Happy Friday ~

Success is getting what you want. Happiness
 is wanting what you get.  The most important thing is to 
enjoy your life – to be happy – it’s all that matters...

When we left North Carolina, Arvid made a stopover in Nashville, TN.

We checked out the main strip, and the place is ALIVE.  There 

is music everywhere, granted it was not necessarily The Blues, 

but it was rocking.  Country music in every venue.

Of course we had a few places to checkout on our "list"  

One being the store called Antique  Archaeology Nashville, belonging 

to the guys from American Pickers, one of Arvid's favorite shows. 

 Antique Archaeology Nashville is Mike's second location. 

Located just a few blocks away from downtown Nashville.  We were 

there and found a few cool stuff.  Arvid even bought something.  Not for

 him, but for a friend.  Then you must believe it was special. Arvid usually 

is never interested in buying the so called "souvenir" type of thing.

We found a Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville and 

of course we had to go there. A few drinks, something

 to nibble and the sounds of country music made of a

 different time, but definitely a good one. 

 What I love about us is that no matter what we do, 

where we go, we always find that something that makes us happy. 

 My guess is that just being together and doing things together 

makes us happy.  The what is not always what's important.  It's just

 doing it together is what brings us satisfaction and contentment.

Weekend is here all is looking good.  Busy days are here again.
Packing, cleaning and more packing.  Sniff's days in Branson 
are narrowing down as are ours.  Happy Friday everyone.

My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; 
and to do so with some passion, some compassion, 
some humor, and some style...

~Nadiya~

Thursday In Branson ~

A lot has changed since then. A year ago, everything was different.

And now that I look back, I realize that a year can do a lot to a person...

Time is winding down for Sniff and us here in Branson.  

Little does Sniff know what's in store for him. He will be 

surprised.  I know he will be happy wherever we are, but 

I also know that he will miss his view very much. 

 Back in Fort Lauderdale his view is totally different.  Long gone

 will be the days of grass, leaves, deers in the backyard, kitty cats, 

squirrels, birds and all that "stuff" you find in the outdoors.

 Come Fort Lauderdale and he will have water views galore.

Brutus loved his water views.  He loved watching the boats and people.

I am sure Shadow would have enjoyed it as well.  All three kitties have 

used the same condo to enjoy their views and to watch down at us.

Looking forward to taking Sniff back to Florida, at the 

same time not looking forward to the onslaught of memories as 

we walk in the door.  Time helps, but every time we open the door 

to our condo I "see" Brutus.  I expect to see him peeking at me.  Sniff will 

now leave his paw prints in our condo, just as he has in our hearts.

To all a good day and what they say is true.  Some memories

 are unforgettable, remaining ever vivid and heartwarming. 

 Even when your heart is aching and breaking.  Life!!!!

Memory is the diary we all carry about with us...

~Nadiya~

Changes Coming...

I won't deny there are some big changes coming down the road.

 I can't change the direction of the wind, but I can 

adjust my sails to always reach my destination...

Life is changing fast for us.  Pretty soon it will be bye bye to Branson. 

Bittersweet, but I am ready to get back to Fort Lauderdale.

Come summer of next year we will also be back in Chicago. 

Yes, our very favorite city of all.  Everyone knows Arvid is impulsive,

 and when he has something brewing in his mind he never rests 

until it happens.  Well Chicago has been brewing there for quite

 some time.  Looking forward to it, and very excited.

Sniff will soon be going back to Florida.  I’m already looking 

into pet sitters for him.  His view will be different, but I’m sure he 

will love it!  Brutus always liked the water views, and the sight

 of boats passing by.  Shadow was so little. He likes everything.

Sniff has been getting pretty jumpy in the house.  Lots of 

commotion going on lately. The different noises have made him nervous. 

Arvid says that when he gets to Florida it will be better. In a condo 

you don’t hear so much. Will have to see how that goes.

I’m excited and at the same time a little sad.  Sad because I leave

 so much here   We leave good friends and memories that will 

forever be a part of us.  Good and some not so good ones.

Arvid drove my car to Florida . Packed to the brim with stuff. 

 Not looking forward to the unpacking, but what can you do? 

 There will be boxes everywhere.  Same in Chicago. Hopefully not

 as bad though.  Seems we can't get Chicago out of our heads.

In just a few day I leave for Fort Lauderdale, to take Sniff to

 his “new” home.  At least for him.  Will get him familiarized 

with it again, settled and a pet sitter on board.

