We are in the thirties!

A day to celebrate; we have reached the thirties.  39 days to go and Whytney will be back in the states.  I (and several people) will be able to once again have a "good hair day"! 

Today, she is at sea, headed toward Naples, Italy.  When I spoke to her yesterday, she was fully booked in the salon for today.  Very good for her to keep busy, make the day go fast, and earn some extra cash.  Hopefully, it will be a fantastic day.

There should still be some time for FUN!  You know, with Whytney around....there is going to be some fun to be had by all!

Pete (Daddy) and Whytney

Dad and....

Angie (Mommy) and Whytney

Mom and...

Gram are sure ready for her to be back in the USA!

Even Kendall (Sissy) is ready for Whytney to be home.  You sure miss those sisterly conflicts!

We are finally in the thirties with 39 days to go!  We wish Whytney a great sea day today and wish the remaining days to go quick and smooth for her.  As soon as her travel arrangements come available, I will share those with all her followers.  We will be planning a welcome home at the airport and the following weekend a welcome home cookout for all her family and friends.  Can't wait until then!

LUM&L

July 29 with 40 days to go!

Whytney is in Athens Greece today.  Beautiful sights that I hope she will have an opportunity to see in person.  Some things that she may be able to see might be the Temple of Olympian Zeus.

This is the largest temple in Greece.  It is larger than the Parthenon.  It took over 400 years to complete and was originally started by a ruler in order to gain public favor.  What politicians will do to get votes!

The next amazing place Whytney may catch a glimpse of would be the Acropolis Hill.

Many views can be seen from the hill and on the hill; Parthenon, Propylaia, Temple of Athena Nike, and Erechtheion.

Finally, Poseidon's Temple would also be worth viewing.

This temple holds some historical significance to Athens history; even being mentioned in the Odyssey.

40 days and 40 nights, is today's theme!  When speaking to Whytney this afternoon, she is very excited about coming home and trying to work out all the details of her return.  She does appreciate all of the support her family and friends have given her during this contract.  Keep it coming.

LUM&L

Turkey today - Greece tomorrow!

Whytney is in Turkey today. I was able to talk to her again this morning. We are attempting to arrange the moving of her furniture from a friends house in Bowling Green back to Cynthiana. I think I have all of the arrangements made??? She is going to have such a hard time figuring out where all of her things are once she gets home.

The U.S. Embassy in Turkey would not allow anyone off of the ship today. Luckily, she did not have a day off. Turkey is one of the places that she has not yet had an opportunity to see. Hopefully, the next time that they are in Turkey; she will be able to "safely" visit.

If she was able to visit Ephesus today; she could have see its most famous landmark the Library of Celsus.

Library of Celsus, Ephesus, Turkey

She could possibly see one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, Temple of Artemis.  Only the ruins of the foundation can be seen today; constructed in the Hellenistic Age.  The oldest ruins date back to the 6th Century B.C.  Some of which look like this:

Temple of Artemis

Finally, one last interesting fact about Ephesus.  Ephesus claims to have the first brothel ever built.  They also claim that the first advertisement of antiquity was to promote the brothel and gives directions to Marbel Street where it was located. Funny stuff! 

Hopefully, Whytney and the guests had an enjoyable day viewing Ephesus from the deck of the ship.  41 days and I will be able to sit on the back porch, under the pergola with her and drink a glass of wine.  I cannot wait; I know that she can't either!

LUM&L

Mykonos, Greece

A day OFF!!!  I hope that Whytney has enjoyed her day off ported at Mykonos, Greece.  Funny that she has already had a day in Mykonos!  She has not had a day off in Turkey or Croatia yet - she is trying to switch with someone in order to be able to visit these spots before the end of the next 42 days.

The island of Mykonos Greece - The Map

Some say that Mykonos has 365 churches; one for every day of the year.  Some of them are not any larger than a bathroom, but, all have their own charm.  Similarly, houses in Mykonos maintain a traditional charm.  Most a stark white will parallel staircases and vibrant multicolored doors. 

A typical city street in Mykonos.












Little Venice is a place where Whytney could visit in the western part of town meets the sea.  All of the buildings are built right on the edge of the water with their balconies overhanging the water.  It is believed that in the 16th and 17th century that boats would row right up to the balconies and load and unload goods. Interesting....

