Sunday I still have such a sore neck - ugh. I had to rest part of the day. Emma of course at my side. It rained a lot so we didn't get to play outside either. We did laundry (don't we always?) and some picking up. Not much was accomplished but I guess we needed a quiet day.

I had a big surprise. An email came from the woman who was a writer for the Mpls Paper that did and article about Emma and I when I first got her. The focus of the story was on the unique aspect that Judy (her foster mom) and I were reunited in friendship when Emma came to be my service dog. This woman was touched by the story and how Emma helped me deal with MS. She said she still remembered it as one of her favorite stories. Isn't that amazing?

Now she lives in New Jersey now and is riding the MS 150 = and thinking of us as she rides. The bike ride is a fund raiser for the MS Society. If I am correct it is the long ride with an overnight stay? Otherwise the one day one. i get mixed up. In any case I was moved that she was thinking of me as she planned for this event. She is going to put a link to this blog on her blog - how great that is!! She was such a kind person to work with. Her kind words made me cry. It sure brightened a day where MS bothered me a bit more than usual.

I am not mentioning the bad MS days to complain. Many people with MS read this now and then and I want them to know I am normal too - the ups and downs are part of the disease for most of us. Thankfully I still have very good days also so for that I am most grateful!!

Emma decided today to be a lap dog. Maybe she knew once I was out of bed I needed support. Yes indeed ladies and gentlemen she climbed right into my lap and rested her head on my chest. A very close and dear hug from my lovely Emma. Dogs sure can read moods. When I am blue it seems she snuggles closer than ever to support me. She is such a gift in my life.

We are off to bed. The cleaning lady comes tomorrow. I don't think I have it as tidy as I would like. I will get up early I hope to tend to a few things. I wish i was a neater more organized person - ugh. Most important she vacuums, scrubs floors, and vacuums my steps, dusts, changes my bed, cleans the kitchen...you cannot imagine how much I appreciate the help. It is worth every penny and we scrimp in other ways. I just can't vacuum anymore and my husband is happy not to do it all. My kids still kid me that I clean for the cleaning lady...but we are just not neat enough...

Have a good Monday. Mary and Emma

A migrane headache impacted my day. Emma was concerned and cuddled up so close to me. I caught it early in the morning and tried medication, being in a quiet darkened room and resting...and by 3 pm could function almost normally. I hate missing a good part of the day though. We did make an appearance at the Open House for our dear neighbor but missed the event for volunteers at Helping Paws.

Emma stayed home and ended up being alone through heavy rain storm. She was so glad to see us. She was alone about 90 minutes. That is a long time for her. She of course probably slept. We got a very warm welcome from wiggle butt when we got home. She was just so excited. It is like a joyous reunion if she is left and I come home...even if all I've done is talk to a neighbor or done a brief errand. She is funny and so adorable.

I am going to help make dinner for our children. They are excited to get mashed potatoes, gravy, roast beef, corn - comfort food that they don't get often now that they live on their own. We even have pie for dessert but no it was not cooked in my kitchen. I am horrible at crusts so leave the baking to other sources ha ha. Greg and the kids will help prepare and I plan to draft them all for clean up so that should be okay. One of their friends is also coming over. I wish Mike wasn't working so he and his family would be here - but am grateful to have the other children here. I sure know I am lucky that at this point in their lives they all live in town.

Emma will enjoy seeing the kids. It is wet and rainy so I am not sure that she will get to play outside with Anna or Dan. She likes that. Today she cornered a chipmunk that was in our woodpile. She chased it so it went through the yard but of course it got away safely.
She was very proud of herself and intent on trying to catch it.

I am off to help prepare the meal. It was a good day despite the headache and should be a nice evening. did I tell you I am on a migrane prevention medication and recently decided to try not to take it because thought I didn't need it. so much for that theory.

Have a good evening.
Emma (the hunter) and Mary

Rosa joined us again today. My daughter Becky watched her in the morning. Greg and I watched her in the afternoon. Guess what we did? Yep, napped 2.5 hours. She cuddled up with me in bed, It was like being with an angel. The time flew by of course.

We did not get the predicted rain so we also got outside. Tonight Emma joined us for yet another trip to Menard's to buy tile grout and look at paint ideas etc. YES THE TILE IS UP. It was worth the wait and I just love the texture and color. Now it will be grouted tomorrow I think, then sealed in a day or two after that. I am pleased.

Remember it is our only bathroom. Let me tell you all you need is someone working in the bathroom and honest to pete I kept feeling like I had to use the bathroom. Ha ha. We managed just fine.

Emma had a nice day. She went with us this morning. Our outings included picking up a used car that my son will use. Yeah then i will get my car back from him. The mechanics in the small shop like dogs and Emma likes to visit. We have been there several times lately. Emma's tail wags away when we go there.

Our next task is to get the lift out of our old van (which we sold for parts after the engine gave out). I think they did that today. We have to bring our newer van to have it installed in it. Not sure when we can get it all done nor how much it will cost. I should have called places today.

