Lazy Sunday....

I relax and enjoy life. 

I know that whatever I need to know is

revealed to me in the perfect time and space sequence...

Not sure what the day holds as yet, but that's the nice thing about Sundays.

Nothing on our agenda so we get to just go with the flow and do as we want 

whenever it best suits us.  During the weekdays we follow a "schedule"  as far as 

time for breakfast, lunch and what to do workhorse, but not so today.  Everything is open.

As usual, on Sundays Arvid calls his family.  Catch up day for all.

I have no specific day to call mine.  Have already spoken to them,

but Arvid and his have a routine and it works good for all. 

Him talking to his family.  He needs to be as he says, "in the right frame of mind"

Last night we met with some new friends.  I met an English lady one day

while doing my manicure and of course I started chatting with her.  Before you knew

it we were exchanging numbers.  She and her husband are from New York, but come to

Fort Lauderdale often for business.  She is an interior designer and him a French businessman.

Before we were going Arvid says to me, "what do we do if we don't hit it off?

How shall we "escape"?  I said to him, "that is never going to happen because I

know me and I can talk to any and everyone."  Happens all four of us hit it off and

we ended up spending almost 5 hours together.  You can say it went well!

Time to start on breakfast and to get the Sunday into action. 

Well as you know yesterday Brutus was 8 years old.  He had a great day.  

Had too much catnip and was a happy camper all day long.  He just had

some leftovers catnip so now he is already taking his first of many naps.

Wishing you all a good day.

Taking time to do nothing

often brings everything into perspective...

~Nadiya~

Our Baby Turns 8... Happy Birthday Brutus

My philosophy when it came to pets was much like that of having children: 

You got what you got, and you loved them unconditionally regardless 

of whatever their personalities or flaws turned out to be...

Perhaps the greatest gift an animal has to offer 

is a permanent reminder of who we really are.

I will never stop saying that the day Brutus came into our lives was one of the 

best days ever.  Today our little baby turns 8.  It has been 8 glorious years and we

 are hoping for many many more to come.  This little kitty has transformed both Arvid

 and I and has made us better human beings.  Being a cat lover and having had cats before, 

I knew exactly what was going to happen, but seeing Arvid change and become a more patient,

 caring and nurturing person right before my eyes was something amazing.  Arvid is a new

 person and he himself will tell you that it is due to Brutus.  Our Brutus is now a big boy.

Neither Arvid nor I can visualize our lives without Brutus.  He makes

everyday a wonderfully interesting and fun filled day.  Everyone who meets 

him falls in love with him.  Maybe it's his easy going disposition or just the fact 

that he is so gentle and always so loving.  Whatever it is we are hooked for life.

As everyone knows, Brutus has gone through some very challenging times.  Throughout

all of this he has never ceased to be the loving kitty we know.  He has had an amazing 

journey this last year and a half and through it all his disposition has never changed.  If he

were human most would say that his strength and determination is amazing and it is what

has gotten him so far in life.  I will say he is one helluva  fighter and the most resilient kitty cat.

8 years old today.  Time is going too fast.  I would like to bottle it up and keep

Brutus with us forever.  He makes our lives better and happier.  He is our baby .

Happy birthday Brutus.  Mama and dada love you forever.
As the saying goes, until one has loved an animal,
 a part of one's soul remains unawakened.

Wishing you all a good day and remember.
Grab life by the tail, and then pet it

Your pet is not your friend.  It is your hostage.
When I am feeling low, all I have to do
is watch Brutus and my courage returns....

~Nadiya~

Happy Times...

Happiness, not in another place but this place,

not for another hour, but this hour...

In Mexico every morning I would look out of the window and check out all the 

different bird species that would come by.  Pretty interesting what you can see.

My favorite was a regular pigeon that was always sitting on her eggs.

For the 8 days we were there she never left her nest, not for food or anything

else.  I watched her everyday and I think she was also keeping an eye on me.

On the morning of our departure, I check her out as usual.  To my delight she

 had given birth to her babies.  It was pretty emotional because it just goes

 to show how protective a mother is be it in nature or in the real world.  

