I put away the cat's things today. It seemed strange not having her about.
I tried to take even more time to enjoy Emma.

We got a small swimming pool for Emma. She walked in and out of it with curiousity.. She tried to sit down but got up fast. Maybe tomorrow we will fill it up earlier. It is suppose to be in the high 90's tomorrow. she did seem to like when i scooped water on to her. Then it was fun to roll in the grass of course.

We went out to dinner with friends. For the first time ever, Emma had a difficult time settling in. There was not enough room in the booth to go "under" the table. We finally got her to be partly under and partly in the aisle. We were out of the way so it did not disturb anyone at all. She just didn't relax as she normally does. She was more than ready to go home when we were done eating and chatting. If you did not know her normal behavior = her behavior tonight was not disruptive or anything. We just know she can do better and usually does.

I am not sure our plans for tomorrow. I am still battling dizziness - it is worse some times more than others. i really crashed in my bedroom walking. But luckily I fell down right into the bed. I hung on tight all day trying to avoid falling. Tonight I used my cane and my husband. We will see what each day brings. I almost did not go tonight but it was good to go and not think about the dizziness. It did not seem as bad when I sat still rather than walked around like I tried to do in the house.

Emma had a good day today. The cleaning lady came and she loves dogs. She didn't mind Emma's curiousity.

Hope you stay cool tomorrow if you live where it is hot. Thanks for the notes about my cat. I know it is normal to feel sad. My kids took the news well and reminded me what long lives the cats had. In all those years they were also very healthy.

Take care, Mary and Emmma

My second cat died today. I went down to check her food and water for the night and found her dead. She was lying as if she were peacefully sleeping. I in fact, thought she was sleeping and was shocked. She had been eating, drinking, and acting normal. We think she was 18 years old or older. She had a good life with us...but i can't stop crying. Emma keeps coming up to comfort my husband and I. She does not know why we are so sad.

Phillips died today. You will recall Madera died in March around the same time when my mom died. When my very first cat (as an adult) died I swore I would never get so attached to an animal. Guess what? In 18 plus years you get attached. At least it would appear she died peacefully. She was playing with me like normal last night. She acted normal during the day today. When Madera died we could not find her and had the agony of looking for her a few days before we found where she was hidden. At least we were spared that uncertainty this time.

The two cats were both black. They were not the same litter and had different type of fur. My children always teased me though because I could get them mixed up. My kids always could tell which was which. When we brought them home, my children were so excited. The cats were about three years old I think. Their owner was marrying someone with a cat allergy and had a hard time saying goodbye. We mailed her pictures and notes the first year. She was glad we had kids to love the cats she named. Oh did those cats get love from our family.

When they were little they would get into mischief. One would knock something off and they both would play. But their favorite thing for most years was to cuddle up together to sleep. In a clothes basket, hamper, would please them immensely. On the couch, or in the sun was the next best thing. They were an awesome pair together. When they slept together you would see two little heads peek out - it was adorable.

When we first got them i did not have a dog. They would cuddle up on the bed with me sometimes. But at nightime they loved the kids rooms. They were the best cats ever.
They were indoor cats. They were curious, they were always very willing to be held and cuddled. They would come when you called them.

Phillips, the one who died today, got very heavy. Her poor tummy almost touched the floor at times. She lost weight over the past year but seemed healthy. She still ate good, played and did fine. When she wanted you to pet her - she would head butt you. Yes she would take her head and smack it into your leg, or arm to get your attention. Her sign that she wanted your affection. Both cats also loved to be brushed. You could brush them till you felt like your hand/arm would fall off and they would want more. They really were great cats.

I will call my kids in the morning to tell them. We will have mike and Tia tell Sophia. Sophia liked the cats. Sadly, I will wash up and get rid of the litter box, the feeding dishes, and life will go on. I will miss them both.

At this point we do not plan to get another cat. Greg told Emma "Stay healthy for many years". I agree. i can't imagine how upset I would be to loose her.

To you cat lovers, appreciate your cats. It is already lonesome without them.
Mary

Today Emma and I enjoyed going out with my friend Jan. I had a big day. I went for breakfast with my sister. Emma had to stay home as no dogs allowed in her car and I can't drive. We went nearby and I wasn't gone long. I wish she was more accepting of Emma's role in my life - but Emma did fine without me for a short while.. After a nap, my friend called and wanted Emma and I to go out for a chat. I enjoyed a salad and a long conversation. Both times I went out I had some trouble with dizziness but still was glad to get out of the house. though Jan does not have pets, she never minds if Emma comes in her car or to her home.

