Sunday February 28th

Enjoy the peaceful moments you have 
because these moments are very rare...

Being here in North Carolina with mom and dad is 

always peaceful and stress free.  For my sisters as 

well this is the place we all look forward to coming. 

 It is where for a few days we can forget the stresses in

 our daily lives and just be at peace with ourselves.

The quietness, the peacefulness, it  just calls to

 you.  I can't say I would like to live here, but for

 a few days it's exactly what the soul needs. 

Good morning everyone.  I hope you all have a 

place like this, where your mind is at ease 

and your heart is content and happy.

In each and every day may you take a moment for yourself.

  Close your eyes.  Enjoy the silence.  Slow down. 

 Breathe.  Be still.  Reflect.  Simply be...

~Nadiya~

Saturday February 27th North Carolina ~

 You shouldn't wait for other people to make special 

things happen. You have to create your own memories...

One thing I will say, no matter where Arvid goes he

 does find soccer to watch. He's cold.  You can just tell

 from the way he's bundled up, it does help that he made 

everyone his famous hot chocolate yesterday and today.

My dad keeps the place cold be it summer or winter. 

 he loves it cold, on the other hand he is always covered up

 head to toe.  Summer and winter.  he even has gloves on

 in the summer.  Their home at summertime used to be an 

"icebox", but lately they have toned it down a bit.

Dinner was good.  It felt so good to actually eat 

in a restaurant again.  I almost forgot how good it is.

Back home little Sniff is doing good. Missing his

 meow's, but knowing he's good and that we will soon be 

home with him makes me smile.  I love that little dude.

Family, today's little moments 

become tomorrow's precious memories...

~Nadiya~

Friday January 26th North Carolina ~

 It takes a moment to make memories
 and a lifetime to forget them...

For the next couple of days we will be making 

memories once again in North Carolina with my parents.  

It's cold, and I am expecting Arvid to complain quite

 a lot about that.  Can't be helped, at the same time

 it won't stop us from having a good time. 

 Of course a few cold ones with my dad is also 

going to help. When we arrived last night, Arvid and 

my dad already indulged in a few cold ones.  Helps to 

keep the cold away 😂, at least that's what they say.

  They always do.  They tell stories of their childhood,

 and so begins always our stay in North Carolina.

 Always, always a happy time. So thankful 💙

For the next few days, all I will do is enjoy the

 time I have with my parents.  For tomorrow is never 

promised to any of us. It's realizing that a great dream 

is not as good as a great memory. The dream can be 

had by anyone. The memory - must be made.

Our pictures are our footprints. It’s

 the best way to tell people we were here...

~Nadiya~

Granite Falls, NC ~ Home To Mom and Dad ~ Thursday February 25th

On the road again, goin’ places that I’ve never

 been. Seein’ things that I may never see again, 

and I can’t wait to get on the road again... 

Making our way to North Carolina today. Looking

 forward to seeing my parents so very much.

Also keeping track of the "winter" storm conditions

 in North Carolina.  Hopefully we will not see much 

of it, but definitely we will feel the chill of it.  Oh

 well, I want to see my parents, so as far as I am

concerned the weather won't hold me back.  

Just hope it does not snow too much

 because then we do not have snow tires. 

 That can and will be a problem.

Arvid and I have a long drive ahead of us.  The only thing

 I do not like about this trip is the length of time it takes to

 get there.  We take turns driving so that makes it a little

 better, but even so, almost 12 hours in the car is not so 

great. But to see my parents, it's sure worth it 😍

Sniff is home alone, well he does have Gladys coming

 in twice a day, so he's going to be just fine.  Well stocked 

with food and two clean litter pans.  He will be fine.

Our weekend has begun and I am happy and grateful.

No one can ever take your memories from you - 

each day is a new beginning, make good memories every day...

~Nadiya~

Halfway There ~ Wednesday February 24th

 Whenever you find yourself doubting how far you can 
go, just remember how far you have come.  Remember
 everything you have faced, all the battles you have
 won, and all the fears you have overcome...

When my day starts with Sniff and his adorable self, 

I just know it is going to be an amazing day.  He always 

looks at me in the exact same way.  It's love for sure😻

No Cheetos tonight.  We went for mini Oreos instead,

 and I do know I should not be eating them, but

 I'm weak and I do indulge my weaknesses. 

I love chocolate, and the other day Arvid went to the
 Norwegian store for a few things he needs.  My only 

request was Norwegian chocolate.  The best there is. 

 Once you've had Norwegian chocolate nothing else

 compares to it.  Arvid go me a few, and all I have left

 is one😭  I can't seem to pace myself the way he does.  

Arvid can't eat the chocolate anymore 😭  It seems like

 he's allergic to some ingredient in it.  More for me 😜

Looking to be another beautiful day here in the Sunshine State. 

 Random rain showers, but as I am usually reminded, it is warm.  

Definitely no complains.  Hopefully Spring is in the air and 

soon the cold states and countries will have warm up.

 Spring adds new life and new joy to all that is.

Here comes the sun, and I say, it's all right...

