far away. I end up with small black speck - wildabeast in a field.

_____________________________________          

Leila 2X4B - Aug 23, 2004 7:34 pm (#2366 of 2955)    

I am so excited. I get to go away with my Bean and a friend to Cape Cod for four days. The only problem is no net. I shudder to think of state of my in-tray...

_____________________________________          

Acceber - Aug 23, 2004 7:48 pm (#2367 of 2955)    

Jackie-have a great time away from the Forum-for a year???? I haven't even been a member for a year. We'll miss you.

Happy Birthday Half Blood Princess!

Julie-loved the pet pics. As the owner of two beautiful cats, all I can say is awwwwwwwwww...

Julia-I love your (not-so-)new avatar!

Scrabbble-I for one prefer Boggle: much easier for smaller brains and played with a timer so certain people don't take hours doing one word. I was playing yesterday and wrote down "Knut" as a joke. The people I was playing with didn't understand it until I told them.

I love ranting about meaningless gunk...As some of you know, I'm in the Adirondacks currently, at my summer house for about 2.5 weeks. It's not very nice (the house itself); wet, cold, noisy and a very yucky color yellow. So, after years of putting it off, we (that is to say, my mum and her three siblings) are building a new one, farther away from the busy road and into the woods. Meaning we have to sort through everything to find out what we want to keep and what we don't. The process hasn't exactly started yet; we're doing the bulk of it come Labor Day Weekend. I feel like Sherbie . And of course, it might all be for nothing, since they might not be able to dig the new foundation if too much rock is in the way. *sigh*

I'm done wasting your time. Have a good night/afternoon/morning everyone!

_____________________________________          

virgoddess1313 - Aug 23, 2004 8:00 pm (#2368 of 2955)    

RPS... I got all of the newsletters, thank you so much!!!

First day of school and work today. It was a little hectic, but overall not too bad.

Putting my two knuts in on the Scrabble thing, I love the game. I could stand for a good deal of improvement, its true, but I did go buy the computer version of it since I have no one else to play with.

Hope everyone has had a good Monday!!!

_____________________________________          

Viola Intonada - Aug 23, 2004 8:04 pm (#2369 of 2955)    

Wow, this summer has bone by fast. My children go back to school tomorrow.

I thought I would have a chance to catch up on the forum this summer and post a lot more often, but then my brother sent home an XBox with my children. I have finally completed both "Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets" and "Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban". So hopefully that addiction is now abated and I can get back to my original addiction to the Forum.

Boop, are you in my neck of the woods again? Howdy if you are, I know I haven't been in the chat room in a while. *Hangs head in shame* Hope you are doing well. I will "chat" soon.

_____________________________________          

Lupin is Lupin. Natch. - Aug 23, 2004 8:04 pm (#2370 of 2955)    

Scrabble-I for one prefer Boggle: much easier for smaller brains and played with a timer so certain people don't take hours doing one word. – Acceber

Why do I feel like you were looking at me when you said that, Becca? Have you been talking to one of my Scrabble scrappers? I admit to spurning the clock when composing my words, but all in the sake of quality.

PS. I love Boggle. I believe there is a travel version of that as well.

_____________________________________          

Gina R Snape - Aug 23, 2004 8:05 pm (#2371 of 2955)    

Jackie! They have got internet in Israel, you know. A whole year? A whole year?!?! Oye. Well, best of luck to you.

_____________________________________          

Julia. - Aug 23, 2004 8:08 pm (#2372 of 2955)    

Oy, Kim, I GET THE POINT! I am not a fan of travel games! I'd much rather just sit there with my CD player and go to sleep.

On a different note, woo-hoo! I get my stitches out tomorrow! No more string in my mouth, yay!

_____________________________________        

Viola Intonada - Aug 23, 2004 8:10 pm (#2373 of 2955)    

Gina, as usual you have the funniest avatars. I love it!

Jackie! Goodluck in school. Good luck to everyone else headed back to school, too!

_____________________________________          

Hem Hem - Aug 23, 2004 8:11 pm (#2374 of 2955)    

Hehe, Gina. I'm gonna have an email address, but the place I'm going doesn't allow web browsing. Then again, if I go away for Shabbos and the family I'm staying at has internet, maybe I could stop by for a peek. But alas, when you only have moments to look at the forum, it's not so easy to get involved in the discussion. We'll see!

_____________________________________          

Ozymandias - Aug 23, 2004 8:12 pm (#2375 of 2955)    

Oh no! Poor Jackie. I don't know how I'd survive with no internet for a year. Well, I'm sorry to hear you won't be around, and you will be missed. But have a fantastic time!

Acceber, I'm with you. I'm much more of a Boggle person than a Scrabble one. I don't have the patience to sit and compose the perfect word. I just do the first one I find. So Boggle is perfect for me!

Happy Birthday Half-Blood Princess! *HUG*

_____________________________________          

Lupin is Lupin. Natch. - Aug 23, 2004 8:34 pm (#2376 of 2955)    

Oy, Kim, I GET THE POINT! I am not a fan of travel games! I'd much rather just sit there with my CD player and go to sleep. -- Julia

Um, Julia, I wasn't even thinking of you when I wrote that. It was just a reference to my geeky fondness for travel/word games.

_____________________________________          

Julia. - Aug 23, 2004 8:38 pm (#2377 of 2955)    

Ahh, *blushes* never mind then.

_____________________________________          

Eponine - Aug 23, 2004 8:47 pm (#2378 of 2955)    

I have a question for the British members of the forum. Well, at least I think it should be directed towards you. What exactly is Turkish Delight? I saw a candy bar called that at an import store today, and I could not discern anything about it except there was some chocolate involved. I would appreciate it if someone could enlighten me on this matter!

_____________________________________          

boop - Aug 23, 2004 9:09 pm (#2379 of 2955)    

Michelle, *Waves and gives her a great big hug* I have missed you. Yes I was in town just for the weekend. Sorry I didn't call while in town. I haven't been in the chat room to much either. I hope to talk with you soon. Maybe I will just have to pick up my phone and give you a call. Michelle I have been going through some pretty rough times, but hopefully things are going to get better each day. Take care, good to see you back.

_____________________________________        

Denise P. - Aug 23, 2004 9:20 pm (#2380 of 2955)    

I love Boggle, I just recently got a travel version of it. If you like Boggle, try a similar game online called Bookworm at www.popcap.com

Turkish Delight - ugh! I don't like it, it is a chocolate candy but to me, it tastes like perfume. It has rose water in it, that is probably why I think it tastes perfume-y. I think it must be an acquired taste which I don't have.

_____________________________________          

Marie E. - Aug 23, 2004 10:02 pm (#2381 of 2955)    

Mentioning Turkish Delight makes me want to read The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe.

I just spent four hours in Brownie Leadership Training, so my brain is wee bit fried. And I have an incredible urge to make crafts.

