Move To Branson, Missouri

Life is about trusting your feelings, taking chances,finding happiness, 
learning from the past, and realizing everything changes...

When Brutus died my world shattered.  It is still not the same and I don't know if it ever

 will be, yes we have a good life and all is good in our world, but Brutus took my heart.  

Then came Shadow. For the short time he was with us life was busy. He kept us on our toes.

  Then he also died. It's a miracle I did not go insane.  Enter Sniff and life continues.

When we went to Chicago last summer it was not the same without Brutus. I love 

that city, but the 4 months we stayed there were just not the same.  I told Arvid I 

wanted a change. We both actually wanted a change.  Little did we know.

Arvid is a trader.  One of his trade meetings brought us to Branson, MO last summer. 

 We drove from Chicago to Branson and while Arvid traded I checked out the city.  On 

our last day in Branson Arvid says to me, "let's go check out some hotels."  I'm always

 up for everything so we went, saw them and then we headed back home to Chicago.

Once we got to Chicago we did a lot of research on hotels in Branson.  Both him and I

 were curious; so curious that we made another trip to Branson to meet with different 

hotel owners.  We looked at each other and Arvid said to me, "what do you think?" 

 I said, " I am ready for a change.  Brutus' death has left me too devastated and 

I want to do something that will keep me busy."  Little did I know.

Busy we are.  We became the owner of 2 hotels here in Branson.  We got back home

 to Chicago and the next thing I knew is Arvid was busy looking for a house for us.

  Before you knew it we had bought a house in Branson sight unseen.

We left Chicago the first week of October.  We left Florida November 7th with our car 

packed to the brim headed to start a new life in Branson.   Sniff was still in Florida. 

 We did not close on the house until November 10th.  I went back to Florida on the 17

 of November and brought him to his new home. We were back in Branson on the 19th. 

 The change Arvid and I wanted was real.  Not knowing anything about running a hotel 

we moved into it head on.  Little by little we picked up what we needed and though

 errors and omissions we learnt to run a hotel. Everyday is a learning process.

The first weeks we worked almost 7 days a week.  24/7. There was and there still is so much

to learn.  By the time we get home both Arvid and I are bone tired.  The work did not

 end there.  At home we had to do do the book keeping, the ordering and paperwork.  

We still do, but now it's "easier"  We have learnt a lot in almost 4 months.

Our life changed dramatically and for that I was grateful. Happy to be busy. To

 not have to think about anything.  Yes it worked great, but nothing kept Brutus

 far from me, but being busy is good therapy.  Better than anything I know.

Working at the hotel I have met amazing people.  People who may not have a much as

 many others, but whose hearts are bigger than most people I know.  People who have

 taught me that in life there is so much more than just waiting for things to happen.

 I learnt that you have to sometimes crash and burn in order to succeed.  That I 

always knew.  I know that as many times as I have a setback I will always bounce

 back.  Or at least I will do my best to.  Both Arvid and I run a hotel each.

We don't have much time these days for much.  Our days are filled with making

sure everything works, everyone is happy and always making sure that each day we

 learn a little more.  We maintain a safe, friendly and clean place.  We make sure

 everyone is behaving and we strive to meet every ones needs as much as possible 

and in a timely fashion.  No one said it was going to be easy.  At the same

 time no one told us how much we would enjoy doing what we do.

The cold weather did not stop us.  The first 2 months we were so busy we hardly noticed

 the cold.  We felt it, but we never had time enough to let it interfere in our work.  

Today we have managed to have Sundays off.  Mostly.  There are some 

days we have to go in.  Running a hotel is not a 9-5 job.  

Both places have managers on site, but even so we do get the calls at night when

 there is something neither of the 2 feel comfortable handling.  Since moving here 

Arvid has lost probably over 10 pounds.  He never stops.  Unfortunately, can't say 

the same for me.  Even though I am also constantly on the move, Arvid is 

a force all by himself.  He always has to be a part of everything.

I will be honest.  If Brutus had not died we would have never moved to Branson.

That's how much his death affected us.  Today I will admit that the move to Branson

definitely has been helpful.  It keeps me so busy that I rarely have time to dwell too much. 

 Nights are different.  If I'm not totally exhausted and have fallen asleep, I let my mind roam a little.

I miss my Brutus more than anyone would imagine.  When we think of Shadow it

hurts too much.  On the other hand, Sniff is just precious.  He makes everyday so very good.

