In the 60's

Whytney is at sea today probably working and I am certain that she is looking forward to her day off tomorrow in Mykonos, Greece. I think her number one plan for tomorrow is to first sleep in. Then, maybe, she will venture out and explore Mykonos once again.

Mykonos is famous for sunshine and wind - you will usually only encounter rain from February and March. Mykonos averages as many as three hundred days of sunshine each year. Whytney's kind of place!

Wndmills are a recognized landmarks in Mykonos due to the constant supply of wind. These windmills made refining and compacting grain a profitable industry in past years. As the country became more industrialized, these windmills started to dwindle and now, only a few remain. Whytney may be able to catch a glimpse of these once important landmarks on her visit.

I am sure that she will encounter some of the Mykonos natives. This is one of the tourist draws to this area. Mykonians are a very hospitable people with a very open attitude. Welcoming approximately 4000 foreign residents to their 7000 native population give the occasional tourist a feeling of comfortable diversity.

I hope that Whytney is able to get a very nice meal when in Mykonos. The specialty of the island is Louza loukaniko which is a special kind of sausage??? Not sure what is so "special" about it???? Also, Kopanisti is another specialty - a special kind of soft goat cheese with LOTS of pepper. Because of the diversity of the island, Whytney will be able to find just about any kind of restaurant here. There are are numerous haut cuisine restaurants - this just means that the style of restaurant is that of elaborately prepared foods. Typically like that of French prepared foods - probably contributing to the higher prices in some of the Mykonos restaurants.

I hope that Whytney has a great sea day today and is looking forward to her day off tomorrow. I will be thinking of her as I am in Bowling Green and reminiscing of the times we spent here together.

69 days to go....LUM&L

70 Days!!!

Today Whytney is in Sicily, Italy, often called the dark horse of Italy. Not as popular as some Italian destinations, yet, offering many spectacular sights for visitors. With many miles of vineyards, endless olive groves, emerald-green carpets of grass, orchards with shiny citrus and fruit trees, rugged mountains, all of which is set against the backdrop of a deep blue sea. Sicily offers visitors world - class art; they can see ancient Greek-Roman buildings, Arabic-Norman fortresses, Baroque style buildings, and churches with their amazing interiors ornately covered in Byzantine mosaics! Well, I am ready to go....

The island is triangular and gets its name from the Greek word Sikelia, meaning three points. It is named this because this is where three seas meet; the Tyrrhenian (to the North), the Sicilian (to the South), and the Ionian (to the East).

I know that Whytney will have to stay on the ship today - she is looking forward to a well deserved day off on Thursday when in Mykonos, Greece. She has been reading her new book "Lover Mine", the new on from J.R. Ward. I think that I have that right? The book was one of the items that I recently sent her in a couple of "care boxes". Along with the book, some power bars, cereal, and fun things to keep her occupied when bored!

As a parent, it has been difficult to not be able to see Whytney for such a long time and to have her so far from home. This sometimes clouds the mind and somethings that would normally be apparent are not! In my boxes of "goodies", I may have sent some power bars that contained peanuts....not that she is allergic to these (like profuse swelling); but they do not agree with her system (like they make her ill)! So, in my haste to get these items purchased and in the box and to the post office - I guess I neglected reading labels. As Whytney knows, I am an avid "label-reader"! Luckily, I think that she realized the contents before partaking and I think found some humor in her Mom's mistake....I do, however, think that I sent enough to allow her to enjoy and maybe share with friends; that is my wish anyway!

Well, it is off to Bowling Green. Usually when I go, I am not only excited to see my Mom, but also to see Whytney. Sometimes I would not be able to see her long (between her work and friends), but at least I could spend time getting her to do my hair and a nice lunch or dinner spent in conversation. It somehow makes me feel closer to her when I go. Getting to sleep in her amazing bed (at Gram's house) is also nice! I have got to get one of those....

We will be visiting the court house today to let them know that Whytney's most recent selection to Jury Duty will not be a possibility! Unless, they are willing to pay for her round trip ticket to and from???? Certainly, that won't be a possibility....and we will visit WNKY to have a couple of DVD's made of the commercial that Whytney was in for Lindsey Institute (the school she graduated from).

