Life...

Life may not be the party we hoped for, 
but while we are here we might as well dance...

There are times when we don't really feel that good about life or some other situation

 bothering us.  Times when we feel all the burden of the world is resting on our shoulders 

and we do not know what to do.  We all feel this way every once in a while.  Does

 not mean there is something wrong with us.  Just means we are humans.

 I also know that there are times that the only one who can pull us out of this so called 

"funk" is ourselves.  To do so we must remember the good things in our lives and to 

always be positive.  Does not hurt to also repeat, like a mantra the above..

works for me.  Just in case always have some ice cream handy, makes 

this so much better.  Just like a religious experience.

Yesterday I finally got the courage to hold what was left of Shadow.  His ashes

 weighed mere ounces. It broke my heart to think of Shadow running around, playing and

 being so feisty.  All that was left was some dust and sand of what used too be Shadow.

Yesterday was not one of my better days, but then there is today.   I will

 make it better.  Arvid and I are staying busy, always good.  Sniff is in good health 

and our lives though not perfect has very good moments.  That is what we 

focus on and what makes it worthwhile.  I did have a good time exploring our 

old neighborhood on Las Olas.  That was a good time.  Happy Friday all

For my friends in Horten and other parts of Norway, check out the newest

 and soon to be the best Blues Club in town, Blues'n.  Check their Facebook page for 

more info on their grand opening and live music acts.  Just go to Bluesn on FB

Just smiling goes a long way toward making you feel better about life.

And when you feel better about life, your life is better....

~Nadiya~

Two Little Girls In Norway...

Our granddaughters, they fill our lives with sunshine and our hearts with love...

Aleah and Vanessa.  Our grand daughters.  So far away yet always close to our hearts.

Though we don't actually see them often, we do "see" them once a week via 

Skype.  Both Arvid and I look forward to those moments with them.

Once upon a time there were 2 little Princesses..Aleah & Vanessa

We "saw" them a few days ago.  They had just finished eating dinner.  Spaghetti and you 

could have guessed it by their faces.  They were all smiles and covered with sauce.

I just wanted to reach in, pluck them out and give them big hugs and kisses. 

 Both Arvid and I always feel this way after seeing them.

Living so far away we miss quite a lot, but the smiles on their faces every time 

we Skype sure makes us happy and the love we have for them just fills our 

hearts.  As always I wonder sometimes how did I get this lucky to

 have these two little girls call me grandma?  Love!  Love!

They make the week always better when it starts with their smiles and laughter.

 As I write this I can hear their laughter, I can feel their hugs and I can smell

 them. All of it is just a package of pure love and of all things good.

I am truly grateful to be a part of their lives.  I am truly grateful and very proud to call 

them my grand daughters.  Arvid and I are extremely happy to be in their lives, to 

love them and to brag about them.  Yes, I tell everyone I meet about them.

No matter what life throws at you, if one sits back and take into account all ones blessings,

 and all the goodness in our lives, we will come to realize that life is just as wonderful as 

we make it out.  My life is not perfect, but these two little angels sure make it special.

Arvid and I are staying busy as always.  Once we left Chicago the pace of life changed.
Chicago was more "relaxed" and easy going here we hustle and bustle from early in
the morning until who know when, I'm sure it's the same for all of you.

  Arvid puts it best when he said, "I can't shower until late in the evenings these days
because my days are so busy and I need to be ready to take calls."  Yes, Arvid is a hoot.

Good morning everyone.  Remember, life is better when you're laughing.

Little girls have a magic all their own.  Little girls make the world sweeter. 

 They leave a little sparkle everywhere they go.  Thank heaven for little girls...

~Nadiya~

Happy Birthday Lilly Vade...Oct 12th

I think, at a child's birth, if a mother could ask a fairy godmother 

to endow it with the most useful gift, that gift should be curiosity. 

 Lilly Vade is my youngest niece and today she is five years old.  She is what I would

 call the energizer bunny 10 times.  Non stop that is Lilly Vade and I love her fiercely. 

 They say curiosity killed the cat, that's because "they" don't know Lilly Vade.  

Curiosity among so many other things is what she thrives on.

Her latest right now is as soon as she comes home from school, she takes all he clothes

 off except for the underwear and starts getting busy.  Be it playing with the doggies, or

 doing homework the girl just loves being free as a bird.  He mom told me that as 

soon as Lilly's friends knock on the door, all her clothes are back on in a flash.

Not so long ago we visited my sister and family in Virginia.  She and I played together, I
showered her and "helped" her with any and everything she wanted.  It was a good time
and after I left I missed her like crazy.  She keeps one busy, but it was a good busy.
Of course Arvid did not have much "free" time either.  She kept him on his toes.

