August 1st~ Hello New Month

August days are long and bright,

 allowing dreams to soar high and far...

 And just like that July is gone.  Hello August.  

August is famously known as the "Sunday of

 summer". It is a bittersweet, golden time when 

the heat lingers but the days begin to shorten.

Many good things happening in August.

 Soon I will also get to see, hold and hug our 

grandkids.  Arvid has been doing it for the last

 month, now I will join him. Looking forward so 

much to that. Just hope they dont forget me.

 Looking forward to that very much, on the 

other hand, I am not looking forward to leaving 

Sniff home alone for so long.  Yes, he will have Gail

 coming in each day to take care of him, but I always

 worry when I am not with him.  For now, I am

 enjoying time with my sister, her husband 

and our cousin.  I love the life I live.

Just like a new day gives new hopes, a new

 month gives us new opportunities.  Welcome 

August.  Be good to us all.  May your new month

 be start of many wonderful things to come our way.

To all a very good day and may the

 new month be even better than the last.

 I am enjoying my time in Massachusetts 

Life is what you make of it,

 a new month gives you the perfect chance

 to create magic.  Welcome August...

~Nadiya~

Friday July 31st~

You have to conquer every obstacle before

 you can reach the top of the mountain...

 Once again I am on the move.  This time heading 

to visit a cousin in Massachusetts.  My sister Nina and

 her husband David will also be there. So excited. This

 is my eldest cousin on my dad’s side. When my sisters

 and I lived in New York she was always there for us.

My goal is to try and get to know my dad’s side 

of the family better.  They are extremely kind, and 

always welcoming. My cousin owns an Airbnb and

 for our visit she has “reserved”’the entire place.  All

 five bedrooms five baths.  Looking forward to this.

My day began very early. Was awake since 

1AM. Of course so was Sniff. Hopefully I can

 sleep a little on the flight. I left home too early

 so did not feed the kitties, but did give them a little 

extra food yesterday afternoon.  Hopefully Abe

 will feed them while I’m gone.  He always does, 

as does Cindy.  She would feed Legacy.

Sniff is home alone, but Gail comes in once a

 day to check on him and take care of him.  He's in 

good hands, but I never like leaving him alone.

Knowing you have the next day off is actually

 more relieving than the actual day off...

~Nadiya~

Thursday July 30th~

Our human compassion binds us the one

 to the other—not in pity or patronisingly, but as

 human beings who have learnt how to turn our

 common suffering into hope for the future...

I have always said I loved my mornings, and I really do.  

I enjoy the leisure time.  I look forward to being able to 

walk out every morning and feed all the kitties.  Today  

 I also took Abe out for coffee and a little something to

 eat.  Abe is the guy who feeds all the kitties as well. 

Yesterday I did go out after all.  By afternoon I got 

a bit bored being in and just decided to take a drive 

to a restaurant not too far from us.  Weather was

 good so I just enjoyed and had a good time.

My alone time is now limited.  Soon I will be

 going to Norway.  Looking forward so very much 

to seeing everyone.  Can't wait to hug the girls

 and see Arvid's smile.  Not happy about leaving 

Sniff, but I know he will be alright with Gail.

A happy day to all.  It's Thursday, and I 

do not plan on cooking.  Getting lazy.  Coffee with 

Abe was good.  He's struggling to make ends meet, 

and of course I just can't sit quietly and watch.

Love and compassion are necessities, not 

luxuries. Without them, humanity cannot survive...

~Nadiya~

Wednesday July 29th~

It isn't the mountains ahead to climb that 

wears you out; it's the pebble in your show...

 I had a very busy morning yesterday.  Another 

doctor's appointment.  Very early so had to make sure

 I went and fed the kitties before my appointment.

  There were a total of 5 kitties.  Legacy, Newbie, 

WhitePaw, Blackie and a baby that I was told was 

Legacy's.  Baby is a clone of Legacy. Newbie and

 Blackie are too fast for me to get their pictures.

I had a few errands to take care of.  After that 

I bought a pizza and took it over to mom and dad's 

for lunch.  The pizza was a hit.  Dad is doing great.  

More energized than ever.  Happy for that.

On the way back from mom and dad I saw

 a turtle in the middle I the road. Cars were speeding by. 

 I just stopped my car in the middle of the road got out, 

waved them the other way, picked up the turtle and

 set him on the grass heading towards the pond.

  I was so worried he would be killed.

In the afternoon I went to my current favorite 

coffee shop and on my way back went to feed the kitties 

again.  This time I saw Blackie next to the supposedly

 baby of Legacy.  Then I saw Legacy and I could not for a 

second tell the difference between the two.  WhitePaw 

was also there. I’m always happier after feeding them.

Back home Sniff and I took it easy. Watched some 

TV.  Sniff's idea of watching TV is to sleep by my side.

 Talked to Arvid and had a relaxing evening.  Already

 Wednesday. This week is going by too fast. Today I really

 would like to just take it easy and just rest. Truth is I 

am tired.  I just need a day to do absolutely nothing. 

