Sunday..Funday

It's a beautiful day, don't let it get away.  Life is so much 
more brighter when we focus on what really matters...

Yesterday I had some time again at the beach.  This time I went to Fort Lauderdale Beach 

while Arvid watched TV.  Truth is I can't sit and watch as much soccer or any kind of 

TV that long.  My powers of concentration is just not as good as his is when it 

comes to sitting still and staring at a TV screen among other things.

It was a perfect time.  The beach was very quiet and I had it all to myself.  The splashing 

of the  waves the birds and the swaying of the palm trees was indeed very relaxing. There 

it was just me and my thought again.  Loved it and can't wait for the next time.

Come evening Arvid went to listen to music with a friend.  I was really not in the mood 

so I decided to go to the movies instead, and let the boys have a few drinks on their
 own and some "boys" time.  I love the movies and going on my own does
not bother me one bit. Sometimes I really actually enjoy it even more. 

 Before the movies I dropped Arvid off to his location and I had one more opportunity to

 cruise the beach.  This time at night.  Was also fairly on the quiet side, but again beautiful.

The day started out beautiful.  Boats cruising along and we have a good view.
No complaints here about that.  Shadow slept with us a little this morning.  Felt good.
He purrs like an engine.  Very cute.  This is the first time he slept so close to us.

Touching us.  Been missing that very much because Brutus was know for being close to us.
 Very close, maybe Shadow will soon like it and do the same.  Can always hope.

To all a very good day.  Sunday's outing today is with a friend, and it's looking
like outdoor seating is what's called for.  Yes we are back to what the
Sunshine State should be.  Warm, sunny blue skies.  Perfect.

Happy Sunday to all of you.

Every second brings a fresh beginning, every hour holds a new promise, 
every night our dreams can bring hope, and every day is what you choose to make it...

~Nadiya~

Saturday...

Every accomplishment starts with the decision to try.

I will do my best.. that's all I can promise...

Our day started our pretty cold.  Good thing though it will warm up.

What do you think of this BMW?  I can see me driving it...

Checked out some pretty cool outdoor furniture as well.  For those with a

large outdoor space, this will definitely spiff up your place.

As we were coming out of the restaurant yesterday, the parking lot was full 

of ducks and tons of birds.  A passerby said to me, "you don't need to go to the Everglades

 to see anything.  You see it all right here in the parking lot."  Had to make Arvid stop 

so I could get pictures.  How cool was that?  Not everyone was happy of course.

Not exactly sure what we will be doing today.  Saturdays i don't cook.  Pizza day.

Sundays I don't cook either.  It's our day out.  Just the two of us, but tomorrow 

we make an exception.  We take a very good friend out with us for dinner.

During breakfast Arvid and I talked about Brutus.  He told me that I need to move on.

I know I do.  I know I do.  I asked him if he has moved on.  He said he's working on it, but

that I need to understand that moving on does not mean he will ever forget Brutus.  

He said for him it means holding on to his sanity, said I need to do the same.

To all a very good day.  In between the soccer game, Arvid does some housework

while Shadow looks on.  Shadow by the way is not afraid of the vacuum cleaner. 

Courage does not always roar. Sometimes courage is the quiet voice at 

the end of the day saying, "I will try again tomorrow"....

~Nadiya~

Today....

Make some time for yourself today, to relax,

reflect and revive your spirit...

I love mornings.  If I could I would go and watch the sunrise at the beach everyday.

  We are close by after all.  Maybe will make more of an effort to do so.

Feeling the water and the sand between my toes is relaxing.  I have pace at that moment,

 and listening to the waves splash and the birds chirp is just a great way to start the day.

Keeping up with Shadow is not easy.  The kitty is very rambunctious.

It's Friday.  The start of the weekend. Let's see what it holds.

If you want to conquer the anxiety of life, live in the moment, live in the breath.

Happy Friday all.  I haven't been so excited about Friday since last Friday...

~Nadiya~

Rainy Day... AGAIN

Rainy days are perfect days to watch TV and cuddle.
Some people feel the rain others just get wet...

I may not have everything I want right now, but I sure am grateful for what I have right 

now, and I am not referring to material things.  More to what really matters, and 

the people in my life.  Many live only to brag about their lives.  All I want is 

something that will ever be granted ever again, yet even so what I have

 with Arvid is what keeps us strong and united.  For that i am grateful.

A few minutes after the above picture was taken, Brutus died.  A light in 

our lives was shut off.  Another spark entered our lives in the form of shadow.

