Sunday April 19th ~ Still In Lockdown

I know what I have to do now, I've got to keep 

breathing because tomorrow the sun will rise. 

Who knows what the tide could bring...

The talk about reopening the state of Florida is exciting, 

but the way it looks right now it will still be some time before

 South Florida reopens.  For now, we are just happy that there

 are talks about it.  As Arvid said, maybe we can go back to 

Puerto Rico, Chicago and Las Vegas after all of this.

For now, we will continue to enjoy the balcony and the daily

 entertainment it provides.  Still better than the alternative.

Sniff is enjoying some relaxing and pampering days.
 Nothing different for him.  He's a happy boy and he
keeps us laughing, when he's not trying to bite us.

Like most we keep doing our walks.  I take my
 pictures.  We sit on the balcony and watch a lot
 of TV. I also read a lot and am experimenting
on cooking different foods.  Things I like.
 My next venture will be to bake bread. 

I used to do many years ago when I lived in California.
 I baked pies, cakes and experimented on many foods.
  With Arvid I have never done this.  Arvid does not try
 anything, but maybe he will try the bread if I do make it.

Arvid is already done with his Sunday calls.  He
said to me, "I finished the calls even faster than usual."
 I asked how come and why.  His answer, "there is nothing
new happening.  Nothing really to talk about."

 I understand that too.  Now that I have so much
 time, the last thing I want to do is call anyone. 
But family is family and of course I call,
and always makes me happy as well.

Wishing everyone a happy day.  Sunday after all.
  Our day to relax.  Since the coronavirus, everyday
is a day to relax.  I want "normal" back.

What we do during our working hours
 determines what we have; what we do in
 our leisure hours determines what we are.

~Nadiya~

Saturday April 18th ~

There comes a point in your life, when you realize

 that turning the page is the best feeling in the world

 because there is so much more to the book

 than the page you were stuck on...

Everywhere and everyone, people are getting tired 

of lockdown.  Here in Florida reopening is starting in the 

form of beaches and parks for now.  Social distancing 

is still in effect, and supposedly it will continue

 for a while even when restrictions are lifted.

Yesterday over 100 people gathered in downtown 

Orlando holding signs and chanting a call to reopen

 the state during the COVID-19 pandemic.  Florida 

does not have the best track record for getting 

things done right, and this is not helping much.

In all of this pandemic, there are some beautiful 

things happening in the world.  Many bring hope

 and joy to others just by their gestures.  Take for 

instance this praying hand in Hollywood, Florida.  

A very inspiring sight for those who pass by.

 Here in Fort Lauderdale we are still not out our of 

lockdown.  Fort Lauderdale's Mayor Dean Trantalis 

said in a newsletter Wednesday that the city is looking 

to have a phased reopening once the coronavirus

 pandemic begins to slow down in the area. 

Meanwhile here at home all is well.  We are also getting 

restless, but that does not mean we will be careless and 

stupid.  This is where people need to use their common 

sense.  Just because things are starting to reopen, does 

not mean we will be part of the crowd.  Not for now. 

Wishing everyone a happy day.  Let's remember, we

 are in this together.  Better days will soon be here.

Spend time thinking of what you want 

rather than what you don't want...

~Nadiya~

Friday April 17th ~ Weekend Is Here

Keep looking up that's the secret of life.

It's a slow process, but quitting won't speed it up...

Everyone is waiting for the day life will be back 

to "normal"  Everyone is hurting, and many

 businesses are not sure if they can survive 

this crisis.  A familiar sight everywhere.

Times are difficult right now, and if you can help out please do.
Everywhere you look, people are actually "begging" for business.

Arvid and I took a little drive along Hollywood Beach. 

It was eerily quiet.  Almost no one in sight.  Looked

like a place time has forgotten.  Very strange to see.

Being in isolation in Florida is not the worse.  The 

sights are still beautiful.  We may not be able to do all the 

things we would like, but we still enjoy ocean breezes

 and the swaying of the palm trees.  Not that bad.

Yesterdays highlight was a trip to Publix, our grocery 

store and takeout.  Thursdays and Sundays are becoming 

takeout days.  Happy we at least are still able to have takeout. 

 Breaks up the monotony of having to cook everyday.

Good morning all.  I never thought the "new" norm

 would be everyone wearing masks.  I find it very 

strange to see people with masks.  Me included.

Friday here.  So what are your plans for the weekend?

Maybe a trip to the balcony?  Living room and some TV?

Just think, the comeback is always stronger than the setback.

Looks like rain is coming.  I'm happy with that. 
There are tons of ducks and ducklings around, and
they definitely need the rain.  So I am hoping
for rain the next few days as predicted.

Keep going because you did not 

come this far just to come this far...

~Nadiya~

April 16th ~ Where Is Your Common Sense?

Because you can't argue with all the fools in the 
world.  It's easier to let them have their way, then 
trick them when they're not paying attention...

Where is common sense in people today?  Would 

you give up your child if your child was sick?  To a pet 

parent it's the same.  No way in hell is my answer.

My life is better because of the fur babies we have and 

we had. Pets won't spread the coronavirus to humans, 

experts say, so why are they being abandoned 

this way?  What's wrong with people today?

According to the World Health Organization, there's

 no reason to panic about pets as possible victims or 

carriers of the coronavirus, since there's no

 evidence they can be infected. 

If our Sniff were to get sick, I pray he does not,
 but if he did, we would do everything in our power 
to make him better.  He is our baby after all.



 I am sure most think this way about their fur babies,
 but it's the few who do the unthinkable that makes 
this world a not so good place.  Remember there is 
nothing more powerful than common sense.