My brother is right about our grandma being the Queen of Scrabble. I wish she was still around, now that I'm old enough to know big words. And though no one likes to play Trivial Pursuit with Mike, I can boast that I beat him once. once.

_____________________________________          

The giant squid - Aug 24, 2004 12:31 am (#2382 of 2955)    

   And though no one likes to play Trivial Pursuit with Mike, I can boast that I beat him once. once.



It was a fluke. A fluke, I tell you. A once-in-a-lifetime sheer dumb luck kind of thing.

Gina, I played the SS Trivial Pursuit once. My wife also found "The Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone Trivia Game (Prefect's Edition)" on clearance a couple Christmases ago at a local toy store chain (KayBee's, for you American types). The game mechanic is heavily swiped from TP, but the feel is very Potter-esque. When Marie was out for my wedding last March we were quizzing each other from the cards; Shayla was getting as many right answers as either of us were!

A big hug for Betty, just because...

Happy Birthday, Michelle!

--Mike

_____________________________________        

Marè - Aug 24, 2004 12:33 am (#2383 of 2955)    

Turkish delight are a kind of turkish candy. They are very, very, very sweet. Denise is correct about the rosewater. Originals don't have anything to do with chocolate, so my best guess is that your chocolate bar is filled with it. It looks like this:



PS You know when scrabble takes a long time? When you play it with two french guys and one doesn't understand english too well and has to look up every possible combination in the dictionary...

_____________________________________          

Fawkes Forever - Aug 24, 2004 1:12 am (#2384 of 2955)    

About Turkish delight, in the UK they sell it in bars covered in chocolate & they also put small squares of turkish delight covered in chocolate into boxes of chocolates.

Denise you are right... Turkish delight is an acquired taste! Infact I'm the only one in my family that likes them... which means when we get a box of chocolates with turkish delights in them, I get to eat them all Funny, they aways remind me of Edmund in 'the Lion the Witch & the Wardrobe' too!

Jackie... a whole year.. I guess I missed saying Cheerio! But I'll say goodluck & hope to 'see' you soon anyways

I like scrabble, but can never find anyone willing to play. I also am a bit of a crossword freak... that is I like doing them... not that I'm actually very good... but I get enough answers...

I'm so jealous that you guys can buy SS edition of trivial pursuits... wow... too cool! Wish you could buy that over here. Anyway, enough waffling... Happy Tuesday everyone... oh & a hug for Betty & a hug for anyone who needs one

_____________________________________          

septentrion - Aug 24, 2004 2:56 am (#2385 of 2955)    

turkish delight with chocolate ? what an abomination ! I like them...hem...too much. And you can find some filled with nuts or so...stop thinking of turkish delight...very difficult, nearly time for lunch...

It's been ages I haven't been playing scrabble, you make me feel like I should buy a game. I'm sure to beat my husband but I'm not sure to convince him to play.

Marè, at least you could find two french guys who understand English. Do you know how you call a person who can speak only one language ? a frenchman !

I'm probably too late but good luck for you Jackie !

Betty, hope you are better day after day *hugs*

_____________________________________          

VeronikaG - Aug 24, 2004 3:45 am (#2386 of 2955)    

Can anybody tell me why I'm not walking out of class right at this moment, because that's what I want. But it's like I can't. I'm sneaking into the forum during a lab session at school. I don't understand anything we are doing, and there is no way I'm going to be able to do the assignment we need to hand in by next Monday to be allowed to take this class. I have almost decided to take another elective class instead, so why am I still sitting here? Is there any good psychological explanation to why I don't do a "Hermione in divination" here?

Sorry about this very unusual post.

_____________________________________          

Leprechaun Jack - Aug 24, 2004 5:23 am (#2387 of 2955)    

*Gina-Kasse, you are in NYC?! Why didn't you tell me sooner?!?! You have to join our NYC meetup in September. Who knows, Jack might even show up...*

I had a SPEW moment I was drinking coffee at the time! My schedule is starting to lighten up I might actually be able to make it.

Jackie- You will be missed, I had a friend who went to Israel not to long ago and said that there are a few Internet café's around. So maybe you might be able to pop in now and again.

To everyone I missed HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!

Boop- Great big HUG

Jack

_____________________________________          

Marè - Aug 24, 2004 5:33 am (#2388 of 2955)    

Marè, at least you could find two french guys who understand English. Do you know how you call a person who can speak only one language ? a frenchman !

Oh, that's my worst fear when I go to France next month. I can read and understand a bit of it still (french in highschool is more than 8 years ago...) But I don't think I can make myself understandable.
Found No french harry potter so far, but I got my hands on an "Alice in wonderland". Let's see what I can make of it...

And Veronika, I really don't know what you should do, so I'll just go for "good luck!"

_____________________________________          

Acceber - Aug 24, 2004 5:50 am (#2389 of 2955)    

Kim-no, I wasn't looking at you when I made the point about people taking too long, it was actually directed at my dad. He tries to find a seven-letter word with every combination of letters, thus doubling the game length time. Of course, Boggle is timed for three minutes and you get 11 points for a seven-letter word, so I'd have to say he enjoys that more.

I woke up too early *yawn*. Off to read more Forum...

_____________________________________        

Catherine - Aug 24, 2004 5:56 am (#2390 of 2955)    

Veronika,

As someone who was possibly the most inept lab person ever, I can relate to your post. I actually frustrated one Biology professor so much that he ordered me through gritted teeth to "go home" because he couldn't tolerate my presence any more that day. Come to think of it, maybe that's why I like reading about Snape so much! (The irony of all of this is that I am married to a chemsitry professor!)

Do you need this lab for your major or to graduate? If you do, at least make an appointment to talk to the professor or the T.A. about what you don't understand. It also might be worth getting to know your classmates to see if anyone else can clue you in. I guess what I am saying is to speak up, and don't suffer in silence.

Oh, suffering. We had a tough night last night. I thought Hayley just had a bad cold, but ugh, it was so much worse. She ended up with one of her yearly viral-induced asthma episodes that had us both up all night. This morning we realized that she has a stomach virus, too. Poor thing. She's sacked out of the couch watching Disney movies through glazed eyes, looking sad.

I am consuming major caffeine this morning, but so far it is not working. I think I look like one of Loopy Lupin's bassett hound "siblings" today.

Hope everyone else is having a good morning.

Bye, Jackie! **waves to Hem Hem ** Learn loads and have a great time. We will miss you!

_____________________________________          

Round Pink Spider - Aug 24, 2004 6:01 am (#2391 of 2955)    

Oh, Catherine, I can SO relate after all our recent illness! My major sympathies and long distance *HUGS*! I wish I could come and help you out, so you could get a nap!

_____________________________________        

Loopy Lupin - Aug 24, 2004 7:20 am (#2392 of 2955)    

Oh, sorry you've got a "sickie" there Catherine. I usually find that a little "Princess Bride" is in order.

