Happy Baby, Happy Day...

Sometimes the things you are most afraid of
are the things that make you the happiest...

Nothing makes me happier than when Brutus is happy.  Today he had a very good day.

Woke up happy and playful wanting to be brushed and chased all over the place.

He also did a lot of chasing himself with his new catnip mouse.

After about an hour he was all worn out and ready to take his first of many naps.

Arvid was busy running around as usual, while I decided to go and do a few of 

the many chores I had awaiting me.  Good day for all of us, until Arvid said to me,

"you're looking a little wild you know"  I knew it was time for a haircut.

Since I only get a cut once every 3 months, I always try to make time to see my 

girlfriend and to check out what's new on Las Olas.  Truth there is always

something new going on.  Needless to say I had a really good time.

Still a little windy the last few days, but temperature wise it's beautiful.

The day was cool and it felt really good to have nice fresh air coming in

rather than having the AC blowing cold air on us, and it's Friday!!

As Arvid says, "the beer is always cold"

Happy Friday Everyone!!

Happiness is when you feel good about yourself
without having the need for anyone's approval...

~Nadiya~

Hello Hello...

Every girl has her best friend, boyfriend and true love.

But you are really lucky if they're all the same person...

Beautiful sunsets everywhere you look.
  Yesterday this was taken from the entrance of our condo.

As we were carrying in the groceries, I just had to stop and

get a picture.  Of course Arvid could not understand why.  He was, "why can't 

we just get the groceries in?"  He is not that into pictures.  As I have always 

mentioned, whenever I try to take his picture, he turns away or blocks me.

Does not mean that I don't get a few.  The other day I told him I posted

a picture of him on FB; he was extremely upset.  Told me to take it

right down.  Says that the are just for us and he does not wish to broadcast 

anything to the world.  Guess I have to do as he says...soon.

Yesterday was not such a good day for Brutus.  He woke up feeling sick and

puked and puked.  We both got up with him.  Very worried and hoping

nothing was really wrong.  By the end of the day he seemed better.

Brutus woke us up around 4:40 am with his puking.   It was funny

because I saw Arvid go on his knees looking for puke to clean up.  Remember,

Arvid is not a morning person, so it was pretty interesting to see him on his

knees scrubbing and scrubbing because as he says, "dammit, not the 

place is going to smell and the tiles will be ruined."  I just looked at him,

ignored his ranting and made sure Brutus was doing OK.  In all of his ranting, Arvid

made time to speak gently to Brutus, to pet him, to pick him up and comfort him.

Now what could be better?  The man is a maniac, but he is a kind maniac.

Brutus is back to "normal" today.  Life is always looking
good when he is happy.

Sometimes you will never know the true value
of a moment until it becomes a memory...

~Nadiya~

Quote Of The Day...

Nowadays people know the price of everything and the value of nothing...

Every so often we can all use a few words of wisdom.

Before you speak think.

T is it true?

      H is it helpful?

                               I does it inspire confidence?

           N is it necessary?

  K is it kind?

The saying goes, "never put both feet in your mouth

at the same time, you won't have a leg to stand on"

Remember that next time...
It only takes one negative comment to kill a dream.

~Nadiya~

One Of A Kind...

Being one of a kind makes you that much more special, 
being a copy of the next person make you even easier to replace...

We live in Florida where the temperatures are always warm and the pool is 

even warmer.  Every October the heater is turned on for those who still feel

that chill at temperatures of high 80's and 90's.

Yesterday was a quiet day here at home.  Being a Federal Holiday most people

were either visiting family or some other place.  That place was not

by the pool.  This being the case Arvid asked me if I would like to try 

it out for the first time since we have been living here.

We have now been living here over a year and a half.

For us it is not just a matter of, "let's go to the pool"  Nope.  We mainly

Arvid, has to go down, check and see if anyone is around.  As you can see no one,

not a soul was there.  That was already good.  Next thing he does is test/feel the water.

Which he did and decided it was a little too cold for us.  That's was fine

with me also, because like Arvid I like it very warm, especially as you can notice
it was fairly windy.  Gets pretty chilly as you step out of the water.

Well for sure it was not the day for us to try out the pool, but we are getting closer
than ever.  At least we got close enough to realize that we may want to go in.
That by itself is a very good start.

Tuesday morning already.  I can't believe how fast time is
flying by.  Soon the year is almost over.  For now good morning friends.
Remember, be good and you will be happy.

