Sunday March 7th ~

 Florida is a strange place: hot, beautiful, ugly. 

I love it here, and how nothing makes sense

 but still, somehow, there is a rhythm...

This is one of the busiest weekends for spring break,

 unfortunately for those in Fort Lauderdale yesterday was a washout. 

During the morning it was dark and cloudy, and then the rain came 

for most part of the so called "beach hours"  Friday was better, 

sunny and warmer.  Also there is a so called "cool" down.

We were happy for the downpour because it finally gave us a

 chance to clean the balcony.  It was pretty dirty and living 

in a condo you are not allowed to hose it down.  The rain

 camouflaged the extra water we used to scrub the dirt away.

Of course there was soccer before and after the rain. Both 

Sniff and Arvid were glued to the TV most of the day. Same will

 be today.  Arvid says there are many good games today.

As for me, time to catch up on some reading and have a day

 off from cooking.  Sundays are takeout days.  Happy for that.

  Already thinking of what to make for tomorrows meal.

The rain has eased off right now, but if the weather 

people are correct, there is a 70% chance of more rain

 today.  Bummer.  Plus it cold for Florida 🙈.

Life is a mountain. Your goal is to 

find your path, not to reach the top...

~Nadiya~

Saturday March 6th ~

 The most beautiful people wear their hearts 

on their sleeves, and their souls in their smiles...

On Wednesday March 3rd Florida celebrated its 176th birthday.

It only took five years for the population to grow to 

87,445 people, according to the Florida Department of State. 

 Now, the United States census Bureau says that Florida's

population is more than 21 million and growing.

A gazillion of reasons.  Climate.  Year round beaches.

  Of the 48 contiguous states in the US., Florida has the 

most shoreline of any of them with 8,436 miles.  No matter

 where you're at in Florida you're no farther than 

60 miles away from the nearest beach.

Friday was quiet.  We had balcony time.   Enjoyed the

 view and adult drinks.  We have still not ventured out

 into restaurants.   Spring break is in full swing now in 

South Florida. Everyone is coming to Florida because

 the restrictions are less.  It's fun in the sun time.

Saturday.  The day holds possibilities.  

Every day does.  Wishing the same to everyone.

Slow down and enjoy everyday.

  Life goes by way too fast...

~Nadiya~

Friday ~March 5th

 Never give up on the things that make you smile...

I'll pretend we are back in Puerto Rico and this
 afternoon we will be out for our Friday outing.  

My thoughts are free to go anywhere, but
 it's surprising how often they take me back here.

On a "bad" day there is always lipstick...

~Nadiya~

Thursday March 4th ~

 The art of being happy is to be satisfied with what you have...

Walks, soccer, good food, and a little work makes for a well 

balanced day.  More or less most of our days are this way.

  happy we can have long afternoon walks and at the

 same time enjoy a scenic Fort Lauderdale.

Being a morning person, I miss my morning walks in 

Puerto Rico.  I was much more consistent there than we are

 here.  Back in PR I did not have to wait until Arvid was ready,

 until the game was over or any other "what if's" may occur.  

That being said, I enjoy my walks no matter where we are.

Wishing all a beautiful day.  There is always something

 to be grateful for, and for that I am thankful.

If being happy is important to you, try this: instead 

of regretting all you lack celebrate all you've got...

~Nadiya~

Wednesday March 3rd ~

 No road is long with good company...

When it's Arvid turn to drive guess what I occupy my

 time with?  Taking pictures.  Most of the times the music

 is on, but then we like it quiet for a little.  Arvid is usually 

concentrated and quiet.  leave me time for picture taking.

As we left Florida last Thursday, we encountered 

miles and miles of fog.  Looked like your typical 

winter day.  Always good to leave and go away, but

 so so nice to return home.  I love where we live.

It was a long drive back home even though it was 

the same amount of time going to North Carolina. 

 We didn't feel tired at all, but coming home was a

 different story.  Not sure why we were so tired.

Feeling back to "normal" today.  Ready for whatever 

the day holds.  Wednesday already.  Halfway through the week.

It's not the destination.  It's the journey...

~Nadiya~

March 2nd ~

 Your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone

 else’s life. Don’t be trapped by dogma – which is

living with the results of other people’s thinking...

Arvid and I have done the drive to NC so many times,

 but this time on the way back home we are tired. 

