And So Begins Friday ~ Again

I started the week with a big box of patience.  The box is empty now...

Happy it's Friday.  Raining but that's OK. Lot of excitement this week at work.
 Lots of running around as well.  Add to that the fact that I am constantly
 feeling tired made for long days.  Once again I believe my thyroid medicine
is not working great.  Have already started the process of making doctors
 appointments.  Very difficult with the schedule we have, but I am trying.

Today my sister and family begin their journey to Florida.
Nina is sad.  PA has been home to her and David from the time Max and
 Danielle were babies.  The only home Tex their doggie has known.
Yes, Florida awaits them and I know it will be amazing.  I love
you and Arvid and I will visit often when we get back there.

Try what I may it just does not seem to be helping.  No matter how much 

running around I do, I can't seem to drop a single pound.  Truth is 

I think I am actually gaining weight.  I never realized how

 important it is to have your thyroids.  Until of course I had 

none and my entire system is out of whack.

Fridays are usually a bit busier for both Arvid and I.  This is good.  

Hopefully today we will go to the Indian Restaurant.  as become my favorite 

Friday place to have lunch.  I don't care much for buffets, but the Indian

 buffet is something else.  Everything is EXCELLENT!  Can't wait

 to have the tikka masala.  Arvid has gone there with me a few times.  

Don't know how his schedule is today, but for sure I will be going.

Arvid as everyone knows is happy with just bread.
Luckily, I have bought enough to last for a little while.

The hotel business is doing great.  Almost Home is always full.  Because 

I am so selective, I sometimes worry I will probably not let anyone stay there.

  I'm very protective of the place, its reputation and of the tenants

 that call it home.  I will NOT take everyone.

Arvid's place is also full, but with the few nightly rooms there are

 always people coming and going.  Works for him and his crew. 

 I like it quiet and not much come and go at my place.  Like

 I always say, we are both happy at our hotels.

Friday.  Not sure what it brings, but I hope that somewhere there is one of those

 drinks that come with an umbrella.  Makes for a perfect end of the work week.

If you walk a mile in my shoes you will end up in a coffee shop.
Happy Friday everyone.  May your weekend be full of adventure and 
cheerand may the start of next week be a long ways from here... 

~Nadiya~

Feel Positive Day ~

So often we focus on the finish line that we fail to enjoy the journey...

Work hard for what you want because it won't come to you without a fight.

 You have to be strong and courageous and know that you can do 

anything you put your mind to. If somebody puts you 

down or criticizes you, just keep on believing

 in yourself and turn it into something positive.

I will keep smiling, be positive and never give up! I will give 100 

percent each time I play. These are always my goals and my attitude.

Positive thoughts generate positive

 feelings and attract positive life experiences...

~Nadiya~

Hey Tuesday ~

You were born to be real.  Not to be perfect...

Somehow Sniff was even more exhausted than Arvid and I by 

the end of yesterday.  First he did not want to get out of bed.  Then 

he would not eat.  When I got home yesterday I chased him around a bit 

just to make sure he was OK.  He was.  But then he just laid

 down and fell asleep next to me in the office.

As a friend said to me, "He's got the Monday Blues."

Tuesday already.  This week we are expecting heaving rains and tornado

 like weather.  Again!  Last Friday it rained so hard that one of our neighbors 

really big tree cracked and broke.  Luckily nothing was in its path when it fell.

Last night was one of those nights I missed my Brutus so very much.

Arvid and I talk about him and it just breaks my heart.  It is so difficult still

to come to terms with the way Shadow died.  We drive by Shadow that lives

 on our street everyday.  On Sunday both Arvid and I just looked at him and got sad.

  I hear the sound of the tennis balls in the dryer.  It still freaks me out

As always I remind myself that though everyday may not be a good day,

there is always always something good in each day.  I try to not forget that.

At Almost Home Lodge, we are in full blown summer mode. Pool is

 always sparking clean and inviting.  Love seeing everyone having fun poolside.

Believe you can, and you're halfway there...

~Nadiya~

And So Begins A New Week ~

It's Monday.  Time to sparkle and shine...

Monday morning.  Neither of us wanted to get out of bed.  Again.

Work calls.  Things to do.  Places to go.  Hello new week.

Today I have have set up an appointment with our security system ant work.  

I need to get a little more familiar with how everything works at my place.

