CH9
Lucile is back after just a few minutes with possible locations for their Family Christmas Vacation on a beach somewhere. Private enough for Kate and Natalie and their plans for their respective husbands and still have something for everyone else to do.
"Lucile, Natalie only just mentioned it a little while ago." Kate is surprised. Though she should be getting used to it by now. "Can you send them to her? I'll try and get Rick to look at the list after he comes out of hiding." Kate tells her.
"Information sent." Lucile tells her.
Since Rick is barely even on this planet at the moment. And the boys are doing do duty. Might as well look at the list now. Maybe she can steer Rick into one over the others.
Frgate Island Private, Seychelles
Within one of the only paradises in the world still largely untouched by tourism lies an island that would make any hermit salivate. Remote in the Indian Ocean, Frgate Island and its 16-villa resort define luxury, comfort and best of all, privacy. The white sands and hidden coves are perfect for honeymooners and those who would rather discover their own pleasures rather than being waited on hand and foot.
To really enjoy the sun, surf and sand here, you must also appreciate nature and the locals' respect for it. Every activity keeps the fragile ecosystem in mind, so, if you enjoy low-impact touring and only the purest all-natural food products, this exquisite land is for you.
Must-see: The underwater world as you scuba-dive at Chimney Rocks, north of Frgate.
- Home to 2000 free-roaming Giant Aldabra Tortoises
- Safeguarding the nests of hundreds of endangered Hawksbill Turtles
- Having saved the "Seychelles Magpie Robin" from extinction
- Rehabilitation of indigenous forest with ten thousands of trees planted
- A sanctuary to hundred thousands of tropical birds, more than 100 species
- 16 beautifully crafted Residences (400-700 sqm) with grand private pools
- The Banyan Hill Estate on a secluded peninsula
- Exclusive whole island rental available
- 7 beaches, one frequently voted "most beautiful in the world"
- A private inland harbour & Yacht Club with PADI Dive Centre
- Innovative cuisine inspired by exotic fruits & vegetables grown in our own plantation
- Infinite romantic dining venues on the island, including our unique "Tree House"
- A charming, historic chapel for your most special celebration
- Inspiring natural outdoor playground for children
- The ultimate in privacy, secluded and secure
Banyan Hill Estate (for clan Crystal, including the boys and clan Douglas)
This secluded residence is almost a resort on its own, residing on its own plateau on the eastern side of the island and is reached by a private path. Views from the residence take in the ocean, beaches, marina and the island's lush landscape. Inside, there's an 1,100sq m open-plan living area with an extra lounge. The large terrace has a private infinity pool, seating area and fully equipped kitchen. There are three separate villas for bedrooms – each sleeps two and is 70sq m. Located along the cliffside, they all have a veranda, bathroom, TV, CD/DVD player and minibar. This suite comes with a chef, dedicated butlers and its own buggy.
Private Pool Twin Residence (One each for Don/Jenn and Tom/Emily and Alexis/Ray)
This 650–700sqm Private Pool Twin Residence (one with twin beds) is nestled into the coastline, with views of the Indian Ocean and the lush tropical gardens. The Residence has a secluded terrace with an infinity pool, Jacuzzi, daybeds and a dining pavilion. The Residence has a dining room and lounge and both bedrooms have ensuite bathrooms. Guests are offered iPod docks, a DVD and CD player, flatscreen TV, minibar, tea- and coffee-making facilities a safe and a refrigerated bar. Residences also have an appointed butler and guests can zip around on a solar-powered island buggy.
Hideaway Island, Vanuatu
The name of this South Pacific Island says it all — it truly is a hideaway. Though most of the spots in this vast area are considered paradise, only a select few offer unique lodging and few tourists. This one on Vanuatu is special, as it is small enough to tour the perimeter on foot, but large enough to accommodate a honeymooning couple for weeks at a time.
The water is your primary source of fun, as it remains a perfect 81°F all year long. Scuba-dive and snorkel outside one of the 14 bungalows and condos that line the beach, then hit the Hideaway Restaurant, which offers the best seafood caught the same day at this marine sanctuary.
Must-do: Take advantage of all the freebies offered on the island; free lunchtime snorkeling and boating tours are the best.
