Monday November 11th~

We often take for granted the very 

things that most deserve our gratitude...

The new week begins and it's a good one.  Always 

good to see mom and dad. They gave everything to us, 

all I want to do is give back. There has been afternoon 

walks and when I get to see the sun setting, even better.

Definitely what everyone refers to as "Paradise"  Living it right here.

The other day I fed the birds again.  This time a 

little woodpecker showed up as well.  Made me think 

of Branson and how much I really miss it.  All I can

 say is that Branson left an impact on both of us.

Yesterday was another good day.  Mom and dad are 

in Florida and will be staying at the house, hopefully 

one day permanently.  For now will take anything. 

 Just happy to have them here with us for a while.We 

met at the Boat House for dinner, then to the house.

Sniff has been catching up on much needed rest. 

 I mean yesterday he only slept 16 hours instead of his

 usual 20 to 21.  The lil' dude is exhausted and this being 

Monday all over again has got him even more so.

 

He who is brave is free.  America was not built on

 fear. America was built on courage, on imagination 

and an unbeatable determination to do the job at

 hand.  To all our veterans, Happy Veterans Day.

A grateful perspective brings happiness

 and abundance into a person's life...

~Nadiya~

Wednesday May 27th ~

I like rainy days, it reminds me that
 sometimes the world has sad days too...

As of right now the rain stopped for a little. 

 Rain or no rain we are still fortunate to see

 boats passing by. Keeps us busy ⛵

Yesterdays sunset was stunning.  The rain also cleared 

up for a little allowing the sun to peek out before setting. 

 After an hour or so the rain came calling again. 

 Sniff was back and forth hiding.  We also had 

thunder, lightning and some very harsh winds.

Not much happening.  We have not been able to 

go for our walks.  Too much rain.  Gym in our 

condo still not open.  It's no fun right now.

Today is looking a little better, rain is predicted in the
afternoon, hoping it will  not rain because it's been a while
now with no walking.  Never know what can happen.

 Looking at the skies right now, I an sure the rain
will not come.  We said the same  the last few days also 🤷

Hello Wednesday.  Please do not bring us more rain.

Even on a rainy day you can be someones 
sunshine.  Attitude is everything...

~Nadiya~

Making Memories ~

Perhaps love is like a resting place, a shelter
 from the storm. It exists to give you comfort, it is 
there to keep you warm, and in those times
 of trouble when you are most alone, the
 memory of love will bring you home...

This picture melts my heart, and it always will.

Mom and dad have been together over 50 years, and
are still going strong.  They take care of each other,

 and cherish each other every moment they have.

Just seeing this picture makes me happy, and sad

 at the same time.  Sad because soon they will be leaving.
Happy because I had had so many wonderful times on this trip
with them. The time we always have together are memories no
 one can ever take from me.  For that I am always grateful.

I will be seeing them again today, and just can't wait,

but first it's time to do a few things here at home. 
Now we look forward to seeing them in NC.

Sniff has already been taken care of, brushed, petted 

and fed, and I have noticed that he is not eating like he

 usually does.  Of course I worry.  When it comes to 

Sniff everything that's not right makes me worry.

Wishing everyone a a magical day.
 The best thing about memories is making them.

It's easier to die when you have lived, than 
it is to die when you haven't. So I say to all young people, 
go make memories; beautiful memories. Because when 
the time comes to go, you won't go alone...

~Nadiya~

Thursday December 12th ~

Unless you have bad times, you can't appreciate the 

good times. Good times become good memories 

and bad times become good lessons in life...

Another pretty Christmas decoration on Las Olas. 

 No matter how many times we go, I always have to 

take a picture of a decoration.  These Christmas 

balls decorate the trees on Las Olas Blvd.

We also get to see a few of the boats passing 

by our balcony, already prettily decorated and just 

waiting to be in the boat parade on Saturday.

We are having warmer than usual temperatures, 

whereas most of the nation and other countries are 

experiencing extreme cold.  I am always grateful and 

thankful.  Arvid and I always make the most of it.

  One of our favorite times of the day is enjoying 

our tea on the balcony after breakfast.

Good morning everyone.  It's the start of another

 beautiful day.  Always remember that the difference 

between ordinary and extraordinary is that little extra.