I don't ever forget that though Brutus died life goes on.  At least I tell myself that quite often.
 For it is not fair to Arvid and Shadow to have someone moping around all the time.

The day has started out with rain showers and is kinda gloomy looking, but we work from
home so for us that's OK.  Tomorrow is another day and maybe we see the sunshine a little.
Many tourists at this time of the year in Florida.  Not the beach weather the expected.

February Arvid's daughter and boyfriend will also be visiting, and thank goodness that
the "worst" of this weather will have left.  No matter what coming from Norway or
 any other cold part of the world, Florida's weather is always perfect for them.

Shadows chicken and carrots are in the making.  I have already enjoyed my cafe,
so for me the day is already looking up.  I woke up.  I breathe.. I'm alive.

If you want the Rainbow you gotta put up with the Rain.
Let the rain wash away all the pain of yesterday...

~Nadiya~

Dark And Gloomy Day....

Pajamas all kind of day and lots of hot tea.  Having plans sounds like a

 good idea until you have to put clothes on and leave your house...

It's Wednesday 3.05 in the afternoon.  It's black outside looks like night is already

 here.  Also it is once again raining.  We have had an extreme amount of rain these

 past months.  As I have said before not normal for this time of the year. 

 Already had lunch and Arvid and I are sitting watching a soccer game on TV.  Shadow

 is asleep on the sun bed.  Everything is quiet and peaceful, yet for some reason my 

heart is in extreme turmoil right now.  As I came home from doing a few chores

 I was just overcome with grief because I didn't see BRUTUS.

 Don't ask me to explain I can't, I just am having a not so good moment right now, 

but I take deep breaths and I sip my tea.  The waves of grief will subside until

 they come back.  It is how it is and I try to cope with it as it comes.

Yesterday was a much nicer day.  We made the most of it by going for a walk to the beach,

 and calling into our favorite ice cream shop. Kilwins.  Both Arvid and I had a little treat. 

 Arvid has changed. Before he won't eat ice cream when we go out. In the last month

 he has had it out twice.  Those who know him know this is a big deal.

I walked along the beach for a while while Arvid looked. I love the feel of the sand between

 my toes and the water splashing at my feet.  I don't swing in the ocean, but I love everything

 about it.  On our way back home the weather changed and it was starting to rain.

There is still snow everywhere where my sisters are. These pictures are from my sister

 Mala's home in Vermont.  They will be snow covered for the rest of the winter. 

 When I visited last year in April snow was still everywhere.  Then I can really say

 we here in Florida have it very good. Even if it rains everyday, it's still warm.

Had another blood work done to see how my thyroid medication is working.  Once again

 the doctor has changed my dosage.  Says the last one was slowing me down,

 and of course, I gained weight.   Will try this new one for about a month,

 then another blood work to see how it goes.  Back and forth all the time. 

 Really terrible when one has to depend on so many medications, but worse is

 when you don't even know what dosage is best for you.  Oh well it is how it is.

Going to be a cuddle up with the covers kind of day.  Hope you have all had a good

 day so far.  Game is on, tea is still warm and everything appears to

 be in order.  Happy Wednesday everyone.  What's left of it.

Days like these are sweat pants and fluffy socks kind of days.  

We only adhere to comfy fashions here...

~Nadiya~

Hello Tuesday...

I promise to always be there for you...

Maybe Shadow senses that we are not totally committed to him.  He does not want to be 

cuddled nor does he stay close to us on the bed.  Maybe he senses that we have not allowed

 him access into our hearts as yet.  Breaks my heart because he is such a good boy and 

both Arvid and I choose to bring him into our world, our home and our hearts.

He;s still just a baby and he also needs his mama and dada to love him.  

Same way we loved Brutus.  I know I have a big enough heart to love Shadow as well 

and I am going to do my best to make it up to him and to be more a mama to him.

I guess it's not enough to make him his food, (I make chicken breast and carrots for him), clean 

his litter and play with him.  I think he also needs to feel that we want him and we love him.

I have to try harder to make him realize that he is now our kitty and we will love him.

I will be honest I am always going to have a place in my heart that will be empty.  It will always

be missing our Brutus and wondering what happened and why.  The questions are always

 torturing me, but I know that Brutus is not here with us anymore.  Shadow is.

Brutus forever my heart will ache for you.  Shadow I will do better by you. Both your 

dada and I will one day hopefully love you very much.  Brutus will forever be my baby.

