Going Home ~

Never get tired of doing little things for others.  Sometimes 

those little things occupy the biggest part of their hearts...

It's been good to back in Branson.  It was even better
 to see everyone and to do a few of the things we enjoyed
 when living there.  Now it's even better going back home
 to Sniff.  I always miss him and I worry that he is lonely.

Hopefully next year we will visit Branson again.
A long drive awaits us.  I am always so happy when
 we are heading back home.  Always the day I look forward
 to the most no matter where we go and what we do.  There
 is no place like home.  Home is where Sniff is.

Back home we only have one day with Sniff
before we have to leave again.  Not so
 happy about that, but it is what it is.

 I have done everything to make sure Sniff is well
 cared for.  We leave for Norway on Tuesday.  For a long
 time. This is our longest time away from Sniff.

 I am already thinking of the day we will be coming
back home, but in the meantime I am also looking forward
 to seeing everyone, and to make some more beautiful memories.
  Also looking forward to checking out someplace new.

Wishing everyone a happy and beautiful day.  For us
 it's great because we are going home to Sniff.

Home is the starting place of love, hope and dreams.
The magic thing about home is that it feels good to leave,
 and it feels even better to come back. Home is where love
 resides, memories are created.  Home is where 
Sniff awaits us, and laughter never ends...

~Nadiya~

The Wedding~

A strong marriage requires two people who 

choose to love each other even on those days 

when they struggle to like each other...

The big day is here.  Tiffany and Chris' wedding.

Arvid is the best man and I am the maid of honor.  

Tiffany and Chris have been together over 20 years.

  The thought of marriage was not that keen to them, but

 then they became the owners of Almost Home 

and marriage was what she wanted.

Arvid and I are honored that they chose us to be part

 of their wedding plans.  For their wedding we have gotten

 then a room at Chateau on The Lake.  The views are

 stunning and it's one of our favorite places in Branson.

The wedding is not going to be too big. 

 Just a few family  members and us.

The weather here is much warmer than in Chicago.  

Arvid is back in his shorts, and for these few days

 we have not had to wear heavy jackets.

I have been having a really good time.  Arvid is

 busy running around.  Doing his stuff as always.  

No matter where we go, Arvid always has so

 much going on.  Keeps us busy and happy.

Wishing everyone a great day.  Can't wait to see how

 the day folds out and see what a southern wedding is all

 about.  Tiffany and Chris after all are from Louisiana.

A happy man marries the woman he loves,

a happier man loves the woman he married...

~Nadiya~

Happy Times..

Life moves so fast. You gotta document the good times man...

When we arrived in Branson the first thing we

 wanted to do was go to Drafts.  They have the best 

chicken wings I have ever had.  We invited Tiffany

 and Chris to have dinner with us on Wednesday night.  

We introduced  them to Drafts and it has also 

become one of their favorite places to eat.

We spent the day running around a little, taking
care of business.  We then went to Almost Home where
 both Arvid and I went in different directions.

 I had a lot of tenants still there who I wanted to
 meet and luckily I was able to meet with them all.
The lat one was Melvin, who I took over to the Mexican
 restaurant for a little drink and to catch up with.
  Arvid joined us and we spent an hour laughing
and just having the best of times.

I saw Bridgette and spent a long time with her
 and Miss Burton.  I even cut Bridgette's claws.  Just
 like old times.  I was so happy to see everyone.

 Everyone was happy also, but what made me
even happier was seeing that they are doing well.
 Almost Home looks good and Tiffany and Chris are
doing an amazing job at running it.  I am happy.

Sniff is doing good.  I get pictures everyday, but I
miss him a lot.  He just has a way with him.

Today is another day and I can't wait to see what it holds.
Happy Friday everyone.  It's a beautiful day here in Branson.

Good times are a reminder and a reward for dealing 
with the difficult and challenging times we all go through. 
The trick is to celebrate the good times in advance of the 
difficult times. Always remember, good times
 await you after the difficult times pass..

~Nadiya

Next Stop Branson, MO Wed

On the road again, goin' places that I've never 

been. Seein' things that I may never see again, 

and I can't wait to get on the road again...

Next stop is Branson, Missouri.  I never would have

 believed I'd be this happy to be going back to Branson.  

It's so different from everywhere we have lived, 

but that being said I am super happy to be

going back and to be seeing everyone.

Branson is still the place Sniff has lived the longest.

  He loved his room with a view of the squirrels,

 birds, trees and deers.  I loved watching him.

We have an 8-9 hour drive ahead of us depending 
on traffic.  I want to check out so many places and 

of course see everyone again.  Both Arvid and I

 have a list of people we would like to see.

I loved every moment of being a hotel owner, 

but I also love the life we have right now.  That was then, 

this is now.  For now I will just look forward to enjoying

 the people and some of our favorite spots.

Happy day everyone and may you

 always live in interesting times.  Last night's

  with The Rolling Stones was amazing.

Travel as much as you can.  As far as you
can.  As long as you can.  Life is not
meant to be lived in one place...

~Nadiya~

Back In Branson ~

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

One of my tenants said to me, "welcome back home."

