1st Saturday In 2019 ~

Learn to enjoy every minute of your life. Be happy now. 

Don't wait for something outside of yourself to make you happy

 in the future. Think how really precious is the time you 

have to spend, whether it's at work or with your family.

 Every minute should be enjoyed and savored...

Arvid, Sniff and I are back to being alone.  

Company is nice, but even nicer when they are gone.

 Home is back to being nice and quiet.  

We have no kids with us so we are used to just us. 

 It does not matter if it’s his family or mine.  Company 

is nice but it’s better when we are alone.

  I handle it better than Arvid does.  Arvid is very 

set in his ways.  Even in Norway, he enjoys company, 

but looks forward to having alone time.  I'm the same.

Sniff is like his dada also. Likes being alone with us. He was

 a little cautious with where he went and what he did.

That all being said we had a good time. 

I took the girls out to many places, restaurants,

 beach and shopping. They were satisfied 

with their stay and that’s what matters.

First Saturday in 2019.  It’s been great so far,

how about yours? So far so good?  To all, take a few minutes 

to sit quietly and just be thankful for all that you have.

Those who  are happiest, never did have everything. 

 But rather they are thankful for everything they do have... 

Nadiya~

Then And Now ~

And we will look back at one

 another with a smile on our face...

A long time ago in Florida.  Michelle, Danielle, 

Reshma, Kimsy, Max, Gabby and I.  Visiting my parents in Weston.

Today the same girls but all grown up.  Add Lilly Vade to the mix.

Life takes us places, but it always leads us back to family.

The only time you should ever look back 

is to see how far you have come...

~Nadiya~

Time With Danielle And Reshma ~

Life moves so fast. You gotta document the good times, man...

So far 2019 is good! We have 2 of my nieces visiting.  

Busy days because I like to take them around and show them
 as much as possible.  Granted both have been here with us
 before, but this is their first time meeting Sniff. Lucky us,
we also got to have Max visit.  What a good time.

Sniff is a sweetheart and loves everyone.  He greets them. 

Runs up on them and like most cats walks away and comes 

back when he feels it’s necessary.  When Danielle used to

 visit, and Brutus was alive those two used to stare each

 other down.  Danielle used to say that Brutus would 

give her the mean stare.  No one like Brutus.

Our days are filled with lots of shopping. 

 Girls love malls.  Walks on the beach and a 
few of those fruity drinks with umbrellas.  

Yes I am happy my nieces are here.

How has your 2019 been so far? 

The year is going let’s approach it with

 a positive mind and I can attitude.

Don't live the same day over and over again and call that a life.
 Life is about evolving mentally, spiritually, and emotionally...

~Nadiya~

January 2nd 2019 ~

One small positive thought in the 
morning can change your whole day...

Another beautiful day.  The sun is peeking out and we are together.
Having time with two of my nieces makes it a good start into 2019.

Have my two nieces staying with us.  For Arvid and I this is
not "usual" We are used to just being on our own with Sniff.
Have to say he, Arvid is handling it pretty good so far.

We have Reshma and Danielle with us. Danielle is 24,
and Reshma is now 19.  The years are going by fast.  Kimsy is now 21.

Wishing everyone a great January 2nd 2019. It's about time to head
 out with the girls and see what kind of trouble we can get into.

Good Morning.  Today is a new day, don't let 
anything stand in your way!  Make it all it can be...

~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~

Goodbye 2018 ~

This New Year may you rediscover yourself and 
emerge as a more confident and contented soul...

Last day of the year.  What do you plan to do for the rest of the year?

Danielle and Sniff have already hit it off really well.  Sniff

 sniffs her and realizes she is no threat to him, but even so, he's 

not too happy because his dada has not been spending as much 

time with him.  His dada is busy chatting up with Danielle.

We are having a very good day.  Danielle is easy
going and fun to be with.  Looking forward
 to the new year.  Thank you 2018.

 It's been a very good year.  We have met wonderful people
and have had experiences that will forever be with us. 2018
reinforced the bond I have with everyone at Almost Home.

For the friendships, for the memories,
2018 will always be one of the best years.

