And So Begins Wednesday...

Being sick is your body's way of saying you're way to awesome, 

and you need to slow down so everyone else can catch up...

It's only Wednesday and I am totally exhausted.  Wonder why? Allergies?   

The cold? Not sure, but the sneezing as not stopped and it's making me tired.  Yes 

tired of this constant sneezing and sniffling.  Guess the first thing to this 

morning is to make a run to CVS or Walgreen's.  Not bad.

I think Sniff has the right idea.  Seems as if he's not feeling 100% today either.

It is only 9 am here in Branson and he already is going back to sleep.

  Maybe I will do the same.  Little extra sleep has never hurt anyone

 and what better reason that, "I'm not feeling so good?"

Good day to all.  Never stop believing in hope because miracles happen everyday.

Sleeping is nice.  You forget about everything for a little while...

~Nadiya~

Busy, Hectic Days...

I'm too busy working on my own grass to notice if yours is greener.

Pretty busy today. Was only able to check my phone 1400 times...

It's only Tuesday and for some reason I am already exhausted, but then I look at Sniff 

and smile.  If only life was as simple for us as it is for these little fur babies. Sniff 

knows all about relaxing and everyday teaches us that we need to do more of it.

Not a care in the world.  We sit and he just plops himself on us.  Sometimes he wants to be with

 me and if I move too much, which I always do he goes to Arvid.  Either way we are all happy.

This crazy weather in Branson continues.  Sunday was freezing cold and 

windy as hell.  Today was much warmer, still windy and tonight hail, rain and 

heavy winds are predicted.  Every time I think I came away from

 getting the cold it starts all over again.  Very unpredictable.

The skies were dark yesterday, but the good thing is that this ice-cream shop 

will soon be open.  According to everyone it is a must try.  Cant wait for Thursday, 

which is when it is scheduled to open.  Yes, everything in Branson (almost everything)

shuts down from January 1st to mid March.  Traffic is a sign that the city is "awakening"

Well time to rock and roll and get the show started.  Another busy day awaits us.

Today MAYBE Arvid gets a visitor from Norway.  From Norway to Fort Lauderdale and

 to Branson.  Yes, it will be a busy day.  Can't stop trading and making deals.

Hello everyone.  Wishing you a day filled with happiness and all things good.

In times of great stress or adversity, it's always best to keep busy,

to plow your anger and our energy into something positive...

~Nadiya~

Time Flies...

Time passes, memories fade (not mine),
feelings change, people leave, but hearts never forget...

Yesterday was 17 years since Arvid and I met.  So much has happened with us. 

 We have learnt so much from each other and with each other.  We have experienced 

good times and we have experience not so good times.  Together we don't have children,

 but together we had Brutus.  He was our baby and with him Arvid and I have 

experienced some of the best times in our lives.  We still have good times.
They say your soul know when it is time to close a chapter.  Not mine. 

We had some with Shadow and now we share it with Sniff, but in all honesty the times

 we had with Brutus will never compare to anything else.  He was and will forever 

remain one of the best times in our lives. Nothing can change that for us.

Yesterday was just a not good day for me.  For starters I thought of Shadow and Brutus 

quite a lot.  We saw a gray kitty that was identical to Shadow.  Arvid has been seeing this

 kitty for the past week and today we saw him together.  Made me cray for a long time.

Then to make the day even worse we went with 2 people Arvid met to do some trades.

  Little did I know we had to do an almost 2 hours drive to go and of course

 to come back in order to see the car Arvid was interested in. 

Let's just say the guy we took in the car with us was luck I did not kill him or throw 

him out of the car.  He was annoying, loud, and NEVER did he shut up.  Made for a horrible

 4 hours together.  To top it all the car was not even there.  Talk about a wasted day!

Monday already.  As soon a today is over it seems as if the rest of the week whizzes by.
  Not exactly sure how, but the days are going by fast.  We have already been in
  Branson 4 months.  Our life has changed dramatically and I will say that the
change has been positive.  Yes I miss Florida, but for now this is home.

Hello Monday.  Please be kind to all of us.  Let's do this!

Tears come from the heart and not the brain.
Sometimes, crying is the only way your heart speak when
 your mouth can't explain how broken your hear is...

~Nadiya~

It Happens...

Nobody told me they'd be days like these...

Sometimes the best thing we can do is ride out the storm.

We all have days which seem intolerable and at times more

than one person can handle.  I for sure know this for a fact.

Every so often I feel like saying "the heck with it," and walk away.

