Home To Brutus...

I long, as does every human being, to be at home wherever I find myself....

Vacations are great, but no matter what the best part is going home and being greeted at the door by Brutus. Both Arvid and I are just always every excited when we are planning a trip.  We always make sure we do not bring out the suitcases in advance because according to Arvid Brutus gets really sad and this makes him and I sad as well.  Such a dilemma.

here he is hiding in my clothes:)

Brutus looks at us with these big eyes, Arvid says "big sad eyes filled with tears."  Arvid always leaves him a pair of his shoes so that Brutus can sniff his smell.  Seems to comfort him, both of them actually.

making sure it's the right one:)

No matter how much we enjoy a place, home is always where the three of us are.  Our brief trip to Eleuthera has been very good, but not the same without Brutus.  Strange as it may seem, it was not difficult to view the Lil red as someone else's home.  Kayla and Jake love it.  They are doing lots to it and though it looks the same it is now their home.  

additional opening to the sea...their own marina in the pool

What we had planned to do they are doing.  We could not be happier that The Lil red has found the best owners....

Now it's back to home in Florida and the beginning again of craziness...yeah, life is good.

Have a good Friday everyone.  Still early and plans to be made, people to meet and places to go.

Loving it!

Where we love is home - home that our feet may leave, but not our hearts

~Nadiya~

Eleuthera, Bahamas Through Pictures...

Do what your heart desires, never hold back a thing, and don’t worry so much about what the others think, because at the end of the day, what makes you happy is what really matters the most...

I believe the best way to introduce the Bahamas is by pictures.....as you will see the pictures speak for themselves.....and keeps us coming back time and time again....to begin with here are a few....

The Bahama Beaches are among the best in the world. Soft sand, clear turquoise ocean, swaying palms and gentle breeze provide the perfect place to rest and relax.

This is the Glass Window Bridge

Referred to as the Narrowest Place on Earth, The Glass Window Bridge is one of Eleuthera's more popular attractions.  From the bridge, you can see a phenomenal contrast between the dark blue of the Atlantic Ocean splashing away  and the calm crystal clear turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea.  The colors are truly amazing.

Eleuthera is known for having some of the best surfing spots in the Bahamas.  A very famous Eleuthera beach known for surfing is Surfer's Beach...Or, as surfer's say, "Right gnarly". The good breaks, as well as the warm, clear water make it a truly enjoyable surfing location. The best surfing area, in Eleuthera is Surfer's Beach.

From these pictures you can see the relaxed lifestyle that keeps us always coming back.  We are truly happy here.  Life here is simple, quiet, laid back, and stress free....we feel very lucky to be able to have the best of both worlds...

We no longer have our island home, but we are open for a new experiences.  Time to try a new place.  Those who know Arvid and I know that we are happiest when we are on the move.  

Life is full of beauty. Notice it. Notice the butmble bee, the small child, and the smiling faces. Smell the rain, and feel the wind. Live your life to the fullest potential, and fight for your dreams...

~Nadiya~

Sky Beach....Eleuthera, Bahamas

Life isn't a matter of milestones, but of moments..

Eleuthera has so much to offer for those looking to relax and just enjoy the  peace and quiet the island is known for....yet in the mist of this quiet island you will find a resort that is comparable to any in the USA.

Sky Beach Club is this such  place.  Every detail is dedicated to modern luxury, comfort and total privacy. You can feel the cool breezes as you relax on your spacious balcony. Enjoy serene nights and colorful days.

When in Eleuthera this is one of our favorite places to go to.  Yesterday we were there with some friends for dinner and we will be heading back there today to listen to some music, have a few drinks and some more of their good food.  What a wonderful time we had and will also have again today.....  The views are breathtaking and the food is excellent..

The Bahamas resort Sky Beach Club has a truly gorgeous beach just look at the pictures. Nowhere on Eleuthera will you find another beach as pretty and ideal for walking, swimming and snorkeling that offers a restaurant, swim-up bar and infinity pool.

The restaurant serves excellent food and the service is top notch.  This is the view from the restaurant....takes your breath away...just take a look at the pictures and tell me you do not wish you were here..

If you find yourself one day in Eleuthera do not forget to pay a visit to Sky Beach...you will not regret it

check out the link

http://www.skybeachclub.com/

Since coming to the island we have been so very relaxed.  There are no agendas to our days....we just go with the flow and do whatever we please and many a times this whatever is just sitting on on the patio enjoying the sounds of the waves, the sunshine, a good book, music or in Arvids case a good Kalik....life could not be better.

