Sunday October 4th~

True happiness is often found 

in appreciating the simple things 

that surround us every day...

 Yesterday I had a very busy morning,

 mainly this time doing stuff for myself.  In 

between it all I made time for a manicure and 

pedicure.  Always makes me feel good.  After 

all, self-pampering and self-care are essential

 requirements for a fulfilling life, helping you 

recharge your mind, body, and soul.

Yesterday evening we set out to listen to music at 

Capone's Speakeasy. Both Arvid and I called the day 

before to make sure we had the right group playing. 

 Well when we got there a Dean Martin impersonator 

was playing. Definitely not what we expected.

Arvid said to me, "take a video and send it

 to your mom." When 'Dean Martin" started to 

sing "That's Amore" I recorded it and sent it to her.  

Growing up our mom listened to all kinds of 

music she still does, but when she responded she

 said, "he sounds really weird."  It was "bad"

We decided to go to The Landing in search of

 better music. Problem was that we were out too early

 and most places started much later.  We made quite 

a few stops, but no luck in the music department.

Instead we decided to go have a "late" night snack. 

 What better than pizza.  We went to Mello Mushroom.  

I have been wanting to go there for a long time, but 

Arvid was never game.  Last night he was.  Pizza was 

pretty good. Even Arvid had to grudgingly agree.

Sunday here.  Sniff already on the prowl for

 birds and squirrels.  So far no birds, but squirrel does 

show up everyday.  Actually several times a day.

Every day, I like to wake up and remind 

myself to be grateful of the simple things...

~Nadiya~

Saturday October 3rd~

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...

 Yesterday I finally made it to Almost Home.

 Unfortunately, the only one around was this 

cute lil’ kitty. She followed me around, but she 

was way too fast for me to get a better picture. I 

got there early my guess is everyone was still

 either sleeping or just relaxing in their rooms.

Yesterday Arvid and I tried a different place 

for our Friday outing.  We had just planned on 

staying in and relaxing, but by 4 in the afternoon

 we got restless.  That's is always our "problem"

 We always want/need to be on the go.

We checked out a place called Scooters Sports 

Grill.  The place is cool, but at the same time as soon

 as we entered I knew that this would be our first 

and last time here.  It's huge and like all sports

 bars it has many, too many flat screen TV's.

 It was nice, but not cozy, and of course it 

did not have the right ambiance.  Aside from 

that, the drinks and food were pretty good.

Charley has been too "busy" in the mornings 

lately, but yesterday afternoon she ran towards me

 when I called her.  She is feisty and fearless.

Wishing everyone a very good day.  It is 

officially the weekend.  Have a great one.

Happiness is a lazy morning 

and a weekend to enjoy it...

~Nadiya~

Friday October 2nd~

A magic show is a special place 

where people leave logic behind and 

experience a sense of wonder...

I previously featured a post on 

Reza Edge of Illusion.  At that time we had 

not been to the show, last night we did. 

 Reza is a popular, family-friendly magic and 
illusion show in Branson, Missouri, known for its 
large scale, high energy production that blends grand
 illusions with comedy and audience interaction. Branson
 is known for its entertainment, it's not in vain they call it
 “little Las Vegas.”  No matter where you go the huge 
billboards follow you.  Reza’s billboard like so many
 others are everywhere and that was the reason I 

have chosen this show.  Plus the good reviews.

I have to say that I did not totally "love" 

the show.  It was okay.  We got to experience 

one of Branson's "best" as it was referred to.

As always, Arvid and I made the most of it.  

The show was almost 2 hours long.  Way too 

long for us. My attention span was all over

 the place, mainly when will this be done.

I have told Arvid that every summer we

 are in Branson we will see/do something new.

  Reza was our "new" thing for this summer.

The birds 🐦 still have now been around.  The food

 is there all the time.  Squirrel on the other hand shows 

up several times during the day to grab and go. I always 

leave peanuts for him.  I have so much have to use it 

up before our time here is up.  Keeps Sniff busy.

It's Friday and rain is predicted all day long.  We 

need the rain and just maybe the birds will show up. 

In the meantime the Canadian Geese are coming

 back.  Fall in the Ozarks is a beautiful time.

To all a very good day and a happy start

 of the weekend.  It's Friday.  No plans as yet, but 

the day is still early.  Just have to wait and see.

The average attention span of the

 modern human being is about half as long

 as whatever you're trying to tell them...

~Nadiya~

October 1st New Month~

In October we wear pink💕

 Every month has its own unique essence, 

but October's vibe is truly one of a kind. With 

fall arriving in full force, the leaves turning vibrant

 colors, and the spookiest holiday, Halloween, of

 course! fast approaching, no other month is 

quite as magical, comforting, and charming. 

October gives us 31 full days of cozy 

flannels, seasonal decorations, pumpkin 

spice, leaf piles, corn mazes, and so much more 

festive fun.  Also October is when our third

 granddaughter was born.  Little Amelia makes

 the month and our lives even better.

Looking forward to some cooler temperatures

 and to enjoying our last month in Branson.

 Arvid and I took a trip to Big Cedar Lodge.  

Of course we saw the deer we always do. We saw

 a family of four just relaxing.  Yesterday a lil'

 birdie visited as well.  Was a very good day.

We also went to Truman's cafe and Custard. 

