Nadiya...Loving Every Minute:)

Half Full or Half Empty...?

2012-02-23T22:30:00.000-05:00

I can't change the direction of the wind, but I can adjust my sails to always reach my destination...

There are things in life we would like to change if we could. Things we would like to redo if it means our life taking a different course, but this being life we can't really go back and change what has already been done. The next best thing is to look forward and try to do the best we can, live life in the best possible way we can.

People who are optimists see the glass as being half full. Optimists look on the bright side. People who are pessimists see the glass as being half empty. Pessimists tend to see the worst in things. So when you see that glass filled to the middle, what you call it is a simple test if you are an optimist or a pessimist. I like to think of myself as always seeing the glass half full even when things are not at their best..and always remember, "A positive attitude may not solve all your problems, but it will annoy enough people to make it worth the effort"

A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty...

until next time...

Thursdays....

2012-02-22T22:00:00.000-05:00

By Thursday morning, we'd gotten over the worst of it....

Good morning beautiful world. Its a new day again. Wish we all have a good day..

Nothing particularly stands out on a Thursday, but since everyday is a good day why not be it a Thursday....the good thing about Thursday is that it's one day closer to the weekend....FRIDAY!

Have a great day all. Remember you have already made it throughout most of the week..just a little more to go and you can start celebrating the weekend. Happy Thursday! Time to start planning for the weekend:)

Start every day with a smile and get it over with... my goal is to have a good day. Dont wanna let anything bring me down...

until next time...

Fruit For All....

2012-02-22T08:24:00.000-05:00

A table, a chair, a bowl of fruit and a violin; what else does a man need to be happy..?

Fruit nutrition is a great way to strengthen your immune system, fight disease, and boost your overall body health. In addition to being great tasting, fruit can provide you with different types of nutrition benefits–included providing more water in your diet! Get to know all of the types of nutrition you can get from fruits, and plan your meals around trying to get a rainbow of them!

Energy Nutrition

Not only do fruits provide carbohydrates that provide essential energy for metabolism, processing nutrients, and staying active, but there is also some protein in fruit! Dietitians will tell you there’s not nearly as much protein in fruits as in meats, but they do have protein.

my fruit supply for the next few days)

This week I am all into eating fruits and more fruits. Don't get me wrong I love fruits, but lately it has been a little problematic. You see Arvid has become allergic to almost every fruit available so little by little I have stopped buying them. That is until recently when I started all over again and realized how much I missed my daily fruit. Unfortunately, Arvid still cannot eat them.

A tree is known by its fruit; a man by his deeds. A good deed is never lost; he who sows courtesy reaps friendship, and he who plants kindness gathers love....

until next time...

The Coupon Man...

2012-02-20T13:58:00.000-05:00

You know you are an extreme couponer when you refuse to pay $0.25 for a tube of toothpaste....
Every so often Arvid comes up with a "plan" or an "idea" that he thinks is so awesome we ought to live by it. Not so long ago we saw on the news a report about a young girl who by using coupons saved over $3000. in grocery bills for her family over a period of a couple of months.

Every week we get the sales coupons from all the stores. Today for some reason, Arvid decided to look at one of them. It so happens he was looking at the one for the grocery store. From the way he was carrying on you would think that something extraordinary was on those sale papers.

checking out
the Macy's AD...

Suddenly he started telling me that so and so was on sale and that if we bought it we could really save quite a bit. I just looked at him and said, but we don't eat that stuff. He looked a little disappointed, but continued vigorously sorting through the sales trying desperately to find something for us to buy.

He literally sat down for about 30 minutes sorting through the sales hating to admit that there was almost nothing that we would use. Finally he came across Pepsi on sale. If you saw the big grin on his face one would thing he just found gold. Needless to say we went to the store and stocked up on quite a bit of Pepsi. Now we have enough to last for months.

I have nothing against cutting coupons. I think it's great to save any way we can. The only thing is I don't believe in buying stuff just because they are on sale and things I know we would never use. On the other hand......if Macy's had a sale I would gladly go and have Arvid buy me a few thing I really don't need, but which I really want....Tomorrow sounds good. Just remember the best things in life are never rationed. Friendship, loyalty, love, do not require coupons...

I try to do the right thing with money. Save a dollar here and there, clip some coupons. Buy ten gold chains instead of 20. Four summer homes instead of eight, I'm trying...

until next time...

Enjoy...

2012-02-17T19:22:00.001-05:00

Sometimes the most important thing in a whole day is the rest we take between two deep breaths...

Another long week has come to an end. February has been a great month so far and it is looking better every day. We are busy during the week and in the weekends we relax and have a good time on our own or with friends. Either way we look forward to it and to just relaxing and really not doing that much.

The weather here in Florida is beautiful. One of the best February's we have had in a long time. Very happy for that. We have had some very cold days, but it always warms up. This weekend all we plan to do is to relax, sit maybe by the pool and get some sun. I don't normally sit in the sun, but the cool air makes it perfect to be out for a while.

So far it seems like it will be a great weekend. Thank you very much to my special friend who made our Friday special. Makes me really miss living near the water. Hope we can do it again soon...

As some one said, "Sometimes it’s important to work for that pot of gold. But other times it’s essential to take time off and to make sure that your most important decision in the day simply consists of choosing which color to slide down on the rainbow".

It is our choices, Friends, that show what we really are, far more than our abilities...

