Winter is where?

Oh! Here it is! Where has you been, winter?

Needless to say, we've been having a very weird winter so far. During December, we had some mild temps and no snow on Christmas. That was kind of sad because I love seeing the trees and yards covered on Christmas Day. There's just a magical quality to it. I guess that comes from my childhood. Nevertheless, I love it - when I don't have to travel in it. Since around January 2nd, we've had some really strange weather. We were in the 60s (F) here in the Midwest. I won't lie and say that I didn't enjoy it. I'm also glad I had a few days reprieve on my heating bill. It just surprised me that we were having such wonderful weather and poor Texas and Alaska were getting hit with snowstorms! However, this is the Midwest. We have a saying that has proven itself time and time again.

"If you don't like the weather, just wait five minutes and it'll change."

Needless to say, winter is back in the Midwest. It's so making its presence known as well. We finally have that snowfall. No where near as much as Alaska, but it's enough to make people freak out while driving or grocery shopping. I don't necessarily have a problem with the snow. I have to take issue with the temps going up and down as they have been and the fluctuations in the barometric pressure. Both of those can determine whether I'll be able to do anything on that day or if I'll be taking my medication and huddling under my blankets. I have learned over the years that I need to have patience during these transition periods. I can't make myself go past my limits - not even a little bit. The cost of doing so is too painful for me to want to deal with. Once the weather starts to settle into a slight range (temps differing a few degrees instead of 20 or more), my body can adapt and I'll be able to move. I'll be slow and swollen but able to take care of a few things.

Wintertime also means that my psoriasis is joining in the fun of annoying me. I swear that my diseases pick on me so much because I pick on others. Anyway, because we have to have the heat on, my skin dries out quicker than in other seasons. I have the psoriasis on my scalp, both elbows and the front of both knees. Just after my diagnosis, I began to go through the list of over-the-counter medicinal shampoos and soaps to see if they would help. And they did - at first. I would have to change every few months to keep them working. With the support of my hubby and family, I sort of stopped worrying about the flakes so much. I still use dandruff/psoriasis shampoos and body washes that gently exfoliate my skin while moisturizing. I pat my skin dry instead of rubbing and that makes a big difference. I also try and keep my skin well lotioned throughout the winter. It does help the itchiness level to stay at low to medium.

I keep small lap blankets handy for my legs and feet. Usually I have pair of knit gloves with the fingers snipped off in my bedside table. I tried just using the gloves as they were but it did nothing but annoy me. So, off went their tips! Most of the time I try to really keep my hands moving during the winter. I really focus on doing the cross-stitch or crochet projects because they involve my hands and wrists. If I start to get a little stir-crazy, I'll pester the hubby or pup or even both. With that said, time to let my hands rest a little. Have a wonderful and warm weekend! Or if you're in the Southern Hemisphere, have a cool day!

Until next time,
Kay