I Can Feel Christmas In The Air...

I will always find a way and a way will always find me...

The most beautiful time of the year is here and everywhere you look you see it.

I usually am not one to go shopping on Black Friday, but this year I did.  I did NOT 

go at some ungodly hour at the mall.  Was there by 11 am and was very surprised to see

that it was fairly empty.  Not at all the lines I was expecting nor the people.  Was actually good.

I was able to start on my Christmas shopping and take advantage of some very

good "door buster" specials going on.  I actually managed to shop for myself for a change.

The weekend itself was very nice.  Dinner with friends and with a little girl called Madeline.

When Madeline first arrived in Florida she spoke no English.  Almost 2 years now 

and she speaks a million word a minute.  Arvid and I always enjoy their company

 and always have a good time with Madeline.  We hope to baby sit her soon.

We also had a fun evening out with friends listening to the Blues.  Music was great

but I think that the best part of the evening was me being introduced to a new drink. 

It was so delicious that I can't wait to go back just so that I can have another one.  

We listened to one of our favorite musicians, Albert Castiglia.  He never disappoints.

Some thought the music was too loud, but for Arvid and I it was just right.  

We have also had some cold days, but it seems like it is warming up again.

Arvid watched quite a few soccer games as well.  Brutus of course always on his lap.

In the air I feel Christmas. Wishing you all a very good day and remember

the Holiday season is here.  If you can help to make someones a little better don't hesitate.

It will sure make you feel good and it will definitely brighten someone's day.
Happy times are here.  Good morning everyone.  Enjoy the day.

The best feeling in the world is realizing you're perfectly happy
without the things you thought you needed...

~Nadiya~

Black Friday...

Whoever said money can't buy happiness simply didn't know where to go shopping...

GET SET!  READY! GO!!!!

Thanksgiving is not yet even over and all the talk is about Black Friday and the DEALS!

  Black Friday is the day following Thanksgiving Day in the United States, traditionally the

 beginning of the Christmas Shopping season. On this day, most major retailers

 open extremely early, often at 4 a.m., or earlier, and offer promotional 

salesto kick off the shopping season, similar to Boxing Day

 sales in many British Commonwealth countries. 

Black Friday is not actually a holiday, but most non-retail employers give their employees 

the day off, increasing the number of potential shoppers. It has routinely been the 

busiest shopping day of the year since 2005, although news reports, which at

 that time were inaccurate, have described it as the busiest shopping day of 

the year for a much longer period of time.

Ultimate Guide to Best Black Friday Deals

Last seen on the news shoppers were camping out at places like Best Buys, BrandsMart 

etc just waiting for those good deals.  For instance it seems you are able to pick up a huge 

plasma TV for only $200, this according to the bystanders waiting in line weeks now.  

Yep, many will not be spending Thanksgiving with loved ones at home this year, 

but instead are sleeping out in tents in front of the various stores...

For many years, it was common for retailers to open at 6:00, but in the late 2000s, many had

 crept to 5:00 or even 4:00. This was taken to a new extreme in 2011, when several

 retailers (including Target, Kohls, Macy's, Best Buy, and Bealls) will open at

 midnight for the first time, forcing employees to either go without enough sleep

 or miss all or part of Thanksgiving with family.

Some deals going on:

Best Buys Deals                Black Friday 2014 Ads

Like everyone, I love a good deal, but  also know that no matter what I am not the type to 

camp out for days before at a store in order to get the good deal.  Neither am I the type 

to go at 4am or earlier and wait in line together with thousands of shoppers that 

descend on stores like a biblical plague and spend lots of money. I am not 

too keen on being trampled on all for a good deal.  I can watch the 

news later on and have some fun in the peace and quiet of our home..

the aggravation for me is not worth the DEAL!  Sorry...

Shopping is a woman thing.  It's a contact sport like football.  Women 
enjoy the scrimmage, the noisy crowds, the danger of being
 trampled to death, and the ecstasy of the purchase....

~Nadiya~

Happy Thanksgiving...

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...

Remember everyone that gratitude consists of being more aware of what you have,

than what you don't.  Have a good day with family and friends.

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~

It's A New Day....

Man starts over again everyday, in spite of all he knows, against all he knows...

Early morning to watch the sunrise from our living room and to enjoy a little quietness 

with Brutus.  Indeed it is priceless.  Coffee in hand and Brutus purring by my side just perfect.