We made many more friend in the animal world.  Especially in kitty land.

Among the many kitties we met, we took a special liking to the one above.

Arvid named him Cry-Baby.  One morning we woke up and all we heard was 

a kitty crying its eyes out.  As soon as we were done with breakfast we went looking for

the kitty cat carrying with us a can of tuna fish and a can opener.  Was the only food handy 

we had suitable for a cat.  As you can see she gobbled it all up.  The next day I went to 

the grocery store and bought quite a few different treats and foodies for her.  

Again we went looking for her, but she was not there anymore.  

We looked and looked.  Even went back late at night,but no luck.

As far as i am concerned, as long as there is something to watch, I am happy.

As you can see there is always lots going on and lots to keep me entertained.

Now back at home we have Brutus and he definitely keeps us on our toes.
A ball of fur, constant;y on the move.  Won't have it any other way.

Never allow waiting to become a habit.
Live your dreams and take risks.
Life is happening NOW...

~Nadiya~

Home...

Home where the happiest memories are made....

Nothing beats coming home no matter how good a time you're having

or how beautiful the place is.  Coming home sleeping in your own bed and being 

around your own familiar surroundings is the best.  Seeing Brutus all happy and excited 

as we open the door is PRICELESS!  I'm starting to think that vacation is best at home.

We came home to a very happy Brutus and to a beautiful full moon.

Same moon we were seeing just a day ago in Mexico.  Now seems so far away.

Going to Mexico is an easy process.  We clear customs and are out within a half

an hour.  Last night and the times before, clearing customs in Fort Lauderdale took us 

close to 2 hours.  This was two hours standing in lines.  There was approximately over 

1,000 people waiting.  In Mexico was the same or more and we did it in about half an hour.

Of course during this process I made friends with a few people and spent the time

talking to them.  One was a young girl from Europe who was trying to get on a connecting

plane.  Like many others she missed her flight and the worse part of it was that she was feeling

sick and even so the security people did not care nor did they let her nor the others go ahead of the line.

Back home it's all nice and familiar again.  Brutus and I are awake early as usual.

Today even earlier than usual since he was begging for me to come out and brush him.

Now he has been brushed for quite some time and he is running lie a mad kitty all over.

Yes, going on vacation is nice.  Being home is the best.

Good morning everyone.   Hope you are also going 

to be having a good day like we will.

Busy, but we are home again.

A happy home is one in which each spouse grants 

the possibility that the other may be right,

 though neither believes it...

~Nadiya~

Good Times...

There is no mile as long the final one that leads back home...

Soon we will be home again.  Our favorite place in the whole world.

As I watch the sunrise and see the daily routines begin, I look back at the good

 times we have had, again and share with you some of those moments via pictures.

Our most favorite time is spent on the balcony where even Arvid reads "gossip"

Excellent time to enjoy one of my homemade smoothies.

Scenic walks.

Taking time to enjoy the the locals and their ways.

Even took time to enjoy the pool.

And always time for the dolphins.

Another trip is soon done.  Soon we will be home with Brutus.

As always, we have relaxed and had a good time.  All ready to 

rumble again in the big city.

 Home is where we are going..where we belong.
 Home is where Brutus is.

Home is where our story begins...

~Nadiya

Agouti..

In quietness all things answered,

and is every problem quietly resolved.

Too many people seem to believe that silence was a void 

that needed to be filled, even if nothing important was said...

Every morning as we sit out on the balcony, I see this strange animal.

Both Arvid and I could not figure out what it was.  Sure we had many 

possible names for it, but turns out they were all wrong.  

One afternoon on one of our daily walks, (yes, in Mexico we walk all the time, so unlike in Florida) 

we asked one of the locals and we were told that this creature is called an Agouti. 

Agoutis are short-tailed rodents which are native to some areas in Mexico,

and they roam freely.  So far we have spotted them quite often.  In their own

way I find them quite interesting and I love to see how they hunt for food. 

Their coloring is quite interesting because their fur contains a pattern of pigmentation 

in which individual hairs have several bands of light and dark pigment with black tips. 