You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough....

until next time...

The Time Is Now...

2012-02-15T13:07:00.000-05:00

Time is a companion who reminds us to cherish every moment because it will never come again....

The passage below was not written by me. Actually it is something I came across and as I read it more and more it appealed to me and made me want to share it with you. It was written by Bob Marley. It is absolutely beautiful and my wish for you is that if you have someone like this in your life cherish them for it is not often we come across that special person whom we can call our true soul mate, out best friend and our lover.

If such a person does not exist in your life my wish is that hopefully you will find him/her but in the meantime remember life is beautiful. Appreciate what you have now. Don't wait for tomorrow for tomorrow may never come....

Only once in your life, I truly believe, you find someone who can completely turn your world around. You tell them things that you’ve never shared with another soul and they absorb everything you say and actually want to hear more. You share hopes for the future, dreams that will never come true, goals that were never achieved and the many disappointments life has thrown at you.

When something wonderful happens, you can’t wait to tell them about it, knowing they will share in your excitement. They are not embarrassed to cry with you when you are hurting or laugh with you when you make a fool of yourself. Never do they hurt your feelings or make you feel like you are not good enough, but rather they build you up and show you the things about yourself that make you special and even beautiful. There is never any pressure, jealousy or competition but only a quiet calmness when they are around. You can be yourself and not worry about what they will think of you because they love you for who you are.

The things that seem insignificant to most people such as a note, song or walk become invaluable treasures kept safe in your heart to cherish forever. Memories of your childhood come back and are so clear and vivid it’s like being young again. Colours seem brighter and more brilliant. Laughter seems part of daily life where before it was infrequent or didn’t exist at all. A phone call or two during the day helps to get you through a long day’s work and always brings a smile to your face. In their presence, there’s no need for continuous conversation, but you find you’re quite content in just having them nearby. Things that never interested you before become fascinating because you know they are important to this person who is so special to you. You think of this person on every occasion and in everything you do.

Simple things bring them to mind like a pale blue sky, gentle wind or even a storm cloud on the horizon. You open your heart knowing that there’s a chance it may be broken one day and in opening your heart, you experience a love and joy that you never dreamed possible. You find that being vulnerable is the only way to allow your heart to feel true pleasure that’s so real it scares you.

You find strength in knowing you have a true friend and possibly a soul mate who will remain loyal to the end. Life seems completely different, exciting and worthwhile. Your only hope and security is in knowing that they are a part of your life. I love you Arvid Hvidsten and the life we have together. You, I and Brutus make the perfect blend together and I hope it will be forever. "Love is as much of an object as an obsession, everybody wants it everybody seeks it, but few ever achieve it, those who do, will cherish it, be lost in it, and among all, will never...never forget it"

To love someone deeply gives you strength. Being loved by someone deeply gives you courage.

until next time...

Happy Valentines Day...

2012-02-12T14:49:00.004-05:00

I don't pretend to know what love is for everyone, but I can tell you what it is for me; love is knowing all about someone, and still wanting to be with them more than any other person, love is trusting them enough to tell them everything about yourself, including the things you might be ashamed of, love is feeling comfortable and safe with someone, but still getting weak knees when they walk into a room and smile at you...

Wising everyone a very Happy Valentine's Day. As children we made cards and passed around to our classmates. It was special. When my sisters and I were just little girls my parents would always give us a little card and sometimes a tiny present for Valentine's Day. What I'm getting at is that you don't have to be in a relationship to enjoy the day. It's not about the presents, but about sharing with that someone special in your life. Don't get me wrong if you can get that someone special to shower you with presents why not?? Haha! Yesterday I told Arvid it would be nice for him to buy me a few things for Valentine's Day so I went to the mall bought me a few things and thanked him profusely for the presents:)) He was happy and I was happy...Anyone can catch your eye, but it takes someone special to catch your heart. Love is knowing that the one you cherish, cherishes you just as much and will do whatever it takes to make you happy and vice-versa...

To love is to receive a glimpse of heaven...Love is what you've been through with somebody.

until next time

Time To Relax~

2012-02-10T13:08:00.001-05:00

Those who can laugh without cause have either found the true meaning of happiness or have gone stark raving mad....

no reason for them..
just because

yummy weekend..
will have me another

That time again friends...yes weekend is here again. This has been a pretty hectic week so we are really looking forward to just having a very good time with some friends and with each other.

We have come to realize that many of our best times are spent in the company of good friends. No stress, no complications, just laughs, fun, good food, good drinks and good company.

Finally going to be able to relax and not have as much toothache as I have been having for the past month. Yep, I think I can officially call the dentists' office my second home, but finally I can say I am doing better and ready to go and celebrate the weekend. Wishing you all a great one also...

Each morning when I open my eyes I say to myself: I, not events, have the power to make me happy or unhappy today. I can choose which it shall be. Yesterday is dead, tomorrow hasn't arrived yet. I have just one day, today, and I'm going to be happy in it...

until next time...

A Pets Ten Commandments~

2012-02-08T16:08:00.000-05:00

We can judge the heart of a man by his treatment of animals....

About a year ago I dedicated my blog post to pets. Today I would like to do the same again. It is the exact post, but a year has gone by and many thing have changed. Our bond towards Brutus and his toward us is just stronger than ever.
The best part of this bond is watching Arvid and Brutus together.

