Reminders....

Look for magic in the daily routines...

Every so often even I need to remind myself 

of what good times lay ahead and how to be grateful.

More so now that we are away from home and Brutus.

Every so often I also have to remind myself to look at life

 through the windshield, not through the rear view mirror.

To all have a good day.

To myself I say, no one can get inner peace by pouncing on it.

To experience peace does not mean that your life is always blissful.

 It means that you are capable of tapping into a blissful state

 of mind amidst the normal chaos of a hectic life....

~Nadiya~

Wednesday...

Yesterday ended last night.

A friendly reminder that today is another day...

Good morning from Horten, Norway.  Arvid's home town.

Though the days are going well, I am missing our little Brutus very much.

The mornings are usually spent with him and I just quietly watching the sunrise back home.

Yesterday Arvid and I experienced our first babysitting with Aleah.  Have to say it
was pretty awesome.  She is very easy to take care of and we both had a great time, even
if Arvid did doze off for a few minutes.  She and I were happy and had lots of fun doing silly stuff.

Today we are also going to babysit her for another few hours.  Being with Aleah makes me
for a little while stop being homesick, but once evening set in my thoughts are far away.

To all a good day and never forget that today is a new day. 
Even if you were wrong yesterday, you can get it right today.

Life is way too short to spend another day at war with yourself....

~Nadiya~

Have To Stay Busy....

Determine never to be idle.

No person will have occasion to complain of the want of time

 who never loses any.  It is wonderful how much may be done if we are always doing....

When I found out we were going to be staying for a very long time in Norway, 

my first reaction was, "Lord what do I do to not get bored?"  Those who know me know

that I am easily bored.  Not so good especially when in a foreign country.  Had to think of 

something to keep me busy and at the same time make the stay a little more interesting.

So of course I go to Google and boy did I find quite a bit.  The question now is

would we actually do any of it?  Norway is a beautiful country.  Unfortunately, I have

only seen a tiny part of it and the explorer in me would like to see so much more.

That's the same as when Norwegians visit Fort Lauderdale.  Many go all over and see

as much of Florida and other parts of the US as they can.  Others just stay in the same

location year after year without ever getting to know more of this beautiful country I call home.

  We, Arvid and I call home.  When in Norway I feel as if I am one of these that never see more

than what's in front of me.  I love the mountains in Norway and would love to see more of them.

Yesterday we visited a friend and in the process saw a new place.  As you can see
by the above picture it is beautiful.  We had a good time, good food and many laughs.

I also made two new friends.  Overall it was a very good time.

Going back to finding things to do in Norway, so as I Googled,
and I found many things happening in the summer.  Summer is when Norway

is the place to be, that is if it's not raining, which quite often it is.  At least in our past trips; 

or if it's not cold which quite frankly I have yet to experience a warm Norwegian summer,
but now I stand corrected.  Norway is hotter than any place I have ever been to, and it wears us out.

Summer Events in Norway

Found a few things.  There was a time Arvid and I used to go to the Notodden Blues Festival.

Notodden Blues festival, but it has now been a few years we have not.  Neither Arvid nor

I are that into it anymore.  Our favorite blues festivals happen right here in the USA.

One being the Tampa Bay Blues festival and The Chicago Blues festival.

This year we skipped Tampa Blues because Arvid's brother was visiting
Florida, fortunately we did see the Blues in Chicago.
As usual it was excellent. 

Well time to see what we can do here in Norway.
There is so much to see.

With each day that passes I am missing our Brutus. 

 It's nice to see family, but my heart is at home with Brutus.
I miss him very much in the evenings.  Then I really wish to be home again.

Arvid and I always end the day by going for a walk.  Stopping by at a
pub have something to nibble for me and for him a cold beer.
It makes the day so much better and very relaxing.

Have a good day everyone and no matter

what always try to have a good time.

I get up every morning determined to change the world,

and have one hell of a good time.  Sometimes this makes

planning my day a little difficult...

~Nadiya~

Family Time...

Enjoy the little things in life, for one day 

you will look back and realize they were the big things...

Norway, a beautiful country no question about it.

Summertime is beautiful.  Crisp cool air so unlike the hot and humid

weather in Florida.  I guess I am pretty lucky to be enjoying the best of two worlds.
Unfortunately, this summer had been a little extra warm, but getting better every day.

It is good to be around his family. So yesterday instead of a usual Sunday call,
we actually were all together face to face, laughing and having fun.

