This gardening/preserving life certainly has taught me a lot about life. It makes me wonder - too - about the changes in climate that I have seen in this part of the world. It's hard for me to believe that "mere man" could be causing these weather changes - but perhaps. We had lots of very cold and rainy weather - mostly winter -so probably good for fruit trees. On the other hand, tomatoes are usually grown in winter in this part of the country, but certainly not in my back yard. I just picked my first cherry tomato yesterday. The vines are running all over the place. With my advancing age, I just decided to let "em" ramble. They probably can find there way - somehow - to see their way clear to burst up through the squash vines - to get a peak of sunlight. Well - finally finishing up the last of the "cots" and picked slightly green - putting them under screens to ripen - not as good as tree ripe, but at least I gave my winged friends the message - somewhat. The next tree will be awhile - thank goodness. Things are beginning to come ripe fast - now that we've had 2 days of sunshine. Crazy weather - I agree. bejay

When one anticipates going to ask for a major loan, e.g. purchase of a car or home - best to check out credit rating first. Simplifies things over having the credit granting agency find some negative stuff on your report that has no business being there. Such things leave a bad taste in their mouth, even after the issue gets straightened out - your reputation carries a bit more lasting smirch than it deserves. joyful

I'm settling my mom's estate now. Obviously, in the original post here, there should have been no charges, since the account was 0 when the woman died, but the executor DOES have the responsibility of notifying anyone who has a financial interest. And it's pretty obvious that the credit card company needs to take a serious look at their practices and make a few revisions. But debts don't die with the person. Every will I've ever read includes the statement that the executor/executrix is charged with the responsibility of paying off all debts as quickly as possible, so it's perfectly reasonable for any creditor to ask for--and expect--to be paid what they are entitled to. Maybe I'm out of step here--but I've been calling everyone I can think of to find out if my mom OWED them any money when she died, and as soon as I find an unpaid bill, they get a check immediately. It's only been about 4 months, but it looks as if I've tracked down all the bills she owes--I don't see how it could take much longer, if the executor is on the ball. And at my accountant's urging I'll be disbursing to my brother and sisters this weekend. But don't get me started on jury duty--now THAT questionaire, I filled out with her new address (XXX Cemetary). I posted about that a few weeks ago. I did get a lovely letter back from the assignment judge, though--he's someone my family has known for over 50 years, and it was nice to touch base with him, even if it was over mom's inability to report to serve.

Yes, a long time ago. But they weren't fully cooked. I had asked the home extension agent if beets could be frozen she said no. So I proceeded to blanch them, peeled, sliced, and put in jars and covered with water. Froze them. They were only in the freezer a couple of months, but they were fine. There was some difference from fresh in the texture, but they tasted like fresh cooked. I honestly don't remember if I froze any that were fully cooked. I kinda-sorta think I remember trying a few, but the texture was really wonky. Which was why I tried the blanched method. I didn't have a canner to can them in. Sorry, this isn't any help to you, I know. But I'll be anxious to see how others answer your question. I gather from your post of the petunias that you didn't take in a room mate. Hope you have a very safe, and enjoyable trip. It honestly boggles my mind! Rusty ETA: Morz, apparently you posted while I was typing. This was back in the early 70's. I'd never heard of roasting vegetables back then, nor of freezing vegetables without liquid to cover them. Times sure have changed since then! And food preservation methods are so-o-o-o-oo much better now!