Where I been and things

[mollyringle]

1. Where I've been the last couple days: Mt Rainier, in the mists and the mosses. Stayed in the low elevations--probably no higher than 4500 feet--but still feel that hiking in my leg muscles.

2. I finished Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, and while I work on a condensed parody version I am curious to see other people's reactions, so point me to your reviews or leave comments here. I thought it a very engrossing read that tied things up pretty well--though not quite everything. I will stop there to keep from being a spoiler-head. But, warning, spoilers may end up getting discussed in the comments.

3. It's really hard to keep a straight face when reading some children's books. I'm thinking here primarily of the one that has a squirrel running around asking all the woodland creatures, "Excuse me, have you seen my nuts?" We're juvenile, I know, but really. You try repeating that over and over and not giggling.

Comments

[kalquessa.livejournal.com]

I am jealous of your hiking! I get to go to Mammoth next week, though, so I won't be jealous for long.

I haven't posted a review/reaction to DH yet because I'm reading it the husband right now, and I decided my DH post could only benefit from a re-read since I'm such an inattentive reader the first time 'round. I do have a few links you might enjoy, though:

Dumbledorean Thoughts and 10 reasons Why I Love Deathly Hallows are two great LJ posts by different authors that made me like the book that much more.

Cannot wait for your condensed parody version. *holds breath*

Because it had to be done...

[kenshi.livejournal.com]

[randomposting.livejournal.com]

http://randomposting.livejournal.com/276659.html

That's where most of my discussion, and my flist talked about it.

[dirae.livejournal.com]

The photos are beautiful - remind me of a higher elevation Cabot Trail on Cape Breton Island.

Colin pointed to Zach when we were looking at the photos. He thanks him for his new shoes (you and Steve too). BTW, Old Navy has some really cute "autumn" shoes out now.

How tall is Z.? He and Colin appear to be around the same size now (Z. may be a tad taller).

[laleonaenojada.livejournal.com]

Although some of the credit may belong to the beauty of the landscape you tend to photograph, you do tend to take such lovely landscape photos.

Can I save a few to my computer to use as desktops in the future?

A

[astroman-rich.livejournal.com]

1) You have some absolutely gorgeous shots! Z looked especially relaxed in a few of them. ;-)

3) I have become convinced that some children's books authors enjoy throwing in double-entendres to keep the parents interested.

[rachel2205.livejournal.com]

HP review here.

[mollyringle.livejournal.com]

Thanks for the links! And I look forward to your own post on it as well.

Have fun at Mammoth. I don't think I've been there, but if it's anything like California's other park areas, it is majestically gorgeous and stuff.

Re: Because it had to be done...

[mollyringle.livejournal.com]

Hah! Now I'm really glad I didn't post our other example, from the "counting" section of an Arthur book: "Arthur has one blue ball."

[mollyringle.livejournal.com]

Cool! That's got lots of good discussion. And it's nice to see some additional answers from the JKR interviews. Thank you.

[randomposting.livejournal.com]

You're welcome! :)

[mollyringle.livejournal.com]

Nova Scotia is high on our list of dream vacation destinations. I bet we'd love Cabot Trail.

Ah, the six month difference between Colin and Zach is already starting to matter less. :) Zach's a string bean: 32" tall and maybe 22 lbs now. Is C doing a lot of standing and quasi-walking these days?

[mollyringle.livejournal.com]

Thank you! Of course the landscape is just photogenic, but I try to pick good shots when I can, with our trusty little digital.

You're welcome to 'em. Does KodakGallery let you download the high-res versions? If not, I'll upload them to Webshots or somewhere.

[mollyringle.livejournal.com]

Thanks! Yes, Z's naps were pretty much entirely on the trail those couple days. Made for some strenuous hiking on his parents' part.

I really hope the authors did it intentionally. They'd be pretty dense if they never noticed. :)

Re: Because it had to be done...

[dirae.livejournal.com]

I totally need that Arthur book.

But, it really should be Buster who has the blue ball... he's a lamer.

[dirae.livejournal.com]

Cape Breton Island is one of my very favorite places and I think you would love it. We're going to head back to Nova Scotia/P.E.I. in two summers--maybe we'll also head over to Newfoundland as well.

My! Colin is 31" tall and 27 lbs. He's a quasi-walking machine. Strong as well.

