A Busy Day Here For Us ~Wednesday March 24th

 Never measure your progress using someone else's ruler...

The only one who has time to bask in the sun is

 Sniff.  Arvid and I are having busy days.  I guess 

you can say we are happiest when busy 🙈.

To be Sniff right now.  What a privilege.

  Relaxed.  Peaceful and resting.

To all a good day. When you focus 

on the good the good gets better.

Fill your life with experiences, not things.

Have stories to tell, not stuff to show...

~Nadiya~

Living ~ Tuesday March 23rd

 You will never speak to anyone more than you speak
 to yourself in your head.  Be kind to yourself...

A typical morning on the beach in Florida.

Blue skies.  Blue waters, and birds just enjoying the tropical 

weather and sunshine.  It sure does not get any better right now.

Every so often we get carried away with the hecticness

 of our lives.  Sometimes we fail to appreciate and be

 thankful for what we have right in front of us.

Good morning everyone.  Good start of the day.  

Sniff has entertainment and so do we.  Life is 

good and I am always thankful for each day.

I've learned that people will forget what you 

said, people will forget what you did, but people

 will never forget how you made them feel...

~Nadiya~

Monday March 22nd ~

The secret of change is to focus all of your energy 

not on fighting the old, but on building the new...

The other day we had Carlos our computer guy come 

over to do a few tweaks to our laptops.  We had to get new

 laptops because somehow the "old" one which really was 

not that old would not close.  The lid just expanded.

Carlos was initially my parents' computer guy.  When they

 lived in Florida.  They recommended him to us and he has been 

our guy for over 10 years.  In those years we have seen his little 

daughter Lourdes grow up from a child to a young woman.

 She's now 17 and drives her dad around when he visits. 

Carlos has been with us in so many moves.  He said

 he's lost track of the different places we have lived.  We told 

him about Puerto Rico and he just shook his head, and the good

 thing is he said he can help us even when we are there should

 we need help.  Technology.  It sure is pretty amazing.

It's Monday.  Today I am feeling sad.  Memories keep

 pouring by.  The places we have lived.  The loss of Brutus

 and Shadow.  Life sure has changed in so many

 ways, and Covid sure has not helped.

Most things do not affect Arvid as much as they affect me.

   Sometimes I wonder it it's better to not feel, but then I

 know that it's not.  Feeling is what makes us human.

As the new week begins, I am once again awake 

very early.  It gives me time with my thoughts, and time 

to contemplate life.  Life is said to be an experiment 

and the more experiments you make the better.  

Well looking back at our lives, I have to say we 

have made many experiments, and I know there is

 so much more to come.  That's the beauty of life.  

To live and to create unforgettable moments.

So this is my life.  And I want you to know

 I am both happy and sad, and I am still 

trying to figure out how that could be...

~Nadiya~

Spring Break 2021 Miami, Florida

I feel as though I have lost every ounce 

of pride and dignity on Spring Break.

  What's worse is that I don't regret it...

 Maybe because of the pandemic, or maybe just 

because people are crazy.  Whatever it is, Spring break 

2021 in Miami has gone totally to hell.  The news 

every day shows riots and more riots.

What's wrong with people?  There used to be 

something as simple fun and enjoyment, but today it 

seems as you don't cause total chaos you're not having a 

good time anymore.  At least that is what it seems 

based on the riots going on in South Beach.

Police are struggling to control overwhelming

 crowds and making scores of arrests, officials in

 Miami Beach decided on Sunday to extend an 

emergency curfew for up to three weeks 

Ocean Drive is closed to vehicular and pedestrian 

traffic from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. for four nights a week

 all through April 12.  Guess no Monty's for us for

 a while. Miami Beach suddenly comes across 

as a warzone when you see the news on TV.

This all being said does not stop anyone from coming to

 South Florida.  The beaches, the weather and the fun times

 awaiting sure is worth it for most.  Arvid and I being 

"boring" stay away from situations like these.

How does your day seem to be shaping up?

Give me coffee to change the things I can 

and the beach to accept the things I can't...

~Nadiya~

Sunday March 21st ~

These are the moments to remember forever...

I can't believe it's that time already.  Another week is

 over and the days just seem to fly by so very fast. I am 

often sad how fast time goes by.  Makes me appreciate 

every day even more. Time does not wait for anyone.

