Mar 30, 2018

And So The Week Is Almost Over ~

All work and no play is not good for the soul...

Another week that is soon over. I guess when you’re busy one 
hardly notices how fast time goes by. Good and a little sad 
also because I feel that we just work, work and work and
 we have sort of forgotten to do much more than that.

Maybe with that in mind, last night we decided to actually say "yes" 
to an invitation.  We were invited to a cheese and wine gathering.  
Just a few select people, so made it easier to say yes.  


We got to the gentleman's house.  While everyone flocked to the
 wine, and hors d'oeuvres table, Arvid and I were just mesmerized 
by the view.  It was breathtaking and for a very young couple 
the house was an astonishing and spectacular mansion

 As Jake the owner said, "it's just one of 3 he owns."  
Let's just say for a second there both Arvid and I were 
rethinking our living accommodations here in Branson.


Arvid keeps telling me that soon we will be doing more living again.  
Says soon it will all change.  We will soon be heading to Mexico.  
Now I’m getting a little excited about going away for a 
couple of weeks. Work has been great, but it’s nice to take
 some time off and enjoy life and each other.


Sniff is also much better has not had the sniffles yesterday and 
so far his sneezing is gone.  I will feel better when we’re gone
knowing Sniff is OK.  At the same time I know I will be missing 
him and wondering if he’s OK.  It will always be like this.

This has been one very wet week.  Starting to get tired
 of it. It has also been extremely cold even though the
 temperature has been in the mid 60’s.  Still cold.


Arvid is always busy.  He has this knack of just knowing 
how to stay busy.  He has perfected this.  Being busy makes 
him happy.  Don’t get me wrong, I also love being busy, 
but somehow both Arvid and I can do the same thing but
 he makes it seem like he's always being busy.

This past week you can say I have been working part-time only.
  Having Tiffany and Chris, and the hotel being full and all 
is running smoothly, it does not seem necessary
 to be there all day long.  I am really loving it.

As mentioned before, Arvid has his own office within the office.

 He’s happy meeting people and doing “other” stuff.  He 
lives for trades and everything that is not conventional. That’s when 
he’s happiest.  He loves the fact that in Branson there are so 
many opportunities to do all the rings he loves.

The hotel running is left to me, but when he’s needed he’s there.  
Since selling 76 Inn I’m happy to have him help me out at Almost Home. 
 Now he can take care of all the paperwork.  This leaves me more
 time to help the tenants and to make sure they are all good.  

Yesterday was grooming day for one of the kitties. Part of my job, 
and of course and I love it.  I go to the tenants room, play with the kitty
 and before they know what’s happening I clip their claws.  Everyone happy.

Yesterday it was Sissy's turn to be groomed.  With some treats,
 she was an easy one.  Always is.  I really love them all.


This morning we woke up to deers in our backyard.  Sniff was going
 crazy running from window to window as they moved.  Both 
Arvid and I love the sight of them.  They are beautiful, and when 
they look straight at you with those big brown eyes all we can do
 is stand still, hope they won't run away and enjoy the sight.

Happy Friday all.  Remember,
life does not have to be perfect to be wonderful.

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...

~Nadiya~

Mar 29, 2018

Tourist Season Is On ~

The traveller sees what he sees, the tourist sees what he has come to see.
The World is a book and those who do not travel read only a page...

March has been an extremely busy month this year for Branson.  
I don't recall last year being this packed with tourist.  Maybe
 it was, but somehow I think this year it's even more so.  

Sometimes I wonder what it is that attracts so many to Branson.  
Whatever it is, it's good for businesses all around.  The town is busy.
This year a new attraction is the Time traveller Roller Coaster.
Time Traveller Rollercoaster


It has people flocking into Branson from all over the world to
ride this monster of a roller coaster.  Would I do it?  Not in this
 lifetime, but I  do enjoy watching others and hearing them
scream for dear life.  As much fun as riding it.  Almost.


Almost Home still has a waiting list of over 15 plus people and it
 grows everyday.  Just the other day I was chatting to one of our vendors.
 He was asking me what are my criteria for taking in someone to 
live at Almost Home.  After I started telling him my criteria, he looked 
at me and said, "with that many criteria it's a miracle you are always full."
  I looked at him and said, "you're right, but that's also what makes 
us so unique."  We are very selective.  And I like the 
fact that Tiffany and Chris are the the same.  