Little Venice

Hopefully, Whytney will be able to go out for a nice meal today.  Nikos Taverna is a popular place with locals where she could get a great meal at a reasonable price.  Lots of seafood and fresh vegys!  Yummy.  She would probably be eating outside since a great number of the restaurants in Mykonos are situated in garden - like settings.  Much like this:

Restaurant in Mykonos, Greece.

Even if Whytney decides to stay on the ship and relax on her day off, she will be able to view this panoramic view of Mykonos from the ship's deck.  

Continuing to count down to the end of Whytney's journey with 42 days to go.  During the remaining days as she travels to different ports in Greece, Italy, France, Croatia, Turkey, and Spain; I hope that she has the time of her life.  Lives every day to experience new places and meets friends that she will have for a lifetime.

Smooth sailing to my Whytney.....LUM&L

Day 43 At Sea!

Whytney has 43 days left  before she will be home.  Today is a sea day - on the way to Mykonos, Greece.  Today will be spent in the Spa getting all of those guests pampered with a variety of amazing treatments.  I posted a link to a video that shows some of these treatments.  I have had several of these when I joined Whytney on a Caribbean Cruise in April.  So relaxing; check out the video at the link below: 

http://www.celebritycruises.com/spa/view/video.do;jsessionid=0000Fs-3Je0V7Y5rkupObNytAPa:12h3rnd1c

For those guests on the ship today, they will be greeted by a group that looks something like this:

Whytney, Nazreen, and Milan greeting guests while having a little fun!

Whytney at her work station.

Even guys can get in on the pampering.  Pete enjoys a professional shave and massage.

I only wish that I could be there to enjoy some wonderful spa treatments.  I would love to see Whytney more than enjoy a spa day!  Both would be great - maybe we will be able to do a mother/daughter spa day when she returns...something to look forward to!

43 days to wait! Tomorrow is a day off in Mykonos!  Less than a month and a half!  Getting prepared with party plans.....

LUM&L

Sunday in Sicily, Italy

I would love to say that I am in Sicily on Sunday - Whytney can!  I don't think that she has the day off; that is not until Tuesday when she will be in Mykonos, Greece.  Maybe she will be able to take a couple of hours to get out and see Sicily again! 

I want to share with Whytney that we made homemade salsa today from a lot of our garden tomatoes and jalapenos.  She would like it!  Very yummy! And Ronnie Spicer called a few minutes ago and said that the corn is ready.  I will be picking that tomorrow!  I will freeze some of that for you.

Today, we will be celebrating Suzanne's (Glenn's fiance) birthday.  We will be going to a Japanese Steakhouse in Georgetown, Shapporo.  I have heard that it is really good!  Wish Whyt was here to enjoy it with us.  I am sure, however, that she is probably experiencing MORE culinary delights than we could even imagine.

Sicily, Italy!  Wow....the largest island in the Mediterranean Sea!  Still boasting an active volcano, Mount Etna.  

I think that the website www.bestofsicily.com best describes this place:

And God created Sicily. The place where the mountains meet the sea. Sicilia,the island in the sun, is home to Heavenly beaches, majestic mountains and Europe's greatest natural wonder, Mount Etna. Sicily's coasts are gold with orange and lemon orchards. Each scenic region offers something different. In northeastern Sicily's Nebrodi Mountains you'll find unexpectedly lush forests. In the central regions you'll encounter rugged land and rolling hills. Dignified vineyards, ancient olive groves, hardy almond orchards and endless wheat fields complete the picture. Summer is amber land under a sky of blue. Winter finds palm trees dusted with snow in a surreal symphony. Spring is a rainbow of wild flowers set against greenest fields..



I was excited to hear that it snows there!  I think I might like it there!  Although, Whytney will not be seeing snow there in July, she may be able to feel the warm rays of sun. She would appreciate that much more than snow!
 
Regardless of what she does or sees today, she is excited that there are 44 days til she returns home.  Home is ready to see her, ready to embrace her, ready to cook for her!  Home misses her terribly!

There is a song that reminds me of Whytney and her situation every time that I hear it.  

