Leisure Time...

The happiest people are those who think the most interesting thoughts. 

Those who decide to use leisure as a means of mental development, 

who love good music, good books, good pictures, good company

, good conversation, are the happiest people in the world. 

And they are not only happy in themselves, 

they are the cause of happiness in others...

A day to discover and experience something new.  

The day is all mine.  For a change I do not have to wake up early and rush Brutus to the vet.  Bet he is quite happy about this as am I to have some time to just do whatever it is that I like.  Arvid is in a meeting all day long so that means I can do absolutely nothing if I so please....Hmmmm sounds good, but knowing me I think I will discover a little of downtown Savannah.

Feels strange to have a day all to myself.  So many things I would like to do.  I love to walk around, browse into the shops, stop for a cafe in some cozy place.  Mainly do things that Arvid is not really keen on doing.  Having a nice lunch all by myself is not something I am afraid to do.  I find it very relaxing to sit  in a restaurant by myself and just observe people.  Of course it's better when we are two, but I still can enjoy a good lunch alone also.

me relaxed:)

As Arvid was leaving he said to me, "do not talk to strangers."  I said, "OK."   Knowing me I will probably talk to everyone I meet. Nothing wrong with that.  We are staying in a nice place, we have friends here also Hopefully tonight we will also be having dinner with friends, so all in all it will be a good time...

Hope your day is also a good one...

I believe in manicures. I believe in overdressing. 
I believe in primping at leisure and wearing lipstick. 
I believe in pink. I believe happy girls are the prettiest girls. 
I believe that tomorrow is another day, and... I believe in miracles..

~Nadiya~

Happy St. Patrick's Day..

St. Patrick's Day is an enchanted time - a day to begin transforming winter's dreams into summer's magic...

St. Patrick's Day, celebrated on 17 March. It is named after Saint Patrick, the most commonly recognized of the patron saints of Ireland.

The day generally involves public parades and festivals, ceilithe (social gathering), and wearing of green attire or shamrocks.

Arvid and I will be in Savannah, Georgia where the celebration seems to be one of the biggest.

Long time ago I used to be Nadiya Riley.  Guess this makes me part Irish! 

Anyone acquainted with Ireland knows that the morning of St. Patrick's Day consists of the night of the seventeenth of March flavored strongly with the morning of the eighteenth...

~Nadiya~

Another Good Day...

Life is like riding a bicycle,

to keep your balance you must keep moving..

We met for a reason, either you are a blessing or a lesson

Everyday is a good day, but today is going to be an even better day for us.  We have a day filled with fun stuff, and also meeting some good friends for dinner and some good times.

Hope that whatever it is you are doing today it is done with a positive attitude and with good intentions.  For me it does not matter what we do as long as we have a good time and we are happy.  

So happy that Arvid is feeling better and little by little we are getting back to doing the things we like.

Still a long way to go, but everyday it gets better.  Brutus is off medications right now, and we are once again hoping it will be for good.  Just have to wait and see how it goes.  For now they are both healthy and recovering nicely...

I am happy and looking forward to a little road trip.  Yes, very exiting, just the thought of being on the move again and going places.  We both enjoy these trips and since we have not been on one for quite a long time we are very much looking forward to it.

Yes, it's going to be a good day...

Remember, every day is a good day to be alive, whether the sun's shining or not

True happiness is found is simple seemingly unremarkable things....

~Nadiya~

Bring It On...

Happy Friday! I haven't been so excited about Friday since last Friday...

It's Friday after all...

Hope your day was good!

Good food, good company and the day was perfect!

Good Friday all....

Make it happen today, we all have choices to make. 

Make them count, no matter how small....

~Nadiya~

Useful Information...

Information is a source of learning. But unless it is organized, processed, and available to the right people in a format for decision making, it is a burden, not a benefit...

Here is some useful information that was passed on to me.  Does not mean all of it applies to everyone, 

but if you have a minute, does not hurt to learn something that could be beneficial to you.

Remember, "Using lots of fresh foods, fruits and vegetables, helps to keep the menu buoyant

 - I don't know if that's the right word, but it keeps a balance of freshness and health." 

Enjoy a healthy snack. 

 Eat more fruit.  

Live longer and be healthy.

Happy start of the weekend to all:)

Information is the seed for an idea, and only grows when it's watered...

~Nadiya~

On The Go Again....

A vacation is having nothing to do and all day to do it in...

The thing I love most about going on vacation is that I get to leave behind any kind of schedule. My entire life is scheduled from morning to night, and when I'm on vacation, there is no schedule..