For a man who has never had a pet you would hardly believe the bond between them. Arvid tells me that Brutus is like a baby and that he (Brutus) needs pampering and attention all the time. I have had cats before so I know what good pets they make. When we first brought Brutus into our lives Arvid had so many rules for this Kitty. Today no rules nor boundaries apply when it comes to Brutus. The most relaxed I have ever seen Arvid is when he is petting Brutus or doing something with Brutus.

For all of us that are lucky to have a pet you will relate to this....for those that don't I believe you will also be able to understand the bond a pet owner and their pets share.....

A Pets Ten Commandments

1. My life is likely to last 10-15 years. Any separation from you is likely to be painful.

2. Give me time to understand what you want of me.

3. Place your trust in me. It is crucial for my well-being.

4. Don't be angry with me for long and don't lock me up as punishment. You have your work, your I friends, your entertainment, but I have only you.

5. Talk to me. Even if I don't understand your words, I do understand your voice when speaking to me.

6. Be aware that however you treat me, I will never forget it.

7. Before you hit me, before you strike me, remember that I could hurt you, and yet, I choose not to bite you.

8. Before you scold me for being lazy or uncooperative, ask yourself if something might be bothering me. Perhaps I'm not getting the right food, I have been in the sun too long, or my heart might be getting old or weak.

9. Please take care of me when I grow old. You too, will grow old.

10. On the ultimate difficult journey, go with me please. Never say you can't bear to watch. Don't make me face this alone. Everything is easier for me if you are there, because I love you so. ALWAYS!

BRUTUS…

We love you with all our heart and we will always take care of you.

Mama and Dada 2012

You came to us on October 18 2006

One of the happiest days of our lives...

A house is not a home without a pet...until one has loved an animal, a part of one's soul remains unawakened...

until next time..

Picture Of The Day...Giant Whale Shark Washes Ashore

2012-02-07T19:16:00.003-05:00

Seeing is believing...

Somewhere, something incredible is waiting to be known, and lo and behold I open the news page and I see this most amazing sight.

Residents gather as a whale shark is pulled from the water by cranes after it was found dead at Karachi's fish harbor February 7, 2012. A giant whale shark washed ashore near Karachi fisheries harbor on Tuesday and was sold for 1.7 million PKR ($18,758), local media reported.

A man stands on a dead whale shark before it was pulled from the water by cranes as residents gather at Karachi's fish harbor February 7, 2012.

Nothing in life is to be feared, it is only to be understood. Now is the time to understand more, so that we may fear less.

until next time...

Great Quotes...

2012-02-06T10:36:00.001-05:00

Don’t lеt whаt уоu can’t dо stop уоu frоm whаt уоu саn do

Sure, there’s а lot оf thіngѕ уоu feel уоu can’t do. Thе nеxt bеѕt thіng іѕ tо learn. Learning аnd trуіng ѕоmеthіng nеw іѕ а big step іntо conquering thе “can’ts” іn уоur list....

One of my Facebook friends shared this with me not so long ago. I really loved each and every quote and wanted to share them with you as well. Remember to always give thanks for what you are now, and keep fighting for what you want to be tomorrow, and never miss an opportunity to make others happy, even if you have to leave them alone in order to do it. Just never forget, "Your life is in your hands. No matter where you are now, no matter what has happened in your life, you can begin to consciously choose your thoughts, and you can change your life".

If уоu wаnt tо bе happy, be. If уоu аrе sad rіght now, іt іѕ аlwауѕ уоur choice tо bе happy. It іѕ аѕ simple аѕ that. Whatever you are, be a good one.

The important thіng іѕ this: Tо bе аblе аt аnу moment tо sacrifice thаt whісh wе аrе fоr whаt wе соuld become...

until next time...

Relax Time...The Weekend

2012-02-03T17:30:00.001-05:00

Happiness is an attitude. We either make ourselves miserable, or happy and strong. The amount of work is the same...

That time again...weekend is here and Arvid says "I am starting to feel thirsty". Time to kick back, relax and enjoy the Super Bowl this Sunday. My favorite part of Super Bowl are the ads and the half time entertainment. Everything else I can skip...well actually we do skip everything else.

Hope everyone has a nice and relaxed time at home with friends and family. Not sure of what our plans are right now, but for sure I will think of something. For starters I am envisioning one of my favorite frozen drinks...

Have a good weekend everyone. Take some time off and do absolutely NOTHING! Feels really good.

Don't underestimate the value of Doing Nothing, of just going along, listening to all the things you can't hear, and not bothering...

Some of the secret joys of living are not found by rushing from point A to point B, but by inventing some imaginary letters along the way...

until next time...

5 Worst Fast-Food Breakfasts...

2012-02-02T22:27:00.000-05:00

Nothing would be more tiresome than eating and drinking if God had not made them a pleasure as well as a necessity....

The holidays are just about here, and between errands and travels, you may have to hit up a fast-food joint or coffeehouse in search of breakfast. The bad news: There's plenty of junky temptation out there. The good news: Lots of franchises have jumped on the health bandwagon and now offer better alternatives. Here's what to avoid, as well as better-for-you choices.

Starbucks:

What to skip: Like most coffeehouses, Starbucks' bakery menu has plenty of obvious calorie and fat bombs: donuts, fritters, croissants, and the like. But their Zucchini Walnut Muffin is a wolf in healthy sheep's clothing. It has a whopping 490 calories, 28 grams of fat, and 490 milligrams of sodium.