By Blake Shelton:

Another summer day Has come and gone away In Paris and Rome But I want to go home 

Mmmm Maybe surrounded by A million people I Still feel all alone I just want to go home 

Oh, I miss you, you know And I’ve been keeping all the letters that I wrote to you 

Each one a line or two “I’m fine baby, how are you?” 

Well I would send them but I know that it’s just not enough 

My words were cold and flat And you deserve more than that Another aeroplane 

Another sunny place I’m lucky I know But I want to go home 

Mmmm, I’ve got to go home Let me go home I’m just too far from where you are I want to come home 

And I feel just like I’m living someone else’s life It’s like I just stepped outside 

When everything was going right And I know just why you could not 

Come along with me 'Cause this was not your dream 

But you always believed in me Another winter day has come 

And gone away In even Paris and Rome And I want to go home 

Let me go home And I’m surrounded by A million people I Still feel all alone 

Oh, let me go home Oh, I miss you, you know Let me go home 

I’ve had my run Baby, I’m done I gotta go home Let me go home 

It will all be all right I’ll be home tonight I’m coming back home

Goofy, I know - that's a Mom for you.  I love you Whytney and 44 days will go by quickly and you can "come back home"!

LUM&L

When in Rome....again!

45 days to go...1 month and a half....4 cruises!  The time keeps ticking! 

Today, it is forecasted a balmy 89 degrees.  Whytney had yesterday off in Florence.  She did not go anywhere of mention, unless you would consider McDonald's note-worthy.  She enjoyed a regional favorite, a toasted piece of bread with ham and cheese - she said it was delicious!  Also, had a cheeseburger and fries!  It's nice to get a taste of home every once in a while. 

Whytney called me yesterday while her and her spa-mate, Amanda, were relaxing on the ship.  She was doing very good, even though, she is ready to come home.  She was excited that she received her most recent box from me that included some protein shake mixes, OPI nail polish, and a Gummi Bear snack included from Sis, Kendall.  It was so great to hear her voice.  It brightened the rest of my day.

Even though it is doubtful that she will be out in Rome today, I will give a few things that she might be interested in for the next trip.  I was interested to find out that Rome has an airport named for famous artist, Leonardo da Vinci.  Also, when you think of photogenic cities; Rome would have to be close to the top of any savvy traveler's list.  Not surprising when you consider what is in Rome; The Vatican, Trevi Fountain, St. Peter's Square, Colosseum, just to name a few.

A panoramic view of Rome, Italy!

PLEASE, don't do McDonald's here Whytney.  Romans LOVE food and have a deep tradition of food heritage.  Food in Rome is traditional and simple. This is not FRANCE! Romans enjoy their food very rich in character and flavor. Fresh vegys and reasonable (not expensive) pieces of meat are the foundation to each meal.  Artichokes are quite popular; to be found swimming in olive oil or deep fried, Roman's consider this a staple.  I would love it there!!  Tasty appetizers begin the meal, possibly salted cod or zucchini blossoms, with cheese made from sheep's milk (acquired from a local farmer, of course). An appetizer might look like this:

Fiori di zucca: Zucchini flowers, deep fried and filled with mozzarella cheese and anchovies.YUM!

Whytney may not be able to experience any of the food on this trip to Rome, but maybe next time.  At least she has some Gummi Bears....

45 more days and until tomorrow.....

LUM&L

46 in Florence

Florence, Italy is the port today for Whytney.  Today it is expected to reach 94 degrees in Florence.  That sounds very similar to our temperatures today.  I wonder if their heat index is high as well - I do not want to even go outside today.

While in Florence, Whytney could visit one of the most famous art museums, Uffizi Gallery, while in Florence.  With works of art from many famous artists; Leonardo da Vinci, Giotto, Botticelli and Michelangelo.

She could take a walk across one of the oldest bridges in Florence, Ponte Vecchio, crossing the Arno River to enter the newest area of Florence called Oltrarno.

Maybe, since it is going to be so hot, she could visit one of Florence's gelaterias and enjoy some delicious
gelato!

Hopefully, for Whytney, Florence will be a relaxing and enjoyable visit. 