Yes it is a new day and a new opportunity to do things right and new opportunities for all of us.

Spoke with the vet's office yesterday and it has been suggested we stop Brutus' medications

for a little.  Just so that his stomach can heal and he goes back to eating and drinking.

He is happy and somehow seems to know there is no pills for him today,

Tomorrow is Thanksgiving Day.  Arvid and I usually just eat at home and maybe go out for

 a Pina Colada on the beach.  Turkey is not my thing so best to make our own foodies.

Liliana my girlfriend is visiting today so that is always a treat.  I have already started 

preparing many things for her to take home.  She does not cook, so I always like to make her a

 few things.  She is always kind to Brutus and we have a good time together.  Should be a nice day.

Today I just decided to compare the temperatures between us here in Fort Lauderdale 

and Arvid's moms in Norway.  My sisters and parents are also having the same if 

not colder temperatures. We do have it good.  Also as you can see 

Brutus' paw is looking good. Happy!!!, but holding my breath.

Good morning world.  If you can determine where to begin,

then you have solved 90% of the problem.

Each new day is a blank page in the diary of your life.

 The secret of success is in turning that diary into the best story you possibly can...

~Nadiya~

Hello Tuesday...

Life is as easy or as hard as you think it is....

If there is anything that can turn my day from a good one to a bad one it is Brutus not being 

well.  Today started off great, but rapidly took a turn for not so good.  Brutus got his 

medicines as usual early this morning and as I have mentioned before 

this is getting to be more and more difficult everyday.

I finally managed to give him his pills and continued on to do my chores.  Within an hour 

of taking the pill everything was all puked out.  As if that was not bad enough, now 

he is not eating nor drinking again.  Yes, is stomach is once again upset.

Just finished giving him a Pepcid.  Hopefully he does not puke it out and hopefully soon

 he will eat and drink again.  Not happy right now.  On a brighter note we just Skyped 

with Aleah and Michelle for 45 minutes.  That little one is a ray of sunshine.

Also to always cheer me up there is Arvid.  Today I told him that I wanted him to 

make salad as I prepared the rest.  After a little hesitation he starts chopping tomatoes 

and cucumbers.  Next thing I know he says to me, "well look at me,

 I'm soon becoming a gourmet chef."  Had to smile.

Hope your day has been good so far.  Brutus had another Pepcid and it seemed to help 

his stomach.  He has eaten a little and is now sleeping.  I'm starting to already feel

 much better.  The day is looking up. Remember the day is what you make it!

So why not make it a great one? 

The greatest discovery of all time is that a person 

can change his future by merely changing his attitude...

~Nadiya~

Happy Monday...

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....

The morning started out pretty rough.  Rough for Brutus and I.  Yes, today was not the best

day for giving him pills.  He puked it out 4 times.  4 times I tried and nothing.  After 40

 minutes of pure stress for Brutus I finally gave up.  That is until later this evening

 when he has to take his second dosage.  A few extra scratches on me, 

but that is part of this process.  Just want him to have his pills.

Of course once I let him out of the bathroom, he took off so fast and hid with Arvid in the bed.

Monday already and many things to do.  This year looking forward to Christmas, 

even if Arvid keeps saying how much he dislikes it.  Trying to get him in the spirit of it.

We already have a few things planned in December with friends so that is always 

something to look forward to.  Even Arvid can't be too unhappy about that.

My parents have already started to decorate their home.  Christmas has always 

been a special occasion and continues to be at their home.

Well soon Arvid will be awake and the day will definitely take a more hectic turn.

So for now good morning everyone.  Time for me to get busy and productive.

Already had my cafe and some quiet time in the balcony so I'm ready.

Wake up!  It's morning time with cheerful moments.

Wishing you a very happy good morning.  Have a good day all!...

~Nadiya~

Weekend Soon Done...

If you don't start out the day with a smile,

it is not too late to start practicing for tomorrow...

Sunday evening at home.  Nice and quiet.  Time to relax and enjoy the last few hours before 

the work week begins.  It has been a really good weekend even with the rain and wind.

We had enjoyed the company of good friends, and we have had some good quality 

time together the three of us.  Relaxing and stress free.  The best.

Brutus' paw is looking good.  I am afraid that if I say so something might go wrong again.
 He is still taking tons of medicines.  Sadly these medicines affect his bowel movements.
  Right now I have him locked in his room with the litter pan hoping he uses it.

