How Did Christmas Scarf Project Begin

"And here is the rest of the story":The year Katrina happened, 100 people were transported to WV from New Orleans to stay in one of our local WV camp sites.  It was cold for them, so the ladies of our church made scarves and hats for the group.  It all happened very fast, within a week one of my work mates was traveling the 1 1/2 hrs. to the camp site with the handmade hats, scarves, etc.  The ladies, unknown to each other simply put the item in a plastic bag in the front entrance of the church.  I picked them up and off they went.
Some of the group decided there was probably a need in our own community for such items since we do have snow and cold weather in WV.

This was one of the first yarn donations to the now  "Christmas Scarf Project".  People would shake my hand and there would be $10 or $20 for me to buy yarn. One person, a beloved friend of mine, simply went to her yarn room and pulled our yarn for us to use.

The first year we had 61 hand made women, men and children's scarves.  We gave the items to Branches, (a women and children's shelter) Ronald McDonald house residents and what was left to the City Mission.  They were received with love and thanksgiving.

2014 we delivered items made with care while knowing someone would feel the warmth of the treasurers.  Golden Girls, Ronald McDonald Residents, ECCHO , Harmony House Clients, Branches Residents, City Mission, HOSPICE and Sojourners received a mixture of Hats 84;  Mittens 1; Scarves 196; Sweaters Sets 3; Prayer Shawls 3 and  Dolls 8. 
Here is what we have so far this year;

 

Plan to share on my next post young girls embellishing scarves.  They are adorable. 

As the fall days get cooler, I wish you happy knitting and crocheting.  Blessings, Janet

Christmas Scarf Project

Today is the forth week teaching a basic knitting class at our church.  Three ladies began the exciting adventure and today we had seven ladies all eager to show their work and learn new things.
WOW!  When one of the church ladies ask me to teach some basic knitting techniques, I jumped at the chance to "teach" something I know.  In my next post I will share how this Christmas Scarf Project can into being, for today I just want to show some of the items these fabulous ladies have donated.

Please come share in this ongoing journey of retirement with me.  I will visit with you if you leave me a message.
Janet

Retirement Swing

A Retirement Swing was on my list of things to do later.  Well later is now and my husband Bob purchased a swing for me in June.  An ongoing discussion has been "well how shall we hang it?".
Our friend wrote his plan for hanging on a napkin while we were out to dinner.  Yea, an expert opinion.  The plan worked perfect.  Thanks Danny.
   

So my brother and his lovely wife come to visit on Thursday for the July 4th weekend.  Yes, Bob made hanging a swing an exciting project for the two of them and then nephew Bob comes on the 4th just in time to help hang it after all the boards were up and ready.

                                Such fun and now we have a swing.

Chicken Avocado Salad

Not all chicken salads are created equal.  This new recipe I made up is going to be a winner. Once the summer cherry tomatoes start producing we may have this once a week.

As you can see, it is very colorful.  Here's what's in the dish:
Shredded cooked chicken breasts, one avocado (cut in bite pieces), 15 cherry tomatoes (cut in half).  The dressing makes the great taste and adds a little more protein.  In a foot processor, I added 1/2 cup cottage cheese (low fat), 3 tablespoons Hellman's Mayo, 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, 1 tablespoon Marzitte slaw dressing, about 1/2 cup chopped chives and 5 fresh mint leaves, black pepper and dash kosher salt.  Blend until smooth.
The shredded cooked chicken probably amounted to 3 cups.
This was made about 1.5 hours before serving in order for the flavors to blend.


As you can see, Bob loved each bit.  I served the salad in Romaine lettuce leaves with red pepper slices and wild rice on the side.

Let me know if you try it.