Hi everyone: Delurking for a minute to ask a question. BTW, I'm always reading this list even though I don't post much anymore. Good to see your names, Margaret, George, Lucinda - everyone. I know there are a couple of folks on the list who are diabetic - as am I. I came across some nice June apples and I want to make chunky applesauce in a crackpot today. Question -- has anyone ever done this using Equal instead of sugar? I fear Equal would break down in the prolonged heat of the crockpot. I HAVE made cranberry relish to freeze using Equal - it was fine. But cooking with it is a different story and I really do NOT need the sugar in the applesauce recipe! Another question. Can basil be grown indoors if one has a sunny window? Just a brief run-down on me. Still not gardening much as I work all the time...also because I'm in the woods and it's tough due to the deer! I did put in a mop-head hydrangea and 2 blue hydrangeas this year that are doing great! Could NOT grow an oakleaf hydrangea here. VERY clay soil - and I apparently put it in a spot that was too wet unbeknownst to me. Also a birch tree -- and, due to the deer, don't know about that. I probably won't know until next year. Put in a wisteria that has decided to TAKE OVER THE HOUSE. Jeez. When is the best time to prune wisteria? I know it may not bloom in my lifetime! :) Rhodies, mountain laurel doing great. Azaleas not so great but hanging in. I think there is too much shade for the azaleas. Have a new member of my household! Those of you who know me know I have Welsh Corgis. I have two right now - my old guy, Zach, who is 13 and Eliza, who is almost two (and too big for her britches!). Also have Abby, a Maine Coon Cat. 2 weeks ago, Murphy came to live with me. He's 1/2 German Shepherd and 1/2 Collie and talk about a GOOD DOG!! He is wonderful and I'm convinced he was sent to me as my guardian angel! :) He's totally obedience trained - and, I suspect, guard trained. I live so far out in the boondocks that he's wonderful to have! He's outdoors mostly, of course. He prefers that as he thinks it's his job to guard the property.....though I'm sure, come winter, he'll be sleeping by my bed! Abby isn't too fond of him. :) Hope all of you are well and I want to try to participate on the list more! Any time anyone wants to post no (or low) sugar recipes, please do! Those of us that can't eat much/any sugar need them! Now back to the applesauce... Rosemary, Zone 6a, on top of a mountain in Eastern KY