Harry Potter and the Deathly Hollows

Well, I just finished the final installment of Harry Potter, I mean less than five minutes ago. I know that everyone will be talking about it and reviewing the book. I am putting in my two cents, but I promise that I won't include any spoilers.

I love Harry Potter, I have enjoyed the way Rowling has grown the books with her intended audience. I spent the last couple of weeks listening to the audio books of all the previous volumes to refresh myself on the little details. (I remembered all the major plot points, but not all the little stuff, which a portion of played an important role in the latest adventure.)

The first thing that struck me was how much Harry had grown up from the previous books, he is more thoughtful and less rash. I know that he showed that a bit in book six when he broke up with Ginny, to protect her, but at the time I read it as a stereotypical storybook romantic gesture on the part of an over gallant teenage boy. Not blaming Rowling for this but rather how a teenage boy would feel about protecting his girl, even if she is perfectly capable of taking care of herself.

I have to say, that I'm glad I was right about Snape. If you know me personally you'll already know my theory about Dumbledore and Snape. I won't go into details in case people reading this haven't read the last two books. I hate spoilers and don't want to ruin the experience for others.

It was nice seeing the characters out of their usual element whether it was Hogwarts or the Ministry of Magic. We got to see a little deeper into some of the secondary characters' personalities and relationships. All I'll say is rock on Mrs. Weasley and Neville's grandma! You can kick ass and take names with the best of them.

I strongly recommend that you have tissues handy if the sixth book made you cry, you'll need them here too.

I felt the book was well paced and an excellent wrap up to the whole series. Rowling wrapped up all of the loose ends and answered many fan questions about things hinted at in the other volumes. I felt satisfied with the ending.

I Made This

I made this for a friend's birthday.

I used a picture of her actual pet to make it.

Mourn for a Man That Brought Science to a Generation

Don Herbert, aka Mr. Wizard, died yesterday in his home at 89. I fondly remember his show. Another great person to come out of Minnesota. I will miss you Mr. Wizard, thanks for the knowledge and entertainment. At least we still have Bill Nye to carry on the tradition of getting kids to love science.

News Flash

I've known about this news for a couple of weeks, but didn't know what to say about it, other than I am very happy. I know many people will probably think I'm crazy, but I have to follow my heart. Don has decided he needs to come home. We have some things we will need to work on of course, but we are both willing to try. I won't explain more of his reasons, because they are his if he wishes to share them with the public. I doubt he will though. What's important is that he shares them with me and A. Right now he will be home on the 16th (date subject to change). He had gotten a job up in Minnesota and put in his two weeks so that he is leaving on good terms in case we end up back in Minnesota. I am searching for a job in Minnesota, I still want to move back up there.

Kids Say the Darnest Things

Earlier this week I bought some giant strawberries to snack on. The kid and I both love strawberries. A. had three of them. It was time for her to get ready for bed and I started tapping her on the head with an empty paper towel roll. I asked her why her head was hollow and what happened to her brain. Her response was that her brain shrinks when she eats strawberries but that it would be ok because her brain would grow back while she slept. I love her quick wit. Lord help her friends and parents when the sarcasm of the teenage years is added.