Cold Monday Morning...

It's Monday, time to sparkle and shine...

Monday mornings usually are busy, a little busier than most mornings because after

 having Sunday to relax we slacked off a little.  Now time to catch up and take

 care of business.  My first appointment for the day is at 9:00 am  Always interesting 

when have to meet new people.  Can't wait to see how it turns out.

I am involved in a few of the community happenings here and it makes me feel alive. 

 Getting to know more about the people and their way of life keeps me busy.  I love 

to hear their stories, talk to them and always learn a few lessons about life.

Arvid has a lot of running around to do.  Nothing different than most of his days, but 

now that we both have our own cars makes for better times.  I can do as I please and not 

have to go everywhere he goes.  Last week I visited my favorite shoe store...again.

Had to get up earlier than I wanted, don't mind but it is just so cold outside.

Right now it would have been really nice to wake up, walk out to the balcony 

and watch the boats go by.  Oh well there is I better get moving before I 

decide to go back under the covers.  Yup!  OK Monday, Let's do this.

Good morning.  Hope you have a week filled with unexpected moments that

 make you smile.  It's so cold I can barely stand the 4 minutes I'm outdoors everyday...

~Nadiya~

Something Different...

Nothing will change in your life if you don't do

 something different from what you've been doing...

Everyday life in Branson, Missouri is getting more and more interesting.  

Time just seems to fly and before you know it the weekend is over, the new week 

is on us and the business that has become our lives once again kicks in. 

 Gets our adrenaline pumping and makes for interesting times.  One never

 knows what to expect with each new day.  We like it that way. 

Yesterday Arvid and I were invited to a little BBQ.  The temperature never was above

 45 degrees Fahrenheit, even so we both helped out, enjoyed some very jumbo sized hot

 dogs and Arvid even enjoyed playing some pool with some of the people there.

  Very different from our usual times in Florida, but I ave to say we had a very

 good time and instead of the hour we would have usually spent, we ended up 

staying for over 3 hours.  New record for us.  We met very nice people,

 and everyone brought something which made it even more enjoyable. 

Some of them even had pets with them.  Made for a different, yet enjoyable time.

To all a very good day.  I am enjoying life here in Branson.  I have made friends.

I do look forward to going back home to Florida, but for now all is good here with us.

Never be afraid to try something new, because life gets boring 

when you stay within the limits of what you already know...

~Nadiya~

Time Flies When You're Having Fun...

There is only one thing more precious than our time and that's who 

we spend it with.  Time is not measured by clocks, but by moments...

Yesterday I realized that one of the things I have been missing a lot is the
aggressive driving. The speeding and yes just passing people and leaving
 them  in the dust.  Many a times I did it in Florida, like everyday.

People driving slowly irritates me.  Both Arvid and I love to change lanes all the time.
 Here in Branson not so easy. The roads are really curvy. Just 2 lanes from home
 and to all the places we like to go. The highway has more lanes but we usually
 just use the local roads.   Arvid had not honked his horn since being here. At least
I have not heard him. So yesterday as I switched lanes a few times and passed
 a few people I felt alive and happy. Won't happen much but it felt good!

Monday was a gloomy wet day. Not so cold but not a pretty day.  A few chores
 and I managed to get myself caught in the rain without an umbrella.  I did
not mind the rain, but I really hate when my shoes and my handbag gets wet.
 Rainy season seems to be starting early. Guess I have to start wearing
 my yellow rain boots when I head out. Love the color!

Arvid had been busy. Running here and there. Checking this and that.  The
 days have been going by pretty fast. Already it is Friday. Seem as soon as
 Monday is over the rest of the week just flies by.  Good I guess.

Everyday I continue to meet interesting people. I somehow always seem to get
caught up in their stories and of course they hear a few of mine.  Arvid and I have
been invited to a little cookout on Saturday.  If the weather is good we should be
 having grilled hot dogs with all the fixings.  Now I have to think of
something to take.  Yup!  Looking forward to that!

Here in Branson there is no Uber service, but there is something called The Loop.
Works the same except you're charged a flat rate within the city limits.  People here
 are friendly and very caring. Very religious and they love their sweet iced tea.

Lately I have not missed Florida much. When Arvid was there he brought Brutus'
and Shadows ashes with him.  They are not all alone anymore.  They are with
 me at all times in the office.  The office is now officially Sniff's room.  He has
 all his toys and scratching posts there.  It's now his and my space.

Whenever he wants to be alone he takes off to his room onto the window sill and
bird watches or just naps.  Sniff is really good. We love him.  He reminds us
 that there is always something to be grateful for.  Yes, he's a good kitty.

