Hearts Everywhere...

Let us not be satisfied with just giving money. Money is not enough, money can be got, but they need your hearts to love them. So, spread your love everywhere you go. ...

My sisters are all a bit "wacky" in their own way which as far as I am concerned makes them special and gives them that uniqueness I adore.  Would not change that for anything in the world.  One minute we could be arguing like crazy next thing you know we are also laughing like crazy.  Hmmmm....guess that sort of makes me "wacky" also.  Nice!!

Now my sister Rima is a "special" case.   This girl is way "coco loco" a favorite expression of Arvid's for me.  Rima is creative like no one I know.  When she needs to get something done its done!

Just the other day she started seeing hearts in everything.  Yes everything.  From cookie dough to soap suds.  Coco Loco in spades, but man you gotta love her.

What does she do?  She creates a FaceBook page for Hearts.  Check out the link:

Heart You

Soon she has friends posting all the hearts they come across.  Most of it are things she/they come across while cooking, cleaning and just doing everyday regular daily chores.  Keeps them happy and sometimes it's a nice way to bring people together.  Guess now when Rima throws her next party everyone will be bursting with excitement to share their latest heart discovery.

Who says that to have a great time you have to go to exotic places or to spend tons of money.  Sometimes the best of times are those you discover by doing the simplest things in life and just enjoying them with friends.

Rima enjoy your hearts, and cheers to you and your crazy/happy  friends also for finding pleasure in the simple things in life:)  It would be nice if others can do the same.  makes life so much better.

Empty pockets never held anyone back. Only empty heads and empty hearts can do that...

~Nadiya~

6 Secret Turn-Ons For Men...

A man should look for what is, and not for what he thinks should be....

Again I read something interesting.  Maybe some of you also read it, but if you haven't well here it goes.  It's all about what turns men on...at least according to this article.  It goes as follows:

1.  He loves that you indulge at dinnertime.

When I read the first "turn on" it brought a smile to me.  You see many years ago, on my "first" date in NYC to the man who was to be my first husband, we went out to a breakfast date.  Not being the shy one when it comes to food, I had just about everything on the menu.  Later on my date said he has never in his life see anyone put food away as I did.  Was not sure how to take that one so I just smiled. According to what I read, it seems that men  love women who like to eat — not ladies who say they aren’t hungry and then pick at their date’s food all night.  Guess I don't have a problem there because boy I love to eat!  It seems that men think that a woman with a healthy appetite for food tends to have a healthy appetite on all levels, and being affectionate is absolutely a part of that. Arvid never misses an opportunity to tell people I eat more than him.  He's right of course!

2. He loves your occasional outbursts.

Hearing a woman use profanity out of context gives a guy a shock of adrenaline, explains Ian Kerner, Ph.D.   Gotta say this doctor Ian must be on to something here because wheneve I have a temper outburst, Arvid seems to find it very "sexy" as he calls it. Says he likes the way my eyes sparke and the way my skin glows at that moment.  Of course as long it does not last forever.  Maybe should have a tantrum right now...hmmmmmmm.

toys all over the place

3. He loves that you aren’t a neat freak.

This does not mean that a man wants to find stuff all over the place, such as clutter in the bathroom, closets or hallways.  No, it just means that sometimes for instance when a woman cooks, and if food ends up all over the place, it shows that she’s carefree, and it reminds him to enjoy the moment rather than worry about the consequences.  Arvid has learnt to live and to enjoy many of the "mistakes" that comes with me.  He says that it is fun.  Seems like I amuse him at times.

4. He loves your extra padding.

Sure, you’ve heard that men love women with curves, but how about those extra pounds you’ve been trying to sweat off at the gym? There’s a good chance that your guy loves them, too because it shows that we are not perfect.  Hmmm...guess that means me.  Now to just make Arvid realize that those extra pounds mean extra love???  Haha!

