Motivation was scarce at first, but I finally got through the paper that was stacked on the file cabinet and my desk area. It's all filed or in a container waiting to be shredded. Tax forms are accumulating and a few bills and deadlines sorted.

The kitchen is sparkling and one of the eBay crock pots is being tested tonight with a batch of steel cut oats. Rival made a couple of types that had removable crocks, a 47 watt and a 75 watt cooker. My crock-ette crock pot (given to me in about 1973) is the 47 watt one that is perfect for the oats. I'm afraid the 75 watts will cook too fast and turn it to India rubber by morning. I'd won an auction for a replacement used pot and it was 75 watts but had the bowl I needed. Then I found and won another at 47 watts also with a good bowl. I'm testing the new 47 watt one now. (It was only my one bid on each, and I waited till the last 20 seconds before launching my bid. I didn't want someone else realizing I was interested in one of these little gems!)

Another day I'll try the 75 watt one, but I think it will have to be used for other cooking, not overnight oatmeal. These are serious concerns - once you have perfect oatmeal overnight you're spoiled! I'll give the spare to my ex or one of the kids - I have managed, after all of these years, to have a family where everyone eats oatmeal! They weren't thrilled with it in junior high or high school, but they love it now (as poor college students!)

SRS