Feb 28, 2018

Feeling Positive ~

Everything has changed and yet, I'm more me than I've ever been...

A beautiful sunny day ended up with dropping temperatures
 and rain. Thankfully it was already time to go home, on 
the bright side my car got a much needed "wash"  


For me every time it rains I look at it as free car wash. 
 Unlike Florida, here our cars are not that "taken care of."  
We do not wash them as often, so a little rain is always good.

Sniff was all over the umbrella.  First a little scared, but he got braver
 and ventured under it.  Sniff Sniff is a good kitty.  He "talks" to us
 and definitely lets us know when he wants something.  But his all
 time favorite thing in the world is to lay between Arvid's legs.


It's just great being back home.  We sleep better, we eat better and we are 
constantly busy.  Although no matter where we go we stay busy,  but our
 busy here makes us feel so good.  In between of all the "work" I get to chat 
with the tenants.  Since coming back I have had many hugs and it feels so good.

Life is good. Everyday may not be good, but there is always something
 good about each day.  We just have to look for it and go for it.

Sometimes happiness is a feeling.
Sometimes it's a decision...

~Nadiya~

Feb 27, 2018

Think Happy Thoughts...

A negative mind will never give you a positive life...

Today no negativity allowed!



It's a brand new day.  So much to look forward to
and so much to be grateful for.  The day looks great and
everyday is a new chance to get it better than the last.

How do you plan on making this day an AWESOME ONE?

Here at home in Branson we are having beautiful days. 
Temperatures are sunny and almost 70's F during the day.  The nights
 cool down making for perfect sleep.  Needless to say I am happy.
 Sniff is good and Arvid is even busier than usual.

To all a happy and productive day.


In the end we only regret the chances we didn't take...

~Nadiya~

Feb 26, 2018

To All A Good Day~

Where there is hope there is faith,
where there is faith, miracles happen...

Good morning everyone.  Every morning I wake up and I hope for a miracle.
Miracles happen all the time so I know we are due for some ourselves.
Monday already.  New week and we are all set and ready for it.


We have been away for  little, but it sure feels good to be back home
 and to get things done.  It is much cooler here than it is in Florida,
but I like it.  Arvid likes the warmth, but he said to me,
 "you know it feels good to be back home."

 Home where Sniff is.  Boy was he running in circles the
first two days.  He sure missed us.  Just like we missed him.

The day is nice and bright.  I feel it is the start of good things 
coming our way.  Wish you all the same as well.


The moment you are ready to quit is usually the moment right
 before a miracle happens.  Don't give up.

To all a very good day.  You know what they say, everyday is a
winding road.  Positive thinking and positive attitude can sometimes
make miracles happen.  Beautiful day today here at home.  Not all is great,
but there are a few things that sure can brighten up one's life.


The morning started with a good vibe and I am sure that
 it will continue to be so. One can always hope and sometimes
ones prayers get answered.  Yes sometimes they do.

When some bad things happen you have three choices. 
 You can either let it define you, let it destroy you,
 or you can let it strengthen you....

~Nadiya~ 

Feb 24, 2018

February 24th ~ Going Home

A house is not a home unless it contains food and fire for the
mind as well as the body.  It also has to have Sniff and Arvid to be home for me. 
Where we love is home- home that our feet may leave, but not our hearts...

It was good to be in Florida for a few days.  We enjoyed the company of
 family and friends, and of course of warmer temperatures.  We did a little 
work and enjoyed many of our favorite places, but as always it is also
 very good to go home.  Home is where Sniff, Arvid and I are together. 
Sniff when he was in Florida
 I know I am excited to see Sniff's little face and to hear his "voice"again.
Missed him very much and though I know he is well cared for,
 I can't wait to go home and pick him up even if he just let's me 
carry him for a few seconds.   It's better than nothing.

Sniff spent a total of almost 4 months in Florida.  One day we will take
 him back and on that day Florida will be home again.  For now our
 apartment in Fort Lauderdale is just memories of mostly Brutus
 and some of Shadow.  One day we look forward to making
lasting memories there with our little Sniff Sniff as well.



Sniff Sniff is home in Branson waiting for us.  There all 
our memories made are with him. We're coming home Sniff.

No more walks along the beach for now.  No more Kilwins for a while,
and no more mornings watching the boats go by.  It think I'm nostalgic. Go figure.
  All I wanted to do since coming was to go back home, now that we are I am sad,
but I can't wait to see Sniff and hear his voice.  I love him and miss him.  Happy again.