The last few days have been not so good days for me.  I know why.  Today
 makes 1 year since Shadow died.  It still pisses me off like crazy and
 makes me want to scream and never stop.  He was just a baby and I
feel like just shaking Liliana until I get all this anger out of me.

There is anger, there is resentment, there is hurt, there is pain and of course heartache
for the loss of Shadow and the loss of a friendship.  We have spoken again, but it
has been strained.  Yet I know that Liliana will always be there for me.

Today is also 1 year and 4 months since my baby, our Brutus died.  And no,
I cannot forget him and I cannot stop missing him.  He is and always will be my baby.

Then there is Arvid and Sniff.  Not so long ago it was Arvid, Brutus and I.
Both looking at me when I am in one of these "rages."  Does not
happen often.  That is good.  They look at me with these big

eyes and wonder what the heck is wrong with her.

Long time ago, Arvid said to Brutus, "be careful around mommy.  She has

a knife in her hands and a killer look."  Now that of course made me laugh.

Everything else at that point started to look better.  Life is not always

easy.  Heck most times it is downright difficult, but it almost always

looks better if we approach it with the right attitude.

There have been many a times Arvid has also been fed up with things and I was
the one to help him through this crisis.  It's nice to have someone you can
 count on.  That someone can be just about anyone who knows you
 and knows how to lift your spirits and does not walk away from you in
the toughest moments of your life.  For me it's always Arvid!

Wishing you good times and good days ahead.  Just remember, spending
 today complaining about yesterday won't make tomorrow any better!  Sniff
 sees me sad, and runs right up to as if to ask, "what's wrong?"  I love him

There are days when everything seems wrong,  when little things hurt 
you for no reason.  But then there are days like today; when the world just
 sings to you,from the minute you open your eyes in the morning 

to the minute you shut them again at night...

~Nadiya~

Hello Saturday...

Good morning.  Life is like a mirror.  It'll smile at you if you smile at it...

Everyone who knows me knows I love food.  By food I don't mean hot dogs.

I love real food.  One of my very favorites is Alaskan Snow Crab.  Living in Florida I

 was able to have it just about anytime I wanted.  That was usually every week.  

Since being here in Branson I have not been able to find it in the grocery stores, 

but yesterday I finally was able to eat at my hearts content.  Thank you Red Lobster.  

They were delicious, and I had as much as I could handle.  For me that is usually a lot.

Yesterday we woke up to really cold temperatures.  I think I am getting the sniffles

 all over again.  Either that or allergies because can't seem to stop sneezing.  

Wish it would warm up already.  Today a lady told me that she has 

seen snow in March and April here in Branson.  Hope she is wrong.

I see the trees and flowers booming.  I hear the birds singing.  I know spring

 is close by, the only thing is i don't always feel the warmth in the air.  

Today should be warm.  Looking forward to it.  Not sure what to do

 if that's the case, but I'm sure I will think of something.

I am feeling good and can't wait to see what the day holds.  Yesterday I pampered

 myself with a manicure-pedicure.  Felt good and I even let the man massage my feet.  

I actually had the time and did not for once have to rush like I used to do in Florida.

We are getting used to Branson.  We like our home and we are discovering 

more and more about the place. It is not Fort Lauderdale, but for now it is home.

To all a very good day.  Sniff is getting to be a Branson kitty.  He loves it here and we

 love watching him chase from one window sill to another.  Yeah life is good and we are 

grateful for what we have and for all the good fortune we have discovered here in Branson.

Today in Florida my cousin Emily Jane will soon be getting married to Kalem.
I should have been there.  I planned on being there, but things changed.
Congratulations to both of you and may your love story continue on.
A true love story never ends.  I see it in your smiles.

Live simply.  Dream big.  Be grateful.  Give love.  Laugh lots.

On Saturday we wear pajamas.  Put on a smile. Enjoy your day and get cute...

~Nadiya~

Baby It's COLD Outside...

If you want to see the sunshine you have to weather the storm...

If you look at the temperatures during the week it appears that it will definitely 

be "warm."  Those numbers are deceiving because yesterday was cold as

 hell, and with the wind blowing the way it was it's lucky people were not

 flying all over the place.  Yes, it was and still will be extremely windy.  

That makes for COLD days, and if you're out walking around, makes for

 freezing temperatures.  For us a lot more because we after all are not

 used to this so called winter so much, but getting there.

Sniff was bundled up under the covers with me as we watched TV last night.