_____________________________________        

azi - Aug 24, 2004 7:29 am (#2393 of 2955)    

Awww Catherine, I feel so sorry for your kid. Hope she gets well soon. Bad asthma is always horrible, but with other illness as well? Even worse.

Well, the house is being prepared for the fitting of new windows tomorrow. My mum is insisting on cleaning the house *before* the fitting. Strange...

Hope everyone is having a great day!

_____________________________________        

Kasse - Aug 24, 2004 7:34 am (#2394 of 2955)    

Hello all ….just two days left till Friday – thank goodness

Gina - I sent you a short email about september, when you get a chance let me know.....

Leila (Sleeping Beauty) – when is the appointment to have your wisdom teeth removed scheduled for? Good luck let us know how that goes. When is the trip to cape cod?

Jackie – have a great school year and “see” you in June

Julia – the stitches com out today right? Hope you are feeling better.

Catherine Allen – so sorry to hear about Hayley I hope she feels better soon. Sending lots of hugs.

Ok hope everyone has a good day. Take care

_____________________________________          

Padfoot - Aug 24, 2004 8:10 am (#2395 of 2955)    

I have always wondered what Turkish Delight tastes like. Can it really taste so good that you hop in a sleigh with a witch and agree to trick your siblings into visiting a strange castle? I have never seen it in stores, but I have always wanted to try it. I have a hard time imagining it to be better than chocolate.

_____________________________________          

Catherine - Aug 24, 2004 8:10 am (#2396 of 2955)    

Thanks for the sympathy, everyone. RPS, You had the sicky thing much worse then we do here, but thanks for the offer of a nap. It sounds SO tempting...but I can't! **pouts**

Actually, I found out a little while ago that "we're" (read: husband ordered them) having aquarium fish delivered today. I'm not really fond of acclimating fish to the aquarium. I almost poured a fish down the sink one time, and now it makes me a nervous wreck. (Kind of makes you have sympathy for my long-ago lab professors and T.A.s!)

Ugh. Maybe Hayley and I should watch "Princess Bride and have a few giggles.

See you all around!

_____________________________________          

Lupin is Lupin. Natch. - Aug 24, 2004 9:20 am (#2397 of 2955)    

Actually, I found out a little while ago that "we're" (read: husband ordered them) having aquarium fish delivered today. I'm not really fond of acclimating fish to the aquarium. I almost poured a fish down the sink one time, and now it makes me a nervous wreck.---Catherine Allen

Catherine sometimes I feel like we have strangely parallel lives. We got my son fish on the condition that I would not be the one to take care of them. They give me the willys. Well, no surprise to anyone, I'm sure, I was the only one to take care of them. I did fine for a while but over time we were left with just one in the tank. Do you know what happens if you don't take a dead fish out of the tank? Let me tell you...they sit in suspended animation till one day, they just evaporate. Fascinating when you think about it.

_____________________________________          

Flame Alligator - Aug 24, 2004 9:39 am (#2398 of 2955)    

Hey everybody! I am back. I was ecstatic in Holland. Ecstasy must be stressful as I, who never gets sick, became ill near the end of my visit. Thanks to natural remedies and an understanding friend, I got better as was able to continue my sight seeing my last day there. I was sad to leave and happy to be home where I finished recovering. While I was in Holland, I felt cramped like everything was tight there, even when I was outside. After arriving home, I felt the openness, of this country. I actually feel the size of this country. Not just my city and state but all the states from coast to coast, border to border. I can feel America from "sea to shining sea" as my friend said to me.

Next on my agenda was a veggie burger. I had lots of wonderful moments in Holland but a couple of days there I was ready to "kill" for a veggie burger and a smoothie.

Timrew, Sarongs are great. I can wear them as a skirt, dress or a wrap in the evening. I did not get to wear them in Holland but I had planned to go dancing in one of them. I guess when I go back there I will get the chance.

Julia, I left some of my souvenirs behind....... keychains and stickers. I will have my friend pick up an extra one for you. Sorry, I did forget. I remembered someone liked key chains but could not remember who. They have some very cool key chains in Amsterdam. I will get one for you.

Happy Birthday to all who's birthdays I missed.

Boop, an uplifting hug to you.

I did see an Internet café but my friend was so busy showing me the city, we did not get a chance to stop and take a quick peek at the Lex or check my e-mail.

Good to be back.

Goedemiddag

_____________________________________        

Gina R Snape - Aug 24, 2004 9:43 am (#2399 of 2955)    

Mike, I do have the "Prefects Edition" of the game; I just said Trivial Pursuit because it's close enough...

Kasse, I got your email and I apologise for not writing back yet. I will.

Jack, glad to hear your spew function is intact.

_____________________________________          

Catherine - Aug 24, 2004 10:08 am (#2400 of 2955)    

Do you know what happens if you don't take a dead fish out of the tank? Let me tell you...they sit in suspended animation till one day, they just evaporate.--Lupin is Lupin

LOL, Kim! I think we do lead strangely parallel lives. I like looking at the fish from behind the safety of the aquariuam glass, but I don't like even the remote possibility of touching them. Ick. **Catherine has extreme girlie moment and shivers with the collywobbles**

I think you're right about the evaporating fish. We've gone away for the weekend, and had fish "missing." Not a trace. No floating corpse. My husband even moved rocks looking for the fish, and could never find them. **more collywobbles** I do not stick MY hand in the tank.

Now, this tank was supposed to be for my husband and the kids. I don't clean it or maintain it besides feeding the fish if I have to, but for some reason my husband manages to order fish and then says, "Oh, by the way, you need to be here all morning for when the fish come." The Fed Ex man delivers more fish to our house than anything else, and he always wants to know what it is "this time."

Now, take today for example. I find out at the last minute that fish are coming. Do I know what kind? Do I know anything about these fish? Nope.

So imagine the EXTREME panicky girlie moment when I'm ladling water into the shipping bag, and this 4 inch fish jumps OUT of the bag toward my face and goes into the aquarium. So much for acclimating that one slowly. I never had a chance.

I call up my husband to report this episode, and he casually says, "Oh, yeah, I got a wrasse, and they are real jumpers. You're supposed to watch that they don't jump out of the tank." WHAT? I realized that I had left the canopy lid open while I floated the other fish's bag in the tank. I ran over and closed the lid. Thankfully, this fish did not jump out of the tank and onto the floor. It was quite nerve-wracking to open up the lid to complete the acclimation for the other fish. That stupid wrasse kept looking at me like he was going to jump.

We were going to have grilled salmon for dinner tonight, but somehow I think I've had enough fish for today.