Georgia: Georgia is famous for beach vacations. The secluded beaches of Georgia beckon the romantic lovers to enjoy the oceanfront honeymoon spots. Lovers can land in the beautiful Tybee Island which has some laid-back vacation spots. Holdings hands of your partner you can walk through the three-mile long beach. The view of the endless sea will refresh you and you can share the deepest feelings of your heart.
Jekyll islands, Georgia can be termed as the most beautiful honeymoon locations in USA. It is situated midway between Savannah and Jacksonville. Discover the unspoilt beauty of the woodlands and the island beaches. The beauty of the beaches, the grassy lands, the dense forests, the sunsets behind the palm trees and the deep valleys is simply amazing.
You can visit the National Historic Landmark District. The active honeymooner can enjoy sports like kayaking, biking, golf, tennis or soccer. The nature lover should enjoy sea-turtle walks while viewing the birds and dolphins.
Hilton Bora Bora Nui Resort & Spa Bora Bora, French Polynesia
Nestled on a power-white beach and a crystal blue lagoon, Hilton Bora Bora Nui Resort & Spa invites newlyweds to revel in post-wedding privacy in bungalows perched above the lagoon on high stilts. Take a romantic dip or snorkel anytime right from your bungalow's swimming platform. And with full views of the lagoon, catch a surreal sunrise without leaving your bungalow. Couples can relax and be pampered at the resort's Hina Spa that overlooks the lagoon with breathtaking panoramic views.
What's Cool: Watch tropical fish swim below you from the glass floor panels in the overwater bungalows.
KING ROYAL OVERWATER VILLA
Relax in this 135m²/1453sq. ft. villa and marvel at stunning lagoon views from your private water-side balcony and watch Bora Bora's vast array of exotic marine life float past the glass floor viewing panels. Choose this beautiful suite for its unique location and indulge with your own private whirlpool on the deck. Luxuriate in the elegant Italian marble bathroom or stay entertained in the separate seating area with satellite TV and internet access (WiFi and cable).
Trincomalee, Sri Lanka
At the Jungle Beach Resort, near Trincomalee, on Sri Lanka's eastern shore, guests experience both the exotic allure of the forest and the placid temptations of an unspoiled far-flung seashore. On 10 acres of private reserve, set between the Indian Ocean and a lagoon, Jungle Beach offers water-view rooms, beach villas and cabins set deep in the jungle landscape. All accommodations get outfitted with local artifacts and regional cotton-covered furnishings to give visitors a true sense of place..
After an hour of watching what Lucile had found on the projection screen in the living room, Kate now had two favorites in mind.
First - Fregate Island Private, Seychelles, Because it was a lot more private for what Natalie and herself had in mind. And still give someplace for the boys to go.
Second - Hilton Bora Bora Nui Resort & Spa, Because they could all get the same type of room and maybe be clustered all together. Just a short walk or swim between any of them.
The other offerings were nice, just not what Kate had in mind when Natalie brought it up.
"Lucile can you add a note about my first and second choices to Natalie along with hotel room option suggestions?" Kate asks.
"Information sent. I have added a note that at present there is space available at the Fragte Island Private, Seychelles. However that may change soon. If you select this location your reservation will fill the islands accommodations." Lucile warns her.
"DAMN!" If Kate waits to consult with everyone they may lose out. And if she orders the reservations now and it's not what everyone wants, …. "Ok Lucile make the reservations at Fregate Island for everyone. If I like it Natalie is likely to like it, and we'll just have to convince everyone else. Thanks Lucile. I don't know what we would do without you." Kate tells her and means it.
"How goes the design on the satellite system?" Kate changes the subject.
Lucile shows herself not far from Kate. "I'm having trouble with the real time communication system."
"The time delay due to the distances involved." Kate guesses.
"Yes, I have looked at establishing a signal booster/repeater to be located in orbit of various moons within the system. However this still leaves a fairly large gap in coverage that I'm so are unable to compensate for." Lucile informs her.
"Have you considered lasers? Like a fiber optic cable, just without the cable?" Kate asks.
"Actually I have. However while the satellites themselves will be stationary, the receivers for the lasers would not be." Lucile explains.
"When I travel my phone will change towers as I move in and out of range. Can you do something similar?" Kate asks, not really understanding the dynamics of what Lucile is trying to do.
"I'm afraid the differences are too many to actually. …" And Lucile goes silent.
