that is a lot like teaching in a way ,” she said .
“ I have finally begun to handle retirement better . Tim used to tell me that I was failing retirement . I think that I now would get a pretty good grade .
“ I have gotten to the point where I can plan and work on my projects when and how I want to and on my schedule . So now , I am able to alternate between needle crafts , sewing , baking , and cooking .” While she taught several classes involving food and has also won numerous awards for her cooking , Green is now adding baking , especially cookies , to her list of artistic skills .
“ I have really gotten into baking and decorating sugar cookies . I started doing them in 2018 and have gotten more and more into them since .
“ I have taken an in-person class , online classes , and browse Pinterest and other websites in an effort to perfect the cookies , icing , and designs .
“ I also belong to several Facebook cookie groups and take tips from other cookiers in order to practice on my own designs ,” she noted .
“ I have been fortunate to win numerous ribbons for baked items ( at the State Fair of West Virginia ). I have entered pumpkin rolls , ciabatta bread , cinnamon rolls , a variety of cookies , and a variety of candies . I also enter pepperoni rolls , which is a family favorite , and a pound cake which uses my grandmother ’ s recipe .
“ Since I have now embraced retirement for the most part , I have time to try new recipes and create new dishes . Tim and I like to try new foods and experiment with new tastes .
“ Also , since we began to grow a garden , I enjoy garnishing dishes with our home-grown herbs .
“ I also really enjoy preparing food for when we host holiday get-togethers as well as for birthday celebrations with family .”
Green has earned nearly 100 ribbons at the State Fair – 40 of which are blue ribbons – for her hand-crafted needlework designs as well as her food items .
“ I really started sewing , crocheting , and cooking when I was 10 years old ,” she recalled . “ I watched my mom ( Rosa “ Rosie ” Overton Walker ) and grandmother ( Minnie Overton ) and they would show me how to use a sewing machine , crochet
Green holds a memory blanket she made .
“ I have finally begun to handle retirement better . Tim used to tell me that I was failing retirement . I think that I now would get a pretty good grade .”
34 � NOVEMBER – DECEMBER ’ 24 � SOUTH