I am at home. I did not go this morning. It is at least as hot as yesterday again, I have sunburn on my shoulders (slightly) from yesterday when I forgot the sunblock and my desk is overrun with work that needs doing. The joys of working at home, doesn't matter what day it is, only that the work is there to be done. Plus I am really, really tired this morning. I did so enjoy myself yesterday though that it was all worth it. Going to be sitting at my computer mostly today slogging thru my work that needs doing.

You do have a challenge, especially with two little children! I am sorry to hear about the jars. Your time is short and I'm sure the last thing you needed to be doing was returning to the store. It sounds like that case was damaged in transit. Plums have all kinds of pectin, so odds are very good the jam will jell and be wonderful. In fact, I once made a plum butter but ended up with spiced plum jam. Even with the reduced sugar it was setting up before I ever got to the "butter point." You already have some good ideas for the green tomatoes, but it's also fine just to let them ripen and enjoy something close to the "real taste" on salads or in recipes as long as you can. Whole tomato plants can be hung, if you have a basement, garage space, etc. and the tomatoes can be picked as they ripen. If you have time, for more specific ideas, you might want to do a search on the tomato forum. Raspberries. Well, those will probably go fast, but if you have plenty and plan to make jam, measure out the raspberries and sugar for a batch and toss in the freezer. Later, if some time frees up, you can pull them out and make jam. Actually, it's kind of nice to be making berry jam in February. Apples will keep longer, so you can leave them to the last. Also remember such things as applesauce and apple butter can be done in the crock pot or oven, reducing your need to monitor once the prep is done. Remember frozen grapes make great sweet and healthy snacks for little fingers (and are quick and easy). Carol

jodi - longtime Canon user altho it's been a while since I upgraded. You can't go wrong with a DSLR for this trip of a lifetime. You won't want to be burdened with a variety of lens but there are some with a range of coverage that should work. Do expect it to be a bit of extra weight though and definitely a lot more than a good regular camera. Thinking as I type, have you heard anything about the Panasonic Lumix series? My Canon camera bag was very heavy! With any new camera there is a learning curve, as I'm sure you know, so I would get one early enough to be comfortable with it by the time you leave. No matter what you decide, enjoy the trip! Here is a link that might be useful: camera

Glad you are feeling better. Starting yesterday I noticed my throat felt sore and today I started to have that little tickle and a cough. Hope it isn't something that is going to last weeks. I feel pretty lucky though cause I haven't had a bad cold or virus for a couple years now.