Our mornings start out always foggy.  Monday and Tuesday were very wet and kinda
 cold days.  The rest of the days have been sunny and warm.  Yesterday was in the 80's.
 Today temperatures are dropping again.  Saturday promises to be even colder.

Strange weather here in Branson.  Never know when you will go from 80 degrees
to 20 degrees within hours.  I never wore as much clothes as I have in the last 3 and
a half months.  Now I feel strange when my arms are uncovered.  Go figure.

Yesterday was beautiful and I was able to wear one of my bright colors for a change.
I love yellow, and I wore one of my favorite yellow tops.  Made me feel like
 summer was already here.  Today back to sweaters and jacket.

To all a very good day.  Always remember to take
time to do what makes your soul happy.

Time has a wonderful way of showing us what really matters.  Remember
 even your worst days have only 24 hours.  It's Friday the only 
decision you need to make is bottle or glass...

~Nadiya~

One Day At A Time...Let's Go

Where I am today... I still have my ups and downs, but I take it one day at a
 time and I just hope that I can be the best that I can possibly be, not only
 for myself, but also for the ones around me that need me to be
 strong and consistent....  Someone they can rely on...

I tell people that the best we can do is to live one day at a time.  Live it to the 
fullest.  Live it with dignity and with courage, to never lose sight of the
 real issues we face.  The time to really pull ourselves together and to
give it our best are the times when we feel like giving up.

When our defenses are at it's lowest, our morale is not at its best, that is
when we have to pull from deep within us and to say, "I will not give up.
 I am a fighter, and if I can believe it I can achieve it."

To everyone out there, when things appear at be at their lowest, it is then time for us
to do something.  To just sit back and say, "it is God's will," to me is the easy
 way out.  I believe that if I need help it is up to me to do something
 about it.  If I want results I must be an active participant, and not
 just sit in a corner praying and hoping all will turn out OK.

That is just not me.  I need to be a part of the solution and I need to be informed.

With this in mind, I am ready to face whatever it is the day holds for me.  Does not
necessarily mean I will always like it, but at least I know and I am better prepared to
deal with whatever life throws my way.  Not always easy, but a good attitude goes
 much further than a bad one.  Arvid says, "sometimes you sound much
 braver than you really are, and it's OK.  I love you for it."

Life is always throwing the unexpected at us.  Nothing else to do but to walk
 straight into the challenge.  Always keep moving because once we stop
everything will come crumbling down on us all at once.  We all know that
the best thing about the future is that it comes one day at a time.

I'm trying to stay as calm as possible and focus one day at a time, but when

 reality sets in, I feel everything: anxiety, excitement, nerves, pressure and joy..

Each day means a new twenty-four hours. Each day means every thing's possible again. 

You live in the moment, you die in the moment. You live in the light, 

you die in the light. You take it all one day at a time...

~Nadiya~

Days Of Sunshine...

Stay on the sunny side of life.  Those who bring sunshine into
the lives of others cannot keep it from themselves...

Sunday was the first time since living here in Branson we actually went downtown 

by the water and had a "better" meal and a typical Sunday outing we usually

 had when in Fort Lauderdale.  It felt great being back by the water having

 our meal and watching boats pass by.  Very different from

 the mega yachts back home, but just as nice and relaxing 

 The best part was that we were able to sit out in the sun and enjoy our meal.  

Yes it was a beautiful, warm, sunny day high's in the upper 70's.  For a February day 

here in Missouri it was just heaven.  Hopefully this is the trend for the remaining

 of the winter.  Though the day started out foggy it end up being a gorgeous day.

  Could not ask for anything better.  The rest of the week also in the 70's.

It felt good be be dressed in summer clothes and not to have to pile on layers

 after layers of clothing.  Yes, it felt just like "normal" again for us.  Even so, we were 

still concerned that it might turn cold again.  We of course took our jackets. 

 Fortunately we did not need them.  Well let's say I did not need mine.  Arvid said

 he was borderline cold towards the end.  So bad.  He is supposed to be a

 Norwegian Viking.  More like a wimp when it comes to the cold.

We took quite some time in the candy store stocking up on a few favorites.  Then
 we saw Kilwins.  My dad's favorite place to have ice-cream.  Arvid made me
 take a few pictures and told me to don't forget and email then to my dad.

Thus making sure they will visit us soon.  Whenever Arvid sees a Kilwins store
 the first thing he says is, "your dad's favorite ice-cream."  Strange how he
remembers certain things and forgets some even more significant ones.