I woke up early enough to see the beautiful sunrise from our balcony.  If that was a sign of

 good things to come then I take it as such.  Busy day, but that's best. To all of you hope 

your day has been good so far.  Keep smiling and the world smiles back to you.

A strong person is the one who knows how to be quiet, shed a tear for

a moment, and then picks up their gloves and fights again...

~Nadiya~

Monday...

New day, new week, new possibilities...

I remind myself that there is so much to be thankful for.  There is so much goodness

 around us. So much life to be lived.  Even though I am missing Brutus, I know it.

Good morning everyone.  Just hope your weekend was a good one.  One of my

sisters is still snowed in.  No work, no school and yes no business today for them.

I enjoy seeing the pictures of the snow.  I remember the first time my sister Nina and

 I saw snow. We were living on our own for the very first time in New York.  We could not 

stop ourselves from running into the snow and playing with it.  Seeing my niece Lilly Vade 

doing just the same brought back a lot of good memories Nina and I shared in NY.

It's looking like another hot chocolate day.  Arvid's specialty as you all know.

As a new week begins, we have quite a few things already lined up.  Staying busy is best.
 Last night Arvid said something to me and it made me think for a while. He said,
 "do you think Shadow knows we don't love him as yet?"  Made me a little
 sad because I do spend a lot of my time thinking of Brutus.

Shadow sees and hears me crying and he hears me talking to Brutus.
Shadow does not like when we hold him.  We held Brutus several times in the day.
I miss that so very much and I realize so does Arvid.  Shadow is now our Kitty and I think we
both have to try harder.  He's not our Brutus, but he is a good kitty even if he stole
Arvid's toast from the toaster this morning.  Those who know Arvid know that he was
 NOT happy at that moment..  He almost said "why can't you be like Brutus?"

Always believe something wonderful is about to happen.
It is a brand new week after all...

~Nadiya~

Cold... Cold... Sunday...

Baby it's cold outside, hello cold days...  

Arvid and I went on a little road trip.  It took us to Sarasota and St. Petersburg.  Both places

 very beautiful, but this time also very COLD!  Yes we have been having a very long cold spell.

Arvid was at meetings most of the days and I had time to do whatever it is I liked.  Being 

so cold and windy most of the time, I spent the days indoors.  Of course checking out 

different malls and sampling some of the foods I like.  Stuff Arvid would not

 care for.  Both of us had a good time.  I picked him up around 4, and then 

we had time to go  to our favorite Pub in the neighborhood.

I always enjoy sampling a new drink there.  This time I tried the mango, pineapple mojito.

Was very good so the next night had to try it again.  Let's just say it was very good.

What's a road trip without checking out some cars.  Arvid has a knack for spotting them.

Somehow he just can't seen to resist an old classic car.  Yes, we stop and we look.

Arvid is a trader and I can't fault him for always wanting to make a trade.

  He is not shy and he will try any and everything.  Part of our road trip.

I try and I try to not always think about Brutus, but at nights I don't know how to shut

 it off.  The other night in the hotel room I just missed him like crazy.  I wanted to feel him 

next to me and next thing you know my heart was breaking again and again.

Today is 80 days since our Brutus died.  80 days that I am missing him.  80 days since

 I last saw and held him.  80 days since he took my heart with him.  Today is also 75 days 

since we have had Shadow.  He is a good kitty.  Very, very active and kinda wild. I know

 the day will come when Shadow will fill our lives again the way Brutus did, but as of 

right now my heart aches for Brutus. Shadow keeps us busy and he makes us laugh.

As we mourn and grieve for our Brutus there are also many others doing the same.  Tragedy
strikes at everyone.  Part of life today my aunt is celebrating her birthday in heaven while
here on earth there is a family missing her, grieving for her and not exactly sure why them.

 Life is not always the way we want it to be.  We just have to live it and enjoy it while
we are alive.  For you never know what tomorrow may bring.  I never would have
thought that our Brutus would be dead so early in his life.  NEVER!!!

Happy Sunday everyone.  It is a chilly day here, but everywhere else that we have family
 is even worse.  Snow has invaded all my sisters' homes and my parents.  Luckily my sister
 in Puerto Rico is having good and warmer weather than all of us right now.
Can you believe that my niece in London is having warmer temperatures than
 us here in Fort Lauderdale?  Never thought to see that happening.

Happy Sunday to all.  Stay warm and cozy up to the one you love.

I keep myself busy with things to do,
but everytime I pause I still think of you..