  Hopefully the day will be quiet and without much commotion

 happening, but then most of the times that is the case.

When there is two of us to manage the hotels everything works great, 

but when it's just one of us there is of course always something that happens. 

 Stress build up and lots of hectic moments.  Leaving Arvid on his own was not 

so good.  Hopefully it will not be many of these times we are "alone" 

to manage the hotels.  Works so much better with two.

Wishing everyone a productive week ahead.  We are ready.  Rested and 

I believe prepared for whatever the day may hold.  In this scenario of 

having two hotels it makes me a little unhappy for Sniff.  Brutus had all our 

attention and in so many ways he still has it.  With us being gone for so many hours

 during the day, Sniff is always alone.  Not happy about that.  One day we will be

 back home in Florida, and Sniff Sniff will not lack attention from us.

Happy Monday to all.

It's Monday.  Prefect time to 
reboot  your mind and have a fresh start...

~Nadiya~

Our Sunday So Far ~

I'm in a flip flop state of mind..

So far our day has been relaxing  and peaceful.  Today Sniff and I slept in

 a half hour longer than Arvid.  Sniff refused to move so I just stayed put.  

Love the feel of him next to me.  He loves his morning sleeps.

After the usual Sunday routines, we took a trip to 76 INN.  Making sure all was 

good.  Then we took a drive to Arkansas.  Believe it or not it's just a half 

hour if not less to cross over from Branson Missouri into Arkansas.

We went to check out a car.  Felt like "old times" all over again.  There we met

some very nice people.  We were introduced to their llama, Bandit the black

 kitty and a few of their roosters.  I had a ball, taking pictures of everything.

The day is beautiful.  Warm and sunny, yet cool in the shade.  

It's not over as yet.  If it stays this way we most definitely would 

like to spend the rest of the afternoon somewhere by the water. 

Hope your Sunday is also a beautiful one.  

Enjoy and make lasting memories.

I'm on a very tight schedule of not getting anything done..

~Nadiya~

Saturday ~

New life new discoveries, many more sweet memories.

GO where no one has ever gone DO what others have never done,

LIVE like no one has ever lived...

Rima and family have not moved as yet, but everyday they are one step

 closer to calling California home.  I am already missing them. 

 I know we don't see each other that often, but Virginia seems

 so much closer than California.  Travel wise.

I am already missing Lilly Vade more than I expected.  Like I

 have always said she represents the true meaning of what love is all about.  

Just the other day she texted me.  Very excited.  She said to me, 

"aunty, I can't wait to move to California.  I can't wait to swim in our pool.  

We will live close to Disneyland and I can go whale watching."

Lilly Vade and family are all ready to make the move to California.

It's the rest of us that are not ready to see them leave, but of course at the

 same time we know that this is where Rima and George always wanted to be, 

and we know that the future will be even better for them.  How can one 

argue with facts?  Arvid keeps reminding me that we will be visiting.  

Saturday morning in Branson.  Starts on the "cooler side.  Very refreshing.
To all a very good day.  Soon time to go to "work"

Wanderlust isn't about running away from it all.
It's about experiencing the outside to discover what's on the inside...

~Nadiya~

The Branson Ferris Wheel ~

Life is like a Ferris wheel.  You have to get past your fear to enjoy the view...

Branson celebrates one year with the wheel.  Today marks one year since 

the $4 million Branson Ferris Wheel, formerly known as Chicago's Navy Pier

 Ferris Wheel opened at its new home here in Branson.  I guess that 

is why I am always fascinated by the wheel,  It reminds me of 

walks by Navy Pier in Chicago.  A city we miss very much.

The park that houses the wheel is celebrating that milestone by offering 

rides for just $8 from 7 to 10:30pm.  Aside from the deal on the rides there 

are also a few more perks to the first 100 people who buy tickets.

The Branson Ferris Wheel was originally erected on Chicago's Navy Pier

 in 1995.    In its 20 years there it has seen over 17 million people riding it.  

It was taken down September 25th, 2015 to make way for a new,

 larger wheel.  Last year in Chicago we saw the new whee

l in Chicago.  One word, IMPRESSIVE!!!!

The Branson Ferris Wheel is 150-feet tall, holds 240 passengers

 dispersed throughout  40 gondolas, and lights up the night

 with 16,000 LED lights.  Amazing sight day or night!