This year I know a little more and have a little more time that we did 
last year.  Looking forward to doing a few things now that we have the time. 
 One of them is the Farmers Market, which will soon be opening up. Reminds me 
a little of being in Chicago.  They have a great farmers Market as well.


Never thought I would say this, but Branson has grown on me.
Sniff loves it here. He gets to see just about everything that keeps him
entertained from the different window sills in the house.  Such a happy boy.
 Sill has the sniffles, but not lethargic as before.


Take it to the limit one more time. The sky is the limit.  
You never have the same experience twice...

~Nadiya~

Mar 28, 2018

Here Comes The Rain Again ~

Do not be angry with the rain; 
it simply does not know how to fall upwards...

Our day in a nutshell.  Rain and more rain, and it does not seem 
as if we will have a break from it for the next few days. 
 Maybe even all of next week as well.  Pretty dreary looking 
right now, but even so I do manage to get pictures.


I left home yesterday morning in the pouring rain.  Of course Arvid stayed 
home until it got a little better.  As he says, "I'm not getting wet."

  
Yesterday I finally managed to convince Arvid to have Thai food with me.
At first he did not want to try anything, but somehow I managed to 
convince him to try a few of the different things brought to us.  


Suddenly he smiles and he says, "you know since we moved to
 Branson I have eaten so many different things."  That he has, I don't 
know if he will continue to do so when one day we move back to Florida.

Sniff still has the sniffles.  Still not eating like he should, but at
 least he is alert and loves being brushed no matter what.


Another wet day in store for us, but as we all know
the nicest thing about rain is that no matter what it always stops.

Hello Wednesday.  How did you get here so fast?

Rainy days should be spent at home 
with a cup of tea and a good book...

~Nadiya~

Mar 27, 2018

Life Is Good ~

Because when you stop and look 
around, this life is pretty amazing...

Every turn I make I see Spring.  I feel it and I can also smell it. 
On one of my walks in the neighborhood I saw all the flowers blooming. 


 New life coming up.  What a pretty sight and, I am really liking it.

Unfortunately, it is still on the chilly side.  One day we are in the 70's
and the next day we are as low as the 30's.  It's a miracle that we are not
 sick with this temperature fluctuation.  Not consistent at all.


The week is already flying by.  Pretty soon we will be going to
 warmer climates.  Right now it will be welcomed.  Sniff will be cared
 for by Tiffany and Almost Home is also in good hands with her and Chris.
  Yes, life is good and everything as Arvid says is "falling into place."


One of the best things in the world is watching things finally start 
falling into place after having watched them fall apart for so long...

~Nadiya~

Mar 25, 2018

Happy ~

America is often called a melting pot. Some countries are made
 of people who are almost all the same in terms of race, religion,
 and culture. Then there are places like the United States
where there are many different types of people...

Living in the United States of America is the absolute best.
  As far as I am concerned.  Many will disagree with me, but that'
s the beauty of being an American.  Freedom of expression.

That being said, yesterday 2 of my nieces took to the streets
 of Washington, D.C to protest, inn what's been called the
 "March for our Lives.'  Over half a million people attended.  



2 of course being Danielle and Reshma.  Reshma is a big 
time protester.  From little she was protesting.  As for Danielle,
her voice will be heard no matter what.  Needless to say,
 we are all extremely proud of them  Gosh we 
are proud of all the "kids" in the family.

Another family member made us proud this past week as well. 
 My cousin Tristan Mohabir appeared on Jeopardy on March 23rd, 
and yes, he was the big winner.  He will be appearing again on
 Monday.  So tune in everyone and let's cheer for Tristan!



Yesterday was beautiful and very relaxing.  Sniff is back to his
 "normal" self.  Getting in trouble, talking and running around
 all over the place.  Glad to see him like this again.

Arvid and I went out a little for a drive downtown and stopped 
for ice-cream at Kilwins.  It was actually his idea  A perfect 
spring day with temperatures in the 70's.  We love it. 



Sunday already.  The days are flying by.  This time next week we
 will be in Mexico.  Sipping Margaritas, Pina Coladas and for Arvid 
Modelos.  He is super excited and has been counting down the days
 until we leave for months now.  Arvid loves it in Mexico.  



Here is to a beautiful day ahead for all of us.  Remember life isn't 
perfect, but it has perfect moments.  Enjoy them.  Live them.