What to order: The Strawberry & Blueberry Yogurt Parfait has 300 calories and just 3.5 grams of fat (none of it saturated), along with a satisfying 7 grams of protein and 3 grams of fat. Crave a hot breakfast? The Starbucks Perfect Oatmeal clocks in with 140 calories, 2.5 grams fat, and 4 grams of fiber.

McDonald's
What to skip: You'd think one of those Egg McMuffins is the worst breakfast offender. Nope, that honor goes to the Big Breakfast with Hotcakes. It weighs in at a heart-stopping 1,090 calories, 56 grams of fat (including nearly all the saturated fat you should have for the day), and 2,150 milligrams of sodium.
What to order: The 290-calorie Fruit & Maple Oatmeal has 5 grams of protein and 5 grams of fiber. Nice! Even better, order it without brown sugar and request light cream to save 50 calories and slash the fat in half. Can't resist the Egg McMuffin? Order it without the American cheese and it comes in at a not-so-awful 250 calories, 9 grams of fat, and 15 grams of protein.

Jamba Juice

What to skip: C'mon, how bad can a smoothie be? Depends what you order. Choose a 24-ounce (that's the Original size) Peanut Butter Moo'd and you'll slurp down 770 calories before you know it.

What to order: Lots of places are serving oatmeal these days, but Jamba's is made from hearty steel-cut oats made with a touch of soymilk. Order yours plain with a cut-up banana. It's just 240 calories, but has 6 grams of fiber and 9 grams of protein that will hold you over until lunchtime.

Subway
What to skip: The Breakfast B.M.T. Melt, with its hefty 480 calories and 22 grams of fat, is sure to make you drag all morning long.

What to order: The Black Forest Ham, Egg & Cheese -- on a muffin with an egg white -- offers ample indulgence for 170 calories and 4 grams of fat. The 14 grams of protein and 5 grams of fiber will keep you satisfied in the a.m.

Bruegger's Bagels
What to skip: Resist the sesame bagel with cream cheese. This classic combo tallies at 440 calories and 14 grams of fat. Hey, bagels have gotten big, and those schmears of cream cheese are generous, too.

here's to moderation:)

What to order: Go for the Skinny Sesame Bagel with light garden veggie cream cheese. It has just 310 calories. Even better, swap the cream cheese for hummus, which has heart-healthy fat, satisfying protein, and 20 percent of the iron you need for the day.

With so many temptations out there it is no wonder many of us tend to gain a few extra pounds every so often. It's very easy to say "everything in moderation", but sometimes it is much more difficult to follow through. No matter what, I think life is made to be enjoyed in many different ways..and one of my very favorite is food. Yes, I do sometimes find it very difficult difficult to practice moderation....but I try.

Never work before breakfast; if you have to work before breakfast, eat your breakfast first...

until next time...

Stress...

2012-01-31T16:21:00.000-05:00

Sometimes it's important to work for that pot of gold. But other times it's essential to take time off and to make sure that your most important decision in the day simply consists of choosing which color to slide down on the rainbow....

If anyone can say for sure that they live a stress free life then I would ask...what's your secret? Arvid and I have faced many obstacles during our relationship and have survived them. Of course not without lots of anxiety and stress. Nothing most people have not gone through.

We have gotten to a stage in our lives where we have set everything so that we can live stress free. Trust me there is no such thing yet we strive and work towards it everyday. We work well together, we are in harmony with each other, but it is always some unknown factors that causes stress in a persons life.

Arvid, like many of you, is the type of person who always likes to help everyone. At least he has forever tried to please everyone by always going out of his way for them. Good and bad. Sometimes it gets to a point where people start to take you for granted, people expect from you all the time without ever considering your time anymore. He is what I call the problem solver. When someone has a problem, Arvid is the one they call. When someone wants something taken care of it's Arvid they call. Sometimes it has gotten to the point where I am fed up!

relaxed together

I always wonder why can't people manage their own lives, their own problems and their own everything. Nothing wrong with helping out a bit, but sometimes it goes overboard.

Stress has many ways of showing itself. In Arvid I know his entire body aches to the point where he is literally in excruciating pain, sometimes it causes him to have chest pains and this really bothers me. This is when I would like to wring someones neck for causing him this. Don't get me wrong, many a times Arvid is the cause of his own stress.

All in all what I am trying to say is that life is stressful enough without having other people add to it. One of the best stress therapies for us is being around Brutus. Something to do with a cats ability to always be serene, calming and always so patient.

Other ways we like to de-stress is listening to music, going away for a weekend with good food and drinks, and another favorite of Arvid's is turning OFF the phones. Nothing relaxes him as much as when he is away from the phones and the computers... like they say, adopting the right attitude can convert a negative stress into a positive one.

If you ask what is the single most important key to longevity, I would have to say it is avoiding worry, stress and tension. And if you didn't ask me, I'd still have to say it....

until next time...

Hobbies...

2012-01-29T13:04:00.001-05:00

A man practices the art of adventure when he breaks the chain of routine and renews his life through reading new books, traveling to new places, making new friends, taking up new hobbies and adopting new viewpoints. My personal hobbies are reading, listening to music, and silence....

