Dear Friends,

I am asking for your help. Helping Paws is a wonderful organization. They helped me meet Mary and trained me for my job. They continue to help us if we have problems. Do you know in some places of the US people needing service dogs have to pay thousand of dollars to get the dog. Mary only had to pay an equipment fee.

On April 26th Mary and I are going to participate in the Run and Romp. This is an event to raise money for the Helping Paws Organization. We will go rain or shine (let's hope for shine_. Guess which one of us will walk or romp and which one will be in a scooter???

You guessed it we need your help in raising money for this event. We know many of our readers are already going with their own dogs. Those of you who are not going could you consider sponsoring us? No amount is too small or too big. $5, $25 - any amount is appreciated.

Mary is having some problems setting up her internet page for this event. We will let you know how you can send donations on line. Otherwise email us if you would rather send a check made out to helping Paws.

Thanks for considering this, Love Emma

Mary Weinand maw40@comcast.net

5 days till the MS Women's Getaway. I am figuring out what clothes to wear (the anticipation and planning is part of the fun for me.

28 days till MS Camp. I am already thinking about clothes for this one also.

Why do these events mean so much to me. Of course both events are FUN. I renew friendships with people who have attended in the past. I make new friends. I have time to relax away from home where they are chores to be done. I relax guilt free ha ha.

Both events also provide me a place to feel "normal". Participants are often in wheel chairs, with canes, or walkers, or scooters. We are all comfortable with this variety. They know when you say "I get so tired" what that means. MS fatigue seems very different to me than being tired for other reasons. They know first hand what you mean if you discuss any MS struggles, and can be a good source of ideas for coping. It is a place to hear about creative solutions to dealing with MS>

Both events are a combination of "fun and relaxation" and "education". I benefit from both. It also provides me to renew my "spirit" and my inner strength to deal with this disease, Does that make sense, Meeting people with various disabilities of this disease reminds me if they can cope - I can. It is NOT A PITY PARTY. If there are people who just dwell on the negative and feel sorry for themselves - they must be home doing just that.

At Camp and the MS Camp you find people determined to cope with the problems of MS. Most have a great sense of humor (you have to with ths disease) and kind personalities.
They are strong individuals with varying disabilities who leave me inspired and determined to have a good and full life no mater what MS does to my body. We smile, laugh, share stories about all aspects of live.

At camp we play scrabble and other games. I hear at the Getaway we might play poker. A friend is trying to teach me. We enjoy nature at camp. We enjoy the fellowship of being together. It is so great. The MS society here in MN provides so many opportunities for people with MS.

Today I am not going to be lonely at home. My friend Karen, Emma and I are going to a movie and then stopping for something to eat. Next we are headed to a gathering for people involved in the campaign I am working on. Ashwin Madia for US Congress.
We should be home by 7 pm which is good. Greg willl have to head to work so my son Dan, will drive me home.

I have some wash to get started before I go today. I believe nothing is planned for tomorrow. I have a book for book club to start reading.

Thanks to those of you who financially suport MS Sociehttp://tigaslitter.blogspot.com ei nationally or the MN Chapter. Their programs sure help me.

Hope you have a good day.

Mary

6 Days till the MS Women's Getaway in downtown Mpls.

29 Days till MS May Camp.

My friend Kathy and others with MS read this blog too. I can't wait to see them there.

I am puzzled as to how warm it will be at May camp. Last year was wonderful and it did not rain. This year snow is predicted for northern MN tonight ( a big storm) so spring is coming later. I guess I have to wait till the week before to guess at what to bring to wear.
I feel so fortunate to be able to go to these events. Emma will have fun too.

We had an awesome day today. Just what I needed to lift my spirits. Great weather, time out of the house, time with my husband and one of my daughters. Here are some highlights.

Judy's blog about Tiga and the new puppies was so interesting. Cute pictures too.

Well we had a busy day. Emma is tired out. I felt GOOD so we had Greg driving us various places. Our first stop was CJ Banks - every item in the store was 40% even items on sale - yes everything. You can guess how crowded it was in the store. The sales people were so organized. The would take your items once you were in line and fold them and label them so when you were ready to check out - all they had to do is ring it and bag it. It was very impressive.