_____________________________________          

Marè - Aug 24, 2004 10:34 am (#2401 of 2955)    

Next on my agenda was a veggie burger. I had lots of wonderful moments in Holland but a couple of days there I was ready to "kill" for a veggie burger

Okay, you obviously went to the wrong places Flame . I'm a vegetarian and I can tell you that if you go to the right supermarkets and restaurants they have great veggieburgers. (Or other meatreplacements for that matter)
McDonalds even has one.
The one thing I don't like about going abroad is the lack of choice in my food compared to home.

I guess "home sweet home" is one of these things that go for every peron in the world. Glad you're back in one piece though, have fun catching up.

_____________________________________          

Padfoot - Aug 24, 2004 10:47 am (#2402 of 2955)    

Welcome back Flame!

Catherine, your fish story is funny. I have a small 20 gallon fish tank at home. I only keep small fish that do not jump. Although having a jumping fish would be really neat to watch. I love watch my fish, it is very relaxing. The only problem I have is keeping paws out of the tank.

_____________________________________          

Julia. - Aug 24, 2004 11:16 am (#2403 of 2955)    

Flame! Welcome back! I'm so glad to hear you had a good trip. Don't worry about a key chain for me, I was kidding! Sorry you got sick twards the end there, but I'm thrilled that you're better now.

Catherine, thanks for that story, it made me laugh quite a bit, and my mouth didn't hurt! My fish story isn't very exciting. When I turned eight my parents got me two fish for my brithday. They died shortly there after because my then five year old sister put way too much lotion on her hands, and then stuck them in the tank. Turns out that fish don't like swimming in lotion-infested water. Who knew?

Anyway, I'm off to see the oral surgeon to get the string taken out of my mouth. Have a good afternoon everyone!

_____________________________________          

Catherine - Aug 24, 2004 11:55 am (#2404 of 2955)    

Congrats on the de-stringing, Julia. Glad I didn't hurt your mouth with that story.

I also apologize if anyone was eating anything while reading that post. Hope no one lost their appetite reading about dead fish.

_____________________________________          

septentrion - Aug 24, 2004 12:02 pm (#2405 of 2955)    

It's always so fresh air to read this thread !

Flame, good to see you back and safe at home !

Julia, in a few days, you won't even remember you had wisdom teeth once.

Catherine, I need more than dead fish stories to make me lose my appetite. Maybe if I could smell them...

_____________________________________        

Ozymandias - Aug 24, 2004 12:10 pm (#2406 of 2955)    

Welcome back Flame!

The closest thing I have to a dead fish story actually belongs to my former roomate. This is a warning: do not put Dasani in your fish tank. She was changing the water, and was out of the purifier droplets, so she figured that bottled water would be safe. Not at all. The poor thing was dead within 24 hours. So I'm not drinking Dasani water anymore.

* thinks about smell of dead fish and does the girlie shudder*

I'm off to Ikea now to buy a bookshelf for the new apartment. Can you believe that in an on-campus apartment designed to be lived in by four college students, there is not a single bookshelf?

_____________________________________          

Leila 2X4B - Aug 24, 2004 2:48 pm (#2407 of 2955)    

Wayne, I love the new avatar and quote. I was going to mention Troy McClure when I requested you do another Phil Hartman character. McClure is awesome.

Leila

_____________________________________          

Catherine - Aug 24, 2004 3:13 pm (#2408 of 2955)    

May I agree with Leila and say that I enjoy the "Troy McClure" incarnation that Loopy Lupin currently has as his avatar.

I admit to a "Phil Hartman" nostalgic moment.

Thanks.

_____________________________________        

haymoni - Aug 24, 2004 3:25 pm (#2409 of 2955)    

Hi guys! Hope all is well.

Smog the cat is not only diabetic, he is SEVERELY diabetic.

They took some blood and whatever number he had was 3 times worse than what he's supposed to have. And the vet told my husband that since we hadn't fed/watered him since midnight, his REAL number was probably 5 times as bad.

They gave him some sort of pill that we have to give him twice a day for 10 days. If that doesn't work, it's insulin time.

My co-workers laughed at me when I told them that I asked for Cat Advice on the Forum. I know where to find the smart people!!!

Thanks again!

_____________________________________          

Catherine - Aug 24, 2004 3:31 pm (#2410 of 2955)    

Oh, Haymoni,

You are the smart one. You diagnosed him. I'm SO glad that he's gotten help, and that you and Smog are ok.

**sends a doggy kiss from Phoebe and Daisy to Smog. Hope Smog doesn't mind inter-species kisses....**

_____________________________________        

Padfoot - Aug 24, 2004 3:59 pm (#2411 of 2955)    

Oh haymoni, that's too bad. I hope those pills work! Keeping positive thoughts for Smog. Give him a hug from me.

_____________________________________        

Loopy Lupin - Aug 24, 2004 4:04 pm (#2412 of 2955)    

Aww. Sorry to hear about Smog haymoni. I had a friend with a diabetic cat. He was quite an old cat when diagnosed as being diabetic, but even at his age, the pills (followed, eventually, by insulin) kept him swatting at me for quite a long time.

Thanks for the avatar compliments. I do like Troy. Phil Hartman was awesome. *sniff*

_____________________________________        

Madam Pince - Aug 24, 2004 4:06 pm (#2413 of 2955)    

Happy Birthday to Rupert Grint -- sweet sixteen today!!!

Well, I had a bunch of posts I was going to reply to, but I got interrupted in my reading and it's now been a few hours, and I've forgotten them all now. Sigh.....

I tried an experiment today. I bought two wild (well, wild for me) nail polish colors that were on sale at the cheap cheap cheap store. Bright orange and glittery navy blue -- since orange and blue were my college colors, I thought I'd have a Wahoo moment. So I painted my toenails bright orange, and then put a single vertical stripe of the blue right down the middle.

Now when I look down at my toes, it looks like multiple sets of Madam Hooch's eyes are looking up at me.

Hmmmmmm....this is a bit disconcerting. May not last long.....

_____________________________________        

Marie E. - Aug 24, 2004 4:08 pm (#2414 of 2955)    

Shayla went in for her last dentist visit today. Well, the last of this series, anyway. She had the tooth filled that we missed out on last week plus her two bottom canine teeth removed. As a bonus they pulled her loose tooth so now the tooth fairy has to come up with $6. Yipes! She is sitting upstairs watching Nickleodeon with a mouthful of gauze. We're serving tomato soup tonight, poor thing.

Mike-fluke my foot! I won that game with my astounding wealth of useless knowledge!

_____________________________________        

Catherine - Aug 24, 2004 4:09 pm (#2415 of 2955)    

Madam Pince,

Even though I went to college "down the road," let me compliment you on your college color nail theme.

Go Hoos!

EDIT:

I don't feel bad about the "icky" (no pun intended) fish stories now that Loopy uses words like "decapitated" and "through the windshield" at dinner.

Whew. What a relief.

_____________________________________          

haymoni - Aug 24, 2004 4:11 pm (#2416 of 2955)    

Loopy - Hubby and I were speaking of Phil only yesterday.