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

else's life.  It's time to start living the life you've imagined... 

~Nadiya~

Happy Sunday ~

There is no hope unmingled with fear, no fear unmingled with hope.

Courage is not the absence of fear, but rather the judgment 

that something else is more important than fear...

Lately it's been too many people I actually know

 or know of who have been diagnosed with one form 

of cancer or another.  It does not matter who you

 are, what you have, CANCER spares no one. 

 The most recent was my former classmates 15 

year old daughter.  Just 15 and she died.  Cancer took

 her away from her daddy, mommy and all these who

 loved her.  Cancer robbed her of the chance to live.

It's already Sunday.  Soccer on later on in the day
so Arvid is happy.  Sniff as well because
he will be fast asleep on his dadas lap.

From our balcony we are fortunate to be able to
 watch some amazing sunsets.  yesterday's did not
disappoint.  I am happiest with the little things in life. 

Sunsets being one, and right now I look forward to
 some peaceful, quiet time with my coffee and Sniff.
  Arvid is still asleep.  Happy Sunday everyone.

Wake up every morning with the thought that
 something wonderful is about to happen. 
Sometimes your heart needs to accept what your
 mind already knows.  Good morning all...

~Nadiya~

A Day In The City ~

One's destination is never a place, 
but a new way of seeing things...

A day in Chicago.  Beautiful sights. No matter where
you go in the city, Trump Tower stands out.  That helicopter
flew right by our balcony.  They land on a building across from us.

Boats and the blue waters of the Lake Michigan.

Flowers in bloom, and a favorite shop of mine in sight.

The view from our balcony.  Pretty good one.

Sniff received a toy in the mail from my sister Rima. 
At first he was hesitant to play with it, but then Arvid started
 playing with the toy and Sniff follow suit.  At the end Arvid said,
 "seems like I like playing with it more than Sniff."

Have to say Arvid did play with it for a few minutes.
  Sniff did most of the watching. Too funny.

It's a beautiful day here today.  No rain and warmer.
 Perfect for an afternoon walk to the lake. Wishing
everyone a good day.  Happy Wednesday all.

I am fascinated by beautiful scenery and what 
we have here on this Earth.Some beautiful paths
 can't be discovered without getting lost...

~Nadiya~

2019 ~ Happy New Year~

You've done it before and you can do it now. 

See the positive possibilities. Redirect the substantial

 energy of your frustration and turn it into positive, 

effective, unstoppable determination...

2019 started with a positive vibe for us and I hope 

the same will be for all of you.  December 31st

 we enjoyed some of the day doing what we

 do best which is work hard then play hard.

 We brought in the New Year with our niece Danielle.  

Very relaxing and easy going.  Simple little things, 

but that's what we enjoy the most. Perfect.

As always on the 31st, 6pm Florida time we get a call from Norway.

Arvid's eldest daughter calls to wish us a Happy New Year. 

 With the time difference (6 hours ahead) it is already 

New Year in Norway. Some traditions are what makes 

life so beautiful and this one sure makes us happy.

 Like everyone, we are very positive that this will be a great

 year with lots to look forward to and lots happening,

always positive and things seem to fall in place.

Arvid, I and Sniff feel very fortunate for what we have

 been able to accomplish together and to know that together 

we can do just about anything we set on minds on.  

This is Sniff's 3rd New Year with us. I miss our Brutus everyday.

I think of Little shadow and it makes me sad, but now we

 have Sniff. He is precious.  He loves us and we love him. 

For myself I am an optimist - it does not seem to be much 

use being anything else.  As it's been said, every day may not

 be good, but there's something good in every day.

Wishing everyone the best of 2019. To my Almost Home 

family, I always think of you.  I hold each of you close to my heart, 

and because of you, I have become a better person.  Thank you 

again for the memories, the experiences and for opening my 

eyes even more to this thing called LIFE.

To 2019! Always bear in mind that your own resolution

 to succeed is more important than any other.

And now we welcome the new year. 
Full of things that have never been...

~Nadiya~

Happy Days ~

Learn to enjoy every minute of your life.

Be happy for this moment.  Happiness is a choice...