Arvid and I have been looking forward for quite some time to a little vacation time.  Just some place where we can relax and have some time all by ourselves.  These last few months have been very hectic.  Combined with surgery and a stay in the hospital, we have also been very busy with friends and family.  

The visits have been very good.  We have met some friends we have not seen for quite some time, made some new ones and strengthen the bonds of the ones we have.  We have also spent good times with family. Overall very good, but now it will be good to also have some time for ourselves.

It's been a little over two months since we have really done much.  The last long evening we had was when my parents were over at our place until the wee hours.  It was very nice and it seems like such a long time ago.  Now when we have company a two hour visit is enough because then Arvid needs to elevate his leg.  No late evenings lately and no music.  I'm OK with all of this as long as Arvid is getting better.

Our road trip begins with a few days in Savannah, Georgia.  Have never been to Savannah so I do hope we like it.  I hope Arvid is going to do OK with the long drive.  We just have to stop more often and he has to walk around.  At least every hour.

After that our much awaited trip to Mexico.  Both of us are very much looking forward to this, and we really hope to like it so we can continue to go there every year, once maybe twice.  Yep, have our Mexican Pesos all ready:)  My Spanish is fluent and Mexico awaits us....

Margaritas here we come...

Laughter is an instant vacation.

~Nadiya~

Garlic...

What garlic is to salad, insanity is to art...

We all know that garlic does wonders.  If you had any doubts then just read the following and you will see what I mean.

There is a saying that goes like this, Tomatoes and oregano make it Italian; wine and tarragon make it French. Sour cream makes it Russian; lemon and cinnamon make it Greek. Soy sauce makes it Chinese; 
garlic makes it good."

On another note, Brutus is still going to the vet, and he is not happy.  His infection is still there.  It's has now been 7 days in a row with shots.  Today he was even madder than ever as you can see here.

Hopefully, everything is one day going to be OK for him.
Now he is back home and resting.

A nickel will get you on the subway, but garlic will get you a seat...

~Nadiya~

Smile...

A smile is the light in your window that tells others that there is a caring, sharing person inside...

What better way to start the day than with a big smile on your face.  It has been said that: 

Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around.

I think that I am the type that is almost always happy and I know I always have a smile to give.  Arvid seems to think that I smile and talk to just about everyone who comes my way, and you know what he is not wrong!  I know that there is nothing wrong with smiling at everyone and talking to them.  It makes me happy and I am certain it makes others happy as well.  Unless of course I am being difficult and abrasive.  Has been known to happen.  Oh well we can't always be perfect.

Smile everyone...lighten up the day and brighten someone outlook.

A warm smile is the universal language of kindness...

~Nadiya~

Just Another Day's Events...

There are so many unpleasant things in the world already that there is no use in imagining any more...

Just the other day I had to go to the optometrist and have an eye exam.  Nothing serious.  Was just getting some headaches and I thought I may need to change the prescription on my reading glasses.  Was not wrong.  Needed some new glasses.

still can't find the freckle

I walk into the place and the first thing I noticed was the crowd.  I hesitated a few seconds, debating if to walk right back out.  Did not since this place is really close to where we live.  Convenient location so I went in.  As usual I had to fill out paperwork, new patient and all.

Not being one to hold back on my comments, I told the receptionist that this paperwork was bizarre.  I told her that whoever did it was out of their minds because it was so disorganized.  The writing was in all different sizes and there was probably five different colors on the page.  I guess to enhance what was important.

the freckle

I did not get it and I told the girl that the paper alone was making me dizzy and therefore unless the information was very necessary I was not going to fill it out.  She looked at me and said, "OK."  Not a good start of my eye exam.  After a little wait, I was taken into another room.  The man did not identify himself so I asked him who he was.  I said "are you the doctor?"  He was not.  He was the technician.  he did his part then sent me to another room.  Since I waited for a while in the first examination room I told him that I had no intention of waiting that long in the next room.

I don't see any freckle..

Eventually the doctor arrived.  Not very friendly really, but he did his exam and then said to me that I had a freckle in the eye.  What the heck is an eye freckle I asked?  He looks at me and said it is similar to a skin freckle or mole that appears inside the eye or on the eye's surface  Nothing alarming, but needs to be checked in more detail.  He gave me a few referrals.  I called up and almost passed out at the cost of the exam.  I told them they were not doing surgery, but merely checking this freckle thing.  After antagonizing quite some people, I made an appointment.  Arvid says, "hope they don't remember you."  Hmmm.. doubtful.

