to homebound: Thanks for the input! I have some further Qs: Have you seen any of these in action: Mangar inflatable cushion (reaches bottom of tub unlike others Wizard hydraulic bath lift (Mobilitysmart) Sterling 311; Neptune; Ameriglide Premium As for the ceiling track option for Hoyer, that's extremely expensive, and requires renovation. This is at my sister's place - she'd turn purple so it's out of the question. She already had a major stroke two months ago. I guess the Hoyer Bath Mount Adapter would also be out of the question, due to requiring installation? What's best in this situation is perhaps a combo of winch & pulleys, albeit self contained (similar to porch swings or baby swings that are on 4 legs). Then, the self-contained-contraption can be anchored to the safety rails which had been installed 2 years ago at head/foot & side of tub. Also, again, if anyone has instructions for an idea that's a composite of the stuff I posted above (many were viewed on YouTube, such as the WESCO-winch-lift) I'd appreciate it. P.S. Regarding the mention of fitness centers, hot tubs, health clubs, whatever, those are N/A in my family situation

Thank you all for your advice. I tried poaching, and it worked wonders. I used the truffled walnut, mushroom, and sage filling and I just loved how they turned out. Went to take a picture for my blog- kids started screaming. Went to help them, came back to take the pic- all gone! Husband got to them! I don't know when I'll have the energy or motivation to make that again but at least he ate something other than ramen noodles for once.

Sol, that's basically the same recipe I was mentioning. Since I was doing this at home for a guest, I left out the coffee and used just enough milk to cook the pumpkin and other ingredients. That got rid of that nasty grainy textures. Then I put it in the fridge so my guest could use it like a syrup. She used double-strength brewed coffee and warmed the half-and-half in the microwave whenever she wanted a cup. Then she buried the whole thing in whipped cream. She was more after the pumpkin and milk than the coffee, so she was happy. The rest of use could then drink plain black strong coffee, so we were happy. It worked. The base tends to get a little funky after three days, though. At the store, I just did it with the espresso machine for each drink. Much easier. Barnmom, I forgot to tell you that I have selective amnesia about that topic. These days I am simply a picky consumer.

First home, I too like making things from scratch, cold processed soap and masalas/currys (I get some of my spices from Sri Lanka, for example) are just 2 of them. I prefer cold process to hot. Some soapers prefer hot processed soap, I always struggled to make them look like store-bought, so I make cold processed and hate rebatching. It is economical? For a few bars definitely not. If you like giving as gifts or going retail, then probably, but you may never give up your day job, to pick this soapmaking up to keep food on the table (bin there, done that). It's a tough slog, some do it, but I would never rely on it now. While you are thinking about picking up tools and supplies, then start looking now. I get the stick mixers for example from second hand outlets, and I keep the buckets which the oils and fats come in to mix soap recipes. Good luck with whatever you choose. B.