Fridays Like This ~

Live life to the fullest and focus on the positive...

Happy birthday Reshma. Know that you are loved.

For some reason I think she is going to like her birthday
 present much better than she liked her Audi, and then her
BMW.  For one this is so much easier to handle, and much
less expensive to maintain.  Her smile says it all.

We have had a busy day so far.  Now it's time to
pack and finish cleaning.  Most I have already done,
but there is always something that was missed.  Sniff
is on the prowl.  He knows something is up.

Cars have been washed, gassed up and all set for
 summer without us. We checked out the house we have for
 sale.  Showed it to our Broker, had a nice lunch and some.
 Now it's time to focus on what is left to be done.

This morning we had our last breakfast on the balcony,
for this summer.  October can't get here fast enough.

In the end we only regret the chances we didn't take...

~Nadiya~

Busy Thursday ~

Nothing makes a person more productive than the last minute...

Busy day here at home.  Seems every time we are 

ready to go somewhere, something ALWAYS pops up at

 the last minute.  I am sure it is the same for everyone. 

 Lots of running around today.  Both Arvid and

 I each have chores to take care of.

Sniff has been very aware of something going on. 

 He's been a little too quiet and sulky, if cats sulk, then

 Sniff has been sulking a little.  Maybe he thinks we

 are leaving him again.  This time he goes with us.  

I'm already not too happy thinking about leaving

 him for so long when we go to Norway.  For me

 this is always the most stressful part.  Leaving

 him a few days is OK, but so long I hate it.  

Sniff's pet-sitter in Chicago is also going away the

 same time as we are is even more stressful.  Anna,

 his pet-sitter and family are from Spain and the 

also take a month off. Now to find another sitter.

Today I feel a lot better compared to what I was.

 Cough still there, but not as "violent" as it has been. 

Today I tried Uber Eats for the first time. 

 Have to the service was pretty good.

 Maybe a new trend for us?  Arvid does

 not like delivered foods.  Says it's not hot enough. 

Too bad because I did not feel like cooking nor 

did I feel like going out to eat.  Works great.

 I also told him that tomorrow I will not be cooking.

No delivery, tomorrow I think I am ready to go 

out and have a good meal at a restaurant.

Still lots to do, but as they say, if it weren't

 for the last minute I won't get anything done.

The best preparation for tomorrow 

is doing your best today...

~Nadiya~

Always A Reason To Smile ~

Be in love with your life.  Every minute of it.

Love the life you live.  Live the life you love...

It's Wednesday.  So what do you plan on doing the rest

 of the day? Here it is sunny and warm all day long.

The "boys" are having the best of times everyday. 

 Sniff just adores Arvid.  Wherever Arvid goes,

 Sniff is just a few steps behind.  Cute to watch.  

Sniff's way of playing is to jump him and give him

 little bites on his legs and feet.  Arvid not crazy out

 being "bitten"  Sniff has some very sharp teeth.  I have 

felt them, and still have the marks to prove it.

Yesterday was quiet.  A little trip on the water trolley made 

for a very pleasant outing.  Strange how fast one gets used

to certain things.  I love living Downtown again.  So much

 happening and so much to see and do.  Life is so good.

I thought the cough was getting better.  Well yesterday

 evening it started up all again.  I am really tired of it,  makes 

me tired all the time, on the bright side, I know that it has

 to be better soon.  As they say better days are coming.

Good morning all.  My favorite time of the day is here.  Mornings. 

 Quiet, peaceful.  Coffee time with my babies, and my thoughts.

The happiest people don't have the best of everything, 

they just make the best of everything...

~Nadiya~

Life Happens ~

No matter who tries to teach you lessons 

about life you won't understand it until

 you go through it on your own...

I saw this today and it made me smile.  Made me also realize that

 what it says is true.  We have come a far way, Arvid and I.

It's 11 days now since I have not been feeling good. 

 Meaning bad cough, terrible sore throat and worse of 

all, I can't talk without breaking into fits of cough.  

Very pleasant these last 10 day.  I say not.

It's been so bad that I have had to sleep on the recliner.

  Laying flat is a nightmare right now.  I have not

 been able to go walking with Arvid nor workout. 

 Truth this I can hardly breathe, and this inhaler 

thing I have sure does not work for me.

That being said it has not stopped us from doing other things,

 as long as no long walks are involved.  We have been

 out for nice outings and hopefully will check out a few 

other places before leaving for Chicago.  I checked

 the weather in Chicago, it's cold and raining.