 I was told that my glasses wold be ready in two days.  I gave them three days and when we got there they had no clue as to where my glasses were.  I waited and waited.  Eventually the girl found them.  I looked at he and I said, "just because I have waited so long don't you think I should get another pair for free?  You know pain and suffering?"   She looks at me and says, "I don't think so."

Yep just another day.  Soon have to deal with Arvid's doctor.  Don't care too much for her methods of treatment either.  Arvid says that I am better dealing with these situations than he is.  Does he mean I am better at antagonizing people?  Oh well...gotta do what we gotta do.

Another day and lots more people out there, hoping that no one gets in my way today because I feel good!

Hope you are also having a good day.  

The one who cannot restrain their anger will wish undone, what their temper and irritation prompted them to do.

~Nadiya~ 

Sunday...

Sunday clears away the rust of the whole week...

Another week soon done.  This has been a pretty busy week for us. Almost everyday we were out with someone else.  Some work and always fun.  We have met a few people from long time ago.  Always nice to catch up with old friends and to see what has happened since the last time we met.

Sundays are reserved only for Arvid, Brutus and I and today is no exception.  Lazy mornings, music in the background and a bigger than usual breakfast.  Sounds good already.  

Brutus is back to going to the vet daily something we had not anticipated happening, but dealing with it.  Sunday is also his day off so we all got to sleep in a half hour more.  At least I did.  Today we plan to relax and just take it easy.  

I plan to take Arvid out to a nice place and treat him to anything he wants. Hope he is up to it. His favorite places are somewhere on the water.  He plans to take me out to dinner, but I prefer to make dinner at home then go somewhere for dessert.  Already know where I want to go and I know he would be happy with the choice.

Hope your day is great and remember no matter what you do, always make the most of it and always have a fun time doing it!

7pm:  was a perfect Sunday.

Sunday evenings often feel like the weekend is over before it's even begun...

~Nadiya~

Cuties...

Our perfect companions never have fewer than four feet...

Had to share this.  Arvid and I were out for a bit and we came across a few squirrels.  Just too cute. 

They were just following us and running around in circles.  Seems that like me they also enjoy having their pictures taken :)

Can't miss out on Brutus either.  Here he is being cuddled after coming home from the vet.  Yes, Brutus is back to the vet for daily shots.  Not happy about it, but being a trooper kitty that he is,  he puts on a brave face:) and once in a while finds that it helps to hide out in the pillowcase.  maybe that way they would not see him and give him a shot... he can hope.

As you can see his paw is still not healed.  Unfortunately for us, Brutus may have to have another "minor" surgery.  The first surgery cut open his paw in over six places to clean out the infection.  If another surgery is needed hopefully it will only be one cut.  For now it's back to treatments.

On the bright side, Brutus plays a lot, eats and does everything.  We can't really see that he is in pain, but the paw looks terrible and that by itself bothers us.  For now it's wait and see again.

Wishing everyone a good day.

All animals are equal but some animals are more equal than others...

~Nadiya~

Let's Have A Good Day....

Good morning beautiful world. Its new day again. Wish we all have a good day...

Chucky

Yesterday was a very good day.  I actually did manage to go to the gym, even if only for a short time.  Still, I felt good and from that point on the day just got better and better.  

Took Brutus to his doctors appointment and in less than five minutes we were out.  Just a shot.  He cried all the way in the car, but once there he was a good kitty no hissing.  Even saw our friend Chucky, the mascot at the vet's office.  Such a good kitty he is never hisses and never loses his cool no matter the size of the animal in front of him.

An unexpected call from some friends from Norway was a pleasant surprise and having lunch with them was also very nice.  These last few weeks it seems we have been out having lunches with friends more more than usual.  Very nice indeed.  

Back home got some much needed work done and the rest of the day was just very relaxing.  Brutus hopefully will be getting better with his medicines and Arvid everyday is doing better.  Could not ask for more.  Life is good.  We are happy and grateful to be able to spend it with each other.

It's not about the destination, it's about the journey. In the end we all die but it's the life we live that matters. Have a good day!

~Nadiya~

Decisions...Decisions...

If we're not supposed to have midnight snacks, then why is there a light in the fridge?

Every night before going to sleep I say to myself, "I will get up early in the morning and go to the gym.  I will also watch what I eat a little better."  Well morning comes, I don't get up as early as I would like and the days I do, I always seem to find other things to do rather than go to the gym.