LUM&L

Nice France

Whytney will be in Nice, France today.  Nice is known for very comfortable temperatures in July; an average of 74 degrees, typically.  Most of Nice beaches are rocky, not sandy like we are accustomed.  Nice has inspired many artists; Renoir, Picasso, Chagall, and Matisse, to name a few. 

Nice is the fifth largest city in France and is "unofficially" the area's capital.  It boasts art-deco facades, exceptional dining, and a lot of diverse shopping!  Whytney may be able to see:

Whytney could walk on the Boardwalk in Nice, France or,

 

possibly see this monument, or

see this statue of jazz musician, Miles Davis, outside of a hotel in Nice.  

Whatever Whytney sees, I hope that she makes it a great day and has a great group of guests traveling with her on this cruise.

I have calculated 47 days remaining in her contract.  So few days, yet it seems still like so many.  I have been having a more difficult time, lately, not being able to speak to her.  It seems as if it has been a long time since I have heard her voice.  I miss that! It will be nice to once again be able to pick up the phone and call her.  Even if she is not home - I will at least be able to talk to her!  I know, it is getting a little "sappy", huh?

Just a couple of weeks until school starts....ouch.  This was a fast summer break.  Very busy too. 

Miss you Whyt...LUM&L

Spain!

A new cruise another day down.  We are now to day 48 and 4 cruises!  I know that each day gets Whytney (and us back at home) more excited about her anticipated return to the states.  Meanwhile, a new set of passengers board the ship to take their journey with her on the Celebrity Century.  I have not yet put a picture of the ship itself on the blog, so here goes:

The ship holds 1,814 people and was inaugurated in 1995.  Century ships are the luxury class line of Royal Caribbean.  The Century is the one ship in this line that has the most suites.  From experience, the facilities on this ship are luxurious and roomy.  I stayed in a concierge class suite and it was very roomy and comfortable.

  This is the Aqua Spa where Whytney works each day. 

Murano Restaurant is the specialty restaurant on the ship.  We ate one of the best meals EVER at this restaurant. It was here where Kendall discovered that she likes scallops and goat cheese!

One of my favorite places, Martini Bar, not for the drinks, but for the decor.  The room and accessories are white and the lights above change color; changing the entire look of the room.  Pretty cool!

There are many more things that I could show you or mention about this ship, however, you may want to visit www.celebritycruises.com to see for yourself or even book a cruise.  I would highly recommend it!

I must get ready for my early morning meeting. Wishing Whytney another cruise full of wonderful guests and a very quick 48 days to pass!

LUM&L

49 days on a SHIP!

Whytney is at sea today and ports back in Barcelona tomorrow for another cruise!  I am so excited that we are now in the 40's (days NOT temperature). The days are flying by - I hope that it is the same for Whytney. Usually sea days are great spa days; today probably will be no different.

Tomorrow she will be ported in Barcelona to pick up a new group of guests and will ONLY have 4 cruises!  Maybe Whytney will be able to get off the ship and venture through Barcelona a little tomorrow???? In July, the city parks are known for some great concerts.  I hope that she is able to enjoy some places in Barcelona this month - during the month of August, a lot of the tourist attractions are closed.  I am unsure why this is???  Some things that Whytney may have the opportunity to see:

A little "old" architecture meets "new" architecture! 

Barcelona architecture is more like works of art!  Whytney could enjoy just walking through the streets of Barcelona.

Whytney will be happy to know that Gram, Kendall and I are having a nice time in Louisville; visiting the Galt House and Louisville landmarks.  Yesterday, we did a little shopping and today we will visit the Mega Caverns that go underneath the Louisville Zoo.  That should be interesting - it is going to be raining today - so limited outdoor activities unfortunately! 

I wish Whytney a great sea day today! 

LUM&L

Naples Italy!

Whytney is in Naples Italy today with 50 days to go!  This cruise is drawing to an end; they will port back in Barcelona on Wednesday with another sea day tomorrow. Another one down!

I am able to put pictures on (now that I have high speed internet); however, this is temporary thru Wednesday.  So here are a couple of pictures from her recent trip to Venice, Italy:

Whytney and Jamie in Venice

Always enjoy a good wine when in Venice!

I think that she had a great time in Venice both Thursday and Friday and took some great scenic pictures.  

