And Life Goes On...

Don't try to understand everything.  Sometimes it is
not meant to be understood.  Just accepted...

Yesterday was not the best of days.  Lots going on in the lives of loved ones.
We got a call yesterday morning from Arvid's brother.  Their mom was in the hospital.
 Still don't know for certain what is going on, but always hoping for the best.

Hurricane Irma is sweeping through the Caribbean.  Puerto Rico is in
 it's path BIG TIME.  My sister and many loved ones including friends are there.
Hurricane season is one of the worst times to be in the Islands and Florida.
On the other hand, hurricanes do not discriminate.  They change their paths and
 cause destruction just about everywhere.  No one is really safe from them.

We have had two very busy days so far.  All good because already it is Wednesday.
Have no idea how the days are just flying by us.  Our temperatures are much cooler right
 now.  The question I have is, should I close the pool at Almost Home for this year?

Her name is Angel.  One of the two little kids that live at Almost Home.
I am lucky because she and Elise love to visit me daily. I paint their nails
and I always have a little goody waiting for them.  Best of all I love their hugs.
 They run to me with open arms.  Yes, I am happy.  Makes up a little for
the hugs I am missing from our grand daughters and Lilly Vade.

Lilly Vade started 4th grade yesterday in California.  Both her
and Riley so far loved it.  California is treating them well.    My sister
Rima started her own Blog.  Check it out.  Rima is a unique soul.
http://www.daydreamingbeliever.com

One year and 10 months yesterday without our Brutus.  One year
and six months without little Shadow.  It's called life, it's not always easy,
but we make the most of it because we have one life, and it is for the living.

Wednesday already.  What do you hold for us today?
As of 6 am no news from Norway nor my family in Puerto Rico.

And tonight I fall asleep with you in my heart.... again.
Start each day with a grateful heart.  Life is beautiful...

~Nadiya~

Time Flies When You're Having Fun...

There is only one thing more precious than our time and that's who 

we spend it with.  Time is not measured by clocks, but by moments...

Yesterday I realized that one of the things I have been missing a lot is the
aggressive driving. The speeding and yes just passing people and leaving
 them  in the dust.  Many a times I did it in Florida, like everyday.

People driving slowly irritates me.  Both Arvid and I love to change lanes all the time.
 Here in Branson not so easy. The roads are really curvy. Just 2 lanes from home
 and to all the places we like to go. The highway has more lanes but we usually
 just use the local roads.   Arvid had not honked his horn since being here. At least
I have not heard him. So yesterday as I switched lanes a few times and passed
 a few people I felt alive and happy. Won't happen much but it felt good!

Monday was a gloomy wet day. Not so cold but not a pretty day.  A few chores
 and I managed to get myself caught in the rain without an umbrella.  I did
not mind the rain, but I really hate when my shoes and my handbag gets wet.
 Rainy season seems to be starting early. Guess I have to start wearing
 my yellow rain boots when I head out. Love the color!

Arvid had been busy. Running here and there. Checking this and that.  The
 days have been going by pretty fast. Already it is Friday. Seem as soon as
 Monday is over the rest of the week just flies by.  Good I guess.

Everyday I continue to meet interesting people. I somehow always seem to get
caught up in their stories and of course they hear a few of mine.  Arvid and I have
been invited to a little cookout on Saturday.  If the weather is good we should be
 having grilled hot dogs with all the fixings.  Now I have to think of
something to take.  Yup!  Looking forward to that!

Here in Branson there is no Uber service, but there is something called The Loop.
Works the same except you're charged a flat rate within the city limits.  People here
 are friendly and very caring. Very religious and they love their sweet iced tea.

Lately I have not missed Florida much. When Arvid was there he brought Brutus'
and Shadows ashes with him.  They are not all alone anymore.  They are with
 me at all times in the office.  The office is now officially Sniff's room.  He has
 all his toys and scratching posts there.  It's now his and my space.

Whenever he wants to be alone he takes off to his room onto the window sill and
bird watches or just naps.  Sniff is really good. We love him.  He reminds us
 that there is always something to be grateful for.  Yes, he's a good kitty.

Our mornings start out always foggy.  Monday and Tuesday were very wet and kinda
 cold days.  The rest of the days have been sunny and warm.  Yesterday was in the 80's.
 Today temperatures are dropping again.  Saturday promises to be even colder.

Strange weather here in Branson.  Never know when you will go from 80 degrees
to 20 degrees within hours.  I never wore as much clothes as I have in the last 3 and
a half months.  Now I feel strange when my arms are uncovered.  Go figure.

Yesterday was beautiful and I was able to wear one of my bright colors for a change.
I love yellow, and I wore one of my favorite yellow tops.  Made me feel like
 summer was already here.  Today back to sweaters and jacket.

To all a very good day.  Always remember to take
time to do what makes your soul happy.

Time has a wonderful way of showing us what really matters.  Remember
 even your worst days have only 24 hours.  It's Friday the only 
decision you need to make is bottle or glass...

~Nadiya~

Memorial Day Weekend And Some..

Can't you see that it's just raining?  There ain't no need to go outside...

The best thing one can do when it's raining is to let it rain...

It will be nice to leave Florida and all of the rain we have been having and head out to 

Chicago.  Hopefully the weather in Chicago will be nicer...on the other hand, one thing is

 for sure, Chicago's weather is completely unpredictably.  Nice and sunny one moment 

then all of a sudden cold and rainy...oh well will see what this summer holds.

 The good thing about this Florida weather is that is also can change withing minutes.

Yesterday's rain lasted most of the day with thunder and lighting, but in between it

 had a few clearings, and of course I was right there to get the boats passing by.

Last night we went to listen to some music not so far from us.  As always Arvid

 prepared himself with a few of our favorite melodies here at home on the jukebox.  

Lets just say the music at home was so much better than the live music.

As Arvid was talking to his daughter (Victoria) in Norway, there was a paddle 

boarding in clear view from the balcony.  Of course I went out and started to talk to her. 

 She was too far so I actually had to "scream"  Of course Arvid was not happy about 

that.  With him it's always, "the neighbors."  Guess he's right.  I did however continue

 to talk ("scream") with the girl on the paddle board.  Giving her encouragement. 

 Sunday started really good, and I know it will continue to be good.  

To all a very Happy Sunday.  And Happy Memorial Day Weekend.

And when it rains on your parade, look up rather than down. Without the rain, 

there would be no rainbow.  Being an American, it's the way you think and 

the way you live.  There can be no courage unless you are SCARED...

~Nadiya~