The wheel has been a major success in Branson.  So far just like in Chicago,

 there has been weddings, graduation, photo shoot sessions anything 

and everything you can think of happening at the wheel.  

As for me I pass it just about everyday and I just can't stop taking pictures.

 Each time it's different.  When we are out in the evenings, pictures

 are taken as well.  I love it and it makes me smile just seeing it.

It's already Friday.  Branson is pretty busy right now. Lots of traffic

 and people all over the place.  At nights the city is amazingly 

different than it is in the day.  I'm sure it's the same everywhere. 

 Something about the lights twinkling at nights to make life sparkle.

All good at home with us.  Sniff is loving his life in Branson.

  Kept busy all day by the birds, squirrels and anything that moves

 in his vision.  Arvid and I are always busy, but at the same time we 

are having a good time and enjoying this experience here in Branson. 

Hello Friday.  Be good to us all and let the weekend begin.

Life is like a Ferris wheel.  On minute you're on top, 

the next you're at the bottom.  Just stay in your seat, enjoy the ride, 

and hang on until you reach the top again...

~Nadiya~

Happy Wednesday Amigos~

May you find moments that make you smile today...

My perfect start in the mornings.  Waking up next to Arvid and Sniff tucked

 very close between us.  Since I went to Vermont, Sniff is now huddled

 up next to Arvid.  Sniff like Arvid, loves to sleep.  

Both can stay in bed for another hour or so after I wake up.  Sniff 

usually wants his foodies so against his will he will sneak out 

of bed.  Eat then go straight back to bed next to Arvid.

A good breakfast is Arvid's way of facing what the day holds and for me 

a good start is always my cafe.  Everyone is happy.  Makes for good times.

Not sure what the day holds as yet, but we are prepared and ready to face it.

Happy Wednesday to all.  Arvid is a believer that all sorrows 

are less with bread.  Yeah.  He is a funny man.

Part of me is thinking, "Wow.  It's Wednesday already, 

and the other part is thinking"What do you mean it's only Wednesday"?

~Nadiya~

And So Begins Another Day ~

Positive mind.  Positive vibes.  Positive life...

Branson without doubt has some of the strangest of weathers.  All week last

 week we were close to the mid 90's, yet on Sunday the one day Arvid 

and I have "off" it was an amazingly mild June day.  Temperatures 

were in the 70's.  Made for a great outing with friends.

Even in 90 degrees Arvid wears his long sleeves T-Shirts.  On Sunday he was

 "brave" and was in typical summer clothes.  For a little there it reminded us

 of the life we left behind.  One day we will go back, but for now

  Branson is home and yes, it does have some gorgeous days.

Yesterday after work we decided to do some weed whacking.  

Well I wanted to call the guy who does the yard work, but Arvid 

was positive he could do it.  He bought a weed whacker.  Butchered the

 front yard.  Tomorrow I'm calling the lawn man if he does not.

While Arvid was busy destroying the front yard, Sniff was happy to receive
 is foodies via UPS.  I order his food online now twice a month.  I also buy
 food for Bridgette, one of the kitties at Almost Home.  Everyone Happy!

Yesterday was a good day.  Not much drama in either hotel. It's going
to be a good week.  Weather wise  it is just perfect.  Yay!

To all a good day.  Hope you week has also begun on a positive note.

When life puts you in tough situations, don't say "why me."  Say "try me."

~Nadiya~

New Week Begins ~

I am woman.  I am invincible.  I am tired.

I already want to take a nap tomorrow...

Though the day are going by fast, we seen to be getting a

 little too tired lately.  Yes, we have been putting in many hours

 at the hotel.  At all times of the day and night.

Father's Day, Arvid and Sniff took a little time to doze off in between the

 soccer game.  Sniff is not one to miss an opportunity to snooze off.

  Arvid likes late nights "patrol" at the hotels.  Then he says, "it is so quiet."

  The we go back home to bed.  Makes us both feel good about that. 

 Even so, there is always some excitement going on.

Hope your Sunday was good and that Father's day was a day where

 more beautiful memories were made.  New week already.  

We are both rested and ready for what may come.

Hello Monday.  Let's bring it on.

If your eyes hurt after you drink coffee, 

you have to take the spoon out of it...

~Nadiya~

Father's Day ~

I am not ashamed to say that no man I ever met was my father's
 equal, and I never loved any other man as much...