On a different subject, a few days ago I was texting with
a friend.  A long "conversation", but a very familiar topic.
  Favoritism.  Something I think I know a bit of. 

All parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, etc have a
 favorite child or grandchild, niece, nephew, etc. but when
 it becomes obvious, we have a problem it seems. 

Question to all of you; have you had much experience
with this?  If so what's the best way to work around it?
 I really don't know the answers, and I am sure this
 is a cause of friction among families.  Life.

Another beautiful day here, but in Chicago not so much.
  Yesterday there was flooding.  At least 6 inches of rain in
 some places.  All I know is that it's raining everyday
and will be raining when we arrive.  Also very cold
 compared to Florida, but I don't mind the cold.

Wishing everyone a happy day.  Remember
 there is always something good in everyday.

If you don't like something, change it.
 If you can't change it, change your attitude...

~Nadiya~

A Good Day To Be Grateful ~

Train your mind to see the good in every situation.

Start everyday with a new hope, leave bad memories 

behind, and have faith for a better tomorrow...

May has gone by in a flash.  Not sure what we did nor how it 

happened, but it's almost time to say goodbye May and hello June.  

Yesterday Arvid and I went to Kaluz.  One of our favorite 

restaurants.  Not only because the food is good, buy also because 

the views are relaxing and makes for a perfect setting to

 end the week.  Life is sure good.  We make it so.

My sore throat is not quitting neither is my cough. 

 Bummer because I have not been able to talk

 to any of my family since last Sunday.  

Never have I gone this long without talking to them.

  I talk to my mom at least every other day.  There is 

always something to chat about.  Same with my

  sisters.  At least 1-2 times a week is normal.

Memorial Day is a federal holiday in the United States 

for remembering and honoring people who have died 

while serving in the United States Armed Forces.  

That is today.  All federal employees and government have

 it off.  Private business, that's up to the employer. 

 Malls are still open as are grocery stores.

It's a day to celebrate, remember and honor those that 

gave their lives in order for us to have a better one. 

 As they say, "Freedom is Never Free."

As the new week begins there are many little things

 needing to be done before we leave for Chicago.  

My priority is Sniff.  As long as he has what he needs

 and is comfortable then the rest is good.

To all a Happy Memorial Day.  America, home of 

the FREE because of the BRAVE.  May we never forget that.

Gratitude is the healthiest of all human emotions.

The more you express gratitude for what you have, the more

likely you will have even more to express gratitude for...

~Nadiya~

Freedom Is Never Free ~

Life is short too have boring hair.
Happiness is a fresh new haircut...

What better way to "change" than to cut your hair? 

 Works all the time for me.  Was feeling bored so I told the

 girl to "let's go short"  I wanted shorter, but she said I may

 not want to go that short.  She cut off 5 inches.  I'm happy.

For now I am really liking the short hair.  Arvid said,  "you got

 your curls back"  He does not like straight hair, and for some

 reason my hair has gotten quite straight compared to what it was

 before.  I think it has to do with all the medications I take.

Growing up with curly hair was not exactly what I wanted.
  At least that is what I thought.  All my sisters had straight hair.
 Today many have beautiful big curls.  Age I guess and way of life.

As I got older I realized that so many people wished
their hair was curly.  That did not mean I still wanted curly
 hair, but with time and age I came to accept it and from then
 on I loved it and could not imagine life with straight blah hair.

 That is until I started taking medication.  After the
thyroid cancer and all the medicines I started taking my hair
started to get straight.  Arvid was not happy.  At first I liked it,
 but when I realized that it was not getting curly anymore I
was not so happy.  So to bring back the curls I have been
 cutting it shorter and shorter.  May or may not work.

Our last Sunday in Fort Lauderdale for the next 4 months.
 Come next Saturday we will be in Chicago.  Right now I look
 forward to going.  Have ordered Sniff a ton of stuff.

 For all of you who have a pet.  Check out Chewy.
 The best place to get everything your pet/baby needs. 
I never go to the pet store anymore.  It's fast,
 reliable and I always get free delivery.
Chewy

Memorial Weekend continues.  As we celebrate with families,
let us not forget the men and women who gave their lives for us.

America is hope. It is compassion. It is excellence. It is valor.
Those who have long enjoyed such privileges as we enjoy 
forget in time that men have died to win them...

~Nadiya~

Memorial Weekend ~

To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make 

you something else is the greatest accomplishment...

