Getting Colder...

I can't change the direction of the winds, 

but I can adjust my sails to always reach my destination...

The weather is definitely changing.  We feel the cold air coming.  Definite sign that

 we will soon be heading back to the warmer climate of the Sunshine State.

On Sunday night try as I did, I did not get to see the red moon live.  I was comforted

by being able to see it on TV and from pictures sent my my family.  Hopefully

in 2033 I may have another chance to witness this amazing occurrence.

Brutus is still on medication.  He's not happy and he's not really very much

active.  He sleeps all day long.  Refuses to eat and as far as I can see he seems sad.

Life my friends is good!  Hope you all find the beauty of it in each new day.

Happy are they who take life day by day, complain very little,
and are thankful for the little things in life...

~Nadiya~

Monday Again...

You don't have to be great to start, but you have to start to be great...

Monday and the temperatures here in Chicago are cooling down.  Sign that

we will soon be heading back to warmer temperatures in Florida.  Not so bad after all.

Today we have many little chores to do so will be another busy day going from place to 

place.  Can say that we thrive on movement.  This week we will be hopefully visiting some 

of of favorite spots for the last time for this summer.  Time flies when you're having fun.

One of our favorite restaurants here in Chicago is the Chinese Friendship Restaurant.

Arvid of course calls it "Glenns" and that's how we refer to it always.  Glenn was the

 name of the first waiter we met there many years ago when we first discovered this place.  

At that time we had no clue what it was called.  Yesterday we had lunch there.  Was not the 

sunniest of days, but as always the food was good and the temperature was just right.
This restaurant will soon close it's doors for the winter.  Maybe two more
 weekends weather permitting and then reopen once again next year.

 We of course will be there next summer.  We have been to this restaurant more than
any other this summer.  We have made friends with the musicians and with a few
 other people we see there all the time.  I casually said to Arvid, "seems like this
year in Chicago we have made more friends than the usual.  How cool is that?"

 His response was, "True, but thank God this is a big city and we don't have to see them or
run into them all day long."  Sums Arvid up.  He likes friends and people around, but
 at a distance. I think we are both the same.  We enjoy the company of friends and family,
but we also like to see them leave.  Too much closeness is the recipe for trouble.

Start everyday with new a hope.  Leave bad memories
 behind and have faith for a better tomorrow...

~Nadiya~

Sunday...

I have so much to be thankful for...

In a better mood today.  Yesterday Brutus had me very worried because he was crying 

all the time.  These heart and soul wrenching cries.  This is not normal for him so of 

course I was frantically worried all day.  Had no clue why he was doing it. By the

 evening he got better so Arvid and I decided to take a nigh out in town.

As a treat to me I decided to go out for an early morning walk and have a cafe.

Next thing you know i was gone for over an hour.  The scenery is so beautiful I just

had to stop every so often and get pictures.  Don't think I can ever get tired of this city.  Ever.

The flowers bloom beautifully in the middle of the city.  Make for one amazingly 

beautiful place.  Everyone who walk this city is constantly stopping to take pictures.

No matter where you go in the city there is always amazing scenery.

The city at night is undoubtedly one of the prettiest we have seen.

Last night Arvid and I went to Blue Chicago to listen to music.  Very tiny place, but
as Arvid says, "perfect for the Blues."  As usual we walked and the sights at nigh is just
as amazing as the scenery during the day.  We could not stop from repeating how
much we are going to miss this city.  Arvid told the couple we visited last week
that if it was not for the winters in Chicago we would live here all year long.
 I know he thinks this way, but first time I actually heard him say it.

As I write this and see the pictures, I can't stop thinking how fortunate we
are to be able to enjoy this city and also Fort Lauderdale.  Happy Sunday to all.

Sometimes life gives you a second chance because 
just maybe the first time you were not ready...

~Nadiya~

Kindness Is Never Wasted...

Man can alter his life by altering his thinking...

Woke up this morning with a great sadness in my heart.  Nothing is wrong here

 at home.  Just watching the news sometimes is enough to make anyone

 feel depressed and a bit fed up with the world.

So much suffering going on sometimes I wish I had some magic to make 

the world a better place.  Take away the killings, the suffering and

 just wishing everyone can get along better.