I think today will be a busy day for both Whytney and myself (Kendall and Caddie Jo included). Dad, of course, will be staying behind to work and hold down the fort.

Hope that Whytney has a great day today and has great views of Sicily from the ship and that the guests are all blessed with her electrifying smile - I wish I could see it! I hope that they know how lucky they are to be in her presence!

70 more days - almost to the 60's!

LUM&L

Open sea and lots of appointments!

I will start by apologizing for the lack of information on Whytney's next port, Sicily, Italy. She will be at sea today heading toward Sicily and arriving in the morning - I have tried to give information on the day before, however, that is an impossibility today. My internet is being very selective as to what it wants to do as opposed to what I want it to do! I am going to have to come up with a better solution or move so that I can get better internet. Sad situation, I know.

Whytney will be happy to know that I will be traveling to Bowling Green tomorrow and will have access to wireless! It is the small things in life that we take the greatest pleasures! I will be able to do all of my research on her ports and get my posts up quickly - who knows, I may even change the picture since it won't take an hour to load.

While in B. G., we will be visiting Beech Bend Park - a little disappointed that the lazy river will NOT be open for that visit but, at least there will be water! I so want a pool! Also, we will clean out Gram's garage - I hope that both of us are in a "throwing away mood"???? I have learned that I have a really difficult time throwing things away - I think that this is typically a trait held by those that lived thru the Great Depression - yet, since I was not alive during this time I cannot use that as an excuse. Heredity, that my be it - pack ratitis! This should be a fun trip and we could not ask for better weather. Finally we will have low 80's and very low humidity and NO rain!

Today, not such a fun time - appropriately, it will be raining. Just as well, I will be sitting at school for six hours of training. I have no idea what we are supposed to bring or exactly what we will be doing - new standards or something???? Always something new in education - 10 years to go!

Sorry for the rant - 71 days and counting until Whytney is on her way home! I hear that this cruise is going to be a brilliant one - full of energetic Americans who want to get beautiful! I think that Whytney will be busy and have lots of fun - I know that she is looking forward to her day off in Mykonos, Greece on Thursday. Lots of things to do and see there - I will share details in future posts.

6 cruises to go and my love goes out to Whytney for beautiful days, generous guests, and lovely scenery!

LUM&L

Lazy Sunday's and New Passengers

Talk about lazy Sunday's - today is definitely it. I had all intentions of getting this post on earlier today - knowing that Whytney has new passengers today...but, that did not happen. Coffee, cool conditions on the back porch, freshly mowed grass, and a Yorkie that ALWAYS wants to be in your lap has made it impossible for me to get this post completed.

Whytney is probably greeting new guests to the ship and promoting "spa" stuff this very moment. Such a great promoter and salesperson! Maybe this cruise will be full of high-maintenance, very wealthy ladies (and men) that will beat the spa doors down!

Today is a port day in Barcelona - off with the old (passengers) and on with the new! No day for luxury for Whytney, however, she will be smile on and service oriented. I don't know anyone that is not drawn in by her infectious personality! When I was on the ship, that is what I heard from everyone that spoke about her to me. A ray of sunshine in what is sometimes a challenging lifestyle - I know that she has been a blessing to individuals that she has come in contact with.

Lacey has left the ship - I just saw a post on FB that she was sitting in the airport. I am positive that she had an amazing time last night for her shindig! They all (the spa family) will surely miss her - she is an amazing young woman.

As this is the 72 day to home - I am waiting very impatiently for the time to pass. To my Whytney - Mommy loves you and is so proud of you each day - never give up and keep pursuing you dreams.

LUM&L

Heading back to port

Whytney is on the last sea day of this cruise somewhere between Naples and Barcelona. Today is a "spa" day - already she has had a client and has several teeth whitening appointments.

This is final night for one of Whytney's friends and colleagues in the spa, Lacey. Lacey will be missed as a vital part of the Aqua Spa and a good friend. I wish Lacey all of the best and I hope that she has a fabulous time at her going away party tonight - wish I could be there. No worries, I will continue to FB stalk you and keep in touch.