Half an hour later and he has done his business.  Yes, this has been a good weekend
so far.  Arvid and I had our outing and in the process we got to tour Sawgrass Mills Mall
for a little.  have to say it too about 45 minutes to find parking, but once we did all was good.

Not to watch some television.  Have my fruit and some warm milk.
Yes, it will be the perfect end to the weekend.  All 3 of us happy and content.

Hope your day has also been good so far.
 Enjoy the rest of it and for those going to bed, Sweet Dreams.

Make today ridiculously AMAZING...

~Nadiya~

Rainy Saturday...

When life gives you rainy days, play in the puddles...

Incredible as it may seem, we have been having pretty gloomy weather for 

quite some time here in Florida.  The last few days has been rain, wind and just darkness.

Everything and everyone is just wet.  I'm pretty sure it will clear up for tomorrow.

It is Sunday after all and it's our special day out to sit and enjoy the boats as we have our outing.

We have had some very good times these last few weeks with friends and yesterday 

evening was no exception.  We had company over at our place and then we 

went to dinner at Kaluz our favorite restaurant so far.  Steak was on

 the menu for all except me.  Chicken was on mine.  Always is.

It is wet everywhere.  As you can see my friend Liliana is hiding from it under her 

umbrella.  She and I had a few good hours yesterday for breakfast.  Always good with her.

Brutus and Arvid are both watching the soccer game as you can see.

Brutus kinda fell asleep in the middle of it, but still close by.

Well it is still raining.  Time to maybe checkout the mall.

Happy Saturday to all and remember,

Do not be angry with the rain; it simply does not know how to fall upwards.

Let the rain kiss you. Let the rain beat upon your head with 

silver liquid drops.   Let the rain sing you a lullaby...

~Nadiya~

Christmas In The Air...

It's the MOST wonderful time of the year...

Everywhere we turn I see Christmas.  My most favorite time of the year.  Too bad Arvid

does not like Christmas.  I love it and have had the best Christmases when I was a child.  

At home with my parents and sisters.  Christmas was always special with family.

Yesterday we took a trip to the mall.  Actually I did while Arvid had a little business meeting.  

I always enjoy these moments on my own and going to the mall is always more fun 

when I do it alone.  Then  can do whatever I like and take as much time doing it.

At Christmas I always long to be back with all my family in that cozy bond we share.  

One of these days hopefully it will work out where we can all be together again.

 With 5 of us it is not easy to all meet up at the same place and same time.  

And with kids even more difficult for my sisters.  Not easy.

Yesterday I just walked around admiring all the Christmas decoration and lights. I can spend 

hours just looking and during this season there is so much to see.  Also I could not help browsing 

for Christmas presents.  Now that we have a grand-daughter and another on the way

 one of my favorite departments is the baby department.  Did the same when my 

sisters had little ones. Lilly is still a "baby" so I also love to buy her girlie things.  

Saw the most adorable clothes for Aleah.  Next summer she will be

 two years old.  Can't wait to buy her stuff.  Makes me happy.

Though Arvid does not like Christmas, nor Christmas music, nothing can stop me 

from getting into the Christmas Spirit.  Just feels right and just so beautiful.
What made me even happier was that I have begun to buy presents for the
 special people in my life. Little things but I'm happy.

Wishing you all a jolly happy day.  Remember that Christmas is 

not about receiving but it is about family, friendship and all things good.
Happy Friday everyone!  Let's all have a good weekend.

If we are ever to enjoy life, now is the time.  Not tomorrow.
Not next year.  Today should always be our most wonderful day...

~Nadiya~

I See Sunshine...

Alone time is when I distance myself from the voices

 of the world so that I can hear my own...

Yesterday was a very dark, gloomy and cold day.  Made for me not going out much. Just a

 few errands and was back in the warmth of our apartment as soon as possible.  Arvid 

was in meetings since Monday and was gone for most of the last 3 days.  Weird but I 

actually felt the quietness in the apartment, but even so it was nice to have a 

few days by myself to just do as I wish.  I don't mind being by myself.

 I actually enjoy time alone.  I am currently trying to convince Arvid to, go out with friends

 alone for a change.  Without me.  Just to talk and bond with them some.  He says

 he won't do it, I know for sure he won't do it.  I know Arvid well.

