Thursday December 12th~

Worrying doesn't take away tomorrow's

 troubles, it takes away today's peace...

 Yesterday Arvid and I picked my dad up from the airport 

and drove him back to the house.  My dad was in New York

 for a funeral and he was surely missed a lot.  I am just so 

happy he is back home with my mom.  Now I feel better 

again.  I know I worry too much.  I just can't help it.

Another "cold" front is here.  Cold for Floridians. 

 On the other hand, with this cold front there could 

be a variety of other things happening in our weather.  

One has to always be prepared for whatever this Florida 

weather throws at you.  Always an interesting time.

Here in Fort Myers and many part of the nation and world we 

are all waiting patiently for the arrival of M15 and Lady (F23) eaglets.  

We are all on egg watching waiting for that first pip that represents the 

soon to bee arrival of new life and new adventures.  I just love them.

It's a cold start of the day.  We do have a 

few things to do luckily, they are all indoors.

A good day to all.  Feels like a hot chocolate kind of morning. 

 Arvid's specialty, will see when he get up.  In the meantime, 

the wind is howling on the outside, otherwise it's a peaceful

 morning.  My Sniff is on his heating bed nice and cozy.

You all pray for Florida.  It's 48 degrees

 and we don't own any pants.  Floridians be

 like, "that cold front gone yet...?"

~Nadiya~

Wednesday December 11th~

The life of the dead is placed in the memory of the living...

Yesterday was the cremation ceremony for my uncle 

in New York.  My dad is there representing our family.  My 

dad's eldest sister's husband is the one who died. It is definitely a 

very sad time for the family.  He leaves behind five daughters, 

2 sons, a ton of grandkids and his wife, my eldest aunt.

While my dad is in New York mom is home alone 

so yesterday I spent the day with her just doing girl 

stuff.  We always start out with mani-pedi.  Always 

we had a good mother and daughter time together.

After that we went to a farmers market not far from 

where they live.  Arvid and I have been there before, 

but I never noticed the baby goats, the mini donkey, 

chickens and the huge turtles.  Yesterday I did.

I also took my mom out to lunch to this very delicious

 Puerto Rican restaurant.  They make the best drinks. 

 Reminds me of being in Puerto Rico all over again.

We had delicious food, but I continue to say that the drinks are 

the absolutely best.  I developed a liking for passion fruit mojito

 when we lived in Puerto Rico.  Every ingredient used is fresh.  My

 mom always favors the Piña Colada.  They are absolutely delicious.

The best part of the day was being able to spend time with 

my mom and to take her out and do a few things together.  I loved it.

Meanwhile we are expecting another cold front tomorrow.  

Sniff is cuddling up with his lil buddy to stay warm.  Plus 

he's on his heating bed.  No getting cold here for him.

Another early start of the day for Sniff and I.  He's already 

been brushed, his bed changed with clean linen and he's now 

back resting.  I love the quietness of my time alone in 

the mornings.  It's peaceful and reinvigorating.

The connections we make in the course

 of life—maybe that's what heaven is...

~Nadiya~

Tuesday December 10th~

 Laugh out loud, follow your heart 

enjoy the little things in life...

Yesterday was more a work at day from home.  

There were a few things needing to be taken

 care of, and that we did.  In all of this Sniff 

was just taking it easy and looking at us.

There is always time for a little afternoon walk of course,

 after the soccer game.  There's been two games a day lately

 (during the work week).  As Arvid would say, "I'm so busy"

No matter how many times we go for walks, I am

 always fascinated by the feel of Christmas all around us.

  No matter what or when, I am always happy taking it 

all in.  Of course there are pictures involved.  As 

I say to Arvid, "someone has to document it."

To all a very good day.  I know the Holidays is not always

 a good time for everyone.  Many are all by themselves

 and the Holidays can make it feel even lonelier. 

 For this I do not know what to say.  I know that I 

make my own holiday special and this year is

 even better because my parents are here. 

To all a very good day.  May you find something 

to always be grateful for.  I am always grateful

 for my Sniff and all the blessings in my life.

Be healthy and take care of yourself, but be happy

 with the beautiful things that make you, you...

~Nadiya~

Monday December 9th~

 You are ready for whatever this new 

week brings you, make it a good one...

A new week is here again.  Looking forward to seeing

 what it holds.  Hope to spend some time with my mom 

since my dad will be in New York for a few days.  Just 

keeping her company and doing a few girl things.

In the meantime here at home we continue to

 stay busy.  Doing what is sometimes a little difficult

 to explain, but Arvid sure know how to look the part

 and act the part of being busy.  He does it well.

Arvid and I enjoyed a good outing yesterday.  

Yesterday's choice was Rumrunners.  Always a good 

choice and a favorite of ours.  The sun was shining 

warming us up.  Made for perfect outdoor activity.  

I'm totally hooked on their chocolate cake.

May your week be filled with good thoughts, 

kind people and happy moments...

~Nadiya~

Sunday December 8th ~

Every day I like to wake up, and remind

 myself to be grateful of the simple things...

 Sniff continues to sit with Santa and Mrs. Claus 
everyday.  He seems to enjoy their company 🎅

Yesterday I spent time with my parents.  Once again 

we met at the mall.  My dad had to do some clothes shopping 

because he is on his way to New York for a funeral.  Last 

year when they were here they also had a funeral to attend.

  At least it was in Orlando and not in freezing New York 🍎.

The mall like everywhere else looks even more beautiful 

during the Holidays.  I truly love walking around admiring

 all things Christmas.  Making it even better, yesterday we had 

a little outing Downtown.  It was a really delicious time.

The sounds and sights of Christmas continue to make me happy.  

At times I find Arvid also admiring some of it.  Yes, a happy time.

