In regards to Splenda, the only thing I have seen that has an unusual effect is Splenda in vinegar based pickling. Many sweet pickle recipes call for about five POUNDS of sugar! These same recipes have had a fairly sweet flavor by adding only one or two CUPS of Splenda. I use two types of Splenda here, one is the big bag type that is 'puffed up' and the VOLUME is about the same measurement as a cup of sugar. The other type of Splenda is a fine granulated version, usually found in those little paper packets used to sweeten beverages. Yuu would need far less of that type to sweeten anything. Needless to say Splenda would also work well for most any other acidic food that you would want to 'tame down' a little. With a little sugar added, a tomato sauce can be tasty and less acidic to the tongue. But if I used Splenda, a tablespoon or less would definately be more noticable. Using Splenda in most any jelly making or any home canning is quite safe. However, if its a jelly, you can't depend on the Splenda to set up the pectin (either added or natural). There, I much prefer Pomona pectin, as it needs no sweetener of any kind to set.

akup_a this akup_a of that a little braggin' is never amiss! Because you deserve to brag! It looks great! I have a spot of yard, back, north side, that gets sun all day. I'm in the process of turning it into a dry river bed/rain garden combo. Can you even do that? My soil is red clay so I'm having to amend it alot and on a limited budget. Therefore, I figure in about two years I'll be ready to lay my first rock. But, it just irks me to have to buy rocks so, I pick them up on the sides of dirt roads in my area. Although, my boys have refused to go driving with me lately. I think they've picked up their last rock and I can't lift the big ones that I want by myself. I've got to find an unsuspecting companion! Hope you will keep us informed on your progress and any problems that might arise with your master piece. I would be very interested to know.

AWESOME! i love hearing of kids who are happily excelling in sciences! college costs will always go up, hopefully the university uses them to further education and the status of the university's programs. my dh has been fulltime at Univ central FL since 2007 and tuition has gone up 25% w/ another 15% increase for this fall and it is still nationally ranked as a good buy in colleges. his mechanical engineering program has tremendous industry support (both $$$ & thru teaching) so we are o.k. w/ increases. the univ has gone from 5th largest in this country to 3rd in 2 yrs, plus the engineering dept is nationally well ranked, very important for future jobs. in the long run when you are in programs that can all but guarantee a very high salary, the costs to get there are fractional. my dh has now known 3 yrs worth of graduating friends and not a single one had to go to graduation w/o atleast a couple of job offers to choose from which is in the end the most important result of education IMO. you should be very proud, his successes reflect very well on you mom! ~ liz

It's so appropriate today to honor the true heros and stars in the world. My hat goes off to her. In this world with so much greed and selfishness isn't it refreshing to hear something like this? I sure think so. And I have to take issue with one thing. You're not bragging. Telling the truth is not bragging, nor is telling the truth bashing. Truth is truth and my "mama" taught me to tell the truth, not cover it up. This is another reminder that we shouldn't be afraid to "get involved"? Everyone can make a difference. It can be something like this or even calling 911 when you see suspicious activity in your neighborhood. I so hope to hear more reports like this. Maybe it'll encourage all of us to do something for someone else, even if it puts us out a bit. Wouldn't that be a great legacy? A toast to your DIL, and to you Vickey__mn for sharing it. Please send her my best.