The Honeycomb

Doocy is in the house!!

Ginger — Sat, 17 Apr 2010 04:59:00 GMT

I have done a pretty poor job of keeping up with this blog, but occasionally something special happens and you've got to take a few minutes to JUST BLOG IT!! I am at the Erma Bombeck Writer's Workshop in Dayton, Ohio. I was thrilled to see Steve Doocy of Fox & Friends in this year's line up of speakers!!

Exciting times in Panama!

Ginger — Thu, 15 Apr 2010 18:17:00 GMT

I am so behind! (The date on this post is wrong. It is actually June 7) These pictures were taken in Panama over spring break. (the country of Panama, not Panama City Beach!)
Since that time we've spent three weeks in Germany, and I am currently in Belize. I also managed to fit the Erma Bombeck Writer's Workshop in there somewhere. Anyway, I will upload a few pics here and there as I have time!

A Valentine's Day that didn't stink--as much!

Ginger — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 23:40:00 GMT

Originally printed in The Lebanon Reporter, The Paper, and The Weekly--2-15-10

Of the 21 Valentine’s Days that hubby and I have celebrated, this year was by far the most romantic! Our first Valentine’s Day was spent in a snowstorm, without electricity, in a smelly cow barn complete with cow patties underfoot. Since then, it’s been pretty much downhill.

On our first married Valentine’s Day we were too poor to splurge on a restaurant, so I made a special dinner of Chicken Tonight. While dinner was simmering on the stove, we flipped on the local news and watched a segment showing a dead rat in a skillet, covered in sauce. It slid right out of some poor, unsuspecting woman’s jar of Chicken Tonight. I don’t think you’ll find that particular product on the shelves anymore.

I’ve spent Valentine’s Day waiting for hours in an unheated van while hubby made emergency HVAC service calls. I’ve spent more than one Valentine’s Day sitting on the sidelines of a bluegrass jam. And one year we spent Valentine’s Day thousands of miles apart.

Last week I attended a training conference on counseling. I learned an incredible amount of information that will help me help others, but I also learned a lot of stuff that I can apply to my own life. One session I found particularly helpful was on the subject of marriage. I was so inspired that I bought a recording of the session, and asked hubby if he would listen to it with me on Valentine’s Day. Amazingly, he agreed! He probably figured it couldn’t be any worse than standing in a heap of cow manure, or eating rat infested chicken sauce.

On Valentine’s morning we attended our Sunday worship service. In retrospect, perhaps our previous Valentine’s Days would have been better if they’d started with God. After the service, hubby made spaghetti and meatballs, and we spent time enjoying the meal with our five children. Then we got away by ourselves and listened to the CD.

The speaker began by telling a story about how his wife is always late, and how he has made many unkind remarks to her about it. I sheepishly admitted to hubby that this was the first time I’d heard that story because I was actually late to the session. Needless to say, the speaker’s words hit home in many areas.

Afterwards, we grabbed a pen and notebook and headed to our favorite restaurant, Parky’s Smokehouse. We spent a couple of hours setting some goals, discussing the future and arranging the calendar. Then we laughed and chatted while enjoying fried mushrooms and Buffalo wraps. Our time spent together was sweeter than the Comfort Bread Pudding.

As we walked to the car, hand in hand, I had a flickering thought that maybe hubby would open my door even though I usually have to be in labor or wearing a tiara for that sort of special treatment. I didn’t meet either of those criteria, so it was a no go.

I had just settled into my seat when hubby said with a certain amount of flair, “Whew! That’s a bad one!”

Almost immediately the nasty smell wafted up my nostrils. “Really?” I inquired. “You couldn’t have done that outside?”

He laughed, “I couldn’t help it. It just sort of snuck up on me when I was getting into the car.”

I hesitated. Continuing the discussion would mean having to breathe more, and I wasn’t sure it was worth it. Finally, I pulled my scarf away from my nose just long enough to say, “You know, if you had opened my door, that would have happened while you were still outside.”

“Well, you have a point there,” he snickered, “but this is so bad it probably would have followed me into the car.”

How is it you can be so deeply in love with someone one moment and then the next you are thinking about starting an all-out war over something that is going to dissipate much faster than the conversation itself? In a matter of seconds I could have convinced myself that if he really loved me he would have remembered how much I like it when he opens my car door. If he really loved me he would apologize for irritating me instead of joking about it. If he really loved me he would want me to breathe fresh air!

