Already Thursday...

Happiness will never fail to come to those who fail to appreciate
 what they already have.  Remember, gratitude affects attitude...

I have a weakness for everything I probably should stay away from, but I was never

 one to listen to "reason."  I am more one to do as I wish, say what I want and move on.

Too bad the extra pounds don't move on as well.  Oh well no regrets.  Yesterday was 

just the perfect day to indulge.  Was wet and cold outside.  Warm and cozy indoors.

Still not used to this weather.  Just Monday it was warm.  Tuesday was cold as hell 

and rain all the time.  Every time I think winter is over it comes back with a vengeance.

 Definitely not my favorite time of the year, and this is only the first winter

 I have had in over 20 years.  Helped with a good meal as well.

Now I think I am really coming down with the flu.  Sore throat and body aches.
Yesterday I was very exhausted.  Guess that's what happens when you're not feeling
so great.  Sniff is never far from me.  At nights he sleeps so close to me that
 even if I wanted to get up I don't.  You see I don't want to disrupt his sleep.

The last few days I have been missing Florida a little.  I miss my mornings
 on the balcony.  I miss the sunrises.  I miss the swaying of the palm trees and
the sight of boats passing by.  I miss the place that was home to
Brutus and us for so many years.  Today I'm doing better.

Good morning everyone.
Rise and shine for a beautiful day awaits us all.

And my thoughts drift to home and you.
Think positive and positive things will happen...

~Nadiya~

Happy Valentine's Day...

I don't pretend to know what love is for everyone, but I can tell you what

 it is for me; love is knowing all about someone, and still wanting to be with

 them more than any other person, love is trusting them enough to tell them

 everything about yourself, including the things you might be ashamed of, 

love is feeling comfortable and safe with someone, but still getting weak

 knees when they walk into a room and smile at you...

Wising everyone a very Happy Valentine's Day.  As children we made cards

 and passed around to our classmates. It was special. When my sisters and

 I were just little girls my parents would always give us a little card 

and sometimes a tiny present for Valentine's Day.  

What I'm getting at is that you don't have to be in a relationship to 

enjoy the day.  It's not about the presents, but about sharing with that 

someone special in your life.  Don't get me wrong if you can get that 

someone special to shower you with presents why not?? 

Check out Rima's page on Facebook.
Narima's

 Yesterday I told Arvid it would be nice for him to buy me a few things for 

Valentine's Day so I went to the mall bought me a few things and thanked 

him profusely for the presents.  He was happy and I was happy.

Anyone can catch your eye, but it takes someone special to catch your heart. 

Love is knowing that the one you cherish, cherishes you just as much 

and will do whatever it takes to make you happy and vice-versa..

To love is to receive a glimpse of heaven.

Love is what you've been through with somebody...

~Nadiya~

Staying Busy...

Keep busy at something.  A busy person never has time to be unhappy.
The secret is keeping busy and loving what you do...

Monday morning.  All set and ready for the week ahead.  Hope the same goes
for everyone.   Yesterday was another beautiful day here.  Arvid and I did 

a little shopping and I ended up with this cutie pie I'm holding.  

Valentine's day is not a big thing for us.  Just another day to be grateful 

for what we have and who when have in our lives.  I never want to forget that.

My niece Lilly Vade pictured above in the pink top is one of the happiest
 persons I know.  From little she is learning that no matter what life brings her way
the best way to deal with it is with a positive attitude.  Her mom and dad sure
 is teaching her how to deal with life and people.  Lilly Vade is pure love.

Pictured above eating oatmeal is Aleah our eldest granddaughter in Norway.
She is growing up way too fast.  Both girls are just pure love as is
 Vanessa our other  granddaughter.  Thank heaven for little girls.

Wishing everyone a week full of all things good and happiness always.
Busy days await us and that is always a good thing.  When the mind is busy,
 less time for the heart to ache.  My goal everyday is to be busy, busy.

People tend to be happier when they are kept busy, as this prevents
them from thinking about the negative things in life...

~Nadiya~

A Beautiful Day Ahead...

Give everyday a chance to become the most beautiful day of your life...

The days are going by super fast.  Not exactly sure what we are doing but seems

 like before you know it the day is almost over.  Take today for instance; we woke

 up at the usual time.  Arvid watched soccer as usual, called his family,

 then breakfast.  Next thing you know it's already noon. 

