Jan 31, 2019

Shopping Day ~

Shopping is a bit of a relaxing hobby for me,
 which is sometimes troubling for the bank balance.

Galleria Mall in Fort Lauderdale.
This is how it looked during the holidays.
And yes, I am already thinking weekend.


It's where I hope to go later today.  Always something to
 check out and to eat.  Even though now should be the time 
when tourists are in Florida, the mall is very quiet and empty.

Shopping relaxes me.  Especially when I am shopping alone.
I do not like to go with Arvid or anyone else.  I like to look, try on 
and just take my time. With Arvid everything is always a rush.


Looking forward to a few hours in the mall.
  Making music is like shopping for me. Every song
 is like a new pair of shoes and I love shoes.

The quickest way to know a woman 
is to go shopping with her...

~Nadiya~

Jan 30, 2019

Wednesday Already ~

When you can't find the sunshine, be the sunshine...

The days are going by so fast.  Before you know it the
 week will soon be done.  Wednesday already.  Halfway 
there.  Yesterday was so cold we had to actually 
turn on the heat.  First time for this year.  


Hopefully not too many more days of this cold.  Sad 
because  Arvid has some friends visiting from Norway.  

I'm sure they have been looking forward to coming
 to warmer climate, but right now no such luck for them.  
he good thing about the Sunshine State, the cold 
does not last that long. At least we can hope so.


I woke up again and was really cold.  Again I had to
 use my scarf.  Rima gave me this wool scarf many years ago. 
 We lived in Branson and I never used it.  Go figure.
  I'm using it here in Fort Lauderdale.  In Branson 
though it was cold, we were dressed for it.

I don't know what or why, but when we were in Branson 
I was not this cold.  I guess the fact that we were constantly 
busy and on the move did not give us time to dwell on the cold.
  When I stop to think of Branson I miss everyone.  I'm happy to
 still be in contact with a few of my former tenants/friends now.

I stay warm with my scarf on, the heat going and lots of
 green tea during the day.  Arvid keeps busy by doing 
what he does best.  A little of this a little of that.  
Sniff stays busy by taking frequent naps.

Hello Wednesday.  Let's see a little more warmth 
today and a lot more sunshine.  For all of us.
  Winter, it's time you went away.

And when it rains on your parade,
 look up rather than down.  Without the rain
 there would be no rainbow...

~Nadiya~

Jan 29, 2019

Cold Tuesday ~

Smile big.  Laugh often.  Never take this life for granted...

4am this morning Arvid says to me, "I'm so cold.  
Can you get me another blanket?"  Of course I did.
  We already have 4 covers over us, but what's one more.  
So I covered him.  He was happy, and Sniff and I got up.


I have already had my cafe.  Fed Sniff and played with
 him a little.  And yes it's cold right now.  Had to find a 
scarf because my neck is cold.  Sniff is back in bed 
with Arvid.  Those two are keeping each other warm.

Even though is was cold yesterday as well, it was perfect 
for a little walk.  On our walk we saw the cutest duck family. 


 Mama and her ducklings were all huddled up together. 
 Keeping each other warm.  Just like our walks in Chicago.  
There we see the ducks in the lake, here just in the parking lots. 


Wishing everyone a happy Tuesday.  
Stay warm and don't forget to be amazing.
I'm no longer amused by this weather.

Wherever you go, no matter the weather, always 
bring your own sunshine.  If you want light to come 
into your life you have to stand where it is shining...

~Nadiya~

Jan 28, 2019

Fresh Week ~

Bad weather always looks worse through a window...

Yesterday evening as we were watching a movie 
on TV, the broadcast was suddenly interrupted. 
 Headlines read: TORNADO WARNING.  

Arvid and I who never really take much serious, 
jumped out of our chairs.  Without having to
 tell each other what to do we just did.  

I put a sheet on the floor, and Arvid went out in 
the rain onto the balcony and handed me the little
 bits of furniture we had.  Furniture secured. 

  Arvid was swearing because he was wet. We made a
 plan as to what to do should we get hit by the tornado. 
 We got the candles out and of course decided that we 
would grab Sniff and head into the bathroom, in
 worst case scenario.  Always hoping for the best.

I texted our nephew J.  Told him to stay put and do 
not go outside.  As soon as all of that was done I
 logged into the weather channel and this is what it said: 

TORNADO WARNING CANCELLED.  Of course
 we were happy, but this was probably the first

 time we took one of these warnings seriously.

Monday morning.  Rain and more rain is expected.  
The next two days will also be "cold" as far as
 Floridian standards go.  Today for sure we do
 not have any plans to go out and run around.