Let’s make a wonderful farewell tο the past year 2018 
and welcome the New Year 2019 with anticipation and hοpe, 
Wish yοu a Happy and Prosperous Νew Year

~Nadiya~

Sunday Mood ~

What I like to drink most is wine that belongs to others.

The new year stands before us, like a chapter in a book, waiting to 

be written. We can help write that story by setting goals...

Sunday, just starting out, but what an amazing week 

we have had.  This thing called semi-retirement sure suits us. 

 Have had the opportunity to sample quite a few amazing 

"adult" drinks.  Loved them all.  Yes, life is good.

Today we have an open house and another opportunity to 

meet more people.  Having open houses is cool because it brings 

us downtown.  Our brokers office is on Las Olas so we alway 

try to make a little out of it.  We pick up the open house 

signs at his office.  Love these open houses.

Once again we have time to do little things we enjoy.  

Like going to the movies.  In Branson life was hectic and so

 very busy.  Taking time to go to a movie was not an option.

  I love the movies and am happy we can do the little 

things we enjoy so much.  Always grateful.

Wishing everyone a wonderful day.  Enjoy what's 

left of 2018 and let's all be ready to welcome

 2019, and make it our best year yet.

Let’s Say GoodBye 2018.  When this year 

is in its last moment,  make fun, spread love, be kindful,

live free and let’s do happy ending of 2018...

~Nadiya~

Hello Friday ~

Nobody gets to live life backward. Look ahead, that is where your future lies...

Our week has been going really well.  We have

 worked a bit and had some leisure time.  Even when 

working  Arvid and I always have a good time.  

Countdown to the New Year has begun.

Danielle will be here with us and if all goes according 

to plans we will go watch the ball drop.  Truthfully the ball 

watch is a big joke. The last time we saw it Arvid's brother and 

girlfriend were her.  Before we knew it the ball had dropped. 

 This year we may go watch it downtown with Danielle.

Looking forward very much to having two of my nieces

 here with us. Lots I would like to do with them and show them. 

 We plan to take them downtown so they can see Las Olas.

I'm sure the two girls will enjoy just hanging around 

Aruba's Beach Cafe on their own.  Girls as we all

 know can have a lot of fun just doing nothing.

I always do what makes me happy - 

it doesn't make sense to live life unhappily.

~Nadiya~

Because Life Is Good ~

Think big and don't listen to people who tell you 

it can't be done.  Life is too short to think small...

Christmas came and Christmas went.  I have to say this

 year was not that bad for Arvid.  He did not complaining too much,

and because we stayed busy the day went by fairly fast and was relaxing

 and enjoyable.  One of the best Christmases with Arvid so far.

Everywhere is just beautiful during the holidays, but one 

of my favorite sites is within walking distance of us.  

Aruba Beach Cafe is decorated with the most lights and the

 area itself is just gorgeous.  Especially at this time of the year.

We will be having 2 of our nieces staying with us and both 

Arvid and I are very excited about it.  Yesterday as Arvid 

was talking to Danielle, all I heard was laughter and Arvid saying, 

"don't worry I will scrub the place clean for you."  He later

 told me that Danielle was telling him that she like a very

 clean place.  Those 2 have a good thing going on.

Arvid knows Danielle a little better than he does Reshma.  

Only because Danielle has stayed with us several time here in 

Florida and in Chicago.  Reshma has also stayed with us before.

  Now that hopefully she will be visiting more often as

 well,  Arvid will also get to know her much better.

Life is good.  2018 is soon over and I am looking

 forward to seeing what 2019 hold for us.  With Arvid

 and I one never knows.  We make decisions  in seconds. 

 Sometimes way too fast, but not sure that will change.

To all, enjoy the last few days of the year.  Wishing you 

happiness and peace during the holidays and always.

I've been through so much. I just live each day, and 

whatever happens, happens. I've lived a very good life.

 My life has definitely changed, but the attitude is still the same...

~Nadiya~

Happy Birthday Mom And A Merry Christmas To All ~

People often say that mothers are the best teachers in the world.
 Over the years, I have come to know that it couldn’t be truer. 
Thanks for being the best mother and teacher in 
the whole world. Happy Birthday mommy!...

