I'm Missing My Brutus...

Miss you Brutus.  Time goes by a lot slower when you miss the one you love.

  Cats are not our whole life, but they make our lives whole...

   Until one has loved an animal, a part of one's soul remains unawakened.  I am missing 

home and Brutus quite a lot.  It is nice to be here in Chicago, but for me the days are quite 

long without little Brutus. He cheered me up like no once else can (well he and Arvid both). 

Of course now Sniff is doing that, but my heart misses that little face with the big eyes.

Today makes it 300 days since my Brutus died.  It is also 179 days since Lil Shadow died.

My heart misses my Brutus everyday and my heart aches for Shadow and for the way he died.

  I try, and everyday is not a bad day.  No it's not, but everyday at some given time I find my 

thoughts far away wondering what if..what if and I never get an answer only more heartache.

Wednesday already.  The week is flying by.  Arvid is still removing wallpaper from the 
apartment.  Quite a chore.  This time he is doing all of the work.  I just help out with cleaning
 up and some random chores he creates, but the bulk of the job is his.  He says he likes to do it.  
This time I'm just happy to be observing.  Sniff of course finds himself in the middle of it all.

By evening yesterday it was still a hazy, wet day, but even so the sunset was quite
amazing.  Arvid spent most of the day working and the evening watching TV with Sniff
 between his legs.  I wish  could relax like he does and just watch TV in the evenings.

Love is missing someone whenever you're apart, but somehow feeling warm 
inside because you're close in heart.   Our little Brutus, was a heartbeat at our feet. 

~Nadiya~

Let's Make It A Good Day...

Don't forget that you are human.  It's OK to have a meltdown. Just don't 

unpack and live there.  Cry it out and then refocus on where you are headed...

It's a gloomy looking day here in Chicago.  I'm sure it's the start of fall. 

Even so, the city is always beautiful.  Today our usual walk is not looking so good.

Yesterday we also had a similar day, but even so we managed to get out just for a little.

Now I am starting to miss Florida.  I want to go home where Brutus and Shadow await.

Liliana still has Shadow's ashes.  I want to go and get them from her.  I have 

been thinking a lot about it lately and it's just a need to do right now thing.

Sniff is doing great.  He just like Brutus and Shadow did loves it anywhere we are.

I continue to pick him up a little everyday.  He is still no happy with it, but I am able to 

hold him just a bit longer every time.  One day I will be able to hold him hopefully

 often and for long periods like I did with Brutus.  Arvid stopped picking Sniff 

up from almost since we got him because Sniff just scratched to get away,

 but just the other day Arvid picked him up and I saw him smile.  

Was not for long, but maybe it's the start of more to come.

Wishing you all a good day.  Some days are better than others.  I know we all have 

them. I know one day everything is gonna be alright.  Just like Bob Marley said.

I'm a strong person, but every once in a while, I would like someone to 

take my hand and tell me that everything's going to be alright...

~Nadiya~

New Week Begins...

Hope.  Sometimes that is all you have when you have nothing else...

Our Sunday had a strange start weather wise.  We woke up to fog.  Almost no visibility. 

 It then started to clear up.  Little sunshine with spurts of dark clouds.  Most of the

 day it seemed like it was going to rain but thankfully that did not happen.

 The weather is already changing.  It's still warm but you can feel fall in the air. 

Everyone knows I love Chicago, but since Brutus died for me nothing has been the same. 

Unfortunately I don't or more I can't seem to find enjoyment in many things. It's not 

a constant thing but it's there. I feel something is missing and it's Brutus.

Now I'm also extremely heartbroken over Jax. Mala's doggie. He's dying and nothing can 

save him.  Jax turns 7 on November 23. I don't know if he will make it.  I have not 

gotten over Brutus. I never will and now Jax. I just can't bear to think of what's 

coming for them. I hate that my sister and family is hurting and I can't do a thing to

 help them. If I could stop them from going through this pain I would in a flash.

Life for us in Chicago is good.  Yesterday turned out to be a very nice day after

 all. We have another favorite place we like. Margaritaville.  Love it here

 in Chicago, and we also love it in Las Vegas, but the one in Florida is

 a no no for us. Been there and don't think we will go there again.