Yesterday we were treated to a grand feast by Victoria (Arvid's eldest daughter) and Michael
her boyfriend.  From the meal to the dessert we were eating from the time we got there.

Victoria is one very stylish young woman.  When she does something trust me it is
done RIGHT!!!  From setting a table to achieving the most difficult set goals.
No problem/situation is too small for her to tackle. She is amazing.

To spend quality time with them was very good.  The time so far has been really good.

We are enjoying a few of our favorite Norwegian foods and just being with family is best.

Sometimes the smallest things take up

the most room in our hearts...

~Nadiya~

Sunday = Funday in Norway....

Buzzing by to say hello...

 Norway, land of the midnight sun.

and so our summer vacation continues....

The midnight sun.  During the summer the sun never sets. Capture this magnificent 

experience on a midnight sun cruise or safari before the darkness of winter arrives.

Norway is referred to as the land of the midnight sun due to the fact that the northern 

part of Norway is located above the Arctic Circle. This locale is known to receive 

sunlight 24 hours a day as from mid-May to mid-July.

With all of this in mind, one can sure have a good time.

I am now in a different time zone, but already acclimated 

 and glad to be off an airplane.

Even so, you know who is in my thoughts and in my heart.
I wait patiently everyday for that text from one of his sitters telling u he is OK.
Once the text comes in, I relax and continue on having a good time with everyone.

Hello and until next time friends.  Remember, life is what we

make of it.  Our attitude determines if we will have a good time or a bad time.
Sunday and instead of calling everyone, today we will be with everyone.  
Family time.  Today we go to Victoria and Michael's home. 
 With this heat who knows we may even jump in their pool.

To all a good day.  Today we spend it with family.
Always remember that in a family love is spelled time.

Simple music can make you sing, a simple hug can make you feel better, 

simple things can make you happy. I hope that my simple HI will make you smile...

~Nadiya~

Fishland...

When you find peace within yourself,

 you become the kind of person who can live at peace with others...

There are a few things we really enjoy when in Norway and one of those is 
going to Fishland.  It's a charming restaurant with a maritime atmosphere and 
central location in Horten Marina.  Horten is Arvid's hometown and
 this is where we stay when visiting Norway...Horten.

At Fishland Again

We enjoy our afternoons here.  Here we go to relax and just enjoy some good 
food of course  a few beers for Arvid and coffee for me.  

More than anything, I think Arvid enjoys the quietness.  Not having to talk to anyone 
nor having anyone just "babble" all the time as he says.  For him being close to the water 
is the best relaxation he can have.  Always something to see.  He loves watching the
 boats come in and leave.   For him this is life.  I also enjoy the scenery,
 but unlike him I move around quite a bit.  
I also like to take a book and read.  

He is happy and I am happy.  As long as I have something to nibble on, a good book and 

Arvid around life is great.  Soon it will be complete with Brutus.

Hope you all have a good day also:)

Here in Norway there is a terrorist attack alert. 

The country is hoping for the best, but planning for the worst.

Just a reminder, life's under no obligation to give us what we expect.

The quieter you become, the more you can hear.  

 It is better to practice a little silence than talk a lot ... 

~Nadiya~

Greetings From Arvid's Homeland...Norway

I want to travel. 
Maybe I'll end up living in Norway, making cakes...

It's been two years since Arvid and I were last in Norway.  Now we're back and 
 having some good times and seeing friends and family we have not seen in a while.  
I have been coming to Norway ever since I first met Arvid in 2000.

Norway is a beautiful country with its fjords and mountains.  
My favorite place in Norway is Oslo.  I look forward to this every year. 
 I enjoy the city and the excitement that is constantly present.  Also it is very cool 
to walk  around the streets of Karl Johan's,  the main street of the city of Oslo.   

It is OK to go to Norway.  Arvid's family lives there, but my favorite
 place in the whole world is back home in the USA...Arvid, Brutus and I, but for now
it will be some good times spent with family and friends.  Yes, it's good to be back in Norway.

Seeing everyone is great, but he most wonderful feeling is when Aleah
runs straight into my arms and holds me tight.  That is PRICELESS!!

To all a good day.  Brutus I miss you so much, but having some family time is also good.
We all know that that it is not flesh and blood, but the heart which makes us family.

My goal is to have a good day.
 Don't wanna let anything or anyone bring me down...

~Nadiya~

Norway Again..

