Friday April 24th~

Friends are the family we choose...

Arvid and I had a very good outing yesterday

 in our old stomping grounds, Fort Lauderdale with 

good friends. Our friend Jim is almost 89 years old. 

 We took him and Sue, his wife out to lunch.  

The food was delicious, but the time we spent 

together was even better.  Jim celebrates his birthday 

every year with a big party.  We're always invited, 

but at that time we are usually in Branson. 

A trip to the Swap Shop is a must.  I always stock

 up on coconuts and other tropical fruit.  We also made

 a stop at the Norwegian store.  Their mayo is the best.

  As is the chocolate.  Sadly they were closed.

To all a very good day.  Both Arvid and 

Sniff had a good time for their birthdays.

Let today be simple, kind and full of little wonders...

~Nadiya~

Thursday April 23rd~

Today, I celebrate the journey not just the 

destination. I'm grateful for the growth, the grit,

 and the grace I've found along the way...

Today is a special day. What makes it s so special 

is that it's both Arvid's and Sniff's birthday.  Our Sniff

 turns 11 years old today.  We have had him for ten of

 those years. I love him more than words can ever

 express.  Sniff is my happy place.  Everyday.

As a birthday treat Sniff will be having an extra 

portion of Sheba pate today.  The vet says he's chunky, 

but today he get's to eat like a king.  He does that everyday

 no matter what.  A little extra will make him happy.

Arvid and I will be on the road again.  Some 

taking care of business stuff and some fun things. 

 Definitely looking forward to what the day holds.

I hope your day is also a good one and that whatever

 it is you do makes you happy or at least makes you feel 

like you have accomplished some of what you set out to do.  

The important thing here is to never give up.  Life does 

not wait for anyone.  If you want to move ahead, 

you can never give up.  Celebrate your birthday

 like a cat.  Take a nap and find some treats.

Wishing everyone a beautiful day.  May 

your cup overflow with blessings, love, 

and happiness today and every day.

Another trip around the sun—let's make it count!

~Nadiya~

Wednesday April 22nd~

Be happy for what you have, 

while working for what you want...

Our time with Rima was definitely a delicious 

one.  We spent quality time together, and we always

enjoyed delicious foods and drinks.  We were all

 happy with her visit.  It was short, but sweet. 

We all have responsibilities and though it's 

always good to get away for a little, one has to

 go back and "resume" life. It's just how it is.

Yesterday was Rimas last day with us. While 

I was at the doctor she and Arvid discussed some

 business. Rima is  involved/working with a builder

 and she is always scoping out places for remodeling 

and for new builds for the business. Arvid could 

not help but pitch our different real estate

 holdings.  As he said,”you never know.” 

For our last dining outing Rima and I had 

a late breakfast before heading to the airport. Rima 

is my babysitter. I love her so much. I love all my

 sisters, but Rima gets a little extra pampering😍

As always I go to feed Legacy around 5pm. 

Rima went with me while she was here. She was

 lucky to have seen both Legacy and Newbie on our

 first visit.  On the rest of he days we did not see

 Legacy, but we of course left her foodies.  I 

was there yesterday and so was Legacy.

Sniff is happy to have his space back. 

Arvid happy to have his bathroom back also. 

As he said, “we’re back to normal again”  

Someone's birthday is coming up soon.  

Can you tell how excited he/Sniff is?

I miss Rima.  She has as Arvid always 

says, "the most bubbly personality."

Happy people tend to embrace 

gratitude, focus on the positive, and live in the

 moment rather than chasing perfection...

~Nadiya~

Tuesday April 21st~

All life is an experiment. The more

 experiments you make the better...

 Something interesting I saw online.  I have not seen

 this before, but I could be mistaken.  Check out the new

 way Lee County Sheriff (Fort Myers) gets their man,

 at the same time enjoy the pink glow of the morning.

When mom and dad lived in Florida some 20 years ago, 

their first purchase was this Mercedes.  Today it is mine.  Mom 

and dad gave it to me when they moved back to Florida.  It looks

 brand new, hardly has any miles, and it MOVES!  I love it.