Love begins at home, and it is not how much we do,
 but how much love we put in that action....

~Nadiya~

Feb 23, 2018

Friday ~

You should never regret anything in life.  If it's good it's wonderful.
If it's bad, it's experience.  Make the best of what you have...

No one comes to Florida without having a glimpse of the iguanas.
  For us it is always interesting to look at them (from a distance) and definitely
 try to capture a picture or two.  On our many walks to the beach we would 
encounter them by the bridge.  Always a good time to stop and get a picture.


Yes, I will definitely miss walks on the beach.  Both Arvid and I 
will miss the balcony and the water, but I know one day we 
will be back and then we will be home again.  The 3 of us.

Time is winding down for us for now.  As always when it comes
 time to leave one gets nostalgic.  That will always be the case, but
 on the other side our Sniff is waiting and that's where I want to be. 
 I miss everyone at Almost Home and I mmis Almost Home.


Yesterday we had a great time with Victoria and Michael. We had
 lunch at our place.  It was relaxing and very, very good.  We chatted, we laughed,
we enjoyed some of the boats passing by.  It was just a perfect time.

Suddenly our time here is soon over, and it seems that we
 have not had enough time with our families, but what
we did have with them has been all very, very good.


Today we plan to have lunch at another of our favorite places with
 Victoria and Michael.  Hopefully Arvid and I can have a last drive or
 walk along the beach.  That will be the perfect end for this trip.

Just before going to bed last night our nephew JC texted me.
All he said was "auntie Nad, I got the job.  Tell uncle Arvid as well,"
Congratulations J for landing the job you wanted as a financial analyst
at Carnival Cruise Lines in Miami.  Just goes to show that hard work pays off.


Already this day is looking better and better.  Does help
 that it brings us closer to getting home as well.  Last night thoughts
of Brutus hit me like a rock.  Suddenly I went into  panic.  I felt as
if by leaving we were leaving him here all alone.  It hits you suddenly.
No warnings.  That's how grief works.  You think you have it under
"control" then BOOM!  We miss our Brutus so very much, but I now
am missing little Sniff also very much.  Can't wait to see him.

Life is the art of drawing without an eraser.
Do not judge my story by the chapter you walked in...

~Nadiya~

Feb 22, 2018

Counting Down The Days ~

I've been counting down the days for this.
Now it's almost here.  I'm loving it...

When we came here in January, it was extremely traumatic for me.
  Everything brought back memories of Brutus and Shadow in spades. 
 This time it has been "easier"  I was let's say "better" prepared.

~Florida Living~
The apartment still feels empty.  It is still not home yet for me.  
I am missing the sounds of little footsteps. I am missing
 Sniff  Sniff. Yes, the little paw prints are missing. 

 Both Arvid and I feel it, but we don't talk too much about it.  
This time, together with thinking and missing Brutus, I am also missing
 our Sniff Sniff very much.  This place will never be my home 
again until Sniff is here with us.  That being said i miss 
home and I am ready to go back home to Branson.


The other day I worked up the courage to throw away all 
of Brutus' pills, and yes Shadow's as well.  Little Shadow had 
allergies and I still had creams and ointments he was taking.

It was not easy for me, but it was definitely necessary.  As I threw 
away Brutus' pills I couldn't help but cry and scream.  So many pills 
were left.  I used to give it to him 3 times a day.  He hated it 
as much as I hated to give it to him.  My little Brutus.


I cannot yet admit that Brutus is better off.  I just can't.  I am glad he
no longer has to go through the trauma of taking pills and going to
doctors all the time.  But by admitting that, I am acknowledging that
 Brutus is better off.  I just know that life has not been easy for me since
 he died.   Of course now with Sniff it is better and better everyday,
but my Brutus stole my heart and part of my soul is with him.


Right now I just can't wait to get home to Sniff.  All I do is pace
 around and count the hours until we leave.  This is no longer
 home for me.  The day Sniff, Arvid and I come back
 to Florida together only then it will be home again.

It's already Thursday.  Not that much more until we go home.
Today should be good.  Will be keeping myself a little busy
preparing for Victoria and Michael.  Always good times
with them and in that sense, it's going to be a good day.

Will miss the views from our balcony
Happy Thursday all.  Soon  it will be Saturday!
Can't wait.   Happy Thursday. P.S. It's almost Friday...


Always find time for the things
 that make you happy to be alive...

