We had another power cut on Monday – though this one was planned, to allow some work to be done. Amazingly, we got through all the bad weather without a single one.
Problem was, I had forgotten about it, & since I remain wedded to my just-in-time ironing policy, I had to go out in a clean but unironed t shirt, quite glad that our brief spell of sunshine & warm weather had come to an end, so I had every reason to put a jumper on top. And rainjacket too, as it turned out.
This time of year is the cruellest for sufferers from raynauds disease. In the depths of winter, wrapped up in jumpers, padded waistcoat, down-filled jacket, three pairs of gloves – no problem.
Out comes the sun, balmy & warm. Tempting to do like everyone else, wear just a simple cotton top & light jacket.
But balmy equals breeze, treacherous little zephyrs zipping out of nowhere. Or the sun disappears for a minute behind one of those fluffy high clouds, casting its shadow over you. Suddenly your hands are colder than they ever were standing at the bus stop in winter, or trying to rush past the chiller cabinets in the supermarket.
So long sleeves & a jacket which can fasten right up to the neck, even gloves, are essential.
And that’s how you recognise immediately if someone is a fellow-sufferer.
