Sunday December 14th~

The best time of your life is always the present 

moment," and "Time is the wisest counselor of all."

 Yesterday Arvid watched many soccer games.  It was

 the perfect time to go visit my mom and dad.  As always I 

came back home with a ton of food.  My mom is the best cook,

and I am sure grateful to have them here.  Not because I always

 get good foodies (a plus), but I get to spend time with them.

I had to rush and come home to made Arvid's lunch😁.  

I really wish he was better in the kitchen.  Some days

 it would be very helpful.  I make him a salad almost 

everyday, and even that he does not help with.  If ask 

him to do it, he says, "I don't need a salad today." 

The weather was a bit gloomy for most of the day, 

but by evening it sure cleared up.  Arvid turned

 on the jukebox and that was the indication that the 

mood was being set of an outing for some music.

It's been a while since we last turned on the jukebox. 

 It sure sounded good.  I love seeing Arvid in his "zone"  Music 

does that to him💙 He seems to forget everything else when

 the music is blasting, and is transported elsewhere magical.

Last night we went out for some holiday feels.  It's always 

so pretty seeing everything all lit up and people having a 

good time.  The weather was just perfect, even so we were 

bundled up.  Dress code here is whatever suits you best.

The crowd was happy and there was people everywhere. 

 I just enjoy being around happy people and seeing everyone 

having a good time.  I know it's not like this for everyone,

 but I really enjoy this time of the year very much 🎄.

Wishing everyone a happy day.  They say a person needs 

just three things to be truly happy in this world: someone

 to love, something to do, and something to hope for.

If you're not having a good time find something 

else that gives you some joy in life...

~Nadiya~

Saturday December 14th~

Embrace the new, no matter how 
uncomfortable, and make it work for you...

Yesterday started out cold and very windy.  The wind

 for hours was howling, but this being Florida by afternoon 

it was already warming up nicely.  I was so cold during the 

day that I made myself some got chocolate.  Arvid needs 

the right "ingredients" to do anything.  I don't.  If I feel

 like having hot chocolate, I have hot chocolate.

As always the weekend is filled with soccer games. 

 Arvid is already a happy man.  Sniff will watch a little 

with him, but most likely will fall asleep before the game 

even gets to half-time.   Everyone is happy.  I get to 

do something on my own without having to rush.

A little more Floridian humor coming your way.

  Floridians love making fun of the tourists, in a good 

way (mostly).  The one that says take 1-95 North 

means go back home to where you belong 😂

It's a cool as in cold start of the day, but it will be 

warming up nicely.  On days like these the sunsets 

are even more amazing.  A very good day to all.

Start your day with positive energy and happy thoughts...

~Nadiya~

Friday December 13th~

Parents aren't the people you come from. They're 

the people you want to be, when you grow up...

 Yesterday was cold and windy, but it didn't stop us from

 going to the house to do a few things.  At the same time 

we got to spend some time with my parents.  Arvid and 

my dad worked together installing some grip bars in the

 bathroom.  My dad was the helper and he was so happy.

We enjoyed a few hours with mom and dad.  Arvid and my

 dad worked, mom and I chatted.  Everyone had a good time.

When my dad got back from New York I personally 

thanked my cousins and their spouses for taking 

such good care of him.  He stayed with one of his 

nieces and after thanking her she responded:

Nad it was a pleasure taking care of your dad. It’s the

 first time we got to spend time with him one on one

 I can’t stop thinking how hard he work to help us and

 to bring us all over here he laid the foundation for my

 mom me and my future generation and being with him

 was the most precious time I have spent God bless

 and thank you all.  Love always Ayome

It's thanks to my mom and dad's generosity and kindness 

that many of their families from both sides are now living

 in the USA.  My parents have NEVER asked for any credit 

for what they did.  They looked at it as a family duty to 

help family, but I must say it is nice to know that 

their kindness does not go unnoticed by some.

There is no one like my parents.  Their generosity is 

unending.  Sometimes it goes too far, but that's them. 