It's not how much we have, but how 
much we enjoy that makes happiness...

~Nadiya~

Mar 24, 2018

Hello Saturday ~

Life is like a camera.  Focus on what's important.
Capture the good times.  Live it to the fullest...

I took Sniff Sniff to the vet the other day.  He hated being in the car,
 and getting him into his carrier is a chore all by itself.  Once we got
 into the examining room and the vet assistant took him to draw blood
 and do a few other things he was calm and hardly made a fuss.  


When the doctor was done, Sniff jumped down from the examining 
table and came straight to me.  As if seeking reassurance.  This 
was the first time I have held Sniff for more than a few 
seconds without him jumping down.  It felt very
 good.  I do love our little Sniff so very much.


Yesterday he was not feeling so well.  He hardly ate anything and he 
did throw-up a couple of times.  Not the usual happy Sniff.  I of course 
fretted and worried, but the doctor did say this may happen.  After all 
Sniff had 2 shots and they made him queasy and lethargic.


Hopefully today he will be up and about.  Chasing birds and watching
 squirrels.  Not happy when our little Sniff is not feeling well.

Almost Home is full.  Thankfully everything is quiet and calm. 
 We do have 14 people as of yesterday on our waiting list. 
 Yes, this is Branson's start of the tourist season.  


Everything is open again and the town is full of people on Spring Break.
  Traffic is horrendous and the lines to go to the restaurants and grocery 
stores are a nightmare, but if you own a business ~ this is the best
 to times.  From now until December 31st the city will be booming.


Good morning world.  Spring is here.  I see it and feel it.

Give everyday the chance to become the most beautiful of you life...

~Nadiya~

Mar 23, 2018

Another Week Soon Over ~

The best things in life are the people you love, the places
 you've been, and the memories you've made along the way...

Sniff's day begins very early.  Not that the birds and squirrels are out 
the poor kitty hardly has time to sleep much, on the positive side, 
he's constantly entertained and when he does get some rest
 time he is very tired and sleeps like a baby.  


No matter how "busy" Sniff is he always likes to have 
breakfast with us.  He automatically will jump on the table and sits
while we eat.  And yes, he does want to try just about everything we have.  


I let him because I know once he sniffs it he will not want it again.
  Arvid still halts him, and Sniff keeps getting closer to Arvid's foodies. 
 We have caught Sniff licking on butter, and that we don't want to happen again.

Arvid let Brutus eat from his pizza and other foodies, but so far Sniff 
is not allowed.  many things we let Brutus do, and get away with, 
so far Sniff has not been able to do.  One day we will get there.  

In our hearts Brutus is our baby.  I miss him so very much, 
but I also love Sniff and everyday I know it gets better and better.  The bond
with Sniff is not as strong as yet as it was with Brutus.  It's just different.


The week is soon over.  Time waits for no one and sometimes that's scary.

To all a very good day.  Weekend soon upon us again. Not sure, 
but this week sure has gone by fast.  Warmer weather coming our way. 
 Arvid of cuouse super happy for that.  I am as well, and I am 
sure so is everyone who is living in the cold.

Hello weekend.  You sure got here fast.  Yay!

The bad news is time flies.  The good news is you're the pilot.
Happy weekend.  May your days be as beautiful as your thoughts are...

~Nadiya~

Mar 22, 2018

Special Moments ~

Live for moments you can't put into words...

Good morning everyone.  For us here in Missouri it is 6:30am.
Sniff and I have been awake for a while.  Coffee made,
 Sniff fed, played with and like each day, we are ready 
to make memories and collect happy moments.


Tomorrow is my eldest nephew's birthday.  Max turns 25, and last 
night his mom, my sister Nina came across a letter Max wrote to 
the tooth fairy some 19 years ago.  This is so Max.  Memories 
came flooding back of that little boy, barely months old 
who visited me in California when I became a widow.

Today Max is almost done with his studies. 
Come May Max will be graduating from
 Duke University with a doctorate in Physical Therapy.  As he told his sister 
Danielle and the family, "please address me
 as Doctor Dyal from now on."  

Well, Dr. Dyal, in my heart you will still be that little boy 
I babysat many years ago when I lived in New Jersey. 
 At the same time I will occasionally address you as
Dr. Dyal.   Just for the heck of it. 
You've definitely earned it.

