How Long Are Canned Green Beans Good For?
Being a long time home canner myself, I do feel comfortable answering this. First, check a couple things. Open the jar, was it still sealed? Do not taste! Smell for any off, odor, knowing that botulism is not detected by odor or taste, but other natural decay...
Recipes Using Eggplant
Another yummy use for eggplant is to slice it fairly thin and use the slices like you would use cooked pasta in a quick lasagna dish. Just layer the cheeses, eggplant and tomato sauce, whether it is a large pan, or a smaller dish, and if the eggplant is simmered...
Using Halloween Pumpkins for Cooking?
It is true that the small, sugar pumpkins are better for the cooking projects, but, thinking back to my dear late Scottish Grandmother, her words would be, wasting the jack-O-lantern just would not be practical. So many years ago I started using the big old...
Cooking Acorn and Spaghetti Squash?
The spagetti squash can be used as --spagetti--. Cut the squash across the middle, not from top to bottom, as I recall, as this keeps the strands longer. If it is fairly large, cut across lower, then higher, not just across the middle. Scrape the seeds out...
Things to Do With Kids in New Orleans?
You can take a tour, (use only guided tours, for reasons of safety), into a cemetery with all raised Crypts. Not morbid, just very interesting, and lots of history involved. Do use a guide, as this is a place where muggers like to hide out and approach visitors...
Flies in the Backyard?
I have supplied this info before, but it never hurts to send it again. The thing I was told was to put some plastic (like a used grocery bag, or similar size bag), into a paper bag, after crumpling the paper bag a couple times. Make sure the plastic bag, or...
Using Yogurt for Yeast Infections in Pets' Ears?
Have you thought of taking out what you expect to use for the cat, mix some fruit and a bit of sugar, or sugar substitute, into the rest, and eat it. It really is very good, and good for you. Loretta from Theodore, AL
Cleaning Stains in Toilet?
Slip on some cheap rubber gloves, grab a pumice stone, ( found in personal care area of stores like Walmart, which are used for removing calluses from feet), gently rub around the stained area, using a throw away rag to see when you have accomplished the job...
Health Concerns About Food Canned in China?
We are careful to avoid, as much as we are able, all canned foods from china. Their laws do not match ours in cleanliness, and we only have to be sick and in the hospital one time to regret any food we ever ate that came from there. Just because we like that...
Training a Puppy Not to Bite?
I dont know if you are aware, but the blue pits are known to be the most aggressive and normally are quite hard to deal with. I am not a pit bull hater, my son having had a beautiful female, and raised a male pup from the only litter he let her have, (12 pups...
Getting Rid of Flies Outside?
If you are talking about a patio area, or a porch, somewhere that is close to the house, one good way is to take a brown paper bag, crumple it a few times, so that it has lots of wrinkles in it. Then put some plastic or newspaper inside so that the bag holds...
How To Eat a Fig?
As long as the fig, and I am assuming you mean fresh figs, is fairly soft, not hard, you eat all but the stem, like Pookarina said. Dried figs are also yummy. I grew up in Western Washington, but when ending up on the Gulf Coast of AL., there were many fruits...
Freezing Corn on the Cob
I am so glad you also found the simple joy of fresh tasting corn on the cob. When we get the word that the silver queen is available here in s. Alabama, we buy a bushel, bring it home in a rush, and have it all in the freezer within a couple hours. We do check...
What Breed is My Dog?
I can not tell you what breed he is, except he looks so very much like our 7 year old female who weighs about 11 pounds, and she, like any dogs i have ever had, is a rescue, so her breed is a mix. Our vet says mostly schnauzer, and when we have her groomed...
Pit Bull Puppy Keeps Biting Us?
I only have one thing to add to all the other bits of advice. Do not think that I have any grudge against Pitbulls, in fact, I love them. The actual findings, according to people like the ones who have handled them (a lot) is that the blue nose pits are always...