5. He’s fascinated by your knowledge of the things you’re passionate about.

It seems that men become fascinated by whatever it is that gets you all hot and bothered — regardless of whether or not they share the same interests. I have to agree with this very much.  Arvid is of the belief that I should be a politician.  He says he has never met anyone who could talk so much "nonsense" as I yet make it all sound so very credible.  The nonsense bit is just his way to jolt me back to reality.  It’s not about knowing facts — it’s about being passionate about something and that I am.  

 He may not quite get it and he may not want to have all-night discussions about it, but he definitely appreciates the fact that you’re a smart, interesting woman who thinks for herself and doesn’t mold her interests to match those of her partner. 

6. He loves a good head rub from you.

Don’t get me wrong — men love it when you grope their erogenous zones. But that’s not the only type of touch they crave, this according to the article.  Men seem to enjoy having their heads rubbed.  Seems to relax them and get them in the mood for other types of activities.  Have not tried this on Arvid.  He likes to have his feet massaged.  That relaxes him and makes him almost go to sleep.

The truth is there are many things that turn men on.  Being with that person everyday we get to know their most intimate of secrets, needs and desires.  Sometimes just sitting together holding hands and watching TV can be a turn on.  It is all up to what the person likes.  As long as you treat each other with kindness, respect and love that's the start of a lifetime of good things to come.

Have a good day all and go have some fun...test the waters!

A man who treats his woman like a PRINCESS is a proof that he has been born and raised in the arms of a QUEEN.....

~Nadiya~

Family...

We need to be around our families not because we have so many shared experiences to talk about, but instead because they know precisely which subjects to avoid...

 

I was not sure if I was going to write about this or not. Guess I am.  Lately I have noticed that quite a few of my readers have very strong opinions regarding family boundaries.  Seems like as if many have been burnt by those they have trusted most. This is not saying I agree with everything said.

Like all of you, I also experience family issues/tensions from time to time.   No one is immune to this.  No family is perfect, but at the same time it's the only one we will have.  Being one of five girls, I have learnt that many a times it's best to stay quiet. Saying nothing can occasionally be the smartest move one can make.  Trust me I have seen Arvid do this many a times. It's best to sometimes just agree rather than disagree with what's being said. Keeps the peace.  I don't say this is always possible.  Most times I have to say it's darn near impossible.

I have learnt from Arvid that when it comes to family it is sometimes better to not say too much.  Just tell the basics as he says.  Better to keep our lives private rather than to let all know everything that's going on. He's better at this than I am. For instance when we moved into our apartment in Florida the only people he told were friends where as I find it more difficult to keep a secret.

Many a times we disagree on how to deal with our families. He is not the type to not say anything and I'm the opposite. The one thing we both agree on is that when it comes to renting out our house in Florida we will be  selective. We both agree that my parents can stay there. We also agree that Arvid's brother and girlfriend can stay there. They always are so very kind to us in Norway and they always let us stay in one of their apartments.

It is much easier dealing with friends because then you can lay everything out straight.  Be specific and not have to worry whose feelings are getting hurt.  In families one has to tippy toe around the facts.  Becomes pretty exhausting and not worth the effort.

When my family visit, they are very independent and very much into doing their own stuff.  They explore different venues and see as much as they can.  Of course we spend time with them, but it's not like as if we have to baby-sit their every move.  They find their own places to stay, rent their cars and this makes for a fun and interesting time.

FAMILY..

Normally when Arvid's family visits (mom) these are short visits.  Always nice to see them and do stuff together.  Like my family they are also into doing their thing.  We get together for some fun times and this keeps everyone happy.  They also have their own car and find their own place to stay.  Makes for a much better time for everyone when we stay out of each other's ways.

Families...either you love them or you don't.  They say you can choose your friends, but you can't choose your family.  Many will agree with this.  

I am lucky to have a wonderful family that is always kind, supportive and respectful of each other. I will say this....respect comes in many forms and shape. If you want to be respected, you must start by respecting yourself.  Never take anything or anyone for granted for you never know when it will be taken away from you....I know this from first hand experience.  

 I love you all and though we are all so very far apart, I think it also makes our bond stronger and our relationship more special, but please feel free to visit anytime.