I'm all grown up.  Have had many ups and downs in my life.  Through it 

all my mom and dad were and have always been there.  Distance

was never a factor.  They were there and are there for us.

Daddy thank you for all you do for us.  Thank you for always
being there. Because of you, I know am a good, kind, compassionate,
determined, strong, sometimes way too stubborn and capable person.

I can never begin to say enough about my dad.  From a child to the
woman I am today I have NEVER met another like him.  His generosity,
kindness and compassion is one I have not seen inn many.  Growing
 up my dad was poor.  That never stopped him from sharing what
 he had with others. He still does it to this day.




My dad is one of those people that when you meet him, you love him.
He thinks of others before he thinks of himself.  I do not always
agree with this, but it sure has made him into the man he is,
 and for that I love him with all my heart.



As a child my fondest memories of him was my dad always holding
my hand.  Always taking me around with him.  I may have not wanted
to go everywhere, but I knew that being g with him I was safe and
loved.  Nothing else mattered.  We all have our heroes.  Mine is my dad.
  From the day I saw his face I have not stopped loving him.

Today he is my inspiration to be all I can be and to never give up.

My dad is no quitter and he made sure his five daughters aren't either.

Dad you taught me the love of a father. In your arms I was always safe. 

You taught me selflessness. To you I am forever grateful. I love you dad.

Sometimes the poorest man leaves his children the richest inheritance...

~Nadiya~ 

Here Come The Weekend Again ~

All happiness depends on a leisurely breakfast...

No matter how busy our life gets, there are some things that will never change. 

 Breakfast is on of those.  A good breakfast as Arvid says is the best way to 

start your day.  No matter what part of the world we may be in,

 breakfast is always at "home"  It's a relaxing time.

Neither Arvid nor I like to go out for breakfast, and we do not

 like to eat it with anyone else.  Breakfast is sort of a quiet

 time for us.  No matter where we go.

Arvid loves to enjoy his tea, and boy if I only wash the cup when there

 is still some tea left in it..let's just say he will not be too happy.

Fridays at work have gotten to be much better.  Not as hectic as 

it was in the start.  At Arvid's place it used to be his very busy day, 

but not the worst anymore.  He still likes to run around to different stores.

  "Shopping" for the hotel as he puts it.  In that sense, yes the day is busy.

After almost 8 months I finally had a haircut yesterday.  I loved 

everything about it.  The girl who cut my hair was just adorable.  We 

chatted non-stop.  Now looking forward to being a "regular" there.

I love the fact that you can't tell I had a haircut, but I can "see" I did.

Friday again.  Can't believe last Friday Ii was in beautiful Vermont.

I really had such a good time with everyone.  Vermont is so beautiful.  All my 

tenants said to me, "why don't you take me there with you?  I love Vermont."

The above picture was taken by my niece Reshma.  She sent it o me via Messenger.

She's in Maine.  I have asked her and Danielle why it is they never post anything.  Their

 answer: I don't want the world to know everything I do.  As Arvid says, "smart girls."

My nephew Max was in Bangladesh, and if it were not for the girls that went with him 

I would have never seen anything either.  Another one who never posts where he goes.

JC was in Puna Cana.  I never saw a single picture.  I wish they posted at least one.

Maybe there are some smart/wise kids still left.  My cousins visit Cuba

 just about every year.  I have never seen a single picture on Face Book. 

 They are also smart and guard their privacy very much. 

Friday came and Friday will soon be gone.  Enjoy it everyone.  Make

 the most of everyday and just have a great start of the weekend.  Arvid says

he's just happy i am home.  Now he wants to take me somewhere special.

Maybe I should go away a little more often.  Nice being missed.

It's Friday.  Start the day with a smile

 and end it with Champagne...

~Nadiya~

Summer Days Are Here~

A perfect summer day is when the sun is shining, the breeze is 

blowing, the birds are singing and the lawn mower is broken...

Hot summer days are here, but even so Arvid still wears long sleeves 

and jeans o work.  Says that his office is too cold.  I say he keeps his

 office too warm.  Feels like Florida days as far as the weather goes.  

The pool sparkles and no matter how short a time one is outdoors, one 

definitely will get a tan.  I am not sun crazy so I do my running around and try 

to keep out of the sun as much as possible. Not happening, but one can try.

