Back To Reality

I feel neglected.
My bed isn't being made for me twice a day, with chocolates left on my pillow. No buffet breakfast. No entertainment at 9:00 PM. No more trying to decide on which of 7 or 8 entrees to have for dinner. I even have to make my own coffee.
I want to go back!




That's Winnie, Eileen, and I (diving to get into the picture - 20 seconds just isn't enough on those self-timers) just chillin' on deck. Chillin' we were as it was very windy and quite chilly that day. We grabbed those woolen throws they had out on deck and just watched the clouds go by. Yes, we could get VERY used to this life!

I brought this Chocolate Soccer Ball home for my BOSS, who I sincerely hope appreciates the effort. It's not solid, therefore can be easily destroyed by heat, bumping, or objects squashing it during it's many travels. I got it in Helsinki, Finland and carried it VERY gingerly all the way home, in my carry-on. It made it relatively unscaved, all but a small quarter sized indent. Not bad, considering. I'm sure he'll look at it, crunch it with one fist, and gobble it up in 20 seconds flat. But, then again, that's what's supposed to happen!


Our cabin stewardess, Kartini, made these KOOL towel animals every day. VERY creative. This bat was one of her better creations.

Castles, Palaces & More

Ok folks, just a small viewing of what I've been seeing for the past 2 weeks in Europe. These photos are just a small sample of the hundreds I took but I have laundry up to the sky, work to do for my wonderful boss who let me take the last 2 weeks off to go on this "words cannot describe how wonderful trip", etc.
This is Catherine's Palace in St. Petersburg, Russia, which had been the winter residence of the Russian imperial family until the October Revolution in 1917. We toured the inside and were amazed beyond words.


Frederiksborg Castle in Copenhagen, Denmark



Beautiful gardens at the Vigeland's Sculpture Park - Oslo, Norway

My travel companions, Winnie, Eileen & Jen at Vigeland's Sculpture Park
Oslo was an interesting city and was made even more interesting when our tour guide told tales of some of the folklore that originated from the area. Our collective favorite was that of the "huldre", a beautiful blond TALL woman who enticed all men who looked her way. They couldn't resist her because of her exquisite beauty. Only ONE problem: the beautiful huldre always wore a long, flowing skirt to hide her COW TAIL! Legend says that the only way for the huldre to rid herself of her tail was to marry, but once she did she turned into an ugly faced old thing! Pity the man who marries the beautiful huldre only to find that TAIL beneath the skirt after the wedding!! Talk about a shocker! (Personally, I'd just keep the tail)

Jen in the Vila Vilekulia cottage, home of Pippi Longstocking.
Stockholm, Sweden.




White Chocolate Swan at the Chocolate Midnight Buffet on our ship.
Yes, I did say CHOCOLATE midnight buffet.


Such a beautiful sunset view from our ship, leaving Estonia at 11:00 PM


I PROMISE I'll write more. Tomorrow. ZZZZZZZZZ for now.

Master Kellen James McFarland

Kellen James McFarland has arrived, weighing in at 9 + lbs. Is he beautiful or what! Proud Dad Gerry just sent this on his Blackberry and Kim said she's doing fine. Here he is, on a blog, and he's less than a day old. If I wasn't going away tomorrow I'd be in FL to see him before he gets old. Alas, by the time I see him he WILL be OLD....a month old! He really IS beautiful.