 Can't go to Cedar Lodge and not have frozen custard. 

 I also took food to feed the birds, and squirrels. 

If you are ever in Branson, do take a trip to 

Big Cedar Lodge known as America's Premier 

Wilderness Resort. Big Cedar Lodge is a 4,600-acre

 luxury wilderness resort located just south of Branson in 

Ridgedale, Missouri, overlooking Table Rock Lake. 

All of October: Often called "Pink October,"

 created to increase attention and awareness each

 year where people wear pink and display pink ribbons 

daily.  October is known as breast cancer awareness

 month.  A famous person once said, "I had 

 cancer, cancer did not have me."  

Courage doesn't always roar.  Sometimes 

courage is the little voice at the end of the

 day that says I'll try again tomorrow.

Cheers to October, a month of growth,

 change, and endless possibilities...

~Nadiya~

Wednesday September 30th~

It's the last day of the month, finish strong...

 September comes to an end today. It 

started out being way too hot, but now we are 

experiencing cooler temperatures.  Loving it.

  September so far has been good to us.

Yesterday was supposed to be a quiet

 day spent at home, but I needed a few things

 and I can always find them at Macy's. Since

 we had nothing g much planned, Arvid 

went with me to the mall again.

 Of course we ended up being there at 

the time we usually ate lunch.  We had mall

 food at the food court.  Was pretty good.

As always arvid has his orange chicken and I

 get whatever is chicken item that is spicy.  Bought 

me a little sweater and some cookies. We had

 time to reala and just check out a few stores.

 Arvid found a music store to check out I 

had some time to do my own thing.  I took a few 

random pictures as usual, and browsed around a bit. 

Macy's is already getting a headstart on Christmas.

  Never too early for🎄Christmas it seems.

I have been seeing a few birds here and there

 so last night I put out food for them on the deck. 

No bird showed up as of right now😢 Squirrel

 has been around almost everyday now and 

eats all his peanuts then runs for dear life. 

May your day be filled with 

sunny smiles and happy thoughts...

~Nadiya~

Tuesday September 29thth~

Another day to live.  Another day to be grateful...

 As the new day begins, I have already had
 my full dosage of "this world is coming to an 
end" news from Arvid.  Most days I just listen
 to him rattle on about how bad things are. 
Somedays, I just pretend I'm listening. 

Today I am really not feeling it.

It does not help that I was awake most of the 

night. I had this tickle in my throat and no matter 

what position I slept in, I started to cough.  

I ended up sleeping upstairs in the loft, or

 at least tried to.  No sure how Sniff knew I was 

"missing" from the bedroom, but in about

 ten minutes he was by my side.

There was a time Arvid's focus was on climate

 change, not so anymore. Now there are other

 things that take precedence.  Depending on

 the news, there is always something that

 we should be "very concerned" about.  

I'm not going to take this defeatist 

attitude and listen to all this crap anymore 

from all these people who have nothing

 except doomsday to predict.  I know "bad" 

exists in this world, at the same time I 

also believe there is more good in it.

Branson Duck Tours

Yesterday Arvid and I had a few things 

to do. It took us longer than expected, so we

 ended up having lunch at Whataburger.

  Arvid liked it, me not so much.  

Not much happening today.  The usual, 

groceries and maybe go to Almost Home.

A positive mindset, not a doomsday 

mentality, supports being exceptional...

~Nadiya~

Monday September 28th~

 Monday is the day that opens up 

the week for many opportunities...

Last week in September.  Time sure goes by fast. 

Soon our time in Branson will be done, but for

 now we will enjoy the time we still have here.  

Arvid and I had a good outing yesterday 

and we are now ready to face the new week. 

 Like always hoping that many of our goals 

are accomplished, no matter how small or how 

big.  Either way we always work towards it.

The other day I was "browsing" and 

came up with random information.  Is 

everything accurate?  Don't know.

Weekend is over and it's Monday again.  Let's 

gear up for the coming week.  Make it a good one

 and no matter if you fail or fall, just keep getting

 up and moving forward.  Winners do not quit.

Monday is for people with a mission...

~Nadiya~

Sunday September 27th~

Listening to the rain is a peaceful experience 

that inspires quiet reflection and cozy comfort...

 Woke up to a little rain this morning; did not

 last long but it is sure needed.  Everything is dry.

  Like Florida it seems as if Branson is also in a drought,

 unlike the Northeast which was flooded yesterday 

after a huge storm.  Huge flooding hits New 

Jersey and New York during nor'easter.

Yesterdays highlight was going to the movies.  Here

 in Branson we do it quite often.  Happy that Arvid

 enjoys going as much as I do.  It was like watching

 Jack Reacher all over again, and we love Reacher.

When we go driving I love to read license plates. 

 Check and see what state they're coming from.  Keeps

 me occupied and smiling.  Funny vanity license plates

 range from clever self-deprecating jokes to quick 

wordplay that drivers can read at a red light.

Quiet morning.  Sniff taken care of and Charley also.

Sundays are quiet.  Soccer game for Arvid. 

 Norway vs Portugal and then a little outing 

for us.  To all a very good day as well.

We need quiet time to examine our lives

 openly and honestly - spending quiet time

 alone gives your mind an opportunity

 to renew itself and create order...

~Nadiya~