I then come back to Branson. And we pack up the house

 in preparation for the sale.  Chicago here we come!

Lots of exciting things are going on right now.  I am extremely 

excited about our Las Vegas/California trip.  Cant wait to see my

 sister and her family.  Already plans have been made and I can

hardly wait.  Yesterday was one year since they made the move to

 California.  Mom and dad will visit them for Christmas as well.

Today we head back home to Branson and to Sniff.  Missing the 

little dude quite a lot.  We had a great time with my parents.  Time 

went by too fast, but looking forward to seeing them soon again.

Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember,
 you have within you the strength, the patience, and the 
passion to reach for the stars to change the world...

~Nadiya~

Nashville ~

There are no shortcuts to anyplace worth going...

I would love to one day visit all of the United States.  

It is beautiful, and we still have a lot of grounds to 

cover, but hopefully we will one day get there.

Our journey today takes us to Nashville.  Arvid and I have 

not been here as yet, so I look forward to checking it out.

Nashville is the capital of the U.S. state of Tennessee

 and home to Vanderbilt University. Legendary country music 

venues include the Grand Ole Opry House, home of the famous

 “Grand Ole Opry” stage and radio show. 

The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum and 

historic Ryman Auditorium are Downtown, as is the District, 

featuring honky-tonks with live music and the Johnny 

Cash Museum, celebrating the singer's life.

In Nashville, if people don't like someone, they say, 

'I don't really like him,' 
then add, 'bless his heart.'

 In Hollywood, they kind of leave 
that last part off.

To travel is to take a journey into yourself...

~Nadiya~

Life is Good...

Things will happen in your life that you 
can’t stop, but that's no reason to shut out the world.  
There's a purpose for the good and for the bad...

I will say what Bob Marley said:

Don't worry about a thing,
'Cause every little thing gonna be allright.
Singin': "Don't worry about a thing,
'Cause every little thing gonna be allright!"

Rise up this mornin',
Smiled with the risin' sun,
Three little birds
Pitch by my doorstep
Singin' sweet songs
Of melodies pure and true,
Sayin', "This is my message to you-ou-ou:"

You-Tube Everything is Going to be All Right

Yes, I know everything is going to be all right!
They say tough times never last, but tough people do.

You have to go through the rain before you get to the rainbow

If it’s not a happy ending then it’s simply not the ending...

~Nadiya~

NC Here We Come..

The idea of waiting for something makes it more exciting...

In just a few short hours we will be at 

my mom and dad's.  The wait is soon over.

They live in Granite falls. Pretty soon we will be going 

through that gate.Arvid remembers the code to

 get in, when I sometimes have forgotten it.

We look forward to some relaxing days with them.  

Good conversations and a lot of laughter.  My dad is a 

great story teller.  All his "stories" are based on their life 

experiences.  When he tells them we are all laughing 

until the tears start rolling down our faces.

Arvid not one to left behind also tells "stories" of his life.

  All in all we have a great time.  I just love us all being together.

 laughing, telling stories, and just total relaxation.  Best of times.

Here is to a few days spent with family.  Nothing better.

No amount of money or success can take

 the place of time spent with your family.

Time spent with family is never wasted...

~Nadiya~

On The Road Again ~

My music will tell you more about me than I ever will.

Music is basically the only thing that understands me...

Once again Arvid and I are heading out to St. Louis for a concert.

Arvid has been checking it out ever since we were in Norway. 

 As I always say, Arvid is happiest when he is listening to the music. 

 Music takes him away and let's his mind relax.  Every so often he

 really needs it.  Add a few cold ones to that and he's in heaven.

Then come tomorrow we will be in North Carolina.  Some more 

cold ones with my dad, and definitely he is relaxed and jolly. 

 My parents love Arvid and he loves them.  This makes me 

happy because when we are together it's always a good time.  

On Sunday we are all going out to dinner.  We're taking them out

 for a steak dinner.  My dad does not eat beef so he will most 

likely have the fish.  I love going out with my parents.

Life is moving fast for us.  Once back home it’s
time to plan our return to Florida and to Chicago.

Tonight we enjoy the music and some of St. Louis.  Life is good.

We now have some more time to do the things we used to do.

To all a great weekend and remember it's all about quality of life, 

and finding a happy balance between work, friends and family.

Nothing makes a person happier than having a happy heart...