But then I remembered the new definition I learned at my conference: “Love is willing self-sacrifice for the good of another, that does not demand reciprocation, or that the person being loved is deserving.”

Obviously, his need to relieve painful gas pressure was much greater than my need for a rosy smelling vehicle. And he had sacrificed his desire to go to a movie in order to indulge my desire to listen to a CD lecture on marriage. So, I decided to forego that silly argument that was stewing around in my brain, and enjoy every minute of a Valentine’s Day that, in spite of it all, still smelled considerably better than our first!

Drop Ginger a note at ginger@gingertruitt.com or visit http://www.gingertruitt.com

Amoxicillin Rebellion

Ginger — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 20:48:00 GMT

Over the years I have come to count on the fact that even if my children refused every other medicine, they would always gladly take pink Amoxicillin! We try not to use it unless absolutely necessary, but Hudson has had some issues that require an antibiotic. However, HE is not as willing as his siblings to take it. I tried forcing it all at once, but that majorly backfired! I never knew one teaspoon of liquid could go so far. Needless to say, I had no qualms about giving him another full dose.

To Diane

Ginger — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 22:32:00 GMT

One of my faithful readers is my online friend Diane, whom I would dearly love to meet in real life! Her blog is http://www.tomatosoupcake.blogspot.com Anyway, Diane, while we are here in Germany we are renting an apartment from some missionaries who are home on furlough. I have tried to be careful not to post photos of the personal items in their home, but I don't think they would mind if I post this for you. As soon as I saw it you immediately came to my mind.

Love you!!

My blog is still messing up, so I can only post one picture at a time. So, I'll post the entire arrangement, but I also have a close up of the framed print that states, "The King's daughter is all glorious within...." That would be you, my dear!

See two previous posts for explanation!

Ginger — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 10:11:00 GMT

Pictures from Sans Souci post below

Ginger — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 10:00:00 GMT

Five of the six wonderful students that were so helpful! I wish them all the best in their studies at Cambridge! They are studying to be lawyers, doctors, and engineers and will pursue their careers in Malaysia. Michelle, Liam, Howie, Paul...and I'm kicking myself for not remembering the other two names! Sorry, guys!!

Here are some other pictures that go with my previous blog entry. An interesting building in Potsdam, as well as pictures of the outside of the Palace. We were not allowed to take pictures inside. Also, Phoebe and Hudson on the train ride, and a really creepy Nestea ad!

Well, now I am only able to add one picture to this entry.....stay tuned!

New friends & Sanssouci palace

Ginger — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 09:39:00 GMT

Nathan is working in Berlin, Germany for two weeks and the toddlers and I have tagged along on the trip! I don't think I've ever seen anything more festive and beautiful than Christmas time in Berlin! I have been updating my FaceBook account every day with new pictures, but have been terribly slack with my blog. I plan to come back and post everything in order from day one, but for right now I want to get these pictures up for my new friends.

We have been here for 1 1/2 weeks, and I am still learning my way around the public transportation system. Yesterday, I bundled up Phoebe and Hudson and we set out on an hour long train ride to Potsdam and the Palace Sans Souci. The problem was, I ended up getting off at the wrong stop. We walked and walked and walked, and finally hired a taxi to take us to the palace.

Upon arriving I learned I could not take the stroller inside, it was 40 minutes until the next English speaking tour, and the tour itself lasted forty minutes. The toddlers were getting very tired and I was concerned about taking them in by myself with no way to contain them. The tour guide was fabulous and took extra time with them, showing them things that would be of particular interest to a toddler. They each had their own headsets and they walked around listening and looking up at everything just as like little adults. If only we'd been allowed to take pictures inside! It was absolutely incredible! This was the summer home of Frederick the Great. Sans souci means "without a care."

Upon leaving it was getting dark and cold. I was unsure of the location of the bus stop since I had gotten off at the wrong one in the first place. I wandered along until I came upon a group of young Asian men and women, and heard them speaking English. They were also waiting for the bus to take to the train station to take them back to Berlin! They were so kind and made sure that we got on the correct bus, and then helped us find the correct train. They stayed with us the entire trip, chatting and entertaining Phoebe. This was the highlight of my day! I so enjoyed the time together, getting to know these bright, beautiful young people!

