I purchase a few things in jars, but not very many.....because most of the stuff I use I can myself. Then I take those rings off after a day or two when the seal is fast. Of course, I don't do my own maraschino cherries, olives, or the occasional odd and end. I find that nine times out of ten, when the vacuum seal is broken, the lid easily twists off. So, I take a church key (one of those old fashioned type things you puncture something like evaporated milk with) turn it over and use the pointed triangle to slip under the lid just a bit, and lift and you can hear the air whoosh in. Then it untwists easily. I've nothing against kitchen gadgets, or any other appliance when it helps with a disability. But I hate cheaply made kitchen appliances and most of them are anymore. Yes, I get frustrated as well, with safety rings, pinch/twist/and bear down locks, the whole nine yards. That's why my drawers are filled with all sorts of kitchen shears. The sad thing is I can remember when you could buy an article of food and not have to worry about somebody fouling it for the fun of it. I think it points more to something being a lot more wrong with society than lids.

I read through this thread, just waiting for someone to post a link to the BEST jar opener EVER (IMHO). But no one has posted my fave. I've tried them all, and the Swing-a-way #711 Jar and Bottle Opener is great, and really cheap too. It has never failed to open even the toughest jar or bottle, of any size. Here is a link that might be useful: Swing-A-Way Jar and Bottle Opener

Vannie, sorry your weekend plans might be ruined by the weather. Kathi, where are you that you can work in the garden at this time of the year? Are you in California? Gayle, good your dogs have sun to bathe in. I can't wait for spring and I think Luther (our dog) would agree with me. Hi Kiwi! Dirtyfingernails, I hope you have a warm blanket or thick coat to wear in that car! I remember when I was stationed over in Germany, took me about 20 minutes or more to drive to work, longer in the winter/snow...I had an old Opal Kadet with a lousy heater that took forever to warm up. I had bundle up to get in the car, by the time I pulled into the parking lot at work it had finally warmed up. Hi Maryann, sounds like you're having lovely weather there in TX. Your kids were sweet to hire you guys some help. Those cinammon rolls sound wonderful! Summer, you all are making me wish I had settled in Texas! Just got back from the store. Lauren invited a friend over, she lives out in the country, up a long, dirt, ice and snow covered drive. Not nearly as bad as where we used to live, though...and I kept telling myself that as we climbed up her drive. LOL! Still snowing here, not really hard, which is good. The roads are pretty clear. Went to Krogers and they had a bunch of sales: milk, grapes, boneless chicken and a few things I don't need, like Pepsi. We also ate at the new Huddle House in town.

I Googled and the reviews on the One Touch Jar Opener are mixed. Pretty negative actually. It will only open certain types of jars and the batteries go quickly. I like the jar poppers that look like a plastic bottle opener to break the seal and those rubber rounds they give away at trade shows to twist and grip jars with. The waffle weave ones don't work as well. BB&B and places like Home Store carry the jar poppers. Here is a link that might be useful: Jar Popper