Looking forward to more days like this one.  The perfect ending to the day was
coming home to Sniff Sniff.  He waits patiently and as soon as he saw us he started
 meowing loudly.  Meant he was ready for foodies and a good brushing.
  Of course he had both of those.  He gets brushed almost all day long
otherwise he just meows even louder.  Sniff s a very good kitty.

To all a very good day.  Remember when you can't find the sunshine
be the sunshine, because if you're always waiting for
the storm you will never find the sunshine.

Unfortunately yesterday we did not see any sunshine.  Mostly rain.  Today more
of that wet weather coming our way.  Guess I will be making my own sunshine
again.  Happy Tuesday everyone.  Time flies when you're having fun!

Keep your face always towards the sunshine and the shadows will fall behind you.

~Nadiya~

Hello Monday...

A brand new week to live, laugh be happy.
Train your mind to see the good in everything...

My baby sister, not so much a baby anymore, but in my eyes she will always be

 the baby. From little girls we were very close even with the age difference. 

 Through the years we got closer, and as I saw her blossom from child

 to woman I only admired her more.  The youngest in our family and 

mother of there kids.  Gabby, Riley and Lilly Vade.  

Not always easy shuffling 3 kids, a husband, a cooking business, a home, and 

still managing to maintain one's sanity and perspective in life.  Positive always

 and with the 'I will" attitude we all inherited from our parents.  Quitting is NEVER

 an option and that's the way she and all of us were raised.  Happy birthday.  

Soon you will be celebrating it in Costa Rica.  Hard work,

determination and a good attitude does pay off.  I love you!

Good morning everyone.  Monday morning again.  New week and for us it is

 looking pretty busy.  Nothing unusual here here.  Staying busy is what we like 

best and seems as if we got our wish here in Branson.  Happy day to all.

The best thing about having a sister is that I always have a friend..

~Nadiya~

Sunday In Branson, MO

Life is for most of us a continuous process of 

getting used to things we hadn't expected...

I stepped out the front door, and stepped right back in.  That is of course after taking 

 few pictures of the fog rolling in.  They said it was going to be a warm day again today,

 but it sure was cold out there.  On the other hand it is still very early in the morning.  

Hopefully in a few hours it will warm up, even if the sun does not show up.

Even Sniff Sniff does not like it.  He saw the fog and decided to head 

elsewhere to take his nap.  He is after all a very smart kitty.

Yesterday I finally discovered a Panera store not so far from us.  Had to check it out

 and as always who can resist all the delicious smells and the sights in the store.  Ended

 up buying everything I should not, but it made me happy and a little heavier.

The leaves are still brown and everything still looks a little "boring" but spring 

hopefully will soon be here.  Maybe earlier in Missouri than in many places

 experiencing winter right now.  "They" say the winter is not yet over, on the other hand

 "others" say the winter is soon over.  I have to wait and see for myself.

Our days are busier than expected.  The week goes by fairly fast and the weekends

 even faster.  Guessing in some way this is good.  Leaves less time for the 

mind to wander where it should not.  Happy Sunday everyone 

and may you always live in interesting times.

Time flies when you're in the place you're meant to be.

A Sunday well spent brings a week on content...

~Nadiya~

Never Judge A Person...

Every person is like a book. Judging people is like judging a book by it's cover. 

When we read, we know the intricacies of that book and then like it, whatever
 the cover may be like. That's why being judgmental is a very narrow 
minded approach of limiting your intellect. Once you turn over
 a new leaf and start to form your own opinion without over
 analyzing situations and people, you'll see the difference...

We are all guilty of this.  We all judge people and I know I am no exception.

Sometimes we just see someone, we don't even know them and already we
 are forming an opinion about them.  Many times it's the wrong opinion.

When we came to Branson, I formed my opinions based on what I saw.  Little by
little I realized how very wrong I was.  The more I got to know the people the more
I realized what a terrible thing it is to judge just based on first impressions.  I will
be the first to say sorry.  I was wrong.  I have met amazing people here with struggles
 and stories that at times seem too incredible to be true, but they really are.



I have learnt in the last 4 months that there is so much to learn.  So much to appreciate
 and to NEVER EVER take anything for granted.  Many in Branson are very poor,
but they have some of the biggest hearts of anyone I have met.  They remind me and
everyone that it is not how much you have, but what you do with what you have.

Many don't have much, but they are the first to share the little they have.  It reminds
me always of my parents.  Long time ago they did not have much, but the little
 they had they shared with everyone.  They have not changed in that way.