As a new week begins Arvid is debating if he should continue doing more work in the unit.
Like painting. I don't like painting and Arvid prefers if I don't paint because according
to him I get more paint on me than on the walls.  Not complaining. I help with the

clean up.  Well seems as if he decided to paint and Sniff is right there "helping"

Everyday I ask if there is a god where is he when he is needed?  Where.  My
Brutus died. My Shadow died. Now Jax???!  What the heck.  I'm angry
 and full of resentment right now.  Sometimes life just hits too hard.

On the other hand, it's a new week. Time to "start over fresh". The words are great.
They give hope. They keep one balanced. But at the end of the day it's just empty words.
 Today is not the day when I feel like "everything is going to be alright" No it not
the feeling I have, but it does not hurt to hope that in some way there is a light
 at the end of the tunnel.  I have never even caught a glimpsed at that light.

They say that just because something isn't happening for you right now, doesn't mean
 that it will never happen.  I guess that this is true.  One can always believe.

Hope is being able to see that there is a light despite all of the darkness...

~Nadiya~

Sunday Doodles...

Life is not a problem to be solved, but a reality to be experienced...

This is what it's all about.  Relaxation and more relaxation.  Both boys are happy.

Back to the routines of Sundays.  Feels good.  Arvid calls his family and the day starts good.

 Last Sunday we were on the road and he just called his mom.  Usually he does not call 

when we are on the road, so it's always good to be home on a Sunday.  For everyone.

In another home far from us another pet is having a good time with is family.

In Vermont, sister's doggie Jax not yet 7 and he had been diagnosed with cancer.  Jax has 

only a few months to live. It is a heartache happening every minute as they watch him play,

 and know there is nothing they can do.  Only a miracle would save him and from my 

experience miracles are rare.  Mala, Gopaul, Reshama and Sachin are hurting,

 worst is I know what they are going through and even worse I can't do a single

 thing to help them.  I'm heartbroken over it. Life is cruel and spares no one.

In a home in California, my friend Anna is hurting; her Taino, now 14 is not doing good.  

She like my sister and family are "prepared" for the worst.  But no one is ever prepared 

no matter how much much you "prepare"  Life again spares no one.  I just goes on.

In another home in Virginia, my sister's doggie Marley is enjoying some relaxation

 time is the sunshine.  Marley is a big dog, but the gentlest there is.   He loves to

 play, run, play and snooze.  Yes he is living the life of a a king.  Life pulls us in so 

many directions.  Every so often it is our turn to experience the "other" side. 

To all of you.  Happy Sunday.  Hope you never have to go through rough times like 

many of us are right now, but life being what it is always surprises us.  These are not

 always good surprises.  We just have to cope as best as we can.  No always easy.

Sometimes the best thing you can do is not think, not wonder, not imagine,

not obsess.  Just breathe, and have faith that everything will work out for the best...

~Nadiya~

Home Again...

Time has a wonderful way of showing us what really matters...

Pigeon Forge, Tennessee.  Never did I think there would be so much going on there, 

but when we arrived there was attraction after attraction.  Reminded us a little of Orlando,

 and all the theme parks there.  No we did not try any of the rides, but we did drive 

around town and checked many of them.  Was quite amazing how much there is. 

Arvid and I are not one to go on vacations with anyone, but strangely enough, we once 

went to Mexico with my sister and nephew.  We had a great time.  Now we had a few days with

 my parents in a log cabin in the Smoky Mountains.  Two bedrooms, one bath and I have to say

 and Arvid will agree, we had a great time.  Arvid said to me, "it's because they are grown ups."

It was a very steep walk to the cabin.  Parking the cars was also a little scary.  My dad 

was not liking that part so much, so Arvid just parked their car in a "safe" spot and 

we moved around in ours.  For those 4 days Arvid was the designated driver.  

We did some shopping, that is Arvid and my dad went a little overboard in the Ralph Lauren

 store.  My mom and I just looked as these two shopped.  Was interesting to see.  Of 

course later on my mom and I had a little fun in some other stores as well. 

It was a very good time and I am so happy that Arvid enjoyed it as much as I did. 

 He's the one who keeps saying how good it was.  Makes me very happy.

On our way back home we were caught in lots of rain .  Similar to those we have in 

Florida.  There was also a tornado in our path.  Luckily we missed it, but many were not 

so fortunate.  The tornado demolished a Starbucks building and numerous homes.

Arvid found some time to do some trades.  Made him a very happy boy.  We also found
 the time to visit a few of our lots in a place called Lake Tansi in Tennessee.  We all had a
good time there as well.  After a good meal and some more exploring everyone was happy.