Cooking Beans from Scratch
I have to add my warning to the others before me. I have been canning for more than 60 of my 72 years, still do love to can what comes to hand, and produce in season. The one thing I learned early on was to know what to can with pressure, which raises the temperature...
Scenery: Mt. Baker (Washington)
I envy you, and know I shouldnt. I grew up being able to look out our kitchen window, (sitting on a box that held wood for the stove), and on good days, could see Mt. Baker clearly. We lived about halfway between Bellingham and Lynden, if you are familiar. Maybe...
Preparing for a Move?
My suggestions are, for what they are worth. Pack, like one said, for easy unpacking of daily needs, not everything of one type in one big box or bag. Beyond that, and trimming down to the necessities, remember this, home is wherever you and your husband are...
Scenery: Horseshoe Trail (Mount Baker, WA)
Oh how I miss scenes of the Mt. Baker area. I used to see it, growing up, from our kitchen window, North of Bellingham, WA., and although I have been gone many years, and lived in the deep south most of that time, the Northwest is still home, in my heart. Thank...
Saving Money on Spices
I wish i could find that option here, but agree, less is more when it comes to spices because it becomes almost tasteless in less time than most think. I do use the whole nutmeg because of that, and grate off just what I need. What a taste blast after using...
Can I Can Greens in a Water Bath?
It is not safe to can greens in a waterbath as the temperature needs to be higher than the boiling temp. Of water. I guess some people have tried it, but i have been canning for 60 years, and know that botulism is a deadly thing, that you dont see, smell, taste...
Can I Can Greens in a Water Bath?
Again, from ljf, I meant to include that I always used a pressure canner for greens, green beans and any low acid foods. It costs money to purchase a canner, but if it is well cared for, one will last for many years. Sometimes a gasket, or something needs replacing...
Hide Important Numbers in Cell Phone Contacts
What a fantastic idea. I doubt I would ever have thought of it, but will certainly use it, starting today. The dumb thing is, about the time I really need a number it flies out of my head, and ten minutes later, poof, there it is, so your idea is genius. Thanks...
Bacon Grease in Can for Dog
That is a totally insane clever idea, and as long as the dog doesnt get a load of bacon grease, i could see it being the cutest thing to watch, which might shoot down the reason for doing it in the first place. I have been noticing many things that you have...
A Snake In My Garden!
I too, loved your snake encounter. My thing with snakes is also to respect and admire them. Several years ago I enjoyed several non exotic snakes. I had red rat snakes, sometimes called corn snakes, and a couple other varieties. They are most useful in garden...
Boil Eggs With Potatoes for Salad
One problem about that is that eggs are their very best, and certainly look their best if they are not really boiled, but rather brought to a boil, then set off the heat and left in the water for about 20 minutes. They are pretty and yellow, no greenish brown...
What Do I Do if the Canning Lids Did Not Seal?
First of all, was this a process for 10 minutes, then pull out of the boiling water and set in a non-drafty place to let seal, or was it a pour boiling jam into clean jars, put fresh rubber rimmed sealing lids on, and screw metal lids down (snug, but not as...
Daisey (American Pit Bull Terrier)
Another one of those horrible Pit bulls, right? The worst thing that your dogs will do is clean your face with their tongue? My son and his family, which includes a wife, three children, and their beautiful Pit mama and son, lived on our property for a couple...
How Do I Dry Herbs?
I have grown sweet basil, purple basil and the very flavorful Thai basil, all of which are really yummy. I have a dehydrator, and have tried them that way, on the temp recommended, which is about 105, as i recall, same as my Greek oregano, but if you want it...
Cowboy (Mixed Breed)
Just another proof that the best pets are rescue pets. They seem to love us more, and i know we get an added joy from knowing we gave new life to an otherwise doomed animal. Your old boy obviously gives you much love and i can see that you treasure him also...