Throughout life people will make you mad, disrespect you and treat you bad. Let God deal with the things they do, cause hate in your heart will consume you too. ....Keep your words soft and tender because tomorrow you may have to eat them......when you realize you've made a mistake, make amends immediately.  It's easier to eat crow while it's still warm

~Nadiya~

Today's Picture...

I feel sexy when I get out of the hot tub - your skin is fresh and you've put up your hair without looking...

Nothing relaxes the body more than a nice hot soak in a hot tub on a cold almost winter day.

Arvid says his body is now aching because of the cold.  Well all it took was a nice long soak in the hot tub and he was almost as new as before.  He sure knows how to relax.  He almost fell asleep!

I know that both he and I are ready to back to the warm climate.  Brutus also:)

So far our day has been pretty relaxing.  After a workout in the gym, there was quite a few loads of laundry that needed to be done.

Tonight starts the new season for all of our favorite shows.  We are happy!

I take  baths all the time. I'll put on some music and burn some incense and just sit in the tub and think, Wow, life is great right now...

 

~Nadiya~

House Of Blues Chicago...

Music can change the world because it can change people.... 

As the days wind down, we are hoping to make it one last time to a few of our favorite spots.  Last night it was time for House of Blues Chicago.  The reason we moved to Chicago was for the music.

I really like it here.  The food is good and there is a fruity drink that I like very much.  Not one for alcoholic beverages, but when here I do have one of these.
Last night is was very cold.  Everywhere we go is usually walking distance so I made sure I was bundled up to the max.  Even had my gloves and scarf ready. Arvid and I have matching House of Blues shirts so I decided to wear mine, and next thing I know he was also changing into his.

As always before we head out Arvid has to "warm up"  This means playing the Blues on Sirius Radio and enjoying a few drinks before hand.  As he says, "it gets him in the mood."  I also prepare for the evening by enjoying a hot cup of coffee or maybe a hot chocolate today.  Arvid makes a great hot chocolate.

The evening was good.  The music, food and drinks also.  Goodbye to the House of Blues until next 

summer.  Our next House of Blues would most likely be in Orlando, Florida.  Music, something about it.  Makes one so relaxed and stress free.  Looking at Arvid right now I see a man in complete harmony with the universe.  He is actually playing hide-and-seek with Brutus!  Yes, all is good in our world.

 May your days be filled with wonder, music and all things special.

CHEERS ALL!

One good thing about music, when it hits you, you feel no pain...

~Nadiya~

Sunday...

Sunday is the golden clasp that binds together the volume of the week...

We woke up to a beautiful day, but boy is it cold.  The sun is shining outside so I decided to go out in the balcony and see if it were really as cold as the thermostat says.  Well!  It's COLD!

Found myself rushing back inside and adding another sweater to the already two that I have on.  Arvid just looks at me and says he can't wait for us to get back home to Florida where he can get into his shorts and I can start showing more skin.  His very words.  The good thing is that it should get warmer during the week.

Currently Florida is warmer, but more humid and with thunderstorms and rain.  According to my friend Liliana we should wait a bit more until the weather is better.  I say we go because not a fan of cold temperatures.  Brings out all the aches and pains in my body.  Plus I don't like wearing so much clothes.

As is usual Arvid calls his family today, but seems he got caught up in a soccer game so every time they go on break he rushes for the phone.  He loves his soccer and he has Brutus also watching with him.

His team is Barcelona, but any game with lots of goals is his kind of game.  The man gets into it!!  Yes, I also watch with him and according to Arvid anytime there is a goal, I am always right in front of the TV:)

Not too much right now.  Cleaning and getting ready to go back home to Florida.  Though cold, the days are beautiful and sunny.  We hope to capture most of it while still here.  Have made a list of a few things that we would like to do again before leaving.  Yesterday was probably our last trip to Navy Pier.  

Hope you all have a great Sunday.  Stay warn and enjoy yourselves no matter what you do!

Going to church doesn't make you a Christian any more than going to a garage makes you an automobile...

