Dear Midnite Crafter I took had trouble posting pics via Flickr, but with the help of my 10 year old granddaughter I opened an account with www.PhotoBucket.com. I was able to post pics easily then. Good Luck Craftylady sent me this link. Here is a link that might be useful: Posting Pics with Photobucket Good Luck can't wait to see pics!!! Sylvia

You won't believe how easy the bottle was...after getting all the glue from the lable off I etched it with Armour Etch (got it at Michael's) make sure the bottle is dry then run a string of 20-35 Christmas lights in through the mouth of it...cut apart silk flower picks from the local craft store to be able to make your own floral design arrange them to hide the cord coming out the back and add a bow (mine was raffia)....that is it...Hope that helps Marlene 2008

I agree with Ken that siphoning is almost always a result of either very inconsistent heat levels during the cycle or an improper cool down. It isn't related to the start-up cycle. Venting during the start-up for 10 mins - begin timing the 10 mins as soon as you have a steady, uninterrupted flow of steam. If air remains in the canner you will see spurts of steam kind of like smoke signals. ;) I disagree with the instructions to reduce heat BEFORE placing on the weights. First because it isn't what is recommended (see NCHFP instructions linked below) and second, heat reduction should only be done once the canner is brought up to pressure and then done VERY gradually in VERY small increments. Rapid heat reduction will almost always cause siphoning. Dave Here is a link that might be useful: NCHFP - How to Use a Pressure Canner

Thanks for the warm welcome everyone. I'll bring dark chocolates and some jelly beans, and my favorite coffee cup to the table. Iris thanks you for the hugs, Jennava. She's a well loved old gal (read:spoiled LOL). Stopped by the library while out running errands today, and will begin reading "The Middle Place" by Kelly Corrigan tonight. Again, thanks for letting me join in the fun! - Susan