We had natural gas at our last house, and we have propane now. Natural gas was MUCH cheaper. We can't heat our house very well on just propane because it's just too expensive. We have a wood stove that is great, but it's a lot of work. I would love to have natural gas again!

If it were me, I think I would decide that it was time. (I have a 14.5 year old large dog whose time is nearing, but I'm not sure he's ready yet.) It's such a tough decision. But if he doesn't seem to be enjoying life anymore, then I think it's probably time.

We just started using the TOPS electricity unit this week, and we are really enjoying it! I did buy the kit of supplies to go with it, but I didn't need to. I could have easily bought the supplies I needed at the hardware store.

We always stay at the Desert Inn & Suites, which is about as short of a walk as you can get. I always hated having to fold up a big stroller to get on a shuttle too, so walking was much easier. This hotel has always been clean and very reasonably priced.

They are adorable! A friend of mine was fostering five puppies for a rescue group this summer, and we ended up with one of them. (She also kept one.)

I didn't know that. When I needed just one, I went ahead and ordered the set (one boy and one girl), and then sold the girl doll on eBay. The boy doll ended up costing me less than half the price of the set of two dolls.

We are! I can't wait. We are in El Dorado County.

I bought a smaller Kitchen Aid food processor, and less than a year after I bought it, the top broke. I could only use it by holding it shut and pulling a safety lever. Luckily, we'd bought it at Costco and so we were able to return it. I bought a full sized Cuisinart to replace it. I like it much better! And if it lasts 23 years, I'll be thrilled!

I'm so glad to hear that! I was thinking about you yesterday, and I've been watching for an update.

Are these products you can buy over-the-counter? If so, I'd love to know what they are!

I just saw it at my local Costco for $27.99 yesterday. I already bought it for $35.99 at Amazon, and I figured it wasn't worth returning, but hopefully this will help someone else!

We like a product Whole Foods (and my local co-op) sells called Field Roast. It's delicious, and I serve it with traditional Thanksgiving sides.

Thanks for the recipe! I have a bunch of apples and needed a snack for our Girl Scout meeting this afternoon, so I just chopped them up and added to the crockpot with some cinnamon. :)

I'm in!

I use two things, depending on what I'm using the crust for. For savory fillings (like pot pies), I use Spectrum shortening. While it's non-hydrogenated palm oil, it's still not very healthy! For sweet fillings, like fruit pies, I use coconut oil. It works great! That is definitely my preference.