They are from Malaysia but are studying at Cambridge University. They are spending their holiday traveling to other areas of Europe. After seeing us off, they headed to the airport to catch their flight back to England. I am so thankul I had a chance to meet them, and sincerely hope they see this blog entry! One young lady is missing from the picture, but here are the others.

For some reason, every time I place a picture here, my entry disappears, so I am going to post the pictures in a separate entry.

Today you are my little boy

Ginger — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 12:59:00 GMT

The inspiration for this article came years ago from my grandmother. My dad was going through a particularly difficult time. My mom died, he had a heart attack, lost his job all in a few months. As my grandma and I talked about it, she got tears in her eyes and said, "What I wouldn't give for him to be a little boy again, just for a little while, so I could hold him in my lap and make it all better." It was such a wistful longing, and you could see that in her mind's eye she was thinking back.

That always stuck with me, and I think about it all the time when I'm doing things with my boys. So, the article has been in my heart for years, I just had to wait for the right timing to get it down on paper. Boys are wonderful creatures, and I am so thankful for mine!!

Today you are my little boy

By Ginger Truitt

Some day you will be a grown man with rough skin and whiskers; but for today, I luxuriate in kissing your sweet, smooth, little cheeks.

Some day you will work hard to make a living and support your family; but for today, I am privileged to sit on the floor and stack building blocks with you.

Some day you will run up the stairs, two at a time; but for today, I will hold your chubby little hand while we navigate the steps together.

Some day you will get up every morning, and don a suit and tie for work; but for today, I can let you stay in your jammies so we can snuggle until noon.

Some day people will have respect for the authority in your deep, commanding voice; but for today, I savor the sweetness of a tiny boy earnestly calling out, “Mama!”

Some day women will admire your handsome face and brawny stature; but for today, I am thankful to be the woman that holds you while you are still shiny and new.

Some day you will carry a proper handkerchief in your pocket; but for today I will let out an exaggerated, “Ewwww,” when you choose to eat your boogers.

Some day you will have to face a world that will be hard on you, expect difficult things of you and treat you unfairly; but for today, my lap is your protection from the world.

Some day you will wear cologne and aftershave to enhance your manliness; but for today, I will breathe in the essence of your sweet baby smell.

Some day you will walk with a determined step and even gait; but for today, I relish the sound of your chunky bare feet pattering across the kitchen tile.

Some day you will have to make decisions that will not be easy, and find answers that won’t always be clear; but for today I can guide you and whisper the answers in your ear.

Some day you might go to the bathroom without making a mess; but for today, we will work on your aim by putting Cheerio targets in the potty.

Some day you will be tempted by those who would lead you down a path that you should not go; but for today, I can teach you about Jesus and hide His words in your pure little heart.

Some day you will let out a hearty laugh and the world will laugh with you; but for today, I am the one whose heart smiles in unison with your silly giggles.

Some day your toys will include cars, sports equipment and computers; but for today, we can play pat-a-cake and indulge in your quirky penchant for pushing the vacuum cleaner.

Some day you and your colleagues will dine in fine restaurants, ordering steak and lobster; but for today, we will sit at the kitchen table and share a peanut butter sandwich with extra jelly.

Some day you will sleep in your very own house that might not be close to mine; but for tonight, I can safely tuck you into your crib and rest my hand upon your sweet downy head while we pray.

Some day you will help me in and out of the car, and steady my arm while I reach for my walker; but for today, I am the strong one and I will lift you high into the air and listen to your squeals of delight.

Some day you will call home and I will be thrilled to hear you say that you’ve found “the one;” but for today, I cherish being the most important woman in your life.

Today, I will delight in your snaggle-toothed grin, laugh when you growl at the cat, kiss your skinned-up knees, and trust that you will survive your refusal to eat anything but sausage links, french fries and cheese. For some day, a man will emerge in the place where my precious little boy once stood.

My grandmother Mary Belle holding my dad

Trip to the Pumpkin Patch

Ginger — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 12:11:00 GMT

A few weeks ago our church family took a Sunday afternoon trip to
Anderson Orchard. Nathan and Alex had just left that morning for Belize,
and Shelby had to work, but I went with Abby, Phoebe, and Hudson. It was
very crowded but we had such a pleasant time! The weather was perfect.
Here are a few of my favorite pictures from the day.

