Emma and I went to Water Exercise today. there was some rescue training being done by young adults at the same time as class. The pool area was so much busier and louder. Emma handled it al just fine. That is my girl. We came home and went outdoors and then took a big nap. Tonight after dinner we went to a clothing store. Then home again. It was a nice day

1 day till the couple's Getaway

14 till the Women's Getaway

35 days till MS Camp

I am packed for the weekend. the location is close to home. Greg is still having trouble with such a bad cough that I hope he feels okay. I doubt that I will blog again until Sunday but you never know. I will let you know how the weekend goes and how Emma handles it all. She has been at this hotel before and liked the comfy beds.

The snow is all melted again in our front yard. None left there and about half the backyard is without snow. Emma gets a bit muddy these days. She runs for the snow areas. That dog loves the snow.

We brought out more toys of her both for indoors and out doors. Now we won't loose things in the snow. She likes to fetch things for me. She saw a rabbit in the yard that got a good chasing from Emma. The bunnies have one spot in the fence near a gate where they seem to squeeze through. Emma enjoys the chase.

We are off to bed. Like I said, I don't know if I will write again till Sunday or not. Best wishes to Peaches and her new puppies. Hope you all have a good weekend.

Emma and Mary

Peaches gave birth to eight puppies. Yeah for her and for Helping Paws. I guess all look healthy. I was emailed a picture but not sure how to share the aol pictures with you. Mommy looks like Emma. Sometimes I wonder how Emma would have been as a mommy. I am told she was a great Mommy to Tiga when she came to live with Judy. I think Tiga is due with puppies in a few weeks also.

Congratulations to the new Mommy and to the busy caretaker family watching over those precious dogs.

Mary and Emma

Yes, I am counting. I think I have the counts accurate.

2 more days till the Couple's Getaway.

15 more days till the Women's Getaway

36 days till MS Camp.

Yes, ladies and gentlemen thanks to the Multiple Sclerosis Society MN Chapter I have things to really look forward to. That is March, April, and May all with special events to partake in. I am very pleased. Yes I plan to keep counting I need those things to look forward to...

What makes them so special - for me they are a chance to meet old and new friends, couples, participants, staff, and volunteers. They make me feel "NORMAL". They help me believe I can cope with this sometimes dreadful, always irritating and bothersome disease. They help me have a break from normal life, learn educational things about Multiple Sclerosis.

The couples getaway is both good for myself and my husband. MS topics that challenge couples in a unique way will be discussed. It is time to connect and strengthen our relationship. Time away from normal routines. Time to listen, time to discuss challenges and solutions. It is time well spent. Greg works Sunday of course but we should work it out. It is actually held not far from our home but we will stay at the hotel. Our kids, neighbors will watch the house. Things should be fine here.

I won't detail the other events till closer to the event. The interesting thing about the couples getaway is I talked several couples into going this year but it was too full to take everyone this year. Word is catching on that it is such a nice event for those who attend. There is a fee but scholarships for those needing it help make it affordable.

I felt better today. My husband is feeling better though stayed home sick today. A day of rest helped him out. I actually went out of the house today. Emma and I were thrilled. We saw my therapist and also went to lunch with a dear dear friend of mine. I have been most careful about what I ate and so far so good.

EMMA seemed very pleased to get outside with me to other locations. I had to warm her up a bit. I guess we haven't picked up the cane, the leash, and walked very close to me for a few weeks. We have been home almost three weeks. Various locations I ask more of certain skills I think. Emma is nuts about my therapist and he is a real dog lover. My rule is medical staff like my doctors and therapist who keep me going - yes can pet her once I let her know that it is okay and depending on the situation.

She picks the exact same spot on the floor at his office while I talk away. Many times I bring a blanket but sometimes I just plain old forget. She is quiet as a mouse but about midway has to shift her hips around to be comfortable. if I cry too much I have to reassure her that I am okay. Only sometimes do I get so emotional that she needs more reassuarance. Then I might pet her, or she lifts her head up on my lap waiting for a pet to be absolutely sure I am okay. She notices my emotions. She is a dear.

Now don't worry I am not so open that I am going to drag you through my therapy issues ha ha. My point is with MS needing counseling is common both due to dealing with the disease itself and the actual ways MS impacts the brain can cause depression. I want to destroy the myth that it is horrid to have to take part it. I have a great counselor and we just talk things over. Sometimes it is very intense or emotional and other times not. Meanwhile Emma helps me both in session and in daily life. Emma helps me with my emotional needs. That is very very true.

Emma is calmer tonight it seems. Getting out of the house both by car and with me playing with her in the back yard is good for her body and soul also. She seems more relaxed since we got out, and so on. When I am asleep a good part of the day (like for the last three weeks) I think when I am better she really enjoys my company.

The local television crew hopes to come fillm Monday if all goes as planned. Hopefully I will be well this time. New puppies are do any day from one mommy and then another set in two weeks. Hopefully I can keep you posted on that front. If someone from Helping Paws has time to let me know when the puppies arrive.

I know Judy (Emma's foster mom) will be so busy taking care of Tiga and her young. I will be glad to hear that all goes well for all involved. Think of how those puppies will change lives.

Wow this is long. Can you tell that I feel better? ha ha. Let's hope it lasts. I already paid for the couples getaway so hope we feel good enough to enjoy the experience. Emma likes the big beds and comforters. She makes herself at home there. She really likes it if there are two beds. I am not sure if we will have that or not. Then she hogs one entire bed. Otherwise she cuddles in with us. Either way she is one happy happy dog.

Thanks so much for your prayers too. My son is getting more information on some job offerings. Hopefully one will work out for him and give his family the medical insurance they need. keep praying and thanks.

Best wishes to all of you,
Love and snuggles from Emma and Mary

Feeling a little better tonight. We'll see what tomorrow brings. i am sick of being in the house all the time though glad for the comfort of home. i bet Emma will be happy too when we get out of the house one of these day? Though she seems happy around here with me - we sleep a lot.

Woke up sick with the stomach flu again. In bed all day. Still getting over the cold too.
Eventually I will get over all this.