Sunday July 12th ~

You have to show up in the World Cup,

and in the World Cup anything can happen...

 The highlight of yesterday was watching the 

game between Norway and England. As you may know,

 my team was team USA. They were eliminated and team 

Norway, because of Arvid became the one I backed.

Norway may have lost the game last night, but in 

the eyes to so many, Norway is the true champions in

 this FIFA World Cup. They have earned RESPECT

 and the world knows the name Erling Haaland.

While Arvid and the fan watched the game in Norway I went

 to a pub downtown Fort Myers.  Last night I went to Ford's Garage. 

From the conversation, Norway was the team being cheered for.

 Of course I spoke to whoever was sitting next to me. First guy,

 I asked him who he was backing and he said Norway. Said he

 came for work from Michigan but has already seen four

 World Cup games. Two being Norway.  Toasted to that.

I then started conversation with the guy on my other side; 

I was sitting at the bar.   Wish I had know before I began this 

conversation that this guy was a bore.  All he talked to me

 about was how much money he has.  If you know me well 

you would know that one thing I really detest is someone

 bragging about what they have and who they know.

After a while of this I decided this was too much for 

me, I was annoyed and bored with this conversation, so 

I went to another pub to watch the remainder of the 

game. I can imagine the disappointment of Arvid and 

everyone who was at that pub in Norway watching 

the game, needless to say all Norwegians. 

 At the same time I can imagine how proud they have to 

be of Team Norway and Erling Haaland.  He’s young and 

he has just begun to show the world what he is capable of. 

There is no stopping Haaland. This is just the beginning.

Argentina had another win last night.  No Norway I am now

 backing Argentina to win the FIFA World Cup. Four good teams 

remain with France being the one to beat as far as I can see.

It's Sunday and I have not yet decided what to do.  For

 now I go feed the little kitties and go from there.  To all 

a good day.  Hopefully for many a little more relaxing.

Once again my Sniff is feeling lazy and refuses to eat.

Winning is an attitude, it's about 

giving your best in every moment...

~Nadiya~

Saturday July 11th~

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...

 Yesterday morning I had a few things to do 

very early.  Of course I stopped by Legacy just 

to make sure she had clean water and food. 

 She was not in her usual spot, so I looked 

across the street and there she was. 

 I went to give hersome foodies and to my

 surprise there was a tiny little black and 

white baby there also. So many homeless

 kitties.  Just broke my heart.  Yes, I fed 

them both and gave them fresh water.

Yesterday I had a little Friday outing.  I was

 very surprised that the temperature had dropped 

about 25 degrees. The day was super hot and now

 suddenly I was carrying a sweater.  Go figure.

Today Norway faces off with England.

  See you later England.  You did good, but make 

room for the Norwegians. Erling Haaland, Norway's

 secret weapon. As soon as he touches that ball, it's 

a guaranteed goal.  Game over.  Lights out.

I think Arvid was a little upset with me when

 he called last night. He again said, “you should be

 here with me now.” Again I explained why I could

not stay as long as he does.  Then he said, "yeah

 Sniff is more important to you than I am.”  

There was nothing I could say to that.

It’s Saturday and the day holds a lot of 

potential. Hopefully my knee will agree with 

that as well, and live up to that potential.

A calm mind in the morning is more

 powerful than motivation. Wake up with

 gratitude and go after your dreams...

~Nadiya~

Friday July 10th~

I believe that it is a mandatory Law

 of the Universe that on Fridays, you 

have to do something a little fun...

 It was another extremely hot day yesterday. 

 Going out it not that fun anymore, just being in the

 heat for a few minutes leaves you tired, exhausted

 and dehydrated.  Life does not always allow us

 to do it our way, so out I went, into the heat.

Early in the morning I had a few chores to take care of. 

 Those took me not far from Whole Foods Market, so you know

 I had to go there.  Got a few things for me and some for my

 mom.  I really enjoy shopping at Whole Foods Market

Being Thursday, I did not cook yesterday.  Instead 

I invited Max and Kelsey out to lunch.  Unfortunately Kelsey 

had to work.  Max and I enjoyed a very good time.  It will be 

the last time for a long time before I see Max again.  He is on

 his way to Brown University Medical School. Yes, Brown 

University is an official member of the Ivy League.

