Saturday..

Begin each day with a grateful heart.
Slow down and enjoy the simple pleasures in life...

It's been a few busy days away from home, but we finally made it
back to Sniff, and to the comfort of our own bed.  That is one 

of the best feelings in the whole world.  Being home. 

Sniff was super happy to see us.  He cuddled with both Arvid and I all night long.  

He had lots of brushing and was played with me for quite some time. 

 He was so exhausted he just fell asleep on us at different times.

Missouri was a good time.  Arvid as usual did a few trades.  He's still smiling and 

so am I for that matter.  On my own I did quite a few things, but one of the most enjoyable

 was going to the Zoo.  There I petted the animals and I even fed bottle fed a camel.  

I have always loved zoo's and going there on my own I was able to 

take my time and enjoy the animals and all their little quirks.

I loved my zoo experience, but it also made me wonder about what it must feel for
 these animals to be caged up.  For instance the Tiger was just restless, there
was a lynx that just kept pacing around in its tiny enclosure.  The lion just
sat staring into space.  For a moment I felt like opening their cages
 and setting them free to roam in the wild where they belong.

After the meeting we went to St. Louis for the Blues Cruise along the Mississippi River.  

That in itself was a very enjoyable and pleasant experience.  The musician a 23 year 

old from St. Louis saw Arvid and said, "I remember you from so and so place."  

Yes we have been "following" his music around in quite a few places.  The crowd 

was lively and extremely happy.  They made the evening even more enjoyable.

 Hearing laughter and people genuinely loving the music puts one in an even better mood. 

 Let's just say the evening went on for a while and by the time we got to the hotel 

both Arvid and I were quite tired and we fell asleep very easily that night.

Being on the road right now does not hold as much of an attraction for me as it did before. 

 I feel better being at home.  Since my Brutus died many things have changed.  At

 least for me.  There is a part of me that died as well.  I miss that kitty everyday.

  I love Sniff and I can't wait to bring Shadow home, but my heart was

 ripped open when I lost my Brutus.  One day it will be better.

On our road trip to Missouri and back home to Chicago Arvid and I had the pleasure 

of driving on some of Route 66.  I love pictures of signs so of course tried 

to take  as many as I could.  I also liked the little diners along the

 road, and the many antique shops.  Pretty interesting road.

Saturday, having my coffee at home with Sniff ...priceless.

It has been a busy day, but that's OK.  We're home and there is nothing better than that.
Hope your day has been a good one so far.. To all a very good and enjoyable weekend.

Life brings simple pleasures to us everyday.  It is us to us to make them 
wonderful memories.  Think big thoughts, but relish simple pleasures...

~Nadiya~

Road Trip To Home...

Eat breakfast like a King, lunch like a Prince and dinner like a Pauper...

Nothing like a good breakfast to start your day. Today it's "healthy" stuff. The pancakes

 are made of nuts and whole wheat after all, and I loved it.  Arvid is not a pancake 

person neither am I, but every once in a while, why not live on the edge? 

 As many calories as my meal contained, it was as delicious!

Now I'm ready for the long drive back home to Chicago and to Sniff who is patiently

 (I hope) awaiting us.  He is always so spoilt when we are away, of course we also spoil 

him all the time.  His pet sitters , 11 year old Ana and her mom visit him quite often

 and send videos of him playing and running all the time.  He is a happy boy.

We have has a successful trade meeting in Branson, Missouri.  I was with Arvid during some 

of the time, but mostly I took the time to do some things on my own.  Was missing that

 very much.  Just went into the car and drove.  Somehow those drives always

 took me to shopping areas.  Not complaining I like shopping, but now 

I'm ready to go home.  First back to Chicago and to Sniff and

 then to Florida.  Not that much more before we leave.

Back o the road we are today.  Heading home to Sniff and hopefully we will stay 

put in one place until we get to Florida.  Never thought I would say this, but 

right now if I don't go anyplace but home I will be a happy person.

Happy Friday everyone.  I can never stop saying that it is the simple things in life that makes 

one the happiest.  For me right now it is going home.  Home where Brutus and Shadow

 used to run around all the time.  Home where Brutus has left his footprints 

everywhere.  Home where now Sniff will continue to do the same.

Goodbye St. Louis, Missouri, we are on our way to Home Sweet Home Chicago.

Home is where I can look and feel ugly and enjoy it.

Friends, make today ridiculously amazing.  It's Friday after all...

~Nadiya~

Blues Cruise..St. Louis Missouri

I promise myself that I will enjoy every minute of the day 

that is given me to live.  Don't let the past steal your present...