The one thing I don't like about being so busy is that Sniff is left alone for many hours 

every day.  I do make up for it at all times possible.  He loves being brushed, 

played with and both Arvid and I do do that a lot.  Mostly I do.

For the next 5 to 10 years Branson is home.

Life for us has definitely changed.  I like being busy.  I love all the people I have
around me and so does Arvid.  We both agree that we have found the right
 thing to do.  As new ventures go this is probably the biggest challenge
we have  undertaken as a couple.  There is no other person in the world I
would do this with other than Arvid.  Together we are a good team.

You can do what I cannot do.  I can do what you cannot do.Together we can do
 great things.  Teamwork alone we can do so little.  Together we can do so much...

~Nadiya~

First Time Vet Visit ~ In Branson ~

Happy are those who take life day by day, complain very little, and are 

thankful for the little things in life.  Being happy never goes out of style...

Getting Sniff into the carrier is the worst part of it all.  Both Arvid and I have to force

 him in.  I hold one end and Arvid the other and we just have to push Sniff in. 

 He hates the carrier more than usual.  We think he had a bad "childhood"

 and was forced to live for long periods in the carrier.

Once in Sniff never cried.  Of course the vet and assistants fell in love with him.

Sniff is after all a beautiful boy.  He was scared, but he never cried.  When the 

doctor was not probing him he just sat by me and wanted to be held.

The doctor did say he would be tired, but seeing him so lethargic was so not him.

Even when I tried to brush him he was too tired and just did not want to move.

All Sniff did for the rest of the day was sleep on and off.  He did not

 even want his foodies.  Not that is definitely NOT like him.  

Today he should be back to his "normal" self.

Today it is a little cold.  Tomorrow should be back to nicer temperatures.

Sniff still not his usual self as yet, but I know he will be perking up soon enough.

I don't like to see him so "depressed"  I want my little chatter boy back soon.

When someone told me I lived in a fantasy land,

 I nearly fell off my unicorn...

~Nadiya~

Be Happy ~

Embrace the day.  Life is not the way it is supposed to be.

It is the way it is.  The way you cope with it is what makes the difference...

Today I feel good.  Had a very productive day yesterday and it was very sunny and warm.

It was warmer that Fort Lauderdale and that at this time of the year is quite impressive.

Today is also expected to be a nice day.  Not as warm as yesterday, but definitely

you can feel spring in the air.  Unfortunately, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday will 

be cooler and if the predictions are correct, we will have rain.  Not liking that 

especially since we will be having our first set of company visiting.

Another busy day ahead.  Today Sniff goes to the vet for his yearly check-up.

Fingers crossed that it will only be good news.  Sniff is healthy and I want him to stay healthy.

Hello everyone.  Make today a happy day.  My sister Rima sure is making the 

most of her days in Costa Rica.  Relax, unwind and be merry as she would say.

There are only two days in a year that nothing can be done. 

 One is called yesterday and the other is called tomorrow, so today 

is the right day to love, believe, do and mostly live...

~Nadiya~

Hello Spring ~

Spring is Nature's way of saying let's party.

Goodbye winter..Hello Spring...

First day of Spring and definitely it is feeling and looking like Spring today

 in Branson.  Weather is going to be sunny and warm, the birds are 

out torturing Sniff and the flowers are blooming.  I see the grass

 starting to grow again on our backyard, and the front. 

 Definitely not looking forward to doing yard work, but sure am loving the greens,

 the pinks, whites and all the colors of the blooms coming up.  Allergies!!!  

Not happy about that because can feel the sniffles, itchy eyes

 and more as well.  Spring!  Love it!  Yay!

They say if you watch how nature deals with adversity, continually

 renewing itself, you can't help but learn.  Yes, everyday I am learning a little 

more.  Learning to deal with what is not so good and enjoying what life 

have given us and always being grateful for what we have and 

for the chance to wake up and enjoy another day.  

Life throws at us many a not so good deal, but how we deal with it is what defines us.

  I don't always manage to deal with it in the best possible way, but I learn to deal with it. 

 Through stumbling blocks I pick myself up and even if I fall again I get 

up and continue.  It's a step by step day for me for many. 

Good morning everyone.  My sister Rima is currently relaxing in Costa Rica on

 a Yoga retreat way up in the Rainforest  Like all of us, she has earned a 

much needed vacation.  For the next week it is relaxation 

and pampering for her in her Rainforest Resort.