Lilly has been planning her birthday party for a few weeks now.  She has her Ipad and
has sent out invitations to everyone.  Arvid and I did not receive ours so when I told her
she was so very upset with herself.  We immediately got ours and aa she puts it,
 "auntie I know it's far, but can you and uncle please make the drive."

She is having a pool party theme and she told us to not pack much.  Said all
 we would need were bathing suits.  Lilly has answers to everything.



Lilly melts my heart.  No matter what kind of a moment I am having when I "see'
her everything becomes better.  She make me smile.  She emails me all the time and that is 
something I look forward ro very much.  Today Lilly Vade turns 9, and she said to her mom,
 "mama, I think I should get the IPhone 7 now.  I'm a big girl and when I go to for sleepover
 with my friends you can always get hold of me rather than having to ask one of my 
friends mom how I am."  How can one argue with logic like hers?

Rima said to me, "no matter how old my Lilly gets, she will always be my baby girl."
As you know,they say give a girl the right shoes and she can conquer the world.
Lilly Vade is on her way there.  Her role model is her mom, my sister Rima.

As beautiful as she is, she's even more lovable.  "I think my mom put 
it best. She said, 'Little girls soften their daddy's hearts.' 

The greatest gift that you can give to others is the gift of unconditional
 love and acceptance.  My father gave me the greatest gift anyone
 could give another person, he believed in me...

And though she may be little, she is fierce.
Lilly Vade, such a big miracle in such a little girl...

~Nadiya~

Tuesday At Home...

Long time ago.  We lived at The Las Olas Grand.  The first of several homes for Brutus.

 Arvid, and I used to move around so much, it seemed like routine for us to live in

 one place for a few years, sell, buy another place then move again.  We lived at 

this location for 5 years. At the time it was the longest for us as a couple.

When we sold the Grand, I was not unhappy, but for a while I was sad because Brutus 

loved his view and he loved sitting by the floor to ceiling windows and watch the boats go

 by, watch the people and Arvid swore that when we were at the pool and hot tub Brutus

 could see him when he waved.  That's what I missed.  Seeing Brutus by the window.

Shadow did not get the chance to be on the move with us.  His 4 months were
spent with us here in Fort Lauderdale.  For that time he was a happy boy.

Sniff is already a traveller and with our lifestyle he will be a little "jet setter"
like Brutus.  For now he loves being home with us and taking it easy.  His first 2 flights
 were pretty stress free for him.  I think I was more concerned for him that he was.  Sniff
slept a lot.  He is a cool kitty.  As of now he sleeps with us all night long as well.

It has been busy since coming back from Chicago.  Our days are full and by the evening
we are both worn out.  Even so, we have not been sleeping much.  Sniff is the only
 one getting all his sleep these days.  Hopefully tonight will be better.

Yesterday I was interviewing another person to be his pet sitter.  Sniff already likes
her and she him.  Sniff is is good health and that makes it a lot "easier" leaving him
when we have to travel, but even so I just don't like doing it.  Since Brutus and
Shadow, died things are not so easy anymore for me.  I over think everything.

Another busy day begins for us.  Another week to make the most and best of what life
 has to offer us.  As always things may not be perfect right now, but in many ways it is
still a lot better than what many face.  For that I am thankful and grateful for everyday.

Good morning everyone.  Today do something that your future self will thank you for.

Happiness is when you feel good about yourself without  feeling the need for anyone 
else's approval.  Everyday may not e good. but there is something good in everyday...

~Nadiya~

Thankful Always...

Never let the things you want make 

you forget the things you have...

Talking to my parents and to my sisters yesterday, they all tell me that fall is

already in the air.  They already feel the chill of winter approaching..

This is when I am happy to be living in the warmer Florida climate. There was a
 time I lived in New York and though I love the city, I never got used to the 
freezing winters.  I hated to be bundled up in so many layers of clothing.
  I love the fact that here in Florida we can always wear summer clothes.

Or go to the beach all year long (this though, we never do).  Another good thing

is that one can do is drive their cars with the top down all winter long.  If we

 so wish. Yes, I feel fortunate to be able to have warm climate all year long.

 Many, like my sisters and parents love the change of seasons and they

enjoy the winters.   Arvid, Sniff and I not at all!  We like warm.  Coming back

 from Chicago we have had the AC on at all times.  Sniff is sneezing non stop,

 and Arvid swears that it's too cold inside the apartment.  It's only 78F

 My parents and two sisters at one time called Florida home.  Today they
 unfortunately no longer live here and seem to be happier in their new States.  