Both Arvid and I had to warm up with a late night cup of tea.  Waking up to 28 degrees 

Fahrenheit or for Arvid's mom benefit it is now -2 degrees Celsius.  I am cold!!

All is good here in Branson, except for the cold right now.  Staying busy helps to keep 

mind mind from wandering too often to Brutus and Shadow, but no matter how 

busy I am there is always something that reminds me of them.  I miss our Brutus 

very much.  The other day Arvid saw a kitty that looked exactly like Shadow.  

He came home and when he told me we both hugged each other.  March 5th

 will be one year since our Shadow died.  One year and 4 months 

since our Brutus, my baby died.  Today my heart has sadness in it.

Good morning all.  Hope you have some warmer days ahead.

Wherever you go, whatever the weather, always bring your own sunshine...

~Nadiya~

Busy Times...

You may delay, but time will not.  All we have to decide

is what we have to do with the time that is given to us..

Time is flying. Not sure how time has gone by so fast.  My guess is that when one is 

busy time sure flies.  Yes we have been busy. Our days are packed and we are loving it.

 Some days I am so tired that as soon as my head touches the pillow I fall right 

asleep.  It's been a long time since that has happened.  It's been a long 

time since I have been able to sleep most of the night.  I like it.  

Just last night Arvid was telling me how he has never felt better nor stronger . 

 The man is something else.  For him being busy is just the way our life should be.

 Arvid does not know when to take a rest.  Sometimes he wears me out more 

than any "work" can, can't let him know how much I like it.

We have been experiencing very mild weather. The other day we had a

 tornado watch which turned out not to be anything serious in our side of town.

  We did have some pretty serious hail rain, but nothing damaging by us.  

Everyday we learn something new.  We experience something different and 

though  Branson is a far cry from what our life in Florida was, we are finding it

 to be extremely rewarding.  Yes, there are days when we do get extremely 

exhausted, but the end result is always worth it.  You know the saying, when 

you do what you love it's not considered work.  For us it's just another exciting

 challenge.  One we are loving and enjoying every moment of.

Good morning everyone.  Always do what you love and love what you do. 

 We are and it makes for interesting times.  Either  you run the day, or the day runs you

Life teaches us to make good use of time,
while time teaches us to the value of life...

~Nadiya~

Cold Monday Morning...

It's Monday, time to sparkle and shine...

Monday mornings usually are busy, a little busier than most mornings because after

 having Sunday to relax we slacked off a little.  Now time to catch up and take

 care of business.  My first appointment for the day is at 9:00 am  Always interesting 

when have to meet new people.  Can't wait to see how it turns out.

I am involved in a few of the community happenings here and it makes me feel alive. 

 Getting to know more about the people and their way of life keeps me busy.  I love 

to hear their stories, talk to them and always learn a few lessons about life.

Arvid has a lot of running around to do.  Nothing different than most of his days, but 

now that we both have our own cars makes for better times.  I can do as I please and not 

have to go everywhere he goes.  Last week I visited my favorite shoe store...again.

Had to get up earlier than I wanted, don't mind but it is just so cold outside.

Right now it would have been really nice to wake up, walk out to the balcony 

and watch the boats go by.  Oh well there is I better get moving before I 

decide to go back under the covers.  Yup!  OK Monday, Let's do this.

Good morning.  Hope you have a week filled with unexpected moments that

 make you smile.  It's so cold I can barely stand the 4 minutes I'm outdoors everyday...

~Nadiya~

Something Different...

Nothing will change in your life if you don't do

 something different from what you've been doing...

Everyday life in Branson, Missouri is getting more and more interesting.  

Time just seems to fly and before you know it the weekend is over, the new week 

is on us and the business that has become our lives once again kicks in. 

 Gets our adrenaline pumping and makes for interesting times.  One never

 knows what to expect with each new day.  We like it that way. 

Yesterday Arvid and I were invited to a little BBQ.  The temperature never was above

 45 degrees Fahrenheit, even so we both helped out, enjoyed some very jumbo sized hot

 dogs and Arvid even enjoyed playing some pool with some of the people there.

  Very different from our usual times in Florida, but I ave to say we had a very

 good time and instead of the hour we would have usually spent, we ended up 

staying for over 3 hours.  New record for us.  We met very nice people,

 and everyone brought something which made it even more enjoyable. 

Some of them even had pets with them.  Made for a different, yet enjoyable time.

To all a very good day.  I am enjoying life here in Branson.  I have made friends.

I do look forward to going back home to Florida, but for now all is good here with us.

