May 31, 2022

Tuesday May 31st ~

 Life is a Treasure Hunt and we all have the 
key to it. Unfortunately, many of us don't
unlock it, but take the key to our grave...

And just like that another month is just about done. 
 Arvid, Sniff and I have been in Branson for 6 months, and it's 
been 3 months since we had to take back Almost Home Lodge.  
What a journey it has been so far.  Even so, we manage to find
 time for ourselves.  It's the little things that keeps you going.


The weather is perfect right now.  Exactly the way we 
remembered it from being here in 2016-2018, makes for 
perfect Sunday outings at our most favorite place.  The Landings.
There was even live music, of course we had to sit and listen.


Busy day today at work.  I've been pulling weeds in 
my spare time, so it keeps me busy in between. The roses
 at Almost Home are still blooming.  All is good and
 every day is a new challenge.  To all a good day.


Don't just go where you want to go, but run,
 jump and dance as you are going. That's
 life. Enjoy every moment of your life...

~Nadiya~ 

May 30, 2022

Monday May 30th ~

 When you arise in the morning give thanks for the 
food and for the joy of living. If you see no reason
 for giving thanks, the fault lies only in yourself...


It's always important to reflect on all of the blessings 
you have.  Gratitude is something that we should be able to
 express on any occasion—no matter how big or small.


This nation will remain the land of the free
 only so long as it is the home of the brave.


The willingness of America’s veterans to sacrifice 
for our country has earned them our lasting gratitude.  
Happy Memorial Day to all and especially to those who
 gave their lives for us in order to protect our freedom.


Those who have long enjoyed such privileges as we
 enjoy forget in time that men have died to win them...

~Nadiya~

May 29, 2022

Memorial Day Weekend ~

 And I’m proud to be an American, where at
 least I know I’m free. And I won’t forget the
 men who died, who gave that right to me...

Memorial Day weekend, packed with fun and family 
activities and the must have BBQ time.  While we all
 enjoy our day/weekend let's not forget to express gratitude to
 the sacrifice so many have made in service to our country. 
 Without their service and sacrifices, we would not be
 enjoying the freedom we take for granted.


Enjoy the day, and a save weekend to all.

Never in the field of human conflict
 was so much owed by so many to so few...

~Nadiya~

May 28, 2022

Saturday May 28th ~

 Mama told me there'd be days like these...

Evenings are not complete unless these two have 
their bonding time together.  Where Arvid goes, Sniff 
has to follow.  Sniff adores his dada and dada definitely
 has a soft spot for this furry cutie pie, even when he's 
super busy.  Sniff has a way to get around him.


A little work today and then Arvid has another 
soccer game in store for him.  No matter what 
nothing comes between Arvid and his games 😂

Today will be another very sunny day.  Clear blue skies and 
sunshine all day long.  What a treat and we sure are happy
 about it.  Make for a wonderful change from the rain.


Even on my busiest of days (most days) my thoughts 
go back to the kitties in Puerto Rico.  I just can't get the image 
of them out of my mind, and it breaks my heart because I don't 
know what will be their fate.  My friend who lives in PR and
 was feeding them is now back home in Pennsylvania. 
 She won't be back in PR until November.


I tell myself that they survived without us, 
and flourished.  I tell myself that everyday.  It
 has not brought me any comfort as yet.

The other day Arvid and I were talking and
 remembering Brutus and Shadow.  Not as if they 
will ever be forgotten.  Our Brutus will forever be 
one of the most beautiful chapters in our lives. 


 But Arvid said to me, "I think of Shadow quite often."
  I said I do also and we both just could not go on 
further with that because then the memory of
 how Shadow died haunts us. Poor baby.


Bad days turn, to manageable days,
 to nothing can break me days...

~Nadiya~

May 27, 2022

Friday May 27th ~

Take time to do what makes your soul happy... 

Long weekend ahead, and finally we may see a little sunshine.
The last few days/weeks it has been rain and more rain.


The long weekend is a working weekend for us 😂, but for 
those who will be having a three-day weekend, enjoy and live it up.


All is good here at home and at Almost Home. 
 Looking forward to a little warmth and hopefully 
a sunny and pleasant outing on Sunday.  


Nothing is permanently perfect. But there are 
perfect moments and the will to choose what
will bring about more perfect moments...

