Making Memories....

The happiest memories are of moments that ended when they should have... 

Arvid and I came back from Poland on Sunday.  It was definitely one of 

the best times we have ever had. My best time ever in Europe.

The city is gorgeous and the food is the best I have ever had.

USA not included but very close.

Behind me is the Grand Hotel and we were told that whenever Hitler was in Gdansk

this was where he called home.  Of course it has the best ocean view.

End of a wonderful time, but back in Norway it was also a very good day.

Sunday was spent with Michelle, Emil, Aleah and Molly.  Just have to say,

when Aleah saw me she ran to me with open arms.  Of course I dropped

 everything and held her close.  Still can feel her little arms

 around me and I know I am already starting to miss her.

We took them all out to dinner and spent a few hours at Molly's. 

 Arvid's mother.  All together it was one very special day.

Yesterday, Monday we took a little day trip to Sweden.

To get there we start out on a half hour trip on the ferry.

I like it because I can get on to their free WIFI.  When you are in a foreign 

country any connection to your part of the world is greatly valued.  Chatted a while

 with  my mom and had a coffee and a little something on the boat.  Oh...the coffee cost $5.00

Like most of the Europe I have seen, the drive was picturesque as seen

by the pictures below.  The fact that it rained a bit did not take away from the beauty.

All together it was a perfect day rain and all.  We were together

and we had some alone time.  Very good as Arvid said.  This is our last 

week  here in Norway and we hope to get as much time as we can with family.

To all a good day and never forget,
we do not remember days we remember moments.

Things end but memories last forever....

~Nadiya~

Tick Tock Tick Tock...

There comes a time when the world gets quiet

 and the only thing left is your own heart.

 So you'd better learn the sound of it.

 Otherwise you'll never understand what it's saying...

Here we are spending time with family.  Enjoying what is

our summer vacation.  Everything is going great yet something is missing.

Yes, I'm missing that little ball of fur that is Brutus. Missing our

 mornings when we would wake up together and watch the sunrise.

Strange how one gets used to certain things.  Brutus is never far from my heart.

No matter where we are or who I am with.  I am counting the days until back 

home and can  make sure he is all right.  Make sure he has not re-injured

 his paw, which by the way was looking so very much better when we left.  

The thing is anytime we travel, Brutus has this bad

habit of biting his paw until bloody.  

Refuses to eat much and just lays in his bed moping all the time.

As you can imagine, I am always worried about him.  Sometimes,

more than I should, but I just can't help it.  I worry that he is not taking his medicines.

I worry that he is just so sad that he does not want to eat, drink his water or do anything. 

I know Arid says that everything is going to be OK, but I know he also worries but does not say 

it as often as I do.  The good thing is that he is in good hands.  At least that I don't worry about.

Hope you are all having a good summer so far.

Remember, don't worry be happy.

I need to listen to myself!

When I close my eyes I see you.

When I open my eyes I miss you...

~Nadiya~

Victoria...

Happy birthday to an amazing Victoria.
 Work hard, be kind, and Amazing things will happen. 
The only person you are destined to become is the person you decide to be....

Victoria, may you never stray from your true path,

as you continue your amazing journey in life.

~Happy Birthday~

When we met she was a teenager.  Yes with all the "issues" a teenager has. She was

beautiful then and if I may say so even more beautiful today.  In many ways she was still

a child, but trapped in a woman's body.  At the time I did not understand how difficult it 

may have been for this little girl, yes like me she is also a daddy's girl to go from

being daddy's girl to having to share her dad with another woman..that being me.

I could have been more understanding, but maybe I was also standing on shaky grounds.

She and I both had and still have strong personalities.  At the time we met they clashed.

I being the grown up of the two should have handled it better.  But now this is the past.

The Victoria I know today is a woman of determination and convictions.  I have seen her 

blossom from an insecure teenager to a woman with confidence and strength.  She and I have

been through some rough times.  It was maybe a good thing because today I want to say

that the relationship we have is better than ever.  She is my friend and someone I admire 

very much.  She is relentless, she is a hard worker and she does not give up.  Qualities I 

admire because I also am the same.  Like her dad she is a go getter.  The girl NEVER quits.

She has qualities I see in myself.  She is kindhearted, she is generous and she loves kitties.

She also loves her Michael. They have been together now for over 13 and a half years.

That to me is a testament of her maturity and of her commitment to happiness.

As you can see she is gorgeous.  She has her dad's eyes.  Blue as the sky.

Every picture she takes the most standout features are the eyes. 

 Of course she NEVER takes a bad picture either.

Yes, Victoria is gorgeous.  Stunning is really how I would describe her, but

her best qualities are not only on the outside.  Her even better qualities lie in

the person that she is.  Her heart is sometimes too big.  Makes for people wanting to 

take advantage of her, but being her she never lets that stop her from random acts of kindness.

Relationships are not always easy to build, but I believe we are on our way to having
a very strong one.  We have both grown from the time we met.  We have matured and
we are both working hard, at least I am to have the relationship we have.

