Store it in an airtight container or baggie with a packet of silica gel that will absorb any moisure that sneaks in. Keep it in a cool, dry place. I keep mine in a baggie placed in a Tupperware container, with the silica gel on top of the baggie. I then put the container on a shelf in my closet... away from the bathroom and kitchen!

Given that you're going to be out of town for the next few days and probably have quite a lot to keep you busy, I'd go with freezing. Freezing ham works quite well for the short-term. In other words, it's not a meat that keeps as well frozen as other meats. However, it'll be fine for a month or two and give you time to use it up. The bone will freeze just as well as any of the rest of the ham. Carol

faron - I've got some brand-new gallons (extra bought when built house) that are 7 years old - are they still good? I put small amounts left over into butter tubs and cake frosting containers (well scrubbed), flipped them upside down after putting the lids on, I hope those are OK but no big deal since it's such a small amount. When are you having your surgery? My dad has his right knee scheduled for Oct 29, they'll do the left about 3 weeks later.

@Suzanne Giomi, ahhhh! Ok, this is making sense now. I know you listed some prices above, but remind me how much more is the fridge column with 2 drawers (with your Wolf discount) for you vs the fridge column without drawers (with discount)? You seem to really love the over/under option with freezer drawers, so that is what I am leaning toward for you, considering your budget may be a little flexible? I think in the end, you will be very happy and even if roughly 2,000 more, this choice is for many years to come right? Ok, I have to get your opinion then on the fridge over/under, as far as the drawers go. Do you think produce might get lost in the drawers vs. in the drawers of the single column? Again, I have not seen the over/under in person, but the one thing I don't want, is to be rummaging through deep drawers for produce. Are there lots of dividers so this would not be an issue? What do you personally like better about the drawers vs having everything organized on shelves in the full column and also in the interior drawers of the full column? Hopefully this makes sense! This thread has opened a whole new can of worms for me!