No one ever finds life worth living - one has to make it worth living...

Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away...

~Nadiya~

Eleuthera, Bahamas.......Escape from the Ordinary

You know your life's great, when you don't envy others :)

All I can hear right now is the sound of the waves and nothing else....pretty soothing and calming first thing in the morning.  Combined with the gorgeous sunrise = paradise and it's ours for a few days.

Did our usual walk and today we got caught in a little bit of rain.  I love the feel of the raindrops on my face ...Arvid on the other hand not so fond of it.  He found a telephone booth and hid out there for a bit so as to not get wet and telling me to hurry up...

On this trip we came across many pretty flowers..

We also ran into 3 little boys just laughing and having a good time.  I asked them what they were doing and they told me they were looking for their dog.  They were just too cute so I asked it if was OK to take their picture and the boys said yes ma'am.  It's very refreshing to encounter such politeness in youth these days.  Everyone here is so very polite and respectful it reminds me of when I was a little girl... 

We cruised along for a bit on Shore Drive. Met some of the neighbors and chatted along for a bit....something we almost never have time to do when back home in Florida.

We also walked over to the marina.  I love to look into the crystal clear waters to see if I spot a fish or 2.  There were also a few boats....Arvid loves to look at the boats.  We once had a boat or two but hopefully no more.....love going in a boat don't care for the cleaning that comes afterwards...Our last boat he traded for stamps which in turn he used to trade for a condo in Montana.  Never a dull moment in our lives:)

Once we got back to the place where we're staying, we decided to just cool off and relax on the deck....enough activity for one day...we are in the islands after all.  Here life is laid back and one just does a tiny bit everyday and then relaxes some more....really getting into the swing of relaxing it takes practice.  Arvid has perfected it.  I'm still working on it.

Life is good.  We are enjoying it and having fun at the same time.  Time for a cool drink.

Life is a succession of moments. To live each one is to succeed...

~Nadiya~

Good Morning..

Lose an hour in the morning, and you will be all day hunting for it... 

Greetings from Eleuthera, Bahamas.

The view from our living room.

Time to listen to the waves and have coffee 

on the patio.  Not a minute to waste while here.

Good morning everyone, my favorite time of the day.

The older generation thought nothing of getting up at five every morning - and the younger generation doesn't think much of it either...

~Nadiya~

The Start Of Our Eleuthera Trip...

I'm on my way to happiness. Where I can find some peace and rest...

Finally we made it to the airport. Yes, soon we were going to be in our way to Eleuthera.  I cannot believe that it has been a year and a half since my last trip. Arvid has been back a few times, but for me it has been a while.

his morning walk before we left

What better way to prepare for the trip than starting out with a delicious frozen drink. Today my drink of choice was a frozen margarita.  The bartender was very generous with it, and before I knew what was going on I had the hugest drink.  Well I was happy. Arvid was already working his way onto his second Heineken draft.  His favorite.  I drank fast and the taste of the salt along the side of the glass was just so good.  Maybe this is my favorite part of the margarita.  I asked for more salt.  Delicious until almost to the end.  That's where it started to taste bitter. Yes I could now taste the alcohol in full swing. Unfortunately, not to my liking.  Needless to say I could not finish it,but what I had was sure good.

We boarded on time.   We happened to be the first to board.  Pretty soon the plane was full and we were expecting to what else... Yes take off!!  No! No! No! Too good to be true. The ticket agent girl came on board,  and asked for volunteers because somehow the weight in the plane was more than it should be!  

Well what's wrong here?  No volunteers even though they were offering quite a few goodies plus cash!  Everyone wanted to get back to the island. No one wanted to stay it seems in Fort Lauderdale.  The choice of a nice hotel, food, transportation and cash was not enough.  Maybe another margarita to kill time:)

Next step according to the ticket agent was to remove the last two people who boarded.  Talk about asking for trouble.  After lengthy arguments and threats of closing down the flight, the lady who boarded last decided to disembark with her kids.  One was a baby. 

All this time the engines were running.  I inhaled enough fumes in the meantime to qualify for lung cancer. This means I will now be wheezing for the rest of our vacation.  Not good.  Have mentioned to Arvid that I may soon consider carrying an oxygen tank in a back pack. Very allergic to smoke and fumes. Pneumonia next I guess.