January is soon over.  Not sure what happened, 
but time sure flies. With lots to do this week, I hope that
 I feel a little better.  Yesterday I thought I was doing much 
better but by afternoon I was nauseous all over again.  Also
 feel tired as if I was run over by a truck.  A big truck.

I know better days are coming, but I am 
so tired of not feeling good.  At the same time 
I know it's just a passing thing.


Wishing everyone a good week ahead.  Let's
 remember that even though we may  have bad 
weather right now, but the sun shines in the hearts
 of the people and that keeps us all warm.

Wake up every Monday knowing that you can create
 something amazing this week.  What you tell yourself
 everyday will either lift you up or tear you down...

~Nadiya~

Jan 27, 2019

Hello Sunday ~

If my world were to cave in tomorrow, 
I would look back on all the pleasures, excitements
 and worthwhileness’s I have been lucky enough to have had.
 Not the sadness, but the joy of everything else.
 It will have been enough...

Beauty is always in the eye of the beholder.  Even with 
all the rain, there was still a beautiful sunset.  Just for a little
 while the skies cleared up.  The boats came back, and then came
 this amazing sunset.  It's the little things in life that makes one happy.


Our Sunday begins quietly.  Arvid has already 
spoken with his family and watched the first of his soccer 
games.  Sniff has been fed and brushed and is tucked in bed
 for his morning nap.  A nap that can go on for hours.

Arvid is now busy organizing his "stuff" and I am
 feeling much better right now.  All is looking good.  
Wishing everyone a great day as well.

The greatest challenge in life is to be our own person and
 accept that being different is a blessing and not a curse. A person 
who knows who they are lives a simple life by eliminating from 
their orbit anything that does not align with his or her overriding
 purpose and values. A person must be selective with their time 
and energy because both elements of life are limited...

~Nadiya~

Jan 26, 2019

Grateful Always ~

Every day, I like to wake up and remind
 myself to be grateful of the simple things...

There is no sunshine right now.  The next few days it 
is supposed to be raining quite a bit.  For us here in Florida 
it is cold.  I was just chatting with Victoria in Norway and
 she said, 57F is like springtime for us here in Norway.


Yes, sometimes we forget that what we think is cold, 
or otherwise not so great, for many that same thing is a blessing 
in disguise.  Thank you Victoria for the reminder and we look
 forward to seeing you and Michael here in Florida shortly.

This is why everyone comes to Florida.


The beaches, the sunshine and for many the food here 
offers a lot more variety from where they are coming for.  I know 
Michael can't wait to come and enjoy some of Florida's food.

Saturday stars out with rain, but like Victoria and my sister Mala
 said to me, it sure is a lot warmer than here in Norway and Vermont.


I try to be grateful for the abundance of the blessings that I have, 
for the journey that I'm on and to relish each day as a gift..

~Nadiya~

Jan 25, 2019

Friday Again ~

I've learned over and over that life 
happens on its own terms, not mine...

The concert may hot have been that good, but we 
still had a good time.  These two started the celebration at
 our apartment, and then I of course drove us all to the concert. 
 Seems like I am always the designated driver.  That's 
what happens when you don't drink I guess.


I woke up at 4am because I couldn't sleep, and also because
 I wanted to be at the lab by 6am to get the bloodwork done.

I really have not been feeling that great lately.  I'm sure
 it's because of all the tests and the different "stuff" going into 
my body.  Hopefully soon this will be over for this year 
and I will be back to feeling like my usual self.


I got to the lab a little before 6am.  Thinking I would be
 one of the first, no such luck.  Almost 20 others thought the same.
 The wait was no that long.  One hour and I was done.  After that
I headed to the hospital to Nuclear Medicine for my body scan.

Other than having to lay for an hour without moving all was OK.

 After the body scan I had another
scan of my throat.  That was a little
more uncomfortable because
 I had to really hyperextend.

Now it's over, but just heard
 back from Nuclear Medicine
 that I MAY have to repeat the
body scan tomorrow.

I'm a little fed up and tired
 with these tests, but I know it's
something that has to be done.
  Hopefully only once a year.

Back home Sniff is asleep.
  Arvid is out and about already.
I have the morning all to myself.
The way I feel  just want to go to
 bed and lay there for the rest of
 the day.  Yes, I do not feel that
great right now.

On the other hand it's Friday.  Not up to doing much
 right now, but hopefully that will change in a few
hours.  It's getting cold again today and we expect
to see a lot of rain in the next couple of days.

Happy Friday all.  Enjoy the weekend and live life
 to the fullest.  You never know what tomorrow
 holds.  Truth is, I have no idea what will happen
between today and tomorrow either.  Life!!!