Maybe the beautiful weather is keeping us busier than usual.  Love that.  Had a 

chance to check out some more of the stores at the outlet mall and at the same time 

pick up a few pairs of shoes.  Went on my own so was able to browse at my hearts

 content.  The other day Arvid and I went together with Arvid.  Needless to say,

 in under 10 minutes he found 2 pairs of shoes and we were done shopping.

Another beautiful day in our horizon.  Can't believe we are actually warmer than back

 home in Fort Lauderdale.  No complaints here.  Time to head out and enjoy our Sunday. 

 Wishing the same to all of you.  Sniff is enjoying bird watching and squirrels

 passing by "torturing" him.  Yes, kit is a good day here at home.

It's such a beautiful day.  I'm feeling positive and focused.

I hope everyone has a great day.  I will be grateful for this day...

~Nadiya~

Left Me Thinking...

You know my name, not my story.  You've heard what I've done.  

Not what I've been through.  If you were in my shoes you'd fall the first step...

Wednesday was extremely cold. The day was dark and damp.  The wind did not help.  

Yesterday was no better even colder than Wednesday.  I think both Arvid and I may

 be getting the flu.  The big and low temperatures are making everyone sick.

Yesterday I found out about an organization in Branson that helps feed the needy.
As I was at the grocery store I saw a van and on it was the writing "Jesus was Homeless".

 Well that made me curious. I of course had to ask what it's all about.

Jesus was homeless is a non profit organization that puts together over 13,000 meals 

every week and distributes it to people in need.  Volunteers do all the work.

Something to think about. Maybe I can volunteer some of my time in helping 

to package the meals.  It is after all for a very good cause.  I even went to the 

location and saw for myself the work these volunteers do.  Yes. Different 

place. Different way of life.  Here there are so many in need of food.

The elderly live on a fixed income and the rest of the people depend on tourism.  

Three months out of the year they are out of jobs and they depend on unemployment

 benefits.  Yes since living in Branson I have learnt and have seen another side of life.  

Many have it very difficult.  Sometimes there is. No food.  A lady told me she had

 2 dogs and a husband. She said to me, " honey first we feed the dogs. Then my husband.

 If there is any left I will eat otherwise I don't have anything."  Somehow those words haunt me.

Many of us live "comfortable" lives.  We are rarely touched by what goes on with others.  

After what I heard and saw, it's not the same for me anymore.  I can't get over the

 fact that right here where we live people are going hungry. All ages.

They say that hardships often prepare ordinary people for an extraordinary destiny.

I really hope so, but in all honesty I think many of the people here will need a miracle.

Hello Friday.  I hope everyone is having a great day and that the

 weekend ahead is filled with all things good.  

The strongest people are not those who show strength in front of us,

 but those who win battles we know nothing about...

~Nadiya~

Making The Best Of Life..

By making the best of all things we make the most of ourselves...

Yesterday and the day before were definitely ones of those nicer days.
 Cloudy on Monday, but warm.  Yesterday was sunny and very warm.  High 70's.
Rest of the week will not be that cold but definitely colder.  All the way in the 20's at nights.

Life is Missouri definitely has a few quirks.  Like one will never know if the

day will be cold or not.  Yesterday there was a tornado warning, but lucky us nothing 

happened.  One day I heard a siren as I was in the store.  Had no clue what it was

 until someone said that's the warning signal of an approaching tornado.  

This was early January when Arvid was in Florida. 

Life continues its pace here for us.  Arvid is busy busy all the time.  Running from

 here to there doing this and doing that.  Most of the times he likes when

 I go with him, but many times I get out of it.  Works for both of us.
We have definitely met some very nice people in Branson.

Sniff is never neglected.  Both Arvid and I make it a point to spend extra time 

with him and to play with him quite often.  He is after all a very good boy.

To all a very good day.  Don't forget that the best things in life are the people you love,

 the places you've seen, and the memories you've made along the way.

Things didn't turn out the way they were supposed to, but what can you do?

You must take life the way it comes at you and make the most of it...

~Nadiya~

Tuesday Morning...

Everybody deserves a second chance, and if you're lucky

enough to get that second chance don't waste it...

Sometimes there might be a second chance.

 Cause maybe time wasn't ready for the first one...

~Nadiya~

Monday All Over Again...

New Monday.  New week.  New goals.
Monday, the perfect day to correct last weeks mistakes...

As usual Sniff Sniff and I are awake early as Arvid sleeps.  I fed him his soft 

foodies and automatically he runs into my office aka his room and starts "talking" 

like crazy.  He's letting me know that it's time for his brushing.  Just like Brutus,

 Sniff loves being brushed and he sure will let you know.  Sniff is a talker.

