Hi all,
Now Emma could keep working but my speed is do a bit = sit - do a bit - rest - do a bit - nap or rest......no doubt you see the pattern. If you have been reading my blog none of this is new news to you either.

Today it is a beautiful day. It is sunny now about 1 pm here. I even have a few windows open just to get fresh air inside after months of closed windows. To be sure they can't be open as wide as if it was warmer but today for a short while it feels just wonderful.

Our big chore today is laundry. Emma and I are working awaay. She wasn't as enthusiastic as normal but a few kibbles got her right on track. We have already been outside three times and Greg took her once (he is working). Gosh it is great outside. I think it is suppose to get close to 40 degrees and that feels warm to us.

We also had to pick up a bit and load the dishwasher. That loading use to be done as like breathing - unconsciously and easily especially in the years I did daycare. Now that is a big deal. The bending, the getting things put away that are clean and so on. Simple tasks take on new significance when you have MS or other health problems I suppose.

I also had to organize my many medications. order refills, and set up my weekly trays. I do two weeks at a time and that helps me. The pill cases help ensure I keep track accurately of which pills I need each day. Again in my head I think this shoud not be as big a chore as it seems to be. It is done for two weeks. I only have to do it twice a month so should not complain at all ha ha. It takes me about a half hour with all the pills, shots I take and then time to call and renew what is needed. Remember I am darn proud if I have energy to do that when i am doing other things also.

We are listening to the pretty music of Celine Deon as we work. That seems to help my spirits. The most wonderful gift I ever got from my kids and husband was an ipod. I use it so much. I have a clock radio you can play it on, a stereo type thing, and of course can use it alone with earphones. I like music to motivate me, relax and calm me, and of course if I need it to deal with pain issues. Not migranes though - dead quiet is what I need then.

My spelling isn't very good today. My fingers just are not typing what I am thinking I guess. I slept late so hope I can keep my nap short. I want to have time to read the book club book Eat, Pray, Love so far it is very interesting to read.

I even wiped down the inside of my refrigerator today. I use to do that almost daily but not with MS. Even with two of us seems it needs it. My cleaning lady did such an awesome job this week that really has brightened my mood. When the heavy stuff is done then I can handle little things. I better be careful not to over do or you will hear tomorrow I had to sleep all day.

Time to change loads of laundry...and put Emma back to work. She can empty the dryer and then hands me things out of the basket so I can fold them...a talented girl. Thanks Judy for the laundry practice she got while you trained her.

might write more later. Does this sound boring? My point is that Emma is really helping with my chores (no ha ha she does not sort medications) and in keeping my spirits up. When I try to do housework sometimes I get so discouraged wiwth what I can't do and with bigger projects (like painting) that need to be done. Or like organizing my office, laundry room, storage, ugh I can't think of all that and stay in a good mood. Know the feeling.

Laundry, time with Emma, simple things and that is all. I even have a few political calls to make...

Hope your day went well. Mary

Thursday - after swimming I crashed. I napped till dinner time. Played with Emma, took her out and ate. Then we went to bed at 7 pm. I mean for the night. Greg worked into the evening and took Emma out and played with her. I promise if he could not do that I would do that. I certainly wouldn't expect Emma to go hours and hours without interaction, both indoors and outside. I must have needed it as I felt better today. I don't know why swimming/water exercise seems to really exhaust me this week though I know it is good for me and enjoyable.

Friday - We had marriage enrichment counseling, Greg had a dr appointment, and some errands to do. I snuck in a small rest and then my teacher friend Jan and I went out for awhile. we have pop, share an appetizer and chat about the week. It is such great fun.
Tonight we will share pizza with Tia, Mike, Sophia, and Rosa. We will hear about Sophia's first violin lesson. It is tonight near our home. I think Emma enjoyed how busy the day was today.

When you have a service dog one thing that everyone should know are the words "REVIEW" or "RETRAIN" or "REPEAT or the like. Emma is good at her skills. Yet, there always seems to be things I need to readdress. Today it was her positioning. She pulled a bit away from me as we walked out the door. An issue? Yes as I don't want to be pulled off balance. So even a little bit off is not okay. Have I not noticed this issue and let her move more away from me than she should lately or did it just happen today? Not sure on that one.

At the Dr. office we had to walk down a long hallway on each floor. Emma was steps ahead of me at first. I had to stop. Remind her to be "closer" and then to be at my "side". When she didn't stay in that position we stopped again. Greg said I was a saint to be so persistent. Truth is probably I am NOT always as observant and persistent. Those things can creep up on us till I realize oops we need to fine tune things and get back on track.

My walking was noticeably slower today and that is perhaps part of the issue. Emma however is well trained. She knows what it means to be in the right position. She knows not to pull so the leash is tight. She knows not to race ahead. I own my part that perhaps when rushed I am not so strict as I should be...but events like today remind me to watch more closely. To expect the best out of her and I will get the best behavior.