~Nadiya~

Interesting Couple....

All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them...

Yesterday was going to be a quiet day.  We were just going to go out and have a nice lunch, stroll around the park a bit then go back home and get nice and warm.  It was rainy and cold.  Not a day to really be strolling around for long.

Well we got home and as 5 O'clock approached, Arvid starts to get fidgety.  He was the one who initially said we would just stay in and not do much on this Friday.  I was OK with that.  Good to be in when it was so cold outside, but at the same time I know Arvid.  I knew it was going to be difficult for him not to want to head out and listen to music.  I just had to wait and like clock work he pops the question.  "How do you feel about going out tonight?"  We did.

We went to Buddy Guy's Legend's Club.  A favorite of ours.  The place was packed.  We always arrive at just the right time to get a table.  Usually, we share our table with another couple.  Last night was no exception.  I saw them looking for a seat and invited them to sit with us.  Boy what an interesting pair!  

They are young and very good looking for starters.  Talking to them we discovered that the are originally from Australia.  Lived in London for three and a half years and according to Hallie they saved up a lot a lot of money.  Her words!  We liked them immediately.  They were different, friendly and loved the music.  Arvid was fascinated by the young man.  To the point where we have invited them over to our place on Sunday.

With all their other commitments, we hope they make it over otherwise we will meet at The House Of Blues later on in the evening. 

Hallie and Caesar told us that after three and a half years of living in London they wanted to go back home to Australia.  They quit their jobs and with the tons of money they have, they decided to do a "once in a lifetime" sort of vacation.

They have been on vacation since August and will be until January.  Yes, 6 months.  They have so far visited many of the US States.  In some they spend 2 weeks others just a week.  They find places/hotels as they go.  Make the most of public transportation and car rentals when necessary.  We asked if they visited Florida.  Curiously enough, they claimed to not have an interest right now. 

I was just fascinated by this.  I had questions after question for them and they were nice enough to answer.  I was curious about how it is to live that long out of a suitcase and so much more..  They were amazing, and realized that though it was not the ideal situation, they appreciated this opportunity they have and are making the most of it.

Seems like Hallie, the girl has family all around the US.  Though not staying with them she gets to meet them. Some for the first time ever.  She is only 24 years old and what a journey it has been so far. They have two more months in the US and as they said, "we will see as much as we can."

Part of their travelling includes South America.  They plan to use the last 2 months of their vacation touring all over.  I hope they can come over on Sunday.  They are just too cute and very interesting.  Unlike many who travel but never go anywhere but the same place, these two are on the move and I have many more questions to ask!  I admired their Independence.  For a couple's first time grand tour into another "world" they do everything on their own.  They found places to stay on their own, maps, directions..EVERYTHING!!!  I like that.  I like people who are self-sufficient. 

 I saw in this couple the courage to do something different.  The courage to take a once in a lifetime chance and go for it.  Granted they have the finances to do it which of course makes it much more doable. 

What a life!  One is only young once and if you can visit the world do so before it's too late.  Actually it is never too late!

We gain strength, and courage, and confidence by each experience in which we really stop to look fear in the face... we must do that which we think we cannot....

~Nadiya~

$20 Million Wedding...

We Indians love our weddings and there is a lot of social pressure to put up a big show which is mainly paid for by the girl’s family. The ‘show’ culture creates a huge monetary and psychological pressure on the girl’s family and puts the daughter at a disadvantage from birth. It also does not create a favourable environment for the girl child...

If you have the money do you still go ahead with all this extravagance?  Many will agree that a girls wedding is a once in a lifetime deal.  Seeing today's statistics I'm not that sure anymore.  Don't get me wrong.  I believe in marriage and I love being married, but realistically $20 million sounds overboard.  Don't care who you are.

Going through the news online I came across this tidbit.  Word for word here it is.

Possibly the most lavish wedding the world has ever seen happened Friday, in Brunei, where the Sultan's daughter Hajah Hafizah Sururul Bolkiah, 32, married a 29-year-old civil servant.