I still have no voice and the cough is still there.  The worse 

is this tickling cough.  Does not give me any rest.  That 

being said it has not stopped us from running around. 

 I would prefer to be home resting, but at the same time 

I am bored so when Arvid suggested another road

 trip to Fort Myers yesterday, I was game.

The day turned out to be very enjoyable, and as always there

 was some business that needed to be taken care of, and it was.

Saturday.  The long weekend is looking marvelous.  

No rain in the forecast.  Looking forward to a little trip to 

Las Olas for a little nibble and maybe some adult drinks later 

this afternoon.  Mode of transportation is the water trolley 

which for us is a free service.  Could not get any better.

Our mornings begin with tea and coffee on the balcony.  

Arvid feels as if he's back in Mexico sitting on the 

balcony observing daily life.  Happy times.

Wishing everyone here in the US a 

happy Memorial Day Weekend.

As America celebrates Memorial Day, we pay 

tribute to those who have given their lives in our nation's wars.

  The average American is nothing if not patriotic...

~Nadiya~

Friday~ Long Weekend Ahead

I've learned that people will forget what you said,

 people will forget what you did, but people

 will never forget how you made them feel...

Friday has started out pretty good already. 

The Intracoastal Waterways is buzzing with life 

and we are enjoying the view from our balcony.

Sniff is still on his bed, and does not want to get up 

as yer, but even so he is also taking peeks at the boats. 

 He has a good life and he's a very  happy boy.

This amazing Guitar shaped Hotel coming up 

at The Hard Rock Casino will soon be open.  Scheduled 

grand opening for October 2019.  It is a one

 of a kind, and I cant wait to check it out.

This guitar-shaped hotel soars 450 feet into the sky,

 an extravagant glass structure no one can miss.  Arvid 

and I have been passing it quite a few times and as

 much as I have tried I can't seem to get a great/good

 picture.  For now.  Below is the one I took:

This is the one taken by the Professionals.

I still don't feel good.  Yesterday I went to Urgent Care. 

 Diagnosis: bronchitis and Asthma.  Well go figure.  

I have never had asthma.  Now I am stocked with all

 sorts of "goodies" one being an inhaler.  Yikes!

Arvid does not know what to do. He see's me coughing,

 and it sorta freaks him out, so when he came back

home yesterday he brought me a little treat.  

Made him feel better and made me smile.  He's 

such a good person, you just have to know him.  We have

 had some beautiful days.  Very hot, but no rain. 

To all a happy Friday and enjoy the long weekend.

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~

Halfway There ~

The truth is you don't know what is going to happen tomorrow.
 Life is a crazy ride, and nothing is guaranteed... 

Lunch with Liliana today.  Was a very good time.  

We always laugh a lot, and "gossip" a little.  She is always

 telling me about a particular "friend" of hers. I always say,

 "with a friend like that you don't need enemies."  At the
end of the day though, they are there for each other.

Still have a bad sore throat, and a very itchy throat.  Let's say

 I coughed most of the night.  Not much sleep for either of us. 

 Sniff managed to get most of his much "needed" rest.

My niece Lilly Vade is growing up fast.  Imitates her
 mom in everything.  She still does her YouTube videos on
"how to apply lip gloss"  She's something else.  She like
 all little kids know everything.  Love her to death.

She told her mom that she thinks she needs to exfoliate
 more often.  Today she has the flu and stayed home.  Happy
 as can be, and to see her here you won't think she is sick.
 But the poor thing gets a soaring high fever.  The school
would not want her in the classroom with the
other kids.  Lilly is happy to be home.

It's been beautiful weather her.  Meaning no rain, but
it is extremely hot.  I am not crazy about the heat.  Arvid
 said, "I can't wait for us to get out of here."  Yup, soon it's
 Chicago for us.  Arvid more excited this time than I am.

Hope everyone has been having a good day so far.
 For many it's already tomorrow.  Still nice and sunny here. 
Time for a little balcony trip.  Happy Wednesday all.

You may not control all the events that happen to you,
 but you can decide not to be reduced by them...

 ~Nadiya~

Sick Day ~

Be able to laugh at yourself, you'll live longer and happier...

I am still hoarse.  No voice at all and I feel absolutely horrible.

Not the end of the world, but I just hate this cough and 

the chest pain.  Debating whether to go to the doctor

 or ride it out.  So tired of doctors right now, so 

this is what I will do, I will google what I have,
 and cure myself.  This way no doctors.

