Journey To Hogwarts Castle!

Last Friday, we left town for a little adventure. We arrived home last night weary from our visit to a magical, dream inducing place. 

Four Muggles took the train...

to Hogwarts castle.

In the village of Hogsmeade there was snow on the rooftops. The architecture everywhere was spectacular!

We began our journey with a tour of the the school. Our first classroom visit was the conservatory.

Whispers from framed portraits echoed through passageways and corridors.

Inside some warnings from Harry, Ron and Hermione.

Then off on a fast ride inside Hogwarts. We encountered some dark characters on the Forbidden Journey, plenty of thrilling excitement that included a harrowing Quidditch match...on our brooms at dizzying speeds of course!

And, there at the end, to congratulate us on a job well done then bid us farewell was Dumbledore!

After leaving the castle, the 3 bravest Muggles ventured onto the Dragon Challenge for some high speed, upside down, looping thrills. The other muggle waited instead, sipping Butterbeer, to let the Hippogriff take us all on a flight of smaller proportions and a far smoother ride back to the streets of Hogsmeade.

Through the skies we soared up the side of the castle and around Hagrid's hut.

Then off to visit Ollivanders to scour and hunt for the perfect wand.

Maybe a broom too?

Friends watching from above...

Oh, and if you need to use the powder room after so much excitement...Myrtle will be in there...moaning!

All pictures by A&A and may not be copied or reproduced.

Time Traveler

Sometimes, I think I was meant to live in another time and place. One where technology was an unknown term, conversations were the most desirable from of entertainment, and being cordial was as essential as breathing.  A place where brick, stone, lush grass and moss provided the perfect scenic backdrop for your travels on any given day.

I was able to step back in time for three extraordinary days...

Family weekend at my son's college... 

It was a beautiful moment in time. 

All photos courtesy of A&A and may not be copied or reproduced.

Let's Shower Outside!

There is something about an outdoor shower that I find incredibly charming. And, so very practical! I think we often associate them with beach houses and coastal climates. But, if you have kids, a dog, or a husband who likes to work in the yard.....how wonderful would it be to have one?

We have contemplated an outdoor shower so many times and I am sure this crazy hot weather is why I am thinking of them once again. I have saved so many examples and recently found some new ones.  My favorites have double sprays.  One at regular shower height and one lower...for toes, tots and furry paws!

The choices and styles are really only limited by your imagination!!! Most have cold water only since plumbing for hot outdoors can be a bit complicated and expensive.  Solar showers are also a good option.

Refreshing Inspiration:

This simple shower is from our recent vacation spot:

And, of course the original outdoor shower!

Stay Cool!!!

Images courtesy of Country Home, Tradtional Home, Blueprint, This Old House, Tredir, MSN realestate, Terragalleria.com/Hale 1734, Lime in the Coconut blog, A&A.