My Frugal Life: ThriftyFun Family
Hello grace, not only am i stunned at your mothers attitude about you, when it was her choice to do what it took to become pregnant, not yours, but for all your siblings to automatically stand up with her is too transparent for words. You have many people who...
Refinishing the Inside of an Old Trunk?
First of all, are you sure you want to refinish? Is this an antique, or has it already been fixed up for appearances sake? If you do want to refinish the inside, the wallpaper idea is as good as any, just be sure that the glue you use will not attract critters...
Saying Goodbye to a Paradise: The...
I can only add my ditto with the others who commented about your eloquent descriptions of the area, as well as the photos. We too are feeling the pain of the oil spill, living in Theodore, Alabama. We have one of the bird cleaning stations in our area, and...
Living Room Paint Color Advice?
I see brown or beige as also being rather dull and eventually quite boring. (I am not a young pierced eyebrow modern day gal, but rather a 71 year old that thinks life is too great to live it in a boring way). How about one wall, anyway, with a pop of something...
Recommendations for Dishwasher Detergent?
I know I am a bit late chiming in, but I checked a quality comparison report one time, and their findings were that Walmarts brand (the granulated kind in the box) was on a par with the more expensive brands. I have been using it for years and only run a rinse...
Dog is Food Aggressive?
Oh boy! The day that a dog who bites my family members is still a good dog just isnt going to happen! First, this can be dealt with, as i have seen on the dog whisperer. I do suggest you see someone with his level of training, (training the people, and the...
Removing Seafood Odors from Your Hands
I have used fresh herbs on occasion. Fresh parsley is the very best, rubbing a few bits of it on fingers and over hands is very effective. Sweet basil is another that works well. It doesnt take much, but leaves a fresh smell where a not so fresh smell was before...
Is It Safe to Use Expired Toothpaste?
Most things have an expiration date for a reason. Sometimes it can be because the taste changes, but sometimes ingredients break down and can even become toxic. A few months is one thing, and probably not a problem at all, but a year or more would be ill advised...
Mixing Ground Meat With Venison
Your ideas are not new to me, as I grew up with venison as a regular food item. It is a shame that so many have to be introduced to it slowly, and yet it has some of the cleanest, leanest, tastiest, flavor that one can find. Of course we all know that the little...
Wildlife: Speckled Trout
Not only will we be unlikely to catch fish in our northern gulf, but i would certainly be afraid to eat one. They are already finding that the dispersing agent is causing a toxic mess, and there are probably fish the size of yours dying and washing up on beaches...
4 Year Old Won't Behave?
You have already gotten suggestions from a to z. My suggestion is this. First, take a long slow breath, think over what happens when he even starts to act out. You probably get frustrated, with good reason, but this causes a reaction from him also. I am a mother...
Tomato Plant Help?
Your plant will be fine unless it was damaged lower down, like at the base of the plant, as tomatoes are very tough. If you still have the top, put it in a couple inches of water for a day or two, then put it about 4 or 5 inches deep in good soil , and see...
Scenery: Laurel Falls (Great Smoky Mountain National Park)
I share your love for the Great Smoky Mts., having lived in Knoxville, TN. for many years, and running to the Mts. to find a peaceful escape from grueling greenhouse work. The variety of trees, animals, sounds and smells, if one is willing to sit still for...
How To Tell if An Egg Is Fresh
I will add one or two thoughts you might want to consider. First, if the large end of the egg tips up, but the smaller end stays pointed down, the egg is still usable. It just needs to be used soon, and I normally boil them at that point. Second, you can always...
Dog is Greedy With Its Food How Do I Stop This?
Since you also submitted about keeping your dog happy, this idea might help both ways. Go to a good pet shop and see if they have a rather large treat ball, in which you can place all, or at least half of your dogs ration of food. This gives the dog the job...
What Breed is This Puppy?
I cringe at the way people jump back from even the word pit bull. The word is not, i repeat not, the dog. Each dog should be evaluated for its own personality. My youngest son had a beautiful 100% red nose pit bull that his two youngest children were raised...
