Using Recycled Jars to Can the Harvest

Harvest season is still in full swing, here on the homestead.  Today, I picked green beans, lima beans & crowder peas, okra, tromboncino squash, tomatoes and likely the last cucumber.  I canned fig jam for the first time, this afternoon.  I added three of our figs, but they're mostly some my Mom shared with me, as she's overflowing with figs this year.  Another first is that I canned them with recycled jam jars, the type with rubber on the inside of the lids, and a "button" in the middle that goes down when sealed.  I only canned two jars, but both sealed with a reassuring ping, once out of the canner.  I never knew I could do this, until I read Rhonda's post on this.   Apparently it is more commonplace to use these jars in Australia.  I'm aware this is frowned upon by the food safety folks in the U.S., and don't intend to can other foods in these.  But I did want to experiment with jam.  So far, I'm pleased with the results.  Does anyone else use these?

I did finish the jewelry cinch bag for Wendy last week.  I had one snag, but all in all, I'm pleased with how it turned out.  I think these would make a nice gift for someone that travels.  I've begun gathering ideas for holiday gifts, and these will be added to my possibilities list.  We watched a delightful movie this week-- Miss Potter, the story of children's author Beatrix Potter.   I usually don't care for Renee Zellweger, and still loved it.