Good thing we napped. (Emma too). We also went grocery shopping tonight. Our family is invited to a graduation open house (remember I went to the graduation) and then those who can are coming here for supper. You know how I love when my kids come home. The afternoon open house (it is in the neighborhood) and the night should be fun. So if I don't write tomorrow night - know I might be with my kids or collapsed in bed from all the fun.

Emma did great out in the stores. I appreciate her at home but really notice it also in public. She is a great helper and a real star.

This is cute, the car my son got today is older and not fancy. Sophia was delighted. She was excited that it has roll up and down windows (with the handle) and she can do it all by herself. No one will have to do it for her. Thank God for kids.
Hope you have a good weekend. Emma and I plan to sleep a little late tomorrow so we can handle the day's festivities.

Enjoy Saturday. Emma and Mary

Emma and I babysat at my home today. Yeah Rosa took both a morning and afternoon nap and so did Emma and Grandma. She is 7 months old, full of smiles, giggles, and is more active now. She can't crawl, but wiggles off the blanket on the floor, likes to hold and grab toys. The one she thinksis the best is grabing Grandma's glasses!!

They brought her Johnny Jump Up (I think that is what the Jumper's are called) she loves it. She jumps and jumps and plays with toys. Emma and I love time with Rosa. The weather was in the 70's and perfect to include some outside time in our play. Emma loves being outdoors. We had a great day.

Tomorrow is Friday already. It goes fast after the long holiday weekend! My bathroom is going to be tiled (started at least). I am pleased, very pleased about this. We have an appointment in the morning and then will be home the rest of the day.

Tiga's puppies look adorable in the pictures. Wow they grow a lot in those early weeks. Emma would have fun with them I bet. Sometimes I wish she had been a Mom..she would have been awesome I think. But if she had been a breeder dog - she would not be my dog so I will believe her role is fulfilled. I love having her as my service dog.

We did not get out for a walk today after supper. I hope to get that in tomorrow. I am not sure the weather forcast.

Today Emma took one toy from little Rosa as she played. I was dumb founded. Normally she will hand Rosa a toy. This one is like one of Emma's. Greg kids me that is sometimes hard to tell which teething toy is that, and which is a dog toy. Emma babysitters don't take toys from the baby.

We watched part of the Spelling Bee on tv tonight. I can't imagine the pressure. I wouldn't be able to spell my own name or Emma's under such scrutiny. Did I spell that right?
Hats off to the students who work so hard on spelling. I don't think my brain could handle those tough words.

This is how I spell wonderful dog - E M M A. Don't correct me. Emma is the greatest dog ever ever ever. Hope your Friday is delightful.

Mary and Emma

http://tigaslitter.blogspot.com/
I heard some people had trouble getting on to view Tiga's blog with the puppy photos. It worked for me again tonight. Good luck.

Today the rain waited till after super time. The news kept mentioning heavy rains in the suburb where I live, but it was not bad here at all. We did get the needed rain and I hope we get more tonight. It rains, then stops, then rains again. I hope it continues through the night. My lawn can use it.

Emma and I went to the YMCA again today for water exercise. She is just so good at resting on her towel on the poolside and watching me. There is like a doorway near a life gaurd's desk, she can rest there and still see everything. A new life gaurd was on duty (they don't use the desk while on duty) and commented on how well behaved she was - that a girl Emma.

Helping Paws has an Open House for volunteers on Saturday. We have an Open House also. I am not sure I can do both since I don't have a car right now (long story). It does sound like fun. I think the puppies will be there which is an added attraction.

Emma woke me as I took a very long nap. She was getting hungry and we took a late nap. She is so gentle but persistent when she thinks I should get up. Last night she woke me in the night. IT was so funny she just kept nudging my arm. She was right in the bed between us. I tried to ignore her but that didn't work. If something is up she doesn't give up.

So I got up with her. She did not want to go out. There were not dogs, cars or other distractions outside. Do you know what the poor baby wanted? Water!!! It had been very humid and hot in the house. She and the cat were out of water (I filled it a few hours before). So when i couldn't figure out what she wanted, she led me to the water bowl. (smart dog). I fillled it up and she drank an awful lot. Then she headed back to bed with me...and yeah yes she did not have to go to the bathroom till her normal morning time.
I will have to keep my eye on her water bowl.

Emma has always been the type who drinks a lot of water at a time and then waits awhile for more. I found that at training. Other dogs would take a break for a drink and Emma would be fine most the time. But when she drinks - she drinks a lot. She has good bladder control which is helpful to me.

Tonight my husband worked and Emma was on the couch with me watching tv. I found myself talking to her about the murder mystery unfolding. Now I often say "Emma you are a great dog" or "Love you Emma (she hears that a lot). I am not sure I often consult her on television plots. Turned out by the way, I was correct in who was not guilty ha ha. She is good company for me.

We did not get out for a walk/scooter ride. I'll let you guess who does the walking and who does the riding. I was delayed and it started to rain. The down pour was kind of sudden so I was thrilled we were not blocks a way making our way through the rain. That was good for me.

Tonight I am reflecting on how I value her companionship.
We had a good day. Other than swimming, it was quiet. We are off to catch the end of the Twin's Game on TV. Go Twins.

Take good care now, Mary and Emma