We were yelling, "The Mailman got two!!!" - why we were doing this, I can't recall - and he commented that we had forgotten to watch "Jingle All the Way" last Christmas. I started thinking about it, got a bit teary and said it would be difficult to watch now that Phil was dead.

We'll see how next Christmas goes.

_____________________________________          

Eponine - Aug 24, 2004 4:32 pm (#2417 of 2955)    

Thank you to everyone who told me what Turkish Delight was. Whatever this candy bar was, I don't think I'll be getting it next time I go to that store.

Our internet has been on the fritz lately. We're moving next week and switching from DSL to cable, so hopefully that will help. My husband seems to think it will, and he knows a lot more about computers than I do so we'll see how that goes.

Dead fish stories...when I was a senior in high school, I decided I needed a fish. So I got one of those pretty Beta fish that promptly died, and it started dissolving in the tank. It was quite icky as well. Another time, I was working in the nursery at church, and in this room was a huge fish tank. I got there one night and realized there were about 6 dead fish floating in the top of the tank. Since the fish tank was a big source of entertainment for the 2 year olds, something had to be done. My boyfriend at the time knew a lot about fish, so I called him to come clean out the tank. (I wasn't touching those things!) All the little kids were asking me what was wrong with the fish. I figured it wasn't really my place to explain life and death to toddlers, so I told them the fish were sleeping and he was putting them to bed.

Well, I hope everyone is having a wonderful day. I'm off to catch up on the threads!

_____________________________________          

Loopy Lupin - Aug 24, 2004 4:39 pm (#2418 of 2955)    

Yes,

Go Hoos.

I didn't know that you went to UVA Madam Pince. Class of '91 and '93 here. And, as you got a psych degree, I can only assume you still remember Raymond Byce (sp?). As he was about DD's age when I took Psych 101, I'm sure he's left us by now. However, I do remember his "longterm memory" demonstration. So may demonstrations, so many memories.

Yes, haymoni, many things became too sad to watch after Phil died. I hope the Simpsons never try to give Troy or Hutz someone else. It would be a grave injustice.

icky (no pun intended)fish-- Catherine Allen

Hehe. Good one.

_____________________________________          

Madam Pince - Aug 24, 2004 4:53 pm (#2419 of 2955)    

Wahoo-wah! (OK, so for all those non-University of Virginia folks out there -- that is a sort-of school cheer. It would take way too long to explain and frankly, isn't all that interesting.) Class of '86.

Bice-Psych rules! I can't imagine getting a degree without it. I don't know, Loopy, I've been getting the Alumni News ever since I graduated and I've never read Dr. Bice's obituary, so he may still be around. Let's hope so -- he was a fantastic teacher and I loved that class.

Speaking of Turkish Delight and UVA, did you happen to take the course on C.S. Lewis? I can't remember if it was in the English Dept. or the Religion Dept., and I've forgotten the teacher's name too, although she was very very cool also. She brought us Turkish Delight one of the first days in class so we could taste it. As I recall, it was ok but nothing to get all excited about. Although I have recently tasted some candy that I get a catalog for around holiday time, which is very similar to Turkish Delight and is pretty good stuff. Can't remember what it's called either.

Man, I'm having major brain drain today. Where DID I leave my memory?

_____________________________________        

Catherine - Aug 24, 2004 5:03 pm (#2420 of 2955)    

Man, I'm having major brain drain today. Where DID I leave my memory? --Madame Pince

In the wardrobe with the Turkish Delight?

Oh, and Madame Pince, let me leave you with one little "Wa-hoo-wa."--(sp?)

I bet Loopy secrectly likes the stripey toenails, even if he claims to have no college spirit. You get an E from me! (and I'm only a Virginian; I didn't go there)

Still, T.J was pretty cool.

_____________________________________        

Loopy Lupin - Aug 24, 2004 5:04 pm (#2421 of 2955)    

Oh my goodness. I believe Bice is indeed still alive. I found no obit on the web, but a couple of Cavalier Daily articles referencing him. He "retired" in 1994, but is still listed as a member of the faculty. (He "retired" again in 1998 from his post as University Historian.) The phone number listed for him (ah, the 924 prefix, memories)goes to his voice mail. Good for him!

EDIT-- I bet Loopy secrectly likes the stripey toenails, even if he claims to have no college spirit. You get an E from me! (and I'm only a Virginian; I didn't go there)-- Catherine Allen

When did I ever claim to lack college spirit? As a matter of fact, I had my eye on a pair of plaid orange and blue pants just the other day. It is coming up on football season, ya know.

_____________________________________          

Catherine - Aug 24, 2004 5:08 pm (#2422 of 2955)    

Loopy, When did I ever claim to lack college spirit? As a matter of fact, I had my eye on a pair of plaid orange and blue pants just the other day. It is coming up on football season, ya know.

Post a pic with you in the plaid pants, and I will eat EVERY word.

EDIT: I guess I always figured you to be among our more fashionable set, that's all.

_____________________________________          

Loopy Lupin - Aug 24, 2004 5:51 pm (#2423 of 2955)    

Well, you may be waiting a long time to eat those words. I was looking at the pants, but have not bought them yet. No, my law school I could not care less about. UVa is something altogether different.

_____________________________________          

Catherine - Aug 24, 2004 5:59 pm (#2424 of 2955)    

Oh, whew!

**Catherine daintily wipes the perspiration from her brow, as she was the teensiest bit worried that Loopy would take her up on her challenge. (how does one eat words, any hoo....? **

No, I don't ever mess with you about your school. :-)

Except, well, that mine was pretty good, also... =-)

Whew. Too much for one night. I can barely keep up...

...except that plaid pants should be against the law...

_____________________________________          

Accio Sirius - Aug 24, 2004 6:00 pm (#2425 of 2955)
Edited by Aug 24, 2004 6:10 pm    

Loopy, I met Phil Hartman at a party once and he was absolutely wonderful. He made a phone message for me and my husband as Troy McClure. In fact, he uses the Alice through the Windshield line in it. It was hysterical. So many people called our house just to listen to it that it broke our machine. I still have the tape of it, but now it just makes me sad!

Haymoni, Do you ever read the Pet Doctor column that is carried in several newspapers? He often has some really good advice and simple solutions for health and other problems. In fact, my kitty went low carbs after reading about the problems they have eating all dry foods. It really helped him a great deal. Hope your baby is okay, though!

EDIT: Put me down as a fan of Turkish delight. It's weird, but yummy in my book.

