Happy Easter...

Wishing everyone Easter that brings you hope filled with lots of love, 
blessings, unlimited luck and most of all happiness that lasts for a life time...

Whatever your beliefs are, have a wonderful day in the company of friends and family.

My niece Lilly Vade.  

Easter reminds us that hope must never be lost
 for as dark as the road may seem, 
there always lies light at the end of it. 
May all your hope and aspirations be fulfilled. 
Have a wonderful Easter. 

Easter tells us that life is to be interpreted not simply in terms of things
 but in terms of ideals...

~Nadiya~

Saturday...

Everything you do can be done better from a place of relaxation... 

Everyday holds something different and interesting for us.  Does not matter if we stay in or if we head out.  Always a good time.   Arvid loves sitting out on  the balcony overlooking the marina and boats.  There he listens to Sirius music on the laptop and does some work.

I love to go for walks.  Take pictures of the dolphins.  YES! this dolphin picture I took.  I can spend hours watching them play and entertain everyone.  Very smart creatures and it seems they know they are being watched.

As we toured Playa Del Carmen for a second time, we discovered even more places.  Every so often it was nice to have a little pit stop to refresh ourselves.  In one of these, we stopped at Häagen-Dazs, where even Arvid enjoyed an ice-cream.  He actually enjoyed it so much that most of mine was also eaten by him....I think he is trying to tell me something.  I'm not listening.

Have a good day all.  Beautiful here.  Listening to the birds and enjoying my coffee as Arvid sleeps in a bit more. Life is good.  Would be perfect if we had Brutus right next to us.  Looking forward to going home because I miss him too much.  Well soon time to get out and get going...

Music tonight?  Maybe, maybe..

Your mind will answer most questions if you learn to relax and wait for the answer...

~Nadiya~

Wishing You A Good day...

You can't have a good day with a bad attitude, 

and you can't have a bad day with a good attitude...

Let's get the day started good and for me there is no better way than with my morning coffee and the possibility of sitting out by the pool for a little.  beautiful weather, perfect setting.

Good morning beautiful world. Its new day again. Let's all have a good day.

With the right attitude everything is possible.

Right now just relaxing, having a few moments by myself with a book and a cup of coffee.

Peaceful:)

Wishing you the same..a beautiful and peaceful day 

Have a good day, do what you do, get where you're trying to go and beyond.

It's not about the destination, it's about the journey. In the end we all die but it's the life we live that matters. Have a good day!

~Nadiya~

Good Times...Good Days

Play the moments.  Pause the  memories.

   Stop the pain.  Rewind the happiness.

Life is full with ups and downs the trick is to enjoy the good times 

and to have the courage to go through the bad ones... 

This is actually a real vacation for us.  For once we are not having to run from place to place to meet someone to to take care of anything or anyone.  Yes, total relaxation. Of course, some little part is always business, but this time it is business without an agenda.  Easy all around.  We do as we please at the time we please.  Very relaxing.

We wake up to beautiful sunshine and to the sight of two beautiful yellow birds just sitting on the tree branch staring at me.  Love it.  One of my favorite things is seeing the dolphins anytime we step out of our door.  There are so many places they swim that it is almost impossible to go out and not spot them.  Also, there are always instructors all over the place giving "swimming with dolphins" lessons.  Just perfect.

When we wake up I also see dolphins from one of the bedroom windows.  We have the water around us so for us this is perfect.  Always something happening and always something to do.

The days are relaxing and spent doing only what we want.  We live in a pretty cool area where you can get everything you need without having to go into town or without having to use a car.  We have a car because we would also like to see some of the ruins one day and for this you need a car or take a taxi.  I like my own transportation.

We do morning walks after breakfast.  Come back so Arvid can rest his foot which still is very swollen.  We then go out into town a bit and discover something new, have lunch and come back for more leg elevation for Arvid.

I love to be on the move so while Arvid is sometimes resting his foot, I would venture out again and visit my dolphin friends.  I go around stop at the cafe shop and just enjoy some time sipping cafe and watching the dolphins at play.  Arvid tends to get a bit worried so he would come looking for me.  Says he does not want me talking to strangers (which I do all day long).

We would then walk around a bit more and just go to one of our favorite pit stops, where we always find something we both enjoy.  Yesterday we also checked out the local fruit and vegetable market.  I am happy!

Life is good and we are living it.  Brutus is what's missing, and I just wonder if it would be OK to bring him along with us next time we are here..  

