One (Perfect) Salad At A Time -- And A Red Scarf Fund Raffle

And there I was, thinking that my fall crops were going to amount to nothing. Oh ye (I) of little faith.  

I went out to the garden yesterday, and granted, we have been having unseasonably delicious weather.  But out of nowhere, these little greens had appeared -- enough for a very large and spectacular luncheon salad.  I've got everything in this bowl from lettuce (only one plant made it out of an entire packet of seeds, what with marauding critters and lack of watering and such), to lots of baby spinach, kale, beet greens, (I don't know what the curly thing is that is from the French Market mix -- the one that tastes of anise, but it's in there), parsley, and broccoli (the little broccoli florets were terribly camera-shy for some reason).  I put an ounce of local goat cheese on it, and a half a can of tuna (not local, heh), and dressed it with a vinaigrette I made of my own garlic, Vermont apple cider vinegar, Vermont sunflower oil, and maple syrup.  I should have remembered the scrumptious red onions I have, but I was so anxious to eat this that I forgot them until it was already gone, and I had one of those V-8 moments, slapped my forehead, and say, "Wow. I could have had ...."  

While I was outside, I planted the packet of microgreen seeds that I mentioned yesterday.  Hopefully we won't go into the deep-freeze too soon for them to sprout and grow enough to have on a sandwich or salad or something in the 25 days it promises on the packet.  

I like to think I'm saving the world -- or at least myself -- one perfect salad at a time.  

--------------------------------------------------

And so how would you like the chance to win these gorgeous red size US 7 needles from Signature Needle Arts?

These were generously donated by reader and Red Scarf Project supporter extraordinaire Jean E.  She ordered them from SignatureNeedleArts and had them mailed to me.  These are referred to by many as the Ferrari of knitting needles.  They come packaged in a beautiful gift-worthy clear plastic tube, wrapped in the blue tissue. Truly a beautiful presentation, perfect for gift-giving or for keeping for yourself.  They are STUNNINGLY crafted and knit like a dream.  They sell for $32 a pair, and they could be yours, all yours!

To kick off the fundraising for the Red Scarf Fund this year, I'm going to try something a little different.  On the idea that every little bit helps, and lots of small donations add up to make a big difference, I'm going to start small and raffle these off. 

HERE ARE THE RULES:  

Donate at least $5 (hopefully more if you can spare it) to 

the Red Scarf Fund For Foster Youth 

and let me know via email at 

norma[dot]knits[at]gmail[dot]com 

You don't even have to tell me the amount, but do please give me real proof that you have donated to the Red Scarf Fund at the 

Orphan Foundation of America.  

DEADLINE:

 midnight Eastern Time, FRIDAY, October 2nd, 2009

 I will then put your name in the random number generator for a shot at these wonderful needles. 

The easiest way to donate is through Paypal at the link above, but you can send them a check if you wish. Just don't forget you will have to prove to my satisfaction that you sent it.  I assume you will be honest and fair with me, and you will have to trust that I will be honest and fair with you. The address for sending a check is:

Orphan Foundation of America

21351 Gentry Drive, Suite 130

Sterling, VA 20166

Make checks payable to Orphan Foundation of America, and mark "Red Scarf Fund" in the memo line.

If you would more information about the fund and what it is used for, I've explained it in this post.

Comments

[Carole]

Those knitting needles are gorgeous. And RED! I'll be making a donation and hopefully knitting a 2nd scarf, too.

[margene]

Go, go Norma! Here's to a great Red Scarf Funds Roundup!

[Stacey]

My tomato plants (as well as my basil and parsley and chives) got too much rain while I was in WI and took a turn for the worse. If I had realized it was raining so much, I would have asked my neighbor to move them under the porch.

Lovely crop. I'm thinking of getting one (or 12) of those indoor grow light garden things.

[gayle]

Those knitting needles are indeed gorgeous.
Almost finished with my scarf. I'll bind off when I hit the end of the ball of yarn, and then done done done! (Starting to remember why I don't knit scarves...)

[Kathy]

The salad looks delicious. I've been so frustrated in my gardening due to the critters that come and eat everything, including all the perennials this year.

[Birdsong]

Wonderful greens! The needles are lovely... I will make a donation but only use circs and DPs, so don't want you to draw my name.

[Mary Fran]

Beautiful all around - needles and salad. I will be donating and need to stop procrastinating on sending my scarf in...

[Cheryl S.]

Perhaps your mystery green is Chervil?

[marylou]

Would you like other items for prizes?

[Rachael]

Dittoing Marylou's question about additional prizes. I may have a couple things I would be willing to send off.

[Seanna Lea]

Ignoring the tuna part, that sounds like a salad I would have enjoyed immensely. I'm not a big lettuce person, because I want my greens to be more interesting than just one kind of leaf.

[Hat]

I see Cheryl S. has already beat me to the suggestion that the aniseedy herb is chervil. It looks very delicate but will survive the winter here.

[Cookie]

Woo Hoo!

[sandy]

I covet thy greens.

[Carrie K]

Broccoli florets are notoriously camera shy. Or something like that.

Gorgeous needles and great cause!

[elizabeth a airhart]

good luck with the raffle good cause
salad is looking good hope you are too

[Holly]

Oh that salad... it looks so good! And yay raffle!

[Pamela]

I am about three-fourths done with my red scarf. I'll let you know when I have sent in my donation. Prizes are not at all necessary, but so much fun, so do what you have time/energy for.

[Jenn C.]

Donated!

And my yummy delicious scarf is almost finished too!