You can cut all the flowers, but you cannot keep spring from coming.

Begin each day with a little courage, a little curiosity, and a little step in your spring...

~Nadiya~

Hello New Day ~

Some days you just have to create your own sunshine.

It's good to have a good day.  Hello Spring...

Friday was a pretty gloomy looking day, but at least it was not as cold as the last 

few days.  A little rain but that was also OK.  The trees need to be watered and the 

flowers need nourishment.  As Fridays go, very different from what 

we used to do back in Florida. Still it was a good day.

  These days it's just staying busy, doing errands then going home and doing more "work" 

 Yes all is good here in Branson.  Looking forward to see what Spring brings us.

  I want to think that winter is over, but every time we get comfy we are hit

 with a new cold spell.  Today is warm so a good start already.

Arvid does what Arvid does best.  He is always staying busy running from place to place. 

 The man is happy and always excited.  Can't keep a good man down.  He says he eats 

better here and has tried more foods than ever in his life.  Maybe he is right.  

 

In Branson Mexican food is now a favorite.  That would not be him back in Florida, 

but here he "loves" it.  They see him at his favorite Mexican  place and already knows 

what he will be having.  A man of habit and routines.  Always sticks to the same.

Everyday I meet more and more people.  I am starting to get to know my way around 

town a little better, and do not have to use the GPS as much as I did.  Arvid happy 

about that! When the day is gloomy I try to make it better by having a favorite 

of mine.  Alaskan Snow Crabs.  Always a winner.  Everyone who knows

 me knows that food cheers me up and snow crabs make me happy.

Sunday.. not so "quiet" as usual.  Few things to do and places to run to, 

but the fact that it is a warm day makes everything better.

To all a very good day and may you always live in interesting times ~

Sunshine and a smile is my favorite accessory.

No winter lasts forever; no spring skips its turn...

~Nadiya~

Fun Days~

Quiet people have the loudest minds...

My day yesterday was busy.  Aside from what i had to do, I also helped a few people

 out with their kitties.  Pictured below is Bozo and I.  Bozo is super friendly, 

and I have seen him so many times that he already knows me and 

meows for attention. Probably because I bring treats with me.

The weather has still not warmed up, but at least it was not freezing yesterday.

I was even able to walk out without a jacket.  I did have 3 layers under so 

maybe that helped quite a bit.  Sniff has been going crazy bird watching.

This wheel came from Chicago and it is a big attraction in Branson.  Arvid and 

I went out to lunch yesterday, and the restaurant is right across from the

 wheel.  I just can't not take a picture of it.  Food by the way was good. 

 Arvid loves his pork chops there.  Me I always stick to chicken.

In Virginia, Rima's kids had a snow day.  Lilly Vade got comfy with her doggie Marley.

Seems as if Marley was colder than Lilly was.  Marley is a big baby after all.

My sister Rima is soon off to Costa Rica's Rainforest for and entire week.

Today everyone is Irish ~  Happy St. Patrick's Day to all.
As the Irish would say: may your troubles be less and you blessings be more.
And nothing but happiness comes through your door.

Life is not a matter of holding good cards, but of playing a poor hand well...

~Nadiya~

More Cold Days Ahead..

It is what it is, not what it should have been, 

and not what it could have been.  It is what it is...

It seems that March is the month for snow in Branson, Missouri.  Yesterday we had 

another few hours of flurries that led to not much accumulation, but white 

covered grounds, trees and cars once again.  It was super cold, 

but the snow did not stick around for long on the ground.  

Temperatures dipping very low once again today.  All things considered

we are very fortunate compared to what is going on in the North Eastern States.

My sister Nirmala is covered with snow.  She literally cannot find her car.  

Once again I am getting the sniffles.  Hopefully not the cold because I sure

 can't afford to be sick right now.  Just don't have the time.  Today will have to 

stock up on more cold medicines for both Arvid and I.  Just in case.

Sniff as always is a happy camper.  He loves it here. Birds, deers, falling leaves

 and squirrels keep him super busy most of the day to the point that he gets

 so exhausted he just collapses and sleeps for quite some time.

Life is busy here in Branson, but good.  Good morning everyone.

Lest's all hope that winter is gone and that spring is good to us. 

Sometimes the questions are complicated and the answers are simple...