Hmmm...

Life is like a camera. Just focus on whats important,

 capture the good times, develop from the negative 

and if things don't turn out just take another shot.

Thank you for the good times, the days you filled with pleasure. 

Thank you for fond memories, and for feelings I'll always treasure...

~Nadiya~

His Checklist

Our Brutus represents all that is best in man. In this case all that is best in Arvid.  Kindness, patience, love...tenderness

In preparation for most trips, I always make a list for whomever is going to pet sit Brutus.  He really has two sitters.  Liliana in Florida and Hylda in Chicago.  Both love him and he is just happy to see them also.

Brutus being the finicky cat he is (whose pet isn't), always has some kind of change be it in sleeping patterns, eating habits you name it, Brutus lives it.  His list goes something like this:

When it comes to drinking water he is really fussy.  We have tried everything and for a while it works after that it's any ones guess.  Sometimes I would have to put a little treat in the water just to make sure he drinks.  Yes, we spoil him too much.

Just the other day I bought him another drinking fountain.  This one ceramic.  Supposed to be great.  If judging from the price, then I have to say it must be super great.

Brutus is our baby.  We have enjoyed so much by just bringing him into our lives that anything we do for him is just little compared to all he had done and does to make our lives so complete.  Yes, hes only a cat to some.  To us he is the baby and our boysie.  Arvid said to me, "don't forget to tell Lilian that he is a little afraid of the noise the dumpster truck makes.  Tell me who has who trained?

We have now been away from him for almost 5 days and we are missing him really bad.  We see his shadow in every corner.  Loving the vacation, but missing Brutus a LOT!

In the meantime, we have made friends with a few local kitties.  Some live on golf carts:)

Brutus we love you for all that you are, all that you have been and for all you are yet to be:)

cats have it all, admiration, an endless sleep and company only when they want it...

~Nadiya~

Interesting Times...

May you live in interesting times...

Another perfect day awaited us. We were on our way to Playa Del Carmen with a friend. He volunteered to be our tour guide and though we prefer to do our own touring, it turned out to be quite enjoyable and fun. He showed us a few "tucked" away places not easily visible.

Now Arvid and I have a better idea of where we want to go next time we head out and explore on our own. Playa del Carmen is one busy place. Crowd, shops, restaurants, bars...you name it they have it. I love it, love it and look forward to much more exploring.

We made a few little stops to sample the local flavor and for me it was well worth putting up with the heat. Arvid who has never eaten Mexican food found out that it is pretty enjoyable after all. So far no complaints, so this is a good sign. As for me, I am sampling a little of everything and also have not had any complaints. I even managed to get a coconut at one of our pit stops...

The people are friendly and always trying their best to make a sale. One guy said to Arvid, "Mr. Rich man, don't you want to buy something pretty for the señorita." Another man asked me if we would like to buy cigars, and I told him they don't smoke. His answer, "they smoke they just hide it from you." Referring to Arvid and our friend Ken.

A lot is sightseeing, pictures, good food and the best lemonade.  I even found time later on to have my hair braided and to pet a baby Jaguar.  All in all, we are having a very good time.  A little evening drink at our favorite place on the beach, was the perfect end of the day.

Today is another day and lots more to see and explore.

Wishing you all a good day:)

Some memories are realities,

 and are better than anything 

that can ever happen to one again...

~Nadiya~

Having Fun...

I don't know what it is that I'm doing, but I'm really enjoying myself. 
And I'm free to do it as much as I want...

As we landed in Cancun the first thing that I noticed were the amount of people.  I mean the lines to clear customs were many and the people count were thousands and thousands.  As we picked up our rental car the girl at the counter asked where we were coming from.  I told her and she was a bit surprised because according to her, "but the weather is the same here in Mexico."

Yes she has a point, but then I wondered what were these thousands and thousands of people also doing here?  That is until we got to our destination and saw that we were actually going to be spending the next few days in a tropical paradise.

For March it is warm.  Very warm and though we live in Florida, neither Arvid nor I are the types to stay out  much in the sun.  Here we just take it for what it is and we are enjoying our outings.  We have already used the balcony more than we have used the one back home for this year.

I love everything so far.  Right out of our doorstep we see dolphins all the time.  Aside from dolphins, we have seen Manatees, stingrays, sea lions, pelicans and so much more., and this is all just a few step from where we are.  Yes, this is a vacation.