Once in the air, Arvid as usual is fast asleep, but that never stops him from holding my hand. Of course he was cold so aside from his sweater, I also gave him mine. Just about everyone fell asleep with the exception of myself and two teenagers.  This plane by the way only takes 20 passengers. The sky was beautiful and I was hoping to get my first glance of the crystal clear turquoise water of the Bahamas anytime soon.  Yes it's going to be a good few days..

We made it into Eleuthera without any further disturbances.  We were met at the airport by a friend and after greeting us his very next words were, "didn't you bring the cat with you?"  Yes, everyone knows Brutus as well.  Dinner at our favorite pizza place and then it was time to meet with Kayla and Jake our friends and the new owners of the Lil Red House...what a wonderful evening.  

Yes, it's good to be back...

Do not take life too seriously. You will never get out of it alive...

Not life, but good life, is to be chiefly valued...

 

~Nadiya~

Eleuthera, Bahamas...

   

Why live for tomorrow and not be enjoying today...

Soon we will be Eleuthera........our once second home.  Arvid is only talking about that and nothing else.  For him being there is like being in heaven.

Once you are in Eleuthera it seems as if you are in an entirely different place on earth.

You arrive to the warm Caribbean breezes gently caressing you.  You sense and feel the change all around you wrapping you like a warm blanket...  the attitude of the people....warm, friendly & always with a smile.  Life is so much more laid back.  You'll find the people on Eleuthera are friendly and helpful.

Not so long ago, Arvid and I called Eleuthera home.  There we had our own little piece of Paradise in our Lil Red House.  Today the Lil Red House is no longer ours.  It belongs to Kayla and Jake. No one could have been better suited for our home than these two.  They love it just as much as Arvid and I do.

Brutus and I have not been back to Eleuthera in a year whereas Arvid has been back a few times.  Going there now without Brutus, I am full of excitement and looking forward to seeing the island, meeting friends and visiting all of our favorite places.  Most of all I am looking forward to seeing the Lil Red House and the changes it has gone through since the very young new owners took over.

Yes!  We are excited.

What a wonderful time we have always had in our little piece of paradise....the days go by so smoothly....here we are so very attuned to one another.  It is a completely different life than the one we have in Florida.  Nothing wrong with our Florida lifestyle...but somehow here in Eleuthera we seem to have more time for each other, we play more we laugh more we live more!!!

Going back to the island as a "tourist" is new.  Feels good and yet feels strange.  We have been looking forward to this day for a long time and finally is is almost here.  I can't wait to see the crystal blue waters in Eleuthera.

So much I want to see all over again.  For a few days we will be back on island time and island lifestye....

People will always say all sorts of stuff. Let them. I'm enjoying my life..

~Nadiya~

Congratulations Danielle....

Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts...

When it comes to my nieces and nephews I am biased. Yes, completely so.  When it comes to giving them credit with credit is due I am totally all for it

My niece Danielle just got the most awesome news any soon to be college kid would want.  She was just awarded a full 100% scholarship covering 4 years of college food, boarding and even travel expenses for every year!

She gets the news and what does she do?  She says, no big deal mom."

Well it definitely is a HUGE deal.  Her parents are still in awe of the news.  Arvid and I are always in awe of this girl.

Arvid always says, "Danielle is cool.  I like her style.  She is something else."  That she is and I am absolutely proud to be her aunt.

I am proud of all my nieces and nephews. Each and everyone of them is amazing!

We love you all.

You know when something feels so good but you're afraid to feel good about it? So you kinda hold back? Everyone says, Congratulations, you must be so happy. And you say something stupid like, I'm just doing what little I can with what little I have. 

~Auntie Nad~

Eleuthera =Relaxation Time...

There is more to life than increasing its speed...

Arvid said to me, "we really need this time in Eleuthera.  Time to just get away, be by ourselves, no phone, no computer and best of all, no emails for a few days."

His idea of relaxation is to turn all phones off and to not have to carry his laptop. When we were in Chicago, the man never turned on his cell phone.  Here in Florida it's the same.

My idea of relaxation in Eleuthera are long walks on the beach and the two of us collecting shells.  Arvid is a totally different person out there.  He is relaxed and completely easy going.  In Eleuthera I fall in love all over again with him..