We have a few things going on this week so

 in many ways it is also going to be a busy one. 

 I have a few doctors appointments today, and Rimas

 time with us has come to an end.  We have had a 

very good time with her, and as always I get a little

 sad when it's time to say goodbye, but we sure

 have had a good time, and the day is not over.

Amazing how one can do so much is such 

a short time, and when one has all the time in 

the world we don't seem to get as much done.  

Yeah it was a full/great couple of days with

 Rima.  Very happy and grateful we saw her.

It's the smallest moments with family

 that make the biggest memories.

Wishing everyone a very good day.  

It's a busy morning here already. 

Live life for those unscripted moments 

of sheer joy with your family...

~Nadiya~

Monday April 20th~ New Week

 Even if you are on the right track,
 you'll get run over if you just sith there...

The beauty of the week is that both Arvid and Sniff 

have birthdays on the same day.  Both are Taurus

 boys and I could not love them any more than I 

already do.  It's going to be a good week.

We're not planning on doing anything other 

than spending the day together later on in the

 week.  Maybe a little day trip for Arvid and I, 

and after that is time together just the 3 of us.  

Yesterday we had a vell day with Rima, mom

 and dad.  We started out with lunch at one of everyone's 

favorite place.  The food as always was very good, but

 the time we shared together and the laughter will 

always be my favorite part of that outing.

When we got home, the three of us went to feed 

Legacy, and she was there together with Newbie.  Rima 

was very happy to see the "famous" Legacy.

 

Afterwards we just continued walking towards downtown.  

And could not forget Izzy's. It was a beautiful evening. 

 We even called Gabby and all three of us spoke to him. 

 Arvid was telling Gabby that we were seeing the same cool

 pickup trucks as we did when we were out with him. 

To all a very good day.  Sniff is a bit unsure

 as to why his room with his heating bed is closed.  

He'll survive.  The day is looking good, and we sure 

need to pack a lot into it to get the most out of it.

It's the little details that are vital.  Little

 things make big things happen...

~Nadiya~

Sunday April 19th~

The memories we make with

 our family is everything...

 Today we take mom and dad and Rima out to dinner.  

Sort of a late anniversary dinner for mom and dad.  Today

 we go to Longhorn.  There everyone will definitely find 

something they like. Even Arvid agrees that the salad 

is good.  He who would not eat a regular salad, has one

 at Longhorn.  Mine is always the same, a caesar salad,

 and the very berry sangria.  Arvid and his brother 

also enjoyed a meal at Longhorn in Branson.

Hopefully after dinner we take a little trip downtown to 

Izzy's.  Have to just play it by ear as Arvid is fond of saying.

  As far as I'm concerned, we are going to go to Izzy's.

We always look forward to a trip downtown.  It gives 

us some exercise, and we also have a good time.

I have to say we do live in interesting times. 

 As always downtown never disappoints.

Sniff as always has not a worry in the world,

 except of course when is his next meal time😂 

Sniff, my always happy place no matter what.

To all a very good day.  Rima comes today.  I'm so 

excited to see her.  We all look forward to our time with her.

  If you know Spanish, then you know what it says here😂

Good times are a reminder and a

 reward for dealing with the difficult and 

challenging times we all go through... 

~Nadiya~

Saturday April 18th ~

Don’t worry about the world coming to an end

 today. It is already tomorrow in Australia...

 Life is funny and sometimes it’s hard to 

explain or understand everything you experience. 

Some days things are so bad, you can’t help but laugh.

 Sometimes, the only thing you can do during a rough

 patch is find a reason to smile.  I find my reasons to 

laugh every day no matter what.  Arvid and Sniff keep 

me laughing all the time.  Makes for a better day/life.

Yesterday on my way to get groceries I stopped by

 to feed Legacy, just in case she was there. I always carry 

my bag with food and water for her. It was a little before 

10am and she was there.  Surprisingly the person who

 feeds her/him in the mornings had not done so as yet. 

 Maybe it was too early.  Anyway I cleaned up her

 area and left her some foodies. I thought she

 looked really skinny. It made me sad.

