Today was our third wedding in three weeks. Emma is a pro at being very appropriate at these events. Today the wedding was so beautiful and the reception at a fancy country club.
It has been interesting to see the ways in which these weddings have been both alike and different. Lovely, happy brides and grooms at each event.

We did not know many people at this event. The tables were assigned seating. We really liked who we were sitting with. A chance to meet new people. They were friends with the bride since childhood so it was so interesting to chat with them. We left the reception before the dancing started I was so tired. I am only up now because after laying down for awhile I am now awake.

Everyone commented to us about Emma and her behavior. She did well. People also often tell me she is so well groomed. Truth is she does much of that herself. We keep up with nail clipping and baths as needed - but she really keeps herself up well. Our only problem is no matter how much I brush her she still sheds.

Tomorrow we head out from here. We will be going to Door County. There is so much flooding in Wisconsin. The newscast is almost solely about the flooding, closed roads, and the people trying to deal with this disaster. Illinois looks terrible too especially in Des Moines and Cedar Rapids. The pictures are unbelievable. We called the hotel we are headed to and it sounds like we will be able to get there okay. Their part of Door County is just fine. I hope our travels go smoothly.

Emma is still sacked out. i better head back to bed. We are so proud of Emma. The bride and groom were pleased she attended. We always get some surprised guests at the church when we go up for communion. We are having a nice time.

Hope your weekend is going well - Mary and Emma

Greg brought his computer to check items for work. So here I am blogging.

Wisconsin was hit by heavy rains and there is flooding. A main freeway was flooded so instead of being a 5-6 hour trip it took us over 9 hours. We only made short stops. Emma did great in the car. She is glad to lay down today as she likes to sit in the car and look out the window. She does not curl up and sleep like my former pet dog did. She was a really good passenger. We both slept good last night.

Greg is out doing a second interview with someone for a position at his work. It made me think of the day I met Emma. It reminded me of ajob interview. I thought I was going just to demonstrate that I could work with a dog. I was so nervous I thought I would throw up.

When I saw Emma it was love at first sight. I thought she was the prettiest dog ever. I still think that is true. I remember being introduced to Emma. Then they had me work with her. They had to tell me step by step what cues (commands) to tell her. She knew what to do and performed well. It was all new to me. My former pet dog knew some things but not a lot.

The results were great. I thought we were just going to see if I could get a dog sometime and came out knowing Emma would be my dog in a month. How wonderful if was that day.

Off to lunch more later. Emma is doing just fine. I love her so much.

Tomorrow we leave for vacation. Yeah. We are concerned about flooded roads in Wisconsin. They have had heavy rains. I am hoping that we can figure that out tonight so we don't hit a lot of detours.

Today we went to water exercise. I also went to see Dr. Schapiro for a regular scheduled appointment. It went fine. Tonight Mike and Tia stopped by. They are watching the house, feeding the gerbils, and mowing while we are gone.

I am wondering how Emma will handle the long drive. She rarely will iay down in the van seat. She likes to be up and looking out the window. We will take breaks as needed. i think it will be a fun much needed break for my husband and me.

I wanted to share some photos with you but having some computer problems as I try to do that.

Emma is eager to go outside again so I better keep this short. We will be back writing a week from Thursday or Friday unless we write while on the road. I am not sure if my husband is bringing his computer.

Have a good weekend everyone.

Emma and Mary

We were thinking of camp today. Rain did not dampen our spirits - though it is raining now and rained most the day. Thankfully we are not located in a place that flooding occurs.
The reason we were thinking of camp is I helped in a presentation about MS Camp and other activities. It was held at the Wed. afternoon session that my MS Doctors hold each week. I don't always get there due to transportation issues. Today a friend took me to brunch and then there. Yeah for her.

I talked about camp and why I like to go. I used the word camp. Here is a brief view of what I shared

C - Camp brings me courage and confidence. I meet others with a variety of disabilities due to MS. They all face MS with courage. We build friendships. I think if they can cope I can cope. I am not giving up on the challenge to live with MS.

A- Acceptance. I feel a unique bond of acceptance at camp. Fellow campers understand your struggles with various symptoms. They know sometimes life is tough. Volunteers help you in areas needed and are glad to do it. Staff are supportive and helpful. They know just what you mean when you have nerve pain or fatigue. It is a unique environment and very accepting.

M - Memories. At camp I make memories that last all year. We laugh, chat, do activities, boat, fish, card games, crafts (whatever you choose). Most important we form friendships. Some we see only at camp, but many I see at other MS functions, or strike up a friendship with them. When i return to camp it is like a warm loving family reunion. Everyone cares about one another. The memories are a treasure.

P- The PEOPLE are what make camp the best. The volunteers, nurses, MS chapter staff, and of course the other campers. I laugh so much, we sing at sing alongs, there are dances, entertainment, time for private conversations, time to gather in small groups. The people are the key ingredient. I smile and laugh till my face hurts. We whisper like school kids into the night with my roomates. It is fantastic.

Camp is a treasure in my life. I also value other MS programs like the getaways, book club, water exercise, and support group. I can't imagine coping with MS without the support of the MS Society and their staff and programs.

So on this rainy day I thought of camp. Emma did well. In the morning we went to my counselor. She is so funny she lays in the exact same spot every single time I bring her. It is the spot where I put her blanket when i bring it but today I didn't bring it. She still found her exact spot and layed there. She also was very good at the afternoon presentation on Camp. She was in a lot of pictures about camp.

Tommorow I have water exercise and then an appointment with my neurologist. I also have to get ready for our vacation. We leave Friday.

Hope all is well with you. On the bright side my lawn is getting watered and my plants.
Sure is rumbling outside.

Emma and Mary

Please excuse my spelling errors today.

Today we went to water exercise. There was equipment where Emma normally lays down. I had to move her a bit. There also were workers going in and out of a door near her. They were trying to fix the water heater. The pool wasn't bad but brr the showers were awful cold. Emma was noticeably less relaxed but stayed in her spot today. I didn't realize how much she was a creature of habit. She kept looking at her regular spot like she was saying "I belong there!". In any case she was very good.

Water exercise starts at noon now so I have to get use to the new schedule. It is an hour later when I get home. I didn't get much done either before or after. We did take a much needed nap. Tonight Rosa and Mike came over for dinner and to visit. It was so nice to see them. Mike was wonderful and did some mowing for us. Rosa entertained me. She is so darn cute.
It was over cast and very buggy so we stayed inside.

Emma snuggled up to me when Rosa left. We had to go outside again of course. The temp during the day was either high 60's or 70 I think. For people with MS this cooler weather is awesome.

It was a relaxing day. Emma had a good day also. She sure likes our trips outdoors. She is so good in my friend's van on the way to the YMCA. My friend has a special blanket on the seat and Emma knows her spot.

Hope you have relaxing summer days. I am sure glad the pool I go to is indoors.

Mary and Emma