  In a strange way it feels like I came home.  Everything

is so very familiar and yet it's not the same anymore. 

 For those 2 years it was home I was happy.  

Now Fort Lauderdale is home and I love it there.  

But for the next few days I will be making the most of 

my time here in Branson, surrounded by some of the

 nicest people I have had the pleasure of knowing.

Branson is not for everyone, but it sure made me 

happy while we were there.  I will always be grateful 

and thankful for everything we experienced there.  

For the people/friends we met and made and for the

 memories that can never be forgotten.  Because of Branson 

and the people, I know today I am an even better person 

than before.  I see life in a very different way.

Life is good and I am grateful that it took us to Branson.

Happy day everyone.  Be happy with what you have.

Be excited about what you want.

Whoever is happy will make other happy...

~Nadiya~

Hello Tuesday ~

Happiness is an attitude of mind, born of the simple 

determination to be happy under all outward circumstances...

Yesterday was another perfect day for the hot tub. 

 One of the best features of our condo building 

is the pool area.  Amazing  day or night.

Views from the pool area:

There is never a "bad" view.

And as if this were not stunning enough, we have the night view.

I never get tired of looking at it. 

 All of this in the heart of the city.

Our morning started with a trip on the bus. 

The bus is pprovided by the condo and it has a few

 key stops. Runs daily and it’s free to all.

We went looking for bread for Arvid. It was quite

 warm so we thought it was best to take the

bus one way and walk back home.

Arvid was most uncomfortable in his fairly thick

 sweater and jeans whereas I was most comfy in summer

 clothes.  Arvid says he's taking no chances.

Back home it was laundry day. Somehow Arvid has 

managed to never be a part of helping out. Sure he says 

 "I can help" but he is very happy that he doesn’t have to.

 To be fair, he does help me take the laundry down. I 

don’t really need him to, but he feels better this way.

Cleaning and packing today for our trip to Branson.

 I have already texted the people I would like to see and 

so far everyone will be available. Happy about that.

Sniff has clean litter. Clean sheets and clean mats.

 He’s fussy, and I'm fussy.  Everything has to be 

just right for him.  He is after all our little boy.

All we have left to do is pack, and do the last 

cleaning of the apartment. Tonight Arvid and I 

go to see The Rolling Stones in concert.  Very excited.

  We have good seats so we should be able to

 enjoy the music to the fullest.  Happy day!

Happy Tuesday amigos.

Happiness cannot be traveled to, owned, earned, 

worn or consumed. Happiness is the spiritual experience 

of living every minute with love, grace, and gratitude...

~Nadiya~

Start Of The New Week ~

When life gives you Monday, 

dip it in glitter and sparkle all day...

New week again, and when you wake up to cuteness 

like this, you know the week will be a good one.  

Yesterdays nice weather did not last too long. 

 One minute we were out on the balcony, 

and before you knew it the temperature dropped

 and the rain began. Chicago for you.

As always when we have to go somewhere, 

there is to take care of.  In my case I need to make sure

 everything is perfect for Sniff and to make sure to leave

 detained instructions to his pet sitter Katrina.

Katrina is from Ireland, but lived in Massachusetts

 and for the last several years home is Chicago.

Sniff has been getting deliveries 

for the last 2 weeks from all different pet

 stores.  My favorite is Chewy of course, but 

because they did not have his litter 

we had to order it from Petco.  

First and last time doing that.  The litter was all opened

and his bag of dry food was also opened.  Not again

  I believe he now has enough food and litter to last him

 the entire summer if not more, but I always have

 to make sure he's set before we leave.

Wishing everyone a very productive start of the new week.

Monday is a fresh start.  It is never too late to

 dig in and  begin a new journey of success...

~Nadiya~

Sunday Vibes ~

The best things in life are the people you love,

the places you go, and the memories you make...

Beautiful days are back.  Summer finally came to 

The Windy City.  Hoping this time it's for good.  Yesterday 

was actually warm and one of the first days we did not have

 to bundle up too much.  Arvid did have his sweater on.

Beautiful weather means walks in the city   Of course,

 as soon as we head out Arvid goes to the theater to check

 out what he can buy.  Tickets for upcoming concerts.  

Rain id predicted for later today, but they said the same for yesterday,

 and surprisingly we had none.  Hoping today will be the same.

Sniff has started to sense that something is going on.  He is very

 quiet and withdrawn.  My stress about him has begun..

It's now just a few days before we leave for Branson. 

 Super excited, and at the same time a little sad because

 we will be leaving Sniff.  The worse is seeing that he already

senses that something is going on.  So smart they are.

Happy Sunday everyone.  I am enjoying my last week

 here in the US before we leave for Norway.  Also can't wait 

to see everyone, especially our 2 little grand-daughters.

Life is about moments. 

 Don't wait for them create them...

~Nadiya~

Saturday In Chicago ~

At the end of the day all that matters is love 

and memories, so make sure that you give 

it and make sure that you make them...

No matter where you go in this city one thing is sure.  VIEWS!

From our apartment the view is quite beautiful.  

Today Arvid felt the need to wash the inside of the windows.