 The ongoing week-long celebration is estimated to involve 2,000 guests and will end this Sunday night when the newlyweds are presented at court. The ceremony itself, according to the UK paper The Daily Mail, took place in the Istana Nurul Iman Palace, a 1,700 room palace that's home to the Sultan and his family.

 The princess's older brother, heir to the throne of Brunei, married in 2004 at a speculated cost of $5 million, reports say, but wedding planner Maya Kalman, founder of Swank Productionsin New York City confirmed Yahoo!

 There are suspicion/rumors that this wedding might cost much more than that. "The rule of thumb for our average luxury wedding is $1,000 per guest," Kalman says. "I would guesstimate that a no-holds-barred event like this could easily be $15 to $20 million." Those figures include only wedding itself. Additional celebrations throughout the week could be an additional $15 to $20 million, Kalman speculates. --Valerie Isakova 

  

Love does wonders...Good luck to the new couple!

You don't marry someone you can live with - you marry the person who you cannot live without..

~Nadiya~

Friday = Weekend Begins!

Good morning everybody. Happy Friday! On a scale of 1 to Rebecca Black, how much do you love Friday?  Monday you can hold your head. Tuesday, Wednesday stay in bed. Oh Thursday watch the walls instead. It's Friday, I'm ready for whatever comes.....

    TGIF!  Who does not look forward to Fridays?  End of the work week and start of the let's go crazy time.  Today we woke up to some pretty cool temperatures.  For many this may not be the worst of temperatures, but for us it means time to head home.

Seems like it has started to get colder much faster than we expected.  We even tried to see if it were possible to leave a few days earlier, but unfortunately we can't.  If it were just Arvid and I we would have, but since we have Brutus it makes it more difficult.  For Brutus' sake we always up grade to a bigger seat so that he would have more room and we would be able to better monitor him.  These bigger seats were all sold out so as Arvid put it, "nope can't do.  Not going to make the boysie suffer."  I of course agree.  Yes, we spoil him way too much, but what can I say?

Being a cold morning, Arvid decides that it's time for our first hot chocolate.  He makes a pretty big commotion just to prepare the hot chocolate.  I look and stay out of the way.  Right now the pots and pans are clicking as he searches for just the right pot.  He has a good time doing it and we both enjoy it:)

Seems like it's going to be a great day.  Cooler, but still good.  Now to plan our weekend.

Happy Friday all...whatever you do have a good one!

Happy Friday everyone! May your weekend be full of adventure and cheer, and may the start of next week be a long ways from here.

~Nadiya~

French Fries...

French fries. I love them. Some people are chocolate and sweets people. I love French fries. That and caviar...

I love fries.  Does not mean I eat them a lot, but today for lunch I think I will make some and to my surprise I found an article online on how to make the "perfect fries"  have to say I will give this method a try.

Usually I just heat the oil until very hot and dump the hand cut potatoes into it and let it cook.  Take a while i will tell you, but it is always very tasty and as Arvid says the best fries except for so and so.  Then he goes to mention a few of his favorite places where he likes their fries.

Article:

Slow-Fried French Fries 
There are certain foods that are better when not made at home, like french fries. To achieve golden-brown perfection, you have to fry them twice: first at a low temperature, to poach them; then at a high heat, to crisp them up. Very tasty, very much a pain in the neck. A few years back, I read about how French chef Joel Robuchon supposedly does it at his house: He puts sliced potatoes in a pot of cold oil, turns on the heat, and lets them go. It sounds too simple to work.  But as the temperature rises, the potatoes cook from the outer layer in until the fries are wonderfully crunchy outside and creamy in the center. You'll never make fries any other way-even if you've never made them before. 

Preparation Peel 2 lb. large russet potatoes; cut into long french-fry sticks, about 3/8x3/8 inches thick. Rinse; shake off water. 