The boys spent the weekend so far watching soccer.  Sniff 

sleeps, while Arvid watches the game.  More of the same today. 

 Yeah, Sundays are usually quiet, and we don't mind it all.

Wishing everyone a good day, and may it also be a relaxing one.

Life is short, and if we enjoy every moment of

 every day, then we will be happy no matter what
 happens or what changes along the way...

~Nadiya~

Hello First Day Of Spring ~ March 20th

 Spring brings new growth, weed out the bad
 and make room for something beautiful...

First day of spring and according to Arvid it is

 too cold.  That is for Florida, on the other hand Arvid is 

always cold, and we shouldn't forget he was born and raised in

Norway.  These temperatures we are having right now are

 still warmer than most summer days in Norway 😂

First day of spring is slightly dark right now, but I

 am sure as the day progresses it will brighten up and 

warm up  for Arvid.  I don't mind a few cooler days.

Today is a good day to clean (again).  Spring is here,

 and it's spring cleaning time for many.  Happy Saturday all. 

 No matter what you do, do it with gusto and enjoy every

 moment, for this moment will not happen again.

No one can ever take your memories from you - each day

 is a new beginning, make good memories every day...

~Nadiya~

Friday March 19th ~

A great attitude is one of your best tools... 

My Friday didn't start out too good.  Woke up early

 to call dentists.  More specifically oral surgeons.  Yesterday 

afternoon I cracked my tooth.  Ouch. Ran to my dentist 

who said I needed to have the tooth extracted and the 

only one to do so would be an oral surgeon.

Long story short.  Because of Covid times it was not 

easy to see a doctor, but somehow I managed because of 

the pain level I was in.  Doctor was busy all day, but said

 if I didn't mid waiting he would see me when he had time.

I was there at 8:30 this morning. waited until noon.

  At 12:31pm the doctor showed up, and in less than 

two minutes my tooth was out.  Yes two minutes.

The doctor even said, "you look surprised."  I said I am.  

Told him I had expected more pain, not that I wanted pain,

 but I do not like dentists.  I told him so.  Just happy it's out.  

Now follow up in a week and hopefully all will be good.

Now time to relax and enjoy the rest of the day 

on the balcony with Arvid.  Weekend is here. 

 How do you plan to spend it?  Quiet like us?

Never whine, never complain,

 never try to justify yourself...

~Nadiya~

Life ~

 The truth is still the truth even if no one believes it.
A lie is still a lie, even if everyone believes it...

Sometimes all you can do it try.  You do your best, 

yet your best is viewed as a betrayal to others.

Life is so complicated.  What you think is your 

caring for someone, the other person thinks is you 

being selfish and unkind.  How does one come to terms 

with this?  Friendship is sometimes difficult.

I will not apologize for caring.  Caring does not 

necessarily mean we will see eye to eye, but it 

does mean I will always have your best interest first

 and foremost. The rest is up to you to figure out.

Through they years we have been there for each other.

  We will always be there for each other.  It goes like this,

 "It's hard to trust when all you have from the past is evidence 

why you shouldn't."  When you're ready know I'm here.

It's the friends we meet along the way

 that makes us appreciate the journey...

~Nadiya~

St. Patrick's Day 💚 ~ Wednesday March 17th

 Yeah, it's St. Paddy's Day 💚 Everyone's Irish tonight...

Chicago 2019, March 17th.  One of the most amazing sights 

I have seen.  The Michigan River turning green💚.  It's a long 

well thought out process, and the results is just a must see.

Beautiful as it was, it was also extremely cold. 

 From our balcony you could see the ice in the river. 

 That being said, it did not keep us indoors.  I insisted we 

had to go out and enjoy this once in a year event.

We were cold. but bundled up.  Home in Fort Lauderdale

 we don't do much.  Spring break is still in high gear.  Covid

is still around, but usually even without these factors we tend

 to stay at home. I won't mind doing something, but 🙈

2013 Savannah, Georgia.  That year Arvid and I witnessed

 St. Patrick's day there. It was like being transported back to Ireland,

 and I have never been to Ireland.  St. Patrick's Day is HUGE there, 

but what I remember the most is the huge mess the day after.

💚 Luck is believing you're lucky.  