For a young woman Victoria has achieved quite a lot in her life.
She was only in her 20's when together with her better half Micheal, they purchased
a million dollar home in Norway.  When she was just 10 years old she travelled ALONE
from Norway to the United States where her dad, Arvid was living.  Not many can claim this.

As if that was not enough, Victoria was the first student in Norway to complete
an online bachelors degree.  She was interviewed as you can see in the above picture.
Amazing is just a word, but when you put everything into action and you get results you
are looking at a truly one of a kind person.  She is of the type I can and I will.
There is never a can't in her vocabulary.  A girl/woman of grace, beauty,
intelligence and kind heart.   Proud to be her step-mom.

I have gotten to know Victoria very well through the years.  She was after all only
16 years old when we met.  Through the good and through some rough patches,
I believe I can sum up her essence in just a few words, I can hear her saying:

I don't want to get to the end of my life and find that I lived just the length of it.
I want to have lived the width of it as well.  For her the journey is only getting better.

Happy birthday Victoria.  I look forward to years and years of friendship with you.
Our future holds laughter, fun, love and good times.  All I can say to
 you is that when you have confidence, you can have a lot of fun.
 When you have fun you can do amazing things.  This to me is you!

Victoria, you may not control all the events that happen to you, 
but you can decide not to be reduced by them, and that
you do in spades!

A beautiful person, has a beautiful life.
 And, so shall you. May you sail through all the obstacles 
and challenges that come in your way to success. I wish you a very happy Birthday.

~Nadiya~

Little Tour Gdańsk...

Certainly travel is more than just the seeing of sights; 
it is the change that goes on, deep and permanent, in the ideas of living....

Little tour through Gdańsk, Poland.

There are also beautiful beaches.

At the beach in Sopot.

The bread loaves are HUGE! and they smell really good.

A popular "snack" is a slice of this huge bread with pickles on top.

A very popular tourist attraction is a tour on the Pirate Ship.  We did it.

As you walk the streets everyone is buying this twirly ice-cream.

  If only to get the picture.  Why not

The other day I read this and I am leaving it with you;  It says:

Please be a traveler, not a tourist.  Try new things.  Meet new people, and look 

beyond what's right in front of you.  Those are the keys to understanding this amazing world we live in.

Take your camera wherever you go. Use it as your visual diary. 

 Capture photos of objects, people and places....

~Nadiya~

Hello Friday...

Grab happiness in the passing moments of life...

Everything is better when done in the company of friends and family.

Together with Arvid's brother and his girlfriend, we have had many good trips and 

times together.  This time is not exception.  Everyone is in a happy and festive mood.

I am even starting to enjoy the taste of red wine.

For the few days we are here in Poland everyday is a party day.

No phones (unless I have wifi), no laptops.  Just good company and good times.

Wishing you all a  good Friday and may the weekend festivities begin.

Remember it is always OK to remain open, flexible and curious to life.

Leave nothing for tomorrow 

what you can do today...

~Nadiya~

Hilton, Gdansk POLAND...

Let's try something new today...

First time ever in Gdansk, Poland and for all I know will be the last time, therefore

looking forward to enjoying our stay as much as possible and to capture all I can in our

few days here.  Highly recommended is the Hilton in Gdansk and that is where we aim to be.

Overlooking the Motlawa River in the picturesque Old Town of Gdansk,  

the Hilton Gdansk hotel offers guests the perfect base to visit and explore this popular 

Polish city.  This Gdansk hotel boasts stylish riverside dining at Mercato Restaurant 

and unique High 5 Terrace Bar, the highest bar in the Old Town, with contemporary

 urban  beach and terrace with pool area. The central location of the Hilton Gdansk hotel

 offers easy access to many popular tourists spots such as the exceptional Gdansk Crane, 

Central Maritime Museum and Europe’s largest brick built church St Mary’s Church. 

This Gdansk hotel is also perfectly situated to enjoy a range of leisure activities
 including golf, tennis, kayaking and cycling. With one of the largest meeting and event
 facilities in Gdansk featuring five meeting and event rooms for up to 350, business meetings,
 special occasions and wedding are easily catered for.  

All I know is that we will not be golfing, kayaking nor cycling.  For sure we will 
tour the city and enjoy the pubs and restaurants.  Looking forward to also
 learning something about a new culture and to meet some new people.  
New experiences and I can't wait to discover it all in just a few days.

To all a good day. Remember, you cannot create experience,
 you must undergo it.

A mind that is stretched by a new experience
can never go back to its old dimensions...

~Nadiya~

Gdańsk, Poland...

Travelling is a great time to catch up on my reading.

 It's hard falling asleep in new places,

 but a good book always makes it easier..

One of the good things about coming to Norway is that we are close

to many other European destinations.  Very easy and inexpensive to get to.

On this trip we will be visiting a country I have never been to. We will be going to Poland.

Arvid's brother has been there many times and highly recommends it.

He is then going to be our tour guide.  Yes we are going together with Arvid's

brother and his girlfriend.  Together we always have a good time. Can't wait to

discover a little more about this fascinating country. 

 Of course I have done my homework.

Thank you google for always being there.  Gdańsk is a Polish city on the Baltic coast, 

the capital of the Pomeranian Voivodeship,  Poland's principal seaport and the center 

of the country's fourth-largest metropolitan area.