Never be afraid to try something new, because life gets boring 

when you stay within the limits of what you already know...

~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~

One Day At A Time...Let's Go

Where I am today... I still have my ups and downs, but I take it one day at a
 time and I just hope that I can be the best that I can possibly be, not only
 for myself, but also for the ones around me that need me to be
 strong and consistent....  Someone they can rely on...

I tell people that the best we can do is to live one day at a time.  Live it to the 
fullest.  Live it with dignity and with courage, to never lose sight of the
 real issues we face.  The time to really pull ourselves together and to
give it our best are the times when we feel like giving up.

When our defenses are at it's lowest, our morale is not at its best, that is
when we have to pull from deep within us and to say, "I will not give up.
 I am a fighter, and if I can believe it I can achieve it."

To everyone out there, when things appear at be at their lowest, it is then time for us
to do something.  To just sit back and say, "it is God's will," to me is the easy
 way out.  I believe that if I need help it is up to me to do something
 about it.  If I want results I must be an active participant, and not
 just sit in a corner praying and hoping all will turn out OK.

That is just not me.  I need to be a part of the solution and I need to be informed.

With this in mind, I am ready to face whatever it is the day holds for me.  Does not
necessarily mean I will always like it, but at least I know and I am better prepared to
deal with whatever life throws my way.  Not always easy, but a good attitude goes
 much further than a bad one.  Arvid says, "sometimes you sound much
 braver than you really are, and it's OK.  I love you for it."

Life is always throwing the unexpected at us.  Nothing else to do but to walk
 straight into the challenge.  Always keep moving because once we stop
everything will come crumbling down on us all at once.  We all know that
the best thing about the future is that it comes one day at a time.

I'm trying to stay as calm as possible and focus one day at a time, but when

 reality sets in, I feel everything: anxiety, excitement, nerves, pressure and joy..

Each day means a new twenty-four hours. Each day means every thing's possible again. 

You live in the moment, you die in the moment. You live in the light, 

you die in the light. You take it all one day at a time...

~Nadiya~

Days Of Sunshine...

Stay on the sunny side of life.  Those who bring sunshine into
the lives of others cannot keep it from themselves...

Sunday was the first time since living here in Branson we actually went downtown 

by the water and had a "better" meal and a typical Sunday outing we usually

 had when in Fort Lauderdale.  It felt great being back by the water having

 our meal and watching boats pass by.  Very different from

 the mega yachts back home, but just as nice and relaxing 

 The best part was that we were able to sit out in the sun and enjoy our meal.  

Yes it was a beautiful, warm, sunny day high's in the upper 70's.  For a February day 

here in Missouri it was just heaven.  Hopefully this is the trend for the remaining

 of the winter.  Though the day started out foggy it end up being a gorgeous day.

  Could not ask for anything better.  The rest of the week also in the 70's.

It felt good be be dressed in summer clothes and not to have to pile on layers

 after layers of clothing.  Yes, it felt just like "normal" again for us.  Even so, we were 

still concerned that it might turn cold again.  We of course took our jackets. 

 Fortunately we did not need them.  Well let's say I did not need mine.  Arvid said

 he was borderline cold towards the end.  So bad.  He is supposed to be a

 Norwegian Viking.  More like a wimp when it comes to the cold.

We took quite some time in the candy store stocking up on a few favorites.  Then
 we saw Kilwins.  My dad's favorite place to have ice-cream.  Arvid made me
 take a few pictures and told me to don't forget and email then to my dad.

Thus making sure they will visit us soon.  Whenever Arvid sees a Kilwins store
 the first thing he says is, "your dad's favorite ice-cream."  Strange how he
remembers certain things and forgets some even more significant ones.

Looking forward to more days like this one.  The perfect ending to the day was
coming home to Sniff Sniff.  He waits patiently and as soon as he saw us he started
 meowing loudly.  Meant he was ready for foodies and a good brushing.
  Of course he had both of those.  He gets brushed almost all day long
otherwise he just meows even louder.  Sniff s a very good kitty.

To all a very good day.  Remember when you can't find the sunshine
be the sunshine, because if you're always waiting for
the storm you will never find the sunshine.

Unfortunately yesterday we did not see any sunshine.  Mostly rain.  Today more
of that wet weather coming our way.  Guess I will be making my own sunshine
again.  Happy Tuesday everyone.  Time flies when you're having fun!

Keep your face always towards the sunshine and the shadows will fall behind you.

~Nadiya~

Hello Monday...

