May 31, 2016

Reshma Turns 17...

So there is this sentence. It has 8 letters, 6 vowels, 
and it combines into 3 words, I LOVE YOU!!!!

Today Reshma, our niece turns 17.  Let me start by saying that she is smarter than anyone I know.
 I thought I was smart, but then she showed up and from the minute she was able to pick up a
book this girl just absorbs knowledge like no one I know.   Arvid is always amazed by her.



Reshma was born in Rochester New York.  Grew up in Florida and now lives in Vermont.
  I think that even before she was born her parents knew they had a handful coming their
way.  Let's just say that before you make any statement just make sure you have
 your facts correct otherwise, she will definitely give you the correct facts.


This "little" girl is growing up too fast.  Luckily, I am part of her life. and hopefully
 always will be. Like all my nieces and nephews, Reshma has a hold on my heart and,
 whatever it is any of them needs, I am always here.  For me it's only a plane flight.


As a baby this little one loved her chicken wings, and they had to be spicy.
 I enjoyed watching her eat.  It reminds me of me.  Today she of course like all kids
 her age is more picky.  Once as I was visiting her in Rochester she just
picked up these spicy wings and ate them up.  Loved every moment.


Reshma I hope you know that I am always here for you.  For all of you. I and proud
to be your aunt and to be a part of your life.  We may not live close by, but we do
have so many means of communicating with each other.  Never let anything or anyone
 change that.  For me NOTHING or NO ONE ever can nor will.  EVER!!

Reshma, I loved you from day ONE, and never stopped.  Never will.
Happy Birthday from us.  Brutus in kitty heaven is also sending you hugs and kisses.


Though it might sound crazy, but it’s true that without having a niece like you,  my life 
would have remained incomplete. Wishing you a happy birthday from my heart.  Reshma, i
your eyes I see the promise of a brighter tomorrow, a better world for all and the chance
 for peace. Tall order, I know, but you are brave and strong and smart. You can do it.
 May life always shower you with love, kindness and all things wonderful.

I love you Reshma, because you give me a smile that always stays...

 ~Auntie Nad~

May 30, 2016

And The Boats Keep Coming...

May the sun shine all day long, everything go right and nothing go wrong.
May those you love bring love back to you, and may all the wishes you wish come true...

Memorial Day today.  What a wonderful sight it has been so far. 
 It's boats after boats passing by, and I'm right there to capture some of it.


We have a really fabulous view from our balcony.  Sometime we see more
 than we should.  Just this morning Arvid saw a man taking his "thing" out and peeing. 
 I was not there to get a picture.  You can imagine how bummed out I was.


Most of the boats were packed.  In some instances as they were waiting for the bridge to go up, 
many of the party goers jumped into the water.  Not so sure that was the smart thing to do, 
but the music was loud, the dancing was in high gear; I'm sure jumping into the 
water was just part of the fun and excitement of the day. 


 Hopefully none of them were bitten by creatures unknown living in the Intracoastal.  I 
did not see any such thing so I'm sure all was good.  Just a fun day for them and for us looking.


Big boats, small boats, canoes, Kayaks everyone is enjoying the day.  Perfect boat 
weather.Of course it makes Arvid a little nostalgic about having a boat again.  This does not
 last long thought.  he remembers, plus I remind him of how much work a boat is.  We love 
being in a boat, but owning our own boat not happening again.  At least I hope so.


This is just a few of the boats we have seen today.  The day is still young and the boats
 are still passing by.  Hope that so far your Memorial day has been good.  Time to 
go sit out in the balcony and enjoy some more of this amazing scenery.  

The day, water, sun, moon, night. 
 I do not have to purchase these things with money...

~Nadiya~

A Few favorite Places This Weekend..

Your mind is a powerful ting when filled with positive thoughts.
New Monday.  New week.  New goals.  Let's do it...

Our last weekend here before we leave for Chicago.  It rained some, but there was also 
lots of sunshine.  Arvid and I enjoyed some of our favorite hangouts for the "last" time.  Next 
time will be in the fall.  For now he is all set and ready to leave for the Windy City.


