Busy Days ~

Staying busy is the best escape from everything

 and everyone.  I am thankful for another day...

 We have had busy busy days.  By the end of the day I am

 worn out.  Both Arvid and I seem to be going to sleep a little

 earlier than usual.  Still getting used to the heat I guess.

Yesterday I started walking early in the mornings. 

 So nice and so cool.  I am gone walking before Arvid is

 up and back before he's up.  Yup, he likes his sleep.  I get 

up, brush Sniff, give him his foodies, have my cafe and

 out the door I go. Hope to keep this rhythm going.

Over the weekend Arvid and I checked out another

 restaurant.  Close to us.  Where we live, most of

 the restaurants cater to seafood.  I'm happy.  

I always order the fish, Arvid not too happy about seafood,

 so he had the filet mignon.  "The best steak I have ever

 had"  those were his words, said more than one time.

After Indian food, Puerto Rican food is my favorite.

  They are actually close to being both my favorite food.

  There is flavor and there is flavor.  I am super happy

because every time we go somewhere, I am always 

smiling after my meal.  Food makes me happy 🦞.

Today's walk is over.  Now to see what the day holds.

I know we will be busy, because we like it and

it makes us happy.  Always something to do.

Sniff is better and better everyday, even so he still

 refuses to sleep in the bedroom with us, and that I am 

not happy about.  Hopefully with time he will. 

Believe it or not yesterday Arvid went to the barber.  

Something he has refused for months while we were in Florida. 

 My mom said, "looks like Clint again."  As in Clint Eastwood.

To all a very good day.  Arvid is awake, means my 

peace and quiet is now over.  Time to get busy 😃

Always gotta keep busy or the voices

 keep telling me to do wild things...

~Nadiya~

Busy Thursday ~

Nothing makes a person more productive than the last minute...

Busy day here at home.  Seems every time we are 

ready to go somewhere, something ALWAYS pops up at

 the last minute.  I am sure it is the same for everyone. 

 Lots of running around today.  Both Arvid and

 I each have chores to take care of.

Sniff has been very aware of something going on. 

 He's been a little too quiet and sulky, if cats sulk, then

 Sniff has been sulking a little.  Maybe he thinks we

 are leaving him again.  This time he goes with us.  

I'm already not too happy thinking about leaving

 him for so long when we go to Norway.  For me

 this is always the most stressful part.  Leaving

 him a few days is OK, but so long I hate it.  

Sniff's pet-sitter in Chicago is also going away the

 same time as we are is even more stressful.  Anna,

 his pet-sitter and family are from Spain and the 

also take a month off. Now to find another sitter.

Today I feel a lot better compared to what I was.

 Cough still there, but not as "violent" as it has been. 

Today I tried Uber Eats for the first time. 

 Have to the service was pretty good.

 Maybe a new trend for us?  Arvid does

 not like delivered foods.  Says it's not hot enough. 

Too bad because I did not feel like cooking nor 

did I feel like going out to eat.  Works great.

 I also told him that tomorrow I will not be cooking.

No delivery, tomorrow I think I am ready to go 

out and have a good meal at a restaurant.

Still lots to do, but as they say, if it weren't

 for the last minute I won't get anything done.

The best preparation for tomorrow 

is doing your best today...

~Nadiya~

Another Move ~

Every new beginning comes from some other beginning's

 end.  Today as I close one door, another door opens.  

Time to start a new chapter in our lives...

I feel like a Gypsy.  Constantly moving.  I don't like it, 

 and I am having a very difficult time feeling "at home"  

I really felt at home here in Branson.  When Sniff and I went 

back to Fort Lauderdale I just didn't feel it anymore.  

Now that Sniff is not here I am even more at a loss. 

 I miss him very much.  Sniff anchors me.

Yesterday Arvid and I got the moving truck, and we 

started to load.  This may be one of the "easiest" moves 

we have ever done, even so I just am not into

 it anymore.  I just do it because I have to.

Arvid keeps telling me that this is the last time we will

 move, but he tells me that everytime we move.  I told him 

the next time he decides to move he can go alone.

Arvid never seems to get tired of moving.  He loves it. 

 Having breakfast on boxes is just "like camping out" he says. 

 One thing I have to say.  The man has a forever optimistic view of

 everything.  I have to smile even when I don't want to.

I am extremely sad.  A chapter is coming to an end.  

I am usually used to it, but somehow this is very difficult 

for me.  Now that the days are numbered it is very real. 

 I want to be where Sniff is, and now that's not here.

Wishing you all a good day.  I am in turmoil right now, 

but I know I will get over it.  I'm trying so very hard.  

I don't recall ever be so attached to any place.

We live in a wonderful world that is full of beauty, 

charm and adventure. There is no end to the adventures

 that we can have if only we seek them with our eyes open...