~Nadiya~

Tuesday February 23rd ~

 An open road is the most exciting part of any road trip...

In just a few days February will be over.  Two

 months into 2021 sure went by fast. February has been 

good to me.  Last week we got to see family.  It was

 such a good time.  Can't wait for the next time. 

This week we will also be seeing more of my family. 

 We see my parents in NC.  It's much easier for me 

than it is for Arvid to see family. Norway is far.

As usual my parents go all the way out when we visit.  

My mom is already asking what we would like to eat. 

 She always makes scalloped potatoes for Arvid.  He says

 she makes the best scalloped potatoes.  She really does.  

My mom is an excellent cook, and she loves to cook.

Nothing different with us.  Walks and time on the balcony. 

 Unfortunately, for some reason we do not spend as much time

 sitting out on the balcony here as we did in Puerto Rico,

 but when we do, there is never a lack of things to see. 

 People watching is always a favorite of ours.  

We have witnessed quite a few weddings yesterday. 

 On our walk yesterday we saw another couple tying the knot.

 Two men were very happy yesterday and as we passed them you

 could feel their good vibes.  Was very nice to see happiness.

Once again Sniff and I are awake too early, but Sniff

 being smarter than me😉 is already back to dreamland.  

I wish I could do the same. Not so easy anymore,

 good thing I love mornings and its quietness.

Good morning all.  May today be better than yesterday.

Take a deep breath, it's just a bad day, not a bad life...

~Nadiya~

Monday February 22 ~

 If you feel like you are losing everything,
 remember trees lose their leaves every year, and they

 still stand tall waiting for better days to come...

These are all from Lauderdale by The Sea, just

 about 15 minutes from us, and where at one time

 Arvid and I lived.  Point being, Florida sure is

beautiful and we are sure enjoying "winter"

These pictures were not taken by me, I just

think they are beautiful, so had to share.

Counting down the days until we go to visit my

 parents in NC.  It's been a while and I am so happy

 Arvid was the one who suggested it.  Was not sure 

how he would react if I did because of Covid.  

May this week be the start of better things to come.  

What a wonderful thought it is that some of

 the best days of our lives haven't happened yet...

~Nadiya~

Sunday Again ~

Don't let your perceptions of your
 circumstances limit your possibilities...

I know at times (many times) some things are

 easier said than done, but we just have to just keep 

pulling ourselves back up, no matter how many

 times we fall.  If we don't we may as well just give

 up and die. The choice is ours. Ours alone.

Sniff is my happy place.  He has not gotten out of 

bed as yet, on the other hand he sure made quite a

 racket early in the morning hours.  Maybe he was mad

 we left him home alone yesterday for some hours. 

 He's gotten used to us being around all the time.

We had a good time visiting everyone yesterday.  Max, Kelsey

 and Rogue are a little family and just too cute together.

To all a very good day.  Next week we see my parents. 

 Could not be any happier.  Already planning on where

 we can take them.  We always take the to Longhorn 

Steak House, hoping to do the same again.

Gratitude has the power to transform everything: 

our perceptions, our experiences and our state of mind...

~Nadiya~

Road To Naples, Naples Florida That Is ~

 Family is a gift.  Take time to see them...

On our way to see Max, Kelsey and Rogue today.

  Will also be seeing Nina, David and Texie if he can make it. 

 Texie is now older and his arthritis makes it very difficult

 for him to move and sit for long hours in the car.

  Texie of course is their doggie.  I love Texie, guessing I

 am about to fall in love with Rogue as well.  Max and Kelsey's 

doggie.  It's been a very long time since we last saw everyone.  

So very excited right now to see them as you can imagine.

Max, Kelsey and Rogue live in Naples, Kelsey also has a 

place in Miami. Kelsey hails from Kentucky, and together

 she and Max have sure shared many cultural differences. 

 Kelsey grew up in a farm with horses, so when Max first

 went with her to Kentucky his only fear was, "I hope the horse

 does not throw me off while I am on it."  Yes, Kelsey's 

parents have horses and she's an excellent rider.

I am so excited to be seeing them all today.  Hopefully this 

summer Arvid also gets to see his family in Norway.  It's already 

18 months since Arvid last saw his mother COIVID!!!

Wishing everyone an better day than yesterday,

 and let's not forget to make our "someday" today.

My mother used to tell me that when push comes

 to shove, you always know who to turn to. That being a

 family isn't a social construct but an instinct...

~Nadiya~

Friday ~😷🌴😎

Make sure every moment counts as a life priority....

This pandemic crisis we are all living through

 is really getting to me today.  Talked Rima yesterday, 

and she said the same.  Being "locked" up really

 changes one's perspective and views in life😷.

  Very much so.  For instance, Rima who loved,

 and still loves California is starting to see more of the

 not so good in the Golden State.  The pandemic

 has definitely changed the way we see life.

It's Friday🥱.  For Arvid and I not our typical Friday.  

Since March of 2020 while we have been in Florida we 

have not gone anywhere.  Some days it gets to me more 

than others🙄  Another reason why we loved living so 

much in Puerto Rico.  We had a little more freedom.

