1999 Ford Taurus lighting

I've been having trouble with my car the last couple weeks. Every now and again 1 of the fuses under the hood would blow and take out dash lights and tail lights and when shutting the car off headlights stay on. Not it is every time you try and turn headlight on it blows a fuse. We replaced the headlight switch and its made no difference, I also removed the fuse the went to the daytime driving lights because they would only flicker like a strobe light until you turn regular headlights on. But now everytime we do it takes out dash and tail lights but nothing else. Do you have any suggestions for me? I was told it may be a relay and auto parts store wants 75 dollars for it. I dont want to spend that kind of money unless I know thats what the problem is. Thank you for your help.
rainwaters