Write it in your heart that every day is the best
 day in the year.  Things turn out best for people 
who make the best of the way things turn out...

~Nadiya~

Jan 24, 2019

Thursday ~

Life itself is simple...it's just not easy.
The greatest wealth is to live content with little...

Good morning everyone.  Feeling good and happy today.
  Woke up to this and to a beautiful sunrise.  Manatees swimming 
right below us.  Another of my favorite sites.  Right now we
 see them almost everyday.  Never ceases to amaze me.


Just seeing the sunrise every morning is enough to make
 me feel good for the rest of the day.  As always, Arvid is
a little busy bee and he has Sniff running around in circles
 following him.  Seeing them together makes me happy.

The next few days are looking good.  A little cooler at
times, but definitely warmer compared to most of the world.
It's so cold right now that parts of Niagara Falls is frozen.
Pictures of Niagara Falls taken from the internet


Almost 3 months ago Arvid bought 3 tickets for a concert.  
Tonight after all the waiting we will be going together with
 a friend. Being back in Florida means we get to do the
 things we love.  One of those is going to music venues.

Today I get a rest day from tests.  Happy for that because
 I really don't feel good.  My stomach is a mess and I just feel 
queasy all the time.  Yesterday I had the radiation pill.  


I don't feel like going to a concert right now, but the
 tickets have been bough for months.  Hopefully by 
this evening I will be feeling much better.

Wishing everyone a happy day.

The essence of life is not in the great victories and 
grand failures, but in the simple joys..

~Nadiya~

Jan 22, 2019

It's Life ~

Thank you is the best prayer that anyone could say.
I say that one a lot.  Thank you expresses extreme
 gratitude, humility and understanding...

For the rest of the month and the first 10 days of February,
 I will be going through intense treatment all leading up to finding 
out if my body is still cancer free.  I am positive that this will be 
the case, but in the meantime it's a very draining process.


I started a few weeks a go with doctors appointments. 
 Many doctors appointments.  Then came the  blood 
work.  I have lots of blood work scheduled. 

As mentioned a while back, since we have been in Branson
 I never had the time to follow up on all the tests required. 
Fortunately, now I do.  This week is packed.  Started yesterday
 and it will go on until Friday.  One test after another. 


The days are different but this weeks tests follows the
 above schedule.  After I got home yesterday, I did not realize that
 the injection was what was causing me to be so tired and nauseous.
  You see I have a high tolerance for this stuff, but when I fell
 asleep and Arvid had to wake me up, I knew something
 was not right.  I NEVER nap during the day.


I feel better today and am ready for the other injection.
  The right side of my butt is sore from yesterday so 
today will be on the left side.  That will even it out.

I am looking forward to the results of all these test.
 Will hopefully get them by mid February.  That is if all the
tests are done.  On the fifth day of my first week of tests I will
 be having the entire body scan.  Have had one before. 


Just don't like to be still for long, but nothing I can do.
 Have to just lay down and stay still.  That is the
hardest part for me, other than that a total breeze.

This all sounds like a lot of "work" , but the truth is it's not.
 Just have to show up and do the test.  There are others
 going through a much more difficult time right now. 


My aunt is currently going through one of those very
 difficult times in her life.  One day she was fine.  Next thing
you know her life was turned upside down.  I may have a few weeks
of testing.  My aunt has been going through this for months now.

So when you start to complain and say how difficult your
 life is (me included) think about the millions of people, who
you don't know, and some of who you do.  Their lives are lived
day to day.  They have no idea what the next day holds.


Stop and look around you.  Be thankful for what you have,
for what you take for granted someone else is praying for.

There are only two ways to live your life.  One is as
 though nothing is a miracle.  The other is as though everything
 is a miracle.  Be thankful for what you have. Your life, no matter
 how bad you think it is, is someone else's fairytale...

~Nadiya~

Jan 21, 2019

Mornings ~

In a world where you can be anything, be kind...

There is something to be said about being an early riser 
and catching a glimpse of the first rays of sunlight. It's calm, 
it's peaceful, and nothing nor no one to interrupt my thoughts. 


As the new week begins, we are once again given the 
opportunity to correct last week's mistakes.  For those who did 
not make any, kudos to you.  For me life is always a learning path,
 and always a chance to make things better.  At least to give it a try.

My friend Anna in California is missing her Taino so very much.
Her Taino was with her longer than many, and I know she aches.


  Unfortunately, there is not much anyone can do to take away 
her pain, other than to bring her Taino back.  I feel her pain when we
 talk and my heart breaks, for I know what she is going through.

