Physical Therapy - I am working with a special therapist to help me with my dizziness. Greg waited for me in the waiting room. I thought Emma could stay with him but she instead came with me. The staff there remembered how good she was last time. Part of the time she just lays and rests while they have me practice going up and down the halls. They have me hold my head and gaze various ways to help me with the dizziness. I came home with things to practice at home and go back in January.

Grocery Shopping and Target - Emma got a lot of exercise in while at Target. I tend to forget things and go all over the store. There was an electric scooter I could use thankfully. I do suggest foster families practice with scooters and the dog. During this busy season however, I think it is best not to tie up a scooter. There are too many people out and about who need them to be able to shop. My walking was such that if we had not found one I was going to skip shopping.

Again I found that people were so willing to offer help to me. I so appreciate when patrons or staff offer to get things I can't reach. That is so kind and needed. You can't reach top shelves in the scooter. When they see me with the scooter and the dog - so many people offer to help. I can't express strong enough how helpful that is to someone disabled.

Out to Eat - Last night we stopped to eat a bite to wait out rush hour traffic. We figured waiting an hour would mean less hassle. What i forgot to tell you was they brought me a braille menu at Applebee's. Even when I said thank you but I did not need it - the manager seemed baffled. I would have explained the role of a service dog but she left abruptly. Now that is the first time that has happened.

Again today Emma loved the snow. They expect a few more inches tomorrow. She loves to dive right in. Today only her tail showed as she dove face first into a pile from the snow plow. We had to stop at Greg's work and were there awhile. She was awesome there like always. Of course being able to go into a big snow pile both in and out was a great reward for good behavior. She just is so fun to watch.

When we get home and she is in her own yard boy does she charge around to play. I don't know if the words "frolic" or "romps" through the snow adequately describe how joyful she is to play in the white stuff.

Driving today was much better than yesterday Greg told me. I have no idea when I will drive again. I will keep working on their suggestions for the dizziness and see if things improve.

Emma is ready to eat so I will close. Hope you are all doing well. A special hi to the Michurski family for trainning Emma. You would have been so proud of her today. She was a super working dog all day. We use so many of the cues when we are out and about.Her positioning and retrieve skills were used. She shines as a fantastic service dog. Thanks again.

Have a good evening. I am done Christmas shopping for my granddaughters (I think) and happy with what i found.

Take care - Mary and Emma

Thursday night we are going to a concert with my children and Sophia too. I don't know if I will have time to write when we get home.

I think Santa came early for Emma. Emma loved the snow. We babysat today for awhile. I brought her extra long flexi so I could let her outside with Lily while standing in the doorway taking care of Rosa. My daughter Anna also stopped by later so took her outside a few times.
Well Emma loved it.

At Judy''s they hung bells on the door for her to signal she needed to go outside. Lily uses the same system. Emma has rather ignored it. Today Emma showed me she remembers those bells. Both dogs rang them a lot today. Now there is a difference between I "need" to go outside and I "want" to go outside isn't there? Well to Emma and Lily it was one and the same. I felt like Santa Claus was there I heard bells so often. That's okay though I know they love the snow. I was so glad I brought the long leash. Rosa liked watching them play outside the door in the snow.

When we got home oh did Emma enjoy putting her head in the snow. She was in her glory, in her own yard, not on a leash, free to enjoy the fresh snow. Oh did she have fun. When we came in to cuddle up she brought me a blanket. I let her come on the couch so we snuggled up together. She is just so much fun.

The roads should be better tomorrow. I have a physical therapy appointment. Greg arranged so he can drive me. That is more comfortable than Metro Mobility. We also have to go to the store to pick up my medications. In MN we are use to snow (even if some drivers tonight acted like they had never seen it) and by tomorrow things will be in good shape. Maybe not every road will be plowed on the side streets but the main roads will be in good shape. Plows will work all night if needed.

We had a few people speed by us even on icy snowy roads tonight. That really surprised me but there are always a few that still drive too fast. Today I was glad I didn't drive. I don't know when the vision and dizzy spells will be such that I can drive again. Better safe than sorry is our motto.

Rosa had lots of hugs for Grandma. I sleep when she does so always glad when she takes her nap. Yet, I am tired and ready for bed.

Drive safely if you are in rain or snow. Sounds like much of the country had one or the other today. If you are in sunshine - enjoy.

Have a peace filled day - Mary and Emma

More snow is coming. Mary better get new boots. I can't wait for even more snow. How fun to play in. Greg will do the snow plowing. How fun it will be for us to play. Drive careful it may snow up to 7 more inches. We are going to babysit a few hours. Oh now the man on the tv said 3 inches...well I will take whatever we get...its going to be a great day.

Emma

I am having so much fun in the snow. The sun is shinning so it is nice and bright and happy outside. The snow is just waiting for me. Mary has taken me outside many times. We found my favorite toy to chase in the snow. I run while Mary tosses it. I can jump up so high in the air trying to grab it. It flies kind of like a frisbee. It is just so much fun.

when we come in the house I just rest about ten minutes and then I want to head outside again. I am making sure Mary gets her exercise today. Next trip out she is going to try using her camera. Maybe we will have pictures to show you. I move so fast though Mary says it might be a blur...

Hope you are having fun in the snow if you live where there is snow. Just try putting your nose in it. I like having a face full of snow. Try it you might like it.

Emma

Emma was restless tonight. I took her outside, and played with her. Then we "worked" I went through practicing her cues. She loved it. She followed directions and was so attentive. I really think she was thrilled to work. A dog who loves her job.

I wrote twice tonight...Mary