We have gone for a few walks already and we have also been out listening to some music and having a late snack.  Was good.  All we had to do was step out and walk across the street.  Next thing you know it was Margaritas and tacos:)

I think we can get used to this lifestyle very easily.
Well today is another day and already many things we want to do....

Have a good day all.

The world's a roller coaster , and I'm not strapped in.
Maybe I should hold with care,
but my hands are busy in the air.
HAVING FUN....

~Nadiya~

Hola! From Mexico

I have had and am having the time of my life and I owe it all to you...

We are now oficially on vacation.
 We are going to try to get away from the phone, away from the computer,
 laptops and just enjoy doing what we want or nothing.
 I think it's important to sit back and think about what you want.

Some place new for us to discover and we sure are excited
and looking forward to many more trips to this beautiful place.

If you don't hear from me in a few days...you can bet that we are just having the time of our lives and if you do hear from me is because I can't wait to share our adventure with all of you!

Wishing you all a wonderful day..
Vacation mode in full swing here:)

I'm in vacation mode.. going back to "reality" will be the death of me...

~Nadiya~

Almost There...

Life is like a camera. Just focus on whats important, 

capture the good times, develop from the negative

 and if things don't turn out just take another shot...

For the next few days we will be in a tropical Paradise...Just a few pictures of our next stop.  

Looking forward to making more beautiful memories with Arvid.

Pretty soon it will be Arvid and I sitting on these two chairs.  Just steps away from where we are.

When we are tired sitting and enjoying the sun, we will just get up and stroll to the beach.  Just steps from us.

If the sun has us all tired and worn out, we will just sit and from the balcony watch the lights glow from the marina; or better yet why not walk to the marina and have a cold one:)

Just the thought of all this relaxation is making me drowsy. Good times ahead.  

 Soon there.  

Have a good day all:)

Some look forward to sporting events, some look forward to seasons changing, some look forward to holidays, and some look forward to their recreational time. I look forward to everything, but choose carefully to only look back at the good times, great memories, and all those wonderful moments we created with love in our hearts. ...

~Nadiya~

Happy Birthday Max....

 Max, we are so proud of you. 

You've earned all these amazing things that are happening to you.

Gosh how time flies. You are all grown up now and beginning yet another new chapter in your life.  May it be filled with love, dedication and happiness..

My nephew Max is 20 years old today.  He is the eldest of my nephews and the eldest grandchild of my mom and dad.  When Max was born, I lived in California.  At that time I was a flight attendant.  On the day Max was born I was in between flights.  I remember the exact moment when I got off the plane in Las Vegas.  Found a pay phone and called my sister.

Her exact words, "Oh Nad he is so beautiful" and indeed he was and he is.  Our family was ecstatic.  My sister was healthy and so was Max.  Max was born in New Jersey.  Today Max is in his second year in College.  No need to say it, but I will anyway.  Max is brilliant.  max is a go getter and there is nothing he sets his mind on and does not accomplish.  He works two jobs in college and still manages to get excellent grades, see his football game on Sundays and have lots of friends and a beautiful girlfriend.

Max was barely 6 months old when he came to California.  My first husband had just died.  Here was this beautiful boy who despite my sadness mad me smile.  He was always moving.  At the time I had five kitties and they were in awe of max.  he was on the floor and never stopped kicking his legs.  At the end of that workout Max was red in the face.  To this day I can picture him on the floor and it still makes me smile.

All my nieces and nephews have special places in my heart and each for different reasons.  Max came into this world at a time when I most needed someone to hold on to.  This little boy who today is a grown man made me forget the sadness that was my life.  Anytime I was with him, his energy was enough to tire yo out, leave you happy and exhausted at the same time.  Better than any medicine or any therapist.

Today when I see Max it is strange to see this well put together young man without thinking of the little boy I occasionally baby sat, whose mom, my sister always said, "Nad when he cries just leave him.  Don't pick him up."  Every time he moved I was always by his side watching him and just waiting to pick him up.
I remember once Max was just about 9 years old.  My dad asked him if he could please take the empty glass into the kitchen and give it to his mom.  Max looks at my dad and said, "what's wrong with you grandpa, why can't you take it?"
Max, 20 years ago today you came into the world.
The world has never been the same again and for that we are all happy.

Happy birthday Max.  We all love you and are very proud of you and I can hear you saying this to your mom:

Mom, when I was a kid, you did so much to make sure I had the best life you could possibly give me. And even though I'm all grown up now, I know that no matter where I am, what's going on, or how old I get, I'll still always have your love. I hope you know you'll always have mine, too.. 