What better feeling is there that to wake up on Christmas
 morning surrounded by the warmth of family and to the sounds
of laughter and all the good smells of Christmas goodies?

During the holidays I really miss being around family.
Being married to Arvid is an adventure and one that I truly
love, but at the same time during the holidays I see the
differences between us.  I long to be with family and
he longs for the holidays to be done with.

What makes Christmas even better in our family is that
 it is also our mom's birthday.  From little this was the one day
our mom had "off"   Our dad would make sure she did nothing
 on her special day.  One day in the year we catered to her.

Now that our parents are older I remember even more
the Christmases past.  As a child there was nothing
in our life we lacked when it came to being
 loved and having our parents there with us.

This has not changed one bit.  Only difference is
 we are now all grown up with families of our own,
and we all live in a different state.  Makes it
 difficult to have a family gathering at times.

Merry Christmas to all.  Happy Birthday to our mom
and may each of you find and appreciate the simple joys of
being together and enjoying each other.  Life is short and
 we must always make the most of it.  For tomorrow
 is never guaranteed, but for us this moment sure is.

Mommy we love you.  Throughout our lives, you have
 always been the strength that holds us up in the storm of life.
 Enjoy Christmas in California with Rima and family.  Lucky them. 

The magic of Christmas never ends, and its greatest gifts 
are family and friends.  Blessed is the season which engages 
the whole world in a conspiracy of love.  Merry Christmas all.

Mom, you are my best friend.  
My greatest confidante. I couldn't be any happier 
to have you as my mother.  Happy Birthday...

~Nadiya~

Sunday Mode ~

A dream doesn't become reality through magic; 

it takes sweat, determination and hard work..

For us Floridians, yesterday was pretty cold. Also windy.

  The beauty of being in South Florida it that the “cold” 

only lasts for a short time.  Back to summer clothes again. 

 All except for Arvid of course. For him it’s always 

“cold”. Sniff and I are loving this “cold” weather.

I tried dressing Sniff up in Brutus’ Christmas clothes, 

but Sniff is not that pliable as were Brutus and Shadow. 

 He fights the process way too much.  Even so, I did manage to get

 a few pictures of him.  Sniff loves to be
next to us.  He has to see us at all time,
 but still does not like being picked up.

This Christmas I think one of the biggest presents 

are women getting Botox.  At the mall just about

 every other girl,woman has these pouty lips. 

 Looks really weird if you ask me.  Scary.

Yesterday I was at Target and it seemed like every 

other woman there had abnormal looking lips. I do not

 have anything against making one look better, but 

I think Botox is weird.  The lips just look freaky.

It’s Sunday. 2018 is soon over.  For us it has been a 

year to remember. We have accomplished quite a lot in a lot

 less time than anticipated.  2019 is just around the corner.  

I don’t know what it is, but I am hoping for a brand new

 adventure in our lives.  For now we are enjoying being back home

 in Florida. From here there is so much we can do.  Arvid after 

all is a trader and just that takes us all around the countryside.

Hello Sunday.  What do you have in store for us today?

The biggest adventure you can take is to live the life of your dreams...

~Nadiya~

Saturday ~

Life is a celebration. Consider everything that

 makes you happy as a gift and say, 'Thank you'...

Mornings with Sniff and afternoon walks with Arvid.

I am enjoying the amazing sunsets.  As you know I love sunsets

 and sunrises.  I wake up to capture them and as we go 

walking I can't help but stop and take pictures.

Yesterday the wind was worse than it was on Friday. 

 Friday was predicted to be the very "bad" day.  Go figure.

  The iguana that went up the tree is still hanging on 

there for dear life.  Love a camera with lots of ZOOM!

  Makes everything seem so close.  Like the iguana.

Soon it will be Christmas day.  It is also my mom's birthday.

Unfortunately this year we will not be seeing them for Christmas.  

Mom and dad will be spending the next month in California with my sister

 Rima and family.  Let's just say Rima can't wait for December 25th.

I'm fortunate for having seen them not so long ago.  

I am really happy because I have seen all my sisters

 and my parents within the last 2 months.  Another

 benefit of living in Florida.  Travel is easy.