Heading toward Barcelona (home port) is probably more exciting for the staff than for the guests. Remembering that last sea day before port on my last (and only) cruise; I dreaded seeing that Miami coastline. Sad to think about getting off of the ship and getting back to reality. Obviously, for me, saddened by the fact that I would once again be leaving my firstborn behind. Not being able to see her face, give her a hug, or have a meal with her and converse about daily events. Do normal "cruiser" have similar feelings? Or was it just that fact that I was leaving my child to continue her adult journey?

Regardless, I am extremely proud of Whytney. How many 20 somethings would take the initiative to find a dream job opening, travel (alone) to Canada to interview, go to London, England to train, and get on a ship for 9 months? My daughter would and did. Every person that asks about her is amazed to hear where she is and what she is doing. I hope that she knows the breadth of what she has accomplished and what she is fully capable of...how she can do amazing things regardless of where she is from or what other people expect are of her.

On to Barcelona, average temperatures for this time of the year are the upper 70's to the low 80's. Very comfortable weather conditions with plenty of tourists opportunities. Described typically as a passionate city, Barcelona consists of imaginative, creative, and hard-working residents!

Even though Whytney will not be able to experience Barcelona on this port day, I hope that over the next couple of months she will be able to see some of what it is famous for. Taking in local Spanish music accompanied by a Flamenco dancer or witnessing the infamous bull-fighting which Spain is known for. Tasting the local flavors will also be important to sample; to fully understand how food and the act of eating is taken very seriously in this city. Eating is a major part of social entertainment for this people - a natural outlet for such a hard working population.

With 73 days remaining and only 6 cruises, Whytney seems to have a renewed energy. I want to again thank those of you have kept up with her journey and continue to post comments to her - kind words feed the soul.

LUM&L Whytney - here is to a productive sea day....

CATS! CATS! CATS!

No Naples today for Whytney, on this 74th day until she is home! Work, work, work! She is, however, on a UK high today. After last nights draft, and finding out that UK's players from last year all got picked in the first round; she has been elated all day. Not even a rude customer could get her down today!

I talked to her earlier today and she is having a great time - looking forward to her next day off in Mykonos, Greece on July 1st.

She will have the opportunity, in later cruises, to visit Naples. When she does, she may want to be cautious of bag snatchers and pickpockets. This is problem in this city. I would not want to be the bag snatcher that swipes Whytney's bag - not pleasant! Could be entertaining????

When she returns to Naples, she may want to check out the Music Festival in Ravello. This is a popular festival that started in early June and continues thru mid-July. Probably lots of local musicians and food!

Finally, with architecture being one of the most predominant features of Naples, she may choose to visit Palazzo Reale. This is a popular Naples landmark and has been home to many nobles. Once of which, Charles III of Bourbon. Ha - Ha - a Kentucky connection??? No - I think that the Bourbon here is a place, not a spirit!

I hope that Whytney has a great day of work and pleasant people. Her training goes quick today and the scenery is amazing.

74 days and we will be able to once again have great hair!

LUM&L

Sea Day!

Today is a sea day for Whytney - many prayers and hopes for a productive spa day with lots of tips and friendly clients! The ship is headed for Naples, Italy; the largest and most beautiful city in South Italy! If you are interested in tracking Whytney's ship, visit www.sailwx.info, (sorry, no hyperlink here - copy and paste). This website will give you Whytney's exact coordinates - pretty cool! I know that Whytney will say that this is another way that I internet stalk! Oh well, it is what it is! I say it is a Mother's peace of mind...

Last night I was walking Caddie Jo (our neurotic Yorkshire Terrier)so she could make her nightly "clear the birds out of the yard" duty. I noticed that the entire back yard (approximately 3.5 acres) was sparkling - like someone had sprinkled huge pieces of glitter over the entire property. I realized that these "glittering" flakes where thousands of lightning bugs! I only remember seeing so many of these bugs (at a time) when I was a young girl growing up on a farm in Greensburg, Kentucky. I do not know if there was some environmental phenomenon that caused a population explosion of these creatures or maybe my in-observation over the last few years??? Still - it made me yearn for a ball jar to capture their magic....back on track.

Whytney will be visiting Naples, Italy tomorrow, home to Mount Vesuvius. A visit to Pompeii to see the ruins could be in order? Naples is a city full of grand palaces, churches rich in architecture, and castles. Maybe a left over prince or two?