He loves being brushed so much that I bought him his own brush.  Now he 

can brush himself anytime he likes.  He just got it so for now he does not know

 exactly what to do with it.  Of course after sniffing it, he started to chew on it.

  He did manage to get a few brushings in.  I'm sure he will learn how to 

do it.  If not between Arvid and I he sure will.  Arvid goes on his knees 

just like he did with Brutus and Shadow in order to "train" him.

Last week was very cold.  Today it is predicted to be one of those "warmer" days.  

The weather in Branson is very strange.  Sorta getting used to it's erratic behaviour.  It's 

very strange that neither Arvid nor I have gotten the cold/flu as yet.  Just happy about it.

  I feel it coming, I get the symptoms, but for some reason (and I'm happy)

 it dies away in a couple of days without developing into "the flu."

Time is flying by, or at least so it seems to me.  It's already February.  Our Brutus

 has been dead for 1 year, 3 months and 1 day.  On March 5th it will make a year 

without Shadow.  I won't lie.  It's not as if I am sad everyday.  No Sniff makes

 up for so much, but I do miss Brutus everyday.  I do miss him everyday.

We have had a good weekend.  Lots of good food and met some nice people as well.
Always makes for happier times.  Leaving Florida I thought we would miss
 chicken wings, but Branson definitely has one place that serves the best
we have ever had.  Better than Flip Flops back home or at least as good.
Yesterday we had some of that.  Made for the perfect Sunday.

The fruit here s also very good especially strawberries.  Very sweet.  Yesterday
 I stocked up on some for the next couple of days.  Weather is going to be nice
and warm.  Not exactly sure if to wear my Florida clothes or sweaters.

Happy day to all.  Hopefully you will also be having sunshine coming your way.
Don't forget, we all make our own sunshine.  Time to rock and roll all.

It's Monday.  Time to sparkle and shine.  May your clothes be
comfy, your coffee strong and your Monday short...

~Nadiya~

A Pets 10 Commandments....

We can judge the heart of a man by his treatment of animals.
Brutus, Shadow, Sniff...a heartbeat at my feet...

Today I dedicate my blog to pets....for all of us that are lucky to have a pet
 you will relate to this....for those that don't I believe you will also be able 
to understand the bond a pet owner and their pets share...

Arvid and I have been fortunate to have had Brutus in our lives.  What Brutus 
did for us and mostly for Arvid I don't think any human person has done. 
 He taught Arvid about love, patience, caring, gentleness and yes, 
when Brutus died he showed Arvid that it was and still is OK to cry.  

I can say that Brutus made Arvid more human that ever.  I can't say anyone 
has ever come close to doing that.  Arvid is a better person today because
 of Brutus.  Brutus took my heart.  He was and will always be my baby.

1. My life is likely to last 10-15 years. 
Any separation from you is likely to be painful.  

Our Brutus lived for 9.5 years only.  We had him for 9 years.  
Not enough as far as I am concerned, but those 9 years will forever be
 9 of the best years we have had.  There is not a day that goes by that my thoughts
 don't veer to Brutus.  Then came Shadow.  We had him for 4 months.
  Even in that short time, Shadow left his paw prints in my heart.

2. Give me time to understand what you want of me.

3. Place your trust in me. It is crucial for my well-being.

4. Don't be angry with me for long and don't lock me up as punishment. 
You have your work, your I friends, your entertainment, but I have only you.

Yes, Brutus had only us.  We were his guardians as Arvid loved to say.  I can
definitely say we took great care of him.  He never wanted for anything.  Why should he? 
 He gave us the best there is and we in turn did the same for him.  Shadow was also 
starting to have the same, but his time with us was just too short.  He was just a baby.

5. Talk to me. Even if I don't understand your words,
 I do understand your voice when speaking to me.

Not only did we talk to Brutus, Arvid sang to him every night without fail.  
Unless of course we were not home.  We had a routine with Brutus.  One we both miss.
Now we are making new routines with Sniff.  Every day with Sniff is interesting.

6. Be aware that however you treat me, I will never forget it.

7. Before you hit me, before you strike me, remember

that I could hurt you, and yet, I choose not to bite you.

8. Before you scold me for being lazy or uncooperative, ask yourself if 
something might be bothering me.  Perhaps I'm not getting the right food, I
 have been in the sun too long, or my heart might be getting old or weak.

The last month before Brutus died Arvid and I noticed he was not eating well. 
 He was always a fussy eater, but the last month was hard on him.  The doctor 
prescribed an appetite stimulant pill.  Worked at first, but then nothing. 