Phoebe hanging out in the pumpkin patch with the baby doll we bought in
craft fair tent.

Hudson enjoying a freshly picked apple.

It's always nice to have something fun to pass the time on a day when daddy has to leave.
This was the perfect option!!

Homicide Investigation!

Ginger — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 22:13:00 GMT

Martha Stewart has come out with some lovely craft kits. I found them at Big Lots for $2 each so I picked up several. Abby has made lots of glittery greeting cards with birds and flowers, and Phoebe has been busy making puppets and pom-pom critters. Oddly enough, the pom-pom animals proved to be the most time consuming and difficult. We made a pig, chicken, mouse, and rooster. Three of them are nowhere to be found. I think they are in hiding because someone did the poor chicken in. I had to take pictures because it was just so ludicrous and frightening! To think that something like this could take place in my very own kitchen!

I'll let you know how the investigation turns out. Somehow, I don't think this is really what Martha had in mind when she created these lovely kits.

Nathan's surgery

Ginger — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 12:30:00 GMT

Two weeks ago Nathan had surgery to correct his deviated septum. He had never been under general anesthesia before, and with his general disdain for all things related to hospitals this was a big deal for him! He knows I took a before picture of him with his nurse Pam.

But I'm sure he has no idea I also took an after picture! He was still pretty loopy when
I took this shot.

He is recovering nicely, but still has a bit of swelling and scabbing. I am praying ever so
diligently that when he is fully healed he will no longer be a heavy snorer! Eighteen years of
sleeping with a freight train has really taken its toll!

Pumpkins and Chinese food!

Ginger — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 12:13:00 GMT

On one autumn Sunday a year, an older couple in our church brings a big truck full of
pumpkins on Sunday morning and all of the kids get to take one home.

Here are a couple of pics of Phoebe and Hudson (our future president)
selecting their pumpkins.

Phoebe was asked to sit on her pumpkin for a picture, but of course that did not SIT well with her! (ha!) But now that it's home, she wants to sit on it all the time.
That's my girl!

After church we went to our favorite Chinese buffet for a nice lunch with friends.
Being in a small town, we always run into lots of people we know. Here is a
picture of Alex with Margaret Smith. Margaret was Alex's Sunday School
teacher back when he was three years old. They adored each other, and
they still do! She is a tiny lady and Alex always enjoys showing her how much
he has grown. He is now 6'5" and she is 4' something...10" maybe?

While we were there, Phoebe finally mastered the art of eating with chopsticks!

And when we got home, she took her kitten for a ride in her babydoll stroller. He is such a
cooperative kitty. You'd never guess he is an outdoor cat!

A Christian Mother's Version of Perfect Madness

Ginger — Sun, 06 Sep 2009 12:57:00 GMT

I have posted this link on the Facebook pages of several friends, and then decided just to link it on my own blog. I wish I had written it. It gave me a good laugh, and good food for thought. It put some of the silliness of Christian "living" into perspective. I would have wrapped it up with a little more hope and encouragement, but other than that I think it's a great post!

A Christian Mother's Version of Perfect Madness

A spare tire -n- a pear tree

Ginger — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 21:53:00 GMT

We were playing outside today when the toddlers discovered an old tire.
Many years ago, when their teen siblings were small, the tire hung
from a giant tree and made a great swing!

Phoebe was curious about it, but Hudson was downright perplexed.
He knows things like this shouldn't by laying around the back yard.

He did his best to rectify the situation, but the old tire wouldn't budge.

In the meantime, Phoebe was helping herself to pears from one of our many pear trees.
We used to have several apple and cherry trees as well, but
unfortunately they were lost in an ice storm.

Sissy has the right idea! I think I'll get me a pear and forget about that ol' tire!

The sun is shining, the pears are ripe, and the toddlers are happy!
Life is good!

Phoebe's 3rd Birthday!

Ginger — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 20:04:00 GMT

In July our older kids were going through a mirror maze in Branson. Nathan and I planned to wait in the car with Hudson, but I instructed the kids to take Phoebe since "she's free anyway." Phoebe's eyes became huge with excitement and she exclaimed,
"I THREE NOW?!"
I hated to disappoint her, but she still had 7 weeks left until she would turn three. She has been waiting ever so patiently, occasionally asking if she was three yet.

Well, the day finally came!!!

