Yes, the can is full. There will be maybe less than an inch of headroom, and yes, they are very lightweight!!

DIY dehydrated food will not have the same shelf life as commercially dehydrated food. I would say that 2 years shelf life for home dried would be pushing it.

Thanks, Lynda. I wrote this a while back but thought that we all need a reminder every once in a while to stay balanced.

LP, this topic is like the topic of which plastics are safe for food storage. There is a lot of conflicting info out there. When I was researching for my book, I came upon a couple of websites that addressed specific insects in specific foods, and the recommendation was 2 weeks. Therefore, I'd rather err on the side of caution. The lack of oxygen will also kill insect eggs, so if your food has been stored with an appropriate amount of oxygen absorbers, that will likely take care of the problem. As far as your mylar bags go, by all means, pop them in the freezer if they haven't already been frozen, packed with oxy absorbers or dry ice.

Excellent tip! I may have to steal that one for my next book! :o)

You have some great suggestions there! Thanks for giving us all the details.

Abandoned horses are a problem in the U.S., too. So sad.

Karen, I'm about the same age as you and completely relate. We still live in the suburbs but talk every day about moving to the country, preferably to a small town. It can still be done, and it's not too late! ;o)

I noticed that very thing in a recent article about Greece. The caption mentioned a "stray dog" and I thought it was odd that the dog was wearing a collar. Yes, it is sad when pets have to be abandoned for whatever reason.

Yes to both your questions.