We've got crazy weather today. All last week it was warm and breezy... I could almost smell the ground thawing. (Yes, it really does have a lovely earthy smell.) I went out yesterday with no scarf for the 1st time since October... only had cotton in my ear to keep out the wind. When I woke up today there was snow coming down and collecting all over the grass. I guess I get to stay home again today!

I thought the facial stiffness was improving, but it’s back! Last night my cheek felt all bunched up, stiff, firm to the touch, and achy. The muscles were so tight it looked like I had a quarter of a smile on the affected side. And my lips didn't seem to quite match up. This made saying certain sounds a bit iffy. I put my trusty rice sock on my face, and it helped a bit, but it still felt stiff when I went to bed. This morning, it still looks and feels somewhat bunched up, but it does feel softer to the touch.

This was not because of talking a lot; I was home all day and evening, the last two days, except for a short trip to the organic grocery store - I don't talk to veggies.

I know I've come a long way, but these episodes are almost like going backwards! New achy spots, slurring my words again, leaning back in my big blue "people eater" chair with heat on my face, having to drink with a straw, etc. I know it's not a relapse, it's just a pain in the back of the lap!

I think my busy schedule last week had a lot to do with my face being so tired. I didn't feel all-over tired at all, but maybe my face still tires more easily even though the rest of me has recovered a lot of my old energy? It's not a relapse, because the rest of me feels fine, much, much better in the past 3-4 weeks. Also, the itch in and on my ear is much less of a bother lately