Happy days to all.

I'm always happy to see something new.

Move to a new country and you quickly see that visiting a place as a tourist, 

and actually moving there for good, are two very different things...

~Nadiya~

Thoughts Of Home...

Is it possible for home to be a person and not a place...

Greetings from beautiful Norway.  

The drives through scenic Norway is quite beautiful.  So different from 

Fort Lauderdale.  The air is clean and crisp in the mornings.  Some would call it perfect.

Me I am missing home.  I am missing Brutus and today I want to go home.

Seeing family is very nice.  We are having a good time.  We are relaxed, but something

 is missing.  I feel like I am missing excitement.  I am missing out on life somehow.  Maybe I 

feel so because Liliana told me that Brutus was very sad and that he was crying for us.  Made me

want to just pack up and go.  Then I think of Aleah and the good times we have had so far and I am torn.

Yesterday was a good day.  Arvid and I toured a town close by and we did what is common  

in Norway.  We stopped at a gas station and had a fast lunch.  Yes what else but a hot dog.  

Back in Florida I never eat hot dogs.  Here I seem to eat one almost every day.

Life here is very different from what I am used to.  Not bad just different.

I like the lifestyle we have back home and every time we come to Norway I really 

appreciate it it more and more.  Norway is considered one of the best places in the world 

in which to live.  I don't doubt it.  The country itself is beautiful.  For me home is in the USA.

But I have to say yesterday we saw some amazing sights.

We had once again some good times with family, good food and lots of laughter.

I guess I am missing Brutus a little too much today.  It happens, but then the day gets busy

and my thoughts are occupied once again.  Today we visit Oslo, my favorite city in Norway.

I know it will be fun.  I love touring the city and taking in all the sights.  Yes will be a good day.

To all a good day and I leave you with this question:
If you could pack up right now and leave, where would you go?

You can go other places, all right - you can live on the other side 
of the world, but you can't ever leave home...

~Nadiya~

Monday...

If you want to conquer the anxiety of life, 

live in the moment, live in the breath...

Mondays are usually hectic.  Mondays back home that is.

Here in Norway we have just about nothing much to do, we just take it easy and 

go  with the flow.  None of that craziness we have at home.  Can you believe I miss it?

Coffee time is just me while Arvid is still asleep.  Miss the company

of that little ball of fur.  Yeah Brutus and I have a morning routine and I'm missing it.

Yesterday was a very fun day spent in the company of family.  Relaxing and stress free.

The place we visited was decked out with palm trees and even sand.

As we approached it, I thought we were heading into a tropical oasis.  Very cool.

Even though we are not as busy as we are when home, we still have quite a lot going

on.  Arvid is definitely not the type to sit still.  Neither am I and we love it.

Everyday we take walks and we enjoy some of the beauty surrounding us.

Today we will be enjoying dinner at Arvid's brother and his girlfriend.

All I can say is that we are in for a treat.  He is an excellent cook and we know that when 

we go to their place just like when we go to Victoria's and Michael's..we will have a feast.

Wishing you all a good day.

Greetings from Norway and remember,

not every page has to be a masterpiece.

You will get there when you are meant to get there and not 

a moment sooner... so relax, breathe and be patient....

~Nadiya~

Notodden Blues Festival... Norway

Life has tested us with bad times.

Life has gifted us with good times...

  No matter where we go, Arvid and I always find music.

First things first.  Tickets.

Then comes the buying of the cashless card.  Beers cost :)

So Arvid goes to buy the card and nothing makes him madder than to have to actually 

pay extra just to buy the card.  He fumed for quite a while until his beer came along.

Being there with friends also made the experience quite enjoyable.

Yesterday was a truly fun and entertaining day.  Music was great an
so was the company of our friends.  Rebecca is one very entertaining woman.

Today we enjoyed the company of Victoria, Michael and Molly, Arvid's mother.
We visited a place called 8 Glass in the town of Tjome.  A first for Arvid and I.
Right on the water, felt like home.   Very good time with family once again.

To all a good day and remember, happiness is only real when shared.

Good friends, good food, good times...

~Nadiya~

Baby...

I miss you on two occasions,

that's DAY and NIGHT...

Missing my little fur baby.

Been here for a while now.  All is good.

Seeing everyone and spending time with them is all good.

But, and there is always a but, a part of me is sad.  I am missing our baby.

Brutus is home alone and though being well cared for by Liliana and Wendy, I 

can't help but miss his little face.  His baby cries and just about everything about him.

My days are not complete until I hear from either Wendy or Liliana how he's doing.

Also every time they send me a picture of him both Arvid and I are, "ohhh Brutus."

We are having a good time, but I worry about Brutus.  Can't help it.  He needs 

medicines all the time and he is difficult so I just hope everything goes well and his

paw does not flare up even more because of his acting out.  Brutus has ATTITUDE issues!!!

Well everyone have a good day. Lots to do and family to visit.  

All's good, but it will be better as soon as I hear from Wendy.

Sometimes when one person is missing,

the whole world seems depopulated....

~Nadiya~