I am posting a picture of my pup Caddie Jo and her new boyfriend, Jayce for Whytney.  She will be happy to know that IF we have puppies, they will be born around September 18th. She will be home for their birth - she LOVES the fur!

Caddie Jo and Jayce

Such a handsome guy!  Jayce

On day 50 - I hope that Whytney has a great day in the port of Naples, Italy and has an opportunity to take some more pictures.  She will enjoy looking back at these pictures for the rest of her life.  Even though I do NOT believe that this will be her last journey - maybe not on a cruise ship, but somewhere.....

LUM&L

Sea day and lots of work!

Whytney is at sea today which is usually a hard work day. Guests filling their time with spa services. They are traveling toward Naples, Italy and will arrive tomorrow. I don't know if she will be able to get off of the ship for any time in Naples - but I do know that the last Italian port of Venice was quite an enjoyable one for her with lots of pictures. Check those out on fb since my internet is giving me fits! I have been unable to save and post fb pictures to the blog.

If you noticed that there are two posts for today - that is because yesterday's post would not go through and I had to do it this morning. We shall see how this one goes. You would think that internet would get better with time; not worse! Go figure!

I will be leaving for Conference in Louisville and to spend time with Gram. I will only be attending a couple of meetings and spending the rest of the time visiting with my Mom. Whytney will probably be the topic of a lot of our conversation. Since Whytney lived with Gram for a period of time, Gram has gotten very close with her. Whytney probably would not be where she is today without the help of her Gram; I know that she realizes this.

Again, with no luck to add pictures!  I will try when I am at conference since I will have BETTER internet service!  This is SO getting OLD!

I hope that Whytney has a very productive sea day at the spa and will be able to enjoy Naples some tomorrow.  As my summer draws quickly to an end; I am not as sad as usual.  Probably because I know that in 51 days, my Whytney will be home.  The quicker school starts; the quicker I can see her!

LUM&L

July 17, 2010 Little late for Split, Croatia

Well, I am a little late for today's blog - such excitement on a Saturday. I will start with Whytney's adventures and then move on to the goings on at home!
Whytney is in Split,Croatia today - on Thursday and Friday she was able to have some time off and take some pictures in Venice. You will have to check out the pictures on FB, since I cannot seem to get a good enough connection to save any of them!  I was able to look at most of the pictures and they are gorgeous!  What a beautiful place Venice is and how lucky Whytney is to visit!

Whytney is doing quite well and is counting down the remaining 52 days left til she is back in the states!  The last few weeks have been much better and I believe that she is starting to enjoy some of places that she is able to see.

Meanwhile, back in Kentucky, we are attempting to breed our Yorkie, Caddie Jo with a Shiz Tzu (not spelled correctly, sorry) Jayce.  Caddie is so fickle; she liked him for a while and now will not even give him a glance!  Oh well, maybe no puppies this time - time will tell????
 
On to a sea day tomorrow for Whytney and then to Naples, Italy.

We miss you Whytney and I will promise that the blogs will get better with better internet service next week!  Till then...

LUM&L

53 Days to Go!

Very short blog today! We are on the road back home from Virginia Beach. We got stopped for about 20 minutes on the Hampton Roads Bridge Tunnel; but looks like smooth sailing now! Hopefully! 10 hours to go....

Whytney is in Venice again today - maybe her day off. I have not heard from her for a while. I hope to get a phone call soon; I need to hear her voice.

53 more days - it really seems as if the time is flying. Hopefully that will continue so we can see her very soon...

Until tomorrow and a better blog - enjoy Venice Whytney and...

LUM&L

Venice! and a day off?

Venice Italy and a day off! Whytney will be ported in Venice for another overnight. I am unsure if this is her day off or tomorrow. I am sure of ONE thing - there are only 54 days left in her contract!!!

I am going to make this, and probably tomorrows blog short and sweet. We have had about as much vacation as we possibly can. We are probably going to head home one day early and leave tomorrow morning! We would prefer to leave today, but, Kendall wants one more day at the beach - I suppose that I can take it! We could possibly leave this evening - ready to go home!

I hope that Whytney is having a better time than we are - less stressful anyway! I have not heard from her on fb or e-mail for a little while. Somewhat concerned; but she is probably busy with the spa - hopefully!