I'm one of a kind, and so are you, 
so don't judge me, until you've walked in my shoes...

~Nadiya~

That's How It Is....

Happiness comes when we stop complaining about 

 the troubles we have and offer thanks

for all the troubles we don't have...

Unfortunately, no one wants to hear you complain day in day out about

how horrible the world is or how miserable your life is.

People actually prefer to think that everything is OK.  That way

there is never any guilt about them not doing anything.

As you you know, anywhere you go someone is bound to ask, "how are you today?"

How is your day?" and so forth.  Be it at the grocery store, the sales girl at

the mall, the neighbor...you get the picture.  Everyone has this standard answer,

"I'm all right.  Everything is good."  One day I decided to put it to the test.

The grocery girl asked the question, "how are you today?"  I looked at her

and I really told her how I really was.  Some was made up to see the reaction.

Needless to say, she looked very uncomfortable with me spilling my guts.

Have to say no one wants to know how you really are.  The question is merely a 

formality and the expected answer is, "all is good."  Anything else is just

way too much information.  Same with families.  

They do want to know how you are, and how you're doing, but up to a point.  

Take Arvid for instance, he always says to me, "the less I know the better off I am." 

 Maybe he has a point.  But for now, next time someone asks "how are you?", 

most likely what they are expecting to hear is, "I'm fine."

Monday and I'm ready for the week.

How about you?  Enjoy the day and the week that follows.

Remember, being happy or being miserable is what separates most people.

Happy are they who take life day by day

complain very little, and are thankful

for the little things in life.

It would certainly make my week a lot better 

if I was off work every Monday.

somebody needs to make this happen...

~Nadiya~

Our Anniversary..

I love you not because of anything you have,

but because of something I feel when I am near you.

Grow old with me.  The best is yet to come...

Thirteen years ago I met Arvid. I will never forget the day. I saw a tall handsome man 

smiling at me and I think I fell in love right away.  His voice, his laughter and his smile 

were the first things that made me realize he was the one.  Arvid is unique and that 

says a lot all by itself.

Twelve years ago today we were married and though we have had a few bumpy moments, 

quite a few actually; nothing would make me change the life we have.  Arvid believe it or

 not, is one of the most romantic men I know.  More romantic than me in many ways.

  He never forgets an important date in our life and always surprises me with
little details.   I think these are the times I love him even more.

He makes me laugh when I don't want to.  He takes me places where I never imagined 

going and he tells me the most wonderful things any woman would love to hear.  

The difference is that with Arvid everything he says is because he means it.  

When he tells me that he wants forever with Brutus and I, I know that I am one

 of the luckiest persons in the world.  His eyes light up and I see love.  

Through the years 

As for me, I adore him.  He is the one I look forward to spending forever with as well. 

 Watching Arvid with Brutus makes me realize that what we have is not so common. 

 We are lucky and we know it.  We appreciate what we have and we always promise 

to never take each other for granted.

I love you Arvid  Hvidsten.  When you came into my life I never thought I was ever 

going to fall in love again.  I was sad.  I was hurting and you changed all of that. 

 For me it will always be you.  Brutus and I love you with all our hears and 

we promise to always be here with you.

He has a way with words I would have never believed.  I always 

(maybe wrongfully), thought that woman were the romantics in relationship,  

but everyday he proves me wrong and I adore him for this.

 Arvid is my second chance in life. 

 One that was unexpected, 

unplanned and totally 

AWESOME!  

I know that the best is yet to come,
but between us....
everyday is that day

I Love You. That's my secret. No hearts, no pretty drawings. 

No poems or cryptic messages...

I Love You...

~Nadiya~

What Money Can't Buy...

Money and Success don't change people, 

they merely amplify what is already there...

I will be the first to say that I know money does not buy happiness, but I also

know that it is helpful in making one have a good life and to be able to do things.

That being said, there are lots of things money sure can't buy as you can see

from the above list.  For me money cannot buy the smile I see in Lilly Vade 

every time she sees you.  The joy I feel every time I see one of my family.

Hearing Riley, Sachin, Reshma, Max, Danielle, JC, Kimsy. Gabsy and 

Lilly Vade say I love you auntie is worth more to me than anything in this world.
Soon Aleah will be added in the mix.  Yes, can't wait!

Seeing Arvid smile at Brutus and I is priceless and hearing him say

"I love you Brutus" is the best feeling I can experience.