 

Founded in 1764, the private research university

 located in Providence, Rhode Island.  Home of 

my first husband Paul Riley.  Yes, I have a very

special "love/connection" to Rhode Island.

We ate, we chatted for a long time.  Just when

it looked like the restaurant was slowing down

 we realized we needed dessert.  We each had the

 molten lava chocolate cake.  I know just the name 

makes you want it.  It was absolutely delicious!

Because of the heat I went an hour later to feed 

Legacy.  She does not come out when too hot.  It was 

still HOT, but she was there just waiting and chilling.  

Sniff is living his best life.  JUst like he should

 and I an happy when he is happy.  To all a very

 good day.  Another busy morning is here.

Every Friday, I like to high five myself for

 getting through another week on little more than 

caffeine, will power, and inappropriate humor...

~Nadiya~

Thursday July 9th~

It is in his pleasures that a man 

really lives, it is from his leisure that he 

constructs the true fabric of self...

 It's Thursday one of my favorite days because 

today I don't cook.  I didn't cook yesterday either

I have been taking it too easy.  I might be liking 

this "new" routine a little too much. Can't get 

used to it, but can enjoy it while it lasts.

 Yesterday when Arvid called me he sounded

 a bit down.  He said several times how much 

he misses me and wishes I was there.  Said he

 was lonely.  I made me sad to hear him.

I know he will get over it fast, I also

 know that the evenings get lonely when you're

 used to being two.  He claims I talk too much, 

yet now he misses my chatter. Go figure.

 I am also very surprised that he keeps

 asking about Sniff.  Not that it is usual, but

 usually he does not ask this much about Sniff.  

Makes me happy that finally he can probably

 see that like Brutus, Sniff is also full of love.

I am still trying to rest my knee as much as I 

can, but no matter what I can't seem to not be in

 pain.  I think the pain is worse when I am in bed

 or when sitting.  Somehow when I am moving, it

 is less.  Just shows I have to be on the move all 

the time, all day long to not hurt.  I'll be darned.

Sniff and I relaxed and watched some TV 

before going to bed. Sniff loves his routines and 

watching TV before bedtime is one of them.  

I did go to feed Legacy but she was not

 there. Don’t blame her. It is so hot!  Left 

her dry food and of course clean water.  No 

thunderstorms for a change yesterday. 

 It’s Thursday and I have to think what I 

would like to do.  For now, I am enjoying the 

morning and the peacefulness of it all.  To all

 a good day. The days are going by too fast. 

Another beautiful sunset to end the day.

Hit the reset button. Whatever happened yesterday, 

forget about it. Get a new perspective. Today

 is a new day. Fresh start, begins now...

~Nadiya~

Wednesday July 8th~

It's just a bad day, not a bad life...

 Yesterday was one of those days that I just 

had to stay put at home. Not an easy task for me.

 I had a steroid injection in my knee and I was told

 to not do anything that would hurt the knee.  Pretty

 ambiguous that statement if you ask me.

It was a quiet day at home with Sniff. It was 

good because I did not have to make lunch at any 

specific time. In fact I ate much later than our usual

 time, and I only had to make one meal, not too differen

t ones. I choose fish and steak. A little surf and turf with

vegetables in the air fryer.  Fast simple. Delicious.

In the afternoon and against my better

 judgement, I went to feed Legacy.  I just can’t

 bear the thought that she is there waiting 

and waiting. While I can she gets fed.

Sniff and I watched TV together. We watched

 some of soccer match between Argentina and Egypt.  

Intense. We really thought this was it for Argentina, but 

then Messi did his thing and that was that. My attention 

span is usually very short.  I may need to be tested

 for something. What I don’t know as yet, but 

Arvid sure has strong opinions on this 😂

To all a very good day.  Hopefully today I will be more 

mobile.  I need to do a few things and to get out a little. 

 Beautiful days are here so have to make the most of it. 