I do hope that she is able to enjoy her day off today or tomorrow and see more of Venice! I also want her to know how much I love her and wish I was independently wealthy so I could go spend my vacation with her! This one S*#@s!

LUM&L

55 days in Dubrovnik, Croatia

Whytney will be in Dubrovnik, Croatia today.  A beautiful place that has a lot of history.  I hope that she is able to visit this lovely place, if not today, sometime before the end of her contract.

The City Walls
The city walls were originally constructed in the 10th century, although fortified considerably in 1453. They are 3m thick along the sea wall, and 6m thick inland. The Old Town has fortresses at its four corners, which are the Minceta Tower , Revelin Fortress, St John's Fortress, and Bokar Bastion. 

From: http://www.visit-croatia.co.uk/dubrovnik/sightseeing.htm  

Some interesting things that I found out about Croatia:

A Croatian, Eduard Penkala invented the fountain pen in 1906.  He named it pen, deriving it from his family name!

 AND:

The dogs that we love so much from 101 Dalmatians, are actually named after Dalmatia in the Croatian Adriatic.

Whytney may be able to stroll along the streets of Dubrovnik and see:

What great places that she is able to visit!

Hope that Whytney had a great sea day yesterday and is feeling even better today!  Only a day or two until another day off to enjoy Venice, Italy.

55 days to go....

LUM&L

Just a little ill

Whytney has encountered a little illness while in Rome.  She has the flu and was in bed most of the day yesterday.  She is usually pretty resilient - which will be necessary, for today is a sea day and she has a totally booked calendar.  My wish is that she has been able to recover enough yesterday to be able to go all day today!  
The ship is out to sea today headed toward Dubrovnik, Croatia.  Sea days are great days for the spa - IF they are busy.  More customers translates to good income.  Let's hope that Whytney has some generous clients today.  Next day off: Venice, Italy!  Either Thursday or Friday????

I know that she is becoming more anxious about coming home.  She has 56 more days until her contract has been fulfilled!  What an accomplishment that will be; to have stayed on a ship for 9 months and not gone stir crazy.  I know that there have been some difficult moments for her; like when she traveled across the Atlantic.  However, I hope that she can look back on her experiences with more fond memories than unhappy ones?!  Time will tell, I suppose.

I am on vacation day number 3 and spent another day at the beach yesterday.  Not so bad, it was overcast and not as hot.  Yet, the beach holds little attraction for me.  The guys went with us after their morning golf and the kids enjoyed playing with the Daddy's.  Mell and I did a little shopping on the boardwalk which was fun.  I finally found a NON-hoody sweatshirt.  These, obviously, are very difficult to find since they are no longer "cool"!  I was very excited!  Again, it is the little things in life that can bring you the greatest joy - I try to find those each day.  Today, NO beach - YEAH!  Shopping and then an amazing seafood buffet this evening!  Again, the small things!

The situation with my friends has gotten no better - I am still praying for miracles!  I know that Whytney has been concerned about this as well and I just wanted to say, "Please keep praying"!

To my Whytney, I will keep you updated with more pictures on our vacation and I really appreciate the most recent ones you placed on fb.  Keep them coming - it helps me to be able to see your face and know that you are okay.

LUM&L

When in Rome....

57 days to go and Whytney seems to be doing quite well. Her new "old" manager and her are working quite well together and she is enjoying some of the beautiful places that the Mediterranean has to offer.

Today she will be in Rome.  Whytney has been in Rome before and took some great pictures:

Here, enjoying the coliseum with friends, Amanda and Thaaliya.  And below, I am not exactly who has control of whom!

They really let her have the sword?  Brave men!

I like to find some "fun facts" occasionally about the places that Whytney is visiting.  Rome has several, one of which I found from www.forbeginners.info, and I quote:

"While "romans" is actually the root word for "romance", there wasn't a lot of it in Ancient Rome when it came to marriage. There was no one to conduct the ceremony, and no legal register of it.
A marriage was recognized when a man and woman agreed to live together, or when there was evidence of a dowry having been paid.
Divorce was a lot simpler, though. You just packed up your togas and left." (too funny!)