It bothers me to see animals being tortured and killed by cruel and heartless people.  

Why?  What's your pleasure in hurting a tiny little creature that cannot defend itself?  

Something that never hurt you in any possible way?  I just think of Brutus and can 

never imagine someone wanting to hurt such a defenseless and precious thing.

I think about families torn together by jealousies and just plain misunderstandings. 

 What can cause brothers/sisters/friends etc to just ignore each other and treat 

each other as strangers.  It must be heart wrenching to live this way. 

 I feel for all those families torn apart for no reason at all. 

This was just a few days ago.

To all of you I say...clear up that misunderstanding.  Call your mom, your brother,

 your sister.  Tell them you love them.  Life is too short to not enjoy them to the fullest.

Fortunately, I come from a very close knit family.  We grew up respecting each 

other and appreciating each other.  I hope this never changes because there 

is already way too much bad stuff going on in this world. 

 Love one another that's the best example you can give to your children 

and it's the best way to make this world a better place...

Kindness is the language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see. Wherever there 

is a human being, there is an opportunity for a kindness..... .....Remember that 

everyone you meet is afraid of something, loves something and has lost something. 

 A mistake made by many people with great convictions is that they will 

let nothing stand in the way of their views, not even kindness.

Happy Saturday all.  Remember you don't need a reason to help people.
Always be a little kinder than necessary.

The most important trip you may take in life is meeting people halfway. ....

~Nadiya~

Happy Friday...

Fall has always been my favorite season. The time when everything bursts with its last beauty,

 as if nature had been saving up all year for the grand finale...

Friday already; both Arvid and I look forward to starting off the weekend with some music 

and some good food.  This may be the last weekend with good weather so of course

 one has to make the most of it.  After this weekend, we have just one 

more here in Chicago before going back to Florida.

Brutus went downhill fast.  Already his paw is opened up in 3 places and has started to ooze

 and is quite swollen.  Also because he's back on the pill, he's refusing to eat again.

  I don't know if this will ever end.  What worries me is that he can't  really go

 5 days without that pill.  Makes going places very difficult and stressful.

Yesterday I made my first ever homemade strawberry jam.   Have to say it came out 

pretty good.  So much so that even Arvid is eating it.  He even allowed me 

to mix it with his Norwegian jam.  That says a lot about my jam.

Today I'm not cooking.  I will be treating Arvid to pizza for lunch and later this evening

 we go to House of Blues for good music, food and a few drinks.  It has always 

been one of our favorite hangouts for music here in Chicago.

Brutus fast asleep.  Arvid busy doing whatever it is he does, but as I always say,

 "he is forever BUSY."  Not always sure what he is doing, but he is doing something.

Fall in Chicago is beautiful.  The change of colors is stunning.

Fall in Florida is the same as summer, winter, spring throughout the year.

Also amazingly beautiful with it's very different beach scene.  Love them both.

Friday, the day many wait for in anticipation of the weekend ahead.

We also enjoy our Fridays.  This is when we can actually relax and as Arvid would

say celebrate.  We celebrate for just about everything.  This weekend it's because 

we are done painting and with most of the work associated with the apartment.  Whatever

 is left will be taken care of next year.  Now to enjoy our last week here.

Autumn carries more gold in its pocket than all the other seasons.

I've got my Friday smile on.  Hello Weekend...

~Nadiya~

Thursday...

Smile like a money with a new banana...

Yesterday was 6 days for Brutus without the pill.  We were hoping to go at least 10 days,

sadly this morning when I woke up I saw the start of what will soon become open 

wounds.  Of course I started him on the pill again, and he's not happy.

Arvid paints a little everyday so that it can dry and Brutus does not walk  all over it.

Yesterday we had to move the suitcases around.  I told Arvid that Brutus will be stressed

 thinking we are about to leave him again.  I said, "his paw will start to act up."  Well it has. 

 Maybe that's not the reason, but whatever it is I caught it before it got really ugly.

The temperatures are really nice right now.  The entire week will will be in the mid 70F  

(23C).  Not bad at all.  Today is market day and that also makes for a very nice walk.

Some more painting today and that should be the last of it.  Soon we will be going

 back to Florida.  Happy about that as well.  Need more medication for Brutus

 and for myself.  I also have quite a few doctors appointment to go to.

