Always Something Good ~

In three word I can sum up everything 
I have learned about life: it goes on...

New attractions are popping up all the time in Branson.  

Definitely good for business.  The town is busy and as 

usual in summertime the businesses are booming.  

Another big name coming to Branson is the Swedish

 multinational clothing-retail company known for its fast

fashion clothing for men, women, teenagers and children. 

H&M and its associated companies operate in 62 countries with 

over 4,500 stores and as of 2015 employed around 132,000 people. 

 It is the second-largest global clothing retailer, just behind Spain-based 

Inditex (parent company of Zara). The company has a significant

 on-line presence, with on-line shopping available in 33 countries.

Our favorite spot in Branson is The Landings.  H&M is 

scheduled to have its grand opening on June 28.  Hopefully

 all will go on schedule and another store will be added.  

Something to look forward to in the months ahead.

The Landings definitely has the best scenery as far as we are concerned.

  Our favorite spot any day of the week, and lately we have been

 going there quite often.  They have the best happy hours, and I

 have found a drink that I absolutely love.  Tropical Sangria.

The week is almost done.  This has been a pretty good 

week at Almost Home.  It's quiet and as soon as we have 

an open room we have been fortunate to rent it out.  

I have had 5 people who lived at Almost home last year coming 

back and asking for a room.  As one couple said to Arvid, 

"this is the only place I will come back to."  If you don't 

have a room then we will stay in Arkansas." 

I have enjoyed this part of our lives very much and still do.  We came to 
Branson to get into the hotel business because our Brutus had just died.

  We both needed desperately to get away from that pain.  We needed
 a change of scenery.   This has helped very much.  We have been busy, 
busy, busy.  Did not make me forget my Brutus, but it helped to
 keep the mind occupied and the body exhausted.

Sniff Sniff is a constant reminder that life goes on, and that there
 is still a lot of love to go around. He is precious and I
 look forward to each day we have together.

Sometimes all you can do is lie in bed, 
and hope to fall asleep before you fall apart.

Life is like a road, there are bumps, there are cracks, there are
 road blocks.  But the only important thing is that it keeps going on...

~Nadiya~

Tuesday In Branson ~

Always find time for the things that make you happy to be alive...

Arvid and I were in St Louis, MO over the weekend to see
John Fogerty and ZZ To in concert.  We stayed at a pretty cool place,
 The Hollywood Casino.  We had good food, quite a few adult drinks,
 and enjoyed good music.  I really liked the hotel and surroundings, but the
 concert was in the Amphitheater and that was in the open. Not good.

Though we had covered seats, the temperature reached
101 degrees Fahrenheit.  This made for a very uncomfortable time.
 We really like John Fogerty, but it was just way too
 hot to really enjoy the music in its totality.

I would love to go back to The Hollywood Casino,
but I don't think we can handle another concert under those
circumstances.  Scratch Rob Stewart and Cyndi Lauper.

We had time to stop and enjoy a few places on the way to and from
St. Louis.  Drive a little on Route 66 and of course take some pictures.
Every place we stopped Arvid of course found old cars.  He just
 spots them no matter how tucked away they are.  He gets to enjoy them
and I get to enjoy some picture taking.  We're both happy.

Once again I have been awake very early.  Of course Sniff as
well, but the smart kitty knew he needed more sleep so
 he ate, got brushed and went back to his bed.

Wish I was that smart.  Lately I have not been able to sleep much.
 I try to go back to sleep but once I am awake that's it for me.
Bad thing is that I am awake as early at 3am.  Not good.

At the hotel all is quiet.  We are still full.  Not much happening,
but I like to be there.  Yesterday I had the entire day off, but Arvid
who also gets restless went in for a couple of hours after we
 got home.  As he says,"I just like to show my face."

To all a good day.  Already Tuesday.  The week will soon
be over and once again will have to think of what we can do in
 the weekend.One thing we know for sure, no matter where
 we go, coming home is always what we like  best.

The most simple things can bring the most happiness...

~Nadiya~

Too Early For Me...

Dear 3am.  We have got to stop meeting this way.
I'd much rather sleep with you...

Monday just got here way too fast.  It's been a good weekend, 

but I sure am not ready for the new week right now.  If being awake 

this early is any indication of how the week will be, I think

 I would like to just go back to bed for the rest of the day.  

Add to that the heat, and the fact that somehow spiders just 

seem to love me...I think I need a vacation somewhere where it's 

COLD!.  My body is covered with welts from spider bites. 

