You gauge isn't reliable. None of them are. That is why buying the calibrated 5-10-15 lb weight set for the Presto is so strongly recommended. The weight, assuming we are talking about the 5-10-15 lb weight and not the standard 15 lb counter-weight that comes with the canner, is what is reliable. So if you are using the actual Presto weight set and it is set on say 10 lbs. and the steam vent is open and working then when it is slowly but steadily rocking you are at exactly 10.5 lbs. pressure. If you gauge doesn't read that and reads more or less then your gauge is off by that much. Now, if you are talking about the standard 15 lb counter weight instead then it doesn't rock until you hit 15.5 lbs. If you have had your gauge tested annually as recommended then you can go by the gauge. Run the pressure up to over 15 lbs and the counter-weight should start rocking. If it doesn't, something is seriously wrong so turn it off immediately. Follow me? Dave

1. Yes you can in those cases for which a pressure canning processing time has been determined. In some cases there is none, only BWB processing time is available, so in those cases you couldn't pressure can as you would only be guessing at the time needed. But many food instructions, including applesauce, provide pressure canning instructions. Further, some people don't like the results obtained from pressure canning some foods that are normally done in a BWB. The texture, taste, and quality may be affected by pressure canning. In some cases it is improved, in some it isn't. So as a very general guideline, pressure canning is usually reserved for the foods that require it. 2. Yes, if it is deep enough. Many of us do it. You just don't lock down the lid nor put on the weight. It has the drawback of being quite heavy - a PC full of jars and water - but it works fine. 3. Is there a benefit? Not really. Some prefer Presto, some All American. Some swear by each brand. Some of us have both the Presto 23 quart and the All American. Some, myself included, prefer working with the Presto, some prefer the All American. The BIG difference is the price between the 2 models/brands. Just stick with one of those 2 brands only. You'll find lots of discussions here about the pros and cons of both brands and it boils down to a matter of personal preference. Dave PS: and in case you aren't familiar with it, be sure to explore all the info at NCHFP Here is a link that might be useful: NCHFP

Found this "how to" steps - Step 1 Line a cardboard box with a plastic bag or plastic wrap. Add a layer of Bubble Wrap, packing peanuts or other cushioning material. Step 2 Use a sharp knife or scissors to make a clean, sharp cut of a section of the plant. Step 3 Wrap the end of the stem in a wet paper towel. Cover the towel with plastic wrap and secure it with a rubber band. Step 4 Insert the whole cutting into a plastic bag and place it in the box. Arrange crumpled paper around the cutting. Seal the box with packing tape and apply an address label. Step 5 Mail the package first class or priority mail. Seems simple enough. I was thinking maybe even include some of the potting/rooting media with the cutting. I agree with Donna, I think it would have to be when the temps get cooler. Maybe the beginning of September. I'm willing to give it a go. Here is a link that might be useful: Mail Cuttings

all the shower heads i've had were easy to get the restrictor out - i have long hair too so i understand. most of them you can see just inside the pipe end that gets screwed on to your shower head arm. they are round pieces of plastic - i've seen them in different colors. probably if you google you can see pics somewhere. some are harder than others to get out. i usually have success with a tiny flat screwdriver to catch the edge of it & get under it, then wiggle it or smoosh it a bit to get it unwedged, then use tweezers to grab that sucker if it's being stubborn. be careful not to damage the finish or anything else inside there, and turn the water volume up slowly the first time using it - the difference is huge, so you don't want to get blasted. hope that helps lisa