Well .. duh .. YES I am, like a dork, clipping it to the side of the presto pot That's got to be it! Boy is my face RED!! I'll try the CORRECT way and see how it reads this time. It is a candle thermometer I got in a starter set at Michaels with a pouring pot and some other things. Had a gift card for Michaels and decided to try out candle making. I am so glad I did - It's alot of fun and addicting! The Target thermometer sounds great. I may need to invest in one of those. Thanks so much -you guys rock! I'm sure I'll have tons of other embarrasing questions too! Melody