Another interesting fact from  http://wcities.com/rome/cityguide/fun-facts-6.htm:


"About EUR3000 is thrown into the Trevi Fountain every day. The coins are collected at night and used to fund a supermarket for needy citizens."

Let's hope that Whytney has the opportunity to, once again, visit Rome today.  I believe that probably have the marriage thing worked out by now and they do actually donate the fountain's revenues.  Interesting, to say the least.

Day 2 of vacation and much to do and see in Virginia Beach.  Whytney would have enjoyed herself; probably doing more shopping than beach combing.  The beach here is nice, however, crowded and drama-filled situations.  We did have a nice time although some quite interesting situations.

Congrats to Spain - 2010 World Cup Champs!  Well fought battle and well deserved!

Wishes to Whytney for an amazing day in her journey of the world.  Hope she meets some hunky Romans and is excited to count down the remaining 57 days!

LUM&L 

Florence Italy with 58 days to go

Whytney is in Florence today and I am so excited to see that she has recently posted some pictures when she was in Monaco.  One of my favorites:

I also love this next one.  To me it symbolizes how much Whytney can do and has done. I know that it is just a picture with her in a mask.  But, it also represents opportunity.  A year ago, my daughter was struggling with the fact that she was in a job that she really liked, but could not really make ends meet.  She knew that she wanted to travel, but, obviously could not with her lack of income.  With some initiative and hard work, this picture represents how she found a new job to allow her to travel and meet very interesting people; see amazing places; and still earn an income.  Granted, the income is not as sweet as she had hope for; but how many people can boast of all of the experiences she has had on her income and still be able to pay her bills?  So, the picture for me represents she conquering her fears and taking a leap of faith.

Whytney does not have another day off until Venice - which is Thursday or Friday.  It looks as if they will have an overnight in Venice.  Whytney usually likes the overnights - they are sometimes able to go walk the city and have an evening meal out. 

Today is Florence and I found out some interesting facts about Italy and Florence:

  The average Italian is 41 years old.
  Most unmarried children live with their parents in Italy.
  Florence is home to Italian Art.
  Average July temperature in Florence is 95 degrees - ouch!
  Florence was the first city with paved streets back in 1339.
  Major industries in Florence include finance, tourism, and wine production!


Today, we are in Virginia Beach - weather is good, hot, and steamy.  A trip to the beach will probably be in order today.  I am not a huge fan of the beach as Whytney knows, however, I will tolerate it for a couple of hours.  Hopefully, some shopping will occur????

Our Yorkie is in tow for this vacation.  Nearing the end of her "cycle", it has been a challenge to keep her inside the condo.  She always wants to go out and "mark" the neighborhood.  She was so excited yesterday to walk and mark; she even thought that she found a boyfriend, until both "moms" reacted quickly to end the ensuing relationship.  Girls; furry or not; always a challenge!

I hope that Whytney enjoys her package from Mom and from friend, Tessa.  I am so glad that Tessa sent Whytney a box - it is so easy to forget about people when they are not there.  It is so nice to know that you are thought of when you are gone.  Thanks Tessa; from me!

Enjoy Florence today Whytney if you can - for all of us stuck back here in KY!  I love you so much and keep counting down the remaining 58 days and five cruises.  Hope this cruise holds a lot of interesting guests and your time passes quickly with lots of great places and memories.

LUM&L

We are in the fifties!

Yeah!  59 to go!  Passing quickly - hope so for Whytney.

Today is Nice, France:

Maybe Whytney will be able to go to the beach????

I am sure that if she can, she will!

I am not sure why this will not allow me to left justify???? Oh well, I am going with it.

Day two on our journey to vacation - Virginia Beach bound.  It makes me think back to the last vacation that we took as a family to Panama Beach, Florida.  In 1999, we took one of the few family vacations and it was on that vacation that I realized that my oldest child, Whytney was her happiest on the beach.  I don't think that I have ever seen her smile so much.  Every picture that I have of her on that vacation, she had a life sized grin!  I guess maybe this comes from being born in California - living in North Carolina so close to the water?  I am positive that this is where she is the happiest - just a theory!