To all a very good day.  The FIFA World Cup is 

heating up. I never thought the USA would win, but

 I was still sad to see them go.  Congrats team USA

 on getting so far.  Who will be the GOAT?

 Diego Maradona: "I have seen the player 

who will inherit my place in Argentine football 

and his name is Messi. Messi is a genius."

Pep Guardiola:  Don't write about him,

 don't try to describe him. Just watch him...

~Nadiya~

Tuesday July 7th~

Remember that life's most valuable

 antiques are dear old friends...

 Yesterday I visited a friend who like myself once

 called Puerto Rico home.  I met her after Paul, my first

 husband died.  I took some of his ashes to be sprinkled

 in the Caribbean Sea as he had requested.  At the

 time, Jamie was already a part of our family.

Today she is a widow, and has been living in 

Florida for way longer than I can also remember.  

She visited my parents here in Fort Myers not so 

long ago, but I was not here.  We had a very nice 

visit.  I made her laugh a lot and for that I am 

happy, even if it was only for a few hours. 

 Jamie is a decorated US Army veteran.

Just a day trip so Sniff was home alone.  Lots 

of food and clean water to keep him happy, and

 yes all his bed linens have been changed.

Another beautiful sunset to end the day 

and sunrise to begin the day.  Always grateful

 for the life. family and friends I have.

Good friends are hard to find and 

impossible to forget. Having them always

 by our side is all we can ask for...

~Nadiya~

Monday July 6th~

Let this be your reminder that today

 is a perfect time to refocus, leave past 

worries behind, and tackle your week 

with renewed energy and purpose... 

 A new week begins and it sure is looking good 

for me.  I look forward to doing a few things I like 

and enjoy.  I also look forward to relaxing at home 

with Sniff and resting my knee for whatever 

adventures the month may hold for me.  

Arvid may not be home, but I still enjoyed 

my outing.  I have wanted to try this Spanish 

restaurant since they opened up was not that long

 ago.  ever Today I  finally did.  It did not disappoint.  

Everything was excellent from the minute I walked

 in the door until I left.  Definitely going back.

Yesterday I went to a pub to watch the match

 between Norway and Brazil.  I told Arvid before he

 left for Norway, that Brazil did not stand a chance.  I 

was right. Norway is making soccer history right now. 

I met some nice people.  Made a new friend and had

 more drinks than I should.  I'll call it a good time.

Wishing everyone a happy Monday and a 

great week ahead.  Let's not forget that, even in 

the chaos of everyday life, moments of gratitude

 reminds us to hold on to the good things.  

Kickstart your week with a 

mindset that sets you up for success...

Nadiya~

Sunday July 5th~

Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It

 turns what we have into enough, and more...

 Yesterday could not have been any better, even if I

 had planned it.  My day began with an early trip to my

 favorite Cuban bakery for coffee and a few goodies 

for mom and dad. I invited them over for dinner.

On my way back home I stopped by Legacy, and

 she was there.  On my way downtown later that 

evening she was also there.  Yesterday I saw her 

twice and yes, she had foodies twice.  She also 

had a good July 4th.  I was so happy for that.

I went downtown with the the thought of just 

getting some ice-cream, but on my way back I 

could not resist a little pit stop at Ford's Garage.  

Best spot to just watch people do their thing.

The highlight of the day were the amazing

 display of fireworks.  Best part is that Sniff and 

I watched them from the comfort of our own

 bedroom.  It was a spectacular show.

My Iphone did not do justice to what was really

 going on, but I still managed to get some great pictures

 and a ton of videos. 250 years only comes once 😂

Here downtown Fort Myers the celebration 

featured a drone finale to celebrate America's 250th 

birthday. It went on and on.  My phone sure was 

HOT!  Sniff stayed by my side the entire time.

I was captivated by the firework show.  Usually

 I am not that interested, but last night was different.  

It was just  a spectacular display of pure beauty.

To all a very good day. I am lucky to be an 

American and to live in this beautiful country. 

 Something I never take for granted 💖🤍💙

The view from our bedroom.  Best spot.

Strive to find things to be thankful for, 

and just look for the good in who you are...

~Nadiya~