Emma and I have to remind Greg it is only Friday - surgery was Monday!!! Of course he still feels crummy and has pain. Poor guy.

Another sunny day and Emma and I enjoyed a trip outdoors. She was having such fun in the yard but when it is time to come in she is so obedient. I admire that in her and appreciate it too. She has already helped me pick up the house. No she couldn't load the dishwasher (darn it) or washer but she keeps me company, picks up newspapers, towels, or whatever gets dropped. Greg is appreciating that also. She loves getting the remote. She also will fetch a blanket if needed.

The other night she was taking off Greg's socks and then mine. She brings them to me or we put them in the hamper/basket. I thought about the big and little ways she helps us out!!!

We are home today but yipee Mike, Tia, Sophia and Rosa are coming to visit. Should be nice enough for the girls to play outside. Mike offered to bring us dinner too. That sounds just great. That will be enjoyable I think for all.

Take care to enjoy your day -- Mary and Emma

Emma on Duty

Emma is of course my service dog but right now she is pretty concerned about Greg. She is close to him too as he helps take her out for exercise etc. She is use to cuddling in bed with both of us.

Today she looks so worried. Greg is in a lot of pain and discomfort. He is walking slow, only able to sleep small amounts at a time, and struggling.

Emma went to bed with me last night but I knew she would hear Greg if he called for her. All he would have to say to her is go get Mary and I know she would. she knows that command for when we are going somewhere and he is waiting for me or other things. It was a great security to both of us to know she could do that.

At night he got up a lot and Emma would get up with him. I want to think to see if he was alright but know part of that motivation is if it might be morning and she could eat? He sometimes feeds her before I get up. When he would settle in a chair he said she went right back to snuggle with me. I guess it is like double duty for Emma? But she doesn't seem to mind a bit.

At the hospital at one point (did I tell you he is home already) he wanted Emma to lay with him. So I in my wheelchair and he in the bed and Emma on the bed resting for awhile. IT was sweet.

Emma is glad to be home too I think. We will be here all day...Mary and Emma

From rochester

Emma had had superb behavior. Greg is doing well. The surgeries went well. He is resting comfortably.\\\

Thanks for the kind words and emails and prayers and postings on caringbridge.org (gregweinand)

We snuck in time for a nap today...we all needed it....Mary

Emma has a new comforting friend...it is a stuffed dog with a Santa hat. She likes to sleep with it tucked under her chin. It is so adorable as she gets it all set in the right position all by herself. I will try to get a picture. Trouble is getting a camera out wakes her. I will work on this.

It is a day to do a little, rest and repeat. We have friends coming for dinner and laundry to do. We also get to have Rosa and Sophia tonight for a few hours. It will be fun. I am getting ready but also need enough rest to enjoy the evening.

Hope your weekend goes well...Emma and Mary

Friday

EMMA AND MARY WENT TO IKEA FOR THE FIRST TIME. Wow is that a big store!!! After helping out with some tasks at Greg's work this morning...we met my son Mike and wife Tia at IKEA. We found a few christmas gifts and things. Fun just to look around!!!!!!!!!!!!!

It was a gray day and now raining out. So we are cozy warm and at home for the evening. Greg received cards of support and notes on the caring bridge site too. I got teary as he prepared his office to be gone for several weeks and said goodbye to staff and some of the many students that he works with. Glad to be of even a little help there.

Emma did great at the store and likes going outside by Greg's work. The smells of the city I think she enjoys.

Thanks again for the kind wishes.. Have a good weekend. We have company coming tomorrow night and our granddaughters for dinner!! We will make it fun. Sunday head to Rochester...have someone to take care of the house which is good.

Take good care and enjoy your weekend...Emma and Mary

Thursday -

We have set up a website for my husband's health info. It is http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/gregweinand

Many of readers are relatives so you may have gotten this info. If not you have it if you want to check on things. Beginning on Sunday I do not know how much I will post here for a week or so. Just depends how things are. We do have someone to stay at our house for the days at Mayo. I think the details are in place for it all? We are actually relieved to have each day pass and get on with this part of our life journey.

We have been touched by the kindness of others. Love, care, and prayers help so much. We are having dinner tonight with dear friends and having other friends over on Saturday. That will be so nice for us.

I want you to know how much Emma means to me. She is so helpful both in her skills but always in her moral support. She seems to know when i need extra cuddling...Mary and Emma wish you a good day.

T errific weather
U understanding friends at lunch
E mma enjoyed outside play
S super enjoyable water exercise class
D delightful time with friends
A Attentive Emma
Y yes a good day