The evening was made cozier by Arvid making his famous hot chocolate for us.  He made

 enough for breakfast also.  He does make a great hot chocolate.  He used to use a 

Norwegian cacao, but now he uses one made right here in the good old USA.

Even Brutus was cold.  He stayed most of the day and night under covers. 

 He briefly came out for foodies and of course I had to grab him for medication.

It is still on the cooler side right now.  Kinda gloomy, but hopefully will get better as the
day progresses.  Maybe a little trip out this afternoon with Arvid just to get out and hopefully 

soak in some sunshine.  Doctor told me it is a very good stress reliever and that it sure
 improves mood swings.  He better not be lying because even though we live in  Florida,



I don't like going out in the sun.  Too hot for me, but in this case will make
an exception for the better good.  Sunshine does a body good always, and the sun is coming.

To all a goo day, remember to be humble and polite.

Flowers always make people better, happier, and more helpful; 
they are sunshine, food and medicine to the mind...

~Nadiya~

Hello COLD Wednesday...

Happy Wednesday.

Keep your best wishes to your heart and see what happens...

For us here in South Florida it is cold.  Yes when you are used to the warmth
all year long a tiny little cold front makes us all big wimps.  That is the case right now.
A cold front is here and if you see everyone here, they are bundled up more than the people
who are really freezing.  That's what it is to live in a warm place and suddenly experience cold.
 Sad but true.  South Floridians are not made for the cold, but sure have the clothes for it.  Go figure.

Today I leave you with some of my favorites.

Like the rest of the country, we are also experiencing a cool front, but even so

South Florida is still warmer than every where else in the nation. Yes, we are

 fortunate right now.  Best place to be even if it's raining right now.

To all a good day.  Stay warm and cuddle up with hot chocolate.  

We will be doing the same.  Arvid's specialty on cold days is hot chocolate.

Remember, Don't knock the weather. If it didn't change once in a while,

 nine out of ten people couldn't start a conversation.

When all is said and done, the weather and love are the 

two elements about which one can never be sure...

~Nadiya~

Ahhh Brutus.....

When I am feeling low, all I have to do is watch Brutus and my courage returns....

I wake up every morning around 4am just to take Brutus to the bathroom where he has his 

food, water, and litter.  If I am not awake, he just keeps walking over and over us until I move.

I don't mind because I know at this hour for sure he will eat, drink and most likely use the litter pan.

This is good because for the pills to not upset him too much he needs to eat a little foodies first.

Even though Brutus knows what's coming and even though he hides from me, I eventually

 catch him and force the pills down.  The routine is not something either of us enjoys, but 

I will do it as long as necessary.  I catch him lock him in the bathroom, fold his pills 

in the pill pockets, prepare about 10 syringes with water and the go to the

 bathroom.  Through all of this he is crying as loudly as he can.

You would think that after this Brutus will just hide from me, but somehow he has figured

out that he is now safe for a while.   That is until the evening dose.  He then comes to

 me and  "begs" to be brushed.  I gladly do so.  I try to give him a few treats.  

Sometimes he eats then other times like today he didn't.  

The thing about pets, at least Brutus is that even though he knows I will give him the pill, 

he never stops loving me.  Granted he runs all the time away, but sooner or later 

he comes back purring and even more affectionate than ever. I need no

reason to love him, but if I did this was more than enough.

Wishing you all a very good day and I say,

"I hope to be the kind of person my Brutus thinks I am."

Animals do speak, but only to those who know how to listen...

~Nadiya~

Busy Monday...

In times of great stress or adversity, it's always best to keep busy,

 to plow your anger and your energy into something positive....

It's only Monday yet somehow it seems like the work week has been here for a long time. 

 It sure does not help that I had almost no sleep last night.  Now of course I can 

hardly keep my eyes open, but with so many things to do I better otherwise 

I sure will be in a lot of trouble today.

When I finally fell asleep this morning it was with Brutus by my side keeping

 me warm.   Be both slept soundly until Arvid woke up.  Had not 

realized how fast two hours can go by when sound asleep.  

 Today Arvid is in a meeting and to make things a little more complicated, he refuses to drive

 his car because he is worried that if he parks it at the hotel someone might scratch it.  

Therefore, I took him to his meeting and will be picking him up.  He wants me 

to do this for the remainder of the two days the meeting is going on.  

I told him no deal. Today yes, next two days he has to drive.  

The whole point of having a car is to drive it.