I an currently experiencing difficulties with uploading pictures to my blog 

and a few other things with the blog.  Hopefully will get it fixed soon. 

Wishing you all a good day and never forget to ask yourself,

:what are you grateful for today?  You'd be surprised.

Gratitude is a habit of the heart...

~Nadiya~

Sunday..A Good Day To All

A gentle word, a kind look, a good-natured smile 
can work wonders and accomplish miracles...

Hello everyone.  Hope your day is a good one.  Sunday in Fort Lauderdale is looking 

beautiful.  The waterways are calm, the fishes are hopping, and watching the boats pass by 

is definitely very relaxing.  Sniff has "found" a butterfly, and is keen on catching it. 

 Only thing is that the butterfly is on the outside and sniff is on the inside.

Neither of us wanted to make an early start this morning.  So we spent time

 with the sleepyhead (Sniff).  He loves his sleep as much as Arvid and he 

loves sleeping close to us.  Since coming to Florida he sleeps every night

 with us on the bed and very close.  Keeps Arvid nice and warm.

Whatever it is you choose to do today, don't forget to add a smile.  Makes you

 feel good and it makes everyone around you feel good also.  Remember, a

smile is happiness you'll find right under your nose. Have a good

 Sunday and whatever it is that you plan to do enjoy.

Be kind to each other and enjoy another beautiful day given to us.

A warm smile is the universal language of kindness....

~Nadiya~

Riley Vinay Turns 14...

Nephews like you are more precious than gold,

because they keep their aunts and uncles from getting old...

In the midst of Hurricane Matthew, my nephew Riley Vinay is celebrating another
birthday. By the way hurricane Matthew came and left without even so much as rain,
for us here at home in Fort Lauderdale. We have been lucky, but I was hoping
 at least for a little excitement.  Nothing.  Calm and clear today.

Riley Vinay turns 14 years today.  All he wants for his birthday is to go exploring the

 caves in Virginia.  Riley NEVER asks for much, so it is a shame that Hurricane 

Matthew will also be causing problems their way and as my sister said, 

"no way will we go to a cave that is flooded."

To know Riley is to automatically love him.  Not only because he is my nephew.  He is the
whole package of love, tenderness, kindness and smiles put together.  Riley was born 14
years ago in Florida to my youngest sister, Rima and my brother-in-law George.


The boy has a heart of gold and he loves all god's tiniest of creatures. Understandably

 he would like to discover what lays in those caves.  The tinier the creature the
happier Riley.  Just thinking of him it's hard not to smile. Riley is always
saving all the little animals and creatures that crosses his path.



Fearless when it comes to protecting the less fortunate.  We all think he will make
the best veterinarian of all times.  There is something about him that touches you deeply.
  Could be his quiet demeanor and his shyness, but what ever it is, it leaves an
impression on everyone that comes in contact with this amazing little boy.

 Maybe it's the eyes that speak volumes or maybe it's just the way

he hugs you and tells you he loves you.  Whatever it is, Riley is loved dearly

by Arvid and I.  Arvid calls him The Professor.  Maybe because of his

reading glasses that are way too big for him.  Did I forget to mention that
Riley's hero has been and still is his older brother Gabsy.  

Whenever we visit, Arvid always makes time to go to Riley's room and to talk to him.
 He does the same for all of them.  It's always heart warming to see them together.
Then Riley gets out of his shell and blooms into the "professor" as Arvid calls him.

Within the last year Riley has experienced a tremendous transformation.  Not
only is he mature beyond his years, but he has developed an even more protective
attitude towards his siblings and parents especially towards his mom.
Riley is happiest when hes with his doggies, Lilly and his brother.

If Rima,  my sister has a sad moment, (we all do), Riley is always there to comfort her,
 to tell her that everything is going to be OK, and to always remind her how much she
 is loved and how much she means to them.  That's Riley in a nutshell.  One
of the most caring, compassionate and loving persons we know.

Happy birthday Riley.  Auntie Nad, Uncle Arvid, Brutus, Shadow and Sniff love you
and wish you always the very best in life and all you do.  You area one in a million.

We love you and that will never change...

~Nadiya~

Hurricane Matthew...

Hope for the best, prepare for the worst...

This is all that is happening right now in Florida, at least all the news reports here

 in South Florida is all about Hurricane Matthew.  Florida has been hit hard 

many a times, so even though I may make light of it, it is serious for 

everyone especially for those who have lived through a major one. 