What Breed is My Puppy?
I am not sure about the breed, and she could be a mix, but there are two different head shapes for a chihuahua. One is the apple head, and one is the deer shaped head. I had a deer head many years ago, and full grown, he was only 5 pounds, and a fawn color...
Dealing With Loneliness After the Death of a Parent?
I read the previous responses, and all are very considerate. My only thoughts, after caring for a husband of 39 1/2 years, until he died in 1997, are to get up each day with a plan. Plan to do something, fix something, go somewhere, volunteer at an assisted...
Redheaded Lizards (Broad-Headed Skinks)
Eumeces laticeps is the formal name for this species. I too find that it is the broad headed skink. I love to try and check, and double check things, rather than just parrot what I heard someone say, or think it is because I saw one once. They do appear to...
Thank You Notes for Mom
My mother left this life for a much better one two years ago, on 4/24/08, and even though she received many thank yous from her kids, she would have loved such a keepsake. I wonder how many little slips of paper there would be in a box done for me. There are...
Preventing Customers from Changing Prices at a Garage Sale?
Do keep it simple. I have used this rule. One color sticker, one price. But do like some retailers do, $1.98, if you really want $2.00. You will be surprised at how many people will say they paid a dollar for it. Always start with lots of change, but do keep...
Get Your Money's Worth When Buying Nuts and Produce
Susanmajp is 100% right. There are giant pecans, probably not found in the stores, but they have little flavor. Then there are the smaller varieties that have the slightly harder shells, but awesome flavor. So you kind of get what you are willing to work for...
Sadie (Boxer)
Seeing her takes me back many, many years to the farm I grew up on just north of Bellingham, Washington. My dad loved boxers, and the two he started with, Fritz and Mugsie, produced some beautiful babies, from the three or four total litters he let them have...
Travel Tips for Gatlinburg, TN?
My family lived in Knoxville Tennessee for many years, working a greenhouse business, and spent many delightful days in the Gatlinburg area. Unless you just have to be in Gatlinburg, have you thought of staying in pigeon forge, or even over in the quieter area...
Honey for Minor Burns
I have also used honey for minor burns, as in touching a hot pan, as you did. I mentioned it to my Dr. and he said it is very good for killing and preventing germs, and he only knows of one type of germ that it has no effect on, so all in all, on small, not...
Different Types of Flour?
Yes, self-rising flour has added baking powder, and salt, and is handy for biscuits, but also can be used for other things. Regular flour is the plain flour, although it can be bleached, unbleached, or stone-ground, etc. Bread flour is a flour that has much...
Advice for Quitting Smoking?
Dear Lisa, all I can say is, throw them away, and decide what is more important, breathing, and life, or spending money to shorten your life. In 1997 my first husband died, after 39 1/2 years married. He had been a smoker for almost my whole life with him. At...
Deep Fried Pickles
I am laughing because I can remember my first introduction to deep fried dills (our favorites). I am a former western Washingtonian, and never heard of such things, but then I thought all corn bread was made in little square pans and was yellow and only served...
Slow Banana Ripening
We all need to take a page out of the book that many in the places where bananas grow, already know. It is just being discovered now that riper bananas, that are beginning to spot, have only then released the nutrients that will aid in preventing many diseases...
Can I Use Fresh Cranberries in a Bread Machine?
You would not want to, as the fresh are too wet, and much too tart. The dried are sweetened with sugar and very dehydrated, so any recipe for the bread machine would take that into consideration. Most measurements have to be very carefully done, otherwise it...
Using Basil?
I can not improve on any of the ideas that have been offered, except one. I grow basil, Thai basil in particular, as it is so very good, but I would never dream of drying it. I pick the leaves, make sure they are clean and dry, fold the amount I expect to use...
Surviving Family Thanksgiving?