This was our view yesterday at Houston's.  One of our favorite restaurants if not our favorite. 
 The boats kept passing by non-stop.  We had a very scenic time with delicious food and drinks.


Friday we had a little trip to Flip Flops.
It will be a while before we have those BBQ wings.


These are a few of our favorite things-places.


A little trip to the mall, to the beach and I was happy.


My most favorite and best times are the ones we have together at home.


To all a very good day and a good start of the new week.  Sniff and I are all charged up
and ready to face whatever the day brings.  My favorite things in life does not cost any money.


It’s the start of a new week, which means it’s time to shake off your weekend, take
 a deep breath and try to think positive, energizing thoughts.  Think happy everyone.

What you do today can improve all your tomorrows...
~Nadiya~

May 29, 2016

Memorial Day Weekend And Some..

Can't you see that it's just raining?  There ain't no need to go outside...
The best thing one can do when it's raining is to let it rain...

It will be nice to leave Florida and all of the rain we have been having and head out to 
Chicago.  Hopefully the weather in Chicago will be nicer...on the other hand, one thing is
 for sure, Chicago's weather is completely unpredictably.  Nice and sunny one moment 
then all of a sudden cold and rainy...oh well will see what this summer holds.


 The good thing about this Florida weather is that is also can change withing minutes.
Yesterday's rain lasted most of the day with thunder and lighting, but in between it
 had a few clearings, and of course I was right there to get the boats passing by.

Last night we went to listen to some music not so far from us.  As always Arvid
 prepared himself with a few of our favorite melodies here at home on the jukebox.  
Lets just say the music at home was so much better than the live music.


As Arvid was talking to his daughter (Victoria) in Norway, there was a paddle 
boarding in clear view from the balcony.  Of course I went out and started to talk to her. 


 She was too far so I actually had to "scream"  Of course Arvid was not happy about 
that.  With him it's always, "the neighbors."  Guess he's right.  I did however continue
 to talk ("scream") with the girl on the paddle board.  Giving her encouragement. 

 Sunday started really good, and I know it will continue to be good.  
To all a very Happy Sunday.  And Happy Memorial Day Weekend.


And when it rains on your parade, look up rather than down. Without the rain, 
there would be no rainbow.  Being an American, it's the way you think and 
the way you live.  There can be no courage unless you are SCARED...

~Nadiya~

May 27, 2016

Jack Of All Trades...

Your talent determines what you can do.  Your motivation determines
 how much you can do. Your attitude determines how well you can do it....

Arvid is a man of many talents.  Sometimes too many.  It has at times been an issue between us, 
but I have gotten used to it, and I have learnt to live with it.  Most of the times it is funny,
 and never bothers me.  At times he gets so very involved in doing so many things
 I am just a little stressed.  Many a times I have told him that it's best
 to be really good in one area rather than be a "jack of all trades."


Arvid is good at what he does.  What he does best is real estate and he loves to trade.  But like 
everyone else he also likes to potter around in any and many strange things that come his way. 
 He is what you can call a handy man for everyone, but for ourselves.  He will fix things
 for others, but when it comes to our own stuff he always will say, "tomorrow."

The thing about Arvid is that he has determination, always a positive you can do attitude, and
 he never gives up when he wants something.  The combination is lethal, and it definitely works
 for him.  His passion is real estate and there I don't think anyone is better than him 
when his mind is made up.  The deals I have seen him do are at times
 considered "impossible" by many others.  Not for him.


Eventually he does get to it.  When we go visiting my parents in NC my dad has a list 
(sometimes) of things he would like done.  Simple things.  Without hesitation it's done. When 
we go to Norway his mom also has a few things she would like done.  Again simple things. He 
does it.  You see Arvid likes helping others.  Plus as he says it keeps him busy.  Busy here is key.


When we go for our walks we check on a friends house.  There he likes to potter
 around with the pool.  He cleans.  He hoses.  He sorts mail.  He starts the car,
 and yes I am there with him and I have the pictures to prove it.  Both of us
 have a really good time and we also get some exercise out of it.