 Not sure where they are coming from.  But it's only me who

 is getting bitten. I don't see them around, but somehow they find 

me while I'm sleeping.  Does not help that I keep scratching it 

all the time either.  Now I'm covered with scars all over.

I know once my "work" day begins the rest of the week will just fly by.

It's getting closer to the time we have to go to Norway as well.  Not

so happy to be leaving Sniff for so long.  The little dude has stolen my 

heart.  I have gotten used to that adorable little face.  I still forget

 at times and call him Brutus.  I miss Brutus so very much.

Life goes on.  Life is good.  Memories sometimes just sneak up

 on me, and for those moments I just let it take over, but I 

also know that what was will never be again.  I also know

 that what is, is very beautiful and good as well.

To all a great week ahead.  I tell myself it's OK to wander into the past
once in a while.  After all it is part of who I am, but I also have to
remember not to stay there. For we all know that we can't start
the next chapter of our lives if we keep re-reading our last one.

The only person you should strive to be better
than is the person you were yesterday...

~Nadiya~

Musical Sunday ~ (DONE)

Where words fail, music speaks...

One of the things we have really missed while living in Branson, MO 

is the musical scene.  With the running of two hotels when we started, it was 

impossible to do ANYTHING, and the fact that Branson does not

 have the musical venues we usually go to does not help.

Now with one hotel and having a great team working for us we

 have been able to do so much.  We have been back to The Sunshine State

 a few times already, and plan on doing a few more trip 

around town.  All thanks to Tiffany and Chris.

That being said today we will be heading once again to St. Louis 

to see John Fogerty in concert.  Yes CCR as the group was known 

(when he was in the group).  Our last trip to St. Louis took us to see 

The Eagles in concert.  St. Louis is a pretty cool place for music 

and it has the city vibe going for it.  We both love city life,

 and hope to get back to it one of these days.

Happy Sunday all.  Remember whatever

 you decide to do make sure it makes you happy.

One good thing about music,

 when it hits you you feel no pain...

~Nadiya~

My Dad ~

Any man can be a father, but it takes a special person to be a dad...

It is much easier to become a father than to be one....

A few years ago I posted this.  Nothing has changed. 
 My dad is still the first man I have loved and still love.  No one 
compares to him.  His kindness, his humanity, his love for us his 
compassion towards everyone.  Our dad is is a one in a billion 
kind of man.  Happy fathers day daddy.  This is all you!

With this being said, a smile comes to me and I picture my dad.  My dad is not a part-time dad,

 he is always there for us even if we live hundreds of miles apart....you can say he lives to be

 our dad.  I cannot recall a time when I have needed my dad and he was not there for us....for so

 many it is so easy to become a father than to be one...but my dad takes pride in being our dad.

 He has been there through good and bad and still is.  I know that no matter when, where

 and how, if we need him he is there...for my dad family is first and always has been.

Growing up I have so many memories of him as a child.  The first 4 years of my life was 

spent with my mom and dad.  The next 5 years we were raised by my grandmother in Guyana,

 but my parents were always in my mind.  Looking for a better life for all of us, my mom

 and dad "left' us in Guyana and went to America as we called it back then.  I was only 

4 years old, but I missed them everyday and I looked forward to their yearly trips 

every Christmas always hoping we would be able to go home with them.

My favorite memories of those Christmases were not the presents nor the candy they 

brought us...it was knowing that for 14 days I would be going everywhere with my dad. 

 No matter where he went he took me with him.  He was always holding

 my hand making sure I was safe and that nothing ever happened to me...

for as long as I live I will never forget those days..

ALWAYS HAS TIME FOR US!

When we finally left Guyana to be with them, it was one of the happiest days of my 

life because you see we got to be with mom and dad EVERYDAY after that.  

We did not have much as far a money goes, but what we lacked in that 

department we made with love.  As they say a truly rich man is

 one whose children run into his arms when his hands are empty...

my dad's arms are always open for us.

My dad was and still is the most liked man in the neighborhood.  He was and is kind to 

everyone he meets.  All of the little kids loved him because he would always buy

 them ice-cream from the man that came in the bus.  The grown ups love him 

because he is Mr. Friendly.  Making friends is just his nature...a quality I 

believe all of his 5 kids have inherited....and it seems his grand kids as well. 