~Nadiya~

A Wonderful Life...

Of course, of course I'm grateful.

How can I not be grateful?

 I have been afforded such a wonderful life...

It's days like today that makes living in Florida so wonderful.  All week long we have had temperatures in the 70's (F) approximately in the 20's (C).  Could not be more perfect.  We wake up to "cooler" temperatures which makes sleeping so much better.  All three of us snuggle up close together.  Brutus in the middle of us.

As per doctors order Arvid should try to always do some kind of walk every day.  As we went for our walk today it was just perfect.  The sun was shining and the air was cool.  Made walking so much more pleasant.

Our neighborhood is quite nice.  Surrounded by condos and many beautiful homes.  Today was a perfect day to enjoy looking at the flowers and seeing so many birds and other little creatures also.  We spotted many birds and squirrels.  Cute.

Though the walking is good for Arvid's leg circulation it also makes the foot swell up afterwards.  As you can see in these pictures, the foot is not as swollen as it became after the walk.  Overall though he feels good and is doing better.  When we were in Savannah we walked quite a bit the first evening together and even stayed out late with some friends over dinner and drinks.

Ten fingers, Ten toes
She's laughter and teardrops
So small and brand new
And amazingly angelic
She's sent to bless you
She's one special Baby
The best of life's treasure
And will grant and bless you
Many hours of great pleasure.

Just received some very great news this morning.  Aleah, our grand daughter was born at 1.16am EST  Welcome Aleah into the world and hope your life will be one unforgettable journey.  You are loved and so many are already waiting to hold you. We were very lucky that when taliking to Michelle, we also heard Aleah cry...The little missy was hungry.

Life is good...

Good day to all of you:)

I realize how fortunate I have been; mine has been a wonderful life...

~Nadiya~

A Good Life...

Your time is limited, so don't waste it living someone else's life..

Open your eyes, look within. Are you satisfied with the life you're living?

I feel good.   I feel like as if  life is giving us another opportunity to really live it, to enjoy it and to experience it to the fullest.  Just last night Arvid said to me, "I can't wait to go to Mexico with you."  Yes, he knows just how to say the right things and just how to make my day.  You see why I love this man?

Soon we will actually be going on a vacation, and as Arvid puts it, "you, me and a Corona."  Sounds pretty good to me.  Today as we were in the car on our way home he said, that he was so happy with our life and would not change a thing about it.  Yes, I am happy with our life also, but I am still worried about Brutus.  His paw does not look so good.  I know that I will worry everyday until we get back from Mexico. 

I'm almost positive that when we come back we will be taking Brutus for another surgery.  Poor Kitty, so good and has to go through so much.  Arvid, forever the optimist says Brutus' paw looks OK.  Me, well see for yourselves.  I know he's not in pain and he's healthy and he will be in good hands with Liliana, so for all those reasons I am happy.  We are looking forward to a fun time.
 Soon...soon

Any idiot can face a crisis - it's day to day living that wears you out..

I believe you should live each day as if it is your last, 

which is why I don't have any clean laundry, 

because, come on, who wants to wash clothes

 on the last day of their life?

~Nadiya~

So They say...

One cannot think well, love well, sleep well, if one has not dined well..

I have a sister who would definitely approve of this juice.  She tries to make us all eat and drink healthier and for that I am lucky.  She juices every other day and is in tip top shape.

I always promise to follow suit, but sadly I am a weakling when it comes to eating and so much of what I eat is probably considered a no no...sigh.  I also tried the juicing thing. Bought this very nice machine.  Was good at using it for a whole month.  Then I got tired of it.  gave it to an aunt and now I got me a simple version from Bed Bath and Beyond.  Has not been used in over six months, but for those who want great skin do try this.   I'm on my way to the store to get the ingredients...

By the way the cutie in the background is my niece, Kimsy :)

Cheers to healthy thoughts and heathly foods!

The doctor of the future will give no medication,
 but will interest his patients in the care of the human frame, 
diet and in the cause and prevention of disease...

~Nadiya~

Homewards Bound....

Spread love everywhere you go. Let no one ever come to you without leaving happier...

So far it has been a good time. I am relaxed and always happy when we have a little getaway. I even found time for a manicure and pedicure.  Yes, it was very good.  Decided to go with a bright coral color. Unfortunately, I messed it up before the day was over..