~Nadiya~

COLD Days...

Cold night.  Warm sweater.  Warm tea good book.
Soft socks and a box of chocolates...

Now we have had enough of this weather.  Yesterday was colder than anything I 

have experienced in a long time, and we have had many a cold days.  This entire 

week is predicted to be COLD!  Take me back to the Sunshine State ASAP!!!

Arvid and I have busy days.  Really busy days.  My feet are frozen and my body is

 aching from the cold.  Sniff at nights curls up very close to either Arvid or I. 

 He is also cold, but at the same time he is enjoying watching the leaves 

fall and the birds fly by.  A whole new world for him.

The snow did not stick around long.  Within a day it was melted and all cleared away,
but the cold sure did not leave us.  Somehow it is colder than when it snowed.

I really enjoyed watching the snow fall and being out in it.  It was just a fun time.
Now I want it to be warm and sunny again.  I heard we may have more snow!

My family is expecting a huge winter storm their way.  Two of my sisters
will be having anywhere from 12-18 inches of snow.  Winter is NOT over with us.

Pi day everyone. Go for it.  We will

Cold days.  Warm hearts.  When it snows
you have two choices shovel or make snow angels...

~Nadiya~

Snow In Branson....

There is something beautiful everyday.  You just have to find it...

The tornado came and left.  Now comes the snow.  Yesterday snow was predicted,

but temperatures were not exactly at freezing so when it suddenly started to snow

 I was definitely not sure what was going on.  It came fast and furious.  And it lasted 

for a few hours.  Everything is covered in white.  Very beautiful to look at.

I loved watching the snow fall.  I was outside taking pictures of just about everything.

  I asked Arvid if he wanted to have a snowball fight, but he was definitely not

 having any of that.  Said it was just too cold.  Truth is I did not think

 it was that cold.  I think we have had much colder than this.

Sniff was a little confused.  Not sure what all that white stuff falling from the

 sky was all about.  At first he did not want to be by the window, but then he decided 

he was going to check it out.  When he got tired he just laid on Arvid's lap

 and fell asleep as Arvid watched TV (and dozed off some.)

Time for Arvid to make his famous hot chocolate.  Happy day to all.

Taking joy in living is a woman's best cosmetic....

~Nadiya~

Cold Day, But Still Good...

It is still winter.  
Drink coffee.  Read books.  Be happy...

As we were coming home yesterday, I just had to stop and admire the beautiful sunset.  

For a change even Arvid was quite impressed and did not say much.  Makes you realize

 all the time of the beauty surrounding you, and forget for a little that winter is still 

very present.  For a few minutes the warmth of the sun was pretty comforting.

Here in Branson the tourist season is soon about to kick in.  A very popular attraction

 is the duck rides.  Ride through the scenic Ozarks. Climb to the top of the Mountain 

(aboard the Duck, of course). Discover the history behind some of America’s

 unique military vehicles. Splashdown and Cruise Table Rock Lake. 

Drive the duck, if you want. Quack along with the captain

 and the music aboard this 70-minute Ozark adventure.

We did not do the duck ride in Florida.  Who knows maybe we will try it here when it 

gets a little warmer.  The weather here is very unpredictable.  More so than

 Chicago. The temperature can drop anywhere from 10 to 20 degrees

within hours, which is exactly what is happening right now. 

Sniff and I have been awake since 4:30 AM.  Not sure why.  He is back sleeping 
with Arvid.  I have already had my cafe and looking out the window from "my office"
 waiting to see if the snow is coming or not.  Right now it's just cold and wet outside. 
 Yes it is also predicted that we will have freezing rain.  Joyful day ahead.

Wishing everyone a good day.  We should all try and remember to not miss 
out on the sun today worrying about the rain coming tomorrow.

Happy Saturday everyone.  Make the most of this day.  Laugh,  Love, Read, 
Live, Love, Learn, Play, Dream.  Just be happy.  Live every moment...

~Nadiya~

Weather Woes...

The quieter I get, the bigger the storm brewing inside.

They said when she was born she had a fire in her 

heart and a storm brewing in her soul...

It seems like every week there is a tornado warning, tornado watch or some other 

weird/bad weather behaviour here in Branson.  Lately we have been having tornado

 warnings.  last night it was a tornado watch.  Fortunately it turned out to be "better." 