These last few mornings I had a pretty good excuse.  It was too cold to go out.  At least that's what I told myself and I felt better.  In the back of my head I think of all my sisters living is COLD climates.  They all have dogs and they all take their doggies out for walks.  Rain, snow or shine.  They have to go out.

Of course I feel guilty.  So what better way to take away the guilt than by eating.  I love food and I find great pleasure in it.  Of course afterwards I MAY feel a little guilt, but it does not last too long.

Today for sure I will go to the gym...oh wait a minute, I have to take Brutus to the vet.  Tomorrow is another day and I will definitely go.  Some people are such procrastinators.  Just awful!

Anyone's life truly lived consists of work, sunshine, exercise, soap, plenty of fresh air, good food and a happy contented spirit...

~Nadiya~

Fruit...

Your life is the fruit of your own doing. You have no one to blame but yourself...

Fruits are nature’s wonderful medicines packed with vitamins, minerals, anti-oxidants and many phyto-nutrients (Plant derived micronutrients).

 They are an absolute feast to our sight, not just because of their color and flavor but their unique nutrition-profile that help the body stay fit and healthy.

Most fruits are naturally low in fat, sodium, and calories. None have cholesterol.

Fruits protect against many chronic diseases like Cancer, hypertension, cholesterol, and diabetes.

Fruits are beneficial for those who want to lose weight, improve health, and regulate the blood circulation and digestion.

Right now I have a thing for peaches.

 Eating peaches instead of more fattening, processed snacks, such as chips, baked goods, cereal bars and cookies, can help you manage your weight. Peaches are naturally sweet and can replace some of the added sugars in your diet.

 Use them to top unsweetened whole-grain cereal, plain yogurt or plain low-fat cottage cheese, instead of choosing versions of these foods sweetened with high-fructose corn syrup or cane sugar.

All I know is that they taste good and I am enjoying them everyday.  Who knows?  
Next week it could be a new fruit that is my favorite, but for now it's peaches.

Whichever you like..enjoy.  They are healthy, fat free and so very delicious.

Time to get my peach and my book.

Have a good day everyone.

 Forbidden fruit always tastes the best..

~Nadiya~

Hair

A fine head of hair adds beauty to a good face, and terror to an ugly one..

There are not that many women I know who at some time or another during their lives have not had struggles with their hair.  Seems like we are never happy with what we have nor with our hair.  Either it's too short, long, too curly , too straight...etc  You get the picture.

I am no exception.  According to my mom when I was born I was completely bald.  Not unusual in babies, but seems that in my family all my sisters were born with a full head of hair.  Now I am wondering what has happened because I seem to have more hair than I know what to do with.

Of five girls I was born with very CURLY hair.  The others have straight hair or at least much "tamer" than mine.  As you can see from the pictures, everyone has straight hair but me.  Even my three eldest nieces have straight hair. As a child I was a little upset with my hair because I could never tame it.  One of the only times I loved my hair was when my mom would transform it into hundreds of curls.  Then it was "tame" and everyone admired my curls.  

As I grew older I was starting to appreciate my curly hair better, especially when people would just stop and stare and wonder what it is I did to make it the way it is.  When I said all I did was wash and go they were amazed.  Yes, I had accepted my curly hair.  

A few times I tried to straighten it with a heating iron.  Mistake, Arvid hated it and wanted me to wash it off right away.  Strange man. He says straight hair is unattractive, whereas hair like mine is sexy.  What can I say, he says the right things and I love that he loves everything about me.  
Every so often I think I need a change and the first thing I want to do is to change my hair.  This always freaks Arvid out. When I complain of having too much hair he is always there to give his input.  He says, "think about all those girls with thinning hair and then be happy."  

Somehow he gets his point through.  No matter what, I think that sometimes we always want what we don't have, if only for a brief moment.  I have tried the straight hair and I know it's not for me.  Too limp after being curly.  I think the trend is more towards straight hair.  Can't really say that I have seen many movie stars with curly hair on the Red Carpet..  Anyway,  curly is what I know and what I like.  Always good to come to terms with ourselves.  Makes like so much easier.
Have a nice day and always strive to see the positive side of things.

Everybody has a bad hair day, but us girls still like to be told we look nice even if we don't feel like we do...


~Nadiya~

Food = Happiness

I am not a glutton, I am an explorer of food...

One  of my favorite days of the week is Sunday.  It is the day both Arvid and I have more time for each other and everything is more slowly paced compared to the rest of the week.  Sunday is also the day I do not make dinner.  On this day Arvid take me out and we have a very good time.  As he says, "it's just our day and ours alone."