May the good lord 💚 take a liking 

to you, but not too soon 💚

~Nadiya~

Tuesday March 16th ~

 Party early and often.   Remember
 that it only counts as one year no matter

 how many times you celebrate 🍀

An early start of St. Patrick's Day.  Here in the Sunshine State
 and I am sure many other states the celebrations just 💚

🍀 keep going on.  Of course, a Sniff picture is a must.

 

Celebrations this year will not be "typical".

  Covid and all,  but here in the Sunshine State 

everyone is ready to party come what may come. 

 Consequences... what is that after all 😳😷

Spring Break in the Sunshine State.  Go where 

the Wifi is weak and the sun is strong 🌴🌞.

The most beautiful things are not 

associated with money; they are memories

 and moments. If you don't celebrate

 those, they will pass you by...

~Nadiya~

Monday March 15th New Week ~

Every new day begins with possibilities.

 It's up to us to  fill it with the things that 

move us toward progress and peace...  

Looking forward to what the new week holds. A

 few trips to Miami is in the picture.  All work this

 time.  Which is fine, better than staying home.

As long as we are busy I am happy.  That was one

 of the many things I enjoyed while being in Branson.  We were

 forever busy.  Sometimes maybe too much so, but I never

 had time to be "bored" or restless.  I miss those days.

  I enjoyed that phase of life very much.  No regrets, but

 always also good to move on.  Which we are good at.

Spring break is in full swing.  Everyone is in Florida.  

Everything here is full open.  It's fun in the sun.

Approach each new day as a new opportunity
 to be the person you aspire to be... 

~Nadiya~

Sunday ~

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

Yesterday we found ourselves once again in Jupiter.  Home
 of the most beautiful palm trees I have seen in a very long time 
in Florida.  I didn't have to go with Arvid, but I wanted to see
 the trees again and of course get pictures.  Was worth it.

Arvid and I have enjoyed this outing.  A little work combined 

with a lot of fun.  Arvid drove and I enjoyed the scenery.  Sometimes 

I forget just how beautiful Florida is.  Going to different places is a

 good reminder.  Makes me appreciate where we are even more 🌴

Lots of soccer in store today I am sure.  Best of all it is 

our relax day.  On a "normal" day we would be going out for

 dinner and enjoying a good meal combined with great views. 

 For now we still enjoy good meals at home and the view

 is not bad either.  Not complaining one bit. No siree.

I have always been delighted at the prospect of a new

 day, a fresh try, one more start, with perhaps a bit of 

magic waiting somewhere behind the morning...

~Nadiya~

Reminder ~

 I do remember and then, when I try to remember I forget...

Don't forget to spring forward.  Daylight savings time is here.

Tell me and I forget, teach me and
 I remember, involve me and I learn...

~Nadiya~

US Daylight Savings 2021

 If you do not change direction, you
 might end up where you are heading...

Daylight Saving Time begins on Sunday, March 14,

 2021, at 2:00 A.M.  On Saturday evening, our

 clocks need to “spring forward” one hour. 

As of March 2020, an impressive 32 states have proposed

bills to end the practice of switching clocks. However, the 

legislation can only go into effect if the federal law ⏰

changes, and that has not happened as of right now.

During daylight savings time (DST), clocks are

 turned ahead one hour, so that the sun rises later in the 

morning and sets later in the evening.  Experts insist

 that the extra hour of daylight reduces crime.

To all a happy day.  Ours has already started on a good

 note, and for sure we will make it continue to be so.

  After all we are the ones who set the tone of how

 our day goes.  It's all about the attitude.

Happiness is always an inside job...

~Nadiya~

Make This Day Amazing ~

 Spring: when you realize you're allergic to all the things you love...

Not one to have allergies, but seems like that has also 
changed in the last 3 years.  Woke up this morning with itchy 

eyes and unable to stop sneezing.  The joys of getting older,

 or just a reminder that Spring is around the corner.

We continue to enjoy time on the balcony, although

 not a frequently as when we were in Puerto Rico.  It has 

been windy, cold and rain on and off.  But when we do 

spend time there, it sure is pleasant and enjoyable.

To all a good day, and a great start to the weekend.  

We may still be in pandemic times, but remember there 

is always so much to be grateful for.  Today is a new day and

 with each new day there is always something amazing about to 

happen, sometimes we just have to make our own amazing.

Never allow waiting to become a habit.  Live your 

dreams and take risks.  Life is happening now...

~Nadiya~