It's another windy day, but I know it's going to be great.
Yesterday was pretty awesome.  Of course I was at the dentists' office by
8am.  Girl had made a mistake.  My appointment was at 9pm.  Still was OK.

Maybe a soccer game later today?  For sure some cleaning.  That is always a given,
but for now time to enjoy some peace and quiet and my morning cafe with Brutus!

Hello world!

Wake up and smell the roses,
 it's a beautiful day!

~Nadiya~

Friday...

Friday brings the smell of weekend,

Relaxation from daily works,

So be happy and keep smiling...

Hello everyone.  Are you all ready for the weekend?  Brutus and I 

were awake early to see the sunrise.  Arvid was still sound asleep.  Peaceful and quiet.

After a few windy days it is now back to being calm here.  For sure Brutus is

much happier.  He is afraid of just about all noises and the sound 

of the wind howling is just one of the many sounds he is afraid of.

As of right now, the weekend is still open for suggestions.

Today I promised Arvid to take him out to lunch at a favorite place of his.

He's in the mood for German food, mainly wiener schnitzel.  Can't say

it's a favorite of mine, but there is always chicken.  I seem to eat chicken

no matter where we go with the exception of Kaluz, where we will

be going this weekend with some friends.   The last time we were there

I discovered some very delicious chicken they serve as an appetizer.  

It's called chicken drum lollipop.  I believe this is now going to become my
 favorite. Not to mention the mojito.  Am already thinking of it.

Right now first thinks first.  For starters, my cafe and some bonding/playtime 

with Brutus.  Then it's his medicine.  Also early this morning as in 8am I had

a dental appointment.  Dentists are not my favorite people.  Nothing to do with 

the person it's just the idea of drilling in my mouth.  Today thankfully it

was not painful.  Now to make breakfast and take care of some business.

Oh yes!  It's starting to look like weekend here already. Somewhere in the
weekend there is always a soccer match for Arvid. Maybe, I can then take a little
 trip to the mall and see if I can manage to snag me a little something sparkly.

Wishing everyone a good day.
Remember spend a little more time trying to make something
 of yourself and a little less time trying to impress people.

You may not always end up where you thought you were going,
but you will always end up where you were meant to be...

~Nadiya~

A Fall Favorite...

Hoodies, bonfires, cuddling, flavorful cocktails,

fall is here...

Is there such thing as a healthy cocktail? I believe cocktails don’t have to be unhealthy,

 and with the right combination of ingredients, you can actually enjoy a slimming 

cocktail that is bursting with flavor. With the excitement of fall holiday parties

Tangerine-Pomegranate Cider:

7 cups apple cider

1 1/2 cups fresh tangerine juice

1 cup pomegranate juice

2 (3 inch) cinnamon sticks

1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1/2 teaspoon ground cloves

tangerine, slices

Directions:

In a large stockpot combine the cider, tangerine juice, pomegranate juice, 

cinnamon sticks, nutmeg and cloves. Place over medium-high heat and bring 

to a simmer; simmer gently for 30 minutes.

Remove the cinnamon sticks, ladle into mugs and

 garnish with tangerine slices. Serve hot.

Total Time: 30 mins
Prep Time: 0 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins

This nonalcoholic mixture screams fall with a mixture of 

fruit juices, cinnamon, and spices.  Can be served cold or warm.

Choice is all yours.  If you fell you would like a more "adult" taste

spice it up with one of your favorite Smirnoff flavors of alcohol.  

Cheers, and enjoy the life you are given.

Life starts all over again when it gets crisp inn fall.
Cool air, fun changing colors and fun Smirnoff flavors...

~Nadiya~

Brutus..

I've learned to use meditation and relaxation to handle stress.

Just kidding, I'm on my third glass of wine....

Just when we think Brutus is doing "OK" something happens and throws us into a spin 

all over again.  As far as the paw goes, nothing has changed.  Still the same on and off 

situation as always. This is something we sooner or later may have to accept as unsolvable.

As for now, we are still hoping that another veterinarian may catch on to something.

For that reason, I have decided to take him eventually to another doctor.

What's bothering and stressing us right now is not the paw.  Suddenly that 

has taken second place. It has now been almost 7 days since Brutus has used the 

litter pan and drank water the way he should.  To get him to drink both Arvid 

and I have been doing just about everything.  Why he stopped is a mystery to us.

