Over the last few weeks, my husband and I have been planning how we will landscape around the pool. We started by adding pavers around the far end next to the fence. Although we had pavers installed when the pool was built, we had not taken them all the way around because we weren't exactly sure what we were going to do by the fence. Then we decided to add a two layer stone wall and put in a small water feature with some desert type plants and pea gravel. So, while I was spreading pine bark nuggets in the front bed my husband started the little wall.

It was warm and sunny but we kept jumping in the pool to cool off. By late afternoon we decided to call it a day and went in the house. Well, it didn't take long for us to realize we were both pretty red. Now we spend a lot of time outside and are fairly browned by the sun, but we hadn't thought about the sun factor at this time of year. We did the usual aloe application and hoped it would feel better the next day.

The next day also dawned warm and sunny and so did we. We were both still red and couldn't even consider going outside without shirts over our swimsuits. My husband kept telling me he thought the weight of the wet shirt was going to pull him under the water never to be seen again, but at least he was still able to enjoy the pool without doing further damage to his skin.

The reason I'm telling you this is that today is Memorial Day, which usually signals the beginning of vacations, summer school breaks, and lots of occasions to get out in the yard. Not to mention this is the day to give a humble nod to our great veterans. Many of you have probably already experienced your first sunburn of the season from this long weekend and are nodding your heads in agreement while you read this. So, what is the perfect sunburn solution? Obviously not to get burned in the first place. But, when you do here's a list of ideas that may give you relief:

• aloe gel
• cold, used tea bags help take the swelling out of sunburned eyelids
• undiluted vinegar-some sources say white vinegar, others say apple cider
• mayonnaise as a skin moisturizer
• raw potato slices
• baking soda paste (3 parts baking soda, 1 part water)
• over-the-counter remedies like Solarcaine

and the list goes on and on.

So when you're outside enjoying your pursuits, remember to slather on the SPF. Otherwise stock up on vinegar and tea bags. They both seem to help. Happy Gardening and wear your sunscreen.