Starting to miss my car and my favorite places back home in Florida.  Don't miss

the heat at all, but it is home and it is where we have everything we need.  At the same

 time I'm a little sad because it's not that many days left for us here in Chicago,

 and it won't be until next year summertime again until we get back here.

To all a very good Thursday.  Remember whatever you do
do it with gusto and always try to have a good time.

YAY!  Tomorrow is Friday, then the weekend begins...

~Nadiya~

Wednesday's Thought...

When you judge others, you do not define them, you define yourself...

We all have a tendency to judge people without knowing where they're coming from or

 knowing their circumstances.  I am no exception to this rule.  But imagine what a

 wonderful life this would be if we gave each other the benefit of the doubt, and go

 from there.  Little by little I am trying to do just that and not be judgemental. 

 I do not like being judged and I am sure the person next to me or next to 

you feels the same way.  Don't you agree.  Bob Marley put's it best:

I woke up to a very beautiful morning.  Here in Chicago our routines are a bit different.

The apartment is a bit smaller than the one we have back in Florida.  Brutus

sleeps in more than usual.  Neither Arvid nor I mind.  Mostly Arvid because

 Brutus sleeps very close to him and keeps him warm.  He loves it.

When the day is a beautiful as today we go out.  It great for a long walk in 

the park and who knows what else.  I'm loving this cooler weather.  Soon we will be

going back home to Florida.  Also looking forward to that, but not the heat.  Looking

 forward to driving my car, seeing Liliana and getting back to my work out routines.

For now we will be enjoying the last few days we have here in Chicago.

To all a very good day.  Remember keep smiling.  Because life 

is a beautiful thing and there is so much to smile about.

Happy first day of Autum.  Beautiful time of the year so enjoy.

People will question all the good things they hear about you,

but believe all the bad without a second thought...

~Nadiya~

It's Called Life...

Don't compare your life to others;  
you have no idea what their journey is all about...

People change and things go wrong, but always remember, life goes on. We give it our

 best shot that's all we can do, does not mean we give up. I was talking to someone

 today and the conversation left me feeling very sad and inadequate. Inadequate 

because I was not able to do anything to take away their sadness.

It brought back to me memories of a time long gone. A time when I was very 

sad and I never thought anything nor anyone would make me smile again.

That was one of the lowest points of my life. Fortunately, life has a way of 

bringing things into perspective and like it or not you have to move on.

I am hoping that one day life is good to my friend, I hope one day I can see that smile 

and hear the real laughter coming from her. Today everything seems so bleak,

 but I hope and I know that the future will be better. I always hope for the best, 

but I know that the person living these experiences does not see that light at

 the end of the rainbow no matter how much one tells them it is there.

 I know I never believed it. NEVER!!, but one day all of a sudden it seems like as if 

some heavy burden was lifted off me and everything was looking brighter and cheerier

 than ever.  The smile came back.  The laughter returned...the zest to live came back.

  This is what I wish for you. I wish you bright days full of joy, laughter and love.

 I am by your side every step of the way.

I am very lucky to have 5 sisters. Whenever I feel down I call one of them right away. 

Exactly what I did now. We were just reminiscing about when we were little girls with

 not a care in the world. Today we are each grown women with families of our own 

and like everyone with our own problems. Life we concluded is not easy...

I've finally found that life goes on without you, and my world still turns when you're

 not around. When the day is over it once again proves that time waits for no one and

 life goes on and that every day in life people separated for whatever reason have

 their separated distance go from hours, days, weeks until one day when the 

reality really sets in that they're gone for good hopefully leaving

 us with a positive and loving memory.

It may seem harsh right now but, time/life waits for no one.  You have to be the one

 to take the first step and say I am ready for a change and just go for it.  I cannot guarantee 

it will be the best thing you cold do, but let me ask how much worse can it be? 

 Life is for living and I hope you find your way through this dark period. 

Friends, from experience I know that in times like these it is always good 

to have the support of family, loved ones and yes good friends...A friend is 

someone who is there for you when he’d rather be somewhere else.

Regardless of how it goes down, life goes on, life is a song love is the lyrics...

you never know how strong you are, until being strong is the only choice you have...

