I can't believe it is four days till camp. I have given up thinking I need to pack shorts as it is very unlikely it will be warm enough. I have a pair of capri pants if it gets nice. Last year we wore shorts and t shirts. Last year spring flowers were in bloom. This year? Snow flurries expected again tomorrow. Rain on the weekend. At least today we had sun. No question I will need a warm coat. I am worried about the outdoor temps. We spend lots of times on outdoor activities and free time outdoors so you can mingle with people from various cabins.

Okay quit complaining about the weather. What an opportunity this is for Emma and I. Yes Emma enjoys camp. The smells, the outdoors, and the various activities are interesting. We have a great time. We even like cuddling into the single bed. Yep when we nap or at night she sleeps in the bed with me. A bottom bunk bed so it is cozy.

I have been calling one of my roomates daily with the countdown. She doesn't have a computer. We laugh and talk about what we hope to do at camp. This just has been the past two days but boy it helps me be excited. It will be great.

I have started packing also. It will take more clothing to layer up for this weather I think and still toss in a few lighter items just in case it gets nice out. I also have to pack depends and all my medications, dog food and all that for six days - - - that is a lot of things to bring. I am probably bringing a sleeping bag. I am alergic to there wool blankets and I think the cabins will be cool at night.

More than anything I don't take for granted how lucky Emma and I are to have this opportunity to go to camp. It is limited to people in MN and there is a waiting list. MN has a strong MS Society Chapter that is well organized and provides many programs. That is not true every place in the US. I am fortunate.

I need to go head to bed. Have a good day.

Mary and Emma

We are tired tonight. I am tired like ready to collapse in bed. Emma is tired of laying and just enjoyed some laps around her yard and is eager to play.

Today we volunteered at the MS Society. Emma rested under a desk all day while I worked on a project for their upcoming fundraiser for those who bike. Then Greg picked us up and we shopped a bit. Then off to dinner with my siblings to celebrate my Aunt's Birthday. It was on the other side of town in St. Paul. It was fun but with no nap I am tired.

Emma was wonderful all day. What a good girl she is - I will write more tomorrow. I need sleep. I think first Emma needs me to play with her though.

Sweet dreams. Emma and Mary

Those of you living in MN know we are still waiting for sun and warmer temps. We went shopping today and bought a few more t shirts, a new piece of luggage (badly needed) and a summer pool for my granddaughters to us. All on sale. I an unhappy to report that Emma was not as good as normal. Didn't want to follow me, just seemed to not be concentrating.
The problem I thought was her being uncooperative.

Wrong - once again human error. The poor dear we got outside and she had to go to the bathroom very very badly both #1 and #2. No wonder she wasn't focused. I had fed her before we went out this early evening. but normally that includes running around the yard shortly after. I forgot to take her out. She also waited to get home to poop. My girl likes the privacy of her own yard or something. Yeah it was a short ride home.

We had book club in the morning and Emma did well. We read the book The Giants House and had an interesting discussion. It leant itself to many comments about what people liked or disliked about the book - but all were glad to read and discuss it. The next book is the Dangerous Hour. We have just three weeks to read it because due to Memorial Day we are meeting a week early. We had ten participants and one could not attend. It went well. They even set out a water dish for Emma when we meet.

Emma and I snuck in a nap and did some laundry. We are just about to help make a late dinner and relax tonight. The chores will have to wait I am tired.

Several of us from book club are going to camp. Yes we will have to dress warm. They think temps might get up to 50's or even 60 degrees and tahe would be awesome. The 40's seem to cold for this time of year.

Take care, mary and Emma

Okay I am not worried about packing shorts for camp. I just hope we don't have more snow or lots of rain. I am guessing it will be jean weather and that sweatshirts will be in order. I am nervous about making it too bulky (the packing) but will plan to layer clothing each day. I am excited about it all.

You have to check out the cute new pictures of the puppies on Tiga's blog. So adorable.
Yesterday at the Helping Paws Run and Romp Emma got to see Pam who is staff and Katie Michurski who helped raise her. How fun for Emma.

Today we have some chores and are headed to a movie also. Last night we had fun with the kids out to dinner and then to Becky and Dan's for dessert. I treasure my family so celebrating our anniversary with them seemed just perfect. I wonder if they could ever know how much they mean to me?

Have a nice Sunday. Mary and Emma

Okay folks let's hope for nicer weather. We woke up to SNOW. Yes SNOW. A few inches in my yard. It was blowing and cols all day. We went to the Run and Romp 2008. Brr. We tried to help greet people (outdoors) but also took breaks inside the building. My guess it is like a warming house for ice skating. We visited with people too. Emma did a great job of representing service dogs who have graduated. I was so proud of her.

My goodness there were a lot of dogs. Any well behaved dog could participate in the run or the walk that was a bit later. I saw gorgeous dogs of all sizes and shapes. Many had on cute coats to keep them warm. One of the littlest ones (sorry I don't know the breed) ran the whole race. His owner said he runs daily. I found it amazing.

All those dogs and all well behaved. There were a lot of Helping Paws dogs in training that I saw too. Despite the weather the event was a success. It was so windy and cold Emma and I didn't actually walk (scooter ride) the course. It was just to cold for me. Also we had forgotten to have my son help put the scooter in the van. One thing on a scooter ride you don't generate heat like if you are walking yourself so it gets cold. I felt helping for a few hours as a volunteer I did my duty. They had lots of volunteers.

I am glad camp isn't tomorrow. They say by mid week days will be warmer. Like in the 50"s. As the day comes closer I keep thinking pack for cool weather for sure. I wonder if I throw in a pair or two of shorts if they would even be worn. This is the winter that won't end in MN. Up north they had a blizzard and 13 inches of snow or more. People normally start heading to cabins at this time of year. Fishing opener is just a few weeks off...my goodness what weather.

At the run and romp I saw some former students. They are young women now. Gosh i felt old. I taught one in fifth grade and now she is a high school senior..the others are freshmen. It was fun to talk to them.

My 30th anniversary is Tuesday (wedding). We are taking out kids and grandkids out to dinner. Then going to Becky's and Dan's (my younger two kids) place for dessert. That will be enjoyable. Emma and I came home and huddled under warm covers for a nap so we have the energy to enjoy this event.

Hope your weather is NOT snow. Gosh warmer weather better come this way in time for camp. Sweatshirt weather is one thing but lets have this be the last snow. haven't I hoped that before???

Take care, Mary and Emma