Being a parent is not an easy job...I have no kids, but I see my sisters, friends, parents

 and others and I realize that it takes lots of work and sacrifice and even so you never

 know how they will turn out.  Fortunately, we turned out OK if I may say so.

 For me Father's Day is everyday, but on this special day dedicated only for dads I would

 like to wish my dad a very happy Father's Day.  Daddy, I love you and I want you to

 know that I never take you for granted.  From little you taught us to be kind, and 

respectful to everyone....no matter who they are... a quality I find very lacking

 in today's younger generation.  You were very strict on us when we were little

 and today I am thankful for that as are Nina, Nirvan, Mala and Rima....

Looking forward to many, many more Father's Day...

I love you daddy.  I found this poem and thought of you....

What Is A Dad

A dad is someone who

wants to catch you before you fall

but instead picks you up,

brushes you off,

and lets you try again.

A dad is someone who

wants to keep you from making mistakes

but instead lets you find your own way,

even though his heart breaks in silence

when you get hurt.

A dad is someone who

holds you when you cry,

scolds you when you break the rules,

shines with pride when you succeed,

and has faith in you even when you fail...

THAT'S MY DAD...

Fathers Day is tomorrow, but for me Father's day is everyday.
I love you daddy.  No other man can ever be the dad you are.  
Your kindness, generosity, honesty, humility, empathy
 (I can go on and on) toward everyone is something
 not seen enough in today's world.

I've had a hard life, but my hardships are
 nothing against the hardships that my father went 
through in order to get me to where I started...

~Nadiya~

Friday ~

I don't work on Fridays.  I make appearances...

I'm tired.  Every week it seems I get stung by a spider. 

 Hopefully a different on.  This has taken a toll on me.  I am not

 sure why but the last few days I have been pretty lethargic. 

 I blame it on the spider bite, not the fact that we are experiencing 

100+ degrees Fahrenheit in temperatures.  To stay cool Arvid 

and I went driving to a "beach"  There was sand and the water was 

cool to the touch.  Made for a refreshing afternoon.  And no, we did

 not swim.  If we don't swim in the beaches in Florida, small 

chance we would here in Branson, but it was pretty.

I have never eaten so much ice-cream as I have so far in Branson.

 On the other hand, I have never seen Arvid eat this much either. 

 He enjoys a little ice-cream everyday be it at home or out.  He keeps telling

 me he will soon stop. He does not gain weight, so I tell him, "enjoy."

Very happy it's Friday.  Though the week has gone by fast,

 I am exhausted.  Looking forward to the weekend and to doing 

something fun.  Arvid keeps telling me we have to slow down and

 live again.  I am all for it, but as long as we still have the hotel,

 that will be my first priority.  I just can't shut if off.

Everyone at Almost Home is really enjoying the pool.  I even take time

 to feel the water and sometimes just let my feet cool off for a little.

  Refreshing.  Now it's very warm, but still it feels so good.

Wishing everyone a good weekend.  Who knows maybe

 today we go and enjoy Happy Hour at our favorite spot

 at the Landings.   I can already taste the Sangria.

Have to wait and see how the day goes, but

 I know I am already wanting Sangria.  Today is extra special 

because today is Kimsy's birthday.  Happy birthday

 Kimsy, I love you with all my heart.

Happy Friday and happy start of the weekend all.

We got that Friday feeling.  Life sure is good.

Every Friday I like t high five myself for getting

 through another week on little more than caffeine, 

will power and inappropriate humor...

~Nadiya~

This Thing Called Life ~

Life is the greatest mystery.  You never know

 where it will take you and when it will end...

With this being said you never know what to expect from

 one minute to another.  Everything that was suddenly going so swell 

can turn to mush in the blink of an eye.  I have lived it so I know

 it, and I have seen it happen to so many.  Nothing that 

we can do but ride that wave and hope it passes.

One day at a time is sometimes the only thing to do.  I am the type 

who likes to know everything in advance, but I have also learnt that

 this is not possible, and at times when I think I know what 

the future holds, it never turns out to be that way.

Arvid has a more easy going look on things.  He says he prefers

 to not know, "so please don't tell me" is what he says to me. 

 Sometimes it can be very annoying because when I do

 tell him he really does not show an interest.  Many a times I just

 don't tell him anymore.  Don't see the need anymore.

Our days are nice and warm.  By the time Arvid comes home he
feels the need for us to go out and explore a little or as he puts it,
"let's go and have ice-cream."  Yesterday was again one of
 those days.   Beautiful scenery, warm weather and good
company made for the perfect evening outing.