It can also be used to describe a similar multi-coloured coat in animals such as cats and goats.

I think I will just have another cup of cafe and my book while Arvid is still asleep.

There is something going on all the time, so for now will just

relax on the balcony and watch the tour boats prepare for their daily journey.

People watching is so very interesting.  The all speak a different language,

act differently, dress differently, but at the end of the day when they walk in 

that boat they all become "friends" if only for that journey out at sea.

How do I know?  Because by the time they return everyone is laughing and

when they leave they are all hugging each other.  No matter our differences,

we are all the same in so many ways.

Good morning everyone. Right now it's nice and quiet.
 Hope you find your day as entertaining as I find mine. 

 The key is to make it happen!

Good friends, good books, and a sleepy conscience:

 this is the ideal life...

~Nadiya~

A New day, In Puerto Aventuras Mexico...

A new day: Be open enough to see opportunities.
 Be wise enough to be grateful. Be courageous enough to be happy...

Being on vacation means one has the entire day to do absolutely anything

that catches one's fancy.  In my case, I love walking around and checking out

everything.  Does not matter how many times I do it, i always have a great time.

There is so much to see and to check out.  My all time favorite are the dolphins.

I spend hours just looking at them and listening to them.  I love them all.

We are lucky to be able to see the dolphins at every turn we make.  

There are also manatees, sting rays, sea lion and so much more.

The days are hot as hell, but I still can't keep away from all that's gong on.

Arvid likes to stay in during the hottest parts of the day.  can't blame him.

If I were smart I would do the same, but sitting still has never been an option for me.

In a few days we will be home again with Brutus.  Truth is, no matter where
 we go after a few days my heart is set on going home. All I can say is that going to
Norway this year will be a challenge, Aleah will hopefully soothe things :)

For now.  Wishing you all a good start of the week.
Remember, a new day may be a new chapter in your life.

Each new day is a blank page in the diary of your life. 
The secret of success is in turning that diary
 into the best story you possibly can...

~Nadiya~

Mothers Day...

Life began with waking up and loving my mother's face...

To all the mothers out there Happy Mothers Day.

Finding the perfect word to describe a mother's love is never too easy.  Everyone

knows that the mom is the best in the world.  Mine of course is no exception.  Mother to five 

daughters.  I know that was not an easy job.  Not then not today, but my mom never complained.

My four sisters all have kids and from them I know that being a mother is one of 

the hardest jobs there is, but when I look back at my mom she made it seem so very easy.  

Always a smile and always there to take care of us.  She worked as a teacher. 

 She drove us to school.  She cooked and cleaned and at times we only had one car she

 also picked up my dad from work.  All of this and to this day I cannot say I ever heard her complain.

My parents have 9 grand-children and just the mention of going to grandma's and all 

the kids are ready.  I know for a fact that Sachin packs his backpack days in advance.

Words will never express everything I want to say to my mom.

All I can do is show it to her and I hope that i never take her for granted.

She is my best friend.  She listens like no one I know and sometimes I know.

I am thankful for every day I hear her voice and I look forward to the times when

we see each other.  I will never forget the sacrifices both her and my dad had to go through

in order to give us a better life.  I will forever be grateful and I count my blessings everyday. 

Wishing you all a very special day.  Remember everyday is Mother's Day.

Cherish your mom because one day you never know what can happen.

Mama is my greatest teacher, a teacher of compassion, 

love and fearlessness. If love is sweet as a flower, 

then my mother is that sweet flower of love...

Greetings from Mexico everyone.

My mom is definitely my rock.

All that I am or ever hope to be, I owe to my mother

~Nadiya~

Play Del Carmen..

Life is short, time is fast, no replay, no rewind.

So enjoy every moment you can...

Hot as hell, but we braved it and went for an outing into town. 

 Playa del Carmen is a city located along the Caribbean Sea in the state of Quintana Roo 

in Mexico.   It is a popular tourist area in eastern Mexico.  Originally a small fishing town, 

tourism to Playa del Carmen began with the passenger ferry service to Cozumel an 

island across  the Cozumel Channel and world famous scuba diving destination.