Come 5 o'clock Arvid and I got restless.  The cure is 

always a little trip downtown.  Yesterday we stopped by 

Hideaway.  Always a good first stop when downtown.

Always my favorite part of the evening is people

 watching.  You never know what you will see.

Once again downtown Fort Myers 

was alive with the sound of music.

To all a very good day.  The sun is already

 shining bright.  Sniff is fed and taking his second

 nap.  All is good here.  Wishing you the same.

Life should not be a journey to the grave with 

the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well

preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside in a

 cloud of smoke, thoroughly used up, totally worn 

out, and loudly proclaiming ‘Wow! What a Ride!

~Nadiya~

Friday April 17th-

Fast food is like a convenient friend: always 

there for you, but not always the best influence...

 For those who know Arvid well, just ask my 

mom, she will also tell you that for him there is no other 

burger than Burger King's Whopper.  You can give 

Arvid a gourmet burger, but according to him

 it just does not compare to that of BK.  

So yesterday, he was craving a burger, not 

any burger but a whopper from BK.  It’s not my 

firstchoice, but I will admit that it does taste good.

 I do not like processed food/meat, but every once

 in a while I give in to his burger craves 🍔 

Yesterday after many days, I finally see Legacy up close.  

She was waiting for me on one of her mats.  Seems like 

she was hungry because as I approached, she started

 meowing and jumping up to where she gets her foodies.

  After cleaning her bowls and giving her clean water she 

was fed and she was a happy girl.  I think "she" is a "he."

We're looking forward to the weekend and what it holds. 

Rima will be visiting for a couple of days and we’re really

 excited.  Hopefully we get to go to Izzy’s downtown Fort 

Myers. When she was last here she loved it. Especially 

the happy hour.  She treated us to a good time there.

Meanwhile here at home all is good.  It's early and it's 

very quiet.  Just Sniff and I.  Arvid is still sound asleep.  I'm 

enjoying the peace and quiet.  A good day to all.  It's Friday, and 

though we said we would just take it easy and relax at home this

 evening, I have a feeling that by 5pm we will be restless.

Can't forget our daily dose of Florida

 humor.  To all a very good weekend.

Whatever you do, give 100%.  

Unless you're donating blood...

~Nadiya~

Thursday April 16th~

Never do something permanently foolish

 just because you are temporarily upset...

 The two boys of the house spent a lotta time 

watching TV.  Of course Sniff has a knack for

 dozing off.  Unlike Arvid, unless it's his cat 

TV shows, Sniff gets bored pretty fast.

Arvid is another one who hates to relinquish 

the remote control when we are watching TV. 

  It's become something like a lifeline I think.

Yesterday as we went for a walk I stopped, as 

always to feed Legacy.  She did not come to the food,

 but I saw her in the distance.  Newbie on the other hand 

made himself at home.  The birds and squirrels were 

also fed.  Everyone was happy; except my knee. 

Woke up to another beautiful sunrise.  The day 

is going to be good, after all, it is Thursday;

 and on Thursdays I do not  have to cook. 

Good morning and a good day to all.

When life gives you lemons, hand them 

back and ask for Florida oranges...

~Nadiya~

Wednesday April 15th~

 No matter how many mistakes you make
 or how slow you progress, you are still way
 ahead of everyone who isn’t trying....

Florida is getting ready for hurricane season. 

 At least according to social media memes. 

 It's no joke, we all need to be prepared.

Last night as Arvid got up from his chair to

 get a glass of water, Sniff wasted no time in making

 it his spot.  Happens every night. Arvid came back; 

Sniff won’t move so Arvid had to try and squeeze

 himself into the chair with Sniff;  Arvid is very 

patient with Sniff he would never make him move.

  Instead he, Arvid would either stand or do as he

 did, squeeze in 😂and "beg" Sniff to give his 

some space.  Makes me laugh every time.

I did not see Legacy yesterday, but I did 

clean up the leftover foodies someone else left her. 

 To all a very good day.  The sun is out and the 

skies are clear.  It is going to be a good one.

You can learn great things

 from your mistakes when you

 aren't busy denying them...

~Nadiya~