_____________________________________          

Richard !!!Reid - Aug 24, 2004 6:03 pm (#2426 of 2955)    

Hey everyone. Just wanted to say thanks for the interest in my site. I posted the address a few days ago, and already, there has been lots of people coming in to check it out (hmmm...does that sound right?) Anyways, thanks again for having a look. There has been a lot more posts and I hope one day, that the site will be half as good as the Lexicon.

http://wc4.worldcrossing.com/webx?14@@.1ddeae41

Oh, by the way, I'm trying to catch up on a few posts, and Turkish delight is definitely not for me. Too chewy and sweet - thought it was jelly the first time I saw it - very bad mistake to make lol

Richard

_____________________________________        

Loopy Lupin - Aug 24, 2004 6:25 pm (#2427 of 2955)    

No, I don't ever mess with you about your school. :-) -- Catherine Allen

Oh, I didn't take anything that way. Just wanted to distinguish between the 'mater I dearly love and the 'mater that was just a means to an end.

Accio-- Oh, that's sad. I would get that tape onto a cd somehow, if I could manage not to bawl long enough to do so. I wanted to put something together regarding "Planet of the Apes--The Musical" where Troy played "the human"... "The role I was born to play, baby!" Alas the avatars for that kinda stunk.

To the tune of something:

Oh my God, I was wrong; It was Earth all along.

Oooh, Rock me Dr. Zais.

How did we get onto Turkish delight? (Sorry, I'm tired and too lazy to go back through the posts ) I'm only asking because something is telling my brain that it was a favorite of the kids in the first Narnia book.

_____________________________________          

Marè - Aug 24, 2004 6:35 pm (#2428 of 2955)    

Okay fish stories... I used to have three fish, (at some point it became two..) But one day at St. Nicholas (december 5th) when I was very young and enthusiastically ran down to unpack all my presents, I looked up and noticed one of the fish missing. Panic, of course. While my father was trying to lighten the mood by joking that one of Saint Nicholas helpers took him in exchange for the presents, my mother was fanaticaly looking for the fish. she found it under the playcarpet. It apparently jumped out and wriggled it's way under. Now fish, entire night, carpet... not a pretty sight. I was a very traumatised girl!

Years later (highschool time) I had one brave fish remaining (it had things growing out of him, it was a bit of a mutated fish by that time) My poor fish was living in an aquarium so green with algae, you couldn't even see him anymore. (Which wasn't too bad, seeing how he was looking like an experiment gone wrong...)
But anyway, I decided one night to clean his tank and spent hours (!) cleaning every marble and every centimeter of it.
And whether I used too cold water or it was just the shock of seeing something again, but my brave, old fish was dead next morning...
snif.

So she figured that bottled water would be safe. Not at all. The poor thing was dead within 24 hours. So I'm not drinking Dasani water anymore.
LOL Ozymandias, I don't think it was anything in the water. It could have been the temperature difference, but seeing how it was bottled water, I'm afraid the poor fish choked because of a lack of oxygen.

_____________________________________        

Catherine - Aug 24, 2004 6:40 pm (#2429 of 2955)    

About Turkish Delight...I'm only asking because something is telling my brain that it was a favorite of the kids in the first Narnia book. --Loopy Lupin

Well, that something was sorta correct; in fact, mostly correct. The Witch used Turkish Delight to lure one of the children to betray his siblings and Aslan.

I didn't name the child so as to not post Spoilers.

Loopy, I hope I didn't tease you too much. I don't know what your law school is, but as long as it's accredited, I wasn't planning to zing you too much. You may not know this, but there is "supposed" to be a "natural" rivalry between our undergrad schools. I dunno where you went after, but I went to Duke, so zing away....

_____________________________________          

Loopy Lupin - Aug 24, 2004 6:55 pm (#2430 of 2955)    

Argggh!!!! Duke!!! *chokes, spews*

Just kidding. Yes, it was always funny to me that the Virginia Tech people never got that we did not really care about winning (or losing) to them in much of anything. We cared more about Duke or UNC. Of course, now VIP is in the ACC. The world is moving to fast. I want off.

My law school was George Mason which was (and is) fully accredited. They even have a pretty kick butt building with quite the library and are ranked somewhere or another. At the time I went, though, they were "up and coming" and very annoying.

_____________________________________        

Catherine - Aug 24, 2004 7:05 pm (#2431 of 2955)    

Of course, now VIP is in the ACC. The world is moving too fast. I want off. --Loopy Lupin

Yeah, I have my own VIP issues (aside from the fact that ECU was trying to gain admittance to the ACC). They are somewhat "ick," but not relevant currently, so I will leave them wallowing in the sty of the past...

and Yeah, Duke is annoying. I know, folks, I know.

I "almost" went to UVA, but I was so shy and retiring that I went to a smaller school :-)

_____________________________________          

ShelterGirl - Aug 24, 2004 7:14 pm (#2432 of 2955)    

Haymoni- These are two sites that saved my sanity, and helped me get Clancy to where he is now:

http://www.felinediabetes.com/fdmb/frames.pl

and

http://p076.ezboard.com/bventboard

The second one is the best for long term discussion. The first one is excellent for when the cat is newly diagnosed.

Good luck. I'll be thinking of you and your "Sugarcat."

Julie

_____________________________________          

Eponine - Aug 24, 2004 7:24 pm (#2433 of 2955)    

Duke or UNC? It doesn't really matter to me, but my in-laws are huge UNC fans. My father-in-law has season tickets for football and basketball, so I have to go to a few games. Actually, this Saturday we're going to the UNC alumni game, and my husband is quite excited about that. I will go and wear my one UNC shirt that I own. Hopefully there will be some cotton candy. mmmmm.....

_____________________________________          

Leila 2X4B - Aug 24, 2004 8:28 pm (#2434 of 2955)    

Planet of the Apes, Troy McClure style. ROFL. Honestly, Troy and Comic book guy are my favorite characters on The Simpsons.

I just found out some disturbing and scary news. The biological father of my 15 year old cousin just got out of jail today. He was serving time for a second count of CHILD MOLESTATION. Not my cousin, but a girl not so very much younger than my own daughter is now. Worst yet, he has moved to my CITY. I am so upset. The last time he was out he threatened my grandmother into telling where my aunt was. My mother, who I live with, has my Aunt's last name as well. I don't want him to come calling here. I am so scared that he will show up.

Too bad I don't believe in having guns in the house . Kidding, no guns for me.

Thanks for letting me vent and reveal my worries.

Leila

_____________________________________        

Catherine - Aug 24, 2004 8:36 pm (#2435 of 2955)    

**Catherine does her darned best to surround Leila with all her best charms against weirdo pervs who hurt people....***

Leila, sounds like it's a good time for you to take your vacation. I'll be your Secret Keeper if you need one.

Best luck.

_____________________________________          

The giant squid - Aug 25, 2004 12:33 am (#2436 of 2955)    

Hugs and good wishes for Leila... It's bad enough to have that sort of thing enter your life once, but to have it (possibly) come back, well, that's just awful.

Hi, I'm Loopy Lupin. You may know me from such threads as 'Chat and Greeting Thread for Members', 'Harry's 'Ship Uniting the Houses' and 'Discussion About the Cast of Any HP Movie'. I'm with all of you about the Phil thing, though. It's still hard to watch anything he was in.

