WOW! Now if that doesn't help me, nothing will. I won't even attempt to get the carb off. I have maintained this engine every season - new plugs, filter, oil and filter, etc. Actually, this year I decided not to change the plugs as it seemed like overkill. It's funny that the engine surges at high idle only. Low idle is perfect. I've replaced the fuel filter over the last few years with Home Depot/John Deere replacements. This year I splurged and bought a OEM Honda replacement. At the same time, I added a bottle of STP carb/fuel injector cleaner (I was unable to find Seafoam at Wal-Mart and Pep Boys) to a full tank of gas (5 gallons) and a quick run-through sounded 'better'. We'll see after I run it for an hour. But at least I now know that I won't even attempt to get to the jets as it sounds like it's not worth it. On another - related topic - I have two Tecumseh-powered Ariens snow blowers that were purchased within the last seven years. One is an 8hp and the other a 5hp that requires a mix. Both have required carburetor work - the 5hp only a year after purchase. I ended up bringing the 5hp one back as it was covered under warranty. (On the 8hp, I ended up replacing the carb with the 'pre-emissions' adjustable Tecumseh model I read about elsewhere in this forum. Works great.) The mechanic told me that many current engines have required early carb rebuilds due to 'crappy gas'. He even asked my what type of fuel stabilizer I use (Stabil) and suggested that he's also seen problems with anything other than the Briggs stabilzer. I guess I'll try that next season.

Michael, we never did get to do croissants which were on the schedule. Our teacher wasnÂt feeling up to snuff with the remains of a cold, and we asked a lot, a LOT, of questions. She is teaching a class later  a one day-er  on breakfast pastries that a few of our group are taking. I think that might be going into dangerous ground for me. As much as I like them, I donÂt have the metabolism to handle a batch of them. However, for those of you who are thinking of making them, she suggested taking them to the point of final rise, wrap well and freeze, then take them out the night before, thaw in fridge, then take out in the a.m. for the final rise and baking. This way you CAN have one or two or eight fresh when you want them. Most baking does seem to require some advance thinking; otherwise thatÂs why god invented bakeriesÂfor the rest of us. Sally, where is your son studying? If we didnÂt travel so much, I would take more courses. LOL Free food!! (actually as a taxpayer, I kind of pay in advanceÂ) Annie, one day you two will be "mature" (that = older!!) and possibly live somewhere that has money for student education. ItÂs a shame about Michigan. Michelle, that apple pie is a snap. Basic (your fave) one unbaked crust pie crust shell in a 9" pan. 5 or so green apples, peeled, cored and sliced about the thickness of your little finger  well my little finger. Pile them into one good layer and add a good coating of brown sugar. Continue to pile high And then pat the streusel topping all over to coat the apples and seal them in. I didnÂt do a very good job at that as my streusel kept falling off. We also noticed that things were drying out as we made them in stages. The streusel was brown and white sugars, butter and walnuts, made in the KA. The pies that had the apples sealed in did a lot better, tho the pie I took home had apples that were still firm but cooked. I know one of us cut her apples much thicker than I would have, so mine might be ÂhersÂ. Bake and learn. ;-) As our teacher said, apple pies are darn cheap to make  her mother had 6 children to raise and feed and seemed to know fast and good pretty well! If anyone wants any of these recipes, feel free to send me your snail mail, as some are long and I donÂt know if I will have time to scan this week. I also have not played around with my scanner enough to know how well it does the written material. Maureen

Good morning, gang! This week was week 4 on the South Beach diet and I am holding at 8 lbs. lost. Not as well as I had hoped, but I'm going to stick with it. When I did the Atkins plan two years ago I lost 11 lbs. the first month and 11 lbs. the second month - but couldn't stick with it beyond that. I have added a slice of homemade whole wheat toast and one serving of fruit to my regular low carb eating plan for the day. I try not to have either of those at my evening meal, but keep to protein and vegetable or salad. No elimination problems here, and I have found I have more gas when I stray off the plan than when I follow it closely. Am leaving out cottage cheese and V-8 juice as they may contribute to my stall. Ditto too many sugar free items, although I tried the Crystal Light raspberry lemonade this week and consider it my "soda pop" treat - I make it weak and like it that way, plus, I'm getting some "flavored" water in my system. I needed to use up some carrots in the fridge, so I made my marinated spice carrots last night subbing Splenda packets to taste for the 1/2 cup sugar. I know carrots are higher in carbs, but I just don't waste food. Am going to make a marinated vegetable recipe today and sub the Splenda for the sugar again. It has been very hot here, and these cold veggies will hit the spot. One thing I am trying to learn is to listen to my body. It will tell me what fuels me or what makes me sluggish. I have some stress on the job and quite a bit of physical activity for my age (at least I think so!) and I am trying to balance this with eating healthy and trying to lose weight. In other words, I'm trying to take care of myself for myself! This is sometimes hard for women to do because we have been the caretaker of others for so many years. Many times I have to decline activities after work because I'm just too tired - something other people don't understand. But I listen to my body and try to do what it needs. Sorry for rambling on like this, but I hope y'all here will understand as maybe you are in a similar place in your life. Stay focused and enjoy your weekend. Teresa

My husband died on December 19, 2008. His funeral was the 23rd - This is my fourth Christmas without him. Any real joy in the holidays died with him - it will always been the anniversary of the saddest week of my life. Since then, I've also become estranged from one of my daughters, due to her mental illness and alcoholism. Today was quiet - son and I shared a turkey dinner I cooked. No tree, no presents, no decorations - one grandson called briefly, said he was "making the rounds" and would be over soon - never showed up. I told son if he had not been with me today, I would have been totally alone all day - might as well have just been any old day. Next year I'm seriously considering just taking a cruise over the holidays - never been on one, so maybe it's time to see what that's like. The secret is to not have very high expectations of the day.