 Sometimes he cried as if he were in real pain.  I can still hear those cries. 
 We both can, and it still tears my heart apart. Something was not right with 
our Brutus.  Shadow had no problem eating.  He had fresh chicken all the time 
with carrots.  Thankfully Sniff is also a good eater.  He loves his Sheba.

9. Please take care of me when I grow old. You too, will grow old.

I was devoted to Brutus, we both were to his care and well being.  We 
tried everything possible.  Laser treatment.  Hyperbaric treatment.  Specialists. 
 Internists.  And for a while I guess it helped, but in the end his body was too weak.
If only I could turn back the clock.  I want my Brutus back again.  I want my Brutus back!

10. On the ultimate difficult journey, go with me please. Never say you can't
 bear to watch. Don't make me face this alone. Everything is easier for 
me if you are there, because I love you so. ALWAYS!

Brutus, dada and I held you while you were put to sleep.  Mama and dada
 held you like the baby you were/are to us.  Unfortunately we were not there for 
Shadow.  He died while we were in North Carolina visiting my parents.

Our Brutus.  He is never far from my thoughts and my heart.  He made life so 
much better for us.  He made Arvid a better person.  No matter how many 
kitties come through our lives, none will ever compare to Brutus. 
 We love our Sniff dearly, but my Brutus took my heart.

In another home.. my sister and her family also miss their Golden Boy.

BRUTUS…LIL MYSULF

I love you with all my heart and nothing will ever change that.  Shadow
for those few months you were with us, you gave us an exciting time. 
You were fearless and non stop all day long.  Mama loved her Shadow.

Brutus came to us on October 18 2006.  He died November 5th 2015.
Shadow came into our lives November 10th 2015.  He died March 5th 2016.

   

       
  One of the happiest days of our lives was October 18th 2006
Not a day goes by without us realizing how lucky we were to have Brutus in
 our lives.  Never imagined he would die the way he did.  We have Sniff and it's
 now time to make memories also with him.  For Sniff is a very good boy.

"A house is not a home without a pet"  "Dogs have owners, cats have staff"
The past beats inside me like a second heart.  Nothing is ever 
really lost to us as long as we remember it....

~Nadiya~

One Day At A Time...

A strong person is the one who knows how to be quiet, 

shed a tear for a moment, and then picks up their gloves and fights again...

 My day was cold. Just very cold. Went out a little to do a few errands

 and by the time I got home I was frozen. My hands were numb and my 

ears had frostbite. At least that's how it felt to me.  No warm from my Starbucks cafe

 was enough to really warm me up at least not then.  Hot chocolate in the evening did the trick.

Today is not expected to be any better.  Two days ago it was sunny and "warm".

 Boy did that change fast.  Good thing for magazines.  For a little they keep one occupied.

Our Sniff is doing really good. I sometimes have to stop and remind myself 

that though Sniff is not Brutus, is is an adorable little kitty who loves us and

 just wants to be loved in return.  We love him.  He gets lots of play time. 

Lots of brushing and lots of chasing the laser light.  In between he bird watches and

 sleeps. His life is pretty entertained.  Sniff is a good kitty and I'm so happy he's ours.

Soon it will be a year since we've had Sniff. Means Shadow has also been dead 

for a year and our Brutus a year and 4 months.Yesterday was also 5 months since my 

sisters doggie Jaxen died.  Sachin and all of them were sad.  Just like I miss our 

Brutus, they miss their golden boy Jax.  Breaks my heart to know that

 my sister and family are hurting as well.  Knowing Sachin and Reshma

 are sad is just too much for me.  Their sadness tears me apart.

Time flies.  So much had happened, but the one thing that has not nor will ever 

change is how much I miss our Brutus.  Shadow was with is for such a 

short time, even so he did leave his paw prints in our hearts.

I miss my little kitties very much.  My Brutus took my heart.  Sniff is now the one

 we share our lives with and the one who keeps us on our toes every day.  

We do love him very much.  He has inserted himself into our hearts 

and has made our lives and for that we are grateful everyday.  

To all a very good day.  Always remember to appreciate what yo have, for you

 never know what tomorrow holds.  I have learnt that more than once. 

 For me everyday is a promise of better things to come.  And I remind

 myself to never take anything nor anyone for granted.

It will be the little things that you will remember.  The quiet moments,
 the smiles, the laughter.It will be the memories of these little things 
that helps to push away the pain, and bring the smiles back again...

~Nadiya~

Better Days...

Do not let what you cannot do interfere with what you can do...