It reminds me of teaching. Your students will meet your high expectations if you are persistent, properly teach them, review, praise, and teach them step by step. I think teaching helps me know to recheck and re-evaluate how Emma and I are doing as a team.

I will have to keep up with this skill and watch myself to be sure she follows it closely every day...not just the hardest days to walk..

the kids will be here soon. I want to take Emma out again before they arrive. On one of our appointments today the woman we had to meet with was afraid of dogs. Emma sure showed her how well behaved a dog can be. Way to go Emma.

Havee a good weekend. We don't have anything planned for Sat. hope to go to a political event on Sunday. Ash Madia the candidate I support is having a meet and greet time for people and we are going if we can arrange a ride. Boy I miss driving.

Emma and Mary

Hope your Wednesday went well.

Is a picture worth a thousand words. This is what we will be doing on Thursday.
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Getting my exercise while my dog watches from poolside. Not a bad thing to be doing on a MN winter day.

Hope you are doing well. I will write more tomorrow. Yeah YEAH on Friday we see Sophia, Rosa, Tia, and Mike. Sophia has her first violin lesson. I can't wait to see them all.

Take care all - Mary and Emma

Monday -

The temp got up to 36 and oh did Emma want to stay outdoors. Each time we went out she did not want to come in. This morning especially it was tough to convince her to come to me. She just looked at me like "Your nuts it is great out here". There are already the sounds of more birds, squirrels seem more visible and she just likes it I guess. Yes indeed she came in each time but needing a little more encouragement than just "Emma let's go in". Emma Come Now works well normally but today their was a bit of hesitation. i blame it on spring fever.

Our day included book club. Our next book is Eat, Pray, Love and I am excited to start that reading. I did a few errands with Greg and then needed a nap. I am not sure why but I took a long nap and seemed to need it. Tonight i folded some laundry, relaxed with my husband watching some tv but I didn''t even get more than a few calls done for the campaign I am working on. I just felt so tired.

Tomorrow we have water exercise. At night there is a political meet up but I am not sure if I am going to attend or not. We will see how tired I am.

Emma warms my heart each day. She is so cuddly. I sit on the love seat often and she snuggles in next to me. Then she likes to wrap her paws around my leg (I often have my legs up) or my arm. She will do that in bed when we nap often too. Her affection is so appreciated.

She is also like a little child in that some things excite her that amaze me. We folded laundry downstairs in the family room today. My bottom level we keep cool since no one sleeps down there in the winter. So I don't use it a lot. Well today it seemed comfortable. Emma just raced around the room and was so excited for that change in routine. She makes every day special.

Emma is shedding so much at this time. I wonder if other dogs are doing it now? This seems early to me though she sheds a bit all the time. Loosing a lot of hair usually around Easter. I hope it is temporary but gosh I am getting a lot of hair when I brush her.

Oh my gosh we better get to bed.

Emma and Mary

We had fun with our granddaughters yesterday. Sophia and Rosa are delightful. Then we also celebrated Anna's birthday. Emma even had some dog visitors.

A friend of Anna''s brought her dog named Bear (though smaller in size) and Emma had a ball playing with her indoors and out. Bear was not afraid to play with a bigger dog and they ran and ran. He wasn't here long but it was nice for Emma - for sure.

Lily came at night with Mike and Tia. My granddog was so good I hardly knew she was here. I don't think I had much time to pet or greet her even. She and Emma both were good during the party which included the playing of games including the wii of Dan's.

I feel so fortunate to have family in town. First we had lots of time to hug and cuddle and play with Rosa and Sophia till about 3 when Dan, Becky and Anna arrived. They are such adorable girls. They all were pretty cute watching Elmo and enjoying it. Rosa was held by Grandpa for almost two hours but didn't quite fall asleep.

There was more activity as we ate together, cleaned up, and played games. Poor little Rosa's cold was bothering her. It made me remember how busy it is for young parents to deal with little ones. I hope they know how much we love them all. I remember those days.

We enjoyed the day very much. Emma enjoyed both yesterday and today getting outside a lot at the weather was milder. Around 30 or maybe less but it felt great to us. The sun is warmer now so there is some melting of snow in sunny areas. The air is so fresh.

Today was quiet. I slept late and needed that after a very long day (God will understand that I didn't make it to church). I also read and napped in the afternoon. I need a lot of rest after such a fun and busy day and night. I got some laundry done but will fold it tomorrow I think. I also did some dishes but not much else.

Off to watch more of the Academy Awards with Emma. Tomorrow we have book club.
Hope you all had a good weekend. happy Birthday to my daughter Anna whose real date is Wed. She was so much help to me yesterday...she always likes to take Emma outdoors and play with her a few times. I sure treasure my family and the time when we all can be together... i don't take that for granted.

Mary and Emma wish you a great week.
Mary