Monday, December 11, 2017

This was a busy, busy day that ended with the missionary Christmas party at President and Sister Colton’s home which is about 30 minutes from where we live.  Their huge beautiful home is located in a very pretty, wooded area.  We invited another couple to ride with us and the evening was a great success.  There was an abundance of delicious food, a “hail and farewell” for one couple leaving this week and another who recently arrived, and a fun caroling event—all for about 65 people.  Pres. Colton plays the harmonica and was coaxed into playing a couple of numbers.  There was also a small bells choir performed by six missionaries that was so sweet.  I played the baby grand piano for the old-fashioned secular caroling and it all made for a fun night.  We have made so many friends and love these wonderful people!  

A scary phenomenon happened to me on Saturday and I discovered I have Raynaud’s syndrome.  I was cracking and breaking cold eggs from the refrigerator for the sheet cake when suddenly my right middle fingertip started to tingle and to hurt like it was burning.  It hurt enough that I had to stop and realized my whole finger felt numb, but still hurt.  I looked at it and it was completely white with a purple swelling near the palm of my hand.  I rubbed and massaged it fiercely, flexed and exercised it, ran water over it—and it still remained completely white.  I started to panic a little since I really need my finger! 

We started looking for an urgent care so I could call and ask advice.  Then I decided to look up the symptoms on the Internet and found that my question, word for word, had been asked by other people as well.  Cold temperatures or stress can cause a spasm in the blood vessels that diminishes blood flow causing the finger to turn white.  It usually then turns blue and back to red as the vessel recovers and circulation resumes.  My finger finally started to return to normal, but I am going to be extremely careful of direct exposure to cold.  The suggestion is made to wear two pair of gloves to avoid the cold and keep the hands warm.  So today when I practiced the piano at the church, I kept my gloves on since the room was cold and the keys were frigid!   Needless to say, it was an interesting practice.  

This is just a little health history for your information.  It’s easy to look up and find out more and to see if there is a genetic tendency.

Love you all.  Hope you had amazing Family Home Evening’s in your homes tonight.  😊    

We look a little weary here!