~Nadiya~

Monday Again...

New day.  New week.  New possibilities...

Sunday was really good.  Arvid watched some soccer games.  We did some cleaning.

Had to remove all the paint that was stuck to the floors and then I took off to the stores. 

 Of course, it was Macy's.  All I managed to cover was part of the 4th floor.

After a few hours I had to leave and go meet up with Arvid for lunch.  That was also

 very good.  I had a New York Strip and Arvid the Baby Back Ribs. Of course 

Arvid said, "they were actually very good, but not like Flannigans."

So we tried a few things.

We made friends with a couple in the building (yes we did!) and we even went up to
their apartment for drinks.  Very nice down to earth people.  No wonder we got along
so well with them.  Is it terrible to be envious (in a good way) of their view?

We had a very nice time and stayed until it started to get cold.  Back in our apartment,
Brutus was patiently waiting for us.  As soon as Arvid sat down to watch TV.
 Brutus jumped right up on his lap and proceeded to take another nap.

 Monday morning and believe me when I tell you we have a lot to do.  Hope everyone
had a very relaxing and pleasant weekend and is ready to make the most of this week.
Time to get rolling and to get busy.  Happy Monday everyone.  Make it count!

Monday!  New start.  New beginning.  New perspective.  Make today count...

~Nadiya~

Easy Sunday...

The secret of being happy is accepting where you are in

 life and making the most of everyday...

Don't feel like doing much today.  We woke up a little late and I still feel sorta "lazy."

Brutus has developed the habit of sleeping in everyday with us.  Makes it even more

 difficult to want to get out of the bed.  Arvid says, "he keeps me so warm."

Arvid is not one to get super friendly with the neighbors, but while I was away in Florida

he met a couple.  They started talking and next thing you know they are both into the 

same kind of cars.  Arvid had told me that he went to their apartment for a drink, 

and suddenly today we got another invitation for drinks and dinner.

Arvid is not that friendly so we declined dinner and accepted the invite for drinks.

Will be nice especially since Arvid said they had a killer view.  Arvid loves killer views.

Sunday we do our usual outing and today we will try out Houlihan's.  We had

drinks there the other day, and I checked the menu last night.  Baby back ribs did it for 

Arvid, and the skinny raspberry mojito did it for me.  We are now both happy about that choice.

The morning is still on the cooler side and I am loving it.  Arvid has some games to watch,

and I am most likely going out and checking out the city and Macy's.  Fun day.

As long as we are in Chicago we try to use the hot tub and pool regularly.

Last night was very chilly so it made for a more enjoyable experience.

To all a good Sunday.  Remember everyday may not be a good day,

but there is always something good about each day.  Let it work for you.

Some days you have to create your own sunshine.

Don't wait for the perfect moment.  Take the moment and make it perfect...

~Nadiya~

Busy Saturday...

A real woman can handle a busy man.  She'll respect his hustle and if he's 

a real man, he'll know how to make time for her...

Saturday started with tornado like winds.  The windows were rattling and none of us 

wanted to get out of bed.  Cool temperatures in the morning, but of course it is slowly

 warming up and looks like it might turn out to be a pretty nice day after all.

Yesterday evening a tornado watch was announced.  Within 10 minutes it was

canceled.  Arvid and I who do not like going out in so called "bad weather" decided we 

will venture out anyway to Buddy Guys Legends.  Was funny seeing Arvid hail a taxi.

Looking like a very easy going Saturday.  Arvid as always is busy even when soccer

is on.  Today he decided the walls needed to be painted.  He doing just that.

Brutus and I are just staying out of the way.  The other day I had paint all over

my hair even though i did not do any painting.  I help with the clean up and 

now to finish making lunch.  Sounds like a good division of chores.  

Hope your Saturday is a good one.  Time for me to get busy here.

Arvid wants scalloped potatoes and pork chops for lunch.  That's what he will have.

Happy Saturday!  Make the most of this day.

Laugh, love, read, live, love, learn, play, dream just be happy...

~Nadiya~

Friday...

It's Friday morning happy hour.  A round of coffee for everyone...

Thursdays are Farmers Market days.  I look forward to going there every Thursday 

because of all the fresh produce and all the goodies that is being given away as samples.

