We are tired but had a great time at camp. The weather was cool and a bit rainy on Sunday, cooler on Monday but skies cleared and we had a great week. One day it got up to 86 (I think it was Thursday). We had a wonderful time. Emma was great.

Those in our cabin loved having Emma around. Several said they put on their evaluation they wanted Emma as a cabin mate again next year. Most of the time she was on leash but at night she did get some time off duty. She loved scampering around and visiting all the campers. There were 18 in our cabin. One woman has been afraid of dogs since she was young and was bitten badly. This is her second year with Emma at camp and she said she would love to be with Emma again. That is a compliment.

Our cabins were on the lake side of camp this year. We spent lots of free time down near the lake sitting and visiting with other campers and volunteers. The weather was perfect and yes their was shade so we didn't get too hot. The sunsets were spectacular. I think there were times Emma would have liked to have gone in the water. We were not on the beach though as i can't walk in the sand. Campers are not allowed to go into the lake for liability reasons (there is a pool for water exercise classes). Emma stayed by me and we were far enough from shore that she didn't seem to mind at all. There was a nice breeze that helped keep us comfortable.

Everyday Emma and I went for walks (me on the scooter). She liked that. During activities she normally was resting on the floor so the exercise was good for her and the fresh air and beauty of nature was good for both of us! Most days we napped and she was more than willing to snuggle into bed with me at naptime and bedtime. We slept together on a small twin bed but it felt great to have my Emma an my feet - make that on my feet.
My roomate was someone I had not known before and we got along great. We hope to be roomates next year.

At camp you meet old and new friends. You also meet people with more disability from MS than I have. It makes me grateful for where I am physically. Though it is also inspiring to see how they cope even when they need lots of help with their physical needs. It helps me believe I can cope with MS even if symptoms worsen.

At camp you feel "normal". Your cabin mates, those in activities with you - well all the campers know of the struggles and uncertainty of this disease. When you talk about fatigue, the losses of abilities - they understand.

I will tell you more about camp in the days to come. i better go help make our supper. I took two naps today. It's hard work having so much fun and activity!! Emma sure enjoyed her own backyard yesterday late afternoon and today. I know she was glad to be off leash.

Emma and Mary

Emma and Mary are at MS Camp at Courage Center's Camp near Maple Lake MN.
While we're gone you can keep your eye on Tiga's puppies. http://tigaslitter.blogspot.com/

Look for us Friday the 11th of May. We are sure to need a nap when we return but will also try to blog. wishing you all a good week. I hope it doesn't rain too much. Rain is in the forecast.

Did I forget to write on Friday?

Friday Rosa spent an entire day 8:30-6 with us!! Greg worked at home in the morning and was home in the afternoon. He took Rosa breaks to play with Grandpa's Girl. Anna came over to spend part of the afternoon to help me and also yeah stayed for dinner. I love when my kids come home to visit. She knew I had things to get done for camp and was behind in laundry and chores so was a welcome help. Rosa is crazy about her Aunty. We had a good day.

Emma watches Rosa play on the floor. There is one stuffed toy that Emma truly thinks should be hers. When i am not looking she will take it from off the blanket and move it. She doesn't take it out of Emma's hands though. She reluctantly brings it back when told to do so. I think it gets confusing to see toys on the floor on a blanket (here at home) and it is not a blanket for her to lay on and not her toys either. She is good with Rosa and loved having Anna to play with too.

I think I am pretty much packed for camp. I always wish I could pack lighter for the sake of Greg hauling the bags from car to cabin. But this time with bulkier warmer clothes in case of rain (which is forecast) well it just takes room. They also have wool blankets and I am allergic to wool so we bring out own blanket and pillow too. My friend Kathy has been emailing me about camp - she is going too. That is helping me get even more excited. Thanks Kathy.

I am addicted to the puppy website. You can check that out as I go to camp. Now don't get out of the habit of reading the blog. I want some readers when I get back to tell you about camp.

MS readers I know I am fortunate to live in MN where there is such a strong branch of the MS Society. There is also many people with MS in MN. I know not every state has Camps, Getaways and things that I would be tempted to take for granted. Unfortunately Camp is limited to those who live in the MN state because it is so popular with residents here. I never take for granted the opportunities here. Due to schedule limitation I know there are people I know won't get to go this year from MN. Many wanted the August camp and it filled up with a waiting list. I was on that waiting list so opted for May. Hey at least it won't get too hot like in August.