She had been talking for months about having a pink princess party. After the cake was ordered, we went to the party store and filled our cart with princess party supplies. Then we turned down the Dora the Explorer aisle and she went berserk! So, we had a Dora theme with a princess cake, and a balloon from each to tie it all together!

The princess cake, made by my good friend Shelly Brown. Shelly was one of my bridesmaids oh so many years ago!

She HAD to have this particular party hat. Not a tiara, or a princess party hat, but a hot-pink, leopard print, fur-trimmed hat!

Lots of gifts! Grandpa Lumpkin and Grandma Truitt in the background.

Phoebe has a unique connection with the teens from our church. They all take such good care of her, and she loves them so! Here are two of the six that came to her party. Beau is on the left and Kegan on the right. Kegan came home from college just in time for the party!

Yes, Phoebe, NOW you are THREE!!!!!

Celebrating our 18th Wedding Anniversary!!

Ginger — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 16:49:00 GMT

Our anniversary was on Monday, August 24th. We were planning to go away to celebrate, but we have a little one with croup, so we stayed close to home. We started our day together with a delicious lunch at Weber Grill in downtown Indianapolis. Then we headed down to little Nashville in Brown County Indiana and browsed the shops, enjoyed a wine tasting, and had our picture taken at an old-timey studio. As we headed home we decided to try out a newer restaurant close to home, and I am so glad we did! Carolina Grill The food and atmosphere were wonderful!

Here are some pics from eighteen years ago:

A castle cake for our fairy tale wedding!

My bridal party dressed in the most delicious shade of pink! I'm pretty sure they loved these dresses so much that they still wear them! They were handmade by my mother.

And here is what the years have done to us!!

Still loving life together!! (The Jim Beam helps)

Published in a real book

Ginger — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 23:11:00 GMT

I am pleased to announce that I have actually been published in a book! So, to date, everything I've ever submitted has either been published or I'm still waiting to hear. It's fun to have my articles printed weekly in newspapers, but having a book with my name and bio in it is an entirely different feeling. I am a little disappointed that they took a lot of the "punch" out of the story, and it is somewhat poorly edited. But hey! It's a BOOK! And I got a CHECK! Here is the link if you are interested: Bedpan Banter

Now, if I could only manage to get my own book written and sent to a publisher or two!

First day of school pics

Ginger — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 17:15:00 GMT

Today was back to school day! I miss the days when school didn't start until after Labor Day. That's the way it was when I was a kid, and that's the way we always did it while homeschooling. For those that don't know, we homeschool the kids until junior high. Shelby and Alex started in eighth grade, but Abby was lonely without them so she started in seventh. So, today was her first day of public school, and she was SO excited!!

Shelby is a junior this year. She is an AMP mentor (not sure what the AMP stands for) so she had to be at school early to hand out schedules and help the newbies with their lockers. This means she DROVE her car today instead of riding the bus! I can't believe how quickly time moved to this point.

This morning's outfit choice was a mix of 70's and 80's fashion. Most notably--those are jelly shoes she is wearing!   Welcome back 1984!! Woo hoo!

Alex is a freshman. He had no concern whatsoever about his clothing choice. When he came downstairs this morning I asked, "Is that what you're wearing on the first day of school?" He replied, "Why? The first day of school isn't any more special than any other day."

Fortunately, his lime green cast was removed Tuesday and he is sporting a simple splint for two more weeks. He ended the last school year in a hot pink leg cast.

Today's clothing choice--camouflage shorts from the closet floor, paired with a worn gray t-shirt leftover from his junior police academy days. The name Truitt is proudly emblazoned with a permanent marker. Size 15 shoes by New Balance.

Abby...dear sweet Abigail. Today was her first day of public school and she was so excited she got up 20 minutes earlier than planned!   I cannot believe she is in seventh grade. I know she will love it, mainly for the friends and the clothes, but she will love it!

Abby loves the 80's almost as much as I do! She used to say she would NEVER wear pants with a narrow leg, but I knew eventually they would come back in style. She is now the proud owner of a number of pairs of "skinny" jeans in an array of colors. Today she is cute but low key. None of her usual sparkles or sequins, but she has her black Converse tennis shoes and a great book bag! Her first book bag ever!

Here Abby and Alex wait for the school bus. I love that early morning chill and crisp smell!

The bus was delayed a bit so we did a photo shoot.