In Florida we dealt with hurricanes.  I was OK with that.  Arvid and I always had 

a plan and we were always a little excited to take off to a hotel for a night or two. 

Back then we always had a bag ready for Brutus.  Never for ourselves.

Last night I was a little more worried.  We don't know Branson well enough and I 

was not sure what we would do if the roof flew away. My concern was Sniff 

Sniff.  I packed a bag for him and we had his carrier out just in case. 

 He was scared and it bothered me because he hid under the bed and we could 

not readily get to him.  When we had Brutus we would stay on the 

bed with him.  Arvid tried with Sniff but he was scared.

Fortunately the tornado swerved away from us.  Aside for some rain, thunder and 

lightning we are good.  Best of all Sniff came out from under the bed and I

 comforted hi with lots of brushing.  Like Brutus he loves being brushed. 

 Shadow was still too little to like being brushed.  He was so little.

The storm has passed for now.  Next week another tornado may come. 

 Seems like the trend.  Yesterday was fairly warm, but come Saturday we will

 be back to the chill.  Yes, winter is definitely not over as yet!  I thought it was,

 but March I have been told can be a terrible month also.  Will just have to wait and 

see how it goes.  I am tired of this weather.  Looking forward to better days soon.

  I know it coming because I see it in the blooming of the flowers.

To all a very good day.  Just remember, sometime we just have

to bow our heads, say a prayer and weather the storm.  Happy Friday all.

When you come out of the storm you won't be the same person that walked in.

That's what the storm is all about.  After the storm comes the calm...

~Nadiya~

Life...Not Always Easy

Everyone faces challenges in life.  It's a matter of how you 
learn to overcome them and use them to your advantage...

Another day has come and gone.  Yesterday started out too cold and too windy, 

but as the day progressed.. well it warmed up.. Warmth is now relevant. It has 

been a not good day.  Yesterday we got a text.  All it said was, "Mala is in the

 hospital."  From that moment on my day was ruined and I was a wreck.

I'm so far way.  I have no clue what's going on and I can't do anything right now. 

 I am a wreck!  Even if I wanted to go to Vermont right now, it is almost impossible

 to do so.  I feel so helpless.  Suddenly nothing matters, but her getting better.

I wish right now I was back in Florida.  First of all warmer.  Flights are easier 
to get and the airport was close to home.  Here in Branson, everything is a connection.
  Takes a day almost to get to another destination and it is definitely very expensive. 
 None of that would matter if I could just get there right now.

This past week has not been the easiest for me and I guess because of that I have
 not been too easy to be around.  Arvid is a good man, but sometimes his patience level
 is not the highest either.  Sniff senses something and is constantly with me.
  He curls up on our legs and if we don't pay attention he tends to start nibbling.
 Mostly on Arvid.  I think, I know Arvid was more patient with Brutus.

  Arvid tries to get Sniff to sleep or to lay on his chest the way Brutus did.  

Sniff not having any of that.  He is Sniff and has his own way of being.  We love him. 

Every time it seems as if the weather will be getting better something switches around
 and we are back to the "freeze"  A of today, the weather people say that snow is 
in next weeks forecast.  I don't believe so, but who knows. I wish it would
 just snow and get it done with.  Then that be the end of it.  Not this
 switching from "warm" to cold.  The wind is also not easing off.
  So when we have a warm day the wind sorts of ruins that.

Yesterday my grandmother would have turned 96.  She is one of those people 
that life puts in our paths and then our lives are forever changed.  For the better. 
 Ma, as we called her raised not only me and my 4 sisters, but she 
played a role in the lives of all her grand children.  

None of us will ever forget that amazing woman we have had the privilege to have
 had in our lives. She showed us what it was to work hard, protect the ones you
 love and to never give up in life no matter what it throws at you. 

 From a child I just like all my cousins, have had the privilege to be raised
 by a courageous, strong, and determined woman. Our grandmother.

If our home at the time lacked the material things, we NEVER lacked love and affection.
Ma, you were and always will be remembered by all of us.  You touched our lives
 like no has. Not many can say that.  Thank you for giving us a mother like you.

Hoping that today brings better news and more positive outcomes for all of us.
Already my first good news ~ my sister is home with her family.

Hello Thursday~  Time to get the show on the road.

When someone you love becomes a memory, that memory becomes a treasure. 
 The life of the dead is placed in the memory of the living...

~Nadiya~