~Nadiya~

Moving Forward ~

The secret of change is to focus all of your energy,

not on fighting the old, but on building the new...

We have been having a lot of rainy days here in Branson. 

 Makes it nice we do not have to rush to work and have to 

be outdoors much. That is, not unless we really want to.

Our days are relaxing and with many little things to do, 

keeping us partially busy.  No time to get bored.  I do go to 

Almost Home once in a while, but it feels different.  

I still get texts and calls from the tenants.  Just keeping up

 with me and letting me know what's new with them. 

Sniff is more relaxed now that Arvid is back home. He really 

missed his dada.  Now he sleeps peacefully and does not 

sit by the door all day long.  Sound asleep right now.

Tomorrow we go to St. Louis for a concert.  Weather is hopefully

 going to be much nicer.  We have been having some very good

 temperatures here.  Cool in the mornings and evenings and warmer

 during the day.  When we do get back to Florida, I will definitely

 miss the cooler temperatures.  I got used to it, and love it.

All is good with us.  Next on our agenda is to head back to Florida.

Sun, sand, the smell of the ocean and palm trees.  Sounds pretty OK.

To all a good day.  Remember, no matter what happened

yesterday, today is a chance to make tomorrow better.

Just when I think I have learned the way to live, life changes...

~Nadiya~

Happiness Is A Choice ~

Very little is needed to make a happy life;
 it is all within yourself, in your way of thinking...

I didn't really want to wake up this early, but the other day 

I got bitten once again on the arm, only this time I woke up in pain.  

Seems like the entire extremity is burning up and I was not able to 

move the arm around much.  That's what woke me up.

It scared me a little because I have not experienced this pain,
 and numbing sensation in all the other bites I have had, and boy
did I have a lot.  I am definitely not an outdoor person.

I believe this  happened the other day as I was outside putting
 food out for the birds.  I stepped onto the grass and I must have
touched some leaves on one of the trees.  This is definitely a good
 reason to be moving back to city life.  No trees.  Just concrete.
  Exactly what we like.  Back in Florida I was never bitten.

This week I also had a checkup with my doctor.  Had a little
procedure done just to test and make sure all was good and no
additional cancer was roaming around.  Based on what I was
told, I am good.  I'm happy.  Arvid is happy.  Life is good.

The days are getting closer to seeing my mom and dad.
Can't wait.  I miss them and have not seen them since
 May when we were in Florida for a short visit.

To all a very good day and never forget
to enjoy every minute of your life.

Being happy never goes out of style...

~Nadiya~

Happy Days ~

Actually, it's moving along so well considering 
all the work that had to be done.  Moving right along...

A new week begins and it couldn't start better.  Arvid is

 back home with us.  We missed him very much.  Last Sunday 

he left for Florida, driving my car back. Yup, now when I get 

back before him, (maybe) I will have my car.  He was gone for 

an entire week, but I was busy so time went by fast for me.

We were supposed to go together, but I did not want to leave 

Sniff on his own.  Especially with people coming in and out of 

the house.  Glad for that.  Plus I didn't feel like going.

Arvid said he loved being back in Fort Lauderdale, but the truth is

 after 4 days he would call and tell me how he was ready to come

 back home.  Yes, home is where your heart is.  Always.

Sniff and I are happy he's back.  We are complete.

With the selling of the house there is lots to do.  While Arvid 

was gone I was dealing with different roofing companies, getting 

estimates, and with our home owners insurance adjuster as well. 

 I think I have made quite a good deal on the roof. Happy!

Sniff is now more relaxed.  Finally his dada is back and he can

 now rest and not have to wait by the door all day long.  Yes, 

Sniff sat /slept by the door in hopes of Arvid coming home.

Who knows what the week holds, but one thing I know for

 sure is that we will be seeing my parents by the weekend. 

 I have been waiting for this since for weeks now.

I am counting down the days until we get to North Carolina.
Happiness is knowing we are going to see you both soon.

It's been a long time coming, but we're
 almost there.  I'm happy...

~Nadiya~

Relaxing Day ~

Hopefully, through all aspects of life, you learn from things 
you've got right, things you've got wrong, but I'm not one
 for looking back. I'm looking ahead; you've got to...

Been looking forward to this day for a week now.  

Happy days again.  Sniff and I woke up as usual early, watched

 the birds and had coffee time and brushing time together.
Also we’re happy Arvid is back home. Compete again.