Like everyone Brutus also has a few favorite hobbies. A few are listening to music with Arvid, chasing things around the house and best of all bird watching. Everyday the birds with a little help from me, come out on the front yard. I provide food to them twice a day just to make sure Brutus has something fun and entertaining to do. He loves this time. Anytime he sees me with the bread, he Brutus knows what's next...yes the birds flock to the yard and he is as happy as can be. He spends hours perched on his chair in the mornings and afternoons. After morning bird watching he gets tired and takes a few hours nap.

If you don't have a hobby, I encourage to find something that interests you. Makes life a lot more enjoyable. I have a few hobbies like most. My favorite ones are Arvid and Brutus

Today is life-the only life you are sure of. Make the most of today. Get interested in something. Shake yourself awake. Develop a hobby. Let the winds of enthusiasm sweep through you. Live today with gusto..

until next time..

Have A Good Weekend!...

2012-01-27T10:19:00.000-05:00

Weekends don't count unless you spend them doing something completely pointless...

It has been a few long weeks, and now with the weekend coming along it sure feels nice to be able to just do absolutely NOTHING and to just RELAX for a change. Said Arvid to me "Nothing in the world is more expensive than a woman who's free for the weekend" and then he said, "come on let's go celebrate. That's the start of our weekend and I am sure looking forward to it...Brutus as you can see is on a constant weekend agenda. His biggest worry is who is going to stand by him and watch him eat.

Good weather all the week, but come the weekend the weather stinks. When the weather is too hot they complain, too cold they complain, and when it's just right, they're watching TV...

until next time...

America's 10 Richest Zip Codes, 2011...

2012-01-25T18:19:00.002-05:00

The real measure of your wealth is how much you'd be worth if you lost all your money...

The top 10's have been catching my fancy lately. So here is another article, this time of the 10 Richest Zip Codes in Ameica for 2011.

The 10 richest zip codes in America according to Bloomberg Businessweek. To identify the 50 richest areas in the U.S. for Businessweek data company Gadberry Group looked at all Zip Codes in the U.S. with more than 100 households and ranked them by the average income and net worth of their households. The area’s population change since 2000 was also taken into consideration, though only as a minor factor, and no areas with a decrease in number of households, where wealth might become less concentrated, were included. The results include many places around New York, Washington, DC and Silicon Valley, CA.

Here's America's 10 richest zip codes:
No. 10 Richest Zip Code: 90402
Location: Santa Monica, Calif.
No. households: 5,452
Average household income: $266,243
Average household net worth: $1,494,010

This section of Santa Monica has some of the most expensive houses in Los Angeles County. It includes the chic North of Montana neighborhood, known for palm and pine trees along its streets, attractive homes, and an excellent school system. The median home value in 90402 was $1,995,300 in September. The population is mostly elite couples and singles.

No. 9 Richest Zip Code: 94022

Location: Los Altos, Calif.

No. households: 7,103
Average household income: $256,476
Average household net worth: $1,563,480

This area includes Los Altos, Los Altos Hills, and Palo Alto Hills. Downtown Los Altos, a six-block triangle, has more than 150 shops and also hosts farmers markets and movie nights, among other community activities, says the Los Altos Village Assn. Many luxury homes in the Los Altos Hills overlook rolling hills and the South and East Bay communities. Elite couples and singles are the predominant population. Los Altos has the highest household net worth of all the Zip codes in this ranking.

No. 8 Richest Zip Code: 10577
Location: Purchase, N.Y.
No. households: 834
Average household income: $268,696
Average household net worth: $1,503,911

The headquarters of MasterCard (MA) and Pepsico (PEP), Purchase also is home to many commuters to New York City, about 25 miles away. Many residents work in health care, professional services, and finance and insurance. Elite couples and singles predominate.

No. 7 Richest Zip Code: 19035

Location: Gladwyne, Pa.
No. households: 1,495

Average household income: $331,840

Average household net worth: $1,483,586

Once a summer destination for wealthy Philadelphians, Gladwyne, on the Schuylkill River has become a wealthy year-round community. Its many attractive residences had a median value of $800,500. At publication time, the area’s most expensive home listed for sale was a $14.9 million mansion at 1211 Mirabeau Lane. The predominant group in this Zip Code is elite couples and singles.

No. 6 Richest Zip Code: 90077

Location: Los Angeles, Calif.

No. households: 3,553

Average household income: $290,802

Average household net worth: $1,531,147

The 90077 Zip Code refers to the Bel Air section of Los Angeles, home to celebrities and executives. The district has many expensive residences by the Bel Air Country Club and houses with views of the surrounding valley, according to belair-realestate.com. In addition to mansions, Bel Air has ranch-style properties. It is next door to the fourth-richest Zip Code, 90210. The predominant population in this the Bel Air area is elite couples and singles.

No. 5 Richest Zip Code: 94028

Location: Portola Valley, Calif.

No. households: 2,579

Average household income: $270,922

Average household net worth: $1,531,291

The town of Portola Valley is just west of Stanford University in a valley by the San Andreas Fault. It offers a trail system, scenic roads, open space, and natural views, according to the town. Elite couples and singles are the predominant inhabitants.

No. 4 Richest Zip Code: 90210

Location: Beverly Hills, Calif.