After a few stops we finally made it home to Sniff.  I think he was happy to see us.
For sure we think he gained some weight.  I played with him.  Brushed him and after a
 while he was so exhausted he fell asleep.  As soon a Arvid sat down to watch TV, Sniff
 ran right between his legs.  We're home and it feels good, but I miss my mom and dad.

When I'm all alone with my thoughts, I sure miss my Brutus like crazy. How I miss him
no one will every understand.  Yes, I miss him and there is nothing I can do about that.

Good morning everyone.  Hope your day is an awesome one!  Happy Friday.

Though no one can go back and make a brand new start.
Anyone can start from now and make a brand new ending...

~Nadiya~

Thursday...

With enough coffee, I feel as if all things are possible.

Many of them are highly unlikely, but they are possible...

Good morning everyone.  You know the saying: you can't buy happiness, but 

you can buy coffee.  For me right now, that's pretty much the happiness I need.

After being on the road for a few days it will be good to get back home to Sniffer.

He has been and is being well taken care for, but I want to think he misses us a bit. 

I know when Brutus was alive he missed us all the times we were gone, and I

missed him even more.  I miss that Brutus so much that sometimes I just get 

lost in him.  Shadow never really missed us he was always too busy being

 busy.  Shadow was a cutie and such a baby.  My Lil Shadow...

My Brutus and my Shadow.  I miss you a little too much, a little too often,

and a little more everyday.  I wish I could hold you again.  See you.  Touch you.

Yes we're going home.  As Arvid said we still have the whole weekend to do whatever it is 

we want, and trust me when I say there is always something to do in Chicago.

Yes, I know it's only Thursday, but for many the weekend starts today.  I know

for Arvid and I it does.  We've been on the road and now it's time to soon go home and 

celebrate.  The thing about Arvid and I is that we find reasons to celebrate.  It does 

not matter what it is is, we see the good side of things and for that we celebrate.  Life 

is only one and we celebrate it everyday.  Granted some days more than others.

To all a good day.  In a few hours we should be home with Sniffer.

Remember everyone.  It's the little moments that make life big.

Life should not only be lived.  It should be celebrated.

The more you celebrate your life the more there is in life to celebrate...

~Nadiya~

Indianapolis...

Doing what you love is freedom.  Loving what you do is happiness...

After spending a few days with my mom and dad, I am grateful for every minute I had 

with them.  Today we say goodbye, and now Arvid and I head out to another

 trip. Takes us to Indianapolis.  Indianapolis is the capital and largest city 

of the U.S. state of Indiana and the seat of Marion County. It is located

 in the East North Central region of the Midwestern United States.

Believe it or not Arvid and I have 2 properties in Indianapolis, but the reason for 

going there is because of another trade meeting.  No matter where we go, 

Arvid always finds places and people doing trades.  Love it because we 

get to see parts of the United States we otherwise may not have seen.  

Of course it means we may go and take a look at our properties.  Arvid when 

he invests he does not necessarilly see the properties.  He just has a good 

business sense.  Granted not always 100% accurate, but more than 

not he has been doing quite well.  We have. So far so good.

We have the day to explore Indianapolis, enjoy a good dinner andwho knows what else.  

Life is good.  We are loving doing what we do because we have fun and at the 

same time we are "working."  All in all this is what life is all about. When

 you love what you do it not work.  It becomes fun and adventure. 

 That's how we view our life.  It may not always be good times, but it is 

always an adventure waiting to be discovered and conquered.

Happy Thursday all.  Remember to let the beauty 
of what you love be what you do.

If you love what you do, it isn't your job, it is your love affair.
You must learn to enjoy life and have fun doing what you love...

~Nadiya~

Grateful...

Without new experiences something inside of us sleeps.

One must awaken the sleeper.  A grateful heart is a magnet for miracles...

I am just grateful to be able to spend these last few days with my mom and dad.  I don't

 really care where we are.  As long as we are together my day is always going to be a

 good one.  My mom is one of those women who never complains no matter what life 

throws her way.  She handles everything with a dignity and strength that I can only 

hope to one day master, even a little like her.  When she hurts, she never lets us know. 

If she's sad she rarely lets on.  She is forever the one who encourages us.  Pushes us 

to be better and no matter what she is always positive.  She is the kind of woman 

I hope to one day be like.  If only a little.  When I was a little girl back in

 Guyana and the teacher asked who our role model was, there was never

 any doubt.  Always my mom and dad.  Still is and always will be.