Wishing everyone a day to remember.  

A day to make more memories.  Our life is good,

 but everyday I miss my Brutus and I think of 

little Shadow.  I'm grateful for Sniff.  Life.

Celebrate what you have accomplished, but raise 

the bar a little higher each time you succeed...

~Nadiya~

Friday ~

Holidays are about experiences and people, 
and tuning into what you feel like doing at that
 moment. Enjoy not having to look at a watch...

I love bottles and teacups.  No matter
 where I go, I always end up with a teacup.
 Arvid of course not happy about this. 

 Says we have no more room for them.

Just yesterday one of the people we do 

business with sent us 2 teacups.  Happy me, 

except the teacups have our last name 

on it.  Not crazy about that.

I also love walking around the mall.
 Especially now during the holidays.

 Everything is so beautiful.  Yesterday
Arvid took me out to lunch and after that we had
 a little trip to the mall.  Was a beautiful time.

Even Arvid got caught up in some Christmas Shopping.

Yesterday we also had some very bad weather.
Thankfully it was not as bad as the weather people predicted.
The truth is it never is, but they sure exaggerate a lot.
 When it is bad, somehow it is underplayed.

Yesterday I also spoke for over an hour with one of my
former tenants.  She now lives in Colorado.  She called me,
 and I was happy happy for the rest of the day.  I really miss that lady.
Talking to her took me back to Branson and Almost Home.

Life is good here in Florida, but every once in a while
I get flashbacks of Branson.  I miss being busy.  We are busy
here, but it's different for me.  I was running my own hotel
 and I loved every minute of it and I love everyone
that was there.  I do miss it and I do miss them.

Today is a new day.  Right now everything is calm.
The wind is not howling and the palm trees are barely
moving, unlike yesterday when I thought they were going
 to be ripped away from the earth.  Hopefully the iguana
 that was hiding in one of the trees made it to safely.

Doing the best at this moment puts you 
in the best place for the next moment...

~Nadiya~

This And That ~

Every day, every one of us sets the stage for our sentiment,

 our confidence, and our success by getting dressed. When you 

feel great, when you feel your best, it opens up a world of 

possibility. Feeling confident and self-assured are important 

inputs into good days, successful days, and happy days...

Absolutely nothing beats a walk along the beach.  For that

 short time all stresses are forgotten. I am left alone with my 

thoughts and the sound of the waves.  This is what Florida living 

is all about.  The beach is your backyard and your stress reliever.

An early morning walk for me and then an afternoon walk together.
Life is good.  We love the life we have made together.  Not everyday
 is good, but there is always something good in everyday.

Yesterdays walk was not disappointing.  It's Christmas
 everywhere and you can smell the different fragrances and in
 some places the freshness of the Christmas trees.  Love Christmas.

Wishing everyone a beautiful day.
The countdown to Christmas is on.

You can look in the mirror and find a million things
 wrong with yourself. Or you can look in the mirror and think,
 'I feel good, I have my health, and I'm so blessed.'
 That's the way I choose to look at it...

~Nadiya~

Good Morning ~

Folks are usually about as happy 
as they make their minds up to be...

The cooler weather is still here.  The mornings are fresh

 and crisp and the afternoons are brisk for walking.  I am 

loving it.  Arvid still keeps saying how cold it is.

These cooler temperatures allows us to see even more Manatees.

  Lucky us we can see them right out of our balcony.  I love

 the cool air as I have my cafe in the mornings.  Arvid

 of course still in bed all bundled up.  Strange man.

Halfway into the week already.  I stay busy, but I really miss
the "busy" I was when in Branson.  I really miss running Almost Home.
 We don't talk about it much, but I think of everyone and I do miss them.
 I just hope that this is a good Christmas for all of my former tenants.

Life is good for us.  No matter where we are we always have
 a good time.  Florida is beautiful and everyday I look out, and I am
 reminded of how lucky we are.  I am grateful and always thankful
 for the life we have made together.  I may not have everything I
want, but like I always remind myself, I have everything I need.

Hello Wednesday.  What's in store for us today?

If you aren’t grateful for what you already have, 
what makes you think you would be happy with more...

~Nadiya~