Life ~Is To Be Lived ~

The older I get, the more I realize

that it's OK to live a life others don't understand...

We have had quite some rain these last couple of days.  It rained so much

the other night I thought we were in Florida again.  Florida has heavy

rains that lasts for about five minutes and then suddenly it clears

up and the skies are blue again.  Had some of that right here

in Branson this week.  Reminded me of being home.

The last couple of days I have been feeling a little bla.  Nothing is wrong,

so not sure exactly why.  All is good at the hotels, at home and

with us, but even so I was awake for most of the night. 

Thoughts and more thoughts going through my head, and yes, Brutus was

a big part of those thoughts.  Then all of a sudden Sniff came on the bed and

curled up next to me.  As if he knew I needed to feel him.  Then I fell asleep.

Arvid had his milkshake after all and was happy.  I had an Appletini and

I was happy as well.  Not often that I do this, but on this day I thought it was

the right call.  Temperatures are still on the cooler side here.  Leaving

the doors open for a few hours feels good.  Nothing like fresh air.

Our Fridays, Saturdays and our every days are very different from what

it was. Sundays, no matter where we are is always the same. Arvid

and I spending time together over a good meal and enjoying  beautiful

sceneries. The where we are does not matter.  What matters

is that we are together and for that I am always grateful.

To all a happy start of the weekend.  Remember if you 

can't change a situation, change your mind.

When you find peace within yourself, you become

the kind of person who can live at peace with others...

~Nadiya~

Thursday In Branson ~

Because every picture tells a story...

On my way to work I find it sometimes difficult to not stop and take pictures.

  Don't ask me why.  I have many of the same, but as far as I am concerned

everyday the same thing looks different.  As I have mentioned before,

the wheel is one of my favorite attractions to photograph.

I get it from all angles and to this day I am never bored or disappointed with it.

Maybe because it came from Chicago?  Whatever the reason, it  never 

ceases to make me smile and to brighten and cheer up my day.

Most of these attractions are closer to 76 INN.  Arvid's hotel.

Have not really been into any of them, but I still like to pass by and

get pictures. Arvid and I are not one to "do" the attractions. 

No matter where we go. At one time we did, but then we decided

we were not cut out for it.  Making lines is not our thing.

The other day we tried out a "new" place for lunch.  Burgers any which

way you want them.  Arvid loves his burgers and was not disappointed in it,

but when we were done eating he said to me, "how come you did not order

the milkshake?"   Guess next time I will have to get him his milkshake.

The restaurant reminded us a little of Roadhouse in Fort Lauderdale.

The peanuts were there for taking.  When Arvid's daughter Michelle was little 

she loved going to Roadhouse.  She did not eat much, but she loved the peanuts.  All

she used to order at that time was macaroni and cheese.  Now she's a mom with 2 kids.

Just got our deliveries from Pepsi and Coca Cola for the week.  

Everyone is happy and all is good here at Almost Home and 76 Inn.

Happy Thursday to all and may you always live in interesting times.

Just because I post something doesn't mean I am

going through it.   I may just like the quotes...

~Nadiya~

Just Another Wednesday ~

 In terms of procrastination, today has been wildly successful.

Rainy day, good book, coffee, perfection...

Waking up to theses cooler temperatures in the middle of August 

just feels so good.  Temperatures in the 60's and throughout the day

 it gets to the high 70's maybe 80's.  Does not get any better

 than this.  Factor in no humidity and it's just perfect.

My sister in Florida keeps telling me how hot and how humid it is. 

 She has never had a summer in Florida as yet, and to say the least, 

she does not like it at all.  I keep telling her that come winter 

she will be loving it.  Yes come winter it is the best place to be.

My sister and family will be heading to California by the end of August.

  Their home is a mess right now in Virginia.  Packing and packing is

 what they are doing and trust me I know the feeling. 

Yesterday has been one of those days that because of the weather,

 I felt as if I should have been home with a good book and 

some hot chocolate.  The day was foggy and cool.  Love it.

