It was a beautiful, sunny, breezy Wed morning. Though as the day wore on it got hot. I don't mind summer and in my day wouldn't think this was too bad. Now with MS it is hot. Even just going in and out from a door to hot car is tough on me. It is a good day to think of December and enjoy the sunny weather and flowers. My roses like the heat. Rain is forecast for later tonight and maybe tomorrow and Friday so I better not complain.

Someone asked how I got help with getting air conditioning. The MN Chapter of the MS Society has a program that will help you get medically needed equipment. There are some guidelines and you are given a percentage of the cost with a maximum limit of I think $1500 per year. Contact Scott Algren for information. You must live in MN I believe to participate in this program. You can call 1-800-Fight MS and indicate you want the MN Chapter for details. I hope that helps you out.

We went today to my Drs. presentation on MS. The weekly semminar. They had an expert their discussing when they use various types of braces and things to help those with MS walk without falling. I can't remember the other name for it. They are now made normally or heavy plastic and less heavy and cumberson than the old braces they used for polio victims when I grew up. They explained in detail why it might be needed for foot drop, or knee problems. It was very good and a nice cool place to be. Emma relaxed and took a good nap during the presentation.

This jump to hotter weather has sure meant an increase in Emma's shedding. It is unbelievable how much my doggie can shed even after a good brushing. She was very relaxed on the Metro Mobility bus today. Once again I brought a small blanket to cover part of the seat and the driver let her sit on the seat. She looks so cute gazing out that window like we are going places. I get a kick out of her.

When we were outside even Emma headed for the shade when she wanted to rest. She also did not chase the ball as much as normal. She needed rest breaks in the heat. Emma also drinks a lot of water so I don't have to worry about that. Her bed in the bedroom is right near a fan and it is air conditioned so she is happy there or on my bed.

I miss being outdoors when it is hot. I will have to get back in the routine of getting up earlier to get outdoors before the heat of the day. Or save some energy for the end of the day to go outside and tend my flowers. I am glad for swimmers, and children who love the outside play in pools, sprinklers and so on. I just don't want it to get too hot or stay too hot for those without fans or air conditioning to cool themselves.

Summer is beautiful. My roses have been blooming. We have lived here 28 years so we have seen our smaller trees in the front yard really grow taller and that gives us more shade. It also improves my view outside. I love looking at the trees. I am up one level due to a split level and out the front and back the view is of trees. How lucky I am.

I have more chores to do than i got done today. Know that feeling? Emma was a great dog today. I just took her out and she too looks ready for bed so we are going to do just that.

Take good care. My cousin came in to town tonight. I think I will be seeing her tomorrow and I am really pleased about that. Also I think we will still be able to go to water exercise.

Enjoy summer but stay cool on those hot hot days. I loved the fun when my own children and i went to the beach or pool. I also liked the days I did daycare and we put out a pool or sprinklers for the little ones.

Hope all is well with you...
Mary and Emma

Hi to All,

Swimming is later during the summer. We really do more water exercise time wise than swimming. Well I sure enjoyed the water today. The gentle movements help my muscles strech and have less pain. It helps my range of motion. I walk about 10 minutes in the water before class. We use these bar bell type things one in each hand to help with balance. Well it went well.

After swimming we went to visit one of our MS friends who is now in the nursing home. She is such an inspiration. She is so chipper and makes the best out of any situation. She never complains. We didn't stay long as it was near her nap time. Four of us went to see her.

Then home to finish making supper. We actually ended up eating earlier than normal and then napping. When I got up to watch a movie with Greg - Emma kept bringing me her dish.
Then I realized oops I forgot to feed her dinner. She ate enthusiastically. We watched the movie "The Bucket List". I thought it was good but I cried of course.

MONDAY book club was fun. The author of the book came to speak to us. The name of the book is Womankind - Connection and Wisdom around the World. The author is Nancy Leigh Harless. The publisher is Tate Publishing (2007). Barnes and Noble had to order it special for us but its Maple Grove Store now has some copies. It was wonderful.

The stories are of the powerful woman she met in her travels as a nurse helping the poor. Though some of the situations in Boleze, Guatamala, and Kosovo are sometimes sad - they also are inspiring as you read of women gaining strength from one another to cope in their situations. I really enjoyed the book as did everyone in book club.

At book club Emma was just wonderful. There were more of us due to the author being there and she handled that fine.

MONDAY NIGHT - We went to Helping Paws. Emma was so excited. She seemed to be looking for Judy and Tiga we thought. They were not there. I was interviewed as a candidate for the Helping Paws Board of Directors. It was interesting though I was nervous. Lynn brought her dog Romey (spelling?) and Emma handled that so well. Both dogs wanted to greet and sniff a bit as they were under the same table. But they both settled in nicely. I was proud of Emma - I know she would have loved to play. She instead worked for me.