For many of us today is just another day.  For others
 it is a struggle that seems never ending.  It's not always easy. 
What else can we do?  When we face our darkest moments that
 is when we need to focus even more on all the goodness 
surrounding us and all we should be grateful for. 


 This is easier said than done.  When I was facing these intense
 moments of grief, nothing anyone said to me made it better.  
NOTHING.  It took time to ease that agonizing grief.  
It still comes back, but now it is more bearable.


As the new week begins, let's try to be a little kinder to 
each other for we do not know what that other person is 
going through.  Remember, sometimes the brightest
 of smiles hides the most agonizing pain.

A cold start of the week.  At least it will get warmer
 for us, for many the cold will linger for quite some
 more time.  Good morning all, happy Monday, 


The things you take for granted someone else is praying for.
Everyone you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about...

~Nadiya~

Jan 20, 2019

Hello Sunday ~

You will never be happy if you continue to search for
 what happiness consists of. You will never live if 
you are looking for the meaning of life...

As we were driving to Miami yesterday to meet J and Alexandra, 
Arvid said to me, "looking forward to seeing our nephew."  I smiled
 for a very long time, and thinking about it I'm still smiling.


  Arvid gets along with all my family and with the nieces and nephews. 
 I am so happy he has taken an interest in J.  Especially now that 
they live so close to us.  J and Alexandra are easy and down 
to earth people.  No pretense and no supercial anything there.
Looking forward to V and M meeting J and A.

J took us to a Mexican restaurant.  He said he wanted to take
 us there because he and Alexandra really like it.  I love that 
boy and I'm so happy he's just a half hour away from us.


Max also lives in Florida (Naples), but he's a little further
 from us, but I am happy for that as well because now
 we can see both of my nephews every so often.  

After lunch with J and Alexandra, Arvid and I did a little 
touring of our own.  We had a very nice time at the Wynwood Walls. 


 Though we live here in Florida it's our first time there.  
Everyone who visits have been there.  My sisters and my nieces
 and nephews have been there.  Guess it's our turn now.

Wynwood Walls is an outdoor museum of international street art.
  Free to all.  Pretty much one of the coolest sights we have seen
 in a while.  We even had the pleasure of seeing one of the street
 artists at work.  Incredible talent all over the place.  Of course 
it was "obligatory" to take the picture with the wings.


I am really enjoying being back in Florida.  We have been going out of
our "comfort zone" and trying new things and going to more places. 
 Hope it continues because I am loving it.  Make life interesting. 

Back in Branson I have heard from some of my friends/former tenants.
  There was snow today, and it's very cold.  I'm really happy to be 
in the warm climate.  I miss everyone, but I do not miss the cold.


Here in Fort Lauderdale even on a so called "cold" winter 
day it's typically warmer than most summer days in Norway.

Sunday here again.  Lots of soccer in store for Arvid.  Today we
 plan on taking on the Boardwalk.  That is the Hollywood
 Boardwalk.  Long time ago before I met Arvid I lived 
close to the Hollywood Boardwalk.  I loved it.


To all a happy Sunday.  For many it's a three day weekend.  
Enjoy and keep making memories.  Life is to be lived to the
 fullest.  Remember, very little is needed to make a happy
 life; it is all within ourselves, in our way of thinking.

When one door of happiness closes, another opens,
 but often we look so long at the closed door that we do not 
see the one that has been opened for us.  There is 
more to life than increasing its speed...

~Nadiya~

Jan 19, 2019

Start Of A Beautiful Day ~

Never stop learning because life never stops teaching...

About yesterday.  Let's just say it was amazing.


Also very delicious.  Winter in Florida.  Unbeatable.


After all is said and done, nothing like enjoying a beautiful sunset.


Saturday is here and what a beautiful day awaits us.  Wishing everyone
good times and happy moments.  Life is to be lived.  Live it.

Just because I am awake does not mean I am ready to do things..

~Nadiya~

Jan 18, 2019

Friday ~

It is up to you to see the beauty in everyday things...

I have been awake for quite a few hours already.  
Sniff has been brushed and fed.  Now he's once again in 
bed with his dada.  Life is good and both boys are fast 
asleep as it should be.  It's not even 6am as yet.


As I woke up I automatically check to see if the sun 
was up, but it being before 4am the sun sure was not. 
 On the other hand  saw this and of course I had to 
step out.  Zoom in and capture the shot.


Though I try to go back to sleep, once I'm awake it's pretty difficult
 to fall asleep again.  So I already had my cafe.  Watched a little 
on Netflix and finished up my online Real Estate continuing
 education class.  Overall a pretty productive morning so far.