Going into town is not Arvid's idea of fun.  he would much rather stay in 

Puerto Aventuras, this is where our condo is, and sit on the balcony and just

observe people in their daily activities.   Like my dad, Arvid has named quite a few 

of the passerbys.  We see them all the time and now thanks to him they have a name.

He's fascinated with one in particular.  A short round little guy he has nicknamed

Bullet.  Bullet rides a bicycle and collects the garbage.  Bullet is a character because 

everyday after collecting the garbage he hop onto the boat, scavenges around for food

and drinks.  According to Arvid he always finds both.  Yesterday for instance,
 he did not find any food  nor beers, but he found some hand soap

so he filled up a bottle put it in his pocket and rode away.

We also watch the boats load and unload passengers, 

stock up for the day and we also are treated to music from the boats.  I enjoy
going into the town of Playa del Carmen even when it's hot.  So much happening.

One of the main reasons this time was to find some special batteries for my camera.
Unfortunately something is wrong with it.  Hopefully it can be repaired.  After a lot
of walking around we found the battery, but the camera still does not work.  We also
found lots of stores for me to visit and do some shopping while Arvid hovered around.

Thank goodness for happy hour.  Kept someone occupied.
Every evening we stroll around our surroundings.  
Beautiful all the time and the sunsets are one of a kind.

Gorgeous sunset by the restaurants in Puerto Aventuras.

Wishing you all a good day and happy times.

Enjoy every moment you have because in life
there are no rewinds.  Only flashbacks...

~Nadiya~

Relaxation Time...

Welcome to today.  
Another chance to feel free to change..

  Being here is what we really needed right now.  Relaxation at its best.  No phone calls and
no running around.  For a few days it will be good.  Brutus is doing great with his new
 pet- sitter Wendy.  We Whats app daily and she sends us pictures of him.  She has already
 nicknamed him "the little prince". How cute is that?  As usual Arvid and I tend to see his
 shadow all the time.  That Brutus has forever touched us and has taken over our lives.
 No matter where we are and who we are with we always want to go back home to
"the little prince."  For now though, we are just enjoying ourselves.

One of the first things we did once we arrived, was to go to the different pubs and see who 

will be showing the soccer matches Arvid has to watch.  We came with a schedule of the 

different games and we now have locations where we can watch them.  More like Arvid 

will watch and I will walk around taking in the sights and getting pictures. 

 I love picture taking and now I am getting a little better at it.

As we were having lunch one day, one of the patrons doggie came up to us and snuggled 

up right next to Arvid.  Ever since we got Brutus Arvid has become an animal magnet. 

 They love him and all cozy up to him.  Now he's not that afraid of them.  Says Brutus cured

 him from his fears.  Telling you Brutus cures him from many things.  Made him a better person.  

We also became acquainted with a kitty that looks a little like Brutus, but as Arvid said,  "not as cute."

We are fortunate to be living in an area that has just about everything we need. 

 Every Wednesday and Saturday there is the fresh market to visit.  I stock up on all our 

favorite fruits and some vegetables.  For the next few days I will be eating healthy. 

 Can do the same back home, but don't always do.

So far so good.  Arvid had his soccer.  We have good food and drinks and best of all I do

 what I like to do best. I watch the dolphins swim, play and entertain.  Lots of pictures so 

I'm happy.  Perfect vacation.  What better way to end the evenings than by 

sitting on the balcony and hearing Bob Marley's music from the party boat?

Yes, we are doing good.  Relaxing and de-stressing ourselves.

Wising you all days of relaxation and harmony. 

Having a good time.
Into each day put: one teaspoon of good spirits.
A dash of fun.  A pinch of folly and a heap full of laughter...

~Nadiya~

Back In Mexico...

Taking time to do nothing
often brings everything into perspective...

Back to a place we call almost paradise.  For the next few days we will 

be waking up to the sound of the ocean, to birds singing and boats taking off all the time. 

