Thank you to everyone who helped Chase find a home – his origional family is coming to pick him up on Sunday morning! We’re all very excited that we could make this wonderful reunion happen… but mostly Stella. She is an only child after all…

Nope, no spoilers – keep on reading!

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows has arrived! Friday night at 8pm, several friends, Frank and I headed to Barnes and Noble to hop in line for our book and it was well worth the wait! We had our pictures taken with “dreamy Sirius” who we met at the last book release, participated in fun activities at the store, drank delicious cups of coffee, and listened to the crazy folks who were also waiting to buy the book. Midnight came, we bought our books and headed home to start reading. On Saturday afternoon we took a break to check the mail when a package from our favourite dog accessory store (Bowchies) came. Jenn (the bowchies lady) made Stella and Phyllis Firebolt collars (which we quickly put on the girls) so that they could be appropriately attired for the HP Festivities.

We took our time and I finished the book Sunday around 3am. The book was great and instead of thinking too much about this being the last book, I’m re-reading. I am (of course) sad that the last time to discover “what happens next” has come and gone but am glad to know what happens. I’ll share my favourite quotes, and moments (I know you can hardly wait) in a few days once everyone (Frank especially) has finished reading.

I’m going to get back to my re-reading now…. and in case you’re even a little jealous of my wild life, right now on the TV Pheobe is saving the day (as usual), Phyllis is snoring, Chase is sleeping and Stella just tooted on me. Back to my book!

Well, I don’t like to chase dogs… I don’t really like to run at all actually but I do have a dog named Chase (sleeping on the floor right now) who needs a home! He’s about 3 years old, 75 pounds, fixed, updated with shots, and very friendly. Let me know if you, or someone you know is interested in adopting him (because 200+ pounds of dogs is too much for me to take on a walk all by myself).

Thank you very much to everyone who spent the 19th with me, called, sent cards and thought of me! To kick off my personal holiday, Frank set up a display and dressed up the ducks to celebrate with us (picture below).

I had a wonderful birthday and yes, I feel much older. I only have one year left until old age sets in so I’m planning to make this last one count – I’ll keep writing during my trip across Europe so have no fear you’ll be in the loop! I have several weeks before I leave, so make sure to send your “good luck” presents and cards so that I get them before I leave the country!

I’m totally kidding, but I will keep writing from the couch with Phyllis and Stella keeping me company. It might not be as exciting as a trip exploring another country, but at least I can wear my pajamas!

Only 3 days left until OOTP comes out (yes I just like to pronounce it that way – ootp – it makes me smile) and 13 days until number 7… It’s alot to keep inside right now – I’m filled to the brim with emotion!
Speaking of 7, today is 7/7/7 which is apparently THE day to get married. Last night on the news I heard that there are 5-times as many weddings planned for today than on any other Saturday this year! I was reminded by a friend’s blog this morning when she posted the prettiest picture from their wedding that today is their anniversary. Jed and I traveled to the cold cold north to attend her special day and had a fine (though chilly) time. You can see their “exit photo” at http://www.more-rice-please.blogspot.com/
It’s crazy to think that they’ve been married for so long and that Frank and I have been married for more than two years already (though it doesn’t feel any longer than a week and a half, tops). When on earth did we all grow up into these people with careers instead of jobs? When no one was looking we all turned into people who have wedding anniversaries instead of the over-enthusiastic teenagers we used to be, shouting “We’ve been making out for like 2 months – it feels like forever!” into the abyss of the cafeteria? I know that growing up and making traditional choices is inevitable, but at least when it starts to freak me out, I remember that I’ve been counting down the days to a children’s book for the last two years

Only 13 more days! Happy anniversary M’res and Timon!