I am writing twice today.

Camp is just 5 days already. I am looking forward to the event. It will be cooler than August normally is so that will be nice for both Emma and myself. Emma are you excited? We will all be housed on the lake side of camp so Emma will not have as much walking but still will get exercise. I am hoping I have enough clothes to layer up and last the whole week. My guess it will be high 60's or so mid day. I am ready in case of rain. We need the rain but I hope we have sunny days for camp.

Camp is so relaxing for me. Even though I am retired i worry about my kids, try to juggle bills, do what chores I can, and have the normal concerns of life. Camp takes me away from it all for six days. The camp is beautiful with trees, a lake, and paths where I can take Emma for her walk. This time we will enjoy the lake at sunset more. In former years we have been housed on the woodland side of camp.

Due to my MS brain I don't even remember what activities I signed up for at camp. You indicate your first and second choices. I know the night they have a costume dance I am going as a twins fan. That should be easy as I have a jersey. I am not very creative I am afraid.

My husband has a busy work week next week but says he will miss me at home nights.
He is busy this time of year. He has put in 12 hour days or more Sun, Mon, and Tuesday already. He works a full day Wed and then another very long day Thursday. I get lonesome when he works so much.

MS JEWELRY - CHRISTOPHER BANKS stores are selling special Jewelry and a full 50% of the profit goes to the MS Society. I bought a beautiful necklace and bracelet as a treat for myself. Greg said it is what he planned to get me for Mother's Day but I had heard they were selling out at the local store. They are pretty and go to a good cause. They hope to raise $100,000 on these items. Check them out they are pretty gifts or to treat yourself. There are earings, bracelet, and necklace.

Maybe I mentioned all this about camp and the jewelry already? I am forgetful. I don't want you to worry when I don't write email when i am gone at camp.
Off to bed...mary and Emma

Monday I babysat a few hours and then went to a barbeque. I came home to fall into bed so did not write. We are fine.

Today we swam, played outdoors, and napped. Emma is enjoying her toys outdoors but continues to be happy with a good old fashioned ball. It was a nice spring day.

It is so funny when we get home from swimming, I take her outdoors right away in the fenced yard. Why is it that when we come in she knows right away to head for the bedroom for a nap? She knows me well. She wakes me later with enthusiasm. Ready for some play time. We napped later today so it was dinner time - she is like an alarm clock in her tummy for her customary meal times.

I also had time to cuddle on the couch and just pet my Emma. That is soothing to both of us. We watched the beginning of the Twins game. At night or nap time she often will lick my arms and that helps with the spasms I get - mostly at night time. She takes good care of me in more ways than one.

We had a nice relaxing day. What a great dog I have to share each day with. We are headed outdoors for a walk with the scooter. Emma can use the extra exercise and I like getting outdoors. We have to get into shape for camp next week. I think my problem with my scooter is solved but plan to use it a few days and recharge it to be sure that is the case.

Wishing you time to relax, nap, and go for walks.
5 more days till camp.

Mary and Emma

Try this email http://tigaslitter.blogspot.com/ to read about Tiga's puppies and to see the pictures. They are adorable and Tiga is a super MoM. Judy (Emma's foster mom) is doing a super job with Tiga and the puppies. Tory, their family dog, is also keeping an eye on them all. Judy also is raising and training Charlie to be a service dog. WOW they have a lot of dogs and puppies in their home right now. We plan to visit after camp.

Camp is 7 days away. The weather has been awesome and I hope it stays that way during camp. We need more spring rains but hope it isn't all during camp. We will just see how it goes and enjoy it no matter what. There are several friends from camp that I look forward to having time to spend with them.

Today we have a birthday party for my Aunt at my brother's. They have a nice back yard and porch so hope we sit outdoors or on the porch. It will be nice to see my siblings and my Aunt.

I am going to go play outside with Emma. Enjoy the day

Mary and Emma

The weather is fantastic. I hope it stays that way for camp.

I am so sorry that I did not see you all at the Run and Romp. Greg had planned we spend the day together for our anniversary. It was a surprise to me. It is 29 years on Sunday. He works Sunday and I have a birthday party for my Aunt. I didn't communicate to him about the Run and Romp I guess. I also did not have my own car to use today.

I am writing briefly tonight. I am getting ready to go out to dinner where we will join friends to celebrate.

29 years on the 29th of April. I am proud of that. Lots of patience and shared values have helped us all these years.

Hope the Run and Romp went well.

Mary and Emma

Today I am having trouble with a headache. I did get Emma outside though several times wearing dark glasses even indoors. The bright sunlight makes the headache worse. They say headaches are not part of MS if you talk to the doctors - if you talk to those of us with MS we will almost all say headaches seem to come with MS. My balance is way off and my movements a bit slower today too. Of course Emma didn't mind our naps or me just sitting and watching her play outdoors. She can entertain herself easily even when I don't throw things for her to fetch. Hopefully I will feel better tomorrow.

My daughter Anna spent some time with us and I enjoyed that. I felt like my mother because I wanted to say "Can't you stay longer" even though I was with her several hours. The time just flew by. She is so fun to be around. She has a new cat named Molly. She is sure enjoying her new roomate - though Molly likes to wake her up to play at 5 am I hear. I think it sounds like it is good for her to have a pet again.

Emma likes when Anna comes home. She played with Anna and was so excited.

The RUN AND ROMP is tomorrow. I blew it. I didn't raise money for it with tending to my mom, her death, and just life concerns. It just snuck up on me. I thought I would at least raise money for Helping Paws when Emma runs for Queen but found out that is canceled.
I know most of you probably raise money for Helping Paws or donate anyway. For those of us who wish to do so, and are able to I encourage you to send a donation of $10 or more to Helping Paws, PO Box 634 Hopkin's MN55343. Emma and I would appreciate it!!

I hope to be at the Run and Romp. I am having a bit of trouble with my scooter though. I will volunteer where ever they need me - hopefully do something where I can sit.

C