To compensate for this lack of drinking I have started to give him water with a 

syringe.  7 to 8 squirts at a time.  He hates it, but somehow I have managed

to do it so far.  I only noticed the drastic change on Friday evening.  Of 

course the first thing I wanted to do was take him to the vet, unfortunately

the weekend is not the best for that.  I just could not understand either why 

he was not going to the litter.  Suddenly it dawned to me.  I changed the 

litter.  Instead of buying unscented, I bought the same brand, but with a scent.
Cats, just like many humans hate changes.

Sometimes I start thinking that stress really never ends.  

It just changes shape.

I would like to say thank you for
all the kind people/friends who have been wishing Brutus a
speedy recovery.  Brutus has his own page Brutus FB
and it's very touching to see how kind everyone is/has been
with him through all these difficult times.  We are grateful for you kindness.

Any change, even a change for the better, 
is always accompanied by drawbacks and discomforts...

~Nadiya~

Best Friends...

Hold a true friend and don't let go,

for a true friend comes once in a lifetime...

When it comes to having a best friends, there is no right or wrong.

Best friends can be another human being or your best friend can

an animal.  In this case man's best friend is his lion, Sirga.

I saw this online and as usual anything to do with animals always

touches me deeply.  Here you can see the progression of that

bond-love-friendship between these two.

Sometimes words are just not needed when love is just everywhere

around us.  Nothing more touching than seeing the bond between man and beast.

You can read all about their touching story here:

Sirga

Look into Sirga's eyes and tell me that you don't see love.

Seeing these pictures guarantees that the day is going to be a good one.

Makes me feel all warm and fuzzy and makes me appreciate all the good friends

in my life.  Makes me realize how lucky we are to have Brutus in our life.

With our Brutus, life is always happy and he brings to us

peace, tranquility and love.  All day everyday.

Wishing you all love in your life and lasting friendships.
Good morning friends.  It's time for my cafe...

Don't walk behind me; I may not lead. 

Don't walk in front of me; I may not follow. 

Just walk beside me and be my friend..

~Nadiya~

New Week.. New Start...

Rise up, start fresh

see the bright opportunity in each new day...

A few windy days, but the weather is just getting nicer and nicer.

The last few days were just very nice to be out on the balcony and watch

the boats go by.  I mean huge boats.. all because of the boat show that

has been going on.  Today is the last day.

The other night as we were coming home from listening to music,

there were quite a few boats passing by the pool area.  Of course I had 

to check them out.  Another week and this one so far looks much more
relaxing than the last few.  Still having a few issues with Brutus' paw.
Debating if to take him to another doctor or wait until he has another big flare up.

Right now he is sound asleep, so for now will not disturb him.

Wishing you all a good day.
Remember, each day holds possibilities for great discoveries and hidden joys.

Each day is a new beginning.
Stay away from what might have been 
and look at what can be...

~Nadiya~

One Of A Kind...

It is not the strongest of the species that survives,

 nor the most intelligent that survives.

 It is the one that is the most adaptable to change...

Every so often Arvid gets into one of these crazy moods of his.  The latest is his

 getting raid of everything plastic we own.  For the longest time, and this is since I 

have known him; he only wanted to drink in plastic glasses.  That being the case 

I bought some very sturdy and nice glasses from a store called Frontgate in North Carolina.

  He loved them and was always using them.  I also bought storage containers. 

 Lots of them so that when they look not so good I throw them away and replace 

with new ones, just like everyone.  Nothing extraordinary here.

Recently Arvid saw something on the news on TV.  Next morning he started throwing

 all our plastic glasses and containers away. Everything plastic has to go.  That's how
he put it. I who never drink in plastic was kind of  amazed because I have been trying to
do this for the longest time, but he was always fiercely opposed to it.  Needless
to say I was happy.  I thanked whatever was in the news for this.

Casually I asked him what was it that caused this reaction.  This is what he said.
 EPA.  That is all he says now.  EPA= Environmental Protection Agency.

 Says he has to protect Brutus and I from any dangers lurking around the corner.  

Said his mission in life is to watch over us even if we don't seem to care.  On 

and on he rambled on about the dangers of plastic.  Without hesitation is threw all

 our plastic away well almost all.  I then told him he now has to replace all the containers.  

That he did without hesitation because as he said, "we will live longer"  I asked him, "do you
know what EPA stands for?"  He looks at me and says, "nope, but I know it's bad."

