What you're talking about is really more a seedless jam than a jelly. The main issue is the pectin is in the cell walls of the fruit and the seeds, so once that is removed, the pectin level is lower. If your fruit was dead-ripe then the pectin level has further degraded and that will really make it difficult. However, I have made true raspberry jelly and seedless berry jams like those you describe without commercial pectin. The set will probably be slightly softer, not a syrup but not super-firm. If you get too eager for a firm set, there is a risk of overcooking, but it can be done and the preserve may further firm up over time. There are some parts of the country where this is easier to achieve due to differences in growing conditions which result in a higher natural acid level. So how well it will work in your case I do not know. If you use 1/4 underripe fruit, add lemon juice and cook the mixture with a bag which includes the lemon seeds and whatever pulp you have, the odds will improve as citrus has a lot of natural pectin. Just don't overdo it or the lemon flavor will predominate. The other option would be to add some natural homemade pectin from apples (i.e. an apple pectin or apple jelly base). Carol

hi, I am not someone who has no carpentry experience. We just finished a small remodel. It included enlarging an opening on a load-bearing wall. But not windows. I can frame. (I have a partial bone break on my foot to prove when building a 2x4 stud wall, not to do it myself anymores!) The person who said I needed a "stamped engineer's drawing", wow, sorry, but have never ever had one. all drawings have been my own down to scale. I was only off one time and that was a corner where a new garage was going and I missed the the door corner. I was off not even an inch I think, but off. I guess what I am asking is how much do windows and stucco compare with siding and windows in the midwest? We have casement windows with screens. The windows in the south and all the houses we have looked at look really flimsy compared to our large heavy ones. I plan on replacing all the windows and yes, I will try to do it myself. I have also seen homes with stucco and then with a different material, so i plan also on changing some of the exterior. I read where a brick veneer is good for hurricanes, :) yea, I've bricked.... not fun, but done. but brick veneer? I want a 'fancier' exterior other than just stucco. thanks!

I don't think adding a porch will reduce traffic noise enough to make it worth allocating any budget towards that project. Also keep in mind that you will likely get more used to traffic sound over time after being in the house. I think investing any budget in other solutions to more directly reduce the sound (e.g. insulated windows) or even inexpensive solutions to mask the sound (indoor wall fountain, music, etc.) or in landscaping to make the home the most charming in the area would be a better route.

WOw...@patricia colwell "consulting". That is not consulting; that is unnecessary judgment and bashing. I'm actually shocked that you're considered a "pro." @ Grey Owl. I love your nook; it's very sweet. You can totally add little shelving on the opposite side of the existing window to create your Cozy Book Nook. I'm so sorry you have not received more professional guidance here.