~Nadiya~

May 26, 2022

Thursday May 26th ~

We can and we will make it happen.  Best team ever...

It seems like the rain will never stop.  Have not
 seen this much rain in Branson ever.  Today
 is no different.  Rain and it is also cold.


My antidote to all of this is waking up to Sniff
 and a good cup of cafe while Arvid grabs a little more
 snooze time.  Life does have some perfect moments.

Good morning to all.  Weekend is around the corner and 
it should be much warmer and full of sunshine.  Perfect 
for some outdoor dining.  Looking forward to that 😍.


Good morning.  Look for something positive in every day, 
even if some days you have to look a little harder.

Todays goals: coffee and kindness.  
Maybe two coffee, and then kindness...

~Nadiya~

May 25, 2022

Wednesday May 25th ~

 Today can be the Hump Day or 
a day to remember. Your choice...

When you're busy time flies even faster than ever. 
 I have had to cancel my haircut appointment and unfortunately 
my manicure-pedicure.  Now twice. I have had to meet
 tenants after five and by then I am way tired for
 a haircut or a manicure.  Will keep on trying.


We have had a couple of open rooms, but within a 
half an hour I have had them rented.  Of course not 
the same day.  I need time to clean them and 
make them fresh for the new occupant.

Three of our current tenants are from Florida and
 according to their boss, they would like to rent 3 more 
rooms for more of their workers coming from Florida. 
 Kinda strange to see cars in our parking lot with Florida 
plates.  Mine was the only one.  Not so anymore😃


Wishing everyone a good day.  If you get tired, learn to rest, not to quit.


If things are getting overwhelmed, take a break, and reiterate.
 Sometimes a little rest in between helps to clear your head. 
Your direction is more important than your speed...

~Nadiya~

May 24, 2022

Another Day ~ Tuesday may 24th

 I just try to understand that tomorrow is another day...

After a long day, you come home and you see this.


I love sunsets, sunrises, I just love all 
the beauty around us.  And there is a lot.


Most mornings I see the birds and get to enjoy 
then for a little.  I feed them and in a way they bring me 
a little closer to the kitties I left behind in Puerto Rico. 
 Never far from my thoughts nor my heart.

Sniff has hours on entertainment just watching them. 
 They are no longer scared of him and they tease
 him all day long.  He loves it.  Keeps him busy.


Danielle, (our niece) and her boyfriend had a great time
 in Aruba.  Sure wish we could take a little trip somewhere right
 now.  J, (our nephew) and his girlfriend are now in Europe doing 
a little exploring.  Ahhh travel, seems such a far away thing these 
days for us.  One day we will be bouncing around again 😂


Wishing everyone a very good day.
  Let positivity be your guide.  Mindset is everything.

Practice like its competition and compete
 like it's another day on the practice court,,,

~Nadiya~

May 23, 2022

Monday May 23rd ~

 The journey to success begins with a step. Take that step this week...

Arvid gets all involved in soccer.  
Yesterday watching the last game of the season,
 all covered up with Sniff's ratty blanket. 
 Sniff loves all of his ratty blankets.


As the new week begins, I can only imagine so many 
scenarios that await us.  I am so grateful that Arvid and I work
so good together.  One without the other will be no good.  


Sunday was relaxing.  I was so happy to just be home
 and make us a good homecooked meal for a change.  During 
the week I eat in the office.  No complains, but it's nice to just
 sit relax and not have to answer phone calls while eating.


On Saturday we took our maintenance man and his wife
 out to lunch again.  Once again, we went to Drafts.
  Seems like everyone likes it and it's the best BBQ
 chicken wings in town.  Our favorite in town.


Sniff is doing good.  He needs to get his yearly
 check-up, but I have not had time as yet to schedule
 it and take him.  Thank goodness he is healthy and 
seems in perfect condition.  That being said
 I need to make time for his checkup.


Forget my checkup.  I have not been to an 
endocrinologist since October.  I need to go every 3
 months.  My hormones are having a field day.

Fortunately, I have not had the urge to do harm to anyone. 
 As yet.  But the week is young and who knows what will
 happen.  To all a great week ahead.  make it a good one.


 Forget about the failures of the past week. This week
is an opportunity to do better. Look ahead. Be great...