~Nadiya~

5 Foods You Should Be Eating To Jump-Start The New Year...

Good food is wise medicine...

A new year inspires us to change something – or things – about ourselves, our lives,

 our futures, to make them better. Similar to some religious practices, New Year's

 resolutions each year provide a valuable time to reflect upon self-improvement.

A very popular New Year Resolution has always been to eat better and to lose weight.  

 With that in mind here is an article on what foods will help.

The best way to reset your eating habits after the holidays is to stock your fridge

 with fresh, nutrient-rich foods that give you energy and improve your mood.

 Here’s Joy’s list of the top five:  The year is already 20+ days but...

LENTILS
These beans are filled with high-quality vegetarian protein and fiber, which boost energy and mood. They’re inexpensive and they cook up in 30 minutes or less. Joy suggests making large pots of lentil soup or lentil chili so you can freeze the leftovers.


BRUSSELS SPROUTS
Toss some Brussels sprouts on a baking sheet, add olive oil and salt, and then bake until they're crispy. We have no doubt they will become your favorite veggie. Added bonus: They're only 55 calories per cup and they help fight cancer and boost memory.

EGG WHITES
One egg white has only 17 calories and is 100% pure protein, which helps to slightly rev up our metabolism. Make an omelet or a frittata— use two to three egg whites for each whole egg. Hard boil an egg, pop out the yolk and replace it with a scoop of hummus for a power snack.

FROZEN BERRIES

Keeping bags of frozen raspberries, blueberries, blackberries and strawberries on hand is a perfect way to make sure you still get antioxidants, especially during the winter months when fresh fruit is hard to come by. Eat them right out of the bag, add them to cereal, or make delicious smoothies.

HOT PEPPERS

Hot peppers can suppress your appetite and rev up your metabolism. If you like 

spicy food, add them liberally to your scrambled eggs, stews, ore even tuna or chicken salad.

Everything I eat has been proved by some doctor or other to be a deadly poison, and 
everything I don't eat has been proved to be indispensable for life.  But I go marching on....

~Nadiya~

Hello Thursday...

Your presence to me was once my greatest pleasure, 

but now the memories of you will be my greatest treasure...

I woke up thinking of you Brutus.  It is still a little on the cold side here.  I love feeling 

the cold air on  my skin and enjoying the peacefulness of the mornings.  Today it is quiet 

and the sky is just beautiful.  Enjoying this alone time before Arvid wakes up and

 our day begins to get crazy.  Coffee always tastes better at this hour.

This morning I woke up to a picture sent to me by my niece in London.  Danielle is 

doing extremely well and she is loving it in London.  She is taking 5 classes, doing

 an internship 3 days a week and is also doing editing for some magazines. 

 Even then she finds time for her aunt.  Now that is what I call being fortunate.  

I am lucky with all my nieces and nephews.  We have a great relationship and I want

 them to know I am always here for them.  Also have 2 beautiful granddaughters

 and 2 step-daughters.  How lucky can one be.  Always something to be grateful for.

Little busy the next few days so that's good.  Good the keep the mind busy.

Wishing you all a very good Thursday.  For some the weekend probably will start today.

I thought of you very much this morning.  Spent quite some time over your pictures today.

What i like about photographs is that they capture a moment

 that’s gone forever, impossible to reproduce...

~Nadiya~

Better Days Coming...

The past should be left in the past, otherwise it can destroy your future.

Live life for what tomorrow has to offer, not for what yesterday has taken away....

Honestly, I am trying very hard to do this it's going slowly, but it is what it is

 Baby it's cold outside
I've got to go away - Baby it's cold outside
This evening has been - Been hoping that you'd drop in
So very nice - I'll hold your hands, they're just like ice.

When you live in The Sunshine State, one rarely talks much about the weather.  

It's almost always consistently warm.  With this cold we are having it's what most 

people here are now talking about.  Now we sound like everyone else.

I was looking to see how many sunny days we have in Florida and to my surprise I found 

out that there are 5 other States before Florida with more sunshine.  More days that

 are actually sunny.  Was surprised and of course have to share it will everyone.

Almost 4pm here.  It has warmed up a little.  On cold days like this Arvid misses Brutus

quite a lot in the mornings.  You see he and Brutus used to snuggle up in bed and keep each

 other warm.  Shadow does not like to e held and he does not snuggle up on the bed. 