Give it up, 'Ree...you know your useless knowledge will never match mine. Your kung-fu is not strong.

Six dollars for teeth? Prices have gone up since my day, it seems. I'm not sure that pulled teeth count, though... Give Shay a hug from me just the same.

--Mike

_____________________________________        

Accio Sirius - Aug 25, 2004 5:39 am (#2437 of 2955)    

The Planet of the Apes musical was brilliant...I can hear Homer now."I hate every ape I see from Chimpan--A to Chimpan-Z."

They churn out brilliant comedy writers there!

On a more serious note, Sleeping Beauty, that is awful. Can you take any preemptive measures? You may have to be thinking about restraining orders, at least for your grandmother. Please take care and be careful.

_____________________________________        

Chemyst - Aug 25, 2004 6:15 am (#2438 of 2955)    

'Just back from a 7:30 breakfast meeting. 'Looks like this is going to be another day where I have only a few minutes forum time.

The Turkish delight pictures looked a lot like aplets and cotlets   mmm... heavenly,   but the rosewater description gives me-- what word did Catherine use? Ah yes, collywobbles. My grandmother used to keep a candy dish full of "rose" candy. It was very pretty, and probably Umbridge would have enjoyed it, but I think the reason it was always full was that it was never eaten because it tasted like perfume.

Six dollars for teeth? Prices have gone up since my day, it seems. I'm not sure that pulled teeth count, though... Uh Oh. You are sounding like my dad-- he told us that tooth fairies were so small they could not carry anything larger than a dime. (Which is the smallest coin in size that is minted in the US, and is worth 1/10 of a dollar.)

Oh, haymoni, such a sad/glad thing! Sad to hear about Smog but glad he can be treated.

_____________________________________          

Catherine - Aug 25, 2004 6:16 am (#2439 of 2955)    

Accio Sirius, I love your newest avatar. Looks like you and your daughter have sorted our your priorities!

I think your advice to Leila sounded good, Accio. Anybody on the Forum who knows about this sort of thing? It makes me sad and angry that Leila's family would have to keep looking over their shoulders for this "person."

We lost one of our best babysitters last spring because she had a member of her family (who had violently assaulted her numerous times) get out of jail. This young lady was threatened from jail by the family member, which showed to all of us (except the judge) that this person was still dangerous. My babysitter left town so that the family member wouldn't track her down. So now the person who hurt her is traipsing around town, but our poor babysitter left all of her friends, her job, and her other family members to go hide. Grrr. It seems very unfair.

Eponine, I'm jealous of your tickets! I don't blame your husband for being excited, although I'm a basketball fan, myself. We lived in Chapel Hill the year that UNC won the NCAA tournament, and that was a fun time.

The university in our town starts classes today, so it's been murder trying to get around the last few days. I always smile when I drive by the dorms and see beleagured moms and dads having to lug ten tons of girlie stuff up to the rooms. Our house is within walking distance to the football stadium, and I like hearing the marching band practice in the late afternoon. Best of all, school starting means that I have access to my babysitters again because they are back in town! Woo-hoo!

Have a good day, everyone!

EDIT: Chemyst, I like your fish in the beaker. I will try to eschew all that I should (especially Turkish Delight)

_____________________________________          

Flame Alligator - Aug 25, 2004 7:30 am (#2440 of 2955)    

Mare, I wish I could have called you for advice on where to find veggie burgers. *pouting* I loved Leiden, btw. I often have trouble finding organic produce here in the states when I travel. Being so particular about what I eat, I am use to having to "forage" for my food. If I had been in Holland just another week, I would have had all the appropriate eating places for me scoped out.

Here is a bit of advice on having wisdom teeth removed. An hour before your appointment, take 2 ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, etc.) This prevents inflamation and pain. (no swelling) My friend and I did this and she actually ate a bagel after the gas (anesthetic) wore off. I know I am after the fact, with this information for some of you but for those of you with wisdom tooth "yankings" in your future please consider it. It works.

I am all caught up on this thread but still have to catch up on my other favorites where I like to lurk.

Goedemorgen everybody!

Edit: Thanks for all the warm welcome backs.

_____________________________________          

Padfoot - Aug 25, 2004 8:00 am (#2441 of 2955)
Edited by Aug 25, 2004 8:00 am    

Well if Turkish Delight tastes like Aplets and Cotlets, then I will skip tasting it. I never cared much for those. When I lived in Washington, they were sold everywhere. I never understood it. Then again, I lived there and did not drink coffee or eat fish. (I like fish in aquariums just fine, but not to eat.)

Didn't Troy McLure have a thing for fish? Or am I imagining things?

Sleeping Beauty, I hope you have no problems from that guy. Is your phone number unlisted? *Hugs to cheer you up*

_____________________________________          

Catherine - Aug 25, 2004 8:28 am (#2442 of 2955)    

Didn't Troy McLure have a thing for fish? Or am I imagining things? –Padfoot

I think you're right, Padfoot. Troy had an "unusual" obsession with fish and I think he married Marge's sister to disguise his peculiar regard for them.

***Catherine glances uneasily toward her husband's aquarium***

Actually, some saltwater hobbyists are obsessive enough to rival even HP fans. I'm hoping that we just don't go there.

_____________________________________        

Loopy Lupin - Aug 25, 2004 8:38 am (#2443 of 2955)    

Catherine is right. (Hmph. I seem to be behind you again.) He married Selma so he could get the part in the Planet of the Apes ("PoA" as it were) musical.

Thanks again for all the avatar compliments. I aim to please.

(Psst. **insufferable-know-it-all warning** Homer wasn't in the musical.)

_____________________________________          

Catherine - Aug 25, 2004 10:16 am (#2444 of 2955)    

Hmph. I seem to be behind you again.--Loopy Lupin

Oh, well, at least it allows old Troy to look at my fish without anyone noticing!

_____________________________________          

Loopy Lupin - Aug 25, 2004 11:12 am (#2445 of 2955)    

LOL. He does seem to have a naughty grin on his face.

_____________________________________          

Viola Intonada - Aug 25, 2004 11:14 am (#2446 of 2955)    

Boop- I wasn't in town lastt weekend anyyway. I was camping with my Brownie Troop. I hope a little extra sun shines on you today.

Marie E.- I know how you feel about the training. In early August I did a self-directed camp training for Girl Scouts. I have a new appreciation for what my troop leaders had to go through, or is all of this training and certification for things a new "lawyer" thing? After years of camping with the Girl Scouts and backcountry hiking, I am certified to build a fire in a fireplace. Not outdoors, just in a fireplace.

Mare- I have PS/SS in French. It took me an hour to translate the first page. I haven't gotten any further in mine. After 15 years, I need a refresher course.