The man is a maniac at times, but the best of maniacs.  The other day he was fixing
something. It did not work.  He swears it was manufactured badly.  What does he do?
 He takes a hammer and  bangs it to death.  Now it really did not work. Next thing I
know he's cursing like crazy, in Norwegian of course.  Then he finds a file and starts
 filing the steel that he  damaged while banging it with a hammer.

I sit and I watch him make more work for himself.  I know at that moment the best thing
to do is just stay quiet.  Hard for me to do.  Of course when I talk he goes berserk 

again and says that I make him lose concentration.   Both Brutus and I look at

 him and just roll our eyes.  At times like this he says I talk too much and then
claims that if I did not talk so much he would not have to do all this extra work.
Says because of me he can't concentrate and that's why it did not turn out right.

The thing is when he is in this mood, he's furious but I find it very amusing.  This of 

course does not sit well with him.  Like right now, he's trying to concentrate and 

I'm talking to him.  Not good.  Guess there are times when silence is the way to go.

Arvid is a one of a kind man.  Whichever way you understand that, you're probably 

not wrong.  The thing about me is that I don't ever agree with his methods of
doing stuff.  I always believe there is a better and more efficient way of
working, so we constantly clash.  Have to say though whatever it is we are doing
always gets done.  One thing about Arvid he NEVER gives up.  He is not
a quitter and I love him so.. I still don't think he knows what EPA really is :)

Have a great Sunday and remember sometimes too much
knowledge is just as bad as not enough knowledge.

If I was an artist, you would be my picture! 
If I was a poet, you would be my inspiration! 
If I was a river, you would be my ocean! 
If I was a Doctor, you would be my permanent patient!
 If I was an author, you would be my story!

~Nadiya~

Daylight Savings Time...

I don't mind going back to daylight saving time. 

With inflation, the hour will be the only thing I've saved all year...

Even though we are all grown and have been away from home for so very long,

my parents still see us all as their little girls.  Every year we get a call from my mom.

She says it's just a little reminder just in case we forgot to switch our clocks.

Do you know that there have been times when it sure has happened.

For one of my sisters it has happened quite often.  Now it's a big 

joke among us.  We all call her, text her and email her reminding

her to set her clocks at home.  Now a tradition.

Here in Florida it has been a few weeks no that by 6pm it is already very dark.

Arvid says that this is not his favorite time of the year because the days are

too short and he can't get as many things done as before.  Sure he is wrong

because the man never stops.  Not sure what he does, but he does it well.

A little music last night so right now a bit

slower, at least Arvid is.

Saturday morning.

Looking beautiful and that's a sure

indication that the day will be just as good.

Good day to visit with friends.

Don't forget it's daylight savings time. You spring forward, 
then you fall back. It's like Robert Downey Jr. getting out of bed...

~Nadiya~

Fort Lauderdale Boat Show..

It's not the ship so much as the skillful sailing

that assures the prosperous voyage...

Fort Lauderdale, Florida, the "Yachting Capital of the World" will host the 54th 

Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show on October 31-Nov 4, 2013. Show exhibits 

range from yacht builders and designers to exotic cars and brokerage yachts. 

The boat show opened up yesterday to lots of rain in the morning.

Did not seem like the best way to start, but in less than an 

hour the skies where clear and blue again.  Seems like

this year, unlike last year the rain might just stay away.

A wide variety of boats and sea vessels will be on display including runabouts, 

sport fishers, high performance boats, center consoles, cabin cruisers, flats boats,

 skiffs, express cruisers, sailing yachts, motor yachts, bow riders, catamarans, ski boats, 

jet boats, trawlers, inflatables, canoes, and extraordinary super yachts. 

Covering six locations and over 3 million square feet of space, the show's transportation

 network of bus shuttles,  water taxis, and riverboats ensures attendees can easily

 navigate the boat show and its expansive waterways system.

Arvid and I usually go to the boat show because it's fun and interesting

to see all the gorgeous boats and cool stuff on display.  this year however,

I don't think we will be going.  Though it's great, like everything if you've

seen it a few times, then you've seen it enough.  Now for boat people this 

is what they have been looking forward to all year long.

If you wish to have a day filled with sunshine and to see mega luxury yachts,

then you have to go.  There is usually live music in the afternoons, food and 

many bars serving all sorts of drinks.  It makes for a very good outing.

It's Friday so let's get the weekend started right!

Yes, I'm happy.

Happiness is when you feel good about yourself

without feeling the need for anyone else's approval...

~Nadiya