Our day seems pretty open so far, but that can change
 as soon as Arvid wakes up.  He is busy, busy all day and sometimes
 pretty late into the evenings.  This is supposed to be a slow
 down time for us, but I don't think we can do slow down.


It's wintertime, but judging from the above picture 
taken a few days ago who would believe it?  On the
 other hand, "winter" in Florida is exactly this. 

 Yes, we are very fortunate to be living in a place where 
no matter what the season is, you can always go to the
 beach, and your dress code is flip flops and shorts.

Pina Coladas go hand in hand when living in Florida.
  At least for me they do.  Our weekend has already begun 
and who know maybe today we have a few more of these 
tropical drinks with the little umbrella in them.  I am ready.

Wishing everyone a great day and a magnificent start of the weekend.  I woke up.  I have clothes to wear.  I have running water.  I have food to eat.  Life is good.  I am thankful.

Everyday may not be good, but 
there is something good in everyday...

~Nadiya~

Jan 17, 2019

Ready For The Day ~

Positive thinking will let you do everything better than negative thinking. 
 In order to carry a positive action we must develop a positive vision...

Early morning workout out of the way.  Feels good. So far,
 I have been pretty consistent at it.  Definitely a start in a 
good direction.  Let's hope I stay with it for the long haul.

Both Arvid and I have been busy this week.  Each of us 
with our own agendas taking care of different things.  
At least we got to do things by ourselves.  Always good.

Snis is being adorable as always.  He just loves
 Arvid and when Arvid goes out, Sniff paces 
around until he returns.  Very cute to see.  

We have had some very nice cool temperatures
 these last few days.  Love it.  Reminds me of cooler 
days in Branson. Some days i really miss Branson and all the
 good people there.  Arvid and I have made lots of friends there.

Come summer I know we will be going back for a visit. 
 Already counting down the time for that visit.  Just the 
other day Arvid said to me, "you know I have been 
thinking about Branson and all the good times we had."


The next few weeks will be busy ones for me.  At least as
 far as doctors appointments go.  Come february I will finally get
 to find out what's going on my my body and my hormones.

 Having no Thyroids is not really fun, on the other hand
 I did beat the cancer.  All in all not a bad outcome.


How does your day look so far?

I know that life is difficult. People have challenges.
 Family members get sick, people get older, you don't
 always get the job or the promotion that you want. 
You have conflicts in your life. And really, life is about your 
resilience and your ability to go through your life and 
all of the ups and downs with a positive attitude....

~Nadiya~

Jan 16, 2019

A PET’S TEN COMMANDMENTS ~

We can judge the heart of a man by his treatment of animals....

I always like to start the New Year with a little reminder as 
to how fortunate we are to have these fur babies in our lives.


Today I dedicate my blog to pets, for all of us that 
are lucky to have a pet you will relate to this, for those
 that don't I believe you will also be able to understand
 the bond a pet owner and their pets share.....

1. My life is likely to last 10-15 years. 
Any separation from you is likely to be painful.


2. Give me time to understand what you want of me.

3. Place your trust in me. It is crucial for my well-being.

4. Don't be angry with me for long and don't lock me up
 as punishment. You have your work, your I friends, 
your entertainment, but I have only you.




5. Talk to me. Even if I don't understand your words,
 I do understand your voice when speaking to me.

6. Be aware that however you treat me, I will never forget it.

7. Before you hit me, before you strike me, remember
that I could hurt you, and yet, I choose not to bite you.


8. Before you scold me for being lazy or uncooperative,
ask yourself if something might be bothering me.  Perhaps 
I'm not getting the right food, I have been in the sun 
too long, or my heart might be getting old or weak.

9. Please take care of me when I grow old.
 You too,  will grow old.


10. On the ultimate difficult journey, go with 
me please. Never say you can't bear to watch. Don't 
make me face this alone. Everything is easier for me
 if you are there, because I love you so. ALWAYS!


BRUTUS…LIL MYSULF
I love you with all my heart and we will always take care of you.
You came to us on October 18 2006.  You died November 5th,2015.
My world changed, and because of you your dada is a better person.
Brutus, no matter what other kitty we have, you will always be my baby.




SHADOW. you came to us November 10th.  You were fearless.
Your life was cut short too fast.  We never had the chance to 
see you grow up.  You died tragically on March 5th, 2016.



Enter Sniff.  March 7th 2016.  Today he is our little bundle of fur.
He makes us happy and is the right fit for us.  How lucky 
we are to have had theses little fur babies in our
 lives.  How lucky we are to have Sniff.



If you are fortunate to have a fur baby in your life. 
 Take care of them for they give unconditional love 
and all the ask in return is to be loved,



An animal's eyes have the
 power to speak a great language...

~Nadiya~