For me just having coffee with her is a pleasure.  Sitting and listening to my dad tell 

stories to Arvid and I is special.  You see when my dad tells his stories, Arivd also 

tells stories from his childhood.  The evenings become a trip down memory 

lane for both of my parents, Arvid and I.  Some of the best times are spent  

 exchanging stories.  Would not change it for anything in the world.

Wish you all a very good day.  Sometimes the simple things in life are the best.

At the end of the day, let there be no excuses, no explanations, no regrets.

Good morning everyone.  It is a beautiful day here in the Smoky Mountains.

Acknowledging the good that you already have in

 your life is the foundation for all abundance...

~Nadiya~

Pigeon Forge....A New Experience

The purpose of life is to live it, to taste experience to the utmost,

to reach out eagerly and without fear for newer and richer experience...

Pigeon Forge, a mountain town and vacation area in eastern Tennessee, is the home

 of Dollywood, entertainer Dolly Parton’s Appalachian-themed park consisting

 of rides, an adjoining water park and a museum of her costumes and

 memorabilia.  The city’s other family-friendly attractions include country 

music revues, magic shows, dinner theaters and outlet malls.

The best-kept secret of the Great Smoky Mountains of Tennessee is how awesome 

Dollywood is! Whether you are old or young, into Dolly Parton or not, into roller coasters,

 bluegrass music, history, wildlife preservation, trains, water slides or old timey craftsmanship, 

this park has got something for you. Contrary to popular belief, you DON’T need to 

be a Dolly Parton fanatic in order to have a great time here! But if you have any bit 

of affection for the woman, it is likely to increase ten fold by the time you leave.

For the rest of the day we will be exploring and discovering more about Pigeon Forge.

Always interesting to see new places and to experience new things.  Time to go and do some 

more discovering.  Having a wonderful time with my parents.  Nothing else really matters.

To all a very good day.  Remember never be afraid to try something new, because

 life gets boring when you stay within the limits of what you already know.

A mind that is stretched by a new experience can never go back

 to its old dimensions.  Experience is the teacher of all things...

~Nadiya~

Road Trip...

On the road again goin' places that I've never been

Seein' things that I may never see again

Yes.  I said I never wanted to go anywhere again, but I did say that if it was in 

the USA and for just a few days, well we were game.  And so here we are. 

 On the road again.  Yes, we are all excited to be on the road again.

Sniff will be well cared for by Queta and Ana.  They love him and we just feel 

so happy knowing he is being played with, petted and loved almost all day long.  

You see they come over and stay with him many times per day.

This road trip is extra special because we will be spending it with my parents.

  Arvid is happy to be doing this and I am super excited.  It was Arvid's idea

 after all to invite my mom and dad to join us in this trip.  How can

 you not love this man????  He's a one in a million man.

Pigeon Forge, Tennessee here we come, and I can't wait to get on the road again.

On the road again
Just can't wait to get on the road again
The life I love is making music with my friends...

~Nadiya~

Weekend...

Happiness is a road trip with a good playlist...

Our weekend is sure looking to be a good one.  In just a few hours we will be seeing 
my parents and having a few days with them.  I love love spending time with my mom 
and day and I am so grateful and happy that Arvid also enjoys it very much.

To know my parents is to love them.  I don't say this just because they are my
 parents, but because it's the way they live their life and the way they have shown 
kindness, compassion, generosity and love to anyone that comes into their lives.

I have been fortunate to have them as my role models in life.  For my parents I 
will do whatever I can, and every opportunity I have to see them I will treasure.  Arvid 
 always makes it possible that these opportunities come along. Many a times
 he plans a "meeting" in North Carolina just so that we can be in the area
 and I can see them.  Arvid shows me what love is in many ways.

Yes, this will be a special weekend.  Many new things to see and do.  Best of all we
 will be seeing and doing them with my mom and dad.  How could it get any better?

To all a very good weekend.  Someone once said:  There are far better 
things ahead than any we leave behind.  I will think positive always.

Weekend is here.  Let's roll baby...

~Nadiya~

Simple Pleasures...

Life brings simple pleasures to us everyday. 
 It is up to us to make them wonderful memories...

Yesterday was market day.  We get a nice walk  getting there and once there I just go

 a little crazy enjoying all the fresh produce, bakery and more.  It's an absolute 

feast to the eyes and other senses.  Yes, it's another of our favorite outings 

here in the city.  It's the simple things that brings the greatest pleasures.