One of my favorite things is food and on Sundays I get to pick where we go.  Since we both like the same places it is always a good choice no matter what we choose.   Yesterday was cold so instead of going somewhere on the water, which has the best views, but the food is not so great; we went someplace where it was nice and toasty inside.  Both Brutus and Arvid were so cold they were bundled up before and after while I patiently waited until Arvid warmed up.

I love crab.  So I choose to go and have crab and more crab for dinner.  It was a delicious feast.  I ate so much food, but I am a happy camper.  Crab dip for starters then crab, crab crab...boy was I in heaven and that was before dessert came.  Boy, I have eaten so much and instead of feeling guilty, I feel happy and satisfied.

Every meal for me is a feast.  I love to cook and I love good food. 

 Hmmm  already thinking of next time...

"Wow, that Lean Cuisine really filled me up", said no one ever...

~Nadiya~

Chilly Morning...= Cold Front in Florida..

Wherever you go, no matter what the weather, always bring your own sunshine...

For us here in South Florida, "winter" is showing its face.  By winter I mean we are going to drop to the 40's for a few days.  Yes, it's cold for us.  Time to get snuggle up and cozy..

Being used to average temperatures of the 70's this time of the year, this is a "drastic" change.  

Time to pull out the gloves, sweaters and scarf, and yes, these are days for hot chocolate.

Now I am the one making it rather than Arvid, and he seems to pretty much likes it.

What better way to enjoy these cold days than with the company of friends and family.
Yes, calls for a little outing with friends:)

Madeline and I..

I think she likes me, and I definitely find her adorable.  We had a pretty good time yesterday with little Madeline and her parents.  Stay warm everyone.  Bundle up and do as I do have lots of hot chocolate and lots of extra blankets for these cold "winter" nights in Florida.  Almost everyone else knows how to cope with the cold.  In Florida we are basically wimps when it comes to the "chill"

Don't knock the weather; nine-tenths of the people couldn't start a conversation if it didn't change once in a while...

~Nadiya~

Gabby Turns 15...

Every year on your birthday, you get a chance to start new...

My nephew turned 15 years old yesterday.  I remember the day he was born.  Right here in Florida.  I saw him grow up and the young man he is becoming today is one every parent, aunt, uncle, grandparents...etc is proud of.

Gabby through the years..

When Arvid and I met, Gabby was only 2 years old.  Today Arvid is uncle Arvid to four of my nephews and five nieces.  They all adore him and he loves them.  There is something about Arvid that kids find hard to resist.  Must be his ability to play with them, to talk to them and to just make them feel special.

Gabby like all my nieces and nephews are special.  I would do anything and everything for them.  Not having children of my own they are my life.  Looking back at the way he was to the young man he is makes me proud to be his aunt.  We love you Gabriel Lopez-Singh.

When god made u he was having a good day! coz ur so special , so kindhearted , that its difficult 2 tell in words ... happy  birthday.... ~Nadiya~

America...

America makes prodigious mistakes, America has colossal faults, but one thing cannot be denied: America is always on the move. She may be going to Hell, of course, but at least she isn't standing still...

I can't really speak for other countries, but I know that when Norwegians come to the USA, they are always amazed at the size and portions of things here.  For instance, the meals are always twice the size as the ones in Norway.  Here in the US we take for granted simple things such as refills on Pepsi's, Cokes, coffee etc.

In Norway for instance everything is smaller.  On the other hand, there are a lot less obese people there than here in the US.  Maybe something to think about.  There are almost no refills on anything, although these last two years I have noticed certain places do give free refills on coffee.  Luxury!

Here in Florida you go down to the beach and you get two humongous drinks for the price of one as you can see from this picture.  Unfortunately, I was only able to finish one of them.  Arvid helped with the second.  In Norway I doubt you will ever find this.  For starters two of those drinks in Norway would probably cost a weeks salary for some.  Yes, super expensive place.

No wonder when visitors come they tend to indulge in everything American.  Can't blame them on bit.  Most Norwegians I know would rather live here in the USA than Norway as well and here I DEFINITELY cannot blame them.

Life in the USA is the best as far as I am concerned and with all it's faults and things that are not "right" there is no other place on earth I would rather live.  No offense to anyone.  I have not been to most places, but from the places I have been to, nothing compares to living right here in the USA...
Won't trade it for anywhere, or anything...

When you're born you get a ticket to the freak show. 

When you're born in America, you get a front row seat...

~Nadiya~