In order to carry a positive action we must develop here a positive vision....

Well another summer is here and here we are again.  Last year we could not make it so

this year we are making up for time lost.  At least Arvid gets to spend some much 

deserved time with friends and family here in Norway.  As for me, what can I say? 

I also get to see the ones I want, and spend time with them.

Norway, where even in summer it's cold, but seems like this  summer it will
be nice and warm.  Where the days are long, but where his family is after all.
 Seeing family and being happy is what it's all about.

Today begins day 2 of our almost one month stay in Norway. For those who know me, 

you know where my heart is. For now we get to see the Victoria, Michelle, Aleah 

and their significant others.  We also see his mother who  is now 89 and whom 

Arvid has not seen since 2012. We also see other family members and friends.

Yes, it's day one of our almost one month stay in Norway and my thoughts are far away,
but for now I am pretty excited to see everyone, and to do some catching up with them.
Best of all we get to see Aleah and hopefully baby-sit her for a few days before
she begins day care.

To all, hope your day is a good one.

We plan on having a good time catching up with everyone.

Remember to take your fun where you find it.

All living souls welcome whatever they are ready to cope with; 
all else they ignore, or pronounce to be monstrous and wrong, or deny to be possible...

~Nadiya~

On Our Way....

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

Norway here we come.

Tomorrow we will see sunrise and sunsets from Norway.

Also a beautiful sight.

Take off from Fort Lauderdale.

Brutus not so happy we are leaving :(

Next time we "talk" I will be writing from Norway.

USA.. already missing you.  Brutus you are always on my mind.

And so the vacation begins.  Lots to see.  Lots to do.
Aleah in a few hours we will be holding you and seeing everyone.

Wishing you all a good day,
remember you don't need magic to disappear, all you need is a destination.

I just need some time in a beautiful place to clear my head...

~Nadiya~

Not A Happy Camper...

Do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. 

Let the day's own trouble be sufficient for the day...

Brutus knows something is up.  As soon as the suitcases come out

he gets into one of his "moods."  Cats have a good sense of when something

is going on and he has been "moody" for about a week now.  He knows we are 

going on a little trip so to show his dissatisfaction, he sulks.  Just like people.

He places himself on or into the luggage and refuses to step down.  We let him
because we know that it makes him happy.  Have already started packing and this
increases my anxiety because all of a sudden the time of departure is getting close.
At the same time, I am looking forward to going to Norway.

We had a very pleasant day yesterday. We watched boats pass by all day long. 

We had dinner at one of our very favorite restaurants and enjoyed the company of one
 very dear friend.  Dinner was good, drinks were good and company very enjoyable.
Overall a very nice day.  The evening was spent giving lots of attention and
 brushing to Brutus.  I think I'm already missing him.

A new week begins and pretty soon we will be in another time zone different from Brutus

Wishing you all a good start of the week.  Be happy and always think positive.

If I had my life to live over, I would perhaps have more

 actual troubles,  but I'd have fewer imaginary ones.  

I've developed a new philosophy;

I only dread one day at a time...

~Nadiya~

Another Good Day...

Embrace the day!

Life is not the way it is supposed to be.  It is the way it is.

The way you cope with it is what makes the difference....

Always before leaving to Norway we like to go to one of our favorite restaurants.  This 

would be Kaluz.  The food is good, the views are excellent, and when enjoying it 

in the company of a good friend  it is even better.  Can't wait.

It is always a pleasure to eat there and to enjoy the boats passing by. 

 For sure will miss it, but we are also looking forward to 

one of our favorite places right in Horten, Norway.

The restaurant is called Fishland and it's right on the water.  Going there 

makes us feel a little like being at home.  Our favorite dish there is 

a simple shrimp salad with hot baguettes.  Simply delicious!

Lots to do today so for now will say until later.
Hope your day is a good one and like I always say. May you live in interesting times.

I am both happy and sad at the same time, 
and I'm still trying to figure out how that could be...

~Nadiya~

Hello Saturday...

I believe that if life gives you lemons, you should make lemonade.
 And try to find somebody whose life has given them vodka, and have a party...

Yesterday Arvid had to be in the Bahamas for business.  Just a one day trip.  Take care of 

stuff and straight back home.  The fact that he is still with the flu never for once 

entered his mid to cancel the trip.  Business first is his motto.