A brand new week to live, laugh be happy.
Train your mind to see the good in everything...

My baby sister, not so much a baby anymore, but in my eyes she will always be

 the baby. From little girls we were very close even with the age difference. 

 Through the years we got closer, and as I saw her blossom from child

 to woman I only admired her more.  The youngest in our family and 

mother of there kids.  Gabby, Riley and Lilly Vade.  

Not always easy shuffling 3 kids, a husband, a cooking business, a home, and 

still managing to maintain one's sanity and perspective in life.  Positive always

 and with the 'I will" attitude we all inherited from our parents.  Quitting is NEVER

 an option and that's the way she and all of us were raised.  Happy birthday.  

Soon you will be celebrating it in Costa Rica.  Hard work,

determination and a good attitude does pay off.  I love you!

Good morning everyone.  Monday morning again.  New week and for us it is

 looking pretty busy.  Nothing unusual here here.  Staying busy is what we like 

best and seems as if we got our wish here in Branson.  Happy day to all.

The best thing about having a sister is that I always have a friend..

~Nadiya~

Sunday In Branson, MO

Life is for most of us a continuous process of 

getting used to things we hadn't expected...

I stepped out the front door, and stepped right back in.  That is of course after taking 

 few pictures of the fog rolling in.  They said it was going to be a warm day again today,

 but it sure was cold out there.  On the other hand it is still very early in the morning.  

Hopefully in a few hours it will warm up, even if the sun does not show up.

Even Sniff Sniff does not like it.  He saw the fog and decided to head 

elsewhere to take his nap.  He is after all a very smart kitty.

Yesterday I finally discovered a Panera store not so far from us.  Had to check it out

 and as always who can resist all the delicious smells and the sights in the store.  Ended

 up buying everything I should not, but it made me happy and a little heavier.

The leaves are still brown and everything still looks a little "boring" but spring 

hopefully will soon be here.  Maybe earlier in Missouri than in many places

 experiencing winter right now.  "They" say the winter is not yet over, on the other hand

 "others" say the winter is soon over.  I have to wait and see for myself.

Our days are busier than expected.  The week goes by fairly fast and the weekends

 even faster.  Guessing in some way this is good.  Leaves less time for the 

mind to wander where it should not.  Happy Sunday everyone 

and may you always live in interesting times.

Time flies when you're in the place you're meant to be.

A Sunday well spent brings a week on content...

~Nadiya~

Never Judge A Person...

Every person is like a book. Judging people is like judging a book by it's cover. 

When we read, we know the intricacies of that book and then like it, whatever
 the cover may be like. That's why being judgmental is a very narrow 
minded approach of limiting your intellect. Once you turn over
 a new leaf and start to form your own opinion without over
 analyzing situations and people, you'll see the difference...

We are all guilty of this.  We all judge people and I know I am no exception.

Sometimes we just see someone, we don't even know them and already we
 are forming an opinion about them.  Many times it's the wrong opinion.

When we came to Branson, I formed my opinions based on what I saw.  Little by
little I realized how very wrong I was.  The more I got to know the people the more
I realized what a terrible thing it is to judge just based on first impressions.  I will
be the first to say sorry.  I was wrong.  I have met amazing people here with struggles
 and stories that at times seem too incredible to be true, but they really are.



I have learnt in the last 4 months that there is so much to learn.  So much to appreciate
 and to NEVER EVER take anything for granted.  Many in Branson are very poor,
but they have some of the biggest hearts of anyone I have met.  They remind me and
everyone that it is not how much you have, but what you do with what you have.

Many don't have much, but they are the first to share the little they have.  It reminds
me always of my parents.  Long time ago they did not have much, but the little
 they had they shared with everyone.  They have not changed in that way.



They have instilled that to their 5 daughters.  Something I am grateful for.  I want
 to be just like my mom and dad.  Caring and always ready to extend a helping hand.

Next time you meet someone, make sure you know them a little before

starting to judge them.  I will begin by following my own advise as well.

In my experience, I have found that women are more judgmental.  Women are
harsher and more critical towards other women.  Arvid says that he thinks
"women just hate each other, and that most are just jealous of each other."

Just like we believe we deserve the benefit of the doubt so do others.  Remember,
don't try and judge a person because you have no clue as to what they have been through!
I have learnt that judging a person does not define who they are.. it defines who you are

I'd rather be naked in front of a guy than in front of a group of girls. 

Women are judgmental.  Men are just grateful...

~Nadiya~