Yesterday it caught up on us.  By 9 PM I was 

ready to just lay down in bed and sleep.

That being said, we had a really good time with my

 parents.  I enjoy seeing the easiness between them.

 My parents know Arvids likes and dislikes.  They are

 tuned in to his moods and to all his indiosyncrasies.

As we got there one of the first things Arvid asked my

 dad was, "so have you made a lit of things you would like 

me to look at?  Or fix?" Sure enough, my dad had stuff for

 Arvid to do.  They both enjoy doing it together.

As always we had a relaxing time.  It was cold, more 

so for Arvid, the "Viking" than anyone else. One of the 

highlights of the trip was going out to an actual restaurant 

with my parents/  For Arvid and I the last time we 

ate in a restaurant in the USA was March 2020.  

Back in Florida and we will not eat out again. 

 Although I might add that Covid  cases are going down.

  One day it's low another day high, but on an average, 

the numbers are low.  This goes for the entire USA.

Sniff is so happy we are home.  He hardly leaves 

our sights.  I love this little dude so much, and so happy 

to be with him again.  Sniff completes our life.

Looking forward to not doing much today, not 

that I did that much yesterday.  Hello March 2nd.  

What's in store for us this month?  Make it good.

In order to write about life first you must live it...

~Nadiya~

New Month ~ Hello March

 Whatever the new month is bringing for

 you, be it good or bad; always keep that 

smile on your face no matter what...

March, the month of expectations.  With each new day, each new

 week, each new month we are all hoping for better times ahead.

  And it's coming.  Just patience and hopefully life will soon begin 

to see some of the normalcy we were used to.  We can hope.

Each and every month I get so excited because 

it’s such a good opportunity to start something new! 

Make your dreams come true! You have everything

 you need for it. Happy new month 💗 ...

~Nadiya~

Sunday February 28th

Enjoy the peaceful moments you have 
because these moments are very rare...

Being here in North Carolina with mom and dad is 

always peaceful and stress free.  For my sisters as 

well this is the place we all look forward to coming. 

 It is where for a few days we can forget the stresses in

 our daily lives and just be at peace with ourselves.

The quietness, the peacefulness, it  just calls to

 you.  I can't say I would like to live here, but for

 a few days it's exactly what the soul needs. 

Good morning everyone.  I hope you all have a 

place like this, where your mind is at ease 

and your heart is content and happy.

In each and every day may you take a moment for yourself.

  Close your eyes.  Enjoy the silence.  Slow down. 

 Breathe.  Be still.  Reflect.  Simply be...

~Nadiya~

Saturday February 27th North Carolina ~

 You shouldn't wait for other people to make special 

things happen. You have to create your own memories...

One thing I will say, no matter where Arvid goes he

 does find soccer to watch. He's cold.  You can just tell

 from the way he's bundled up, it does help that he made 

everyone his famous hot chocolate yesterday and today.

My dad keeps the place cold be it summer or winter. 

 he loves it cold, on the other hand he is always covered up

 head to toe.  Summer and winter.  he even has gloves on

 in the summer.  Their home at summertime used to be an 

"icebox", but lately they have toned it down a bit.

Dinner was good.  It felt so good to actually eat 

in a restaurant again.  I almost forgot how good it is.

Back home little Sniff is doing good. Missing his

 meow's, but knowing he's good and that we will soon be 

home with him makes me smile.  I love that little dude.

Family, today's little moments 

become tomorrow's precious memories...

~Nadiya~

Friday January 26th North Carolina ~

 It takes a moment to make memories
 and a lifetime to forget them...

For the next couple of days we will be making 

memories once again in North Carolina with my parents.  

It's cold, and I am expecting Arvid to complain quite

 a lot about that.  Can't be helped, at the same time

 it won't stop us from having a good time. 

 Of course a few cold ones with my dad is also 

going to help. When we arrived last night, Arvid and 

my dad already indulged in a few cold ones.  Helps to 

keep the cold away 😂, at least that's what they say.

  They always do.  They tell stories of their childhood,

 and so begins always our stay in North Carolina.

 Always, always a happy time. So thankful 💙

For the next few days, all I will do is enjoy the

 time I have with my parents.  For tomorrow is never 

promised to any of us. It's realizing that a great dream 

is not as good as a great memory. The dream can be 

had by anyone. The memory - must be made.

Our pictures are our footprints. It’s

 the best way to tell people we were here...

~Nadiya~