Playing with Sniffer is always a fun, relaxing part of our day.  Lately he likes chasing
 one of him many strings that before he just ignored.  Go figure.  Of course both
 Arvid and I play with him as much as we can.  When he's not playing he's
of course sleeping.  Last couple of days sniff has been sneezing.  Acting a little
 more quiet than usual.  Hopefully he will not get the flu or the cold.

Our walk yesterday took us to Navy Pier.  More specifically we made the walk just to
get to Ben and Jerry's.  I have always loved their Chunky Monkey ice-cream, and I have
now made it one of Arvid's favorite as well.  Yes, simple things makes one happy.

Wishing you all a very good day.  You know they say that
simple pleasures are life's treasures.  Definitely agree with that.

Already had an early walk and we were caught in heavy rain.  Hopefully
 tonight no rain.  We have a dinner date with friends to a Vietnamese Restaurant.
Looking forward to it since we have never had Vietnamese food.

Happy Friday everyone.  If you live in Chicago.  Stay dry.
Sniffer as you can see is not taking any chances with this wet weather.

The older I get the more I realize that I just need the simple things in life:
A comfy home, good food on the table and to be surrounded by people I love...

~Nadiya~

All In A Days Work...

Either you love Chicago or you are wrong.  I'd rather be a 
lamppost in Chicago than a millionaire in another city..

Yesterday was laundry day for this week.  As always I look at the schedule posted to see

 how much is planned for this day.  You see all move-ins; move-outs and deliveries use 

the same elevator I have to use.  The service elevator.  Last week I choose a day that

 not much was scheduled.  Unfortunately everyone in the building decided to do

 laundry on that day as well.  Good thing is that I made a few new "friends"

Arvid is into this fish thing so every week I try to make it for him.  He only eats salmon
and I always combine it with shrimp.  So garlic shrimp sauteed with mushrooms and apple
wood salmon with rice and a salad was his.  Of course I had something completely different.

We also had a little shopping outing.  Arvid buys more in Chicago than he does
when we are in Florida.  I don't mind because I get to check out some of my favorite
shops again!! and truth is Arvid always wants to buy me something, but if I don't need
it or like it, then why should I get it.  When I see it I will know. Not before.

Seems like Wednesdays is Sangria day for me.  After a little sprint through Macy's both
 Arvid and I were ready for a little social Wednesday celebration.  Why not?

To all a good day and may you always live in interesting times.

Eventually I think Chicago will be the most beautiful great city left in the world...

~Nadiya~

How You Look At Life....

Before Alice got to Wonderland she had to fall.

It's not what you do.  It's how you do it.  It's not what you see. 

 It's how you see it. It's not how your life is.  It's how you live it.

He is not Brutus.  No one ever will nor can be Brutus, but little Sniffer is sure one 

gorgeous little kitty and in his own special way he is stealing our hearts little 

by little.  This look.  Just melts ones heart.  How can you not love him?

He's in his most favorite spot of all. Between Arvid's legs.  Little Sniff does not 

want much.  He just wants t be played with and loved.  That we do all day long.  His little

 face melts my heart and makes me realize that hopefully (maybe) one day I will give come to 

accept that Brutus died and that he will no longer be here.  I miss my Brutus so much.

Everyday Sniff makes us laugh and he sure brightens up our life.  I am still grieving

 for my Brutus, and I ache for Shadow, but with Sniff in our lives I know and I hope one day 

it will be better.  It will never be the same as it was with Brutus, but maybe that is also OK.

One of our outings yesterday took us to the duckies.  Arvid feeds them and I try to 

take as many pictures as possible.  We fed quite a few.  Some were just tiny little babies,

 while others that were just grazing on the grass were huge and all they wanted to do

 was bite us.  As Arvid tried to not get bitten I was busy taking pictures.  Yes, one 

of them almost got me, but it was fun.  They are very aggressive ducks.

A big part of living in the city is that we are able to walk to everything.  There is 

always something happening.  Yesterday was a pretty good day.  Felt and looked like 

summer again.  We are loving it and for now we plan to enjoy it for the remainder

 of the time we have left.  Who knows maybe this year we will come to Chicago and

 experience a winter.  At least that is what we say, but will see how cold it gets.

Wishing you all a very good day.  Enjoy summer for it will soon be over.  Remember, 

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

It's better to look back on life and say, "I can't believe I did that."

than to look back and say, "I wish I did that."...

~Nadiya~