Wishing everyone a happy day.  May you always

 find something to make you smile and to never 

forget that there is so much to be grateful for.

A grateful perspective brings happiness 

and abundance into a person's life....

~Nadiya~

Saturday December 7th~

Be kind.  For everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle...

 It's a beautiful start of the day here in Fort Myers.  I'm 

getting into the Christmas spirit, even if it's only me. 

 I make sure Sniff is always a part of it as well.  Arvid 

still a work in progress.  One can always hope 😂

We have been watching lots of soccer all week long, 

and so many more scheduled over the weekend.  Will be a

 "packed" day mostly for Arvid.  Sniff loves this time because 

he gets to cozy up and snuggle with us.  My turn today 💙

Arvid and I got back home last night from Sarasota.  As

 always Arvid made lots of offers and had a great time at the 

trade meeting.  He had his "stuff "very organized as always.

Some guy brought a suitcase filled with clothes to trade. 

 At first I wondered what the heck, but then he said they were

 "special" engraved for Christmas as a last minute present.  

Sadly for him he had to take everything back with him.

We both had a very good time doing what we liked.  I also 

enjoyed spending some time watching Arvid do his thing.  He loves 

it and he's good at it.  I did have my Indian food for lunch and I also 

did have appetizers and dessert at a Puerto Rican place.  I did manage

 to go to the mall a bit.  Yes, I had a full day and I'm very content.

Lots of cleaning and some unpacking for this morning.  

The one thing I do not look forward to is the unpacking

 of a suitcase after a trip, but someone's got to do it 😂

A good day to all and may the spirit of Christmas make 

you happy.  Below is my favorite Christmas decoration. 

 Given to us years ago by Arvid's mom and dad.  I make 

sure it's out every year.  I love it and so does Sniff.

Happiness depends upon ourselves...

~Nadiya~

Friday September 6th~

All journeys have secret destinations 

of which the traveler is unaware...

 Greetings from Sarasota, Florida.  Arvid and I

 got here yesterday for a trade meeting.  Last night

 there was a social gathering where we, more like 

just me enjoyed  hors d'oeuvres and a few drinks.  

It's also a bit chilly here today.  As Arvid spends the 

day trading, I will enjoy a little outing on my own.  I actually 

have several hours to do as I please.  I like Sarasota and I 

plan to do a few of the things I enjoy.  One of my

 favorite is to have Indian food  for lunch.

 

Not always easy to take off on my own when Arvid

 is around.  Indian food is not his favorite, but it sure

 is one of mine.  If it's anything like yesterday, 

it's going to be a beautiful/yummy day.

Man cannot discover new oceans unless he

 has the courage to lose sight of the shore...

~Nadiya~

Thursday December 5th~

The limit is not the sky. The limit is the mind...

 Yesterday we visited mom and dad and as always 

we also did a few things.  Yesterday we hug cortinas in 

their living room.  My dad and Arvid worked together

 and I spent time chatting with my mom.  A good time for

 all of us.  I also got lots of good foodies to bring home, 

so I did not have to cook much.  A happy day for all.

The mornings are still on the chilly side, but as the day

 progresses it sure warms up.  Sniff knows all the trick as well.  

When the sun is not in his direct path, he goes to his heating bed.  

When the sun is on his cat condos, you guessed it, that's where 

he goes.  He does not miss a beat nor a ray of sunshine.

A warmup is coming our way and we couldn't be any

 happier.  This cold weather is definitely not welcomed

 in Florida.  We have better thing to do here than to freeze

 😂 just ask the Flamingos.  They also will agree.

To all a good day.  Another interesting day awaits us.  

Arvid and I try to make each day interesting even 

when not doing that much.  Keeps us happy.

I will always find a way and a way will always find me...

~Nadiya~

Wednesday December 4th~

There are so many great things 

in life; why dwell on negativity...

 No need to be cold when I have a perfect heating bed. 

 And that my friends is what Sniff is doing on this cold

 Florida winter day.  He's staying nice and toasty.

It seems as if the cold weather makes these Fort Myers 

sunsets even more spectacular.  This was taken during our walk.

Yesterday I had two doctor appointments. I had to leave

 home very early, and it was freezing cold.  Reminded me of 

being back in Branson when we had to get up early and be 

at work aka Almost Home.  I sure do not miss those days.

Waking up to very cold temperatures again 44F (6C).  This is 

getting to be a little too much now, this after all is Florida, not 

Norway, not Branson.  Thankfully Sniff is warm on his bed.

Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength, 

while loving someone deeply gives you courage...

~Nadiya~

Tuesday December 3rd~

These moments are filled with love, memories, 

and the opportunity to deepen your bond...

 The other day I met mom and dad at the mall.  Arvid 

stayed home to watch soccer, and that was a good idea.  

I always prefer to go to the mall without Arvid.  I love to 

browse and just take my time.  Mom loves to do the same. 

 She and I walked/shopped together while my dad did a 

little shopping on his own.  Everyone was happy.

The best part is that I get to spend time with mom and dad. 

It's always the little things in life that mean the most to me

 I'm making those memories that will forever be with me.

We continue with a few cold days.  Cold is not for us.  

One of the reasons we do not visit families during this time.  

Norway is freezing, and just about most places here in the US,

 at least where my family lives is too darn cold.  Unless 

it's an emergency we do stay put in the Sunshine State.

Florida is feeling the chill and we are not

 happy.  Yep, we in Florida are definitely spoilt.

Sniff gets up when I do.  He then goes straight to his

 heating bead.  When he gets too warm he cools off on the 

cold tiled floor.  As Arvid says, "he's got his system."

Life is a succession of lessons.  No need to hurry. 

No need to sparkle. No need to be anybody but oneself...

~Nadiya~