Dear Emma,

There was a terrible bus crash in MN that left 4 students dead (2 were siblings) and about 14 others wounded. It is unknown the condition of the 2 other vehicles involved drivers.

Accidents can and do happen but this one had a tragic results for all. I don't drive right now. My husband and children have been with me when I tried to drive and seen it is a challenge for me. My judgement, my reflexes, my vision, and my dizziness( that has decreased but still happens) all cause me to be cautious at this time.

I don't like not driving. I don't like asking for rides and depending on others. I am frustrated I can't get more help from Metro Mobility. I get frustrated that even what could be a quick short errand trip for me ends up being a bigger deal. I get tired of explaining why I don't drive. I sometimes have long days at home when i wish I could just get out of the house.

My MS symptoms might improve. One time I didn't drive for six months and slowlly I got better. i am not ready to give up hope of driving again.

When I hear of accidents minor and major like this one I know not driving is the right decidsion right now. I have to remind myself of that. Becky (my daughter) likes to say
Mom if you wouldn't drive Rosa, Sophia, in a car then don't drive. In those other cars are someone else's Rosa or Sophia. That also is true of Emma. What if a simple ride to a nearby store caused a problem that injured a person or Emma. I would never forgive myself.

So for now Emma I only drive a scooter. You are patient being home. We get exercise at stores when others can take us.

I pray for the children and their families. I pray for all the drivers involved. No matter what they find as a cause of the accident so many in this small town community have been hurt body and soul. May God bring them strength.

May God give me wisdom in my own choice not to drive at this time.

Mary

AND HERE IT IS.... LET THE TRUTH BE KNOWN
WINTER COMPARISONS

60 above zero:
Floridians turn on the heat.
People in Minnesota plant gardens.

50 above zero:
Californians shiver uncontrollably.
People in Duluth sunbathe.

40 above zero:
Italian & English cars won't start.
People in Minnesota still drive with the windows down.

32 above zero:
Distilled water freezes.
The water in Bemidji gets thicker.

20 above zero:
Floridians don coats, thermal underwear, gloves, wool hats.
People in Minnesota throw on a flannel shirt.

15 above zero:
New York landlords finally turn up the heat.
People in Minnesota have the last cookout before it gets cold.

Zero:
Most people in Miami die.
Minnesotans close the windows.

10 below zero:
Californians fly away to Mexico
People in Minnesota get out their winter coats. (true of my husband)

25 below zero:
Hollywood disintegrates.
The Girl Scouts in Minnesota are selling cookies door to door. (True!)

40 below zero:
Washington DC runs out of hot air.
People in Minnesota let the dogs sleep indoors.

100 below zero:
Santa Claus abandons the North Pole.
Minnesotans get upset because they can't start the Mini-Van.

460 below zero:
ALL atomic motion stops (absolute zero on the Kelvin scale.)
People in Minnesota start saying..."Cold 'nuff fer ya?"

500 below zero:
Hell freezes over.
Minnesota public schools will open 2 hours late.

I was sent the above and couldn't stop laughing. Especially about MN schools. It has to be very cold for schools to close especially in the city of Mpls. One year it was so cold when I taught the Governor did close schools for 2-3 days but that is really really rare.

Hope this brings you a chuckle. It will if you live in MN because we are made of tough stuff - we have to be to get through winter here.

How many days till spring. I am going to look it up and start a count down soon.

Mary and Emma (who is NEVER left out in the cold)

Brr tonight (Monday) the windchill is suppose to be -40 below. That is cold and hard on cars. I hope my kids can get their cars started in the morning. Then I think one more cold day and night and then a warm up. Brr this has been a cold winter or so it seems to me.

Today at water exercise Emma had to lay down "go to bed: closer to the pool than normal. She still was well behaved and not tempted (or so it seemed) by the water. I am so proud of her. My hope this summer is to take her somewhere where she can actually swim. She has not done that since she lived with Judy. I am told she loves to swim.

Tomorrow (Wed) we plan to be home all day if things go as planned. I am going to My Fair Lady in the evening with a friend of mine. A nap will definitely be in order. I think Emma is going to stay home with Greg. She would behave of course, but the tickets we have do not allow much room for dogs. I have taken her to the Ordway, movies etc when I know there is a bit more room for her to be at my feet.

Book club is Monday so I told Emma we better read tonight. She will snuggle up with me.
She is so calming and i enjoy being with her. We had fun this afternoon playing (indoors) and just being together. I would be lost with out her. She also is so helpful in countless ways.

I best go read, if I wait too long I will just fall asleep.

Stay warm.
Mary and Emma

Monday

The good part of the day was we watched Rosa. Tia worked at home. It was an enjoyable day. Lots of time to cuddle Rosa.

Hard part of the day is I had lots of pain so they got me in right away for some dental work tonight. Ouch. It took almost two hours. Also the numbing drugs did not work till they tried the third type. My jaw is so sore even though part of my mouth is numb.

II am off to bed. Emma had a good day. She was worried about me at the dentist though.

More tomorrow.
Mary

I did not realize that I forgot to write on Saturday. It was a quiet day we were home all day both Saturday and Sunday. Nothing exciting happened. I got some needed extra rest, did some easy household chores, and read.

Emma is doing okay. When we are home like this she enjoys extra time with me watching her and playing in the back yard. She enjoyed me spending extra time brushing her, playing, and snuggling on the couch.

I can't think of anything more to write about today. We are headed to bed. Hope your weekend was a good one.

Mary and Emma