Naples is a very polite and helpful city - this is the expectation - I know Whytney will appreciate this attribute. There are approximately 989,000 people that populate this expansive city. The average temperature for this time of year is in the low 80's.

Italians are very serious about their food (I knew I liked them)! A typical meal (lunch(pranzo) or dinner(cena) consists of at least four courses:
Antipasto (appetizer) - ham, salami, seafood, olives, and crostini
Primo Piatto (1st course) - pasta, polenta, rice, or soup (cacciucco - fish soup is common in Naples.
Secondo Piatto (main course) - meat or fish, with a side dish of vegetables or salad(typically at an additional cost).
Dolce (dessert) - fruit, puff pastries, or cheese selections(formaggio).
Black coffee typically finishes out the meal (again, another reason I like them)!

Hopefully, Whytney will be able to visit one of the many fabulous restaurants in Naples to experience this typical dining regimen.

75 more days in the journey - 75 more days to enjoy the climb - 75 more days to see the world - 75 more days to bask in the glorious places that God made....

Split, Croatia

Whytney is in Split, Croatia today with 76 days to go to the end of her 9 month contract.

Update from yesterday, she did eat PIZZA in Venice and she said that it was good, but still misses Domino's in Bowling Green. I think that will be one of her first places to eat when she returns.

Today in Split, she will enjoy mild temperatures with the high being 81 and the low 61. I am sure that there are several of us Kentuckians that would love to have those temps! We skipped right over the 80's and went straight to the 90's.

Split is Croatia's second largest city with approximately 176,000 residents. Split is a very busy port; they actually have ferry services to Italy and Greece. Now wouldn't that be nice??? Split is a historical city rich in architecture and art. She may choose to visit the Diocletian Palace or the Cathedral Treasury in order to fully appreciate these features of the city.

Residents of Croatia typically consume approximately 2800 calories daily. However the Dalmatian cuisine prepared in Split restaurants is one of the healthiest in the world. Fresh selections of seafood and Mediterranean vegetables combine to create a very healthy fare for residents and tourists. Mediterranean "dark" wines compliment this cuisine and if you add in a little Dalmatian music, you will experience Split at its best.

I will attempt to catch up and give you information a day ahead of Whytney's ports starting tomorrow. I hope that this will benefit Whytney more since she is six hours ahead of those of us on Eastern time - she does not get these posts until late afternoon.

I know that the picture on the blog is not quite right. I have attempted to modify it with no success. A slow internet connection combined with limited technological skills seem to be handicapping me. I hate to admit that I may have to make a trip to the local library or worse yet, McDonald's to rectify this problem. You would think that I lived in the middle of nowhere???? No, just in internet "no man's land"! So much for AT&T's map - so wrong!!!

Please continue to read and comment to the posts. I have heard from Whytney that the posts and comments have helped her on these final cruise days. Being so far from home, it is comforting to hear from those that you love, to know that you are still on their minds and in their hearts.

We will pray that 76 days pass quickly...

77 days and Venice, Italy

Today in Venice and a few facts to enjoy:

74 degrees and sunny today - hope Whytney is able to have time off to enjoy the weather.

People in Venice consume an average of 3700 calories daily - ouch! I would be enormous!

Great seafood and pizza in Venice - Whytney ate in Venice last night - I will find out what culinary experience she had and pass along! Probably not pizza since that is what she mainly eats ALL of the time on the ship! Maybe she had some salmon or fresh catch of the day???

Whytney walked Venice streets last night and saw some sights and had an amazing time. Unfortunately, her camera battery died - so not many pictures. If she has a chance to visit today, she may be able to see the famous Gondolas, bridges; Bridge of Sighs or Rialto Bridge, or maybe even St. Mark's Square to visit the basilica and the bell tower. Hopefully on her walk last evening she did not encounter any water, since the streets of Venice occasionally flood (a few inches) when the water rises.

Whytney was also interviewed by an Austrian magazine reporter about her experiences. It seems as though she is becoming popular with reporters. One from a Nashville, TN station featured her on a commercial for Lindsey Institute of Cosmetology (school that Whyt graduated from). Any Bowling Green locals may want to be on the lookout for this spot. I hear that they have a great picture of her. I will keep you posted on the Austrian magazine thing - not sure what that is all about.