Arvid still in his meeting, but in a bit we will be leaving and heading home to Brutus.  Even though we enjoy these road trips, we look forward to always getting back home and seeing Brutus.  He keeps us grounded and makes us want to be home.  We know he is well cared for by Liliana.  She spends hours with him watching TV and just enjoying his company.  Liliana love animals and she loves Brutus very much.  He hears her voice and is running to greet her. 

Awaiting us is a long drive.  That I am not looking forward to.  Well I still have a few hours before we leave. Time to take a last look around and then on the move again.  In a few hours we will be home with Brutus. 

Yes, we are happy:)

I've learned that you shouldn't go through life with a catcher's mitt on both hands; you need to be able to throw something back...

~Nadiya~

Leisure Time...

The happiest people are those who think the most interesting thoughts. 

Those who decide to use leisure as a means of mental development, 

who love good music, good books, good pictures, good company

, good conversation, are the happiest people in the world. 

And they are not only happy in themselves, 

they are the cause of happiness in others...

A day to discover and experience something new.  

The day is all mine.  For a change I do not have to wake up early and rush Brutus to the vet.  Bet he is quite happy about this as am I to have some time to just do whatever it is that I like.  Arvid is in a meeting all day long so that means I can do absolutely nothing if I so please....Hmmmm sounds good, but knowing me I think I will discover a little of downtown Savannah.

Feels strange to have a day all to myself.  So many things I would like to do.  I love to walk around, browse into the shops, stop for a cafe in some cozy place.  Mainly do things that Arvid is not really keen on doing.  Having a nice lunch all by myself is not something I am afraid to do.  I find it very relaxing to sit  in a restaurant by myself and just observe people.  Of course it's better when we are two, but I still can enjoy a good lunch alone also.

me relaxed:)

As Arvid was leaving he said to me, "do not talk to strangers."  I said, "OK."   Knowing me I will probably talk to everyone I meet. Nothing wrong with that.  We are staying in a nice place, we have friends here also Hopefully tonight we will also be having dinner with friends, so all in all it will be a good time...

Hope your day is also a good one...

I believe in manicures. I believe in overdressing. 
I believe in primping at leisure and wearing lipstick. 
I believe in pink. I believe happy girls are the prettiest girls. 
I believe that tomorrow is another day, and... I believe in miracles..

~Nadiya~

Happy St. Patrick's Day..

St. Patrick's Day is an enchanted time - a day to begin transforming winter's dreams into summer's magic...

St. Patrick's Day, celebrated on 17 March. It is named after Saint Patrick, the most commonly recognized of the patron saints of Ireland.

The day generally involves public parades and festivals, ceilithe (social gathering), and wearing of green attire or shamrocks.

Arvid and I will be in Savannah, Georgia where the celebration seems to be one of the biggest.

Long time ago I used to be Nadiya Riley.  Guess this makes me part Irish! 

Anyone acquainted with Ireland knows that the morning of St. Patrick's Day consists of the night of the seventeenth of March flavored strongly with the morning of the eighteenth...

~Nadiya~

Another Good Day...

Life is like riding a bicycle,

to keep your balance you must keep moving..

We met for a reason, either you are a blessing or a lesson

Everyday is a good day, but today is going to be an even better day for us.  We have a day filled with fun stuff, and also meeting some good friends for dinner and some good times.

Hope that whatever it is you are doing today it is done with a positive attitude and with good intentions.  For me it does not matter what we do as long as we have a good time and we are happy.  

So happy that Arvid is feeling better and little by little we are getting back to doing the things we like.

Still a long way to go, but everyday it gets better.  Brutus is off medications right now, and we are once again hoping it will be for good.  Just have to wait and see how it goes.  For now they are both healthy and recovering nicely...

I am happy and looking forward to a little road trip.  Yes, very exiting, just the thought of being on the move again and going places.  We both enjoy these trips and since we have not been on one for quite a long time we are very much looking forward to it.

Yes, it's going to be a good day...

Remember, every day is a good day to be alive, whether the sun's shining or not

True happiness is found is simple seemingly unremarkable things....

~Nadiya~

Bring It On...

Happy Friday! I haven't been so excited about Friday since last Friday...

It's Friday after all...

Hope your day was good!

Good food, good company and the day was perfect!

Good Friday all....

Make it happen today, we all have choices to make. 

Make them count, no matter how small....

~Nadiya~