First, I concur on the "read kimmar's TR" comment. It's a MUST!!

(no, seriously, it's good!).
Second,
wickey, I feel your pain! I'm not quite as bad as you're describing, but I'm sick enough that I had to postpone my trip to FL to see my dad, which was supposed to be this weekend.

(I had a great time at lunch the other week, by the way!! Great to meet you!

).
Thirdly,
kimmar, I was reading through a homesteading magazine last night and there's an article on
canning bacon!!! When I start into canning, I might give that a go!
.