 Example Andrew.  People here take it very seriously.

So far here at home it is fairly quiet.  Yesterday morning all the boats were heading 

North.  Just in case something should happen.  We expect lots of rain, but otherwise

  hopefully nothing more than that.  The skies are clear and blue as of now.

Yesterday Arvid and I were busy from the morning to until 3pm.  After that I said to

 him,"come on let me take you to lunch."  We were tired and I did not feel like 

cooking.  Flip Flops it was for our favorite chicken wings.  More like his 

favorite wings.  I like the drinks best, but the wings were also good.

This will be Sniff Sniff's first hurricane.  Hopefully he will be calm and not get too

 scared should there be thunder and lightning.  He's OK with rain, and of course we 

will be with him all the time.So far he has been a good boy.  Just like always.

In preparation for Matthew, we have brought in all our outdoor furniture.  We have enough 

water and dry food supplies.  What I fear the most is the power going off.  It will be 

hot as hell and staying in the condo can become extremely uncomfortable.

I did another run to the grocery store and Publix was just empty.  The shelves had 

nothing.  All water supply was sold out.  Most paper stuff were gone, canned 

foods gone.  Ice gone.  Bread gone.  Yes almost everything was GONE!

Wishing everyone a safe day especially all my Florida friends and family and 

those who are also in the path of Hurricane Matthew.  Remember

 they say that to be prepared is half the Victory.

There is always a part of my mind that is preparing for the worst, 

and another part of my mind that believes if I prepare

 enough for it, the worst won’t happen...

~Nadiya~

11 Months Ago Brutus Died... 7 Months Ago Shadow Died

It has been said, "time heals all wounds."  I do not agree.  

The wounds remain.  In time, the mind protecting its sanity, covers them 

with scar tissue, and the pain lessens.  But it is never gone..

The last time I held Brutus.  At 8:15 on  we dropped him off at the vet. He was 

scheduled to have an amputation. That was going to take care of the recurring infection

 on his paw.  I held him for a long time. I can still feel his warm body in my arms.

The amputation was just a routine surgery. That's what they told us.  As we were
 leaving the technician said to us, "will you please sign this release form?  Saying 
we can resuscitate should anything go wrong."  I signed the papers, and
 half jokingly I asked, "he's not going to die is he?"  She said, "so far it has 
never happened."  You know the rest.   Our Brutus, my baby died.  11 months
 ago today.  He took a chunk of my heart with him.  How I miss him.

November 10th.  In comes Shadow into our lives. Just a little energizer kitty. 

 He had no fear and he was just a baby. Arvid and I were so busy grieving for Brutus, 

but Shadow was such an active little dude that it was difficult to not notice him.

 He demanded attention.  Arvid played with him so much. I did too but I will be 
the first to admit that my heart was not always into it.  Shadow was a baby, and I 

lovingly did everything for him, except I never got the chance to say. "I love you." 

 Something I will forever have to live with.  I'm so sorry little Shadow. I never got
 to tell it to you, but you know I love you.  I made you chicken everyday.

 Mama loved you and it breaks my heart that you never had a chance to grow 
up.  I hope you and Brutus are together.  Keeping each other company and I
 hope you both know how much I love you and how I miss you everyday.

They say time is a good healer.  I know it is because I have been through grief 

before. It took years and years, but I moved on.  I do get the flashbacks, but the
 pain is not as intense and as painful anymore.  One day I hope it will be the 
same again.  Today no one can take away the grief I have in my heart.

Time they say is your best friend.  I know they say that time heals nothing unless
 you move along with it.  I'm trying and I am moving along.  Slowly, but it is
 what it is right now.  Yesterday Arvid and I had our first walk since coming
 back home.  It is still hot and humid, but we enjoyed it.  Was good to see 
palm trees everywhere again.  Since we have not had time to take 
our  cars to the cars wash Arvid decided to do it himself.  

He likes it.  He says it's a good exercise.  Of course I was there, but this time as an 
observer.  I spent some time by the pool sipping on wine.  Yes I who hardly
 drink wine discovered it can be pretty good sometimes.  When in 
Norway this summer, Victoria had some very good wine at their home. 
 I tried it and liked it very much so every now and again I indulge.
  I had a little quiet time by the pool so it was good. 

Good morning everyone.  Here so far it is a beautiful morning.
There are more glorious days ahead, this should be our joy for today, 
and luckily it will be a very busy day for us.  Staying busy is the key here.

Healing is an art.  It takes time.  It takes practice.  It takes 
love. The emotion that can break your heart is sometimes the very 

one that heals it. Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, 
love leaves a memory no one can steal...

