Rose Cottage Ltd

I was almost 30 years old when I happened to realize that many of my worst headaches were in response to weather – or rather changing weather patterns.

I have some sinus/allergy issues the same time as most – spring, and also in the usually dry and windy fall, but these were different. I sometimes thought I must have some sort of brain clot – the pain was so intense. If the internet with its wealth of info had been around about 2 decades earlier, I would have found out what the HECK was going on much sooner than I did. This is what I was having…

++ Barometric Pressure Headache

Once you find out that you are susceptible, you can often get ahead of any symptoms by paying closer attention to the weather. The site linked above has great info for someone who, like I was, is just wondering WHY they will occasionally suffer such a day or two-long nasty headache – for no other apparent reason.

If you are prone to these things, you’ll still need to figure out what your “trigger” is. My pressure headaches can either be like today, just prior to a big storm system moving through – usually pressure rising (please come ON storm!) Or you might have the kind of pressure sensitivity that will cause you a headache on that next and usually cooler, pretty day right AFTER – usually pressure dropping – the storm system blows through.

One way or another, if you’ve ever had unexplained headaches that feel as if you have a clamp over your head, and you have no other reason to consider, think barometric pressure and make sure you have some OTC remedy ready. I use the same things I use for my sinus headaches – Mucinex Liquid “Cold/Sinus” is excellent – and usually get relief – but only if I get on a solution at the first sign of a barometric pressure headache in my “forecast.”

Weather has certainly been multitasking this season. Here’s an example:

20+ degree swings from day-to-day have been the norm this winter. This past Thursday it barely reached 40 degrees. Yesterday – close to 70.

Watching people out and about sure has proven interesting. While some people still have on turtleneck sweaters and sweatshirts on the “warmer” days, others will take the first day above 50 to break out sandals and shorts. Guess this ties into one of my prior posts about what is “cold” or “hot” depends on your location, and your own personal physiology. 40 degrees in Raleigh is not perceived the same as 40 degrees in Miami.

Only 11 more days until the official start of Spring – March 20th. Lord knows what spring will bring us this year!

Compliments of Weather Underground, a good site for weather info if you’ve never used it.

The “Great Snow of 1717″ finally came to an end on this date in 1717. Nearly 4 feet of new snow fell on Boston, Mass. while snow drifts 25 feet high were observed in Dorchester, Mass. Snow depths were so deep that traveling from town to town was impossible for 3 weeks.

They also have some informative links about weather in general, and severe weather:

++ Tornadoes

++ Hurricanes

++ Weather Videos

++ US: Today’s Severe Weather Map
North Carolina is NOT in for the greatest weather today!!

If you have your own weather station and/or web cam, you can set up your own local weather reporting via Weather Underground.

You have to give the meteorological specialists some credit for forecasting this latest winter storm well in advance. If you’re smart and in its path – please stay home.

In North Carolina, I’ve known since Sunday that this would be a “iffy” weather week and have been able to plan accordingly. There were actually snow flurries here Monday morning followed by a bit of rain, but that was just a taste of what may happen in the next 48 hours.

I don’t stress too much about weather. When you drive a Mini Cooper you know there will be times like this when YOU will not be on the road. I shop in advance for what I think I might need, and make sure that when ice and power outages are in the mix, my trusty Thermos full of hot coffee is ready.

But now that it is Wednesday morning and nothing has happened as yet, the waiting for it gets a bit stressful. Schools are closed today locally and I have to wonder if stores won’t be slammed this morning with people out shopping – for what, I don’t know.

I figure that some of the shopping is a stress release for many. It gives them something to do. There is but so much “planning” you can do and there is something weird for adults and kids to keep having these little mini-vacations due to bad weather. It feels like playing hooky. There’s nothing on the ground, but snow and then ice are coming – should I be doing “something?”

There is only so much you can do at this point other than just wait. Make sure you have plenty of gas in your car. Check batteries in flashlights and locate any candles you have. If you have a generator in case of power outages make sure it is working and ready to go. I don’t go crazy buying food because I have been in ice storms in Maryland that knocked out power for nearly a week. The last thing I needed to worry about then was another $200 worth of food I just stuck in the refrigerator before the storm.

It’s almost like preparing for a major exam. Once you’re in your seat and your pen or pencil works and the exam starts – you just do it. The anticipation stress of what’s coming is over. I have food available, and a full Thermos, a thick blanket (thanks Mom,) and a thick novel to read.

“Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow…”

The lake is starting to freeze at the edges. A few more mornings like this and the only thing that will be moving will be the water around the fountain. This will still help the fish maintain required oxygen levels…

You can get image updates on the website.

Hoping for a bit of sun later today….