Transfer potatoes to a large deep heavy pot, spreading potatoes so they're no more than 2 layers deep. Pour in safflower or vegetable oil to cover potatoes by 1". Place pot over medium heat. Cook for 15 minutes (oil will begin bubbling gently). Continue cooking, occasionally loosening potatoes from the bottom of the pot with a heatproof spatula, until potatoes are very tender, 25-30 minutes more. Increase heat to medium-high and cook until golden and crisp, about 15 minutes longer (oil will bubble more vigorously). 
Using a slotted spoon, transfer fries to paper towels to drain. Season with coarse sea salt. 

I went into a McDonald's yesterday and said, "I'd like some fries." The girl at the counter said, "Would you like some fries with that?.....

~Nadiya~

Just Brutus....

Time spent with cats is never wasted. A happy arrangement: many people prefer cats to other people, and many cats prefer people to other cats...

Cats have it made and if your're Brutus you have it really made.  All our friends claim they want to have Brutus' life and ask us all the time if we would like to adopt them.  Funny!

Startled awake and not so happy. 

 This is what Hylda, his pet sitter here in Chicago has to say about him:

THIS adorable kitty here is Brutus! The one kitty charge I've elected to keep since I stopped working for Chicago-Pets. Lucky for me his parents rock and allow me to chill with him while they're away. I post pics so they can admire his Brutus Cuteness from afar!!

Crunch time.  I need my toys close by. 

Someone else said: he is amazing and cuteness galore

Rest time again.  

Soon we will be leaving Chicago and Brutus will no longer see Hylda, but hopefully when we come back next summer she will still be his pet sitter.  Brutus is very fortunate to have Hylda taking care of him when we are not home.  Arvid and I are super happy with her.

 More from Hylda:

He's Brutus!! The kitty that dreams were made from! I've never met one sweeter or neater and I'm lucky to take care of him for 20 lovely days.  

• • 
    

    Hylda: I love a cat. This one very special, sweet, adorable, soft, tidy, fancy pantsy cat!!!

Brutus, is a lucky kitty.  On the other hand he brings us so much pleasure that we could not see not having him in our lives.  I think Arvid and I are the lucky ones here...

Cats are intended to teach us that not everything in nature has a purpose...

~Nadiya~

Fall Is Here...

Autumn mornings: sunshine and crisp air, birds and calmness, year's end and day's beginnings.  Winter is nearby....

I know it's time to head back to Florida because my bones are starting to ache.  Also, I am starting to sleep with a long sleeve T-Shirt and wearing sweaters during the day while in the apartment.  As Arvid would say, "I can no longer feel your skin."  Then you know it's time to go home.

Fall is in the air and though I love to see the change of color in the leaves and trees, the cold is not something I really appreciate.  Granted, the weather is beautiful, but on the cooler side.  If you are in the shade, you definitely need a sweater.  Right now even Brutus seems to be cold.  He is sound asleep under the bed covers.

One of the nice things about being in a colder climate is that you can then really enjoy spending more time in the hot tub.  Something Arvid and I plan to do quite a bit more of before heading home to Florida.

Once Arvid gets into the hot tub he is zoned out.  Never met a person who can switch gears so fast.  One minute on full go, go, go mode.  Next, calm, relaxed to me even asleep.  His mind just takes him to this serene place.  Says he gets much thinking and planning done in this mode.  Wish I could just zone out at times:)

Well summer is over.  Just a short time left in Chicago.  Looking forward to being back in Florida where the sun never stops shining and where I can cruise along in my car.  I am now missing my car and being able to drive around.  Soon:)

For now we will enjoy what's left of our summertime in Chicago.

Summer will be gone in September but it's still something we’ll always remember....

Summer in Chicago, something to look forward to every year...

~Nadiya~

Fun Days...

Don't wait around for other people to be happy for you. Any happiness you get you've got to make yourself.....

With just a short time left in Chicago, we are making everyday count.  Summer is soon over.  I feel it in the air.  Fall is nearby and that means Florida is soon in the picture.  For now to enjoy what's left of our summer in Chicago.

It was a perfect day to walk through the park and to feed the duckies.  

