The benefit of 304 SS is that it doesn't rust as easily as lower grade SS.In a kitchen enviroment it shouldn't really. The thick 16 gauge will prevent warping over time resulting from the heat output of the BS/CC. The seamsless construction prevents grease from depositing in the seams which makes it very difficult to clean. Eventually rust results. Remote blower allows a more powerful blower plus less noice,especially if it is more than 6 feet plus away with a silencer. Silencers are about $150-$200 and the ducting is not very expensive. BTW: The price for Top End Appliances in any category seem out of line:) BTW II: I don't know if the ebay question is a serious one but you go under Home & Garden then click Inside the Home,then Major Appliances,then Ranges and Cooking Appliances,and finally Range hoods. Or search "42 Hoods" and set a price range to exclude things like sweatshirts. Here is a link that might be useful: Ebay Range Hoods

What an awsome group we have here! I'm teary-eyed reading your kind and generous responses to my outbutst. Sooey, my Mom's 91, and yes, when it's a Mom who's done everything for her family, had more energy than most people half her age, it's terribly difficult and unfair to see them this way; I hope your Mom's light-years away from where my Mom is now... Mark, what a coincidence about the stove! My Mom was leaning on our stove a few days ago, playing with the dials! I'm sure somewhere she knew what they were for, but I'm also quite sure she couldn't rationalize the danger she would have been in had she turned one on near her! How sad what happened in your town...those poor children... Lasershow, yes she's had an MRI, and there's nothing significantly wrong, such as a tumor, etc. Her neurologist has done her own testing and determined it to be dementia/alzeimers. We have thought about visiting various homes in the area, and I imagine that if it's been determined that she's a candidate, we'll begin that process. I've only been in one as a visitor to a friend's Dad, and....well...it's not 'home', is it? I'm honestly not sure anything would be good enough for Mom.... Fairiegold: you almost make it sound feasible! ;-) Sometimes I can picture a more idyllic situation: nice visits, bringing her treats, flowers, taking her on rides...without the mundane duties that can frustrate both of us...Now wouldn't that be so nice??? Sharlee, I'm assuming your Mom was living alone when she suffered her stroke and subsequent dementia? If that were true for my Mom, a facility would certainly be the obvious choice, as it was for you and your brother. Having had her here for 10 years or so...I feel more like I'm failing in her care by placing her. Your Mother seems like she's in a wonderful situation, comforted by her own possessions and receiving loving care. We should all aspire to that for our family members... Mary, yes, we too found an angel who cares for Mom each morning. She showers her, has coffee with her, gets her snacks, and is here for 1 1/2hours on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, and 2 hours on Tuesdays, and 4 hours on Thursdays: my DH's and my "date days"...;-) On those days she has lunch with Mom also, and gives her "the full treatment", including manicure! Mom truly loves her and she's become a part of our family! Patti, having to care for your uncle, I think, would be even more difficult. Maybe it's just me, but being close to Mom, and both being gals, I'm certainly more comfortable with caring for her....Does your uncle live with you? How is his condition? His age? I sure do tip my hat to you, Patti! It can't be easy... I hope you ALL take the same advice you offered to me, and take good care of yourselves, too! It's funny...I didn't really feel anything coming on, just felt as if one day rolled into the next, that I was coping quite well, thank you, and then the restlessness began, the not sleeping through the nights, getting 'edgy', resentful, impatient...Not good for me, and certainly not good for my Mother. Thank heavens where I leave off, my darling Hubby takes over with his calmness and sense of humour. Humour helps! ;-D Blessings to you all...I'm sure I'll know more after her assessment on Friday.... Thank you so very much; I hope I can be as helpful to you one day!

Try this one for the odds and ends: Preserving: End of the Garden Sweet Pickle Mix This recipe is from "Joy of Cooking Canning and Preserving." 4 medium ears of corn 1 pound young zucchini or cucumbers 8 ounces snap beans 8 ounces carrots 8 ounces cauliflower 8 ounces green and red bell peppers -- mixed 8 ounces pearl onions 8 cups water 1/2 cup canning and pickling salt 3 cups cider vinegar 3 cups white vinegar 1/4 cup bottled lemon juice 2 cups sugar 2 tablespoons celery seeds 1 tablespoon red pepper flakes 1/4 cup chopped basil Boil corn 5 minutes and cut from the cob. Wash, trim ends of zucchini or cucumber and cut into 1/4" slices. Wash, trim ends of beans and cut into 2-inch pieces. Wash, peel and cut carrots into 1/4" slices. Wash and cut cauliflower into 1-inch florets. Wash, core, and seed bell peppers. Cut into 2 x 1/2" strips. Wash and peel the pearl onions. Combine water and salt. Pour over all the vegetables. Submerge with a plate and place covered bowl in refrigerator for 12 to 18 hours. Drain vegetables. Do not rinse. Combine vinegars and spices in a large, deep skillet and boil gently for three minutes. Add vegetables and basil. Bring to a simmer over high heat, stirring often, until the largest, thickest pieces are thoroughly hot. Use a slotted spoon to pack the vegetables into hot pint jars. Add the hot vinegar solution, stirring to mix the seeds and chopped herbs. Leave 1/2" headspace and process in a boiling water bath for 15 minutes. Yield: 6 pints. There are also a number of options at the link. Carol Here is a link that might be useful: Vegetable Pickle Recipes

Typical government rip-off, you get cheated out of 6-9 months of a 10 year purchase. (Why not make it 11 years??) Book to your hearts content, travel people could care less if you have one or not. But they remind you that boarding can't be done without proper documentation. I got mine right before the last price hike. Some peoples travel qualifies them to use the Passport Card. Cheaper. You get your old one back, punched invalid, but keep it. It is still a vaild form of ID. Happy travels to some beautiful sunny beach.