My walking in the house was better than normal today. I did some wash so was up and down stairs more than normal. We were home all day. Emma went outside many times. Even if this cold. I watch her from the patio door and often she is not outside long - but oh she does like it outside cold or not.

She was having fun helping put socks away. She would carry a pair to my bedroom and then go get another pair. She also will "put" them into a clothes basket for me if I prefer that. I suppose she would "put" them right into the drawer for me too. Why didn't I ask her to do that? She was a eager helper all day.

Lately Emma snores more than normal or makes noises as she dreams. i wonder what dogs dream about. Wouldn't it be fun/interesting to know. she cuddles up so cute on the sofa. I have extra blankets/throws on the arms of the couch for use when it is chilly at night. She loves to use it like a pillow. She gets herself really comfy when I sit down to read or watch tv. What a sweet companion she is for me.

I don't understand what predicts if I will have a good or bad day at home or out and about. I can walk better than others some days, others I am a mess and soo tired out. I do use a cane and also lean on furniture or walls to help me as needed in the house. I am not running laps or anything ha ha. But some days I am more steady and able to do things like laundry without as much difficulty. I appreciate those good days. Today I did need a late morning nap but overall had a very good day - yeah for that.

I do pace myself and even on good days alternate the work and rest time. Emma likes that routine I think. What lab doesn't mind a rest now and then. but she enjoys the runs outside too. She still enjoys her assortment of balls and chasing them in the snow. I have some toys she can chase indoors also. I try to make the days interesting for both of us.

Tonight I am thinking about how fortunate I am to have a nice warm home on a cold night. i did call my children and my sister and a few friends. Sounds like everyone is planning to stay indoors tonight and most of the weekend to avoid the cold. Our car is parked outside as my garage is a workshop for Greg's woodworking equipment. So he will be sure to go out and run the car awhile tomorrow. my kids will have to do that with their cars that are parked outside too. Oh the joys of cold weather.

But we all have warm homes, and food and can manage. I can't imagine the struggle of those who are homeless or live in less than adequate housing tonight in MN. We need to be mindful of our blessings and reach out to those in need through our charitable giving.

I hope you are warm if you live in a cold climate and are able to snuggle in with those you love.

Take care, Mary and Emma

My apologies if I grossed anyone out on my writings about Emma's stomach problem. She seems better today - yeah. Fellow dog owners can likely understand my frustration in the matter.

Emma stayed home yesterday. I went to swimming (everyone asked where she was) and at night to a political house party not far from my home. I felt naked without her. I wanted her gut to rest and she seemed content to stay home. Today, yeah, she seems back to her old self and full of pep. She even woke me early at 5:30 to go outside and play. Hats off to you who get up that early regularily. Since I don't work, that still seems like night time to me. We both went back to bed.

Dangerous wind chills (temperature plus wind) are expected in the Twin Cities for the next few days. Emma and I plan to be home today if all goes as planned. I thiink my husband is getting the cold that I had and he sure is not feeling well. He still has to go to work and has a doctor appointment. tis the season for colds in MN.

Emma was quick to go outdoors today. You know it is cold when she rushes in and out. She still likes to get outside both to do her duty and to see what is happening in the yard. Days like today I watch her from the patio door, she doesn't seem to mind and still pays attention to what I am doing.

I will write more later...we are fine just keeping warm on a cold day...Mary

Emma threw up again. Ugh. She did a few days ago too. I think I need new carpet anyway. Do they sell any the color of dog vomit? Do I sound frustrated? Who thought it was a good idea to dye dog food. I can get nearly all the stain out but there is a bit of a shadow of color from the food. Ugh, I bet we could make a fortune if we could figure out pet foods for dogs and cats that don't stain - no matter which end they escape from.

Emma was persistent in waking me in the night. She did that again at nap time. One of those times (I think nap time) she threw up. It was in a spot not noticeable at first. Usually it is right out there where I can see it. On the good sign she seems to feel fine this time. The other day she was under the weather for a day or two. Now this is her only symptom. I don't have any idea the cause this time. Think of the positive side Mary at least it didn't happen in her bed or my bed when she cuddled up to me. Nor did it happen in the car when we were out to my counseling appointment today. I just don't know what caused this.

I see no change in Emma's behavior (other than trips outside). I never saw her vomit outside though one was in the night so I was watching from the patio door. She didn't do the gross thing and try to eat it this time either. We will watch her tonight and see what happens.

Greg also was not feeling good today. he had some tests the past two days for cancer. We won't know for a few days if there is any sign of his kidney cancer returning. It has been I think ten years and he has had four surgeries. He has part of one kidney left and it appears to be functioning okay. Did you know you can manage with less than one kidney. He has no symptoms but that has been the case before. We just get a bit nervous every time it is time to test for this. i hope he is just fine. If they find cancer they move fast so that it doesn't spread. You just do what you have to do without a lot of time to feel bad. I have found focusing on one day at a time the key to coping.

I have not accomplished much today. I have two loads of laundry to fold. My christmas tree is still up (by choice I love the lights), and I don't know I guess I just needed time to rest. We went to my counseling appointment today. Had planned lunch with a friend who did drive us home, but found she couldn't do lunch this time. Some days I just don't have much energy. Cold MN nights also make me want to stay and be quiet - that and MS fatigue.

I love writing and am trying to think of ways to make this entry each day more interesting. Okay dog vomit is probably not the most captivating thing I could write about. Emma is amazing though - she means the world to me. I can't believe how she is just as peppy as ever tongiht. Doesn't seem to feel bad at all.

Wishing you a good evening or day (depending on when you read this).
Mary and Emma

Emma and I babysat for a few hours today. Actually Mike was home most the time working on some personal business. Rosa was a doll. We had lots of fun playing and snuggling.

At home we are doing a bit of laundry, reading, and watching tv. I took Emma out and of course that is fun. Today it got up to 20 I think but the temps are suppose to get colder so good she got extra exercise.

I am so happy to have Emma as a companion. Greg worked today and tonight later. I have her to cuddle up with. She is of course also a super helper. I still cough a bunch at night though in the day am doing well. I am trying to take it easy to fully get over the cold. I worry Greg looses some sleep due to my coughing but doesn't want me to sleep in the spare bed in the office.

I am glad for a cozy night at home. MN winter nights are sure quiet for me. Thank goodness I have Emma. I wonder if she would rather have me watch tv or read tonight? I bet we will do both. She does like when I have the electric mattress pad on. She cuddles up where it is warm(my side of the bed).

Wishing you a good night. I do have fun playing scrabble on line with Suzan who has service dog Logan. She almost always beats me but I am trying to gain more skill.

Take time to relax,
Mary and Emma

Yeah Anna came home. She is having dinner with us. We just played outside together. Boy did I get a good amount of running in. Brr it is cold here but we had a blast. Mary will write more later if she has time and it is not too late. We had a quiet day at home so I have lots of pep to play with Mary and Anna.

Emma