Trip to the E.R.

I know. Sounds exciting, right? I'm glad it was fairly boring and uneventful. I was having some allergic symptoms such as a swollen tongue and numb lips. When I started to go to bed at about ten o'clock I felt a little anxious, like, "Is it a good idea to go to sleep with this going on?" So, I called up my dear daughter to see if she would drive me to town to get it checked into. Adam was still out working on their barn (they're putting heat in it and it's almost finished) so he came in to be with the kids and Micah came over and picked me up. She got to sit in the car for about 1-1/2 hours, because nothing is ever quick at the ER! With all the flu going around I didn't want her sitting in there exposed for no reason. She managed a quick trip to the grocery store and McDonalds, and then played on her phone, so it was kind of a vacation for her, I think, lol.

The NP prescribed a five day course of steroids along with Benadryl as needed. I'm going to call my regular doctor tomorrow and see if the steroids are a bit of overkill. The Benadryl might just be enough by itself, and with the looooong list of side effects on the steroids (Methylprednisolone) I'd rather not take them if I don't need to.

I couldn't think of anything particular that I've eaten that was different in the last few days, but then I thought of strawberry jam. I've had reactions to strawberry flavored things in the past (yogurt and a strawberry shake). That's been many years ago, but I've avoided most strawberry stuff. I just started using the jam again recently. So, I'll try cutting that out. Also frozen strawberries in my smoothies. Of course, I already ate some jam this morning before I figured this out.

In other news, I did some painting and stamp carving yesterday!
I tried to do a very "loose" painting of this little group of under ripe plums from a picture in one of my art books. Being loose with my painting has always been a challenge. I always outline things and fill them in completely, and I really prefer the looser look. I guess both are okay. Just different. Anyway, here's my attempt.

I also made this little bunch of "inchies". They don't have a home yet, but they are ready for a Blind Inchie swap. I claimed some inchies that another player had made and then offered my inchies to whomever wants them. When someone claims them they'll get mailed off. They have to accept whatever theme you've made, which I like. This way I can make them at my leisure without a deadline. They're a little harder to see in the packaging, but I didn't want to unpack everything.

Here are some more stamps I made. Some need a little trimming, but mostly I leave them looking kind of rough. I like that look. ;) I made the "plumhill" stamp backwards accidentally, then cut it up so I could use the little "sun rise" effect around the edges by itself. I also used the other side to make stamps. Clear as mud? (Plumhill is my user name on the ATC site. I'll try again on this stamp so I have something to stamp my name on the back of my cards.)

A button and some "sunrise" like stamps I rescued from the botched plumhill stamp.

I did trim that excess on the exclamation point.

Plants and suns. (Or flowers?)

 The painting below I made from a video I paused. I've been watching lots of "Rosemary and Thyme" murder mysteries on YouTube and they always take place in picturesque locations. Lots of good painting material!

Well, I'll just be taking it easy today. (What's new?) I hope you'll all have a restful Sunday, as well!
God bless you every one and shalom! :)