I was thinking that this would give me a lot of time to do some alone stuff and just relax a little,

 but not the case.  I had lots of things to do and most of the morning was spent working, 

working.  Not bad but, I thought Arvid was going to be away the entire day, but being Arvid 

he said he was going to get on an earlier flight. Meaning my day was

 already starting to look not so good for any leisure time.

Even so I managed to accomplish quite a lot and even found some time for me.
Started with a haircut.  I have been thinking about going short, but had not made up my mind.
 Long story short my hairdresser made it up for me. I had a cut and more of it was gone that I
 expected.  What I always see to forget is that having curly hair makes short even shorter.
Now I am a fluffy ball on the top of my head.  Looks like a mop.

After the cut i decided to treat myself to lunch.  Arvid was after all in the Bahamas
on business.  Still had a little time before I had to pick him up so a trip to the mall
and lunch on my own was called for.  Something different it was. Tried out a few things
I would normally not do if Arvid was around.  Everything was delicious even dessert.

Saturday already here.  Arvid still with the cough and stuffy head.  Not the best for travelling,
but still time enough for him to feel better.  Well the day is looking really good, but
it is too hot to be outside so for now just a few little running around
 and then stay in the cool air conditioned apartment.

Have a good day everyone and remember,
talking about your problems does not help.

It's a good idea always to do something relaxing prior
 to making an important decision in your life.
A woman's mind is cleaner than a man's: She changes it more often...


~Nadiya~

Busy Friday...

Being busy is better than being bored.  Bored left a long time ago.

Busy is always around for me...

Was a awake very early today and my early morning errand took me cruising by the beach 

in Fort Lauderdale.  Extremely quiet at that time with hardly a soul in sight.

But what was out was an extremely beautiful and serene sight.  Makes me

wonder why we don't go more often to the beach to see the sunrises.

Already Friday again.  As of right now it is a beautiful morning.  The rain has not

yet set it.  Summertime in Florida is all about the rain.  Good to some extent until it

becomes annoying and a nuisance to me and I am sure to many others.  Especially the 

tourists visiting who have to spend their time indoors, but now when it

 comes to winter months  you can't beat the weather in Florida.  

You have to as with everything take the good with the not 

 so good, and the good sure makes up for the rest.

Two amazing contrasts, but at the same time both beautiful in their own ways.

Quite a few things to do today.  To add to my anxiety, Brutus has developed kitty acne.

Never heard of such a thing, but now I know quite a bit about it.  Right now the swelling 

under his chin is very tender and very painful to touch.  I discovered this accidentally two 

days ago as I was giving him his brushing.  When I brushed under his chin he screamed like 

I have never heard before.  After lots of reading, I am treating it at home and monitoring it. 

 Worst case it's the vet soon.  Arvid is also not better over two weeks as well with the flu and cough.

I have a busy day ahead of me so for now will wish you all a pleasant 

start of the weekend.  Friday..finally here, but for now I just have to work, work, work...

Happiness walks on busy feet...

~Nadiya~

Fun Times...

A cup of coffee shared with a friend
is happiness tasted and time well spent...

It is always a fun time when Liliana and I get together.  She is from Argentina and she

 is also Brutus' pet-sitter and my very good friend.  Add to all of that she has the most 

colorful vocabulary of anyone I have ever met.  Anything she says comes out hilarious.  

Goes without saying that we had a really good time at lunch yesterday.

Whenever she and I meet we try out a different restaurant.  Someplace Arvid

and I would normally not go.  Not because it's not good, but because Arvid may not

like the food served in that particular restaurant.  Yesterday it was a Mexican treat.

As soon as we were done with lunch it was a scramble to get into our cars
before the bad weather came upon us.  Yes when it rains it pours.

Luckily I was in the car when the rain came down, followed of
course by thunder and lightning.  Good thing Arvid was home with Brutus.

The days are going by fast.  Soon it will be time to leave Brutus and head to Norway.
Like I said I am excited and also feeling anxious about being away from him for so long.
Luckily we have Liliana and Wendy taking care of Brutus.  I know he will be OK, but still...

Today is another busy day here at home.
Why is it everything happens in the last minute?

Quite a few things to do today, so for now wishing you all
a pleasant day.  Leaving you with this thought from Oprah Winfrey;
Lots of people want to ride with you in the limo,but what you want is 
someone who will take the bus with you when the limo breaks down.

Time goes by so fast, people go in and out of your life. 
You must never miss the opportunity to tell these people how much they mean to you...

~Nadiya~