Tuesday, June 20, 2006




I'm starting to get tense about summer vacation. This happens every year - a huge part of me is saying "Squeee, Squeee!" with excitement about going away, while the other half is thinking about how comfortable it is to stay home, how we will miss our friends and family and church family - then there's the thousand countless things to be done in preperation. Toss in the year's end school graduation and tying up loose ends... Almost seems easier to stay, guess thats it. However, my sweet husband has worked his little fingers off this year and deserves a romantic honeymoon/vacation away from it all. Do any of you feel this way about a big holiday away? Do you have any helpful suggestions to help me get ready?

I know, I am obsessive about my one sunflower - but it is not just a flower to me. Its a symbol that vacation time is near. By the time we are ready to leave, the second blossom will be out. I think sunflowers are so cool. They are also a symbol of my faith as the flower physically tracks the sun all day. In the same way, I would like my face to be to the Son all day!

Proverbs 23:26

My son, give me your heart

and let your eyes keep to my ways,

My friend Amalia came over yesterday and brought samples of material to make curtains for our van... now, we have the choice of brown w/ elephants, funky chunky brown pattern, USA marine pattern or some exotic ocean theme... hmmmm... At least our van will be conspicous enough not to get stolen, he he!

Gotcha! Camera Happy Husband


Don't Get Stung!

- but if you do...

It is estimated that between one and two million people in the United States are severely allergic to stinging insect venom. Each year 90 to 100 deaths from sting reactions are reported, but many more deaths may be occurring, mistakenly diagnosed as heart attacks, sunstrokes or attributed to other causes. More people die each year from the effects of insect venom than from spider or snake bites. Extreme human sensitivity to stings resulting in serious or fatal reactions is confirmed almost entirely to cases involving bees, wasps, hornets, bumble bees and ants (Order Hymenoptera). Unlike most other allergies, insect allergy can cause a life-threatening disruption to breathing and circulatory systems called anaphylactic shock. For one person in 100, the sting of an insect can be fatal.

Since perfume, hair spray, hair tonic, suntan lotion, aftershave lotions, heavy-scented shampoos, soaps and many other cosmetics attract insects, they should be avoided. Avoid shiny buckles and jewelry. Wear a hat and closed shoes (not sandals). Don't wear bright, colored, loose-fitting clothing, which may attract and trap insects. Flowery prints and black especially attract insects. To avoid stings, the beekeeper wears light-colored (white) clothing, preferably cotton (never wool).

Normal Reaction Sting Treatment

For stings causing itch, irritation, redness and swelling at the sting site, the following may be useful:

1. Ice
2. Baking Soda
3. Meat Tenderizer--for people not allergic to bee stings. Use any brand with Papain. Make a paste with a few drops of water to a teaspoon of meat tenderizer and quickly apply to the sting to reduce pain and inflammation (breaks down components of sting fluid).
4. Ammonia Solution--Apply a 1 to 2.5 percent solution no more than three to four times daily.
5. Oral Antihistamines--Tablets may be chewed for faster relief, but liquids are more readily absorbed after oral ingestion (Chlortrimeton, Dimetane, Teldrin).
6. Epinephrine Inhaler (Bronkaid mist, Primatene, Medihaler-Epi)
7. Topical Steroids (Cortaid, Dermolate, Lanacort, etc.)
8. Local Anesthetics (Benzocaine, Americaine, Dermoplast, Bactine, Foille, Lanacaine, Solarcaine) 9. Oral Steroids--Prescription only.

These medicines can be located in a tackle box, in camping gear, in the car and in the home. Store at room temperature away from room lighting or sunlight.


  1. I simply adore your sunflower. I too like them as a flower. Your slide show of it caught my attention yesterday. Good advice on the bee/insect stings and how to avoid them.

    As for vacations..we rarely get one. If DH has the time off we don't have the money. If we have the money DH can't get off work. We are planning a month long trip to visit family before starting a new job. (We still have not found out where that will be yet.)

    Love the dragonfly. Wish I understood digital scrapebooking a bit better...

  2. Thanks for the dragonfly - its beautiful! And thanks for the tips on stings etc. :)

  3. Hey Barb -

    You know I will miss ya bunches while you are gone! Hello just won't be the same w/o you, but I know you will have a great time and you will be back! :)

    Fab dragonfly sis-tah!!! Your digi stuff just keeps getting better and better!

  4. well visiting family can be fun too...sometimes that is the only time we have ...but we know how Miles likes his time alone with you ..we miss you lots but love you lots to know one day we will visit ..your sis ...love the dragonfly...interesting about sting of insects

  5. AnonymousJune 20, 2006

    Thanks for the"Libellule" :)
    As for the "Do you have any helpful suggestions to help me get ready?" .. well I am the list Lady. I make lots of TO DO lists..and like to CHECK when it's done! Valerie XXXX


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