~Nadiya~

And So Begins Another Busy Day ~

With wisdom comes the desire for simplicity...

Ever since we came back home it has been really busy 

at Almost Home.  We started filling the pool since

 Monday, and hopefully today it will be all done. 

 Yesterday it rained for about a half hour. Non stop. Reminded 

me of being in Florida where it rains non stop all summer long.  

Needless to say, we had extra work sweeping up the water and 

making sure the tenants did not slip and fall.  All four of us 

had a broom and worked like crazy to make it "safe"

One minute the weather was sunny and beautiful. Without

 warning the rain came together with hail.  Non stop for a 

good half hour.  In that half hour the roads were flooded, 

signs were knocked down from some buildings.  

Cable service was interrupted for about half hour also at 

Almost Home.  Let's just say the phone did not stop ringing.  

Tenants wanting to know why their TV was not working.

All I said to them was, "did you notice the very bad weather we just had?  

Lighting and hail?  Maybe that had something to do with the cable 

service being interrupted?"  Cable service was back up and

 running within the hour.  Everyone was happy again.

This has been a busy week.  Already Thursday.  I am really

enjoying being busy.  I know one day when this part of 

our lives is over I am going to miss it very much. 

Enjoying all of it right now.  There are days of course when

 I am exhausted and fed up, but then it passes and I am back to

 looking forward to seeing everyone and to being "needed"

Wishing everyone a happy Thursday.  Soon it will be weekend mode

for us all.  Always something to look forward to.  Everyday.

You may be tired and exhausted, but at least you 

woke up today.  Someone else didn't...

~Nadiya~

Puerto Aventuras ~ Quintana Roo, Mexico

When you try to control everything, you enjoy nothing.

Relax, breathe, let go, and just live...

Life here is relaxing.  Arvid is so good at just letting go and relaxing.

  I wish I could say the same for me.  I am "relaxed" but at the same 

time I just can't seen to be still.  It's not always a good thing.

After breakfast we take walks around the neighborhood.  

Watch the boats take off on their daily tours.  Always interesting

 to see who is on and what carries on. A lot goes on.

No matter where we go, Arvid is most interested in Real Estate. 

 He can spend quite some time just looking at the different buildings, 

their signs and always inquiring as to the price of them.  It's in his blood.

We walk for a while in the mornings before the sun gets too hot.  

We then come back and relax a little on the balcony before heading out 

to lunch and some more walking around the town.  We always have 

a car here so in the afternoons we either visit some place, go to the 

groceries or just take a drive.  Relaxing.  Not sure how much 

relaxation I can handle.  I have to make myself relax, and for me

 that is raking pictures.  Definitely when I am most relaxed.

Our Canadian neighbor lives here 5 months out of the year. 

 He just told us that his time was up this coming Saturday.  

Though sad to leave, he said that it was OK because it's 

starting to warm up in Canada.  Not sure that's true.

I love being out and about.  watching the dolphins and everything around us. 

 That's when I am happiest.  Not just "relaxing"  Looking forward to what 

the day holds and to what new adventure we embark on today.

Greetings to all from Puerto Aventuras, Quintana Roo Mexico.

The answers you seek never come when the mind is busy, 

they come when the mind is busy.  Relax, life is beautiful...

~Nadiya~

It's Another Snowy Day ~

Winter it the time for comfort, for good food and warmth,

for the touch of a friendly hand and for a talk

 beside the fire, it is the time for home...

The snow continues to fall.  This is the most snow I have seen since living in 

NYC and California.  Yes, California.  Big Bear Mountain in California

 had lots of snow and it was the view we used to have from our

 bedroom. Today my view from my office at home is Sniff

 sound asleep and the snow gently falling. The backyard is 

covered in white.  It's a beautiful sight.

I can't seem to get enough of this snowy weather.  Even Arvid agrees that it's 

not that cold.  That being said it would be OK for the snow to stop now. 

 It affects us being able to go to work and having a business one

 needs to be able to be on the move and to be present. 

 With these conditions it's not possible.  Fortunately we have a 4 wheel drive.

We gave it to our couple at Almost Home since they did not have a car.  

They came to pick Arvid up this morning so he can do his stuff.

The snow keeps coming down.  Sniff sound asleep.  Arvid and I tucked

in for the day.  Tonight the temperatures will be dropping to the teens and 

we will wake up to temperatures of 4F (-16C), now we are talking really cold. 

 To top it all off our heat has been acting up.  It comes on and off. 

 Arvid called the heat company, they said they were busy. 

 Then they said, "but it sounds like that's  normal."  I think 

it's warm, but Arvid says it's not heating good enough.  