Almost Home and 76 Inn are quite full.  Both places are super quiet

 and calm.  Just like it should be.  The pool is in full swing for at least

 another month maybe a tad bit longer here at Almost Home.  Once 

fall comes it's time to close up and prepare for the cooler temperatures.  

Today is one of those days I really don't feel like doing much. 

 Blame it on the weather.  Makes me want to stay in 

bed and just curl up with a good book, Arvid and Sniff.

 Looking forward t those days one day again.

Today sister number 4 celebrates her birthday.  Together with her family

 they spent it in Puerto Rico a few weeks ago.  Was celebration 

time for both her and her husband whose birthday fall

 in August.  Though she is far away, I always have

 her well being at heart and think of her daily. 

 To all a good day, and if you don't have to head out..well take
 a lazy sloth day.  Move minimally. eat slowly, enjoy life. 

I am seriously having a very very lazy day today.. 
It's only Wednesday and I just don't feel like moving too fast...

~Nadiya~

Dark Clouds Rolling In ~

You're not going to master the rest of your life in one day.

Just relax.  Master the day.  Then just keep doing that every day...

No matter how you look at it the day is filled with dark clouds.  The air is cooler

and right now it is quiet and very relaxing.  I'm having a very good day.

This is looking across the street from Almost Home.  A favorite of

mine on a Friday.  Any day is good, but somehow on Fridays it is even better.

Sniff slept close to me.  How I love that.  Waking up in the mornings with his

warm body tucked next to me is one of the best way to start our day.

My day is not as busy as Arvid's is.  Arvid like to be on the move and

run around no matter what.  I don't think he wants to have a non

busy day. Arvid has more energy in him than someone half  his

 age.  I love him, but sometimes wish he would slow down.

Happy Tuesday all.

Women and cats will do as they please,

men and dogs should relax and get used to the idea...

~Nadiya~

To A Good Start Of The Week ~

A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; 

an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty...

Life has a way of throwing things at us when we least expect it.  

Not all to our liking, but that is life you have to take the good with the 

bad and it is how we handle these adversities that eventually

 show what kind of a person we are...and what we are made of.

There are many things we have not been able to do since coming to Branson.

Work has dominated our lives, but at the end of the day we smile because we know we

are doing what we set out to do.  Not everyday is easy, but it is always good.

I miss the movies.  I miss walks on the beach and my morning
 coffee on the balcony watching the boats go by.  On the other
 hand, life right now has a definite purpose.  Everyday I go to work,
 I laugh, I joke with the tenants and I learn something new.

As the new week begins, I am curious to see what it brings.
Happy Monday all and may this be another good
and productive week that awaits us all.

You've done it before and you can do it now. See the positive possibilities.

 Redirect the substantial energy of your frustration and turn it into 

positive, effective, unstoppable determination...

~Nadiya~

Feeling Grateful ~

I am thankful for nights that turned into mornings,

 friends that turned into family, and dreams that turned into reality...

Branson Missouri.  A far cry from Fort Lauderdale Florida. That being,

 said I am grateful right now to be here.  There was a time I thought

 Arvid and I were making a difference in the lives of our 

tenants, but last night I realized that it's the other way

 around. They have made a difference in our lives.

Almost Home Lodge is where I spend most of my time these days.

  As I mentioned a while back, the tenants have become friends.

 and people whom I care for. I have taken an interest in their well being,

 and in their lives.   I'm look forward to seeing them everyday and to 

catching up on whatever new development goes on with them. 

 From them I have learnt that there is so much more to life.  

They have shown me day after day what kindness, generosity and caring

 is all about.  I may miss our life back in Florida at times,

 but I am grateful and forever will be to everyone that makes 

Almost Home Lodge feel like a family.

Arvid's hotel is a little different.  He does have his "family" there as well,

 but his place has more working people compared to mine.  My place

 has been home for many for years.  Arvid sees more movement.  

He has also developed a bond with his long term tenants.  

They love him and won't trade him for the world either.

In Florida we lived in a condo. Never did I form a bond to any to the

 people living in the building. I do not know much about any of them.

At Almost Home we are a big family.  I realize how precious this 

is and I am grateful for having all of them I'm my life.