 These days Shadow does not sleep with us on the bed.  Arvid still looks for Brutus on the 

floor mat by his bed before he steps out. Old habits die hard.  After all Brutus was with us for 

9 and a half years.  It's been already 76 days without him.  Breaks my heart and kills me

 because I still don't get it.  This morning I swore I heard Brutus purring.

Hope all of you have had a good day so far.  Peaceful, productive and best of all 

surrounded by the ones you love.  Ours so far has been good.  Lots of thoughts fill my

 mind, and I am always hoping for better days to come.  Yes, I am grateful for today 

and for all the good around us.  Remember, what are you grateful for?

It's not always easy, but that's life.  Be strong.

Know that there are better days ahead...

~Nadiya~

Cold Tuesday Morning...

One thing about cold weather: it brings out the statistician in everyone
It's too cold outside for angels to fly...

Headlines:  Live shark found in Florida condo swimming pool.  Wildlife officials are trying to

 figure out exactly how a shark got into the swimming pool at a South Florida condo complex.

The South Florida Sun Sentinel reports that Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation 

Commission officers responded to the Mariner's Cay condominium in Hypoluxo last week 

after a woman found a live five-foot blacktip shark in the pool.

The woman told officers she saw two young men running from the pool, which is located 
near the shoreline of the Intracoastal Waterway. The officers removed the shark
 from the pool and returned it to the ocean.  Blacktip sharks are among 
the most common species in coastal South Florida.

Not sure exactly how this happened, but the condo is surrounded by water.

Other news.  Temperatures dropping here in the Sunshine State.  Still warmer 
than most places, but for us it sure is winter right now.  Arvid still under covers.

Though yesterday was chilly the sun came out several times.  Shadow sure
made the most of it.  He was constantly finding the best spots to nap.   Arvid and I went to
 meet our tenants from Switzerland.  They have been renting from us now for close to 7 months 
and we only met them yesterday.  Very nice people and we hit it off right away.  I was invited
 for champagne.  I who never drink enjoyed a glass of French champagne.

I can no longer see you with my eyes.  Touch you with my hands,
 but I will feel you in my heart FOREVER!  Life as we all know goes on.  Does not stop,
does not pause for anyone.  Still I have so much to be grateful for.  Missing my Brutus
will now always be a part of my everyday.  Never thought it would be this way so fast.

Good morning everyone.  it's a cold day for us as well.  Arvid is freezing.  I said to him, 
"you are from Norway."  He said, "I have not lived there for 25 years.  That's not my 
home, this is my home."  Guess he's not one of those true Vikings.

I may not have everything I want in life, but I am blessed enough to have 
all that I need! (but not Brutus)  For this I am grateful...

~Nadiya~

Cold Start Of The Week....

I am no longer amused by this weather.  Somebody please fix it.

Monday...large coffee, positive thoughts, hustle, here I go...

We expected the next few days to be cold, but waking up to temperatures in the 50's was still

 a little shock to my system and to Shadow's.  He woke up with me.  Had his chicken and 

I bundled him up a little.  Just like I used to do with Brutus.  Shadow does not like to

 be cuddled much.  Brutus did, but he let me wrap him in my sweater for a little. 

 Guess he was also a bit chilly early this morning.  Arvid of course is 

still under 3 layers of cover.  Too cold for him to be up this early.

Us Floridians are not prepared for this cold.  Yes it is much colder in most places right now, 

but when you live in The Sunshine State any temperatures below 70's degrees is considered 

cold.  Especially for Arvid and I.  Today we will see people dressed for winter.  Ugg boots,

 scarves, gloves and heavy jackets.  That's how cold it is for us right now. 

 Most homes do not have heat so it does get really cold.  Thankfully we do have heat, 

but not sure we will use it.  Makes Arvid sneeze and probably will give him a cold, 

another reason he says we cannot go anywhere cold during the winter months.

Thankfully the "cold front" will not last too long.
By Thursday it should start warming up again. Yay!

Yesterday was too wet and windy for Arvid and I to enjoy our Sunday outing outdoors.
Instead we had Cuban food at a place not far from us.  Usually I go there with my friend Liliana,
but since I introduced Arvid to this restaurant he seems to have taken a liking to it as well.
Being raised in the Latin culture I love all their foods.  Together with Indian, and Chinese
food Spanish and Cuban foods are my favorites.  The most flavorful foods ever.

It has gotten a little colder since I woke up.  Time to find some warmer clothes.
Good morning everyone.  May the start of your week be a great one.

It's Monday don't forget to be AWESOME.
Monday is the perfect day to correct last weeks mistakes...

~Nadiya~