Common sense is not a gift, it's a punishment because 
you have to deal with everyone who doesn't have it...

~Nadiya~

Wednesday April 15th~ In This Together

When the crisis comes, we all pull together naturally.

  It's easy then.  It's when things drag on too long we 

have to make the effort.  We need to make sure 

everyone sees we're all in this together...

Everything seems to be blended into one these days, 

but Arvid always keeps me entertained.  He is funny. 

 In the above picture, he is "spying" on someone who he 

thinks he recognizes, based on the persons way of walking.

We have had some pretty heavy winds lately, but it sure makes

 watching the palm tress swaying even more spectacular.

Our best outlet is still the balcony.  Here at least 

we have something to watch at all times.  We are getting

 tired of it, but when we think of the alternative, we feel

 pretty lucky.  At least we have something to look at.

This lady cruising in her boat with just her husband.

And with a mask.  Fresh air, just the two of them, why the mask?

The days are going by slowly but surely.  Can't wait until the

day everything is back to being "normal"  Lockdown is no fun.

Back in North Carolina, my dad stays busy in the yard.

We have been seeing quite a lot of boasts on the river lately,

 both big and small.  Would be nice to have a boat now. 

Happy day to all.  Better days are coming.

Individually, we are one drop.

  Together, we are an ocean..

~Nadiya~

Looking Back ~

You and I have memories longer than

 the road that stretches out ahead...

My time working with New York City EMS

 was one of the best times of my life.  Back them

 life was exciting.  I was young and unafraid.

  I'm still unafraid today, older also.

Below are some of the many

 memories I will forever treasure:

Back then my name was Nadiya Singh Riley.  

The cops had a ball with it.  They used to say I 

must be one of those dark Irish people.

My partners were all Irish and the most fun girls

 I have had the pleasure of knowing.  Jennifer the

redhead was a menace with the ambulance.  

She dared herself and everyone else at all times.  

We drove light and sirens at every call.  Even when it was 

not necessary.  Those who know New York, know the streets

 are very narrow.  Lets say many side were knocked out.

When I lived in California I briefly worked for EMS

 as well, but in California it was not as interesting 

or exciting as in NYC.  I did not stay long.

With all this time on my hands, I have been going 

through pictures.  Pictures that take me back to what 

seems like another life time.  Memories, good and

 not so good, but they are what has shaped my life.

The above is from my days in New York.  In my

 free time I was lucky to have been given permission

 to take shooting lessons in the Federal Courthouse.  Same

place the US Marshals did their practice.  I have enjoyed 

life, and I still do.  Today I continue to do so with Arvid.

To all a very good day.  Memories sometimes are a 

welcome reprieve from the worries of my day.

No one can ever take your memories

 from you - each day is a new beginning, 

make good memories every day...

~Nadiya~

Monday April 13th ~

We did it last week.  We can do it again this week, 
 even better.  Let's be awesome together.  Happy new week...

Easter came and Easter went.  Did not notice a 

difference in the day.  Suddenly all the days seem to be

 the same.  That is, if I can remember what day of the week

 it actually is.  Yup!  That's how I feel right now.

Woke up to a pretty windy morning, but it's
nice and warm so no complaints here.  Balcony
time today will be nice and breezy. Like it.

People are starting to feel the isolation,
and unfortunately many are not following
the social distancing rules as before. 

Right below us, two of the boats were having
parties.  People kept going from one boat to another,
 and as Arvid said not all were teenagers/young. 
There were a few grown adults, who should
 have had better sense, but the didn't

Boats are passing along the River with more
people than what's called for during these times.
 Hopefully this does not lead to that second
 spread of the virus I keep hearing about.

I'm already tired with watching so much TV, but what
 is the alternative right now?  A little cleaning today.  Have
already sorted through my closets several time, who knows
 maybe today I might find some more stuff to give away.

It's a new week and with each passing day this virus
 is coming to an end.  At least one can hope.

 Wishing everyone a great week ahead.  Think positive, we
 are all in this together, and soon we will be seeing better days.

It's only after you've stepped outside your
 comfort zone that you begin to change, grow, and 
transform.  More smiling, less worrying...

~Nadiya~

April 12th ~ Flashbacks

You live life looking forward, you
 understand life looking backward...

Life is made up of beautiful moments.  Moments 

that last forever.  Here are just some of those 

that I carry in my 💖with me at all times.

Another favorite is of Michelle as a little girl.  

Here we are together in Norway.  This was Arvid's 

summer house.  This is where he first took 

me when we met.  Beautiful memories.

Danielle and I.  Long time ago when I lived briefly in New Jersey.

She was a cutie then and still is a cutie today.  Love love her.

Seems life a lifetime ago.  Victoria and I enjoying a boat
 ride in Fort Lauderdale or as she calls it Paradise🌴.  Life
sure has given me so much for which to be thankful.

One of the memories that will forever keep pooping
 up is our Brutus.  The years will pass, but my love for Brutus
 will always be there.  What Brutus meant to Arvid and I not
many will ever understand.  My Brutus will forever be
 in my heart. A memory I will never let go of.

Life as we knew it is changing.  I don't exactly
know what this means, but right now nothing is what it
used to be. Hopefully one day when this is over, we
will live in a better world, be better people.

Sunday looms on.   A beautiful day again here.  Warm,
but grateful to be isolated in this little paradise we call home.
Happy day to all.  Soon this too will be a memory 🙌.

Let's just remember that we have to fight through
some bad days to earn the better days in our lives.

In looking back, I see nothing to regret, and little to correct.

~Nadiya~