Also I had lots of time to let my mind take me to places.
Many happy places, memories, and some not so happy
times.  Life.  No one ever said it was a bed of roses.

Soon Arvid will be awake and who knows how the day will pan

 out.  Hopefully today we will eat at home.  It's been 2 weeks

 of eating out everyday, so eating at home is a treat.

Many things to do in the weeks ahead of us.  For now,
we will just relax and enjoy our day together.

Wishing you all a happy day and peaceful times.

Looking back at our life's voyage, I can only say that it has been 
a golden trip, and it's not done as yet.  The voyage continues...

~Nadiya~

Looking Back ~

I don't know whether you can look at your past and find, 

woven like the hidden symbols on a treasure map,

 the path that will point to your final destination...

I woke up thinking about how much our lives have changed,

 and how it will soon be changing again.  Now that we are done with 

he hotel business, we will be soon going back to Florida.  

I am looking forward to it and everyday I am trying to think

 of ways to keep busy.  I know I will manage.  So much to do 

back in Fort Lauderdale, so staying busy will be the

 least of our troubles.  Well mine at least.

This morning I have been looking at pictures of "the way we used to be"

 of the things we used to do and of the many possibilities

 that await us again.  Very exciting prospect.

Life definitely has changed for us, and though not all of it was good, 

we sure have learnt a lot in these last two years and have made

 friends and memories that will always be cherished.

Yes it will be good to go back to Florida and who knows start

 something new again.  Here in Branson since I no longer have 

Almost Home I don't know what to do with my time. 

It's god to look back once in a while on the life we left behind, but one

 we will be coming back to.  Now with Sniff it will be a whole new 

adventure to look forward to.  We will make more memories, and we 

will continue to have fun no matter what we do and where we go.

To all of you a good day.  May we never forget to be grateful 

for what we have and to always be kind to one and other.

I think back to this moment sometimes now, look back at that

 person I was, months before I couldn't unknow what had happened.  

Today I am not the same person I was back then, for that I am thankful...

~Nadiya~

Friday Again ~

The most beautiful moments always seemed to accelerate 

and slip beyond one’s grasp just when you want

 to hold onto them for as long as possible....

This week went by extremely fast.  It helps to stay busy, 

and of course to have a little fun time in between.

Bonnie, one of my tenants/friends from Almost Home, and I went 

out for dinner and drinks a couple of days ago.  Bonnie is a riot.

 and she makes me laugh.  She's from Georgia, and says 

she hopes to go back one day.  I really hope she does.

What has surprised me in the last two weeks are all the cars 

we have seen with Florida license plates.  It seems like every other 

car is from Florida.  Makes me wonder what's going on.

My week has been busy.  I did go to Almost Home for 

a visit, but other than that I have had many things going on to 

keep me occupied.  Sniff has been really quiet and lately he seems

 pretty jumpy whenever he hears any sounds.  One thing that 

has not changed is that he loves sitting by the window sills.

It's happy Hour Friday again.  Wishing 

you all a great and fun weekend ahead.

Although I understand that all days are equal with 

24 hours each, most of us agree that Friday is the longest 

day of the week and Sunday the shortest!...

~Nadiya~

A Reminder To All Of Us...

The sign of great parenting is not the child's behavior.

The sign of truly great parenting is the parent's behavior...

I shared this on FB the other day.  

It's beautiful.  Like I told my sisters, 

"you all have daughters."  Sometimes life 

gets so busy we "forget" what's important.

  Our mom no matter what her day has thrown 

her way never, but never is not there for us.

I will be the first to admit to being impatient at times. 

 There was always so much going on in our lives the 

last 2 years that I sometimes was short and abrupt.  

Not only to my mom but also to my sisters.

 I have made a promise to myself to be better.

I have a lot of time on my hands right now, and I realize that 

my parents are getting older and I want to enjoy every moment with

 them and to be a better person because that's how they raised us all. 

 To be kind, patient and to have compassion for others. 

 I have to work on my patience.  I can definitely do better.  

Our mom has all the patience in the world, and I am 

sure there are days she would rather have some time 

for herself, but when we need her she is there.  

That's what mothers do for their children.  As we all grow 

older let us not forget that our parents are also getting older, and

 we must all learn to be kinder, gentler and more patient with them.

You can learn so many things from your children.

Like how much patience you have.  Have a great day everyone.

It takes a mother's Patience to bring a child up right, 

and her Courage and her Cheerfulness to make a dark day right...

~Nadiya~