Enough whining for now. It's warm and that alone is so 

much better than being in pandemic times in the freezing 

cold.  For that and for so many other reasons, I am grateful. 

 Friday, I guess it's balcony time and piña coladas today.

We need to give grace and second 

chances because we need this in return....

~Nadiya~

Thursday 🌴 February 18th ~

May your choices reflect your hopes, not your fears...

Today we go to doing a few errands together🥱 

good thing is that these errands take us by one of 

our favorite Thai restaurants. Smiling already.

Yes, at this place even Arvid has found something likes 🥳. 
Nothing new happening here. Weather is good for us, but 

not for so many. Once again Branson is snow covered and I 

am amazed at the amount of snow at Almost Home.

  Everyone is pitching together to shovel it out.  Hiring 

someone to do the job not so easy right now.  I was 

told everyone is already “taken” doing other jobs.

Pictured below are some of pictures from our Branson 

time.  This was January of 2018. Our second winter at 

the time in Branson. Cold, but always happy times.

Sometimes I think I miss it, but then I “hear” 

everyone groaning and complaining and I know how

 good we have it ☃️.  We won’t trade places with anyone

 right now  it looks pretty, but when you own a business 

it’s hard work to make sure everything works and runs 

efficiently.  Thank you Chris and T for the pictures.

Sniff is good  he sure loves his views and his favorite spots.

  I look at him and smile, he sure makes me happy.  

Arvid as usual stays busy  he finds ways to 

make himself busy 😇 wish I could do the same.  

On the other hand,  I have done some cleaning up of

 my closet space  so that makes me feel good. 

 I do a cleaning every so often and give a 

bag of stuff to Gladys, the lady who watches

 Sniff and who works in our building.

Week almost over, but so far it’s been a good one

  how about your side of the world?  Wishing everyone

 happy times and better days to come.  It's coming.

Decisions are the hardest thing to make 

especially when it is a choice between where

 you should be and where you want to be...

~Nadiya~

Wednesday ~

 Stay positive.  Better things are on their way...

Yesterday it was a typical rainy day in Florida.  It rained, 

it stopped, it rained heavily , then it stopped.  Went on for

 a good part of the day.  I was in the middle of doing many 

errands and doctors visits so for me it was not the best day

 to be running around.  Arvid dislikes the rain, so of course 

he stayed in most of the time, and yes soccer was on.

The rain didn't stop me from going to my newest 

favorite Cuban cafe for a little nibble and of

 course cafe con leche.  Made my day ☕.

Arvid still asleep, Sniff came out of the bedroom, but is also

 sleeping. It's just me and the quietness of the morning.  I love it.

Good morning/day to all.  Half way done with the week already.

Couldn't resist this.  I feel very bad for everyone who 

has to be going through this terrible weather right now. 

 And another snow storm is brewing in the horizon.

Live life to the fullest and focus on the positive...

~Nadiya~

Tuesday February 16th ~

 A little progress each day adds up to big results...

The conditions for the next few days here in Fort Lauderdale. 

 Yes, we are very fortunate.  This February so far has been the

 warmest in a long time.  temperatures are  five to 10 degrees 

warmer than usual.  And we have not had any rain.  Last year

 when Michelle and family were here it rained quite a lot 😡.

Branson, Missouri which we called home for almost

 two years is experiencing one of their worst winters in a

 very long time.  Super cold and the snow is still coming 

down. Dangerous conditions for sure everywhere.

The above picture was taken looking across the 

street from Almost Home.  When we lived there it did get

 cold, but we never had this much snow to deal with.

On a different note, Arvid was talking to his brother. 

 They got to talking about days back in Norway and the

 things they did.  Lots of memories and laughter.  

They talked about a car Arvid owned back in 1978-1979. 

 Called Sundance Kid  A dragster.  His brother then saw

 the same car Arvid had back then in the newspaper. 

 Back then in Norway, this was the fastest car.

It seems the entire nation is going through some

 terrible weather.  Texas is setting record lows for

 temperature and the snow does not help.

Texas Blizzard or in Norwegian 

Iskaldt i Texas, ned mot minus 18 C – kulderekorder over hele USA

Either way you look at it its bad.  Take a look at the

 temperatures around the USA, and then you have Florida

 and Puerto Rico.  Fajardo is where Arvid, Sniff, 

and I lived when we were in Puerto Rico.

Yesterday we worked cleaning up our friends warehouse. 

 Yes, we do work and we are constantly doing things so when

 it gets to the afternoons/evenings it is our quiet time.

 It seems that is when I phone rings all day long. 

 Lately I have been getting way too many calls in

 the evenings.  That is our time, and unless it is

 an emergency I will not take your call., at 

least my phone is on.  Arvid turns his off.

 The only calls at that time allowed then 

are family, and a special friend I have in CA.  If it's

 not am emergency please call me earlier in the

 day, but do remember we also work.

Good morning all, and please remember that

 silence at times is best.  I like my quiet time.

Shhh...I'm witnessing my thoughts.  Please forgive me if

 I don't talk much at times.  It's loud enough in my head...

~Nadiya~