~Nadiya~

Feb 21, 2018

About Yesterday ~

What worked yesterday doesn't always work today.
Today is the best time to do what you could not do yesterday,
because tomorrow might be too late...

No matter where we are we seem to always be busy.  Somehow even
 busier here in Florida than with the hotels.  Yesterday was a busy, but very good day.  
We managed to take care of business and then we visited our nephew J in Miami.  


We saw his apartment, chatted for a while then walked to one
 of the nearby restaurants.  There we had a good meal and believe it 
or not once again we choose to go to a Latin restaurant.  We sure 
are getting into the hang of Latin food.  For now though I 
think we have had enough Latin food for this trip.

We also had a trip to the warehouse in Miami.  We still do our shipping
 even when in Branson, but now that we are here it's good to go to the
 warehouse, check out the merchandise and make sure all is good.


Last night we took a little time out for ourselves.  We went too a concert.
 The artist was not the best, but we had a great time even so. Together
 with a good friend it was a night of fun, laughter, music and
 yes quite a few drinks for the "boys." Happy times.


Not sure what today holds as yet.  All I know is that we are having
a good time, but I am so ready to go home.  Again last night Arvid
spoke to Chris our maintenance man at Almost Home and
said to him, "can't wait to get home and relax."

I know Arvid does not look forward to the cold, but I also
know we both look forward to being home and seeing little Sniff.


To all a very good day.  As mentioned before another beautiful day awaits
 us here in the Sunshine State, best part soon it will be time to go home.

If you go anywhere, even Paradise, you will miss your home.
It's not the home that I love, it's the life that is lived there...

~Nadiya~

Feb 20, 2018

Busy Tuesday Ahead ~

There is no mile as long the final one that leads back home.
My greatest beauty secret is being happy with myself. ...“ The
talent for being happy is appreciating and liking what 
you have, instead of what you don't have... 

Quiet and peaceful in the mornings.  I wake up.  Go to the balcony 
watch the sunrise.  Have my cafe and let my thoughts take me to places
 I mostly stay away from.  This morning I was thinking of Brutus and 
our mornings together.  I miss him so very much.  Shadow also came
 to mind in those short months he shared mornings with me.


I am missing little Sniff very much and looking forward
 to being home with him.  The days here are long.  Back home
 in Branson somehow time flies.  Maybe too fast.


We are definitely enjoying the beautiful weather, watching the
boats go by, going for walks to the beach, enjoying some of our
favorite spots,but at the end of the day my heart is elsewhere.

The rest of this week we will be busy.  Good because time will go by fast.
Today we visit J in Miami.  Both Arvid and I are looking forward very
much to that.  I have already made him some goodies and can't wait to
see him.  We take him out to lunch and spend a few hours with him.
We combine some work with some fun.  Best of both worlds.


Last night we went to another favorite restaurant with some friends.
 Kaluz.  I can already see us missing some of these places,
but then in Branson we also have a few favorites.

Later on in the week we look forward to seeing Michael and Victoria.
 As always with family we have a good time.  We will have them over for
lunch and then on Friday we meet with them to have lunch at another
of our favorite restaurants.  Next day we are outta here heading
home to Branson and Sniff.  Fort lauderdale is beautiful,
but I am counting down the days until I'm back home.

Time to start our day.  Busy day awaits us, some work,
 a little family time,  and to end it a concert with a good friend.
  Overall a great day awaits us.  Happy Tuesday all,
and may you always live in interesting times.

Memories warm you up from the inside. But they 
also tear you apart.  There are memories that time does not erase... 
Forever does not make loss forgettable, only bearable....

~Nadiya~

Feb 19, 2018

The Weekend ~

A good life is a collection of happy moments...

The weekend was spent with my family in Tampa, Florida.  Short visit,
 but boy was it good.  We got in on Friday and went straight to my sister and
 brother-in-law's home.  They are still in the moving in process.  They just
 bought a home in Tampa.  All we can saw is AMAZINGLY GORGEOUS!


They are very private and prefer not to have pictures posted, but I don't
 think a picture of the little lake behind their house is too much of an
 invasion. In the mornings the sunrises are just stunning on the lake.


The few mornings we were there I of course captured the sunrise and the fog.
The temperature was on the cooler side, which my sister and I enjoyed.

On Friday we took them all out to dinner.  Arvid is now a fan of Latin
 food so we tried a Puerto Rican restaurant.  Food was delicious,
 drinks were awesome, and believe it or not everyone of us
 had dessert.  This is unusual, but it was so good.