My favorite thing about Arvid is the way he is with our kitties.  My admiration,
 and love for him increased when I saw how he was with Brutus.  Brutus made him the
 man I love today.  Arvid is a gentler, more patient person than the man I married.  He
was patient, gentle, and ever so loving with Brutus.  I miss those days with the 2 of them.

 Then came Shadow. His rambunctiousness was endearing and it took a lot of patience
 to get close to him.  Arvid never stopped trying.  We were almost there with Shadow.


It's now Sniff's turn to be loved and to give love.  It's happening and all tree of us are
 loving each other every day.  Sniff teaches Arvid and I that there is love all around us. He
makes us realize that there is so much to grateful for.  Arvid may be a jack of all trades, but
to me he is the man I fell in love with.  The man who loved our Brutus unconditionally.
 The man I saw cry, for the first time ever when Brutus died.  The man I will love forever.

It's Friday.  Feels like a day for some frozen Rum Runners, Pina Coladas,
 and some. Yes, it's the perfect day to be going to Flip Flops.

An intelligent man will open your mind, a handsome man will open your eyes,
and a gentleman will open your heart.  Arvid is all of those....

~Nadiya~

May 26, 2016

Always A Good Day To Be Grateful....

Wishful thinking is one thing, and reality another.
I carry your heart.  I carry it in my heart...

I have been extremely LAZY with my workout lately.  I am in a funk of a mood quite often,
 and instead of jumping on the treadmill and burning calories and some of the anger inside
 of me I just seem to occupy myself with other things.  Yes, I have the time to workout.


  I was at one time so consistent, but everything went to hell it seems.  Yesterday for a 
change I was being "good" and I did my workout.  Not even sure it made me feel any better,
 but at least I was less guilty.  My saving grace it that every other day Arvid, and I go 
for a little walk.  Some exercise is better than none.  Then I am a little less guilty.

Every morning I also enjoy watching the boats pass by as the bridge goes up.


Yesterday I was just looking out of the balcony when the bridge was going up.  I had my camera 
with me so of course I was able to capture all the action.  Picture taking makes me happy.

I have been a little stressed the last few days.  More than my usual stress.  I met with Liliana
 for lunch the other day.  It went "OK" but you can tell there was a little tension between us.

 It is very hard for me to forget right now, but she is my friend, and I know we both
need each other if we want to move on.  I know I need her in order to overcome
this grief over Shadow that does not seem to go away.  I  am trying so hard.


The days are getting warmer, more like hotter and hotter.  High humidity.  Arvid is
so ready to leave, and me well not so sure how I feel right now.  I know I love Chicago.


Positive thought for the new day that awaits us all.  I always say that there is ALWAYS
 something to be grateful for.  Yesterday we had proof of this again.  Our family
is grateful for everything even more so after what could have happened yesterday.
 Thank you, thank you, thank you!  Can never say it enough.  NEVER!

We often take for granted the very things that most deserve our gratitude.
What are you grateful for today?  I know what I am grateful for..

~Nadiya~

May 25, 2016

Already Wednesday...

You can have it all. Just not all at once.  They say time heals all wounds,
 but that presumes the source of the grief is finite...

Sunday was a really fun day for me.  As usual Arvid and I went out and had our
 Sunday outing somewhere by the water.  Once again we went to Flip Folps.


The ambiance is casual.  There was live Reggae music.  Not the best, but it has an island flair 
to it which was very soothing as we had our lunch.  Boats passing by all the time.  People
 were getting on and off the water taxi, so over all very interesting for people
 watching, and more.  We liked it very much.  Loved the Mimosas also.


After lunch Arvid had to rush home to see a soccer game.  Left many hours open for
 me to do as I pleased.  I decided to take a little cruise along the beach and walk around a bit.
We live so close to the beach, and yet we rarely make time to actually go there.
 OK so we don't go in the water, but there is so much to do and see.