Lunch time is a treat for both Arvid and I.  We meet together and for 

about 45 minutes to an hour we sit, enjoy each others company and a good 

meal.  Yes the phone rings often, but it is what it is.  For now.  

Tony at my place has not been feeling so good for a few days now. 

 I am a little worried for him.  He has been taking it easy and 

slow the last few days, but even so I am concerned.

Almost Home is full and has been so for most of the year. 76 INN is also full,

 but because they do nightly's  there is always a person coming and going.

  We both like it and knw it best at our own hotels.  Like I said before,

 I would not want to run Arvid's and he would not want to run mine. 

 When he did have to come to mine while I was gone, I think he 

enjoyed the slower pace, and he did have "interesting"

 conversations with my tenants.  Hmmm...

Sniff is now cuddling up to Arvid in the mornings.  Hmmm... was missing

 him next to me these last few nights, but I know it makes Arvid happy

 also that Sniff is sleeping so close to him.  All is good here.

  Running two hotels has it ups and downs. Just like everything in life.  

We choose this path so we have to do what we have to do.

The week is soon over.  Time like I keep saying goes by so very fast.

Happy Thursday everyone.  May your days be filled with sunshine.

Today is Kimsy's birthday.  Happy birthday in France Kimsy.
Uncle Arvid and I send you a big hug on your special day.  Miss you. 
 Your bday card is waiting for you back in Puerto Rico.  Hopefully you 
will make it there before the summer is over.  Love you always!!!!
These shoes have served you well.  May they continue to do so always ~

Because it's summer and the memories are just waiting to happen...

~Nadiya~

Back To Reality ~

Love the life you have while you create the life of your dreams.

Vacation is over.  Back to reality...

Back home.  Back to Arvid and Sniff.  I can see the strain already lifting 

away from Arvid.  Definitely not easy running two hotels all by yourself.  

I had a good time with my family, but unfortunately mom and dad 

could not make it.  They were halfway to Vermont when they 

received a call that my dad's brother-in-law just died.  

My dad is the eldest brother.  No question at all.  They just had to

 turn around and go back to North Carolina then drive to Florida. 

 They have had some very rough days.  We missed them very much.  Was 

very disappointed they could not make it to Vermont, but 

at the end it was the right thing to do.

Back at work everyone was very happy to see me, and me them 

of course.  Between Arvid and Tony everything was under control

at my hotel.  Few things to take care of, but I am handling it. 

 It was really difficult though for Arvid to run between his hotel and mine.  

I was stressed a lot while in Vermont.  Even so, I had a great time. Managed

 to "forget" for a little about all the responsibilities back in Branson.  Not easy 

going away when you have a business to run.  Always something happening.

Sniff and Arvid sure missed me.  Every time Arvid is away fro me or I am not 

there with him he gets all these bright ideas.  I think I manage better alone

 than he does.  Does not mean I like it, but I think I handle it better. 

Arvid said to me, "I have no clothes to wear."  "There are no more bananas"

 and some other stuff.  One of the tomato trees died because it was not

 watered.  I asked him why didn't he give it some water and he said,

 "I run hotels.  I'm not the tomato tree caretaker."  

At least Sniff was well cared for, and of course Arvid changed some 

of Sniff's eating habits.  All good.  I managed to get him all the things he

 needed, my fruit for the week and yes all his laundry is now clean.

Temperatures soaring in Branson.  Like Vermont we were in the mid 90's.

  Flying to Branson I had a stop in Chicago.  We miss the city very much. 

 It was extra special seeing my nieces and nephews.  They are all grown up. 

 Danielle got back home late Monday and on Tuesday she left on a road

 trip to California with her girlfriend.  She knows how to live and she

 plans to see the world.  Reshma will also be doing a road trip, 

unfortunately for her, her parents did not approve of her road trip

 to California.  I'm glad for that.  Maybe next year.

Good to be home.  Been a busy Tuesday.  Lots of little things to

 do and of course I had to find where all my stuff was.  Arvid 

"organized" my space.  I have already "re-organized" it.

My heart is very saddened by the death of one of my dear friends father.

We may be far away, but you are in my thoughts and in my prayers PK.

Happy Wednesday to all.  Enjoy, and remember what you

 take for granted some one else is praying for.

You only get one life. 
 It is your duty to live it as fully as possible...

~Nadiya~