Both Arvid and I have enjoyed seeing our families, but now we
 are a little tired.  Tired from running from one place to another.  As he 
told Tiffany yesterday, "we are so ready to come back home to Branson. 
 It's more work here in Florida than it is running the hotels in Branson."


Yes, I am so ready to go home.  This "vacation" has worn us out
completely.  We have not had a single moment where we have not been 
running around doing this or that, be it working on something or visiting
 with family.  I enjoy all the family, but now it's time to go home to relaxation.


On our way home from Tampa we also made a stop in Sanford. 
 We had to put some for sale by owner signs on a few of our lots.  A very 
interesting weekend over all.  We even had time to go to the mall and 
do some shopping, but now it's nice to be back in the apartment 
and have some "quiet" times for the next few days.  


Hope everyone has had a great weekend.  I am already missing my parents
 and sister.  At the same time I look forward to the next time we will be seeing them.

Here is to the start of a new week.  My mind is in Branson 
and the hotel.  All is running good with Tiffany and Chris, but being 
me I feel the need to be there.  Happy Monday to all and may this 
week fly by.  It seems we have been here for a month already.  
Looking forward to being home soon with Sniff.


May your troubles be less and your blessings be more,
and nothing but happiness comes through your door.
New day, new week, new possibilities...

~Nadiya~

Feb 18, 2018

Relaxation Time ~

Learning to ignore things is one of the great paths to inner peace...

The other day out of curiosity I took one of these nametest survey.  
Not that I believe in them, but this one was so close to the
 truth that I had to save it. I like it and that's what matters.



Our days are relaxing and warm.  Walks along the beach.  
Stops for ice-cream makes this a vacation.  I miss little Sniff and 
I really wish he was here with us to complete this little stay.  For now
 he is home in Branson.  Well cared for and happy as can be.


A little vacation combined with some work make for very good days. 
 I miss Almost Home and everyone there, but knowing that Chris and 
Tiffany are handling everything makes me relaxed.  So grateful for them.

Life is a series of thousands of tiny miracles.  Notice them.

~Nadiya~

Feb 16, 2018

Family Time ~

Family is like music.  Some high notes, some low notes, 
but always a beautiful song.  family a gift that lasts forever...

Looking forward to spending the next few days with family.  
I have been waiting for this for so long.  Finally it's here and
 I'm definitely going to enjoy every single moment.


We are already enjoying the company of Michael and Victoria, 
now we take a little time to go and see my family.  Either way you look at 
it we are having a great time.  Nothing like spending time with family.

A person's own family is, without doubt, the greatest wealth that
 we will ever possess. Treasure every moment and take 
the time to ensure that the story you create is one that you will
 be proud of and look back on with a huge smile...

~Nadiya~

Feb 15, 2018

Thursday In Miami Beach ~

In my life I've lived, I've loved, I've lost, I've missed, I've hurt,
 I've trusted, I've made mistakes, but most of all I've learned...

A late Valentine's Day outing, but it's the thought that counts.  
Today I took Arvid to Monty's in Miami.  We both like it very much there.
  For him dinner is not so much about the food, rather it's about the ambiance.  
Good thing is we both enjoy the food there very much as well.


We have not been to Monty's in almost 2 years.  For s both
 this will be a special treat.  One we have waited for with great
 anticipation ever since we knew we were coming to Florida.

The restaurant itself is casual.  Nothing fancy here, but the ambiance 
and the views are one of a kind.  As we sit we watch the boats go by
 including cruise ships and the huge container  ships heading to Europe
and to other parts of the world.  Arvid is caught up in the view 
more than he is in the food, but I have to say he does
 enjoy the raw bar as much as I do.  Well not as
 much but he is getting better. Much better.



Located poolside and waterfront on the docks of the picturesque
 Miami Beach Marina, Monty’s Sunset is South Beach’s premiere spot 
for casual dining, fresh-caught local seafood, a succulent raw bar,
 live music and the most stunning sunsets in South Florida. 


It’s the perfect place for lunch, dinner, happy hour, 
special occasions, live music or any major sporting event, 
Monty’s Sunset has something for everyone.

All is good in Florida.  I have moments of sadness, but I know
 that it's just part of life and part of dealing with grieves
 and loss.   Yes, my heart still gives for Brutus.  I don't
 think it will ever stop missing him.  We are having 
a good time, but I would like to go home.