HP: DH (Spoilers)

[(Anonymous)]

I honestly thought it was really good
can't believe the number of deaths the occured/drama that went on in the book (I know a Weasley was going to die, I just didn't expect it would be one of the twins; Moody caught me off guard as well, the rest I didn't have as much of an emotional interest )

But unlike book 5, which was a burden to get through, book 7 was balanced the drama/deaths with humor/good fighting scenes/good winning over evil

That said I look forward to reading your parody

random side note: Did anyone else think "Return of the Jedi" in the final battle scene? Hint: Elves=Ewoks

I've Got Your Nuts!

[peggycafecafe.livejournal.com]

yeah, I'm pretty sure that I would not be able to keep a straight face for that.

There was a project- a valid job- a no-nonsense contract- in the city of Nimrod. So we're discussing the job.. in Nimrod. What's Nimrod like this time of year? Are there any hotels in Nimrod? Have you been to Nimrod? ... and I'm just snorting and snickering the entire time. then they look at Me like I'm a fool and ask "What?"

Like they don't know... the nimrods.

[modmerseygirl.livejournal.com]

Looking forward to your HP parody! I also hope we can chat about the brilliance that is Deathly Hallows. Loved it!

How fun about the hike. :-) I really want to come visit Washington State. If I ever do, we MUST go to Forks and look for Edward Cullen. ;-)

P.S.

[modmerseygirl.livejournal.com]

Fantastic pictures! Breathtaking scenery. :-) And look at you and Z. So cute. :-)

[bluesound.livejournal.com]

Those pictures look amazing, wonderfully picturesque. I'm jealous.

I see Zach's got quite a head of hair. Will you be getting out the camera and pudding bowl for Zach to give him a proper embarass-him-with-a-pudding-bowl-haircut-when-he's-a-teenager photo?

Re: Because it had to be done...

[mollyringle.livejournal.com]

The book is Arthur Goes to School (http://www.amazon.com/Arthur-Goes-School-Great-Board/dp/0679867341/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/103-2638857-7788613?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1186940048&sr=8-1), and Z loves the lift-the-flap features.

Buster really is one wimpy little bunny.

Re: HP: DH (Spoilers)

[mollyringle.livejournal.com]

I got the impression Rowling went farther than she expected to, in killing characters off. The final tally was on the high side. Poor Fred!

But yes, I thought the pacing was pretty good.

Re: I've Got Your Nuts!

[mollyringle.livejournal.com]

Hee hee! I think I've seen signs for Nimrod. Almost as good as the ones for Wanker's Corner (I think it's near Portland).

Also, we naturally have thought of your Mr. Squirrel Nuts story when reading this particular book.

[mollyringle.livejournal.com]

Whew, yes, finally done with the HP parody. I'll try to track back eventually and read your thoughts on it. I really enjoyed the book too. Have to wonder if she's opening it up for a sequel series "19 years later."

Oh, by the way, in Rainier National Park we saw the Goat Rocks area on the map, and naturally I thought of Edward and his family. Mmm, fresh cougar! ;)

Re: P.S.

[mollyringle.livejournal.com]

Thank you! I give most of the credit to the scenery and the baby. ;)

[mollyringle.livejournal.com]

We would, but he takes off anything resembling a hat within seconds. So he'll have to make do with photos of awkward uneven haircuts given to him by his inept mum. ;)

[modmerseygirl.livejournal.com]

:-) Aw! Looking forward to chatting HP with ya. :-) And I haven't forgotten about my Edward-y birthday promise. You haven't picked up New Moon or Eclipse yet, right? ;-)

How fun about Goat Rocks and the Cullens. *grin*

[mollyringle.livejournal.com]

Correct--I still don't have those. :)

Now that I'm through with the whole Buffy series, I could use a dose of Edwardy vampire material! :)

[(Anonymous)]

Where's the parody? Is it on the same site as the other HP parody, or somewhere else?

[mollyringle.livejournal.com]

It's here: http://mollyringwraith.livejournal.com/66902.html

:)

[naill-renfro.livejournal.com]

I don't think I've ever posted quite this after-the-fact before, but I found this while browsing your old Buffy posts, so, on point three, here's the children's classic that's been banned from our house: The Owl and the Pussycat.
http://www.rhymes.org.uk/the_owl_and_the_pussycat.htm

[mollyringle.livejournal.com]

Hee. Yes, we had that one in picture book form, from the library, a while ago. It took some ironic detachment to be able to read it aloud. Dear dear.