No. households: 9,245

Average household income: $278,757

Average household net worth: $1,504,166

This neighborhood near the foothills of the Santa Monica Mountains, made famous by the television series Beverly Hills, 90210, is dominated by opulent homes. Rodeo Drive, between Wilshire Boulevard and Sunset Boulevard, has an area of large houses referred to as the Flats, as well as a posh shopping district. Zillow.com estimates that in September, 90210′s median home value was $2,557,700. The area is adjacent to the sixth-richest Zip Code, 90077. The predominant residents of 90210 are executives and professionals in their 40s and 50s with no children.

No. 3 Richest Zip Code: 60043

Location: Kenilworth, Ill.

No. households: 810

Average household income: $323,588

Average household net worth: $1,558,833

The village of Kenilworth, about 17 miles from downtown Chicago and south of 60093, the No. 14 richest Zip Code, is the wealthiest area in the Midwest, according to Gadberry’s analysis. The average household income in this exclusive North Shore suburb is $323,588. Elite couples and singles are the predominant residents.

No. 2 Richest Zip Code: 11568

Location: Old Westbury, N.Y.

No. households: 1,047

Average household income: $282,981

Average household net worth: $1,547,866

On Long Island’s north shore, about 25 miles from Manhattan, Old Westbury is New York’s most affluent suburb, according to Gadberry Group. It is home to the Meadowbrook Polo Club, the country’s oldest polo field, and Old Westbury Gardens, built in 1906. The predominant group is elite couples and singles.

No. 1 Richest Zip Code: 33480

Location: Palm Beach, Fla.

No. households: 5,505

Average household income: $370,136

Average household net worth: $1,486,123

Glimpse of Florida lifestyle:)

The town of Palm Beach—in America’s richest Zip Code, 33480—is a 16-mile barrier island with the Atlantic Ocean on its eastern boundary and Lake Worth on the west. High-end shopping and dining establishments can be found on Worth Avenue, and the island provides polo, golf, tennis, yachting, and deep-sea fishing. The predominant group is executives and professionals in their 40s and 50s with no children. The median age, according to 2010 census data, was 67.5.

The way I see it, it does not matter where you live...what matters is that you enjoy yourself and always be at peace with yourself. Life is to be lived and to have fun doing it....Never become so much of an expert that you stop gaining expertise. View life as a continuous learning experience.

Life is the sum of all your choices....

until next time..

The Real Best Places to Retire in 2012...

2012-01-23T12:55:00.000-05:00

Retirement is wonderful. It's doing nothing without worrying about getting caught at it...

I just read this article about best places to retire and I was surprised to notice that it did not immediately stress states with warmer climate. They generally recommend fleeing the North and heading for the Sunbelt to places in the Carolinas, Florida, Arizona.

According to the author, hese articles rely on statistics such as the cost of living or winter temperatures. But they miss the most important thing--the human element. Here are the real best places to retire according to the author of the article:

Stay home. As we get older, moving, making new friends, and acclimatizing ourselves to new surroundings gets more difficult. Don't underestimate the value of your current community. Think long and hard before you cut those connections to go off to get a sunburn.

loves his birds

I really think there is a lot of validity in this. For instance using myself as an example, we live in Florida where the sun shines almost forever, but all my family lives elsewhere. Sometimes just getting together becomes difficult, what with coordinating schedules and the sort. We love our life, but ocassionally I long for having my family closer. Miss my sisters and families and my parents.

Move near your children. According to the author, his brother-in-law spent most of his career working around Pittsburgh, Pa. After he retired, he and his wife gathered together all the brochures and ultimately decided to move to Massachusetts. Their daughter lives outside of Boston and their son is in Rhode Island. They moved from a four-bedroom suburban home to a two-bedroom bungalow in their daughter's town. Their yard is smaller, just right for Grandpa to keep an eye on the grand kids while he relaxes on the patio. They've met new friends through their daughter, and they love their new life, in an area often billed as cold and expensive.

I have no children, but I have lots of sisters, nieces, nephews and my parents scattered around and it would be very nice to just get in the car and drive over to one of their homes, or meet somewhere for a cup of coffee, just talk face to face...thery all live about a 12 hour plus drive. Arvid and I do the drive often, but not often enough.

Follow your friends. Friends are an important part of ones live. My best friends are also scattered around in different states. We do have a few good friends not far from home so this is always an enjoyable time spent together. Lots of laugh and fun. Friends sure have a way of making life enjoyable.

Move back home. Sometimes you live most of your life in a place that's not really home. All of a sudden tragedy or some uncertainty strikes. I know the feeling because I lived these circumstances. There was a time I lived in beautiful sunny California. Life was beautiful. I had all I could want and I was happy. All my family lived far away. At the time this was OK. Suddenly without any notice (always this way) I find myself a widow. What seemed like the perfect place before no longer was. I wanted to go away from the memories, and the pain. I needed my family and to be surrounded by the familiar feeling of home...for me the choice was simple. Just remember everyone, no matter where you end up in retirement, remember that relationships are more important than the weather. The warmest climate can be found amidst the safety and security of family and friends.

Basically Arvid and I are kinda retired, but I have to say we cannot sit still and are constantly on the move. We have to always be doing something or life would be just plan boring otherwise....Don't simply retire from something; have something to retire to that's our motto.

Other things may change us, but we start and end with family, There is no doubt that it is around the family and the home that all the greatest virtues, the most dominating virtues of human society, are created, strengthened and maintained...

until next time...

Kitty Wisdom...