 Having coffee in the mornings on the balcony is something I look forward to and also to 

see the crowds passing by and listen to the music coming from the party boats.  Life is good!

After months of doctors and surgeries we finally get a few days to relax by ourselves.

Arvid has been looking forward to this trip since February, unfortunately at that time

we could not make it due to my two surgeries.  Now things are better and this is the first

opportunity we have had to get away.  For the next few days there will be no doctors!!!

For now, we are going to do absolutely nothing, but relax.
Wishing you all the same and may you also live in
interesting times.

Today is a good day for dreaming.
My energy is low and that's always
 a good time to relax, dream and re-energize.
Just relax, everyone around you is working too hard....

~Nadiya~

Hola Again...

A vacation is what you take when you can 

no longer take what you've been taking...

As we left Mexico in November, 

I took a picture that reminds us to come back soon.

Well we are back.   Greetings to all and to all a good day!

The Cervezas are waiting...

Best thing is being on vacation and not

knowing what day of the week it is...

~Nadiya~

Tuesday...

If you want to conquer the anxiety of life, 

live in the moment, live in the breath...

Soon we will be taking a few days off and Brutus will once again be left in the care

 of pet sitters.  Usually his pet sitter is Liliana, but now she has gotten so busy that 

we had to interview and hire a new girl.  Her name is Wendy and together with 

Liliana  they will be taking care of Brutus.  

Liliana knows everything there is to know about Brutus.  Wendy on the

other hand does not.  In preparation of our trip I did leave a few notes

for Wendy.  Call me crazy, but when it comes to Brutus I do tend to over react.

Even Wendy was a little amused after seeing all of this, but like any good pet-sitter 

she said "the more the better."  I lean to more.  Even so I hate leaving Brutus alone.

As you can see from the above picture, his paw is looking very healthy.

Yesterday was pretty chaotic.  I was running from place to place.

Many of the things that needed to be done had to be done yesterday.

Hopefully the next few days will be very relaxing.

Looing forward to a few day of no cooking and no cleaning.  Always a little

cooking and cleaning, but overall it will be fun to just eat out, not drive for a few days

and just walk around and see the dolphins.  Yes, I love watching the dolphins.

Well everyone the next few days will be vacation time for us.

After all we have been through the last 4 months, I believe

they are well deserved and could not come at a better time.

Wishing you all a great day.

See you next time from Mexico..

Playa Del Carmen here we come!

Just when the caterpillar thought

the world was over, it became a butterfly...

~Nadiya~

New Week....

Quitters never win, winners never quit...

Good morning everyone.  Hope this is the start of a wonderful and productive

 week for all. Mondays for many is not the best of days, but think of all the good

you can do and of all the smiles you can bring into someone else's life.

Just that should make this and everyday a good day.  As usual,

I am awake early.  Ready to see the sunrise and to give some extra attention

to Brutus, it's not like he lacks any, but he does love our morning routines as much as I do.

It is already very hot here.  Seems like this is going to be an even warmer 

Summer than usual.  Love living in Florida, but can do without the Florida summers.

I know everyone always thinks the grass is greener in somewhere else.  Human nature I guess.

Today is a busy day.  Arvid's day is packed as is mine.  At least some
of mine is not only work, in between of my day I have scheduled a little me time.
Today is a good day to have a manicure and pedicure.  Mondays are usually slow so
don't expect to take up too much time.  Hopefully will be done with that and all
my other chores before Arvid gets home.

Still good news as far as Brutus goes.  His paw continues to look good.
 We watch him so closely and try to see if there is any change (going bad again),
and we ware happy to say that all is well.  Brutus looks great and does
 everything a healthy kitty should.  Happy. Happy.

Soon Arvid will be awake and the morning will no longer be quiet.  

Enjoying my coffee as I write and also watching the sunrise.

For me it's the start of a beautiful day and also week.

Hope it will be the same for all of you.

Good morning friends.  Time to rise and shine.

Always try to tap into the positive universal energy that exists in life.

Enjoy the good times in life because the 

Roof can cave in at any time...

~Nadiya~