I remember when Arvid and I lived just steps from Fort Lauderdale Beach.  We used to walk,
 and even swim in the ocean.  Don't mind that we don't anymore, but I do miss a few places
 we used to frequent.  I also miss the huge frozen drinks.  Not that I can drink all of it,
 but it just looks so good.  I feel like I need to try them out once again.


I had a very good time.  I enjoyed quite a few things Arvid probably would not have enjoyed.
I also tried a few things on my own.  It was so relaxing, I don't think I would have a problem
doing it again.  Alone is good as well.  Sometimes it's even better when all by myself.

 I love to just walk, look and if something catches my eye then I go for it.  If I want to
sample something I sample.  Arvid is more regimented than I am.  I don't always want
 to follow a "routine"  Rules and routines are meant to be broken every so often.


To all a good day.  Already halfway through the work week.
Remember, time has a wonderful way of showing you what really matters.

The hardest thing about the road not taken is that you never know 
where it might have led.  Happy Wednesday.  Begin each day 
with a grateful heart.  Life is beautiful, take time to enjoy it...

~Nadiya~

May 24, 2016

One Of Those days...

I heard someone whisper your name, when I turned around to see who it
 was I found myself alone then I knew, it was my my heart missing you...

Woke up and am still thinking of my little Brutus. I miss him everyday.
This is Brutus and I in 2011.  Florida.  He was the light of my life.


I'm not there yet where I can say that everything is OK.  
It's not, but I am sure one day it will be better.  Sniff is so much like Brutus.  
Sometimes at night when I feel Sniff close to me I forget and I call him Brutus.

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

I know I’ill miss you forever like the stars miss the sun in the morning skies.

~Nadiya~

May 23, 2016

A New Week Begins...

New day.  New week.  New possibilities.
What you tell yourself everyday will either lift you up or tear you down..

My mornings are always better when shared with the kitties.


For 9 years I shared it with Brutus, my baby.  Memories I will forever cherish and always
hold close to my heart.  How I miss him, and how I miss our mornings, and every minute together.
  In came Shadow like a tornado.  For almost 4 months we had a very interesting routine.
Always started with his chicken and lots of movement.  I loved him for his
one of a kind personality and his fearlessness.  Shadow, so little.
  

Now my mornings are with Sniff Sniff.  He is as gentle and calm as was our Brutus.
 He is Sniff and we love him dearly.  With him in our lives I know I will be OK one day.

As Mondays go today is no exception.  New week.  New expectations and always
an opportunity to correct the "mistakes" we made yesterday-last week.


Soon it's time to go to Chicago.  The city we love, but for me it is bittersweet.  Chicago was
 where we went with Brutus.  Brutus as seen above used to also love basking in the sun
early in the mornings.  I loved brushing him and holding him.  Yes, now we will go
with Sniff and make more memories.  But it is still hard for me right now.
Arvid said to me, "I'm so ready to go to Chicago right now."

No matter what happens some memories can never be replaced.
We don't remember days we remember moments...

~Nadiya~

May 22, 2016

Hello Sunday...

Be happy not because everything is good,
 but because you see the good in everything...

About last night.  The most stunning sights-scenery I have seen in quite some time and all right
 from the comfort of our balcony.  Arvid and I were watching a movie when suddenly I
 saw the sky change colors.  I saw pinks, I saw orange, I saw a little purple,
 and some more.  Of course I could not just sit and watch TV.  


I took all my cameras and out I went.  It was just too beautiful a scene to not capture.
Of course Arvid did not get up to see any of this.  He really is not into watching the sunsets,
sunrises or anything like that.  If he sees it and he's not doing anything else he'll watch,
but he will not interrupt his TV for instance to watch an amazing sunset.  


He and I differ here.  I would leave everything and watch. Take pictures and always
 be amazed at the beauty around us.  I am never bored with it.  Like I said before
 every sunset, every sunrise is different and beautiful in their own way.


As you can see the colors are absolutely amazing.  One of my friends who lives not so far
 from me, but closer to the beach was amazed at my pictures because at the same time
she was also taking pictures, but according to her she did not see these colors.

