243

September days, with cool nights and warm sunny afternoons, are some of the very finest in Maine. A few days ago we saw the first bits of frost on the grass. The crickets are singing loudly. Evening seems to arrive quite early. Woodpiles are growing higher and higher. Local fairs, a strong reminder that the harvest is coming to an end, are happening in every corner of the state. All the signs are here: cold weather is on its way. Thanks to all of you, some Mainers will find the transition that comes with our change of seasons a bit easier this year.

Today we counted all of the hats, scarves, cowls, mitts, mittens, blankets, socks, and the shawl. We have collected 243 articles of clothing for Nest! When we started this project, we quite timidly hoped for 50, then 75, then 100 items. Next weekend we will meet with Laura, who will take all of these colorful, warm things, along with the love and good wishes knit and woven into them, home to Ft. Kent. They will be distributed throughout the community just in time, as there are some seriously cold winds on our horizon.

We received packages from all over the United States and Canada. We heard from grandmothers, new mothers, beginning knitters and weavers, expert knitters, women who have just come through very hard times, women who felt a strong need to give back to the community, teenage friends, a knitting guild, somebody in the Coast Guard, and people who have visited or lived in Maine. Many of you found your way here from Soulemama's blog. A great big thank you to Amanda and other bloggers for spreading the word.

Nest will continue indefinitely. Feel free to send your contributions to the P.O. box listed on the sidebar. We will continue to contact local aid agencies in our communities and distribute items as they come in.

From all of us, our love and thanks.

Peace,
Jean