Today Arvid has just a few hours more of trading and then we leave Branson, Missouri.  

We head to St. Louis Missouri and this is all for the music.  This evening we will

 be enjoying The Gateway Arch Riverboat Cruise with Marquise Knox.
Arvid has had quite an interesting time here, as always. 

What better way to get a feel for Ol'Man River, the literal backbone of 

America's Music Corridor, than with a relaxing Gateway Riverboat Cruise.

We will be riding along the Mississippi River while listening to Marquise Knox. This 

happens every Thursday with a top local band playing along the evening cruise.  As we

 go along we will be enjoying the beautiful St. Louis city skyline and of course the music.

Arvid and I have been in St. Louis many times for the Blues, but this is our first time in 

that we will go on the Blues Cruise.  Looking forward to experiencing the Mississippi River.

Always happy to see and do something different.  Life is all about experiences.  Many times 

they are good, but of course we also have t take the not so good with it.  It's called life.

To all a good day.  Don't ever forget to live in the moment.  To treasure the doing

a little more and the getting it done a little less.  Enjoy each day to the fullest.

Walk slowly, breathe deeply, cherish the moment.  Don't wait 

for the perfect moment, take the moment and make it perfect...

~Nadiya~

More Branson, Missouri...

Live in the moment, day by day, and don't stress about the future  People are so 

caught up looking into the future, that they kind of lose what's in front of them...

This sprawling wilderness resort is located 1.7 miles from 

Big Cedar Hollow and 9 miles from the Branson Creek Golf Club. 

Accommodations range from cabins to lodge rooms, plus a modern cottage and a villa.

 All feature a sophisticated take on wilderness lodge decor, plus en suite bathrooms

 with jetted tubs, free WiFi and minifridges. Many have fireplaces.

Amenities include a full-service spa, fitness center with personal trainer, and pony and 

carriage rides, plus indoor/outdoor pools, a lazy river and loaner kayaks/canoes. There are 

several dining options, from a casual cafe to a rustic-chic space with lake views.

I'm impressed.  Did not know exactly what to expect, but the beauty is breathtaking.  

Like I said before, give me these United States any day for a vacation.  The wonders and 

beauty of this country never ceases to amaze me.  I am always grateful to be living in the USA.

More to check out.  Makes for a very interesting time and day.  Wising you all a good day 

and may you also always live in interesting times.  The thing is to always take pleaseure in the

 simple things in life.  makes for a good today, tomorrow and everyday.  Does not mean our 

lives are perfect.  Just means we cope and deal with it in the best possible way we can.

If we wait until we are ready we'll be waiting for the rest of our lives...

~Nadiya~

Birthdays...Nirvana's and Sachin's...

Birthdays give us the opportunities to stop and 

appreciate all the little things we have been blessed with.
Here is to a whole year more incrediblerer...

Today we celebrate 2 birthdays in our family.  My sister Nirvana's and my 

nephew Sachin's.  Nirvana is sister number 3 of 5 girls.  Mother of Kimsy and J.

  My niece and nephew.  Sachin is 15 years old today.  Growing up too fast.

Here they are.  Many years ago, but somehow it always seems not that long ago.

They live in Puerto Rico and though I don't see them that often I always have
 them in my heart.  J am Kimsy are in college.  Away from home.

Nirvana today on your birthday I just want you to know that a day does not go by

without me thinking of you, loving you and missing you.  For you and all my sisters
 nothing is too much to ask for.  I only wish we were closer especially today.



Life has taken us in so any different directions.  Not always good, but our bond is what
 always unites us and no matter the distance the heart knows what the heart knows.

You know the saying, you can kid the world, but not your sister. She is wiser than

 her years and she is my sister and my friend.  I love you and that is forever.

Sachin was born just just two days after 9-11.  Today the little boy born during one of the 

worst times for the US turns 15.  He is all boy.  There is no sport that he will not play.

As a little boy we were fortunate to have him and all his family live close to us in 

Florida.  Those days are forever cherished by me and are part of memories that will never 
leave me.  Sachin like all my nieces and nephews holds a very special place in my heart.

From very little he knew how to relax and find a comfy spot.  In Florida that

was his favorite spot to sit and watch TV or play games.  I miss that face.
Sachin is so much older than his 15 years.  He worries about things.  

He and I text very often.  More so than I do with the rest of my nieces and nephews. 
 It started out with chatting about soccer.  Via me he was in his way chatting with 
Arvid.  They like the same teams and of course watch the same games.