Madame Pince- You were wondering what happened to your brain, I have a one word answer for you "Motherhood".

Now that my children are back in school, I almost don't know what to do with myself. I have a thousand things I need to do, a million things that I could do, but I don't feel like doing anything but laying on the couch watching TV and enjoying the peace and quiet. At least today I have moved from in front of the TV to being in front of the computer.

_____________________________________          

Round Pink Spider - Aug 25, 2004 11:19 am (#2447 of 2955)    

Alice I -- if you stop by, I check here quite frequently, so just post. I went to high school at Greece Arcadia, and I lived a couple of miles from the lake, off of Latta Road. I now live in Rochester, MN, home of the Mayo Clinic, which (believe it or not!) was named for Rochester, NY, by the people who moved here from that area. They actually were comparing our puny little Zumbro River to the mighty Genessee (pretty cheeky of them!). But other than the complete absence of lake, the areas are not too different.

EDIT: I know what you mean, Viola. I'm always limp after the kids start school, too. It's so quiet!

_____________________________________          

DJ Evans - Aug 25, 2004 11:53 am (#2448 of 2955)    

Boy, I hope the server problem gets straighten out soon, it's sorta lonely on here without everybody!

Everybody doing good I hope! All's well here where I am. Sort of a dull day though. It's overcast and though there are things that I "could" be doing -- just don't feel in the mood to doing any of them. I mean who "wants" to balance a check book, pay bills, etc....?

Phil Hartman -- he will be missed for sure. We always enjoyed him immensely on the TV show "Talk Radio". He played the part of Bill so good!!

Leila -- My heart goes out to you on this problem that you will be facing. One bit of advice, though I don't think you will need this one, NEVER LET YOUR GUARD DOWN!!! There are definitely some sick folks out in the world. If there is one thing I will never be able to understand is how a person could ever hurt a child or their elderly parent(s). AND I don't care what your mental status is, to me it is just not part of the human make-up to do any such thing!! Just remember we are here for you, if you need us. We'll keep you and your family in our thoughts and prayers!!!

Hope all of the pets being represented on here are all doing fine. I so miss having a pet. But since my family situation has changed over the last few years, it's just not feasible for me to have one. My parents had a mobile home park and when my Dad passed away, it was too much for my 84+ year old mother to take care of. Since my brother and myself were single, we made the big decision to sell the old home place and move out of the drug/crime infested area Mom was living in. We all bought a place together, to make it easy on ourselves, some 82 miles out in the country. I've always had a cat, ever since I can remember there has been one living with me. But sad to said, cats aren't my brother's favorite pet. I know I could get a dog, but it would need to have a fenced in area (as we are only about a block off of a side highway) and that's just not in our budget. So for those lucky enough to have a pet, enjoy the heck out them!!!

Eponine -- If going to sporting events/games aren't your cup of tea, why not take a portable CD player with a pair of head phones, put in one of the HP sound tracks. Or hey!!! Even better yet, get one of the books on CD and listen away!!!! hee hee

Catherine, if he is known to be a "jumper" (he's a pretty fish by the way or I think he is) maybe you could make him a tiny parachute? OR tie a piece of elastic string to his tail so if he should get out -- he'll snap right back in!! hee hee Sorry, but I just get this mental picture of your fish == plop out and "boing" back in -- back & forth all day long!!!

Flame, glad to see you are back!! Sounds like you had a really good time -- that is except for the getting under the weather there for a bit! Take any pics? If so, you'll have to post a couple so we can all drool over them and dream that we are there too!

Got a question/inquiry for everyone --remember our forum member over in India -- Draco All The Way? Has anyone heard from her? The last I remember seeing her post any, was right after that school fire they had there, the one where the teachers didn't even try to help the poor little ones out of the building. They got themselves out of the school first, leaving most of the students in the school to their own devices and most of them were killed. I know she wasn't attending that school, but I was just wondering where she's been. Maybe school activities are taking up all of her time? Seeing the post of Hem Hem's (Jackie) leaving for school made me recall that I hadn't see Draco All The Way for quite awhile now. And though I know I am WAY too late -- Jackie, sorry to hear that you won't be able to post till next June, you will definitely be missed!!! Maybe as others have said before me, you will be able to find some sort of an Internet connection and can check in once and a while!!

Well, now that I've bored everybody to pieces on here -- think I'll close out and go see if we've got any more posters online now. Take care and everybody have a fabulous day!! HUGS to Betty!!!!!

Later, Deb

EDIT: Gosh, folks! So so sorry for the long post there. Didn't realize I was that chatty today. Put it down to boredom I guess.

_____________________________________          

Celestina W. - Aug 25, 2004 11:58 am (#2449 of 2955)    

Hello. Guess I shouldn't stay away from the Forum for more than 24 hours; now I've got way too many posts to catch up on. I've missed all the discussion about Scrabble, Turkish Delight, and dead fish!

I used to have six fish, but all but two of them died, and we gave the remaining pair away to a friend who had an aquarium. I'm not sure if they survived there or not. My aquarium was later converted into a home for hamsters, one named Elanor and one named Laurelin. Unfortunately, they also passed away after a couple of years.

I feel like a total loser right now because I had to renew my learner's permit (for driving) again. The first day of school is looming, and it's going to be so embarrassing to have to tell people that I don't have my driver's license yet. I think I'm probably the only person in my class who doesn't have it. I'm going on seventeen and a half, and most people get theirs as soon as they turn sixteen. I haven't even taken the test yet, because I just know that I won't pass it. When I get behind the wheel, it's like I just sort of freeze up and feel like I have no idea what I'm doing, no matter how much people have taught me. I think I'm going to have to pay and have some extra driving lessons, because that's what it's going to take for me to ever get my license. I know this topic was discussed a while back and some other people mentioned that they had gotten their licenses late, so if those of you could post again and help make me not feel like such a loser, it would be much appreciated. Thanks.

The one thing I am looking forward to with school starting is the fall musical. We're doing Oklahoma!. It's the first musical we've done since my freshman year (it's just been regular plays the last two years) and I'm really excited. Auditions start on Monday. I think I have a pretty good chance of getting a fairly major part, possibly even the lead, but I'm still nervous. Wish me luck, and I'll let you know how it goes.

Someone, I think it was Kasse, mentioned the soundtracks a while ago. I think PS/SS is the best, although it's the only one I have on CD so far (I'm listening to it again right now, as a matter of fact). CoS is good too, but I was a little disappointed with the music in PoA. It didn't have some of the themes that I really love from the first two. The "Double Trouble" song is great, though.

_____________________________________          

Accio Sirius - Aug 25, 2004 12:41 pm (#2450 of 2955)    

Loopy, Who sang the chimp song? I thought I remembered that it was Homer on My Songs in the Key of Springfield CD. Of course, I defer to the expert.

Thanks Catherine. HP is a big priority. My daughter is thrilled to see her work "published!"