Emma is being very cuddly today. I remembered the blanket and she settled in better at weight watchers. (I think I am the slowest looser in history but am not giving up). Last week I had no blanket and she would drop and then in a few minutes move again and then move again. She sure does better with her blankie and YES the blankie is going to camp. I don't know if there is going to be any other service dogs at this camp. Michelle is going in August.

Just a reminder - the wonderful blog about Tiga and her puppies is as followsL

http://tigaslitter.blogspot.com/

If I don't write again remember we are at camp.

Mary and Emma

This is Tiga's blog with adorable pictures of the puppies. Check it out. Judy is doing such a great job of photo journaling the growth of these 8 darling dogs. http://tigaslitter.blogspot.com/
Just think those little angels will be service dogs and change someone's life forever!!

Emma and I were home most the day. I got some things ready for camp and did a bit of laundry. We went and picked up medicine (yeah for Cub's drive through), mailed a few letters, and picked up just a few groceries. Needless to say we also slept late and napped.

I premeasured all the dog food for Emma's meal's next week and put them in ziplock bags. I got out my jacket for in case of rain, my big sweatshirt with the helping paws logo in case it is cold and so on. It is bulkier packing getting ready for May weather rather than August. At this point it sounds like we will get some rain. We need the rain, but hope we get some sun at camp also. Part of the fun is being outdoors a lot.

this year I remembered to pack for Emma a towel, for muddy paws. Last year I was not so smart. We had really a rainy day and lots of mud. Emma came in and I struggled to get her wiped off. This time I will be more prepared. I think this is Emma's second year going to camp. Funny I am so use to having her in my life, that it seems like I have had her even longer. She had fun last year but got so tired walking in the Aug warmth from one side of camp to the otheer. This year they are having two camps (you can only attend one) and it will not be as spread out. She will get exercise but not as much as last year.

The cabin we will be in houses 20 people. Most are people I have not met or don't recognize their names. Most the people I know are in another cabin. It will be fun to meet new people - I hope they like Emma - and to see a few familar faces. I was able to select two people to be our roomates and they both like Emma. Last year she was on her best behavior and I would expect the same this year.

She does get free time at camp. I have an extra long flexi I will bring for free time. I will take her outdoors to play catch and to explore a bit. We will be with groups for meals, morning, afternoon, and evening activities. There is a nap/quiet time in the afternoon. During the unscheduled times I found we both enjoyed either a quick nap, or time with just the two of us. There is a nice trail we can walk, or go out in the clearing. Plenty of space for her to enjoy the scents, and scenary. We had fun last year.

Off to cook our late dinner. Emma already ate and I hope I have time to bring her for a walk before dark.

Have a good day. Mary and Emma

4 more days till camp. Uff Da I have laundry and things to get ready. This week is going by quickly.

I am addicted to Tiga's Puppy Blog. If you haven't seen the new pictures check it out. The one week old puppies are plumping up and changing fast. We hope to go see them after camp is over.

Emma and I had a good day. We babysat for a few hours this afternoon. I just enjoyed holding my granddaughter Rosa who was very cuddly today. She fell asleep in my arms and wanted to be held close. needless to say I love that too. Later Sophia came home from school and I had time to hold both my girls. I had Emma at my feet and a granddaughter in each arm hugging them - could life get much better??

Emma is very good when we babysit. Rosa sleeps, I sleep and Emma sleeps. I can handle a few hours. It is not every day. But when we get home or when Rosa goes home Emma likes having me all to herself. It is as if she wants to say "Play With Only Me Now".

We had such fun outdoors. She likes to pick the toys we play with. Today it was her ball. Sometimes it is the frisbee or the flying squirrel. Hey Target has the flying squirell toy now and so does REI. It flies like a frisbee or floats. But it is made of cloth so not hard plastic. It is fun when it catches the wind. Emma and I like it in all seasons.

When we were out to eat tonight a little boy said "look Mommy a doggy". The mom was trying to tell him there was no dog (she was looking at pictures on the wall) then she was so surprised to see the dog. The little boy was very entertained and waving at Emma. She is so good. The manager commented on how well she behaved. He had looked surprised when we first came in with a dog.

Off to bed. Things to do but they will wait till tomorrow.

Mary