On September 2nd Jaxen died.  His beloved "brother"  Jaxen as you all know was
 their doggie.  Our texts at that time were heart breaking and it kills me to have
to "see" a little boy hurt and know so much at the same time about death.  Illnesses and 
mostly all about cancer.  No child should have to carry so much on their shoulder.

Sachin researched every possible alternative for Jaxen.  Sachin read the vets reports.  
Sachin talked to me and I did whatever I could to comfort him.  From a distance, but my
 heart was and is will him everyday.  I love him and it bugs me to not be able to do more.

Little Sachin is now a young man.  Have no idea where and how time has gone
 by so fast. One day he was little; today he is a big boy and as he told his uncle
 Arvid, he plays soccer and uncle Arvid called him the next Messi.

Little Sachin is no longer little.  He's now a 15 year old young man. 
Happy birthday to my sister and my nephew.   I love you



Sachin, the world is not always going to be kind, but I know that with your attitude 
and your determination to not let anything hold you back you will always be a winner.
  The one thing I can guarantee that will never change is my love for you. 

 If anything it grows stronger every day.  Happy birthday Sachin.  I know this year is
 not the happiest and as you told me you have no desire to celebrate.  That's OK.  It
 will be better because you have time.   I love you and don't you ever forget that.

To my sister Nirvana, Count the age, not the wrinkles you have. 
Count the blessings and the wonderful experience not the
 mistakes you have made.  Love you both.

May your birthday and every day be filled with the warmth of sunshine, 

the happiness of smiles, the sounds of laughter,

 the feeling of love and the sharing of good cheer....

~Nadiya~

These United States... Branson, Missouri

We haven't been everywhere, but it's on our list...

Today we find ourselves heading to Branson, Missouri.  Usually when in Chicago we make
 a trip to Missouri.  Yes, always for the music and a little exploring of somewhere else.

Branson, Missouri, is the perfect location for your next sporting event! Nestled in the 

beautiful Ozark Mountains, Branson is America’s affordable, wholesome family

 entertainment capital. And with several diverse lakes, trails, courts, ballfields and more, 

it's built for sports and outdoors activities.  We are not here for a sporting event, but the 

place is packed with visitors.  Arvid and I are here for another of his trade meetings.

Branson's Hollywood Wax Museum is the only wax museum devoted completely

to celebrities. It is a significantly popular multi-million dollar exhibit that

provides an interactive experience with your favorite stars.

Branson's influence on Missouri is it entertains Americans while also giving them pieces

of their history. Most of the attractions are based on historical events and people

that date back to hundreds of years ago. It is also family friendly and

displays many options for attractions, dining, and lodging.

A few interesting facts about Branson, Missouri:

Branson has more theater seats than the New York Broadway District.
Branson places #3 on the Top Ten Destination list.
Nearly 8 million people travel to Branson every year.
Branson has a population of a little over 10,520.
There are over 400 restaurants in Branson.

Does this means we are packing our bags and moving to Branson, Missouri? Nope,

but it sure makes for an interesting tourist destination for many. Luckily I will have

time to do some discovering on my own while Arvid takes care of the business.

Makes us both happy, and yes at some point I will join Arvid.

Who knows maybe I can trade for another mini vacation.

Happy day everyone. Looking forward to doing a little exploring soon.
You know the saying, "at the end of the day your feet should
be dirty, your hair messy and your eyes sparking."

Never let the stumble on the road be the end of the journey..

~Nadiya~

A New Week Begins...

Each new day is a blank page in the diary of your life. The secret of 
success is in turning that diary into the best story you possibly can...

Yesterday turned out to be a very beautiful day.  Of course we made the most of it.
Just like we do in Florida we do here.  On Sundays we find a beautiful spot on the water to 
have our lunch, listen to the music and enjoy people watching.  Simple but we love it.

As a new week begins, I wish it is a good one for all of us.  I wish that we all find the 
peace we are looking for and for the strength to carry on even if we don't.  

Here is Chicago life is good.  There are days that are not so good, but the fact that
 we wake up every morning and we are able to feel the sun on our faces that alone
 makes for a good day.  For that I am always grateful and thankful.

Good morning to all and may you all have a great week ahead.

Remember friends there is always something to be grateful for.

No matter how good or bad you have it, wake up each day thankful for your life. 

Someone somewhere else is desperately fighting for theirs...

~Nadiya~

Sunday...

Don't judge my choices without understanding my reasons.  Happy Sunday.  

Smile more than you cry, give more than you take, love more than you hate...

And so begins another Sunday.  Mornings are soccer and in between Arvid 

calls his family.  A good way to start a relaxing day.  sniff as you can see always

 knows how to make himself comfortable.  He excels in it.