Sometimes we spend so much time wishing for the 
"better," that we fail to be thankful for the "now."

~Nadiya~

Because Life Is Good ~

It is the sweet simple things in life which are the ones afterall...

A beautiful day yesterday culminated in torrential

 rainfall.  I was at Walmart buying supplies for work.

  It rained so hard I could not get back to my car for

 at least 15 minutes when it then slowed down.  

Arvid who was at Almost Home had no rain.  Go figure. 

 After the rain everything was sparkling clean.  At 

least around the surrounding areas of Walmart.

Here in Branson Walmart is the main vendor.  

There are not many choices.  Truth is I have gotten used to 

shopping at Walmart now.  Back in Florida, going to Walmart

was a treat for me.  It only happened once in a while, here 

it is the norm and I have to admit to liking it.

Inspections are still on.  Today we are having the fire inspector at Almost Home.

Everyday it is something else.  No time to be bored.  I love it.  Love it!!

Wishing everyone a beautiful day filled with happy thoughts

 and relaxing moments.  It's good to be busy, but it is also good to

 take time and enjoy the simple things in life.  Everyday.

Life brings simple pleasures to us everyday.

It is up to us to make them wonderful memories...

~Nadiya~

Hello Monday ~

Let today be the start of something new and wonderful...

The weekend came and went in a flash.  The month is soon half

 done and as my sister said to me in just about 6 months it will 

be Christmas again.  Time as we know waits for no one.  

That being said we had a very good weekend.  Saturday was 

our gathering with all the tenants at Almost Home.  That 

went well, but as always I cooked way too much food. 

 I will one day realize to do what Arvid says, "cook half of 

what you usually do."  For now I am happy that no one went 

hungry and there was tons of leftover for everyone.

One of our tenants bough a beautiful cake and she said to me,

 "I want you to try it before everyone else does and its all done."

  As beautiful a s the cake was, it was also very delicious.  

Once it was cut it did not last long.  Everyone loved it.

A new work week begins.  I never know what to expect, but am ready to face it.  We have been very fortunate that whenever we have an open room at Almost Home we have been able to rent it out within the day.  

Sunday as always Arvid and I had a very nice outing.  After

 being with everyone on Saturday, we realized how important

 it is for us to have a day by ourselves.  Just peaceful and 

very relaxing without all that "babble" as he calls it.  

We really enjoy our time alone on Sundays.  Even when 

we visit family for a long length of time we try to spend Sundays 

on our own.  It's therapy and it is something that we need.

To all a great start of the new work week.  Make it a spectacular one.

Brand new week ahead of you to slay dragons,

achieve goals, sweat more, gripe less and ditch the fear!  Go!

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

~Nadiya~

Loving Life ~

Be yourself because an original is worth more than a copy...

We at Almost Home are once again hosting a dinner for the tenants.  

Yesterday I started cooking for 60 to 70 people.  Most would say, 

"why don't you have it catered?"  Arvid asked me that several 

times, but the truth is that many of the tenants asked me to make

 certain things they like.  Specifically my coleslaw.  To that 

I also made potato salad, an asparagus, green bean and

 corn salad and today I will make the rice and beans.

We catered the chicken and we will also be doing a BBQ.  

Lots of desserts as well.  Chris and Tiffany are also making potato 

salad so I know we will have a lot of food.  With what I have already made

 I am sure it will be enough for the tenants, but I always go more than less.

I have already made a few foil containers of coleslaw and potato salad.  

I had to empty the entire fridge to make room for the containers.  

Arvid as not happy when he saw his Smirnoff Vodka on the 

countertop, but he let that slide.  What he did not let slide was me

 taking out the one bottle of Landshark beer from the fridge. 

 He said, "that stays"  We were bot happy with that.

We had an opening yesterday and before the day was over I 

got a phone call from a previous tenant asking if we had any openings.

  We had him before, therefore the decision was easy.   He told me he 

would not be in town until Tuesday, but I told him if he wanted the 

room he would have to take it as of today and pay for it.  No hesitation. 

 He gave me his card and.. he has a room.  He was super happy.

Saturday.  It is going to be a great day.  The birds are already singing.  

The sun is shining and the skies are blue.  Best of all Sniff is next to me.

A positive mind towards everything will give you a happier life...

~Nadiya~