The day went by so quickly. I did not get much done at home. Certain positions and bending increased the dizziness so I had to rest. I was tired so must still need the extra rest due to the MS.

My husband picked up a swimming pool for Emma. We hope to try it out tomorrow. It is small and I will be interested to see if she wants to go into it or not. I will let you know and have a camera handy also.

The cleaning lady comes tomorrow and I have a little picking up for her to do.
I can't believe that I feel so tired but I do. Emma is waiting patiently for me to take her outside also. hope you have a nice day. Hi from Emma. I think she is the greatest dog in the world. The waitress at Applebee's was just shocked that there was a dog under the table. She did not notice her till we were ready to leave.

Thatta girl Emma.
Have a good day - Mary and Emma

Ugh. I am having more trouble with dizziness. This is frustrating. We did get out of the house a bit. We picked up some groceries and went to Target. Things changed and our children had other plans for the day so it was quiet for us. That was as well. By noon things were spinning and I just was more comfortable at home. We watched the Twins Win and that was good.

At a super Target we made sure Emma got a lot of walking in. We also stopped at my Cub pharmacy for needed meds, and I had to do some banking at an ATM. So getting out of the house was productive. We had planned to maybe go to lunch but I didn't feel good enough to enjoy that.

Emma had such great positioning when we were at Target. Sometimes with a scooter, she wants to pull to far ahead to see what is going on. She was just awesome today. Very attentive to me, sitting when i had to stop for anything, and just so cooperative. She always does well but today my husband Greg kept noticing. "Look how great she is doing". And she was a shining star today. Yeah Emma.

It seemed hot for me but I was glad to get her outside also. She likes the backyard. We need some rain though for it all to green up again. Still she seems so happy to explore the back yard each day. Every time she seems so entertained like it is a new adventure. It is so fun to be outside with her.

I purchased new sheets I want to mention. Target sells them and they are a mixture of cotton and bamboo. they are so soft! I had one pair and my spare sheets are old and torn. So we splurged and bought a new pair and retired that set to rags. One of the perks when the cleaning lady comes is she changes my sheets. Greg says when i have to rest so much I deserve great sheets. My duaghters discovered the bamboo sheets and how awesome they feel. They are machine washable and hold up well.

So no fireworks for us tonight. No parades and picnics. I am so light headed this afternoon it is good we are home. tomorrow my sister is off work and coming to take me to breakfast. Dizzy or not I am going. I don't see her as much now that my mom died. We use to meet at the nursing home often. We live on opposite sides of town and her work keeps her very busy. I am so excited to see her and have time to chat.

I am not sad about having a quiet day. I might see my kids on the weekend. I think it will be a wihle before I am driving again. Besides being dizzy, I am shakey and my vision is not as clear as it should be. Greg says you can tell by observing me that things are just not normal - was I ever normal ha ha?

My children are awesome and would have come home if I needed them to do so. We knew some of them had plans anyway. Greg has had such a busy week that he is glad to have some at home time. Yeah he is taking some time off next week if all goes as planned.

Emma is doing fine. We will get out more today. Greg will take us for a ride to get an ice cream cone or something if we feel the need to get out of the house again.

Mary and Emma

I am not as dizzy so that is a good thing. I still have some trouble but am working to keep my spirits up. Today is Tuesday, I am going to try water exercise but of course I am not driving. I am a bit overwhelmed with the small chores I have neglected around here, but trying to be patient with myself and the MS. Oh to have the energy I use to have and the health! I am fortunate though to manage so well with MS so better keep that as my focus today so as not to get all blue about things.

Emma and I went to an appointment Monday and got out of the house. It was good for both of us. It looked like rain all day but we got very little precipitation. Oh things are so darn dry this summer.

My daughter Rebecca, surprised up and joined us for supper Monday night. That was very nice to visit with her. Becky gets so busy, so to see her was a treat. I am going to take Emma outside to get more exercise before we go to the pool. Hope you have a nice day. Thanks again for the cards and good wishes.

Mary and Emma