Living La Vida Lunda: A blog abroad

The Minnesota No(ICE)s

Log in

  • Back to School 2019

    Off they go to Middle and HS. This year both kids have friends and neighbors attending the same schools so the bus should be a better experience. They both seemed excited and not overly nervous! And the busses stop near our house for once!

  • Steamer trunk, part 2

    After some cleaning, rust removal, wood wax, metal paint, and a few extra rivets, which Bryant used to fix some sharp edges, the trunk was ready to decorate. It would even be good for storage. I might have to keep it!

  • Hogwarts Trunk

    And here is the project I’ve been working on- Lupin’s trunk. It had an old sticker on it with 1899 in the corner, maybe a travel date. Here are some “before” photos. It was made by Duluth Trunk Co. which opened in 1890.

  • Dragon eggs!

    We’re having fun preparing for Lily’s Harry Potter birthday. Here is a preview of her favorite craft so far.

  • Garden Show

    This had lots of potential but the reality was, sadly, quite frustrating. It was insanely crowded. We arrived exhausted from the long, hot train ride, then battled the crowds to purchase sun hats and find our picnic basket. We recovered a bit after our riverside feast and decided to explore Hampton Court Palace rather than…

  • Jane

    On a day trip from London to basingstoke, we visited the site of Jane’s childhood home in Stephenton, and on to Chawton, where she lived with her mother and sister on her brother’s Estate, plus lots of other Austen locations of interest.

  • A few more studio photos

    Lily is pointing out the wand in Olivander’s that belonged to Rupert Grint/ Ron Weasley (below)

  • The story continues

    A fascinating look at how movies are made. I really enjoyed learning about costumes and props. It’s an unbelievably large and detailed process. Thousands of people worked on the movies. The sets look as if you could start filming anytime! It feels very surreal. I do wish they’d sell butter beer for a grownup palette.…

  • The making of Harry Potter

    Short journey outside of London…

  • West End

    Today (trying to post from a few days ago!) we had a bit of a lie-in before parts one and two of The Cursed Child. Even Bryant is very impressed and Lily is over the moon. Full of surprises. We hear it’s coming to SF soon!