To all a very good day.  I am already so tired.

 It's already been a very long, but productive day.

Life does not have to be perfect to be wonderful...

~Nadiya~

Tuesday July 28th~

Thankful for everything - seen and unseen,

answered prayers and silent battles won...

 I had two doctors appointments yesterday. but 

only managed to get one done.  Because of a little glitch, 

I have to reschedule one of them, but worked out good 

because I was able to go to the hospital to be with my 

mom as we waited for my dad in the recovery room.

  My dad had a "minor" procedure done.  All went

 well and in under four hours he was back home.  

While dad was recovering from the anesthesia 

mom and I went browsing around some of the

 shops around the area.  Had to kill some time.

  We both snagged a few pairs of socks, which 

we did not need, but really had to have.

Once back at the hospital dad was ready 

to leave.  I got him something to eat, but the 

doctors said he needed to wait at least 3-4 hours 

before leaving.  Boring, but what can you do.

After leaving the hospital I decided to go out 

for lunch.  I went to another of my favorite Cuban 

restaurants. Had the ropa vieja.  and a few appetizers 

while waiting for the food.  Always a good meal.

Once back home did some cleaning then it was 

time to go feed the kitties again.  I also went early 

this morning before going to my doctors appointment.

  They were fed before 7am and later in the afternoon 

after 5pm.  I saw Legacy, WhitePaw, Blackie #2 and I 

saw Newbie.  If not Newbie looked exactly like him. 

 They hide when I am there but I leave the food and

 they come and eat.  I also feed some more kitties 

at the house next to these.  Just saw him-her 

yesterday, so now my kitty food bag got much

 heavier, but I'm happy and feel so good.

Sniff knows how to pull my strings and he 

does it all day long.  He just stares at me, meows 

and continues to do so unless I brush him. 

 Of course I do.  Several times a day.

Have gratitude for all that you have, and

 you can be happy exactly as you are...

~Nadiya~

New Week~ Monday July 27th

Mood for the week: I and do it.  I 

deserve it. I will get it.  End of story...

 Where did July go? I can’t believe this is 

the last week of the month.  Like I have said 

before, July just disappeared into thin air.  It 

went by too fast.  Not happy about that😂

The week begins with a few doctors appointments.

  Yup starting again. I don’t mind going because it 

gives me a chance to stop by Whole Foods Market. 

For me it’s a win-win. I get to pick up a few goodies.

I was just thinking about our time in Vancouver.  

What I miss is that coffee break in the afternoons with my

 friends.  It was so good, and the coffee was excellent.

I was not sure if I wanted to do anything yesterday, 

but at the last minute I felt like having my fried whole red

 snapper.  That's where Arvid and I would go for it.  I always

 have the exact same thing everytime.  No regrets ever.

Lots going on this week.  Hopefully everything

 turns out all right.  Wishing everyone a week filled 

with happiness, good health and most of all peace.

A little Monday reminder that you can handle

 whatever the new week throws at you...

~Nadiya~

Sunday July 26th~

We go together like butter and popcorn...

 Yesterday I went to the movies. I saw The Odyssey.

  That movie was almost 3 hours long. I went to

 the early show thinking that I would go out

 to lunch afterwards, did not happen.

 By the time the movie was done I just wanted to 

go home to Sniff. It was past his lunch time anyway. 

 My excuse for not going out😂  Plus he had a

 Chewy delivery.  Four huge heavy boxes😧

In the afternoon I fed the kitties. Legacy and

 WhitePaw were there in the morning and in the 

afternoon. Yesterday Legacy was back in “her” spot.  

Abe told me that Legacy had babies.  I always thought 

"she" was a "he"  Legacy looks so thin, so sad, at least 

she seems sad to me.  I did see one of her babies. 

 They live on the other side of the street.  I worry 

everyday when she crosses that busy road from the

 nursery to "her" spot that she could get hit by a car.

Came home made lunch and just relaxed and 

read a little. I have no schedule so in a way that works 

for me right now.  Gives me some leeway to be lazy.

Jackie Big Bear Eagle

Today is already Sunday. I’m a little sad today

 because I got an email last night from Arvid and I can

 tell he really misses me a lot. He sounded so sad and

 so lonely.  It made me sad.  I know he tries to stay

 busy, but I also know Arvid. He misses me. 

Not sure what I will be doing today. I have not

 decided as yet where to go for lunch, but like I 

always say, the day is still young, and right

 now it is raining.  A good day to all.

Sunday is the golden clasp that binds

 together the volume of the week...

~Nadiya~

Saturday July 25th~

 Cherish every moment for 

it will never come again...

I did make it downtown yesterday for a slice 

of pizza and a little something else. It was a very

 pleasant time. Not to busy but enough people to 

keep things interesting.  I also walked around a bit

 checked out a few shops and just had a good time 

browsing around. Always feels good to get out.