Alex was not a willing participant in the photo shoot!

I promised I wouldn't stand outside and take pictures of them getting on the bus. So, this photo was taken through two windows, so as not to embarrass anyone!   Abby's first time on the big yellow bus. Awww!!!

Only 1 1/2 hours until I get to hear all about it!!

My ear candle experience

Ginger — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 01:49:00 GMT

I wrote this article seven years ago for my weekly newspaper column. I'm a little embarrassed by the quality of writing so it won't go on my website. Fortunately, I have learned much over the years! The reason I am posting it here is because it seems folks are always asking about ear candles, and it's too much for me to recount my experience over and over. Now, I can simply direct them here!

Last weekend I had my first experience with ear candles. Have you seen these? They are hollow cones made out of cotton fabric and dipped in beeswax. You put the pointed end in your ear and set fire to the other end. As the “candle” burns toward your head, the smoke creates a vacuum and sucks the wax out of your ear.

I am not opposed to trying remedies of a different sort. Taking a more natural approach to things is very appealing from time to time. We have tried various herbs, vitamins and concoctions over the years. Once my husband heard that eating charcoal would lower his cholesterol. He eagerly made a doctor’s appointment, feeling sure that his cholesterol was sky high. Imagine his surprise and disappointment when the levels came back normal. No chance to utilize the charcoal remedy.

So, when I heard about ear candling, I knew we had to give it a try. All those years of Q-tip swabbing have taken its’ toll. I know the hazards of impacting wax into the ear, and going to the doctor for irrigation (maybe that should be “ear”igation) is pretty low on my list of priorities. But imagine just taking care of the problem in the comfort of your own home.

I went to the health food store and bought fourteen candles, one set for each member of our family plus a few extras. I decided to try the candling first since everyone else was a little apprehensive about having fire that close to their head.

I cut a hole in an aluminum pie plate, stuck the candle through it and laid down on the couch. I placed the cone in my ear with the tin plate resting against my cheek. Hubby lit the other end and we all waited to see what would happen. In the T.V. screen I could see the reflection of the fire burning towards my head. It was quite surprising how tall the flames got!

Every time the kids looked my direction their eyes would become huge and they would say “OH!!!” in very loud, surprised voices. This would startle me and I would look anxiously at my husband for reassurance that the only thing burning was the candle.

The process took about ten minutes. When it was finished I got a pair of scissors and slit the end open. Inside was the most amazing amount of amber goo I have ever seen. I couldn’t believe all that wax came out of my head! The children were duly impressed. My husband was slightly disgusted yet intrigued.

After I candled the other ear, we did my son, oldest daughter and husband. My five year old opted out. She couldn’t bear the responsibility of lying still for twenty minutes so that nothing would catch on fire.

As I struck a match to light the torch sticking out of hubby’s ear, I couldn’t help but laugh. “What?!” he mumbled from under the pie plate. “Well,” I said as I let the match hover above his head, “I was just pondering how some of our single friends think that married life is boring. They obviously haven’t seen the way we spend our Saturday evenings!”

In all the excitement of chasing down floating embers before they caught in the curtains, I almost forgot about hubby. I noticed the flames were getting pretty close to his pie plate when I remembered I had emptied the water bowl. I ran to the kitchen for a refill and quickly doused the candle before the aluminum pan became too hot!

After each candling we would slit the ends open and compare our wax amounts. It probably goes without saying that my son had the most. Eight year old boys tend to accumulate ear wax like the underside of my couch collects dust.

I went to bed convinced that my hearing had improved even though my ears were slightly achy. I felt as though I had done a great service to my family by freeing them of the sticky mess inside their heads.

Two days later hubby was researching ear candles on the internet. He read that most of the accumulation in the bottom of the candle is actually melted beeswax. I refused to believe him. So, we decided to resolve our dilemma by burning a candle without putting it in anyone’s ear.

As I held the burning cone, I couldn’t help but think that was as close as I’d come to watching my money literally go up in smoke. When it had burned down to 1 ½ inches I cut the end open. I was terribly disappointed at the amount of brown wax gathered in the tip.

I’d had such high hopes for this ear cleaning method, but the more I think about it, I have to wonder if all of that beeswax stays in the candle. Maybe some of it melted into my ear as the earwax was being removed. Wouldn’t that be ironic? I guess you could call it an even trade!