Today was an interesting day. I felt pretty good. But, at my 9am vital sign check with the electronic nurse my heart rate was 92 and my blood pressure was only 75/45!!!!! Dan and I just shook our heads.

I was to have a Noon skating lesson, but had to cancel. I don't drive when my blood pressure is that low... I drank more fluids and I had already taken my florinef this morning. By 3pm my blood pressure was up to 113/? (I can't remember the bottom number). So, I went on into town for my 4:15 lesson and 5pm class.

Now, getting into town was the next issue. Actually it was the dressing to go out that was the challenge. You see, it is cold here. No, I'm not being wimpy. It is cold here, right now it is -4 degrees. (yes that is a minus sign in front of that 4!) They are saying the wind shield factor is about neg 15-20 degrees. But, thank goodness, the wind is not really blowing much, just a slight
breeze.

Now, the cold weather itself is really not that big of deal. We don't have humidity, so it doesn't get down into your bones and make you feel like you are freezing to death. But, my health situation makes the cold a little different story. Since they believe that a coronary spasm possibly caused my heart attack I try to avoid "triggers" that the doc's say could cause another spasm. "Extreme cold" is a trigger. I purchased my own version of a darth vader mask a little over one year ago. It has a special rebreather mask thingy on the front of it with neoprene type cloth that holds it in place and goes around the back of my head and velcros. It also covers my neck and ears. Basically it covers my face from just below my eyes down to my neck. The special rebreather device actually helps to warm the air before I inhale it.
I look quite interesting, but hey, I get to go outside!

Tonight at 6:15 my heart rate is in the 90's and my blood pressure is going back down. It is 100/50.

I did take an hour and 15 minute nap this afternoon before skating.

I do want everyone to know that we have not had a really cold or snowy winter in Casper for about 15 years. So, we really can't complain about it. Life goes on, I just have to plan my outtings a little better!

The only thing I regret is not getting gas before this cold snap.........