It was different going without Arvid, but at the

 same time it was not bad either.  I really enjoy 

my own company. Kitties were happy and fed 

well.  I really enjoy that part of my day. It sure 

makes me very happy to know that I can help 

a few little ones. Wish I could help them all.

Sniff and I actually took a nap in the middle of

 the day. Never really did that before. It sure perked

 me up for my afternoon outing.  I was so tired.

The days are going by too fast. It seems that 

as soon as I wake up it’s almost time to go to be. 

I love just laying on the bed with Sniff by my side.  

Like I mentioned before, Sniff has one of  his 

many beds on Arvid’s side, he loves sleeping

 very close to me.  You know I also do🐾

We go to sleep at the same time, and whereas

 I am awake quite often, Sniff continues to sleep. 

 At times I just lay still and listen to his gentle

 snoring. I love Sniff more than anything. 

Saturday here already.  Not sure if to cook

 or just go out and slack off. I have been 

slacking off a lot since Arvid isn’t here.  It 

feels good not to have to cook everyday.

Wishing everyone a happy day.  

Make it a memorable one.

Collect beautiful moments and

 let them tell the story of your life...

~Nadiya~

Friday July 24th~

A tree is known by its fruit; a man by his deeds.,,

 Yesterday morning after feeding the kitties, I once

 again stopped into the coffee shop.  Aside from having

 a very yummy cafe latte my main reason to go back was

 to get mangoes.  Today I got some for my mom.  We grew

 up climbing mango trees back in Guyana, South America.  

It's no wonder that mango is one of our favorite fruit.

Also, yesterday morning WhitePaw was hiding 

waiting for foodies. Check out his eyes.

Yesterday I took my mom and dad out to lunch. My

 dad wanted to check out this restaurant in a place called

 Babcock Ranch.  Designed as America’s first solar

powered town, Babcock Ranch brings together nature, 

technology, and neighbors in a new way of living.  

Arvid and I have talked many times about going 

to explore what is in that are, but so far we have not.  

My first time also and I look forward to trying 

something new.  My dad loves grouper sandwiches. 

 Has had it almost everywhere he goes, but not here. 

 First time for them as well.  Did not disappoint.

As always spending time with my mom and day

 is something I will never get tired of.  I am just 

so happy to have them close to me.  For me 

every moment is a cherished moment 💜

Sniff and I have been up for quite some time.  Nothing 

unusual, but I would so prefer to be able to sleep a few

 more hours.  On the positive side, I get to catch up

 with a few things that need to be taken cared of.

Friday, usually Arvid and I would go downtown. 

 Just because Arvid is not home does not mean I won't go.  

Maybe this evening I take a stroll into town.  Just have 

to wait and see how it goes and what else I do during 

the day, but it's looking like a good possibility.  To 

all a good day and a happy start of the weekend.

Life laughs at you when you are unhappy; 

Life smiles at you when you are happy; But, life 

salutes you when you make others happy...

~Nadiya~

Thursday July 23rd~

Waking up early, connecting with nature-

kitties, and having my quiet time are priorities 

to me, and they are non-negotiable....

 I am truly amazed, actually shocked that

 July has gone by so fast. Only the other day 

seems like Arvid left for Norway, and now July

 is soon coming to an end, but boy what a great

 month it has been, and it’s still not done.

Yesterday I did a little shopping. I actually 

found a few things I liked and something also

 for my mom. Was a happy, good day, even better 

because after shopping I took myself out to lunch.  

Very relaxing and just really good. I enjoyed it.

I fed kitties both in the morning and in the afternoon.  

They are too fast, as soon as they see me they run,

 but I leave them their food and clean water.  Blackie

 number 1 is now named WhitePaw. He’s all black 

but has white paws saw it yesterday afternoon 

as he was running away 😍 Legacy is the only

 one that "allows" me time to get a picture.

I have so much fruit at home that I’m starting 

to worry I will never be able to eat real food again. 

 I bought a whole watermelon again, several mangoes

 from my coffee shop.  Yes the owner of the coffee shop

 has a mango tree and sells them in the shop.  Best mangoes

 in a long time.  Strawberries. Blueberries. Bananas. Just so

much fruit.  With this heat the watermelon goes fast 🍉

Thursday today.  As a rule I do not cook on 

 Thursdays, but lately it seems like everyday is a

 Thursday.  Oh boy so loving this.  Have not decided

 where to go as yet but the day is still young.

Just a few more pictures of our Vancouver 

adventure.  Vancouver is beautiful, San Francisco is

 still my favorite.  If it were up to me I would do

 a different part of California every year. 

The United States of America is the most 

beautiful place I have ever seen. As the FIFA

 tourists said, “every state is like its own country.” 

 Absolutely agree. Every state has its own charm,

 its own history, its own culture. I love this country!

To all a very good day.  I love my mornings with Sniff.

The day will be what you make it, 

so rise, like the sun, and burn...

~Nadiya~