Last night at the midnight car show, I saw everyone as a friend.  We all had a

 good time and enjoyed the show together.  Everyone looks out for each

 other.  Isn't that exactly what family does for one and other.

I love you all, and to all of you I am grateful. And no matter

 where life takes me, this will forever be one of the best times in my life.  

All because of you.  Than you always and I will see you all tomorrow.

Never forget that gratitude can transform common days into Thanksgiving,

turn routine jobs into joy, and change ordinary opportunities into blessings.

If we do not feel grateful for what we already have, 

what makes us think we will be happy with more...

~Nadiya~

Car Show ~It's Friday

Happiness can't be far behind a grateful heart,

and a peaceful mind.  Happy Friday ...

The cars have been cruising along all day long for the last few days. 

 Each day more and more are coming into the city all 

leading up to the midnight cruise on Saturday.  

Arvid and I plan to be there of course.  ll of this is taking 

place right in front of Almost home.  People have already 

started setting up lawn chairs on the side walk.

Yesterday it rained a little.  That slowed down the cars a bit,

 but the rain did not last that long and though it is predicted 

to continue into the weekend, the cars kept on coming.

Everyone keeps telling us that the show is an amazing display of cars.

Over 500 cars are predicted to by through Shepherd of the Hills.  Due to the rain,

 this may not be the case, but even so I'm excited to see the "show"

Arvid and I plan to monitor the parking lot together with Tony.

Well something different this weekend.  Feels like home again.  Life 

in Branson is good.  No complaints here.  Hotels are running smoothly.  

Sniff is happy and Arvid and I are staying busy.  Very busy.

Wishing everyone a great weekend and whatever you do, do it in style.

Make today so awesome that yesterday gets jealous...

~Nadiya~

Hello Thursday ~

Keep calm and be crazy!  Laugh, love and live it up because this

 is the oldest you've been and the youngest you'll ever be again...

She's my step daughter, Arvid's eldest daughter.  Her name is Victoria,

 and I consider her my friend as well.  We have a good relationship,

 and for that I am happy.  She and I have been through some trying

 times, but we came out stronger and with a special bond.

  Today is her birthday.  This girl is AMAZING!  She always gets what

 she wants, and not because it is given to her.  What she gets

 is from her hard work and determination.  She stops at 
nothing to achieve her goals. Goal oriented she is.

Like every year on her birthday she and Michael take a trip to a 

beautiful destination.  This year Marbella and Puerto Banus 

is their destination.  They are actually there right now. 

 As I always tell her may you always live in interesting times,

 and may this journey you are on never stops.  They work hard,

 and play hard.  For the next few days it is sun, beach and 

those fancy drinks served with umbrellas.  

Here in Branson all is good.  The city is gearing up for the Summer
 Cruise car show.  Branson and more specifically Shepherd Of The Hills,
this is where Almost Home is located is expected to see close to 500 cars on display.  
Unfortunately, as of today and through the weekend rain is predicted.

To all a good day, and don't forget to be amazing.

Be fearless in the pursuit of what sets your soul on fire...

~Nadiya~

Tuesday In Branson ~

Do not judge my story by the chapter you walked in...

Life in Branson goes on.  Not a bad day.  Started of with a bang 

and most likely the rest of the day will be more of the same. Yes,

 interesting is what we have and a constant buzz.  We like it.  

Branson is buzzing with people.  The car show starts on Thursday

 and the midnight cruise is on Saturday. Busy, busy days ahead.

Be fearless in the pursuit of what sets your soul on fire..

~Nadiya~

Time To Be Amazing ~

Life is better when you laugh a lot, cry a little,

and thankful for everything you've got...

Some get the Monday Blues, but not because of that should

 we forget to be AWESOME.  It's another day we wake up to feel the sun shining 

down on us, or in many other cases like ours to feel the rain slowly falling.  

Another busy week awaits us.  Looking forward to see what it brings.

Just because it's Monday does not mean we can't have the time of our lives.

It's Monday.  Sometimes you gotta drink some coffee.  

Put on some rock n roll, and handle your business...

~Nadiya~