Hello winter.  Although I am really liking you and the white blanket you 

are leaving in your path, please go away.  You are not good for business and you

 have created unnecessary work for us and everyone who needs to get around.

Kindness is like snow, it beautifies everything it covers...

~Nadiya~

Fall Is In The Air ~

Life starts all over again when it gets crisp in the fall...

I can feel fall in the air.  Cool fresh air.  I'm really liking it. 

Looking forward to seeing the change of colors.  From what I know

and have seen, it will be a sight to behold.  Not something we experience

in Fort Lauderdale, so while we can, I am going to really enjoy it.

As Hurricane Irma left Florida, millions have been without power.
We included.  Not being there right now during the hurricane season is good,
but there is clean up to be done in the unit.  We are fortunate to have Liliana.
No matter what, she is a true friend.  I know I can depend on her.
Arvid was the one who said to me, "call Liliana."

Another week goes by.  As the weekend approaches cooler air is moving in.
Mornings are beautiful  Crisp with zero humidity throughout the day.

The pool at Almost Home is closed for this year.  It's only September,
but already all the stores are geared towards Halloween.  Not sure
if we at Almost Home will have much of a Halloween thing
going on, but definitely we will for Thanksgiving.

It coming.  Comfy sweaters, warm drinks and pretty colors.
I can feel it.  I can see it.  Wishing you all a great start of the weekend.

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...

~Nadiya~

Day 4 Of 2017...

Create the life you can't wait to wake up to.

I will either find a way or make one...

Everything is brown.  This morning it is foggy and looks bleak outside.  Winter is really

 showing it's face here.  Though it has been "warmer" than usual these last few days, 

I still find it at times way too cold and not seeing the sunshine in so long sometimes

 gets to me.  Always nice and warm indoors, but one can't stay in forever.

I spent some time checking hing out a few of the sights and things to do in town.

There is quite a lot, but as of right now most of the attractions are closed for the winter. 

 Many reopen in middle of March.  Branson is definitely a seasonal place attracting 

millions in the summertime.  Not all is to my liking, but people seem to go crazy 

about the shows (not my style) and all the arts, crafts and quilts stores.  

There is something for everyone.  Give me city life PLEASE!!!!

Good morning everyone.  Remind yourself everyday to wake up with

determination and to go to bed with satisfaction.  I try to do so as 

much as possible, and hope to do it more and more everyday.

The temperature has begun to drop once again. (19F  or -7C)  It,s going to get really really
cold the next few days.  Not like it was actually warm, nut at least it was not below
 freezing.  Snow and ice in the forecast.  Not liking it one bit.  Guess all we have to
do is have hot chocolate, Arvid catch up on some more games and hopefully no
 trip to Home Depot for anything.  We have stocked up on salt for the
 driveway so I think we are covered.  Sniff also has lots of foodies.

You cannot swim for new horizons until you have courage to lose sight of the shore.
The soul always knows what to do to heal itself.  The challenge is to silence the mind...

~Nadiya~

Positive Vibes...

Wake up, smile, and tell yourself today is your day...

New week again.  I know it is going to be kinda hectic that's why I like waking up 

early and having at least one hour with Sniff and my cafe while Arvid still sleeps.  

It's quiet and I get to watch the sunrise and prepare myself for what the

day holds because with Arvid one never knows what to expect.

You’ll learn, as you get older, that rules are made to be broken. Be bold enough to live

 life on your terms, and never, ever apologize for it. Go against the grain, refuse to 

conform, take the road less traveled instead of the well-beaten path. Laugh in the face 

of adversity, and leap before you look. Dance as though EVERYBODY is watching. 

March to the beat of your own drummer. And stubbornly refuse to fit in.

If you learn to really sit with loneliness and embrace it for the gift that it is…an 

opportunity to get to know YOU, to learn how strong you really are, to depend on no

 one but YOU for your happiness…you will realize that a little loneliness goes

 a LONG way in creating a richer, deeper, more vibrant and colorful YOU.

My friend Anna encourages me all the time to dig deeper into myself and she gives me 

advise on  how to overcome or at least try to overcome certain adversities that we all have

 in life.  If anyone is a fighter, she is.  Her life has not and still is not the easiest, but her 

attitude is always one of the best.  Positive, assertive and always with the I can do.

Anna is a big inspiration to me.  Though we don't talk everyday, we keep in touch all the 

time.  Together we encourage each other and we always always have a good laugh no matter 

what is going on with us.  She and I have a history and a bond that no one can destroy.

Everyday she sends me little pick me up.  Makes me smile and laugh.  Makes the
 day even better.  Also, yesterday I had an early morning "chat" with Victoria.  My eldest 
stepdaughter.  It was very uplifting and very heartwarming.  She and I have gone through
 a bit as well, and we have come out stronger, and with an even better relationship. 

