Make Today Amazing ~ Thursday January 28th ~

Because when you stop and look around life is pretty amazing...

 
It's all about stalking that leaf on the balcony.  After an 

hour or so Sniff was worn out.  He naps a little then wakes

 up and starts all over again.  It keeps him busy all the

 time.  Sometimes I even bring leaves and scatter 

them around on the balcony for his enjoyment.

Sachin our nephew like so many kids today graduated

 high school during COVID times,   For him the first year of 

college was spent online, also like so many others, but yesterday

 Sachin headed out to attend college in an actual class room.  

Good luck Sachin we love you and we wish you the best 

especially now during these not so "normal" times.

I was awake very early.  Most days I am, but today I got

 out of bed.  Went to the office, and there I thought of Brutus 

even more.  Sniff was awake for a brief time, but went

 back to sleep with his dada.  In the office there is more 

of Brutus than anyone else.  Arvid says that when he 

stops what he's doing he "sees" Brutus there.

Some memories never leave, and Brutus is a part of 

our lives that will forever live on in our hearts.  No matter 

where we are where we live, the first and only picture 

we take to hang on our walls is always Brutus.

Not much planned for the day, but I know it is going 

to be a good day because I will make it a good day. 

 Because every time I stop and think of life I realize

 that no matter what is going on, we have a good life.

 We are healthy, we have a roof above our heads and

 we have each other.  Always thankful and grateful.  I may 

not have everything I want, but I sure have all I need.

I do miss you so very much right now.  Hope you and

 Shadow are playing together over the Rainbow Bridge.

 When 11:11pm shows up your dada always says, "it 

was Brutus' bedtime."  We miss you a lot Brutus.

A good life is when you assume nothing, do more,

 need less, smile often, dream big, laugh a lot,

 and realize how blessed you are...

~Nadiya~

Market Day ~

Be happy with what you have while working for what you want...

Our morning began with a walk to the market. 

Lots of stuff, but mainly to buy bread for Arvid.  He does

 not eat the bread from the grocery store, says it has no 

consistency.  In Florida we get if from Whole Foods, 

here in Chicago from the fresh market.

Arvid stocked up on bread just in case, as he likes to say. 

 Me I got some honey, and some fresh vegetables and fruit.

  I also got tons of pictures.  Yes, the day started out good.

The market even sells sandwiches and all sorts of healthy drinks.  

Many people take their lunch break there. It's got a pretty 

fountain in the center and tables to sit and have lunch.  

Plus you're in the center of everything going on.

The day is cloudy with fog hanging over the city,  

on the positive side, not so cold.  Actually we were pretty

 warm as we walked to the market.  Chicago is beautiful.  

Everywhere you turn, there is something going on.

 My niece Lilly Vade, 11 years old just had a promotion 

ceremony.  She is now done with 5th grade and will soon be

 in middle school.  Little one is growing up way too fast.

Happy Thursday all.  Think positive

 and positive things will happen.

And I think to myself what a wonderful world. 

Optimism is a happiness magnet. If you stay positive good

 things and good people will be drawn to you...

~Nadiya~

July 4th ~

This nation will remain the land of the free only so long
 as it is the home of the brave.  America was built on courage, 
on imagination and an unbeatable determination...

Maybe the fact that I was not born in the United States makes

 me more appreciative of being an American.  I take nothing for 

granted and I know that freedom is not given, it is won.

There will be fireworks everywhere.  Like most places 

it started over a week ago. When Brutus was alive we choose 

to not go out.  Same with Sniff.  Not only is it packed 

with people everywhere, but Sniff just like Brutus 

was, is a little scared of all the fireworks.

From Almost Home Lodge everyone has been enjoying the
firework display for days now.  As seen in the picture above.

Below are pictures from The Landings.  Our favorite spot in Branson.

Yesterday The Landings had over 22 thousand people
trying to find a parking spot to see the fireworks.

The firework display is excellent and with the gorgeous weather
we are having, makes for an evening outing to be remembered.

Today we will spend a quiet day at home with Sniff.
 Too many crazies will be out tonight, and neither
 Arvid nor I are fans of fighting the crowd. 

To all a happy and safe July 4th.  Just a reminder, fireworks
look more amazing when you're not checking your iPhone.

It is easy to take liberty for granted, 

when you have never had it taken from you...

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..

~Nadiya~

Favorites...

You've gotta dance like there's nobody watching, love like you'll never be hurt,
Sing like there's nobody listening, and live like it's heaven on earth..

Anytime I get some alone time, and I don't have to make lunch, you guessed it I

 head straight to the Indian Restaurant.  First time trying this one and I will tell you

 the food was absolutely delicious.  Looking forward to the next time.

Arvid had a "business" lunch and I found myself with time alone and I definitely 

made the most of it. Arvid may be heading to Florida in the coming week, and 

I am happy as can be because I get to go and have Indian food again.

Another favorite of ours is definitely Navy Pier.  We walk as we do to almost most 

places.  More or less 20 minutes each way.  Beautiful walk and good exercise.

On any given day in the summer Navy Pier is PACKED!  But this being July 4th weekend,

the crowd is expected to be over 100,000.  Starting today and into July 4th.  The do have

 amazing fireworks.  We don't plan on being there for July 4th.  Very difficult to move in 

the crowd.  Also when we had Brutus we never left him alone.  The fireworks scared him,

 at least in the beginning until Arvid "cured" that.  Now we will be home also for Sniff.

The days start out on the hazy, cloudy side.  Yesterday it cleared up beautifully.  As of right now

 it is still hazy.  Arvid is watching soccer.  Sniff Sniff is asleep, and I already had my morning

 outing.  Hopefully we will be going for another walk after the game.  Love our walks.

Happy Saturday everyone.  For some it's already Sunday.

Remember everyone, a thankful heart is a happy heart.

My life isn't perfect, but I am happy for everything I have...

~Nadiya~