Yesterday started out rather gloomy. Stayed that way for most of the day, but suddenly 

the sky started to clear up and the gloominess disappeared.  Arvid and I spent 

most of the day indoors. He watched TV I did little of this little of that, 

Sniff played, ate and slept and before you knew it it was already 5pm. 

Nighttime

We decided it was a good day to go and listen to some music.  Two of our favorite venues 

in Chicago are Buddy Guys Legends and House of Blues. Last night we choose

Buddy Guys.  Not only is the music good but the menu is not bad either.

We walked from home to the club, a good half hour walk each way.  On our way to 

the club we walked through the park. We saw several weddings taking place and 

there were hundreds of people all dressed up for different functions going in.  

This happens every weekend, it's just always amazes us to see everything that happens

 in the city. No wonder we are so enchanted by it.  I love to take pictures as we walk. Arvid

 likes to rush it to get to our destination.  Many a times I fall behind that's why I only get 

the back of him in pictures.  I tell him that it's OK to slow down and take it all in.  

The music was good. The food and drinks as well.  We met a couple from Miami

 and before you knew it the lady and I were chatting away like old friends.  

Today not so sure where we will be going to have our Sunday dinner.  All depends 

on the weather, which is looking amazing right now.  Thank goodness the weather

 people make mistakes, because if they were right it would be raining right now. 

I love this city very much.  Usually when we have to leave I get a little sentimental, 

but this year I am ready to go home. I'm very ready.  Home where I see many familiar things

 that Brutus loved.  Home where little Shadow is waiting for me to bring him.  

Home where Sniff can run around as much as he likes without skidding

 into something.  Yeah. I want to see Sniff in his Florida home.

To all a very good Sunday.  By the way, please friends when you post pictures 

in FB please don't tag me.  It's enough that when I open my page I see hundreds

 of pictures of your vacation or what it is you are eating or drinking.

 Really your business is your own and if you prefer to share it with the rest of the world

 so be it.  it's your right, but please stop sending me links on messenger to view your albums. 

 Makes it more tempting everyday to want to delete my FB account, but there is also many

 things I like about it.  Mainly family, unfortunately my sisters hardly post anymore.

Happy Sunday to all.  Remember sometimes it is good to not let the entire world

 know your every move and your every step.  Took me some time to realize it.
Remember do not them the privilege of knowing everything about you.

Life is not a problem to be solved, but a reality to be experienced...

~Nadiya~

Saturday...

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

Definitely the day is packed with soccer.  At least the first hours of the morning. 

Not such a bad thing today because it sure does not look that promising outside right 

now.  The weather man said t will be raining all weekend on and off, but one can 

always hope this might also be wrong.  They are often wrong anyway.

No matter how cold, or terrible the weather may be on the outside, the pool is enclosed

 and there is never a "bad" day there.  Love it when the temperatures begin to drop.

Saturday...not sure what it holds.  We have a few plans, but also depends on how

 the weather behaves.  Yesterday as usual we had our outing rain or no rain.  Arvid

 makes sure we always carry an umbrella.  He's very emphatic about that.

I am ready to go home.  This year has not been the same for me.  No matter all the 

things going on in Chicago, all the things we do, my heart is not 100% into it.  I want to 

go home.  First time since we have been coming to Chicago and I am ready to go home.

Wishing you all a very good day.  All is good here and no matter what is going on in life,

 I choose to be happy today.  Everyday.  At least I give it my best shot.  That's all you can do.

Be happy not because everything is good, 

but because you can see the good in everything

~Nadiya~

All In A Day...

Sometimes the hardest thing and the right thing is the same thing...

Never underestimate the power of a picture.  Life is like a photograph. 

 Focus on what's important and you will capture it perfectly.

Random collection of moments. Some moments are nice, 

some are nicer, some are even worth writing about.

Sometimes it's the same moments that take your breath away 
that breathe purpose and love back into your life.

I've always believed in savoring the moments. 
In the end, they are the only things we'll have.

Photographs open doors into the past, but they also allow a look into the future.

Going down memory lane.  Good and sad at the same time.
I guess they're called moments because they don't last very long.

My grandma and I in Canada.  I miss her often and think of her.
Life is not made up of minutes, hours, days, weeks, months, or years,
 but of moments. You must experience each one before you can appreciate it.

In a person's lifetime there may be not more than half a dozen occasions 
that he can look back to in the certain knowledge that right then, at that
 moment, there was room for nothing but happiness in his heart.

Remembering you is easy, but missing you

 is a heartache that never goes away...

~Nadiya~