Wednesday June 24th~

The best and most beautiful things 

in this world cannot be seen or even

 heard, but must be felt with the heart...

 Recently Pigeon has been coming to the deck 

and just sitting on the railing.  Usually she would eat 

on the grass below, but she's gotten brave and comes 

directly to the food source.  Most of the time Squirrel

 is in the food platter, but somehow they have worked

 out a system where each one takes turns to eat.  They 

make Sniff and I happy.  Already missing them.

We had a beautiful day yesterday.  Blue skies and

 sunshine. Today has already begun with a beautiful 

sunrise accompanied by a little mist.  Makes it look 

even prettier from where I stand.  I love mornings.

We did not do much yesterday.  With all these soccer

 games we, well mainly Arvid has to really plan on how 

and when to do things.  Lunch is either one of the breaks 

of after one game is over.  The window to the next game 

is sometimes very short, but Arvid keeps himself busy.

Wishing everyone a very good day.  Let us 

remember that starting the morning on the

 right foot sets the tone for a great day.  

If you're looking for a great dining experience

 look no further.  The Keeter Center is a massive 95,000

square-foot log-and-stone lodge located at the entrance 

of College of the Ozarks in Point Lookout, Missouri. 

Built by students and opened in 2004, it serves

 as an educational workstation and a tribute to the

 campus's history. The massive multi-function

 facility was built over four-and-a-half years

 by a team of roughly 250 students and the 

college's construction crew. Keeter Center

Rise gently, shine boldly, and embrace the day 

ahead.  Every morning is a beautiful morning...

~Nadiya~

Sunday August 3rd~

 Relish the journey over the hump 

and enjoy the view on the other side...

Yesterday started out beautifully. So much

 cooler than last month. Today same thing so

 very happy with Branson right now.

In the morning I took some time for me.

 Yeah a huge part involved grocery shopping 

which right now is a nightmare because

 it seems like everyone is in Branson. 

I also went to Kohls for a bit.  I will admit 

it’s not my favorite store.  I never find much 

that I like in it, but the good thing about 

it is that there is a Sephora in there. 

 Sephora is our eldest granddaughter’s 

favorite store. At least for now.  It gave me the 

opportunity to chat with her, which made me

 immensely happy.  Just to have her respond back

 to me made my day even more beautiful. 

 I love those 3 girls with all my heart, and

 it makes me angry when some people refer to

 them as “Arvid’s grandkids”. I see red right away, 

and right away I correct them.  I always

 say, “ they are OUR grandkids.” 

 Nothing pisses me off faster than that.  They 

are my grandkids as much as Arvid’s.  I may not 

be able to always communicate with them due to 

the language barrier, but their English

 is much better than Norwegian. 

 In fact they do understand me, but they are 

still at times shy to speak in English to me.  I 

am patient and nothing will make me happier 

than one day being able to actually have

 a real conversation with them.  

Last night Arvid and I met with Roger for drinks. 

Arvid was with him Friday night as well. We thought

 it was going to me a quiet evening with just the three

 or maybe four; there is another guy also in the group.

  Turns out it was Karaoke night.  AGAIN!😭

 Roger says he finds me “interesting”. He says

 he enjoys talking to me because I am not like anyone 

he knows.  My guess is because I am blunt, to the point

 and do not sugarcoat my words.  Sometimes it may be

 okay to do so, but I do not know how to. Some may 

find it offensive, but I have always been this way.  I call 

a spade a spade. You either like me or you don’t, and 

to be honest it does not affect me one way or the other.

Sunday, and the day is looking really good. 

Another perfect day for being outdoors. Oliver

 has been taken care of.  Birdies fed, and of course 

Sniff as well.  Sniff first then all the others.

Expressing gratitude adds a vibrant 

hue to your everyday canvas...

~Nadiya~