I have many many things/people in my life to make it a happy one.  Lucky me and as
 always I am grateful and thankful.  As i always say, life may not be perfect but it 
has perfect moments and the people I share it with make it even more special.

Good morning all.  May today and everyday be filled with positive vibrations.

Happiness isn't about getting what you want all the time.  It's about loving what 

you have and being grateful for it.  Make today so awesome that yesterday gets jealous..

~Nadiya~

Friday...And To An Amazing Girl - "Woman"

A strong woman is one who is able to smile like she wasn't crying last night...

The day started out good.  Skype with Michelle, Emil and our granddaughters.  How 

can one not smile after "seeing" them.  The little ones just make you want to jump into

 the screen and pull them out.  Give them tight hugs and never let go.  

Right now we can't wait to see them and to hold them for a very long time.  Vanessa is 

still not talking so I can still baby talk with her. I can't wait.  Two more weeks and we are there.

Life is not easy.  We all have things we deal with.  Some more difficult and heartbreaking

 than we would care to deal with.  It's how we deal with them that stands us apart. Michelle

 is a very young mom with 2 girls.  She herself is just a little girl in our eyes,

 but the way she handles herself and situations makes her one of the 

strongest, bravest, and most astonishing persons I know. 

 I know because I come from a family of strong women.  Michelle fits right there. 

The way she handled motherhood and everything life presents is just amazing.  

She makes it look easy.  By the time we are done skyping with her both Arvid and

 I are always AMAZED by her and her calmness in any given situation.  

Here is to strong women.  May we know them.  May we be them and may we raise them.

The little girl I met was just 6 years old then.  Today she is a hell of a force to contend with.

  In her quietness lies her strength.  Michelle, you may not hear it enough, but your dad and I

 are PROUD of the person you are.  You have given us 2 amazing granddaughters 

and you show us all the time what strength, patience, and love is all about.

Michelle Desiree Ugland.  We love you and we can't wait to see you. It's time we started
the countdown until we are there.  I love you and I am ALWAYS here for all of you!!! You do 

NOT have to scream to be heard!  That is one of the things I admire so much in you.

Good morning everyone.  Remember.  Never judge anyone unless you have walked

 in their shoes. Even the brightest of smiles may hold the saddest of hearts.

Life will test you but remember this, when you walk up a mountain your 

legs get stronger.  Happy Friday all.  May your day begin with a smile

 on your face, love in your heart, and happiness within your soul...

~Nadiya~

It's A New day...

There are things in life we don't want to happen.  But have to accept; things we don't 

want to know, but have to learn, and people we can't live without, but have to let go...

One of the many favorite things I like about living in this city is the fact that the grocery store

 is just a few steps away from us.  Mariano's is just the most awesome place to shop. I have 

seem some arrive there in a limo, but most walk since it's in the middle of everything.

Aside from the huge selection of cooked foods, there is a pizza bar, a salad bar, a wine bar,

and there is music on the outside.  You can buy whatever cut of meat you like and if

you like it will be grilled for you any which way you want it.  We have not tried this as yet,

 but with the weather so beautiful maybe one day we will have a steak grilled there. 

We had a pretty busy day yesterday.  Had to stock up on food, litter, toys and treats for 

Sniff Sniff at Pet Smart.  The a trip to the Whole foods market to stock up on dried fruit,

bread and some other favorites.  Arvid can never say no to Home depot so that was our next 

stop.  Last, but not least was Jewel Osco, another grocery store where we shopped and shopped.

The scenery here in the city is so beautiful, but the traffic is a killer.  A trip that should

 have taken us less than 15 minutes took close to an hour to get home.  Did not help 

that it was the 5 o'clock rush hour.  Once home it was playtime with Sniff Sniff.

Brutus and Shadow are always in my thoughts and always in my heart.  Not a day goes by

and I don't miss Brutus.  I look at Sniff and sometimes I think I see my Brutus. 

 I really do.  Sometimes I forget and when I see Sniff I call him Brutus.  I try to not

 do it, but sometimes it just happens.  How I miss my Brutus.  So very much.

Life is good.  Sometimes it gets a bit stressful, but overall we can't complain.  

Sometimes I just have to stop and remind myself that even though everything is not 

exactly the way I want it to be, it is still a very good life.  Yes, I remind myself 

everyday that there is always something to be grateful for.  Always.

Good morning all.  Just a reminder to all of us.  Be thankful for what you have 

today,  because it could all be taken away tomorrow.  Happy Thursday everyone!

No we don't always get what we want.  But consider this: there are people who

will never have what you have right now.  When life is sweet say thank you 

and celebrate.  When life is bitter, say thank you and grow...

~Nadiya~