They have instilled that to their 5 daughters.  Something I am grateful for.  I want
 to be just like my mom and dad.  Caring and always ready to extend a helping hand.

Next time you meet someone, make sure you know them a little before

starting to judge them.  I will begin by following my own advise as well.

In my experience, I have found that women are more judgmental.  Women are
harsher and more critical towards other women.  Arvid says that he thinks
"women just hate each other, and that most are just jealous of each other."

Just like we believe we deserve the benefit of the doubt so do others.  Remember,
don't try and judge a person because you have no clue as to what they have been through!
I have learnt that judging a person does not define who they are.. it defines who you are

I'd rather be naked in front of a guy than in front of a group of girls. 

Women are judgmental.  Men are just grateful...

~Nadiya~

Already Thursday...

Happiness will never fail to come to those who fail to appreciate
 what they already have.  Remember, gratitude affects attitude...

I have a weakness for everything I probably should stay away from, but I was never

 one to listen to "reason."  I am more one to do as I wish, say what I want and move on.

Too bad the extra pounds don't move on as well.  Oh well no regrets.  Yesterday was 

just the perfect day to indulge.  Was wet and cold outside.  Warm and cozy indoors.

Still not used to this weather.  Just Monday it was warm.  Tuesday was cold as hell 

and rain all the time.  Every time I think winter is over it comes back with a vengeance.

 Definitely not my favorite time of the year, and this is only the first winter

 I have had in over 20 years.  Helped with a good meal as well.

Now I think I am really coming down with the flu.  Sore throat and body aches.
Yesterday I was very exhausted.  Guess that's what happens when you're not feeling
so great.  Sniff is never far from me.  At nights he sleeps so close to me that
 even if I wanted to get up I don't.  You see I don't want to disrupt his sleep.

The last few days I have been missing Florida a little.  I miss my mornings
 on the balcony.  I miss the sunrises.  I miss the swaying of the palm trees and
the sight of boats passing by.  I miss the place that was home to
Brutus and us for so many years.  Today I'm doing better.

Good morning everyone.
Rise and shine for a beautiful day awaits us all.

And my thoughts drift to home and you.
Think positive and positive things will happen...

~Nadiya~

Happy Valentine's Day...

I don't pretend to know what love is for everyone, but I can tell you what

 it is for me; love is knowing all about someone, and still wanting to be with

 them more than any other person, love is trusting them enough to tell them

 everything about yourself, including the things you might be ashamed of, 

love is feeling comfortable and safe with someone, but still getting weak

 knees when they walk into a room and smile at you...

Wising everyone a very Happy Valentine's Day.  As children we made cards

 and passed around to our classmates. It was special. When my sisters and

 I were just little girls my parents would always give us a little card 

and sometimes a tiny present for Valentine's Day.  

What I'm getting at is that you don't have to be in a relationship to 

enjoy the day.  It's not about the presents, but about sharing with that 

someone special in your life.  Don't get me wrong if you can get that 

someone special to shower you with presents why not?? 

Check out Rima's page on Facebook.
Narima's

 Yesterday I told Arvid it would be nice for him to buy me a few things for 

Valentine's Day so I went to the mall bought me a few things and thanked 

him profusely for the presents.  He was happy and I was happy.

Anyone can catch your eye, but it takes someone special to catch your heart. 

Love is knowing that the one you cherish, cherishes you just as much 

and will do whatever it takes to make you happy and vice-versa..

To love is to receive a glimpse of heaven.

Love is what you've been through with somebody...

~Nadiya~

Staying Busy...

Keep busy at something.  A busy person never has time to be unhappy.
The secret is keeping busy and loving what you do...

Monday morning.  All set and ready for the week ahead.  Hope the same goes
for everyone.   Yesterday was another beautiful day here.  Arvid and I did 

a little shopping and I ended up with this cutie pie I'm holding.  

Valentine's day is not a big thing for us.  Just another day to be grateful 

for what we have and who when have in our lives.  I never want to forget that.

My niece Lilly Vade pictured above in the pink top is one of the happiest
 persons I know.  From little she is learning that no matter what life brings her way
the best way to deal with it is with a positive attitude.  Her mom and dad sure
 is teaching her how to deal with life and people.  Lilly Vade is pure love.

Pictured above eating oatmeal is Aleah our eldest granddaughter in Norway.
She is growing up way too fast.  Both girls are just pure love as is
 Vanessa our other  granddaughter.  Thank heaven for little girls.

Wishing everyone a week full of all things good and happiness always.
Busy days await us and that is always a good thing.  When the mind is busy,
 less time for the heart to ache.  My goal everyday is to be busy, busy.