Then get this. While you waited in line (which moved right along) they gave out bottles so cold water, and pretzel sticks dipped in white chocholate (free) from the chocolate store next door. Coupons for that store were available. I saw several people I knew and everyone stayed in good spirits. The changing rooms were so packed though. I took everything home to try on. YES it all fit and looked ok. I have NEVER bought so many clothes but badly needed them. I think because I am a heavy person I get discouraged about how I look and don't even try to get nicer or newer clothes lately. I am hoping to loose weight but in the meantime these clothes will help me feel better at the women's getaway, camp, and some other upcoming events. I think I even found the skirt and top that I can wear to some upcoming weddings I will attend in the spring and summer.

I can't tell you how this boosted my spirits. Next stop Wallmart (what a contrast) Greg needed a few items (normally I prefer Target) but I did find a pair of knit casual pants too. I realized the sale was so great at the prior store that these quality items were not that much more than Wallmart prices HONEST...except for the real cheaper tops at Wallmart.
Well Emma got her walking in here. While I shopped at the first store Greg took Emma for a long walk. He didn't want to be in the crowded store.

The weater was great. Sunny and 66. I did not have to wear a jacket. But oh no I got a bad headache. I am getting so I know the early symptoms of my migraines. So we headed home. I headed to bed and to medication and rested where it was dark and quiet. i took a nap. Emma was able to play outdoors with Greg and then cuddled in with me too.

Fortunately, I felt better after the rest. We headed to Greg's work. I told you that it was a busy day. He had some things to do. We tagged along because my daughter Anna works there when they have weddings. She helps get rooms ready, supervise, calm nerves if they need anything, opens doors etc. The things that help make it go smoother. The wedding was over and everyone gone when we arrived. She finished up some computer work she also was doing and Greg worked a little bit.

Our next stop - out to dinner. I can't believe how busy this day was compared to our other days. I don't think lately I have done this much in a week. We had a delightful dinner with Anna. It was fun to have her all to ourselves and talk. Our family gatherings are fun but get so busy with us all there, the granddaughter and playing games. I love those times but this time was fur too.

Emma adores Anna. When Anna lived at home and when she visits she always takes time to play with Emma. So while we had to wait for a table (it was awhile) she took Emma for a walk. Emma got her exercise today. Also Emma sat in back with Anna.

The other interesting thing is that we met people from Helping Paws there while waiting. The Vice President on the Board of Directors was there with his wife and a friend. If I have it correct they raised/trained Emma's sister. They commented on in what ways they were similar. I thanked them for their work and they shared with me what motivated them to help this organization for so many years. It was very interesting to have time with them as we waited for the table. Anna and Emma were back when they came to chat. We really waited a long time for a table but the time passed quickly.

I suppose I will be tired tomorrow but gee it was worth it. If I feel okay we are invited to a movie tomorrow with a friend in early afternoon. Isn't that nice?

Emma just watched me try on clothes. She acted so interested as I tried on various items. It was so cute. I missed having my girls home to ask them - how does this look. They would be honest and enthusiastic I think. So far only one maybe two items I will return to the store. Now I realize with the new skirt i need new shoes.

Shoes are a problem - The ones I have are old. I have never been one to have very many shoes. Part of the problem now is with my walking problems I can't wear anything with a heel. With my big feet and that limitation it is tough to find something I like. i really am boring when it comes to foot wear and even clothes. Now at least I livened up my wardrobe a bit.

Well we are off to bed. CJ banks is on tomorrow also for those of you in town. Al locations and no they are not going out of business. They offer a special line of jewelry that is specially designed and profit goes to the MS Society. Darn it this store was sold out of the items I wanted. Christopher Bank stores also have this jewelry.

Notice I am not sick today. We are waiting till Monday to see if they want me back on the medication again. My blood sugars have been closer to normal perhaps I can skip the other medication for now.

I hope you have a good weekend - Mary and Emma

Do you need Tiga's blog address. Check out this

http://tigaslitter.blogspot.com/

Isn't it amazing that those puppies look just like her....unlike the April Fools Day joke I fell for ha ha.

So I bought a new pooper scooper. Ugh my yard is a mess. It needs to dry out (still snow and otherwise very soggy) before we can tackle that clean up job. In the summer months I clean it up daily (or that is my goal).

Emma didn't even want to run for the ball in the back yard due to how wet and messy it was I think. Not much snow to run in either.

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