It sounds like you have more suggestions than you can shake a stick at. The most important thing is to start the way you plan to continue. If you are a doormat and let everyone else have their way this season, this time, this occasion, it will happen again...
Buying Bulk Spices
The only problem with buying many spices and herbs in bulk is that they deteriorate rapidly. If you dont use a lot of any one type of spice, it is so much better to buy the smaller amount. I do get the whole nutmeg, and you would be surprised at how much less...
Kitten Trying to Nurse on Older Cat?
Im not sure that anyone actually dealt with your particular problem. Is your kitten still of nursing age? Is the older cat a female, and giving milk, or just irritated? The normal reason for kittens to try to nurse from other cats, and nearly anything they...
Helping the Needy as a Family?
You may have things like we do here on the gulf coast, like the waterfront rescue mission, and of course there is salvation army, who help people, especially during the holidays, but actually all year. You could take them to senior care facilities to visit...
Allow Your Dishwasher to Air Dry
You go girl! Would you believe, my 12 year old dishwasher has never gone through the dry cycle? What is the point? How many times when we wash a hand full of odds and ends of dishes did we ever grab a dish towel, (well I did way back in the day), and dry everything...
Amish Friendship Sweet Bread in a Day?
I hope you have good results with your Amish bread in 1 day. I have always done the extended thing, but even if the flavor is a bit different, the result is bound to be good. Here is what i am responding to. I have replaced applesauce for all, or at the least...
Gift Ideas for Operation Christmas Child?
I have read many good ideas, although some dont apply, but then not everyone is familiar with Samaritans purse either. We are in the process of thinking through the age group we will try to help this year. It is so easy to get little fun things for the younger...
What Breed is My Dog?
My understanding is that a pit bull terrier and a Staffordshire are, basically, one and the same, with one exception. The pit bull can not, as i understand it, be American kennel club registered, and the staff. Can. Some say there are slight differences in...
Helping Care for Grandchildren?
This will be short. If the children are doing well, and if you and your husband need to move, move!! You raised your children. You love them, for sure, and your grandchildren. As one or two of the previous guests said, write, call, e-mail if you get the chance...
6 Year Old Having Frequent Accidents?
If you want an old ladies advice, that is an old lady that has 7 grown kids, 25 or so grandchildren, (it is hard to keep up with the step-grands these days, but they do count), and i lost track at about 12 great grands with one or two on the way. (I am not...
Buy Frontline In Bulk
It may also be possible that your dogs are not processing the frontline like they have done for some time. My vet said that at times you need to change the product you use, which was what happened to us. If the liquid works without the dogs becoming sluggish...
Fat Free Sugar Free Salad Dressing Recipe?
One my husband and I like on romaine, onion, & tomato is to use raspberry balsamic vinegar, thinned down with a bit of cold water, and enough splenda to take off the sharpness of the vinegar just a bit. We do not buy a dressing, just the vinegar, found at wal...
When are Huckleberries Ripe?
Wow, huckleberries. Are yours red or blue? Either way, if they have turned color, and getting tender you can roll them off into a container, which can take time if you are trying to get enough for more than just eating. If you get a few that are not quite ripe...
I Forgot the Lemon in My Canned Jelly?
Quite often the lemon is required to level out the pectin according to the fruit being used, which makes the jell process work, so if you have made it without the lemon, and it has not set up, (jelled well) within a week or two, it is possible you will have...
Printing Coupons?
Here is the one I get really good money off coupons from, each month: http://print.coupons.com/Couponweb/Offers.aspx?pid=13250&nid=10&zid=ry98 You will get the chance to print a couple of coupons on most of them (by going back to coupons after printing those...
"Mock" Soap on a Rope
What a great idea. Not only do I find it easier, at age 70, to take a shower, i have always preferred to have clean water rinsing all the soapy water off as I bathed. Your idea is not only great for at home, but as my husband and I love to go camping, it will...
Cooking With Frozen Okra?
