Yes, all parts of the basjoo are edible. But the bananas--if they actually produce--they must be pollenated to set fruit, and that requires 2 basjoo blooming at the same time--and if you can get them ripe--contain as much seeds as pulp, and not too good to eat. The leaves are great to cook with though!Here's my favorite recipe: pork roast wrapped in banana leaves a la crockpot -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1 2 or 3 pound pork roast, I used sirloin roast 1 large onion sliced 1/2 teaspoon cumin, ground 1/2 teaspoon oregano 1 minced clove garlic 1 sliced tomato 2 small sweet banana peppers and 1/4 t ground red pepper or 2 of your favorite hot peppers (or more for hotter) sliced into rings or strips juice of one lime salt and pepper to taste 4 med or two large banana leaves, I used ice cream this time because I had them lay out the leaves in the sun for a couple of hours to wilt slightly, they wrap up easier that way. If you use medium leaves, Lay two leaves overlapping slightly on the table and lay the roast on the leaves. If you're using large ones, just use one leaf. Season the roast well with the salt and pepper. Layer the onion, then the tomato, garlic, peppers and sprinkle the oregano and cumin on top. Squeeze the lime on top over all. Wrap the banana leaves over the roast to make a packet then lay out the other two leaves and wrap it the other way to make it securely sealed. Put it in the crockpot and cook it for 8 hours on low or 4 on high. Remove from crock pot and rest it for 15 minutes, then slice or shred meat. Serves 4-6. Serve with tortillas, salsa, avacado or guacamole, sour cream and your fave hot sauce. I'm sure this would be even better grilled but I was too lazy.

Yep, NYC - soda Boston - tonic Chicago - pop It's right up there with ordering a sub/grinder/hero/hogie/wedge for lunch. Is that a real story? It looks so Photoshop to me. You sure it wasn't some Maine folks pulling a funny? There's some very creative folks in that state. If you've ever read the "do you have Lizzards" thread, it gives you a good sense of the sense of humor up there. It's good stuff.

Of course you can lay the new on the old. A solution for the molding is to put quarter round down. A little more work but not much. With regard to problems seeping into new tiles. This can happen. My vinyl has a slowly growing stain. In time that damage will make its way to the new product. Personally, not worth taking a chance. I would rather remove the old and put the new stuff down fresh. There are many shows where they remove several layers of peel and stick so it is obviously something that is done by many. Whether it is proper installation or not is another question. My dh has a saying we stick by, not trying to be rude or anything, but if you are going to do a job right, do it right the first time. Most of our jobs end up taking longer, costing a few dollars more (which I do not always have) but in the end come out beautifully.

IMPE, skipped stitches may also be from the wrong type of thread. (Those inexpensive polyester 'sale' threads have caused problems for me) The thread may be too thick or thin for the needle. The needle may be messed up as well. & then there's the stitch length, tension & presser foot settings. Lotsa possibilities here... Have you checked your machine manual for troubleshooting tips?