Last week I bought a brown cheese that needs to be heated before eaten.  

Simply delicious and of course could not resist trying some more samples today.

When Arvid was alone for a few days he discovered places we had not been to.

He has been telling me about all the different food vendors there so yesterday he 

took me there to check them out.  He did not exaggerate.  Lots of food in one place.

 I decided to treat him to lunch.  He is simple and Pizza it was for him.

Friday already.  The day is currently on the cloudy side, but hoping it will get better.
Arvid has a few business calls to make to he has been awake early today.  Norway is now
7 hours behind so he has to be on the ball a little earlier when here in Chicago.

Brutus was not too happy to wake up that early, but now that he is awake he's happy
because today begins his 5 days (hopefully) without pill.  Rest period.
He still thinks I might grab him so he is threading very cautiously.

Weekends in Chicago are just about the best times ever.  There is always
 so much going on and so much to do.  Just hope the weather behaves.

To all a good Friday and may the weekend be an amazing one as well.

Happy Friday everyone.  Forget all the bad things you have 
encountered this week and have a great weekend...

~Nadiya~

Feeling Happy..

Sometimes the things you are most afraid of are the things that make you the happiest.

Every day may not be a good day, but there is something good in every day...

Brutus as everyone knows has been suffering from some "mysterious" issues with his paw.

  It has been a little over 2 years now and most of the time the paw is raw and swollen.

Today I can say that for a very long time I see the paw not swollen and not oozing. 

 Yes he's been on medication almost all the time for the last 2 months.  Love the results, 

but at the same time have to be careful to not over medicate him.  Always in

 the background kidney failure.  For now we will enjoy seeing him almost "normal."

 Today is day 10 of the pill so tomorrow begins a 5 day rest period.

 Badly his last rest period only lasted 3 days before he stated to get bad again

He hates the pill and lately his anger has been in the form of refusing to eat which is not

 good because he needs to eat before of at least after the pill.  Lately I have been also 

giving him an appetite stimulant in for of yes another pill to make him eat.   Some 

days it's just a little too much combined with the probiotic pill he also needs.

  This leads to vomiting and diarrhea but what can I do?

Right now just happy to see some healing. I know it's temporary but will be happy. 

Sometimes we just have to stop worrying about what we have to lose and 

start focusing on what we have to gain.  Right now it is just

 stress free times because Brutus is doing good.  

Best feeling right now.  Calls for a celebration which is exactly what we did yesterday. 

 Little Mojito and a couple of beers for Arvid made for the perfect day. 

 A dip in the pool and hot tub was the culmination of an already happy day. 

 More to come I am sure.  If Brutus is good all is good with us.

Happy Thursday all.

Happy feelings will attract happy circumstances...

~Nadiya~

All Good...

Because when you stop and look around, this life is pretty AMAZING....

Yesterday was mostly Soccer time for Arvid and Brutus.  Arvid watched, Brutus slept.

When Arvid decided to do some work, Brutus woke up and jumped right in.

The weather was beautiful and we always try to do something and enjoy the 

outdoors as much as we can.  Because you never know when it will turn cold or wet again.

Our chores took us through out the city.  Of course we ended up in Macy's.  Arvid

looking for flip flops, sadly he found nothing but I sure did.  While I shopped he went

 to the pub in Macy's and had a cold one.  In the meantime I had acquired a few tops.

We both had a good time.Evenings here are just beautiful.  Looking out into the city

 with all of its bright lights twinkling is always relaxing.  Don't think I will get tired of it.

Though we have a beautiful pool back home in Florida, we rarely use it.  Here in 

Chicago we go to the hot tub quite frequently and I do enjoy a little swim in the pool.

Arvid is already making breakfast so I think I need to get busy here.
Happy Wednesday all.  Halfway there to the weekend already.

Life is only as good as you decide to make it.  So stand up,

be bold, and don't let everyone else define it...

~Nadiya~

Not The Usual...

Being different isn't a bad thing.  

It means you're brave enough to be yourself...

Our lifestyle is not the so called "conventional" one.  Whatever conventional means today 

I'm not sure, but Arvid and I sure do things differently.  Arvid loves to trade.  He has 

been trading since he was a little boy and today it is a major factor to our livelihood. 