Arvid is a believer in a good breakfast to start his day well.

Arvid loves his "good" bread and is good cup of tea.

 That being said,  I always carry his bread anywhere we go, and I 

always bring a big teacup for him.  No matter where we go, 

I always take these 2 things for Arvid.  Makes him a happy

 man in the  mornings.  The bagels are mine.

Yesterday we went to Cape Eleuthera.  So far we have covered 

most of the island.  At least the places we used to frequent 

when we lived here.  Was very nice to check them out again.

I'm missing little Sniff and can't wait to see him.  To all a very good day.

The Holidays are here so let's be jolly and have a good time.

Arvid and I have been having some very relaxing days here.
So far we got to meet many of the people we knew.  The best
 part is that everyone recognized us and remembered us.

To all a very good morning.  Last night we were graced
with the most amazing sunset.  Stunning does not do
 it justice.  Island life is beautiful and so relaxing.

Life is like a roller coaster, live it, be happy, enjoy life.

What you feel inside reflects on your face.

 So be happy and positive all the time.

~Nadiya~

Back In Florida ~ Home Again

Life doesn't require that we be the best, only

that we try our best.  Sometimes we forget...

I had a great time in California visiting my sister and family. 

 Arvid and I had a few days together then he went back to Las Vegas 

for his meeting.  Worked out great.  He and I enjoyed San Diego together

 in a place called Gaslamp District.  It's the spot in San Diego.

We also checked out a very cool place called Little Italy in san Diego.

The music seems to follow us, for there was live music, and the

 place was rocking.  Arvid and I of course enjoyed the music,

 the crowd and a few adult beverages.  The weather in

 San Diego as ALWAYS perfect.  We had a great time.

Rima and George gave us the tour.  We drove almost 2 hours 

to Huntington Beach for dinner and to see the sunset at The Pier. 

 Well worth it.  Food was delicious and the sunset out of this world. 

 I love sunrises and sunsets and could have spent forever just 

looking at it.  Needless to say we had a great time.

Rima took me to a few places I have never been to.  

California has definitely changed since I last lived there.  

There is development just about everywhere.  

So much so it looks like a whole new place to me.  I enjoyed

 every moment I had with Rima and family.  I was also fortunate 

to see my friend Anna.  Rima made some amazing desserts for us. 

 Her cheesecake is the best I have every had.  Cheesecake Factory

 does not even compare to Rima's.  We also had Tres Leches, better

 than any Cuban Restaurant you will go to and some of her cakes.

 Needless to say extra pounds were packed on.   But so delicious.

I kook forward to seeing them every year.  Now that we 

are back to living in Florida it should be easier to go places. 

 The weirdest thing though is that I have suddenly 

discovered that I do not like flying that much.  

When we went to Norway this year the plane trip was scary.

  The plane bounced around a lot and it dropped suddenly.  

I'm not sure I would like to do that long trip again, 

but as Arvid said, "give it time."  I will.

To all a good day.  Sunny and beautiful right now.  The 

boats are just giving us an amazing show right now.

Our life is good and it will keep getting better...

~Nadiya~

New Week ~

A brand new week to live, laugh and give thanks 

for all the blessings.  Smile, love be happy....

As the new week begins we look forward to all things

 good happening.  I am super excited because we will be 

going to Las Vegas and California.  I like Las Vegas because

 I usually get to do a lot of things on my own, but 

when it comes to choosing Vegas or California, 

simple choice. I take California any day.  

We will be seeing my sister and family, and I will 

also be seeing one of my best friends, Anna.  Life 

brought Anna and I together under tragic circumstances,

but what kept us friends for over 20 plus years is

 a bond that not even distance can destroy.

I am still trying to figure out where to put the 

clothes I brought from home in Branson with me.  

As t is, my closet was already over stuffed.  Arvid's 

solution to everything is to throw them away.  

Maybe I will have to do that.  Guessing the cleaning 

lady will be getting a few bags of "stuff" in the days to 

come.  I don't mind because she also petsits Sniff,

 and takes really good care of him.  Win-win.

We had a good weekend doing things we used to do.
Was fun, and we even ventured out of our "comfort zone."

Good morning all.  It's Monday here.