  Always needing to stay busy.  Just like me.

When the weather is beautiful, all I have to do is step out 

onto the balcony and enjoy the view as I have my coffee.  

Even on foggy days, there is beauty all around you.

I always find something to smile about.  Because life is good.

Our walks never disappoint.  There is always something to see and do.

My favorite views are the ones from our balcony.  As pictured above.

Though the weather has not been perfect, the scenery always is.

 Tonight Arvid and I go to Buddy Guy's Legends

 in hopes that the Rolling Stones make an appearance.  

The Rolling Stones had their first concert of their No

 Filter Tour last night here in Chicago.  The stadium,

 Soldier Field is in clear sight from our apartment.

Happy Saturday all.  Here in the city it is a beautiful day.

Our pictures are our footprints...

~Nadiya~

Start Of Summer ~

Never get tired of doing little things for others.  Sometimes 

those little things occupy the biggest part of their hearts...

Yesterday ended on a little warmer note.  

It did help that Arvid and I went to the hot tub

and stayed under for at least a good half hour.  

Sniff has not seen the sunlight since we got to Chicago. 

Makes him try all sorts of things to stay busy.

  Like me, he gets bored fast. One thing he loves

 to bask in it.  Hopefully if predictions are correct we 

will sure see some this weekend.  One can hope.

From what I was able to research, it seems that the

 last time it was this cold in Chicago was 1992.  

The fact that the lake is still so very cold, that 

means most likely the fog will remain.

Chicago has experienced more rain than usual. 

This also contributes to this crazy weather that’s going

 on right now.  I am chilled to the bones. The apartment

 has no heat during this time of the year.

But yesterday is gone, and today is a new day.  

As I woke up the first thing I noticed was that 

the fog was gone.  The skies are blue and the

 sun is most likely to make its presence felt. 

 Definitely a beautiful start for the first day of summer.

  If this holds, I would live to go to the park with Arvid

 and to our favorite Friday hangout, The Grille Park.  

Who knows maybe a few mojitos today.  

Rain is predicted later on in the afternoon bummer,

but these predictions are constantly wrong.  So in the

 meantime it is happy positive thoughts.  After all it is 

Friday.  Happy Hour Friday is not that far away.

Summertime and the living is easy. It's a smile, 

it's a kiss, it's a sip of wine ... it's summertime!..

~Nadiya~

Thursday In Chicago ~

You know what the say about Chicago, if you

 don't like the weather then wait fifteen minutes...

Chicago life.  Even in the cold and foggy days 

you still have to get out and walk around.  In the 

evenings warm up in the hot tub.  Best part.

The fog concentrates close to where we are, close to 

the lake.  As you get a little more into the city it sorts of

 disperses a little.  It's also a little less chilly in the city 

than where we are.  Every little bit helps when 

walking is your main form of transportation.

Above is what it looks like as we step out 

of our building and head out for our daily walk.

We make the best of the weather here.  What's the 

alternative?  For me having my OJ in the mornings in a

 pretty glass makes up for some of it.  It's cold and windy on

 the balcony, but every so often the wind dies down.

Wishing everyone a great day.  Our day is not on the 

sunny side (yet again).  Later today it's the hot tub

 again.  Need to warm up these Floridian bones.

Life is like Chicago weather, you never know 

what you're gunna get. Dear Mother Nature, get back 

on your meds, pop open a bottle of wine, and 

start thinking warm, happy thoughts...

~Nadiya~

Foggy Day In The City ~ Again

The things you're waiting and hoping for,

 tend to arrive at the most unexpected moments...

I guess it's because we will soon be going to Norway. 

 I stress.  I think of Brutus and how difficult it always

 was to leave him.  I never wanted to go away for so 

long because I worried about Brutus and his paw.  

In the picture above Wendy, his pet sitter at the

 time tried giving him his pills.  Not always successful. 

I guess I am thinking even more of Brutus because

 am am having the blues right now.

Maybe it has to do with the weather.  It's cold, 

 foggy and wet just about everyday.  Also I am stressing

 about being in Norway for so long.  I look forward to 

seeing everyone, but I also don't want to leave Sniff

 alone for so long.  This happens every single year.

Happy Wednesday to all.  I keep reminding myself that 

if one waits for perfect conditions, we"ll never get anything done.

Never let a bad situation bring out

 the worst in you. Be strong and choose to

 be positive, no matter how hard it is...

~Nadiya~

Foggy Day In Chicago ~

Life is short, and if we enjoy every moment of 

every day, then we will be happy no matter what 

happens or what changes along the way...

So far most of our days here in Chicago have looked like this:

So how about your part of the world?  Has summer gotten to you?

One place that is always warm and beautiful no matter 

what kind of weather we are having is the pool and hot tub area. 

 Here we use them more than we ever do in Florida.

Soon we will be going to Branson.  That I am excited

 about.  Can't wait.  I loved everything we did and accomplished

 in Branson, and the people we met and so much more.  I can't 

wait to go. Counting down the days until we're there.

Wishing you all a warm and sunny day.

Smile from your heart; nothing is more beautiful

 than a woman who is happy to be herself...

~Nadiya~