Today our eldest granddaughter turns 5.  Aleah visited us in Florida
 when you was just a few months old.  Made us the happiest of grandparents.
 We do not see her and her sister Vanessa often, but thanks to
technology, we do "see" then on Skype.


A beautiful day awaits us all, but for those with birthdays even more special.
Aleah, grandma and grandpa from America loves you and Vaness very much.
Soon we will be able to see you all and give you real hugs and kisses.

To all a great day.  Make memories that last a lifetime.  Today and always.

You close your eyes to reality.  Not memories.
No matter what happens, some memories can never be replaced...

~Nadiya~

Mar 21, 2018

Already Wednesday ~

Where words fail, music speaks...

On Sunday Arvid and I drove to St. Louis, Missouri to see The Eagles in concert.  
This is the second time we have seen them and just like the first time, 
it was amazing.  You can just tell they love what they are doing 
it comes out in their music and in the performance. 


Due to the death of one of their band members, The Eagles hired 
country western singer Vince Gill and Deacon Frey, son of the late Eagles 
member Glenn Frey.  They were both amazing, and though I do not follow 
many country western musicians, I did know of Vince Gill.  I actually 
have one of his songs on my playlist.  His voice is amazing.

The night was cold, but at the same time beautiful.  The concert was sold out.
Found out that Rima and family will be going to see The Eagles in
 San Diego later this year.  Also one of my uncles in Orlando will
be seeing them in April.  None will be disappointed.


Back home all is well.  The Almost Home is full and we have a long
list of people wanting to have a room.  As Tiffany said, "we need to
build another 20 rooms or so."  Not a "bad" problem to have.

Sniff was happy to have us back home and he has not stopped chasing around us.
 Last night he slept very close to me.  Something he has not done in some time.


Spring is here, that means the birds and the squirrels are in the backyard
 all the time.  Sniff is constantly on the alert.  Sniff loves it here in Branson.
 He is constantly entertained by everything in our backyard.  He's a
happy boy.  Brutus also loved to watch the birds.  How I miss him.

To all a beautiful day and may Spring breathe
new life into the world around us.  Hello Spring.


No matter how chaotic it is, wildflowers will
 still spring up in the middle of nowhere...

~Nadiya~

Mar 19, 2018

Hello Monday ~

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

The weekend was well spent.  Saturday we had a gathering at 
Almost Home.  We catered pizzas and dessert for the tenants.  
I am glad to say it was a total success.  Arvid, Tiffany, Chris and I
 all worked together as usual making it a great time for all.


It brings me great pleasure to see everyone gathered together. 
 Yesterday many who usually kept to themselves came out for pizza. 
 Many also made new friends.  Makes me happy.  Almost Home
 is my baby and I love just about everything about it.  

I know one day we will venture into something new.  That's how we are.
I also know that the memories I am making here with everyone
 at Almost Home will forever be cherished.  This venture has
 been a lifesaver, emotionally for both of us. 


As the new day begins,I look forward to what it holds. 
 Arvid still asleep.  Sniff was up with me for a short while, 
ate some foodies, and is now back to dreamyland.  

Hello everyone.  Wishing you all a good and relaxing day.
Happy Monday all.  And never forget to live for those
 moments you can never put into words.

Memories are the key not to the past, but to the future...

~Nadiya~

Mar 18, 2018

Sunday~ FuNdAy ~

A day to be relaxed, restored, and renewed....

Have regular hours for work and play.  Make each day
 both useful and pleasant, and prove that you understand 
the worth of time by employing it well. Enjoy!


Every now and then go away, have a little relaxation,
for when you come back to your work your judgement will be surer...

~Nadiya~

Mar 17, 2018

Beautiful Times Ahead ~

The quieter you become the more you can hear...

Relaxing Saturday here at home.  As always for Arvid the day
 starts with a soccer game, and today he is in for a treat 
because he gets to watch Barcelona vs. Chelsea.  


For a change he will be getting out of bed early.  Well early
 for him.  Sniff and I have been awake for a few hours 
already enjoying the quietness of the morning.


Today Almost Home is hosting a Pizza and dessert event.  
I also made a few little extras just in case.  Looking forward to 
that, and to seeing that everyone has a good time.  


Hoping to make this a once a month event.  As I have always 
 mentioned, some of the nicest people live at Almost Home, 
and I have grown very attached to them.  A fun day waits us.