  Time to sparkle and shine. Yay!

Always gotta keep busy or the voices start 

telling me to do wild things. When you're staying

 busy there is no room to be sad...

~Nadiya~

Life As We Knew It Begins ~

So many amazing opportunities arise when a chapter of our life ends.

 When we resign from a job that we weren't happy in, or even 

get fired, it's actually a blessing because a better experience

 is waiting to happen. It's all about perspective...

Everyone's definition of what's normal is different.  For us normal

 is the 3 of us back together.  Back in Florida.  It's home, but for 

me it seems as if I am starting a new chapter all over again.

After all we lived and experienced in Branson, it will take me 

a little while to get back into the life of being "retired"  For sure 

I have to find ways to stay busy and to keep my mind occupied.  

That's what I enjoyed in Branson.  I was busy and my

 mind did not have much time to "take off."

Sniff will definitely keep us entertained,

 and here in Fort Lauderdale there is definitely 

way more happening than in Branson.  

No comparison that's for sure, 

but for me Branson and the people

 I know will forever and always

hold a special place in my heart.

A good day to all.  Time to get back into our routines.  

To "new" beginnings once again.  Who knows what awaits 

us next, and that is always what drives us.

I have always been delighted at the prospect of a new day,

 a fresh try, one more start, with perhaps a bit of magic 

waiting somewhere behind the morning...

~Nadiya~

Relaxing Day ~

Hopefully, through all aspects of life, you learn from things 
you've got right, things you've got wrong, but I'm not one
 for looking back. I'm looking ahead; you've got to...

Been looking forward to this day for a week now.  

Happy days again.  Sniff and I woke up as usual early, watched

 the birds and had coffee time and brushing time together.
Also we’re happy Arvid is back home. Compete again.

Also I had lots of time to let my mind take me to places.
Many happy places, memories, and some not so happy
times.  Life.  No one ever said it was a bed of roses.

Soon Arvid will be awake and who knows how the day will pan

 out.  Hopefully today we will eat at home.  It's been 2 weeks

 of eating out everyday, so eating at home is a treat.

Many things to do in the weeks ahead of us.  For now,
we will just relax and enjoy our day together.

Wishing you all a happy day and peaceful times.

Looking back at our life's voyage, I can only say that it has been 
a golden trip, and it's not done as yet.  The voyage continues...

~Nadiya~

Sunday Vibes ~

Doing something positive will help turn your mood around. 

When you smile, your body relaxes. When you experience human

 touch and interaction, it eases tension in your body...

Since coming from Norway I thought it would be slow days

 for us.  Truth is we have been pretty busy so I have not

 had time to dwell too much on not being at Almost Home.  

When I think of everyone I then miss it very much. 

 Arvid and have been enjoying a lot of leisure time together.

  Long lunches, after hours, and drives around town checking out 

places we have not had time to visit before.

Also we are gearing up for yet another move.  Yes, before the 

winter gets here we will be heading back to Florida.  Since 

I do not have much to do I Branson anymore I welcome 

the move.  Something to keep me busy.

Little does Sniff know what is in store for him.  Though he 

was born i Florida, his home has been Branson and a few months 

we had in Chicago.  In Florida he will not be able to see the birds, 

squirrels, the falling leaves, and and all the things one has 

in a yard.  Definitely he will be missing all of that.

Back in Florida he will see boats, the water from the top 

of his condo, and he will hear the doggies and occasionally catch 

a glimpse of one.  For Sniff it will be a new adventure to discover

 his Florida home all over again.  For the few months he was there, 

he would smell Brutus and Shadow.  I wish I could smell them.

When the day comes I do not look forward to the plane trip with Sniff.

So far he as been a good traveller, just like Brutus.  Even so I don't

 like it.  Clearing security, Sniff is not as calm as Brutus was.

  He has to be taken out of his carrier.  He puts up a huge fight.

Sunday again.  Quiet day so far.  Soccer has begun.  Needless to say 

Arvid is a happy man.  Right now Liverpool is playing.  Happy indeed.

To all a good day and may you always live in interesting times.

It's a good idea always to do something relaxing prior

 to making an important decision in your life...

~Nadiya~