I learnt from the best and for me being humble and

 grateful is something I will always be thankful for. 

 I saw how they lived and I wanted that in my life.

After we left mom and dad's home we

 came home changed into warmer clothes and 

walked downtown for lunch.  After all, it was 

Thursday and it's my day off from cooking. Plus I 

never want to miss a chance of seeing the sunset.

The best inheritance a parent can give his 

children is a few minutes of his time each day...

~Nadiya~

Thursday December 12th~

Worrying doesn't take away tomorrow's

 troubles, it takes away today's peace...

 Yesterday Arvid and I picked my dad up from the airport 

and drove him back to the house.  My dad was in New York

 for a funeral and he was surely missed a lot.  I am just so 

happy he is back home with my mom.  Now I feel better 

again.  I know I worry too much.  I just can't help it.

Another "cold" front is here.  Cold for Floridians. 

 On the other hand, with this cold front there could 

be a variety of other things happening in our weather.  

One has to always be prepared for whatever this Florida 

weather throws at you.  Always an interesting time.

Here in Fort Myers and many part of the nation and world we 

are all waiting patiently for the arrival of M15 and Lady (F23) eaglets.  

We are all on egg watching waiting for that first pip that represents the 

soon to bee arrival of new life and new adventures.  I just love them.

It's a cold start of the day.  We do have a 

few things to do luckily, they are all indoors.

A good day to all.  Feels like a hot chocolate kind of morning. 

 Arvid's specialty, will see when he get up.  In the meantime, 

the wind is howling on the outside, otherwise it's a peaceful

 morning.  My Sniff is on his heating bed nice and cozy.

You all pray for Florida.  It's 48 degrees

 and we don't own any pants.  Floridians be

 like, "that cold front gone yet...?"

~Nadiya~

Wednesday December 11th~

The life of the dead is placed in the memory of the living...

Yesterday was the cremation ceremony for my uncle 

in New York.  My dad is there representing our family.  My 

dad's eldest sister's husband is the one who died. It is definitely a 

very sad time for the family.  He leaves behind five daughters, 

2 sons, a ton of grandkids and his wife, my eldest aunt.

While my dad is in New York mom is home alone 

so yesterday I spent the day with her just doing girl 

stuff.  We always start out with mani-pedi.  Always 

we had a good mother and daughter time together.

After that we went to a farmers market not far from 

where they live.  Arvid and I have been there before, 

but I never noticed the baby goats, the mini donkey, 

chickens and the huge turtles.  Yesterday I did.

I also took my mom out to lunch to this very delicious

 Puerto Rican restaurant.  They make the best drinks. 

 Reminds me of being in Puerto Rico all over again.

We had delicious food, but I continue to say that the drinks are 

the absolutely best.  I developed a liking for passion fruit mojito

 when we lived in Puerto Rico.  Every ingredient used is fresh.  My

 mom always favors the Piña Colada.  They are absolutely delicious.

The best part of the day was being able to spend time with 

my mom and to take her out and do a few things together.  I loved it.

Meanwhile we are expecting another cold front tomorrow.  

Sniff is cuddling up with his lil buddy to stay warm.  Plus 

he's on his heating bed.  No getting cold here for him.

Another early start of the day for Sniff and I.  He's already 

been brushed, his bed changed with clean linen and he's now 

back resting.  I love the quietness of my time alone in 

the mornings.  It's peaceful and reinvigorating.

The connections we make in the course

 of life—maybe that's what heaven is...

~Nadiya~

Tuesday December 10th~

 Laugh out loud, follow your heart 

enjoy the little things in life...

Yesterday was more a work at day from home.  

There were a few things needing to be taken

 care of, and that we did.  In all of this Sniff 

was just taking it easy and looking at us.

There is always time for a little afternoon walk of course,

 after the soccer game.  There's been two games a day lately

 (during the work week).  As Arvid would say, "I'm so busy"

No matter how many times we go for walks, I am

 always fascinated by the feel of Christmas all around us.