We could not find many duckies in the water, but we sure found many on land.  At some point Arvid was a little worried the duckies were going to start pecking him so he rushed his feeding and we got out of there as fast as we could.  Was fun!

It started out with maybe 10 duckies, but as soon as the food started flowing there were more duckies than we had food.  Of course, now I have been saving up all the extra bread, plus have bought them their own bread without telling to Arvid.  He does not think it necessary to spend money on extra stuff for them.  I enjoy it so I do it:)

One of our favorite things to do is to just walk around the city and enjoy all the people watching and everything that is going on.  Today we were lucky to see the filming of a Bollywood movie.  There was a crowd everywhere and the city was alive and vibrant with commotion.  My favorite!

Arvid is always happy to just see the water and to look at the passing boats.  Today the waterways were all cleared due to the filming of the movie.  Lucky us, we always get to see someone getting married.  Nice to see people all dressed up and having a great time.

As usual the best way to end the day is to go straight to the pool and then the hot tub.  Relaxing and gets us ready for the remaining of the evening.  Like I said before, these are our last couple of weeks in Chicago.  We have done so much this summer, but whenever the time is near to the end seems we always want to do so much more.  I am also looking forward to soon going back to Florida and to our apartment!

Florida days...next on our agenda:)

Wishing you all happy days!

If you want a happy ending, that depends, of course, on where you stop your story. Most folks are as happy as they make up their minds to be...

~Nadiya~

Last Weeks...

People rarely succeed unless they have fun in what they are doing.  We judge ourselves by what we feel capable of doing, while others judge us by what we have already done.....

Soon September will be over, our time in Chicago is coming to an end.  Next stop will be Florida, our home in the winter.  Looking forward to going back there also.  We both miss our friends, favorite palaces and our cars. We are looking forward to just sitting behind the wheel and cruising along the beach.  In the meantime, we are definitely enjoying our last weeks here.

With just a few weekends left, Arvid has checked out all the musical venues in town and we have quite a few options to choose from.  The weather being so very nice also makes it great to just go for walks in the park and along the the lake.  Enjoy some time feeding the duckies and and do some pub hopping along the way.  Perfect way to end our summer in Chicago.

When I was gone for a few days, Arvid as usual was restless.  We were trying to get tickets to go to Buddy Guy's concert, but it was sold out.  Well lasts night Arvid told me that when I was away he was a busy boy running back and forth to check and see if any cancellations has occurred.  Seems like he was lucky.  He got the tickets and we went to the concert last night.

The evening was good.  Lively and very entertaining, as usual we had a great time as you can tell from the pictures.  Afterwards, we did the usual.  We went to our neighborhood pub and had a little more celebration time.  We were in a great mood and combined with the laughter from everyone around the evening was just perfect.  

as Arvid calls this picture "a must for facebook"

As we were sitting some men approached our table.  Seems that Arvid thought they got too close to me and he was about to " kick their asses" as he mildly puts it.  As usual, he says these things in such a way that I am just rolling with laughter.  At that moment he does not see the humor.  Last time we were at the same pub a man said to me that he really loved my hair.  Well let me tell you I had to hold Arvid back.  Then he said he was going to "roll the man over". Not sure what that meant, but I know I was laughing.  Arvid was not!  He entertains me all the time and I know I do the same for him.   Thing is no matter what , where or who we always have a fun time.

cheers to a good Sunday

With just a few weeks, I have to start thinking what I would like to do and where we would like to go.  One of the things we do every year is we try out a different steak restaurant.  This year it was Michael Jordan's Steakhouse.  One of the best steaks ever!!

Being Sunday and after a night of "partying" Arvid is a bit slower.  Breakfast later than usual.  Then comes family calls, maybe a soccer game and out to a nice lunch.  Very relaxing. The evenings are usually spent having some snacks, playing with Brutus and watching some television.

Hope you all have a good day as well.  Remember whatever you do make sure you have fun!  Life is short so live it to the fullest!

Just play. Have fun. Enjoy the game... 

The mind is everything; what you think, you become....

~Nadiya~