 He is a member of several trade groups both locally and nationally.

No matter what state or what country we are in there is always opportunities for him to 

trade.  He lives for it and nothing makes him happier than doing a trade.  It is not

 a typical way to make a living, but with Arvid everything is possible and he 

somehow has been very successful in his trades.  Never boring.

His trades take us everywhere.  I love that because we get to see places.  Yesterday

we went to check out a building here in Illinois.  Most times the trade may not work out,
but that is part of the fun for us.  We like the unplanned.  The unexpected.  Arvid more than I.

Soon we will be heading to Las Vegas where there is going to be a National Trade meeting.
A few years ago I would have said that Las Vegas was not my favorite place, but after
 last year I have to say that I really enjoy going there.  While Arvid is in the meetings,
I get to wander off all on my own.  Love it and  see and do all the things I like.

 In the evenings we meet for dinner and we also do a little personal property trading
together with the rest of the gang.  Very interesting these encounters.

Different is always good.  Makes life more interesting as far as we are concerned.
At times it gets hectic and downright exhausting, but we won't change it for  any other.

Good morning all.  Today is laundry day.  Already started and who knows what
else the day will hold.  The weather is beautiful and definitely a day for a walk in the park.

Being called different is like being called a Limited Edition.
Meaning you're something people don't see that often.  Remember that!...

~Nadiya~

And The Doctor Said...

We are all a little weird and Life's a little weird, and when we find someone 

whose weirdness is compatible with ours, we join up with them and 

fall in Mutual weirdness and call it love...

Interesting to say the least.   Love this Doctor Lee!  My aunt sent this the other day.

I am still smiling cause doctor Lee sure is one smart man.  HaHaHa!

Question: Doctor, I've heard that cardiovascular exercise can prolong life. Is this true?  Answer: Heart only good for so many beats, and that it... Don't waste on exercise. Everything wear out eventually. Speeding up heart not make you live longer; it like saying you extend life of car by driving faster. Want to live longer? Take nap. Q: Should I reduce my alcohol intake? A: Oh no. Wine made from fruit. Brandy distilled wine, that mean they take water out of fruity bit so you get even more of goodness that way. Beer also made of grain. Bottom up! Q: How can I calculate my body/fat ratio?  A: Well, if you have body and you have fat, your ratio one to one. If you have two body, your ratio two to one. Q: What are some of the advantages of participating in a regular exercise program?  A: Can't think of single one, sorry. My philosophy: No pain...good!

Q: Aren't fried foods bad for you? A: YOU NOT LISTENING! Food fried in vegetable oil. How getting more vegetable be bad? Q : Will sit-ups help prevent me from getting a little soft around the middle?  A: Oh no! When you exercise muscle, it get bigger. You should only be doing sit-up if you want bigger stomach. Q: Is chocolate bad for me?  A: You crazy?!? HEL-LO-O!! Cocoa bean! Another vegetable! It best feel-good food around!

Q: Is swimming good for your figure?  A: If swimming good for figure, explain whale to me. Q: Is getting in shape important for my lifestyle?  A: Hey! 'Round' is shape! Well... I hope this has cleared up any misconceptions you may have had about food and diets.  And remember:    Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well-preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways - Chardonnay in one hand - chocolate in the other - body thoroughly used up, totally worn out and screaming "WOO-HOO, what a ride!!"   AND..... For those of you who watch what you eat, here's the final word on nutrition and health. It's a relief to know the truth after all those conflicting nutritional studies. 1. The Japanese eat very little fat and suffer fewer heart attacks than Americans. 2. The Mexicans eat a lot of fat and suffer fewer heart attacks than Americans. 3. The Chinese drink very little red wine and suffer fewer heart attacks than Americans. 4. The Italians drink a lot of red wine and suffer fewer heart attacks than Americans... 5. The Germans drink a lot of beer and eat lots of sausages and fats and suffer fewer heart attacks than Americans. CONCLUSION:   Eat and drink what you like.  Speaking English is apparently what kills you.

Monday morning already.  Wishing you all a very good start of the work week,

 and hopefully we see some more sunny days here.  Good morning everyone. 

 Let's rock and roll and start this week right.

Every time you are able to find humor in a difficult situation, you win...

Nadiya