  No matter what or when, I am always happy taking it 

all in.  Of course there are pictures involved.  As 

I say to Arvid, "someone has to document it."

To all a very good day.  I know the Holidays is not always

 a good time for everyone.  Many are all by themselves

 and the Holidays can make it feel even lonelier. 

 For this I do not know what to say.  I know that I 

make my own holiday special and this year is

 even better because my parents are here. 

To all a very good day.  May you find something 

to always be grateful for.  I am always grateful

 for my Sniff and all the blessings in my life.

Be healthy and take care of yourself, but be happy

 with the beautiful things that make you, you...

~Nadiya~

Monday December 9th~

 You are ready for whatever this new 

week brings you, make it a good one...

A new week is here again.  Looking forward to seeing

 what it holds.  Hope to spend some time with my mom 

since my dad will be in New York for a few days.  Just 

keeping her company and doing a few girl things.

In the meantime here at home we continue to

 stay busy.  Doing what is sometimes a little difficult

 to explain, but Arvid sure know how to look the part

 and act the part of being busy.  He does it well.

Arvid and I enjoyed a good outing yesterday.  

Yesterday's choice was Rumrunners.  Always a good 

choice and a favorite of ours.  The sun was shining 

warming us up.  Made for perfect outdoor activity.  

I'm totally hooked on their chocolate cake.

May your week be filled with good thoughts, 

kind people and happy moments...

~Nadiya~

Sunday December 8th ~

Every day I like to wake up, and remind

 myself to be grateful of the simple things...

 Sniff continues to sit with Santa and Mrs. Claus 
everyday.  He seems to enjoy their company 🎅

Yesterday I spent time with my parents.  Once again 

we met at the mall.  My dad had to do some clothes shopping 

because he is on his way to New York for a funeral.  Last 

year when they were here they also had a funeral to attend.

  At least it was in Orlando and not in freezing New York 🍎.

The mall like everywhere else looks even more beautiful 

during the Holidays.  I truly love walking around admiring

 all things Christmas.  Making it even better, yesterday we had 

a little outing Downtown.  It was a really delicious time.

The sounds and sights of Christmas continue to make me happy.  

At times I find Arvid also admiring some of it.  Yes, a happy time.

Wishing everyone a happy day.  May you always

 find something to make you smile and to never 

forget that there is so much to be grateful for.

A grateful perspective brings happiness 

and abundance into a person's life....

~Nadiya~

Saturday December 7th~

Be kind.  For everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle...

 It's a beautiful start of the day here in Fort Myers.  I'm 

getting into the Christmas spirit, even if it's only me. 

 I make sure Sniff is always a part of it as well.  Arvid 

still a work in progress.  One can always hope 😂

We have been watching lots of soccer all week long, 

and so many more scheduled over the weekend.  Will be a

 "packed" day mostly for Arvid.  Sniff loves this time because 

he gets to cozy up and snuggle with us.  My turn today 💙

Arvid and I got back home last night from Sarasota.  As

 always Arvid made lots of offers and had a great time at the 

trade meeting.  He had his "stuff "very organized as always.

Some guy brought a suitcase filled with clothes to trade. 

 At first I wondered what the heck, but then he said they were

 "special" engraved for Christmas as a last minute present.  

Sadly for him he had to take everything back with him.

We both had a very good time doing what we liked.  I also 

enjoyed spending some time watching Arvid do his thing.  He loves 

it and he's good at it.  I did have my Indian food for lunch and I also 

did have appetizers and dessert at a Puerto Rican place.  I did manage

 to go to the mall a bit.  Yes, I had a full day and I'm very content.

Lots of cleaning and some unpacking for this morning.  

The one thing I do not look forward to is the unpacking

 of a suitcase after a trip, but someone's got to do it 😂

A good day to all and may the spirit of Christmas make 

you happy.  Below is my favorite Christmas decoration. 

 Given to us years ago by Arvid's mom and dad.  I make 

sure it's out every year.  I love it and so does Sniff.

Happiness depends upon ourselves...

~Nadiya~