OK, there's been so much discussion about canning salsa in quarts that I gave up and called my friend, the Extension Director. She tells me that they "used" to tell people to go ahead and can salsa in quarts, now they tell people not to. She doesn't know when they stopped suggesting canning in quarts, but that it was a definite change in the rules. She thinks it happened about the same time they stopped giving directions for canning rutabaga (a quality issue, not a safety issue, incidentally). So, according to the experts, DON'T CAN THE SALSA IN QUARTS. It's never been an issue for me, because I've never canned it in quarts, I can barely use up a pint before it spoils, but other people (maybe with big families?) apparently can use a quart of the stuff before it gets moldy. Anyway, in the interest of safety and consistency, I'm going to say right now that I no longer suggest anyone can salsa in quarts. It's a food that doesn't get reheated/boiled for the suggested time, and so it contains a bit more inherent risk. Annie

Hang in there! Now that you have your photos on photobucket, you're almost there. You can copy/paste the line after the words "html code" right below your photo to insert a full size picture in a post, or if you want to post a clickable thumnail, check the boxes you want, scroll down close to the bottom and click on "generate html and img code", click once on the code in the first box to highlight it, then do a copy/paste. In case someone doesn't know how to copy and paste: Highlight the text by clicking on it, use control c to copy it, then go back to your gardenweb message and use control v to insert it wherever you want it. If I left anything out or if something doesn't make sense, just ask.

Bri, if I am understanding you correctly, I wouldn't worry about the bit of slant you are getting with the cluster stitches. They do sort of lean to the left. It might help if the loop you pull through the last bunch of loops to make the cluster come together is a little loose - make it a teensy bit larger than you usually do. When you come back on the next row it will be easier to make your stitch into it. If this is not what your problem is, can you be more specific?

We will be using a different counter top. This is one that we both like. It's white ceramic with an integral bowl. It's available in two thicknesses - 3/4" and 1 1/4". Both of the vanities are from Fairmont Designs. We've seen them at several plumbing supply showrooms. I have also found several sources on line, including Amazon! As much as like #1, it does read contemporary to me, too.