Then we met friends for dinner. What a big day (though I did nap) You can see why I didn't write last night. I did nap today. I will have time to nap tomorrow. I think Emma likes when we are out and about. Though she is fine days we are home all day also.

So Emma is fed and we are headed to be. Remember it is one hour earlier for me than the blog says, Emma and I had a good two days.

Emma always seems to listen at book club. We wonder what is she thinking?

Have a good day on Wed. Mary and Emma

This was a day to relax for Emma and I. We did not even make it to church today. We slept late, spent some time outdoors, I read, did a few easy chores, napped = you get the picture. After the busy wedding day I needed that rest.

Tomorrow we have book club. I had not looked at my calendar so thought it was next week. I have just a little bit to finish it is a good book. The author is coming to book club to speak to us. I will let you know how it goes in my writing tomorrow.

I cooked a very simple stir fry for dinner. Emma was so good to pick up utencils, a dish cloth and things I dropped. It was one of those days where I dropped more than normal. Awesome dog.

When I am really tired like last night - I feel so much calmer when Emma snuggles up to me. Her favorite spot is between Greg and I and neither of us mind unless she takes the covers. She is dead weight when asleep and sometimes ends up either on the covers or snuggled up in some way so we can't pull them up if we need to. She is so funny. When she first gets in we do tell her she can come up. Then she comes up to get some petting and loves that. Then she settles in more towards my knees and feet. Though one night recently she and I went to bed very early. She laid on Greg's side with her head on the pillow he uses. It was so funny. Both of us like how she brightens up life here. She is very loved.

A day of rest was good for me. Emma doesn't seem to mind either. Yesterday was so busy. I didn't walk much but still no nap, meeting people, the wedding, greeting people after, the cocktail time, the dinner, dance - - a lot for us but well worth it. IT was so very nice.

My daughter Becky is already out of state, Dan and Anna are eachi going up north tomorrow. Not together but will be gone for a few days. Sounds like it will be nice weather for us but definitely time for airconditioning for me. Did you know due to MS I even have a prescription for needing ac as a medical necessity. My nerves to move limbs, lift my foot, my vision etc worsen dramatically once it gets over about 75 degrees. I have to stay in the shade, keep up with cool clothes, ice water, and limit time outdoors once it is about 80. I use to love outdoors and we did not have central air conditioning until I got MS diagnosed.

I have a little more to read so better do that tonight. Emma and I just were outside for awhile. It is a beautiful evening. I am so glad Emma gets me outside several times a day.

Hope all is well with you.
Mary and Emma hope you have a great week.

We went to our fourth wedding in four weeks.
Tomorrow there is a graduation open house and again next week.
A busy summer.
We can't go to the open house tomorrow as Greg needs to work a long day at church.
He will work more than twelve hours.
Mary and I will be home.
Mary promises we will spend time outdoors, nap, and relax.

It was a nice wedding and fun today.
It was longer though as Greg had to help with some preparations so we were there a few hours before the 1:00 wedding.
We just got home and it is 9:00.

We sat a lot.
Mary gets so tired though on these busy days.
Though she knew a lot of guests. She sure can talk a lot.
We don't stay long once the dancing starts.
Mary gets kind of sad because she can't dance anymore.
I think I saw her blink back tears.
But she told others she was grateful she could walk.
The music gets so loud.
This time they sat us right near the sound system speakers.
Boy when they started the loud music I stood up under the table
and went to Mary. It startled me.

Mary really needed me today.
Though the day went well Mary had a very hard time walking.
I helped her with the cane, with a dropped napkin and lots of things.
Greg and a friend also were there with helping arms to help keep her from falling.
One time she almost hit the ground as her legs buckled in weakness.
Mary was proud of me.
She said I was so attentive and I was.

The wedding was beautiful and very special.
The reception was the fanciest yet. A four course meal.
They serve a big steak to guests.
The bride said she wished she had ordered one for me.
We all know Mary would not have let me have it anyway.
I am watching my figure.

Off to bed.
Mary told me this was a day she really appreciated me.
I think she does every day.
Oh good time to go snuggle and sleep.

Emma

Hi Folks,
Today I slept. Yep pretty much all day. Rosa and Sophia will be coming tonight so I will problem see them Dan has been here but I kept sleeping. Anna, Mike, and Tia are all stopping in for dinner. Becky was here in the morning and I did not get out of bed for her either.

Riding in the car for twelve hours looking out the window and the fun of vacation wore me out. Mary went to lunch with a friend. She gave me a choice car? or take a nap? I took a nap. Oh my own bed feels good.

Though those king size beds weren't bad either. So today the new about me is I slept.
It's good to be home.

Emma