~Nadiya~

Home Again...

Memories warm you up from the inside. But they also tear you

 apart.   My memories beat inside me like a second heart...

As we left Chicago memories of last year came flooding back to me. Last year 

we left with Brutus. Who was to know that in exactly one month after that he

 would die!!! If you would have said that to me I would think you were crazy.

This year we left Chicago with Sniff.  He was not medicated.  We did it when we 

left from Florida to Chicago but that did not go so well.  Within a few days of 

arriving in Chicago we had to take him to the vet. Like Brutus Sniff was extremely

 good in the plane.  He did give a few hollers in the taxi and a few meows in the 

plane, but overall he was very good. He sat the entire time with Arvid. 

I wanted him on my lap, but Arvid said that he was sleeping 

so we did not want to disturb him too much.

I did not think I was going to be sad when we left, but truthfully we both were. 

 Even so,  looking forward to going home.  As the plane took off from Chicago I thought

 of Ana and Queta and it made me sad. I thought of Brutus and made me even sadder. 

Queta texted me as soon as we landed asking how Sniff handled the flight.

 I wrote this as we were up in the air.  I was thinking of opening the door when we get

 home, and it is with a heavy sadness knowing that no Brutus will be running up to us! 

 No wonder Arvid said it felt different.  For me in that moment it was an empty 

feeling in my heart when we walked in the door.  Don't get me wrong, Sniff is

 a joy and we love him.  It's just home has always been, Brutus, Arvid and I.
Tomorrow is 11 months without our Brutus and 7 months without Shadow.

I hope Sniff likes his Florida home.  Chicago's condo is much smaller than our 

Florida home so I know Sniff will enjoy the space and the running around.  His first

 night was spent wandering around, a few cries now and again.  It is still a little

 unfamiliar to him.  He's checking out every little nook and cranny around.

I am not the type of person to be sad all the time. I am usually happy, easygoing 

and I laughed often.  I miss that person.  I want me back. Of course to get me back

 I have to work on it. I am. Yeah I am, but some days are just hard.  Leaving 

Chicago was harder than I thought but for whole bunch of different reasons.

Soon it will be a year that Brutus died. I have not held him in a year.  An entire year 

soon that I am missing my Brutus. Also it will be 7 months since that little Shadow died.

 I'm just a little overwhelmed right now, but being home and close to them and

 seeing both Shadow's and Brutus' favorite spots at home makes me feel in

 some way closer to them.  At least I tell myself that it will be so.

I have never dreamt with my Brutus nor with my little Shadow.  Is that normal?  

Shouldn't I at least be able to dream with them and "see"them?  Why won't they come 

to me in dreams?  Don't they know I NEED to see them?  I need to see you Brutus!!!!!!

Here at home the only thing you hear is Hurricane Matthew.  The stores are almost all
 sold out of water, canned foods, Home Depot is almost sold out of all things needed in
 an emergency such as a hurricane.  Here in Fort Lauderdale, we expect rain by
 late Thursday night early Friday morning.  Unless of course things change, but
 for now we are pretty much safe at home.  Just in case I have made a bag with
 supplies ready in case we need to go to a hotel with Sniff.  He's coming.  

When Brutus was alive we always had a bag packed for him.  In Florida the word 
hurricane is not unfamiliar.  People just go crazy and buy everything out.  Most people 
would have supplies for months if what I saw going on in the grocery stores today.  
I did not buy much because if we lose power it all goes to waste.  Have water
 for us and Sniff.  Food and litter for Sniff.  We are set and ready.

The big question on the international news these last few days has been:  Is Florida safe?
What can I say?  We live here.  We have seen a few.  We have seen destruction, but
 fortunately we have been "lucky"  Yes we have had direct hits to places we have lived, 
but we weathered the storm without damage.  Sadly many have not been so fortunate.

Today has been a beautiful day so far.  Sniff is getting more familiar with his home. 
Arvid and I have been very busy.  Already yesterday we have made a few trips to 
the warehouse among other things.  The apartment is messy.  Papers, mail, 
"junk" and stuff everywhere.  Slowly it will get back to "normal"

Hope you have all been having a good day so far.  Still lots to do.  Staying busy
 has it's merits.The mind and body gets worn out by night.  Last night we
 were both bone tired.  For once we both slept without interruptions 
all night long.  It's been a while that this has happened.

There are memories that time does not erase... Forever does not 
make loss forgettable, only bearable. Memories are bullets. Some whiz by 
and only spook you. Others tear you open and leave you in pieces... 

~Nadiya~