 Last night for some reason I missed him even more than usual, 
at the same time i also want to go back home to Sniff.  I miss the 
little dude very much.  I have grown accustomed to his little face.

We have had a great day in Miami. The food as always was delicious,
 now looking forward to spending a little time with my parents,
 Nina and David.  Yes, life is good.  Very good.

Sometimes losing a pet is more painful than losing a human
 because in the case of the pet, you were not pretending to love it

~Nadiya~

Feb 14, 2018

A Pet's Ten Commandments And so Much More ~

Not the least hard thing to bear when they go from us, those quiet friends,
is that they carry away with them so many years of our lives...

When Brutus died a friend sent this poem to me. 
 It's beautiful, but to this day whenever I read it it 
makes me cry.  One day it may be better.

You'll Meet Me In The Light

I know that you can't see me, but trust me I'm right here. 
Although I'm up in Heaven, my love for you stays near.
So often I see you crying, many times you call my name. 
I want so much to lick your face and ease some of your pain.
I wish that I could make you see that Heaven indeed is real. 
If you could see me run and play, how much better you would feel.
But our loving God has promised me that when the time is right,
 you'll step out of the darkness and meet me in the light.


Every so often I repost this article. Today I would like to do the same again. 
 It is the exact post, and things have changed.  Our Brutus has died. Then 
came Shadow.  Our little Shadow lived for just 4 months.  Those 4 
months he sure left little paw prints in our lives as well.



Our family has been through the death of 3 fur babies in less than 3 years.  
The scars remain, but Arvid and I have brought into our lives a new 
fur baby who soon would have been with us for 2 years now.  Little 
Sniff is definitely a happy boy and is already "training" us. 

My sister Mala and family also lost their baby boy Jaxen.  Sachin is still 
heartbroken and even with the addition of another four legged friend, 
Sachin is still not fully accepting as yet.  Rio, the new puppy
 in their lives has brought smiles and laughter to Mala, Gopaul,
 Reshma and Sachin when no one is looking.  Yes, there 
is always a lot of love left to be given.



For all of us that are lucky to have a pet you will relate to these
 Ten Commandments.  For those that don't, I believe you will also be
 able to understand the bond a pet owner and their pets share.


Everyone knows that a house is not the same without a pet. 
 The emptiness that they leave in our lives is unimaginable.  I
know because I lived it, and every so often it hits me
all over again.  Thankfully Sniff now fills that void.


I don't believe in this "Rainbow Bridge"...  But if there is any such thing
 then I hope Brutus, Shadow, Buddy, my other kitties and Jax are
together.  Keeping each other company and playing together.
 It's a happy thought.  Really wished it brought me comfort.
 For some it does for others it's empty words.


Below are some "rules" you should be aware of before you decide to 
bring a fur baby into your lives.  They are not a cute little something to 
have for a moment and then get rid of because they did something
 you did not like or approve of.  It's like having a child.  Would
 you give your child away just because he/she misbehaved?


To everyone with a pet...your pet needs you most when they are not 
at their best.   Just like a child needs its parent, pets need their mamas 
and dadas also.  Remember, A house is not a home without a pet; until
 one has loved an animal,  a part of one's soul remains unawakened.

My four legged friend of fur and paws from whom I had to part. My loyal kind,
 and loving friend left PAW PRINTS on my heart.  The bond with a 
pet is as lasting as the ties of this earth can be...

~Nadiya~

Feb 13, 2018

Music ~

Where words fail music speaks...

One thing we have really missed since leaving Florida is music.
  Arvid and I used to go to different venues to listen to the Blues
 just about every chance we had.  We travelled towards the music. 

 It was a good life and I know one day it will be ours again.  
For now it was just great to go to a Blues Festival.  A few days 
ago we went to The Seafood Music Festival at Mizner Park in 
Boca Raton.  It was good to put on shorts and flip flops.

  Together with a very good friend we spent an entire day out. 
 Good music, good food and good company.  That is life.  


After the festival we visited one of our favorite restaurants on the 
Intracoastal.  Was a first for our friend.  A good dinner and 
a nice cruise along the beach made for a perfect day.
 Somehow 8 hours did not seem that long.

We are having a good time.  Sniff is well cared for and all is good 
at the hotels.  Tiffany and Chris have it all under control.  Never before
 have we experienced so much "free" time since we have owned the hotels. 
 The best thing to have happened to us was Chris and Tiffany.  Because 
of them we can now have time to do a few more "fun" stuff.


My life is good and it will keep getting better...

~Nadiya~