Get plenty of rest to give your immune system a 

chance to fight the infection. To relieve the pain of a 

sore throat: Gargle with a mixture of warm water 

and 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of salt. Drink warm liquids 

that feel soothing to the throat, such as hot tea with 

honey, soup broth, or warm water with lemon.

Unfortunately, my appetite has not been affected.  
Talk about bad luck.  Most people when they are sick 
lose their appetite.  Mine is as strong as ever.  Bummer.

Starting to get hungry again.  Time to check out 
what I can devour before lunchtime.  Wishing 
you all a beautiful and sick free day.

Yet the best determining factor of how comfortable
 we are with ourselves, is our ability to laugh at ourselves...

~Nadiya~

New Week Vibes ~

Life is the most exciting opportunity we have.

 But we have one shot. You graduate from college once,

and that's it. You're going out of that nest. And you have

 to find that courage that's deep, deep, deep

 in there. Every step of the way...

My niece Kimsy ans her boyfriend Jordi both graduate 

today from Yale University.  To say we are proud of her is

 an understatement.  She worked hard to get to this day. 

 No shortcuts.  Just determination and many sleepless nights. 

 This is your day Kimsy.  Enjoy it to the fullest.

As the new week begins I hope it's a successful one

 for everyone. I have lost my voice completely, hoping

 that whatever it is I have will soon be gone.  

My self diagnosis is bronchitis leading up to pneumonia, 

but I have been know to exaggerate a bit.  Have to 

say the symptoms tell me it's one of the two.  I feel 

horrible, and do not like not being able to talk.

Monday a new week to start all over and to improve

 on last weeks mistakes.  One can always try.

 Happy Monday all.  Always believe 

something wonderful is about to happen.

Our life is a journey, and we make mistakes, 

and it's how we learn from those mistakes and rebound

 from those mistakes that sets us on the path

 that we're meant to be on... 

~Nadiya~

Just Be Happy ~

When you love what you have you have everything...

There are so many beautiful reasons to be happy, and right now 

when I look at this smile on Reshma's face I am happy.

It's not about money.  It's not about bragging.  

It's just plain simple happiness that emanates from deep 

within you.  Reshma texted me and she said, "auntie

  Nad, I bought a pair of funky sunglasses."  Well

 here she is, and she's as happy as can be.

We sometimes forget that happiness is not dependent 

on what we have.  Who we know or how much we have.

Happiness comes from simple pleasures.  In this case

 a cup of tea and a pair of funky sunglasses.

Reshma I hope you're enjoying London and one thing

 never lose that glow of happiness nor that smile.  

It will take you further than all the money in the world. 

 Attitude is everything and with the right attitude 

nothing can stop you.  I love you Reshma.

You're prettiest when you're happy. Sometimes happiness

is a feeling.  Sometimes it's a decision.  What do you choose?

The best part of life?  Every morning you have a new

 opportunity to become a happier version of yourself...

~Nadiya~

Thankful ~

A positive mind towards everything will give you a happier life.

My memory loves you.  It asks about you all the time...

Yesterday we had a little road trip to Fort Myers.

  Arvid and I enjoy these trips.  As he likes to say,

 "now you can't run away."  He's a funny man.

It was a beautiful day with clear blue skies.  No rain in Fort Myers.

  Made for a very enjoyable outing, of course business was involved.

Our Brutus as I mentioned turned 13 years yesterday. 

 I miss him so much. There are days when the grief is a little 

heavier than most.  I sense it in Arvid, but unlike me he does 

not talk about it much.  Arvid and Sniff both know when I am

 missing Brutus.  Sniff slept very close to me last night.

I was awake very early.  Lucky me, the moon was still out. 

 Of course I went out on the balcony with my cameras.  One 

of my most relaxing times is when I take pictures.  I took way

 too many, but at least I managed to get a fairly decent one.

Sniff woke up together with me.  He ate.  

Watched as I took the pictures and now

 he is napping again, very close to me.  

Saturday is looking beautiful.  No rain as of now. 

 The sun is shining and the birds are chirping.  It's going 

to be a good one.  Because every picture tells a story, never

 forget to keep making those memories and adding to the

story that is your life. Happy Saturday everyone.

Life goes by too quickly.  So laugh, love and

 try new things.  Forgive, forget and don't

 hold grudges.  Choose to be happy...

~Nadiya~