Emma was a model service dog again today. We went to take Greg to see an Orthopedic Surgeon. Yeah he does not need surgery at this time. Part of the problem surprised us as he has lots of arthritis in the knee. They are watching some other things to see if more needs to be done or if with time things will get better. We will see in the next two weeks and month how he does. We are not sure when he will return to work yet. the Dr wants to see if it gets worse or better in the next two weeks or so.

Emma got lots of time with Anna outside. I felt like i hit a wall of fatigue once I got home. I only got a short nap and not as much sleep as I need last night. Anna took Emma out three times (she and Mike and family came tonight). Dan took her out twice as he was here all day.
I did take her out once in the morning. She likes my kids too and they got her running in the yard which she needs.

My children helped with a few chores and things while they were here. I am so grateful for their help and their presence. I have the best kids in the entire world. I let them pet Emma a lot when she isn't in her vest and off duty (though really she helps me 24/7).

So off to bed for us. Emma has been doing a bit of double duty here. I think she was glad to go with me today. She is so good for me.

Have a good weekend.
mary and Emma

Today Emma has done a few things to help Greg and is helping me. Greg can't bend his leg or put any weight on it. We went for a MRI on the knee today and see a specialist tomorrow. Meanwhile he needs lots of help to do anything like dress, well just about everything. So I have been trying to be helpful. What a pair we made going to the MRI. I am walking slow today with my cane (I should have brought my walker) and he on crutches. But he is suppose to stay off it completely as much as possible. He has a lot of pain. Tomorrow my son will help us go to the specialist.

The distance for the MRI was not far and I was not dizzy so I drove. I did fine on the way there. I think it is about three miles or four? Not far right? Wrong on the way home I had so much trouble. My perception is off and Greg had to keep directing me on how to stay in the lane. One time I almost hit the curb. I bet you don't want to be driving by me. Thankfully there was almost no traffic on the short distance I drove. But I guess we are right I shouldn't be driving. I was so glad I did not cause an accident or damage the car. Greg thanked God he got home okay I am sure. Tomorrow Danny, my son, will drive us to the specialists office.
I am discouraged about the driving. The physical therapy has helped my dizziness and I have so much less problems..I had hoped I would be able to drive now.

this is not a good scenario for Greg to be layed up with neither of us able to drive. We are trying to think of solutions to deal with all this. We will know more tomorrow when he sees the Orthopedic Surgeon what treatment they suggest. We don't know if he will need surgery. I am trying to remember to just take this one day at a time and we can manage.
Our kids are supportive. Thank goodness we have them. But I don't want to burden them either.

I have to go help Greg and tend to dinner. We're ordering pizza to make it easy. Emma and I have some laundry to fold but will also try to relax. I don't want my MS to flare up due to the physical and emotional stress of all this. I sure will be happy when Greg feels better. Emma is a good helper for both of us today.

Be careful where you step. That's how he got hurt going up steps.
Have a good day Friday.

Mary and the Great Helper Dog Emma

I think you would call the Metro Movility vehicle a mini bus. We rode it again today. I brought a small blanket for Emma and then they let her sit on the seat with me. She looks so cute up there looking out the window.

We went to hear the MS Doctors talk and that was very interesting. I like the people who attend also so it is a good use of my time. I gain information and support. Everyone is nuts about Emma and she shows off her great behavior.

This is short. My husband hurt his ankle and now misstepped on a step and hurt his knee badly. He is in a lot of pain. My son just came to help out. We are waiting to hear from the doctor. I wanted to write a bit but now will go see if I can help or offer comfort. I don't know if we will be heading to ER tonight or not.

Emma is concerned - you can tell she realizes something is wrong. More later or tomorrow.
Mary

Our hearts were warm as Emma and I babysat Rosa part of the day. At age 15 months she now not only walks, runs, she climbs. We had so much fun playing with toys. She is adorable and showed off her new word "please". It was fun.

The day was cold and window outside. Temp was about 2 degrees but wind chill was -25 degrees. Both dogs went out for awhile. Then both Lily and Emma found a cozy place to snuggle in for an afternoon nap. Not long after Rosa fell asleep. It was a good day to be indoors.

We are glad to be home. I have political calls to tackle again. It is time consuming but also interesting. I like the show House and that is on tonight also. I hope to have time to watch it. Emma just went outside and she was quick in doing her business. I noticed when she got in and out of the car a few times she jumped in quick. I have a small flannel quilt for her to cuddle into when she is in the car. It helps her stay warm I think.

Emma has the most expressive ideas. You can sure tell when she is tired. Sometimes she looks so curious. She also moves her eye brows in interesting ways. It makes us chuckle sometimes to see how expressive she is in her face. Right now she is a snoozing and seems happy to do so.

tomorrow we will go on Metro Mobility to hear my MS Drs. speak at their Wed afternoon session. We haven't been there for awhile (it is held weekly) so that will be good for us. It gives us information on Multiple Sclerosis, and an opportunity to ask questions of the Doctors. It is also a pleasure to see the people who attend. I am excited to go.

I had better go get busy on my phone calling. It is 6:30 pm here. I probably will end by 8 or a bit later. Everyone I have talked to has been very respectful and many are very interested in talking about the candidate I am campaining for. I also have basic info on when and where to caucus so that is helpful info for most.

Thanks so much for reading my blog today. Emma and I had a very nice day and yes we are staying warm indoors.
Mary and Emma

Book Club was so enjoyable today. We had a great discussion of the book The Posionwood Bible. Everyone seemed to like the book and it gave us lots to talk about. When we arrived the chairs were all set up for us (usually they are). But added to the set up this time was a bowl of water for Emma. Waiting for her when she arrived! Wasn't that sweet. It is held at the Maple Grove Barnes and Noble. Our book for next month is "Mr. God This Is Anna.

Following book club we went to lunch at the Olive Garden. We were at a long table and there was room for Emma to walk under the table without running into feet. Towards the end I was distracted in conversation and she walked to the other end! I don't know if she was looking for crumbs or not. This is NOT like her at all. Normally she stays put till it is time to leave. I got her back to where I wanted her till the end of the meal. Otherwise she was well behaved both at book club and at lunch.

It got up to 40 degrees here which felt like I heat wave. I went out with Emma. The fresh air felt so good. We went out several times. It was great. She enjoyed the exercise of the day and didn't mind napping with me later in the afternoon.

The fun thing about book club is it gets you to try books you might not have picked on your own. Emma lays there so good as we chatter away. I wonder what she is thinking?
I find you really get more out of a book when you get to discuss it. We all tend to come with ideas we want to share, sometimes passages and page numbers that we want to discuss. I think it is good to read and discuss to keep up my cognitive skills.

Emma is really energetic today. I think it is about time to take her out again. Then she will go again about 10 or 11. this warmer weather makes me eager for spring. Remember my motto each day is one day closer to spring!! Cold weather is coming again so I need to hold that thought.

Hope you had a good day and get time to read whatever interrests you. I am also reading more of the newspaper these days. Greg and I enjoy discussing what we read or see on the news.

Tonight I am again making political calls for a candidate and also to inform people of where the DFL (democratic) caucuses will be. So far only one person has seemed annoyed by the call. I keep it simple and polite and short.

Wishing you a good day on Wed.
Mary and Emma