  This lasted only 10 minutes before the sky turned dark, and before you knew it full moon.
Once again I left the movie we were watching and ran out to the balcony.  Pictures.  I'm
not equipped with the best of cameras for taking night pictures, but did not stop me.


Sunday is looking good.  It's not raining so that's a plus.  Sniff is on the bed ready for nap time.
 I'm having a good day.  I think of Brutus all the time.  I smile at some of the memories
and some make me cry.  I see Shadow's eyes always, and it breaks my heart.

Wishing you all a good day and remember to always live in interesting time.
Just like my little Norwegian friend pictured below.  Be happy and smile.


Maybe it's not about the happy ending.  Maybe it's about the story.
Because when you stop and look around this life is pretty AMAZING...

~Nadiya~

May 21, 2016

Hello Saturday...

You don't always need a plan.  Sometimes you just need
 to breathe, trust,let go, and see what happens...

One of the best parts of my mornings is always seeing the sunrise either from the beach, 
our balcony or just about anywhere, because as far as I am concerned the sunrise 
no matter where you are is as beautiful.  Unique in its own way. Same goes for
 sunsets.  Beautiful no matter where you are. It makes me happy every time.


This was this mornings sunrise from our balcony as I enjoyed my morning cafe, and had
 some time with Sniff Sniff before Arvid woke up.  Always a good start to any day.

Last night as we came home I was greeted by the moon.  Tonight is full moon,
 but last night's was quite impressive as well.  Taking a picture of anything at night is 
not something I do well, but even so I took quite a bit hoping for at least one good one.
Even I have to admit that they came out pretty good.  Hope to get more tonight.


Yesterday we spent a few hours enjoying scenery, good drinks and some very good chicken
wings at Flip Flops.  Hopefully tomorrow we will go there again.  It's not fancy, but what
we had yesterday combined with the scenery makes it already another of our favorite hangouts.


Sniff is having his morning nap.  One of many.  The fact that he slept all night does
 not seem to bother him at all.  Ahhh the life of a cat.  Stress free, worry free and relaxing.
  Add to that all the love he gives to us and we to him, I have to say life is good.

To all a very good Saturday.  Seems like the dark clouds are rolling in, I'm sure it will
be a good day no matter what.  At least I will be positive and make it good.
Remember life is a onetime offer, so make sure we use it well.

The way that I live my life is on spontaneity.  There is something you must always remember.
 you are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think..

~Nadiya~

May 20, 2016

Friday...

The secret of being Happy is accepting where you are in life and making the
 most out of everyday.  Make today ridiculously amazing it's Friday...

What shall we do this weekend?  So far no plans, but in our lives that can change 
within minutes.  The day is looking to be another very good one.  Even with clouds and 
rain there are always so many ways to see the bright side of things.  Why not?


That water pictures above is bottled in Norway.  One of Arvid's friends
 baby project.  Isbre means Glacier. Free advertising never hurts.

Sniff is such a quiet sleeper.  He and  Arvid are always snuggled close to each 
other.  Not sure who is happier.  It was the same with Brutus.  Sniff still does not like
being picked up for too long.  Something both Arvid and I miss a lot.  With Brutus
 we just picked him up and carried him around.  Arvid said he misses that a lot.
  Shadow never liked it much either.  Hopefully with time this will change.


When Brutus was alive there was not a single day we did not pick him up and I did not get
a picture of us together or of him and Arvid.  With Shadow it was a little more difficult. 
He never was still for long, but even so I managed to get a few of him and I together. 
 For that I am extremely grateful.  Now with Sniff he is as difficult as Shadow.  
He refuses to stay still when I try, but as you can see I manage.


I love our Sniffer very much.  My heart breaks every time I think of Shadow, but it is 
my Brutus that i miss everyday.  I miss him in the morning.  I miss him in the middle of the 
day.  I miss him at night.  I try, but every time I pause my thoughts are filled with Brutus.

To all a very good day.  Remember, life is a lesson you will learn when you are through.


The trick is to enjoy life.  Don't wish away your days waiting for better ones ahead.
Slow down and enjoy the now.  Life goes by way too fast, and tomorrow is not promised...

~Nadiya~