The best investment I have made for the winter are my boots.  They are not pretty 

to look at, but boy they sure are comfortable.  I have worn them just about 

everyday without even bothering about what matches or not.

As you can see, not the prettiest of boots, but definitely my most comfortable

 pair of shoes right now.  In Florida all I wore were flip flops or 

open toed sandals.  Here very different everything.

Yesterday my sister shared a picture of Kimsy and J when they were just tiny 

little things.  Today they are college kids living in Boston and Connecticut. Where did 

time go and why did it go by so fast?  Everyone is growing up too fast.  Way too fast.

My parents have been instrumental in the lives of their 9 grandchildren. J and Kimsy

 were fortunate that my parents lived in Puerto Rico when they were very little.  The 

bond between my mom and dad and the grand kids (all 9) is special.  Today no matter 

what age they are they all want to go and spend time with grandma and grandpa.

I can't believe that it is already Thursday.  Time is flying by.  Guess that 

is what happens when you're staying busy and having a good time.  

Yes, its been a good week so far.  Warmer temperatures, sunny 

and blue skies.  Someone said the weekend will be very cold.

I have been enjoying some outdoor time these last few days.  

Yes, I try not tothing of the boats passing by and of palm trees too often. 

 Making the most of my scenery for  now.  It is how it is.

Update on Taino.  He's been eating a little the last few days.  He loves Sheba

soft foodies the same as Sniff, so yesterday he received a little delivery from me.

We are so happy he is doing better.  Now Anna can breathe again.  Love you Tino.

Yesterday we had Mexican food for lunch.  Suddenly it has become one of our favorites.  

There are a lot of Mexican restaurants in Branson and this one was actually open. 

 Was a good day.  Wishing everyone a happy and productive Thursday.

Storms don't last forever.  In the middle of a difficulty lies opportunity...

~Nadiya~

Branson, Missouri

From the outside looking in, it's hard to understand.
From the inside looking out it's hard to explain...

Branson is an Ozark town in southwest Missouri known as a family vacation
 destination. Its 76 Country Boulevard is famously lined with theaters, which once 
hosted mostly country music performers but today present diverse entertainment. 

Also along the strip are the Marvel Cave, the Wild West-style Dolly Parton’s 

Dixie Stampede Dinner Attraction and Silver Dollar City, an 1800s-themed 

amusement park with live music.  Branson is a seasonal place. 

The average age of visitors to Branson is 57. That means that for every

 teenager, there is a 100 year-old person. That ratio seems about right.

 Currently all attractions are closed.  The months of January and February are SLOW. 

 In every sense of the word.  Restaurants just open for a few hours in the weekend, many

 people are without jobs, so many live on unemployment for these 2 months. 

 From what I have been told, it is a very rough two months for most

 people living here who depend on the tourism industry.

We have also been told that come March the city booms.  Hotels re-open, 

restaurants, most attractions are back up and running and the best thing 

is that just about everyone can find a job if they so wish.  Everywhere 

I go I am already seeing signs saying, "we are hiring."

When we first arrived here people mentioned this to us, but it was not something I 

really paid attention to.  After all it was not going to impact us in what we do,

 but today after being here now for a few months, after talking to people

 and hearing their stories I feel differently. 

Very sad to hear.  Now I have a better understanding of what it is like for many to 

live in a place where 2 months out of every year they face hunger, and find 

it very difficult to make ends meet.  As someone said, "what we take for

 granted someone else is praying for."  Life is not easy for so many.

I keep hearing "come March the traffic will be horrendous."  "Come March the

 lines in the restaurants will be forever."  At the same time I keep thinking, "come 

March most people will have their jobs again, be able to buy food regularly, 

to eat, and to not have to worry if they will have a meal tomorrow.

Here Thrift Stores are big business.  I have found myself going to them often.  

There is a Thrift Store in every corner.  It's impossible to not pass one on your way to 

just about anywhere.  Yes, and I talk to people.  That's how I found out about how

 harsh and rough January and February are for them.  I'm happy January is over,

 and that February is a short month.  Means soon most will be gainfully

 employed again, and will be able to stock up on some of life's basic 

necessities.  I don't take much for granted, but now even less.  

Whenever I hear about people's suffering my day is not so good.  It bothers me

 tremendously that there are people going hungry right here in the city we live in.  

Now when I see someone i wonder, do they have food to eat today?  

They say difficult roads often lead to beautiful destinations.  I really hope so.

People say you don't know what you've got until it's gone..

truth is, you knew what you had, you just never thought you'd lose it...

~Nadiya~