You certainly can have the fresh flavor of okra after it has been frozen. Just prepare it the way you are going to want to use it. Cut up if you want to fry it, or small whole okra if you are going to cook it that way, then freeze. When you get it out, use...
Will Marigolds Re-seed?
Yes, marigolds are a one time deal. And knowing the climate of that area, being from Bellingham originally, and having family on Camano Island, I would say your chances of having marigolds reseed themselves would be kind of iffy. You might get a few that would...
Getting Cigarette Odor Out of a Vehicle?
The idea of some citrus is good but how about the febreze including the one that is fresh car scent. If you have not done it, and have any fabric, headliner, side panels, seats, as well as floor, that would be my first, and second effort. Then keep windows...
Determining the Gender of a Parakeet?
I was told, many years ago that the nose would be dark blue on a male when he began to mature. the very light blue, and the tan are female. They must have been right because my pair had babies, which thrilled me no end as a young teen. (I am 70 now) but that...
Sweet Tomato Preserves Recipe?
You can go to this website for a variety of tomato recipes--brands.Kraftfoods.Com/surejell-- and i have one, from a ball canning book, circa 1993, but they come out with new ones about every year. This one has kind of a ginger, and mixed pickling spice flavor...
Should I Blanch Corn?
I have answered this question before. The answer is the same as before. Do nothing but check the tips for the possible worm. The very best corn can occasionally have one munching away. Just put the corn in a freezer bag, or vacuum seal bag, if you have it. With...
Home Remedy for Diabetic Foot Pain?
Is your husband wearing large enough, soft enough, yet supporting, shoes? I would suggest that a diabetic should always check with a dr. About any and all changes in the feet. I have relatives with diabetes, and i know that the feet, and eyes are always their...
Recipes for Cancer Patient?
Knowing first hand the ups and downs of taste buds during chemo for breast cancer treatment, it may be hard to find one thing that she can tolerate. I did not do well with dairy products, even low fat, and they were normally top of my list. I would start with...
Making Crispy Fried Chicken?
Along with all the seasoning, coating, whatever you do to make the perfect fried chicken, add 1/2 cup of cornstarch or more, to each cup of flour, as it gives a very crispy finish. The flavor isnt changed, but the crispy texture is there. Of course the oil...
My Frugal Life: The Gift Of Time
I can not imagine having no idea that someone you love could be gone so quickly. Reading your story takes me back to march 1997 when my husband of 39 1/2 years left this life for a better one in heaven. He had suffered from a cancer that now is treatable, but...
Good Gift for a Departing Soldier?
I would certainly make sure he has a small bible. Even if it is just a new testament, but the whole bible would be a great gift. Even if it is not a top priority right now, it may become much more dear to him as he matures, or someone else might draw some strength...
Distributing Estate Items to Family?
I am crazy about amh82 s way of dealing with the stuff. My husband, (not my 7 kids father, who is deceased) and I, have made our wills, but there is always that stuff that family members will claim was promised to them, etc., So the idea of going by age in...
Can Hot Water Damage a Wax Ring?
You get the man to come back and correct everything that even might be messed up! The wax ring must be replaced. That wax is quite easy to melt, and once messed up, it will not just go back into a nice sealed position. You do not want the leakage to be revealed...
What Breed is My Dog?
Your dog does look like a possible cross of pit bull and lab, but rather than be concerned with the breed, (we have a small rescue dog, part this, and part that), be constant in training, and keeping her healthy, and knowing her place in your family. You are...
What Breed is My Dog?
I have to agree with flinchonce that your beautiful dog is probably a lab and pit bull mix. Dont let the word pit bull upset you as they can be most loving. I do not think that guess is one formed in concrete, as there are other short haired dogs with similar...
Treating a Dog for Pain?
My best recollection is that anything over the counter EXCEPT aspirin, is a big NO NO. Very toxic, and sometimes deadly. Depending on the size of your dog, as lorianna said, you could use small amounts of aspirin, if it is totally out of the question to go...
