I had a copy of Canning for Dummies but GoodWilled it a while back. I didn't have an issue with the book as such; I just had too many books (still do, LOL) and that focused so much on the basics it wasn't particularly useful to me. IIRC, that book relies heavily upon USDA and BBB standards. I just did a search "inside the book" on Amazon. All appears pretty much as I remembered, safety-oriented and conventional. Such methods as oven canning and steam canning are prohibited, steam pressure canners must be used for low-acid product, altitude adjustments are provided for pressure canning, etc. etc. One remark which stands out is that canning is not the place for "recipe innovation." Careful measurement is critical. All very good and appropriate advice. I would guess that the instructors chose the book as less dry and more "approachable" than the BBB. On that count I think they're right. My one concern is that the book was published in 2003. That's 8 years (allowing for at least a year to write and come to publication), and I doubt it's up-to-date on such changes as the wait time at the end of the boiling water bath and pressure canning cycles. I do think you will find 99% of the information reliable and beneficial in terms of demonstration; hopefully the instructor has kept with changes from the last years. I really think a lot of it has to do with the instructor's credentials and commitment to staying up-to-date. Keep an eye out and if you hear/read anything which seems at odds with what you remember from this site, post and ask. Also keep the NCHFP bookmarked as a favorite and check it frequently to verify anything doubtful. I would always check the NCHFP site for processing times. Being online, it's generally ahead of print on the latest. One good test would be to see if the course instructor can provide the NCHFP URL without looking it up, LOL. I hope this helps. Carol

I taught three kindergarten classes about vermicomposting at the private schools request. As a Master Gardener who loves worms and children I jumped at the chance. I brought a homemade bin for each class and worms. I gave a list to the teachers to send home to their kids to bring(garbage and papers of course) We used a marker to divide the bin in quarters. They would fill each quarter then when the fourth was full the first should be ready. It was half way through the school year so NO way would they filla can o worms. They were all sooooo excited . I was given a cute worm Thank you with all their names and a Great worm book I had admired in one class room.

I have 2 i have done so many times burried them for a time if someone would like to trade? One is the Christmas Angel (13")music/ (10 1/2)pillow doll with instructions for full slip and pillow base insert.The other is the ceremonal wedding dress for the 14 1/2 ( i use 15 in doll) Indian princess IV. With necklace and head band pattern as well inside. Id love to trade for anything like a mideval/ Renissance/or the old 1800's early 1900's looking patterns. if any of those I will trade both of these for one of those. These are in very good condition. Thank You

Hi there! I'm not sure if you want this type of pattern, and believe me they are old, it says DOLLS of the AMERICAS. Most are full length, Miss New Orleans, Crinoline Sweetheart, Prairie Rose, Gypsy girl, Miss Rio, well, you get the drift. Miss West Indies is very pretty. One is called Party Girl, it's an 8" doll, very ruffly, short dress, like a school party dress. I'm not too sure how well they will scan, but, if you think you can use them, let me know. carroly