Had a very pleasant weekend.  We spent three days in the company of good friends. 

Yesterday Sunday we had our alone time and made the most of it by going to one of

 our favorite restaurants.  Yesterday it was Houston's.  Very relaxing always to 

sit by the water and enjoy our meal as the boats pass by.  

Now to do some work while Brutus is still asleep. 

 Today he gave me a very hard time to take his pills.  It's not a 

happy time for neither of us, but it will always be done because he needs it.

We woke up to a wet day, but it seems to be clearing up a bit.  

Still cloudy, but always warm.  That's why it's called The Sunshine State.

To all a good day and may this be the start of a good productive week 

ahead.  Remember, think and your mind will stay fresh.

Half an hour's meditation each day is essential,

 except when you are busy. Then a full hour is needed....

~Nadiya~

Sunday...

Sunday, for me, is all about being home with the family with no plans...

So far a very relaxing day.  No traumas happening here today.  Brutus is fast asleep and did well

 with medicines this morning.  Today he decided to be good and eat a little foodies

 and drink some water even after he had is pills.  Makes for a good day for me.

Everywhere from Fort Lauderdale to Norway Christmas is in the air.  I "talk" with my 

step-daughter Victoria all the time via Whats App and we keep each other "informed" 

of what's happening in our side of the world.  I really enjoy these conversations

 with her.  I have also started to do messenger with Michelle, so happy happy 

to be a part of their world even when we are so far apart. Makes me feel 

closer to them.  Both are very good girls.

I love the fact that Victoria makes even the mundane seem glamorous.

For instance this is her setting the table.  Her heading is Autum Setting.

Try as I may, I could never replicate this.  It is always fun to see what she comes up with next.

We Skyped with our grand-daughter and it has made the day even better just 

"seeing" them.  Sundays are good days.  Now to go and do some house cleaning.  Not

Sunday unless there is a little cleaning to do.  For a change I have to iron a couple of shirts.

Arvid says he does not like them when they come from the dry cleaners because they are too stiff.

He is SPECIAL.  Take that any which way and you will still be right.

To all a good day and hope the Christmas spirit is already in you.  I have it and I'm happy.

Happy Sunday everyone,

It's the last day of the weekend so let's make sure it's a good one...

~Nadiya~

Time With Friends...

The greatest gift of life is friendship, and I have received it....

As Arvid always says, "some of the best times are the times we have with friends."

This is always true.  Can't recall a time we have been out with friends and 

did NOT have a good time.  There is no pettiness, no need to show 

off or brag, all we do is enjoy each others company.

That was the case yesterday and it is always such a fun time that we repeat it

today and tomorrow as well.  There is always something interesting going on and

 somehow I am always laughing.  Fee;s god to just relax, enjoy and have a good time with

 no worries.  It also helped that I had not one but two very Exotic Mojitos. I'm very happy right now.

To all a very Happy Friday and Cheers to the weekend!

Friendship... is not something you learn in school.

 But if you haven't learned the meaning of friendship, 

you really haven't learned anything....

~Nadiya~

Slowly....

Find a way to remind yourself daily of the value of the things you 

want and getting there will seem effortless...

Everyday is another day to get it right.  I have heard this so many times.  I have even used it

 in my blog quite a few times.  They are simple words, but if you took the time and tried 

to live by them you will realize that all of a sudden they are not just words, but more 

of a way of life.  It takes courage to actually get it right day after day.

Recently, everyday I struggle with myself to get it right.  Every morning I wake up 

and all I wish for is for me have a good day.  Without mood swings and without 

periods of feeling blue.  When you really concentrate on it all of a sudden

 it is not as easy as once thought, but it is possible.

The last few days have been pretty good for me, unfortunately not the best for Brutus. 

Granted his paw is looking OK, but he has been reacting bad again to taking 

medication.  For me this is always a stressful time

 and we go through it twice a day.

Brutus once again has diarrhea.  To counteract that, I have been giving him 

plain white rice from a syringe.  You see the one syringe that has white stuff in it?

That's the white rice minced and prepared especially for my Brutus.  Of course he hates it.

Yesterday was a very good day.  Arvid and I had a nice outing with the top down,
and it was very nice to see that Christmas is already in the air.  My favorite time of the year.

It's the jolliest season of all... and I am definitely getting into it!

The happiest of people don't have the best of everything.
They just make the best of everything....

~Nadiya~