I haven't followed many of these recipe threads, inquiring minds want to know: What kind of chowdah can we hope C will bring? HINT noted, thus I'm not hijacking, much ;-) I'm talking a single combo jelly to be used as a condiment. Annette, You & I may well be the only 2 on this thread who have access to quince (I grow 'cuz it's a lovely shrub with forceable branches in late spring), the fruit has a high pectin content, so gels readily, but we will admit it's inedible on its own, too sour? Tart apples are also good. --Pepper Jelly-- Take your Paradise Jelly recipe & method, omit cranberries, add 2+ Tbsp minced jalapenos. (That's mild, I go 4 Tablespoons, a confessed hot-a-holic) Needless to say, but I will: wash hands thoroughly with soap after handling hot peppers, before rubbing eyes. Reduce sugar to 2-1/2 -3 cups (to taste, it's a savory). Some folks add 2 drops of green or red food coloring right before bottling, but I'm a purist. Expect only 4 cups; I do in 4 oz. jars. Good as a chicken baste. For cracker spread maybe 1 part jelly to 2 parts cream cheese. Variation: forget peppers, use lots of mint instead. Good on lamb. You've found me out: I'm a seat-of-the-pants cook when it comes to exact recipes except baking. I season to taste, keeping in mind that both sweet and hot flavors are more pronounced when made than when served cooler. Great tip about the string in paraffin, Annette: I now use the self-sealing lids, but used to wash the wax and reuse. Ana

Thanks for the replies, folks, it's good to know I was doing the right things. The day after I posted my poor little straggler was not looking well at all. She sat on the perch of our window feeder for almost 1� hours and didn't fly away until almost 7:00pm. That's something I've never seen. That was also the last time I saw her. I can hope that she was just trying to store up as much energy as possible for her long solo journey, but I kind of doubt it. Sigh. I'm still refilling my feeders thought just in case there are still hummers passing through. I've checked out this forum a bit better since my first post and I clearly need more feeders! You guys rock! Thanks again for the help. BTW, I really thought the hummingbirds riding on the backs of geese was just a myth. Not true?

Oh, (((Jill))) I am so sorry for your terrible loss. I just posted my story & noticed yours. Your grief is still so new...mine is 21 months old after losing my 27-year old son. These first few days, weeks & months (for me anyway) will be a foggy blur. You do things because they are automatic. I remember feeling SO angry when I had to take the first shower afterward. "WHY do I still need to bathe!?! EAT??? Why is everyone just going around like nothing has happened, don't they KNOW!?!" That numbness carried me through plus I had family here that I needed to cook for, watch grands, prepare for funeral, all of it. I remember finally falling into bed several nights later & finally just letting go on hubby's shoulder. We had to be strong for daughter-in-law, 3 grands & her family. You cannot be responsible for what other family members do or do not do. Just focus on what you need to do and don't let anyone or anything keep you from what you need to do. I remember listening to my son's cell phone message over & over just to hear his voice. That's normal & to be expected. Your tears will come & go. I remember when I laughed the first time, I felt guilty. We gathered at a close friend's house after the funeral and had a wonderful family & friend time together. We had to drive 300 miles to Anchorage from Valdez, Alaska so it was quite the challenge to arrange things from afar. Just take it one day at a time...every day will be different. Do you have any type of support group, church, minister or someone you can talk to? I think just coming here will be good for you. This is the first time I've been able to 'talk' to someone about what happened to us outside of our immediate family. Just keep talking to us...letting us know how you are doing. If you want to read my story, it's right above yours for now. You take care, Jill...again, I'm SO sorry for your pain. Please keep us posted on how it's going. HUGS

I love this forum and the fact there are so many very intelligent members sharing opinions, facts, life experiences. Thank you, Florantha, for taking the time to share with us. I hope you will forward this to the highest levels at HD. AND share their response with us. HD had my respect years ago. I shopped at what I think was their second store in 1981 and in the following years. Continued for many years until I came to my senses. No more on that - not the right place. My hat's off to you! Rosie, in Sugar Hill, GA