2012-01-22T19:38:00.000-05:00

You know who's not happy with their lives,when their busy discussing yours..

I just could not resit this kitty and his message.

People by nature love to poke their nose in other’s affairs. Most of the people are more concerned with what others do, what his neighbor does for a living, what car he drives, why he is sad, or why he is happy. They just don’t want to mind their own business only. Kitty is so right.,, the less you tell the better off you are and happier also. Another good rule to live by...

He seems pretty contented with his fat stomach and many secrets he holds...

Honey, if it ain't your tail, don't wag it...

until next time...

Picture Of The Day...

2012-01-20T18:03:00.000-05:00

Good friends are like stars.... You don't always see them, but you know they are always there...

In this amazing moment, a lizard springs into action to grab his cohort by the arm and save him from falling off their perch. Such a simple action, but what an amazing story it tells. I'll be there when you need me....Have a good weekend everyone and remember what they say practice random acts of kindness and senseless acts of beauty, that's what life is all about...

true friendship isn't about being there when it's convenient; it's about being there when it's not...

until next time..

10 Most Expensive Places to Visit....

2012-01-19T15:38:00.000-05:00

A good vacation is over when you begin to yearn for your work. A vacation is like love - anticipated with pleasure, experienced with discomfort, and remembered with nostalgia.

Thanks to the struggling economy, the word "vacation" has become taboo in all honesty, there are some cities that are, in one word, expensive. Suggestion: it is always a good idea to be prepared before planning a vacation, do some research, find out which favorite destination of yours will require more of your hard earned money. Planning ahead can sometimes save you a lot of unpleasant surprises. Based on the Prices and Earnings report, here are the 10 cities most likely to devour your travel budget.

10. Singapore

Average Hotel Price: $204 per night
While the U.S. and Europe are battling an economic crisis, Singapore is flying high. This destination in southern Asia -- which was ranked No. 24 back in 2009 -- snags 10th place on the current list of most expensive places. This steep price climb correlates with the increasing strength of the Singapore dollar. Although you can still find cheap eats and the occasional bargain hotel, don't expect that to last.

9. Toronto, Canada Beautiful, clean and with the gorgeous Niagara Falls. Awesome place, plus my aunts, uncles and cousins live there. So did my grandmother.
Average Hotel Price: $133 per night
It used to be the case that Americans living near the northern border would hightail to Canada to take advantage of the favorable exchange rate, but over the past few years, the tables have turned. Now that the Canadian dollar is roughly on par with our greenback, Canada's price tags have become increasingly cringe-worthy. Toronto is an excellent example: Since 2009, the metropolis has climbed from No. 31 to No. 9 on the Prices and Earnings report's list of the most expensive cities.

8.Helsinki, Finland
Average Hotel Price: $163 per night
So far, Helsinki has remained relatively untouched by Europe's economic crisis, clocking in at No. 8 on the Prices and Earnings report's list of pricey places.

7.Sydney, Australia
Average Hotel Price: $172 per night
In 2009, Sydney was ranked 38th. Since then, the city has skyrocketed to seventh place, and that's due in part to the Australian dollar's steady rise in worth. Although the Aussie dollar is relatively on par with our own, Sydney's currency has strengthened while the greenback has struggled.

6. Tokyo, Japan
Average Hotel Price: $163 per night

The bright lights of Tokyo come with shiny price tags. Like Singapore, Japan has weathered the global economic crisis fairly well -- in two years, it's fallen only one spot on the Prices and Earnings report. Although visitors can find plenty of ways to fill their bellies with affordable local cuisine, a convenient hotel will consume a good chunk of money.

5. Stockholm, Sweden So far my favorite city of all Europe. A must for anyone interested in a beautiful European city. Would not mind going back.

Average Hotel Price: $190 per night
Unlike its neighbor, Finland, Sweden has trumped Europe's recession. Stockholm's strong economy has not only allowed the country to weather the storm, but also to rise from the No. 16 spot in 2009 to fifth place Bargain travelers beware: Sticker-shock is a common side effect of a Stockholm vacation, while the unfavorable exchange rate only fuels the fire.

4. Copenhagen, Denmark We had a very nice time here during one of our summers. What I remember the most was the cost of a cup of coffee at the airport. Super expensive. Loved the city and the shopping was something else.
Average Hotel Price: $174 per night
Like Helsinki, Copenhagen's price levels haven't been affected by the European recession. Prices and Earnings most recent report shows that Denmark's capital dropped only one place. So while you may find this city's antique shops, intimate restaurants and cozy coffee bars comforting, your wallet sure won't. Travelers will find rates at their highest during the summer months when the weather is ideal for sightseeing. Discounts can be had in winter, but make sure to bundle up.

3. Geneva, Switzerland
Average Hotel Price: $268 per night

Switzerland seems to be vanquishing the Eurozone crisis, with Geneva bumping Copenhagen from the No. 3 spot in the past two years. Unlike the Euro, the Swiss Franc has remained a strong currency throughout the recession, and the city's residents benefit from their country's high wages. In fact, according to the Prices and Earnings report, Switzerland doles out the bulkiest paychecks in the world; Geneva's price tags reflect the residents' hefty buying power.