Happy St. Patrick's day to all, and to all a good day.


Life moves so fast.  You gotta document the good times, man.
Good friends, good food, good times.  Let the good times roll...

~Nadiya~

Mar 16, 2018

Weekend Time ~

Hands up if you're ready to do something you'll regret this weekend.
It's Friday, time to go make stories for Monday.  Hello weekend...

Of all days to not have been feeling so great, it had to
 be yesterday.  Bummer.  It was a gorgeous warm and sunny day,
 but unfortunately I was indoors the entire time.  Woke up with all 
the symptoms of the flu.  Did not go into  work nor did I get
 to enjoy the warmth of a beautiful outdoor kind of day.


At some point of the day we were even warmer than Fort Lauderdale.
Arvid came back home yesterday all smiles and ready to go out.  
As he said "anywhere you want we can go."  I was still not
 feeling great so we ended up just staying in.

Sniff enjoys time in the sunshine.  He loves to stretch out and just 
snooze in the light.  Arvid keeps telling him (Sniff), "one day you will be
 moving to Florida and you will have a lot of sunshine as well.  Truth is, 
in our home in Branson there is sunlight coming in from all windows.


I woke up early.  Fed Sniff and brushed him.  He fell asleep again.
Arvid as usual is still asleep.  He is not a morning person.  I love mornings.
 Quiet and peaceful.  My thoughts carry me everywhere.  

Today as I was brushing Sniff, memories of me brushing Brutus came to me. 
 Brutus loved brushing.  All I had to say was brushing and he would
 run to the spot where brushing took place.  Sniff loves it as well, 
but so far does not respond to the word, "brushing."  He will one day.
  Shadow was just too little to even sit still for brushing.


Happy weekend to all, and for those celebrating St. Patrick's Day,
 remember luck is believing you are lucky.  Enjoy the weekend.

May your troubles be less and your blessings be more, 
and nothing but happiness comes through your door...

~Nadiya~

Mar 15, 2018

Spring In The Air ~

Life is a game, play it.  Life is a challenge, meet it. 
 Life is an opportunity, capture it.  No matter how
you feel, get up, dress up and show up...

It does not feel like Spring, but it is sure starting to look like it. The last
 few days have been very cold, but then by mid afternoon it warms up nicely.


Today we will be having a spring like day.  Temperatures will soar 
to the mid 70'sF.  Missouri has some of the most drastic changes of 
temperatures.  As I have mentioned before, on the same day the temperature
 can drop 30 degrees or can also go up 30 degrees.  Today will be 
one of those days.  Happy that it will be rising and not dropping.

As hotel owners we have quite a few perks.  We nave never taken 
advantage of any, but now that we have some time we plan to.  Last
 night Arvid and I went to see on the the "top" rated shows in Branson. 
  Let's just say we left before the show before it was over.  It had its
 good moments, but was not what we would call our kind of show.


The day is already looking and feeling beautiful.  Sniff is running
from window to window chasing the birds, squirrels, and falling leaves.
Sniff is a happy boy.  Wonder how he would do when the day
comes and we move back to Fort Lauderdale.


To all a very good day.  Despite the forecast live like it was spring.

Live life to the fullest and focus on the positive...

~Nadiya~

Mar 14, 2018

And The Day Holds ~

A comfort zone is the most dangerous area anyone can stay in.
It is a place of no growth and no challenges...

Sniff makes life better everyday.  Looking at him play, 
sleep and get into trouble relieves all the stresses of the day.  
Always a happy sight when I open the front door 
and little Sniff is waiting there for us.


Sniff got a little present yesterday.  If you ask me it's his clone.
  Branson is packed with tourist.  As mentioned before, Spring break 
has begun for many.  There are families with kids all over the place. 
 Seems to me that Spring break was not that long ago.


Flowers are starting to bloom again.  You can tell spring 
is in the air.  Yesterday was sunny and beautiful.  This week
 we will have temperatures in the mid 70'sF.  Perfect if 
you ask me.  All is calm and quiet at Almost Home.

Another day begins.  Not sure what it holds, but definitely we 
are ready for it.  Let's do it! You never know what to expect. 
 There lies the beauty of it.  The unexpected challenge.


The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in 
moments of comfort and convenience, but where he
 stands at times of challenge and controversy...

~Nadiya~