People tend to be happier when they are kept busy, as this prevents
them from thinking about the negative things in life...

~Nadiya~

A Beautiful Day Ahead...

Give everyday a chance to become the most beautiful day of your life...

The days are going by super fast.  Not exactly sure what we are doing but seems

 like before you know it the day is almost over.  Take today for instance; we woke

 up at the usual time.  Arvid watched soccer as usual, called his family,

 then breakfast.  Next thing you know it's already noon. 

Maybe the beautiful weather is keeping us busier than usual.  Love that.  Had a 

chance to check out some more of the stores at the outlet mall and at the same time 

pick up a few pairs of shoes.  Went on my own so was able to browse at my hearts

 content.  The other day Arvid and I went together with Arvid.  Needless to say,

 in under 10 minutes he found 2 pairs of shoes and we were done shopping.

Another beautiful day in our horizon.  Can't believe we are actually warmer than back

 home in Fort Lauderdale.  No complaints here.  Time to head out and enjoy our Sunday. 

 Wishing the same to all of you.  Sniff is enjoying bird watching and squirrels

 passing by "torturing" him.  Yes, kit is a good day here at home.

It's such a beautiful day.  I'm feeling positive and focused.

I hope everyone has a great day.  I will be grateful for this day...

~Nadiya~

Left Me Thinking...

You know my name, not my story.  You've heard what I've done.  

Not what I've been through.  If you were in my shoes you'd fall the first step...

Wednesday was extremely cold. The day was dark and damp.  The wind did not help.  

Yesterday was no better even colder than Wednesday.  I think both Arvid and I may

 be getting the flu.  The big and low temperatures are making everyone sick.

Yesterday I found out about an organization in Branson that helps feed the needy.
As I was at the grocery store I saw a van and on it was the writing "Jesus was Homeless".

 Well that made me curious. I of course had to ask what it's all about.

Jesus was homeless is a non profit organization that puts together over 13,000 meals 

every week and distributes it to people in need.  Volunteers do all the work.

Something to think about. Maybe I can volunteer some of my time in helping 

to package the meals.  It is after all for a very good cause.  I even went to the 

location and saw for myself the work these volunteers do.  Yes. Different 

place. Different way of life.  Here there are so many in need of food.

The elderly live on a fixed income and the rest of the people depend on tourism.  

Three months out of the year they are out of jobs and they depend on unemployment

 benefits.  Yes since living in Branson I have learnt and have seen another side of life.  

Many have it very difficult.  Sometimes there is. No food.  A lady told me she had

 2 dogs and a husband. She said to me, " honey first we feed the dogs. Then my husband.

 If there is any left I will eat otherwise I don't have anything."  Somehow those words haunt me.

Many of us live "comfortable" lives.  We are rarely touched by what goes on with others.  

After what I heard and saw, it's not the same for me anymore.  I can't get over the

 fact that right here where we live people are going hungry. All ages.

They say that hardships often prepare ordinary people for an extraordinary destiny.

I really hope so, but in all honesty I think many of the people here will need a miracle.

Hello Friday.  I hope everyone is having a great day and that the

 weekend ahead is filled with all things good.  

The strongest people are not those who show strength in front of us,

 but those who win battles we know nothing about...

~Nadiya~

Making The Best Of Life..

By making the best of all things we make the most of ourselves...

Yesterday and the day before were definitely ones of those nicer days.
 Cloudy on Monday, but warm.  Yesterday was sunny and very warm.  High 70's.
Rest of the week will not be that cold but definitely colder.  All the way in the 20's at nights.

Life is Missouri definitely has a few quirks.  Like one will never know if the

day will be cold or not.  Yesterday there was a tornado warning, but lucky us nothing 

happened.  One day I heard a siren as I was in the store.  Had no clue what it was

 until someone said that's the warning signal of an approaching tornado.  

This was early January when Arvid was in Florida. 

Life continues its pace here for us.  Arvid is busy busy all the time.  Running from

 here to there doing this and doing that.  Most of the times he likes when

 I go with him, but many times I get out of it.  Works for both of us.
We have definitely met some very nice people in Branson.

Sniff is never neglected.  Both Arvid and I make it a point to spend extra time 

with him and to play with him quite often.  He is after all a very good boy.

To all a very good day.  Don't forget that the best things in life are the people you love,

 the places you've seen, and the memories you've made along the way.

Things didn't turn out the way they were supposed to, but what can you do?

You must take life the way it comes at you and make the most of it...

~Nadiya~