2. Zürich, Switzerland Arvid and I were here many years ago, from what I recall it was very cold. We were there during the winter.
Average Hotel Price: $224 per night
Zürich's residents also welcome Switzerland's generous salaries, surpassing Geneva by a few points on the expensive meter. Unfortunately for travelers, Zürich doesn't offer as many opportunities to nab deals. Prices jump during the summer as people pour in to savor the comfortable temperatures and enjoyable activities on Lake Zürich. During the winter, there's not much of a price break, as snowy weather draws skiers to the nearby Alps. Rates slump briefly in spring and fall, but not by much.

1. Oslo, Norway This is a must for us every summer. My favorite place in all of Norway.
Average Hotel Price: $169 per night
Oslo's prices may be staggeringly high, but at least they're consistent. Norway's capital has held on to the No. 1 spot on the UBS Prices and Earnings report's most expensive list since 2006. And it's not just hotels that will gouge travelers' pockets: In 2009, the New York Times noted that a bottle of water costs roughly $6 USD. Money-saving tactics -- like visiting in July or August when most residents are on vacation -- do little to curb the expense of an Oslo trip.

Vacation used to be a luxury, but in today's world it has become a necessity...When preparing to travel, lay out all your clothes and all your money. Then take half the clothes and twice the money...

until next time...

Live For Today....

2012-01-17T17:20:00.000-05:00

Life is too short to start your day with broken pieces of yesterday, it will definitely destroy your wonderful today and ruin your great tomorrow....

If I allowed myself to dwell on the past, life would be so miserable and so unfulfilled, that's why I try my best to always look for the positive in people and in situations. I try to not dwell in the past, but to concentrate on the present moment. As it has been said, the past is behind, learn from it. The future is ahead, prepare for it. The present is here, live it.

Sometimes you have to forget what's gone, appreciate what still remains, and look forward to what's coming next. Forgiveness does not change the past, but it does enlarge the future...

When the past calls, let it go to voicemail. It has nothing new to say...

until next time...

Just For Fun....

2012-01-16T14:55:00.000-05:00

Glamour cannot exist without personal social envy being a common and widespread emotion....

Hollywood, known for its beautiful people and glamorous lifestyle. As it's been said before, "Hollywood is a place where they'll pay you a thousand dollars for a kiss and fifty cents for your soul" They say that in Hollywood you can see things at night that are fast enough to be in the Olympics in the day time.

Last night was 2012 Golden Globe Awards: Did Anyone Care? I sure did not, but it was interesting to see the dresses the stars wore. If you want to see the entire ensemble check out the link: Best and Worst Dresses of 2012 Golden Globe Awards

I love Los Angeles. I love Hollywood. They're beautiful. Everybody's plastic, but I love plastic. I want to be plastic....

until next time...

Why Children Need A Pet....

2012-01-14T17:47:00.000-05:00

Animals are such agreeable friends - they ask no questions; they pass no criticisms...

Animals are such wonderful creatures. For all of us who are lucky and fortunate to have a pet in our lives let us always remember to cherish and take great care of our little buddies. They bring us so much joy and all they ask in return is just love and affection. Just with that you will have a friend and companion for life. Here are some very powerful reasons why kids should have a pet~

To have a staring contest with

To keep them from rolling off the couch

To use as a couch pillow

To make sure Mom gets their good side even when they are sleeping

To listen to them read a funny story

To clean their face off so Mom doesn’t have to
To have someone to yell at the neighbor’s cat with
To use as a blanket when theirs is in the wash

To use as a warm pillow

To hold their binky for them while they sleep

….and most important

to thank Jesus for each other!

our best friend, Brutus

I received this email/forward from a friend. The pictures say it all... Until one has experienced the friendship, love and devotion of an animal one has not really lived a full and complete life. At least I think so. From the time I was a little girl we always had a pet at home. As I grew into my own I continued having pets. Today our life is so much better with Brutus in it. I would never wish to live a life without our Brutus. He makes everything so much fun.

A dog has lots of friends because he wags his tail and not his tongue...

I love cats because I enjoy my home; and little by little, they become its visible soul...

until next time...

Friday The 13th....

2012-01-13T09:27:00.000-05:00

It's Friday the 13th. Just warning you all before you make any weekend arrangements for wood cabins by the lake.....

For those who believe in supersticion...be careful today and watch your every step. Have a great Friday The 13th all:))

Friday the 13th is an American Horror Franchise that comprises twelve slasher films, a television show, novels, comic books, and tie‑in merchandise. The franchise mainly focuses on the fictional characterJason Voorhees, who drowned as a boy at Camp Crystal Lake due to the negligence of the camp staff. Decades later, the lake is rumored to be "cursed" and is the setting for a series of mass murders. Jason is featured in all of the films, as either the killer or the motivation for the killings. The original film was written by Victor Miller and was produced and directed by Sean S. Cunningham. However, neither returned to write or direct any of the sequels. The films have grossed over $465 million at the box-office worldwide.

Although the films were not popular with critics, Friday the 13th is considered one of the most successful media franchises in America—not only for the success of the films, but also because of the extensive merchandising and repeated references to the series in popular culture. The franchise′s popularity has generated a fanbase who have created their own Friday the 13th films, fashioned replica Jason Voorhees costumes, and tattooed their bodies with Friday the 13th artwork. Jason′s hockey mask has even become one of the most recognizable images in popular culture. Have a good weekend all!

Its Friday the 13th. This simply means that most of my children will blame witchcraft for their regular stupidity.

until next time..