Have a good day and always remember, each day is a little life.  Make the most of it.

Sometimes, you just need your alone time. This world is so crazy and unpredictable. You just need some time to think, relax, breath and forget about everything... just live and enjoy the moments together with your soul mate....

~Nadiya~

Beginning Of The Shopping Season...

A bargain is something you can't use at a price you can't resist.....whoever said money can't buy happiness simply didn't know where to go shopping....

Unbelievably as it seems, it's that time of the year again.  Time sure flies by, and before you know it Christmas will soon be here.  Seems like Thanksgiving was not so long ago and now all the craziness has already begun.. Welcome to the start of SHOPPING SHOPPING AND SHOPPING!

Black Friday is the discount shopping day that follows Thanksgiving

 Day in the United States, traditionally the beginning of the Christmas shopping season.  Because Thanksgiving always falls on the fourth Thursday in November in the United States, the day after usually occurs between the 23rd and the 29th of November.  On this day many U.S. retailers open very early, with most of the retailers typically opening at 5AM or even earlier, at midnight. 

So far, I have never been one of the early shoppers...my sister on the other hand has tried it and yes the deals are awesome but, so are the lines and the aggravation.  Just about all retailers have huge markdowns on this day.  

Electronics and toys are popular Christmas gifts and are often the most sought-after bargains during Black Friday shopping excursions. Retailers often slash prices on the latest electronics and toys by as much as half or even one third of their suggested retail price.

Retailers know consumers will respond to such enormous opportunities to save on Christmas shopping costs. Jewelry is another popular Black Friday item that shoppers look for discounts on, although gigantic discounts on jewelry items are not usually as common as drastically slashed prices on toys and electronics are. 

No matter what is being slashed or not the consumers make the line from the night before just to get in early because some of these specials run something weird like from 4am until 8am....too much for me but if you don't mind  the crowd then it is worth going and experiencing at least once:))  On the other hand beware as well..

my shopping has begun

 As of this past Sunday, people have already been lining up at Best Buys in preparation for Black Friday.  Crazy as this seems, this is not unusual.  Soon people will be camping out outside of every major electronic store.  If this is something for you, then I say all the best.  What I do know is that DEFINITELY the early deals are UNBEATABLE!

Too many people spend money they haven't earned, to buy things they don't want, to impress people they don't like.....I always say shopping is cheaper than a psychiatrist.....

~Nadiya~

Thanksgiving Day Again...

If the only prayer you said in your whole life was, "thank you," that would suffice...Thanksgiving is the holiday of peace, the celebration of work and the simple life... a true folk-festival that speaks the poetry of the turn of the seasons, the beauty of seedtime and harvest, the ripe product of the year - and the deep, deep connection of all these things with God..

Thanksgiving Day is a holiday celebrated primarily in the United States and Canada. Thanksgiving is celebrated each year fourth Thursday of November in the United States. Because of the longstanding traditions of the holiday, the celebration often extends to the weekend that falls closest to the day it is celebrated.

As a child Thanksgiving was a day where friends and family gathered, mostly at our home. My parents always loved to entertain so we had another good reason to celebrate.  Although I was not born in the USA, I have lived here from the time I was nine years old so we grew up celebrating all the American Holidays and Traditions.

Thanksgiving is such a big celebration here in the USA.  It's one of the holidays where hundreds of thousands of travellers make their way back to home.  Everyone looks forward to being home with family and loved ones, and enjoying a very traditional Thanksgiving meal during this time of giving thanks.  Traditional Thanksgiving Meal.  Interesting tid bit, Thanksgiving dinners take eighteen hours to prepare.  They are consumed in twelve minutes.  Half-times take twelve minutes.  This is not coincidence.

Though we were raised in this tradition we never really did have the traditional meal.  My mom made it for company, you see we do not really like turkey, so for us she always made many other yummy things that we liked.  To this day we continue to celebrate our Thanksgiving, but without the Turkey.

As someone said, "as we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them"  Happy Thanksgiving to all.  Be safe, enjoy and yes put on those few extra pounds...

Now that Thanksgiving is almost over, most people are in preparation for the BIG DAY.  Yes, BLACK FRIDAY!  This is the day people wait all year for in search for that great deal.  Be careful and enjoy!

Let us remember that, as much has been given us, much will be expected from us, and that true homage comes from the heart as well as from the lips, and shows itself in deeds...