Hope day 2 in Venice is as amazing as day one! 77 Days to home...LUM&L

Overnight in Venice

78 more days and today is an overnight stay in Venice, Italy. Wow - how I wish that I could be there with you Whytney. I know, probably not a young woman's wish to have her mother with her in such a romantic place. I hope that you will eat some amazing Italian food for me and tell me all of the luscious details!

Yesterday was an amazing day at Nina's. We were all blessed to have such good weather (even though a little hot), great food, and even better fellowship. Everyone was in great spirits and no one wanted to leave. The best part of the day was when Whytney called and spoke to her Daddy to wish him a Happy Father's Day. He was very touched and a little sad (that she was not with us). Every bite of food that I ate (which was a lot) my thoughts were about what a great time we will all have when we get together to welcome you home Whyt. We already have the plan for all of the food that you have requested! What a feast and celebration!

Today, your sister and I are going to Northern KY to shop a little. A little place going out of business first, then on to the Gap Outlet. I always think of you when I go (to the Gap Outlet) - you used to enjoy going so much - even the lines at the dressing room didn't phase you! Such a good shopper - I am sure that I will have to pull Kendall along - shopping is not her thing!

Have a fantastic overnight in Venice and see some beautiful sights and send me some pictures so I can see your face! Do something special for yourself....

LUM&L

79 Days to go....

Father's Day! I know that Pete misses Whytney and I am sure that Whytney misses her Daddy. We will be going to Nina'a today to spend Father's Day at their new barn and have a fish fry with all of the Gott Daddies. We will certainly miss our Whytney and will have you in our hearts.
Last night was very exciting in Harrison County - the Breds finally won the Kentucky State Baseball Tournament; Pete and Kendall were able to go to the game at Applebee's Park in Lexington to cheer our neighbor on in his first state tourney win!
I made it home from camp around 9 p. m. and they picked up Gram and I to go to the hilltop for a celebration. It was quite interesting to see old familiar faces - reflect on old memories (some good; some bad). Overall, it was a great time - I know you would have enjoyed the festivities Whyt.
I did see one of your old friends, Casey, she asked me to tell you hi and that she hopes you are having a great time.
Hope today is a great one in Dubrovnik, Croatia - I know nothing about this place but I hope that it is a beautiful place to visit and you make great memories here....
LUM&L

80 Days to Go.....

Today Whytney is somewhere between Rome, Italsy and Dubrovnik, Croatia....at sea.  Hopefully, making all of the guests on the Celebrity Century beautiful (and making a little $)!!!  They will all have brighter, whiter teeth and gorgeous hair.

I appreciate all of you who have posted and those of you who will decide to post - I cannot begin to tell you how it helps to read kind words when you sometimes feel alone.  Whytney is so lucky to visit amazing places, yet sometimes we forget that home is a truly amazing place.  A lot of times it takes us leaving our home before we fully realize how special of a place it is....not necessarily the place itself; but the people that are there.  We take for granted the smiling faces, the unexpected lunch with friends, the UK ball games sitting at the bar in B.G. at  O'Charley's, and above all being able to pick up the phone and call someone. 

As I sit here in Hardinsburg (at CTSO Camp) and listen to the rain hit the roof, I reflect on my daughter.  One of the most enthusiastic, SPARKLY individuals you would ever meet.  When she walks into the room - you know, not just because you hear her voice, but because you feel her presence.  A warm inviting spirit that draws you in and mesmerizes you. 

Whytney - have the most amazing day because you ARE the most amazing young woman.  I am so lucky to be able to call you my daughter!

LUM!

My Beautiful Daughter

I have created this blog to help my daughter. She is one of the bravest individuals that I know - to have the courage to leave your family and embark on a journey of this magnitude certainly inspires me.

This blog is to help her continue to find courage from within to make it the remaining days of her contract. My hope is that her friends and family will use this to lift her up with prayer, kind words, and encouragement. To let her know that every day we think about her and are cheering for her success!

To my Whytney, you make me proud everyday. I love you MORE each and every day -

The countdown begins - June 18, 2010 - 81 days to go....LUM!