We will be vacationing for a week - difficult for me; more challenging for Pete!  Such a work-aholic!  Whytney knows that her daddy has such a difficult time relaxing - a set of golf clubs should take care of that, hopefully!

I hope that Whytney enjoys her day in Nice and is meeting some wonderful guests on this cruise.  Five more cruises to go, including this one!  So hard to believe that they are going so quickly.  Already we are in the 50's and keep counting the days down! 

I will be keeping you updated daily during my vacation - maybe not with ALL the details as before - but I will give you some information about Whyteny's travels!

LUM&L

60 days to go!

Today, or at least a few hours ago, Barcelona time; Whytney arrived in Spain! Another new group of guests to beautify!  The past cruise was a good one for her; I hear that there were several Kentucky guests.  Who knew that that many people from Kentucky flew to Spain to board a cruise ship?  Seems unusual to me - but, I suppose I am not in that jet-setting crowd.  I do, however, think that interacting with these fellow Kentuckians, made Whytney a little more home-sick than usual.  Only 2 more months baby girl!  It will fly by....

Whytney will have a new (past) manager joining her today.  Nazreen has disembarked to join a different ship.  Good luck Naz!  You are an amazing young woman and had a great impact on my daughter!  Thanks!  For Whytney, I pray that your new manager sees your growth over the last few months and you two can work well together.

Today, I am getting prepared for a week long vacation - in Virginia Beach.  I have actually had to come to the library (in Cynthiana) to write this post.  Internet issues are really interfering with my abilities to maintain my responsibilities.  Oh well, at least I have options!

Because we are going on vacation - my next two post (this one included) will be short and sweet.  I want to update you on Whytney's journey - but I will be brief.  For some, if there are any of you out there, this could be a relief!

Whytney will be in Barcelona today - travel to Nice, France tomorrow.  I am not sure when she will have another day off?  I will try to get this information from her in the near future.  I hope that on her next day off, she will take and post additional pictures for us on fb.

I am sure that Whytney is probably keeping up with the world news? Netherlands and Spain to play for the championship game in the World Cup on Sunday.  That will be amazing - guess at this point - I am going to SPAIN!  I have sad news for Whytney from the Big Blue Nation, one of our past greats (I attended UK with) Melvin Turpin, committed suicide yesterday in his home in Lexington.  She should remember the stories that I told her in the past of Melvin - when he used to have a little guy follow him around to make sure that he was sticking to his diet.  I do remember him as a very nice guy and we will definitely will be keeping his family in our prayers.

Well, must go and pack the car for vaca!  We are on the road today to complete half of our ten hour road trip.  I only wish Whytney was with us to enjoy!

LUM&L

France and 61 days

Whytney is in the South of France, Provence or more specifically Toulon for the port today.  Toulon is located between Marseille and Nice and is home to around 169,000 residents.  Average temperature for this time of the year is 86 degrees, relatively hot, but typical for this area.  During July, they usually experience hot, beach weather with sunny skies.

Toulon not only relies on tourists for economic support, but also a large French naval base.  The base also provides many jobs for Toulon's residents.

Ligures originally settled in Toulon because of a hill that protected the area from strong winds that frequent this region.  It was named for Telona, the Ligurian goddess of sources. The hill protecting the town is called Faron which is named from the Greek pharos which in English is lighthouse.  On the top of the hill, Faron, you are allowed to view arriving boats from a great distance.  Today, a military camp still resides on the top of the hill for the purpose of communicating with submarines.  It is worth a trip up the hill to view the town below - an impressive road trip or for the more energetic; you could hike!

Rather sad that Whytney will be missing (by 6 days) the annual Bastille Day with a military march, air show, and fireworks - kind of sounds like our fourth of July???

Many beautiful beaches are here in Toulon - Whytney should be able to at least see some from the ship even if she has to work!

Whytney will be happy to know that there are many celebrities that visit this area - who knows she may catch a glimpse of one...who knows?  Also, that this is one of the regions known for Provincial French Cuisine.  Hopefully, she will be able to sample some of this famous cuisine.

Whytney is close to the end of this cruise - on Friday, she will be back in  Barcelona and there will be only 5 cruises remaining.  With 61 days left - and two months - those of us back home in Kentucky are getting more excited with each passing day!

LUM&L