Max Lucado hardcover books make very nice gifts for adopted children, also...

I received three artichokes in my Bountiful Basket and I have no idea how to prepare them or what, exactly, to do with them? Can you help me?

I had a LSH done last year, about this time. My only regret is not having it sooner. With keeping your ovaries, you can still manufacture your own hormones, so I have not needed any supplemental therapy. You will still need your yearly paps, as you still have a cervix. If you want more information, let me know...I can try to help or answer any questions as much as possible.

Here is what we do with them. We use them in smoothies, or if I have extra, I freeze them in chunks for future smoothies. We make a cup or two of quinoa and let it cool. Then we add in diced up mango, peppers, black beans, a little golden basalmic vinegar and olive oil. We eat it as a side type salad. We also make a mango salsa using diced up mango, black beans, diced onion, diced tomato, lime juice, olive oil, basalmic vinegar, and cilantro. Serve with tortilla chips. Yum...

Here's a quick crock pot recipes without needing other appliances.... 1 large can chicken and rice soup 1 can black beans 1 can corn 1 can salsa 1 t. cumin I drain the corn and the beans, so it is a bit thicker, to use as a dip with the toritillas. We use this as a quick meal on the weekends. Let simmer in the crock pot and then serve with tortilla chips.

Mix up a batch of bread dough and roll it out in about 8 inches circles and make hot dog wraps. Bake them in the oven. You can add some cheese slices inside, too. Yum....

Sams Club.

Check out the GNOWFGLINS site. They did a sourdough course and used spelt in most of the recipes.

I have two dehydraters and I use them both. I have a small one that I usually bring out in the winter months. I do use it for deer jerky and nuts (as mentioned above). I also make fruit leather for the kids. I use my canned homemade applesauce. I just spread it out on the sheets and let it dry. In the summer into fall time, I usually get out my larger one. I use it for an extra garden produce that I can't can or want a variety. I dry a big batch of onions to use throughout the year. This last summer I diced up yellow summer squash and zucchini and dried it. I have used it throughout the winter to add to soups, stews, or casseroles. It rehydrates just fine and you can't even tell its in the soups. My kids are eating it and don't know its in there. I also dry extra herbs that I have grown. I dry my extra jalepenos that I have grown, also. I slice them up and dry a big batch. I use them throughout the year in salsas or any mexican dishes. I also add some to the jeryky. If I use it for fruit, its usually just apples, bananas, or pears to dry. We usually try to eat the fruit fresh or I freeze for smoothies. Hmm.....I use it for more, just can't think of everything right now.

My daughter is going through the Dave Ramsey Homeschool Finanacial Peace Program, complete with workbook and tests. What would you call this credit on her transcript? I need ideas....

What about Old English in the tone that it is? They make one for lighter or darker colors. I have found that to help in covering up scratches, etc... Otherwise, yes a good, fabric tablecloth.

I love my Excalibur also. So far, looks like thats the concensus. I would recommend getting the fruit leather sheets with it, if you decide to go that way. They are wonderful for making homemade fruit roll ups. Yes, it is expensive, but does a huge load at once and even drying on all the trays.

Another cookbook suggestion: Whole Foods For the Whole Family

I love the Jan Brett books and Max Lucado books.

If you are coming through in September, depending on the dates, there is a Buffalo Roundup at Custer State Park that draws in many tourists. You probably can do a search on the State Park and find out actual dates. I live about 30 miles from Mt. Rushmore...so if you have more specific questions of the area around here, you can PM me. We have some friends that have a Bed and Breakfast in the Bandlands, if that is one of your stops.

I had a laproscopic hysterectomy a year ago. I would ask your doctor about it. If you are only have the ovaries/uterus removed, it is my understanding that you can have it done laproscopic. If you are having the cervix removed, it would need to be done vaginally. I would check into some other options for the actual hysterectomy, as there are many choices out there. It may be finding the right OB, though, you walks you through the different options and gives you all the pros/cons.

How about making a big bowl of popcorn. If you pop it in olive oil or coconut oil, it will be healthy and taste good without extras on top. Celery, peanut butter, raisons...."ants on a log" You could cut up a bunch of fruit for a platter. Bowl of almonds or other nuts. Sandwiches made with whole wheat bread and turkey or lean roast beef.

Yes, I get mine at a Ace Hardware also. They always have it in stock.

I usually order from Pinetree Seed, but this year I am going to try some from Rare Seeds. They are heirloom, so I want to try some of them, too. I think it is good to plant a variety of things, if you have the room.

I have a daughter who is almost 18 and is graduating this year. She has always loved horses and working with animals, in general. She has been accepted in Vet Tech school starting in September and will go that route. She would rather just work on and with horses, but as many said, this can be tough. We encouraged her to do the Vet Tech training to getting a wider knowledge of animals in general. She is also planning on becoming certified in Equine Massage Therapy. That is more for her own benefit and working with her horses, but hoping to help others out, also. Just some thoughts....

I, too, love the stoneware pans. They are great. My favorite for regular, sandwich type bread, though, is the Norpro ones at Pleasant Hill Grain. They are longer and not as wide as the regular pans. They are great for regular, whole wheat loaves.

I have never heard of the lead in stoneware, but I definitely like stones for baking on. I love the Pampered Chef round stone with the buildt in handles...that is a great one and multi purpose for cookies, pizza, whatever. I would highly recommend it. I also have the rectangle one and jelly roll type stones from them. That is the way I would go.

I picked up some 5 gallon buckets from a bread store outlet. They are the buckets that they get their honey in. They are food grade. They lids came with, but were very tight sealing lids and hard to get off each time. I used the buckets and exchanged the lids for Gamma lids, which I ordered. I definitely would ask around at bakeries and see if you can come up with any for less cost.

I get mine from Pleasant Hill Grain. Its not expensive, but unless you have an order of $99 or more to qualify for free shipping...not sure what the shipping is otherwise. They do have great products, though, including good dough enhancer and bread pans, bread bags. I usually can find the $99 worth of stuff to qualify for the free ship option.

I leave my crockpot out, sitting on the cupboard, as I use it so often. I have it sitting in one spot on a glass cutting board. My countertop underneath where it sets has "heaved" upward, like the crock it getting hot continuously on the underside. It is in a corner area, where there is a miter cut, diagonally. I am getting new coutertop in the next couple weeks and do not want this to happen again. Is there anything you would suggest for setting the crockpot on, like the glass cutting board I already have, but something more heat resistant. I was wondering if a wood cutting board would be better or any other suggestions. Thanks in advance....