~Nadiya~

May 22, 2022

Sunday May 22nd~

 Never be in a hurry; do everything quietly and in
 a calm spirit. Do not lose your inner peace for anything 
whatsoever, even if your whole world seems upset...

At the end of a long work week this is what Arvid looked like.


But he was happy and felt very accomplished. 
 Yes, he/we got lots done this past week.  Today we relax 
and just take it easy.  Tomorrow is right around the corner.


Wishing everyone a relaxing day.  If all we did was stay in, 
watch some TV and do nothing else, that is a good day.
  That is the plan, but as we know plans do change..  
It feels like winter is coming back.  Cold day.


Peace brings with it so many positive emotions
 that it is worth aiming for in all circumstances...

~Nadiya~

May 21, 2022

Saturday May 21st ~

Sometimes we just need to put down our
 phones, close our eyes and take a few deep
 breaths. Ideas are often in-flight patterns around 
our brains, just waiting for clearance to land...

When life gets busy, it can be challenging 
to find time to relax. It’s during those times 
that relaxation is most important for all.


Short workday today and then a little chicken
 wings for lunch.  Makes for some good
 times, and delicious foodies.


I'm not exactly sure why I come in on Saturdays,
 but then I remember the tenants like to get their mail.  

Yesterday Arvid was super happy trimming the hedges. 
 Let's just say he used a third of the time doing it.  Compared
 to what it would have been, and he actually did a good job.


Hope you have a really good day and that the rest 
of your weekend is relaxing and stress free.


As important as it is to have a plan for doing
 work, it is perhaps more important to have a plan
 for rest, relaxation, self-care, and sleep...

~Nadiya~

May 20, 2022

Friday May 20th ~

  Life is like breathing. If you try to hold it, you’ll lose it.
 But let it come & go & you’ll always be connected to it...

It has been a good week so far with lots accomplished.
 The week is not yet done for us, but we feel good.


It's been crazy weather week.  Lots of rain, thunder 
and lightning one day.  Next day it's all the way in the 90'sF
 then it will be "cold" the other day.  With all the running 
around we do, especially Arvid, he's still in his shorts.


Sniff is scared of thunder and lightning, but now
 he does not run and hide under the bed.  Instead, he's 
been coming close to us and tucking himself as far as
 he can get into us.  He does this mainly with Arvid, and
 during the morning hours he comes on the bed between the
two of us making sure his paws make contact with us.


I can't say we are getting used to working 6-7 days
 a week, but I will say that when we do take Sundays 
off it feels as if we should be at work instead.

I miss those relaxing days in Puerto Rico, the long
 walks along the beach, and my mornings with the 
kitties.  Life happened and we go with the flow.


To all a good weekend.  Enjoy and have some fun.


Every now and then, go away, have a
 little relaxation, for when you come back to
 your work your judgment will be surer...

~Nadiya~

May 19, 2022

Thursday May 19th ~

 Look for something positive in every day, even 
if some days you have to look a little harder...


The work week is soon done.  Boy this week is
 sure going by fast.  Tuesday was a busy day at Almost Home, 
just like the other days, but that could also be because Arvid and
 I just do not sit idle.  We always have something we can do,
 even if it means Arvid does a little sweeping.


We swept every corner of Almost Home, but with the 
wind we have been having and the leaves blowing all over
 the place it just does not seem to be enough.  Oh well, today 
is another day.  I am sure we will find things to do 😂.


At Almost Home I take care of one of the tenants kitties.  
She does not see so well so once a day 6 days a week I go to
 her room, scoop the little, and do a little sweeping.  Her kitty 
Pookie likes me and I like her.  She reminds me of Brutus.


I have already bought Pookie a scratch pad and several catnip toys.
  She loves to play and I did not see any around.  Now when I go
 I spend a little time playing with her.  She enjoys it as do I.


Here at home I am thinking up ways to deter the squirrels or
 whatever is eating all my bird seed every night.  I was covering 
the feeders every night with a plastic bag,  but that didn't work.
  I am now covering them with a pillowcase.  Hoping for the best.


Arvid, Sniff and I had a relaxing evening, and now ready to
 face the day bring what it may.  Happy day all and let's do it.


You can't control the world, but when 
you control your thoughts, you bring order...

~Nadiya~