See my new tongs. All my life when I lifted the jars out of the water bath canner I just used an old dishtowel that I'd folded several times and it worked just fine. That's the way my Mom did it and it was good enough for me. I finally broke down and bought a pair. Most people in the world already have them but I suppose I was just a hold-out. They work wonderfully and no burnt hands when the water soaks through the towel. Ah! I'm a slow learner!!
I have tons of jalapenos and I honestly don't know what I'm going to do with them. I could pickle them up and can them but I still have some left from 2 years ago. I've sliced and frozen them but even then I didn't use many. I could dry them but we still just don't use that many peppers. I only grew 3 plants because I wanted them for salsa and pico de gallo but still I've way too many left and I'm at a loss!!
After supper tonight I went for a walk. I picked a big bucket full of honeysuckle to dry for tea this Winter. Honeysuckle is said to be anti-bacterial and anti-viral, releasing poisons and reducing fever. It is supposed to be useful for those with colds, coughs and mild symptoms of asthma. It is used for a wide variety of conditions but I'm wanting it for the flu season. Never hurts to be prepared!!