Each year for our "anniversary" retreat, I am fortunate to have a committee that works so hard to make the retreat absolutely special for those who attend. We go into the center a day early just to prepare and that day is today. The drive down happens without incident and I'm soon in the country. Thankfully, Cindy is ready and waiting to help. Let's get going - but, first. A glance out the kitchen window discovers goats in the yard enjoying Kay's bushes. Perhaps they just need a quick herding back to their pen.
They notice me too.
Once the room is set up and the closet unloaded, we get to work on the decor. I'll just share the pics and the creative person behind them for you to enjoy. Cindy has created a "treat shoppe" filled with delights. It includes Fizzy Whizzbees, Licorice Snaps, Sherbet Lemons, Pumpkin Pastys, Sugar Webs, Dragon Flame Lollipops, and Acid Pops. So much fun.
Cindy also did the Apothecary items. It includes Fly Grist, Sweet Dreams, Dried Mandrake, Gillyweed, Never Ending Nightmare, Eternal Love, Stinging Nettle, and Unicorn Blood. Pictures from two angles so you can see how fun these are.
Stephannie made S.P.E.W. signs to go with Cindy's Ministry of Magic interoffice memos all around the room.
There are also a few "Prophecy" globes around the room, compliments of Cindy. Love, love, love.
Cindy also made - yes made- wands for everyone. These are so crazy cool and Olivander's is a big hit.
Cindy, Angie, and I at work on the Owlery
Angie's dream child - The Owl Emporium. So, so fun.
Angie also created our Golden Snitches for the Quidditch Supply shoppe.
About this time, the bellies are rebelling and dinner must be found. We are off to the Sexton Mill and although it is chilly, indeed, with the door open ----
the food is fabulous and every single person loved their food. My simple hot dog was excellent and I neglected to get pics of the other dishes but there was a loaded baked potato and BBQ sandwiches among them.
Back to work - still a LOT to do and Sherri gets started on clearing the hall for a couple of shops.
Her broom is part of the display - yep, she owns a broom. Don't ask, don't tell. Bagdor's Brooms is in business. Also, Lori had a friend donate a ton of clothing items so that we could open Madam Malkins.
The entrance to Diagon Alley is in place along with a light-up 9 3/4 platform sign from Sherri.
Pandora's Potions & Pinches is ready for business as well. Future Butter Beer treats among others.
The room at work. ALL of the signs have been made by Sherri and there are way more than I took pictures of. Cindy is working on Polyjuice Potion labels for the bottle Stephannie brought.
Stephannie has been recreating the letter scene from Book 1. How fun is this?
Banners provided by Angie.
Sherri is now working on the Marauder's Map footprints. I LOVE how they go into the Room of Requirement and then disapper.
We have made a double entendre with the sign on the powder room - it also holds this:
Cindy has finished the labels on the Polyjuice Potion bottles and now it's up to Stephannie to fill them.
Each person will receive one -- these are starch for pressing.
More footprints going down -
The end result - they go all over the entrance, including into the pantry.
Meanwhile, Cindy and I have been putting up over 200 glow in the dark stars. These are kind of hard to show.
Another banner from Angie
Additional decorations from Stephannie
A donated Sorting Hat - sure wish it worked - but the decor of it is great.
I've done a little walkabout to show some of the many signs around the rooms.
Flying keys from Book 1 - Keys from Angie and wings made by Stephannie. VERY cool.
Jen's folders for the mystery game are all ready to go. That is her part and she has been prepped for quite some time.
A Bertie Bott game is ready as well.
The Great Hall is being adorned with hanging candles from the ceiling. Way to go Stephannie - these are super cool. Test lighting -
In the light of the room -
And, last, but not least of all, a quilt throw on the sofa that is made by Angie. I cannot tell you how blessed I am to have had all of this amazing help. These ladies are phenomenal!!! Thank you all so much and I love you to the moon and back.
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