~Nadiya~

Happy Thanksgiving...

I can't promise you that I'll be there for the rest of your life, but I can promise you that I will love you for the rest of mine..

The fur I shed is my gift to you, so I am with you wherever you go. It is not my fault when you choose garments that do not match my fur color..

To all my friend all over the world.  Just want to wish you all a very Happy Thanksgiving.  

If your mama and your dada are as special as mine then I know you are loved and well cared for.

My mama and my Dada gave me my own night light so that I am would not afraid when they cannot be home with me.  My Dada bought me one from The Florida Panthers Store.  His favorite hockey team.  Said it was only for me.  I love my Dada and mama because they takes good care of me.

When they adopted me I was a skinny little thing.  I was very afraid of just about everything, sometimes I still am, but they showed me kindness like I did not know before.  My Dada was never a cat person, nor a dog person or anything.  His idea of a pet was one you saw on National Geographics...beautiful creatures, but from far.

My mama always had kitties.  Before me she had 5 and to this day she still talks to us about them.  They are no longer with her and I know she misses them terribly, but now I am with them and they love me forever.

I am grateful for all life has given me.  A good home, loving parents who dote on me.  I always have everything I need and more.  Yes, I know I am spoilt, but i also know that I have brought into their lives a new meaning.  My Dada says that it is because of me he is a changed man.  he says that I have taught him to relax and to enjoy life more.  I am happy for that.

I have been to the Bahamas, to what used to be our island home.  We live in Chicago in the summertime,  and  I have moved several times to many different homes with them.

With them I am never afraid and never sad.  I know my life is good and I know that they will always be there for me for everything.  I know I am safe and loved!

For this I will always be grateful and I forever love them.
I hope you all have someone as kind in your lives also.
About Me
Pet's Commandments

If you leave it on a counter, it's fair game. Ditto that small trash can. If you treasure that pen, or piece of paper or or knicknack - hide it away. After all, I keep my best toys hidden, you should, too. But the spot under the refrigerator is mine, find your own spot...

~Brutus~

Special Bond...

Dad and Mom, now that I'm older, I have a better idea of everything you did for me when I was growing up. You worked so hard to make sure I was happy and healthy and had everything I needed... I don't think I'll ever be able to thank you enough for all you've done for me, but, today and always, please know how truly grateful I am.....

Some bonds are just too strong to break no matter the years nor distance.  This is that special bond between a parent and their child.

I am all grown up as are all my sisters.  We all have lives and responsibilities of own own.  Like everyone we have our everyday problems and we do whatever it takes to get through the day.

When we were little our parents took care of all of this.  We were carefree with no worries, but no matter what whenever we go back "home" to where mom and dad live we are once again in that protected world if only for the duration of the visit.

Mom and dad want to do everything for us.  For a few days we are once again their little girls.  Feels good.

The reason why daughter’s love their Dad the most is… that there is at least one man in the world who will never hurt her…

~Nadiya~

Human Nature...

I, not events, have the power to make me happy or unhappy today. I can choose which it shall be. Yesterday is dead, tomorrow hasn't arrived yet. I have just one day, today, and I'm going to be happy in it...

Sometimes we all find ourselves living too much in the what if...we  sometimes tend to forget to live in the present and  tend to dwell too much in our yesterdays.  We all have some sort of story in our lives.  We have all been through good and bad times and just by looking at a person one cannot know what that persons life is all about.  One cannot make assumptions unless one has walked the same path.

We have all made mistakes we may not be so proud about.  The key here is to learn from them and to try and become a better person.  Just yesterday Arvid and I were out shopping.  One of the things that really annoys me is stupidity.  Well seems like yesterday was the day everyone we met was guilty of it.

Like many, I also tend to get caught up in the past.  Sometimes it's OK and other times it's not healthy.  The past is over.  We should all live for today and try to remember that we only have one life.  I am not perfect and have never claimed to be.  I do know that I try very hard to be patient and to not get upset easily with people.  Not always possible, but I am trying.

Life is not always easy and dwelling on the past sure does not make it any better.  The best thing to do is to move on and live for today.  There are enough irritations/annoyances out there to let our past also become an issue in our present.  I can't go back to yesterday, because I was a different person then.

Here is to our today's and may each day be better than ever.

 I do not think much of a man who is not wiser today than he was yesterday...

~Nadiya~