1 Take a deep breath and another one. Now that should help you calm down a bit. Hives look like splotches of red on your skin, they will be slightly raised and itchy. Call the clinic and ask if a benadril will help. If your husband is coming home put on a big smile, a spritz of his favorite perfume and nothing else and wait for him by the door :-) If you are a Cardinals fan you have my sympathy (I'm an Alabama fan by birth and a Packers and Brewers fan by marriage so I feel your pain). As for the election, if you've done all you can do, the only thing left is to wait for the final results and either celebrate or commiserate with the rest of us. May the Lord grant you peace and comfort in your day even as you read this. Amen.

2 Well, they're about the size of a watermelon, have a honeycombed internal structure, and if you watch them long enough you'll see bees fly in and out. (tee hee)

3 Sarah - DON'T WATCH THE NEWS UNTIL NEXT WEDNESDAY. Get ready for your husband to come home and treat yourself to a nice relaxing bath with a glass of wine and some candles. The news is too stressful. The cheaters and liars are in full swing. Take care and THANK YOU for writing your blog and THANK YOU for your sacrifice and your husband's service to our country. We appreciate it.

4 They look like strange bumps on your arms and neck. Say hello to him for me, and tell him thank you.

5 I'd bet money on you having anxiety/stress-related hives. I developed them in the same places at the age of 13 during a time of major turmoil in my life. They were accompanied by teeth-grinding in my sleep that literally shredded my tongue. One session of hypnosis, and both hives and grinding disappeared. I'm not necessarily advising hypnosis (frankly, it freaked me out and I'd never do it again!). Instead, do things to reduce your anxiety and stress. Get daily exercise (even if it's just walking) and consciously treat yourself to activities you enjoy (everything from renting a favorite movie to shopping or some kind of creative hobby--including thinking about some low-key, but special, activities for you and your hubby's prospective time together--besides THAT one!). And the truth is, a small square of dark chocolate once or twice a day can have a wonderful effect on both mind and body! If you can stand it, turning off the TV is a VERY good idea. Hang in there.

6 Forgot to add this to above... As you probably know very well, "Those also serve, who stand and wait." (or something like that!) Thanks so much for YOUR service.