"You've got something, don't you?" Kate asks.
Lucile just smiles back. "Perhaps. I need to complete the design parameters and run a number of simulations first. Thank you Kate, that was very helpful." And Lucile disappears.
"You're welcome." Kate says to empty space. "I guess." Not really sure what she had done.
It was time for the boys to be in bed anyway and they had school tomorrow. At least it sounded like they would put up less of a fight tomorrow.
With the boys in bed Kate went to check up on Rick. Finding him back in his study madly typing away. "I could be standing here buck naked and you wouldn't notice, would you?" Kate tells him and gets no response. "Yea, that's what I thought." So she heads for the bathroom to take a shower.
However while she is in the shower, Kate is missing having Rick in the shower with her. So once done she dresses only in one of Rick's shirts and then heads for his study.
Kate slips around behind him and runs her hands along his shoulders. "Rick." She coos out into his ear. Not getting his attention. Kate decides to nibble on his ear. "Rick." Whispers into his ear. Finally getting a sound out of him she applies a little more incentive by running her hands down his chest and giving his nipples a little twist.
Kate finally has his attention and pulls him up and escorts him into the bedroom where she helps strip him of his clothes. Then pushes him down onto the bed and climbs in after him.
Come morning Kate finds herself wrapped around a still sleeping Rick. Content she snuggles in a little closer happy that she lured him out of his study last night. However someone needs to get the boys up and ready for school and it looks like it's going to be her this morning.
Kate was right it turned out, the boys were eager to get to school. They were excited about their teacher and what they were going to play during lunch this time.
By the time Kate is back home she finds that Rick has apparently showered and is now back in his study madly typing again. Groaning she heads for her course work for her first class.
Its lunch and Kate has eaten and Rick is still in his study oblivious to the rest of the world so she decides to load up Guinness and Maggie into the car and heads for the park to walk the dogs.
While walking the dogs she runs across a young 30 something guy out running who slows down to walk with her. Kate would really like for him to run on because she does not like his questions. Good thing she used to be a homicide detective because her detective alarms are going off.
It's only when he finally lays a hand on her that she quickly uses her advantage and has him on his stomach with his arm held up against his back as far up as she can get it to go. "Guinness, Maggie." And the dogs lean down and growl in his ears. One on each side.
He is now cussing and cursing about what he is going to do to her if she doesn't release him. While still holding onto his arm and with her knee in his back Kate pulls out her cell phone and dials 911. Within three minutes there are three cruisers with six officers there to take him away.
He complained the entire time and was threatening law suits the entire time. However Kate knew her rights and how to handle uniforms and how to talk to them. Kate was not worried about this guy ever giving her trouble again.
Giving Guinness and Maggie some loving along with a few dog biscuits that Kate had brought with her, she was glad to have them. That idiot had underestimated her and her dogs. And he was going to pay a price.
Getting back home Kate found Rick out of his office and sitting on the sectional watching the early news.
"Hey does this mean you are done?" Kate is hopeful.
"Yup all done. I sent it into the publisher for editing and review on-line about an hour ago." Rick tells her and gets up to give Kate a quick kiss. "Where did you go?"
"I took the dogs to the park for a nice walk." Kate tells him leaving out the jerk.
"Well I'm glad you had fun. How about two out of three odd/even at the pool table? Loser cooks dinner?" Rick offers.
"You are on. But if you put anything funny in my dinner after you lose you are so going to pay for it." Kate tells him.
"Oh, … Ok little miss boring." Rick is bummed since he had big plans.
Smiling Kate heads down the stairs for the pool table.
Three games later Kate is sitting at the counter watching Rick like a hawk that he follows the recipe and does not add something weird to her dinner that Rick is making for her and the boys after she picks them up from school.
Buffalo Chicken and Potatoes
Buffalo Chicken and Potatoes
Ranch dressing and cream of celery soup offsets the spice from buffalo wing sauce in a satisfying, meat-and-potatoes casserole.
1 1/4 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch strips 1/3 cup buffalo wing sauce 6 cups frozen (thawed) southern-style hash brown potatoes 1 cup ranch or blue cheese dressing 1/2 cup shredded Cheddar cheese (2 oz) 1 can (10 oz) condensed cream of celery soup 1/2 cup corn flake crumbs 2 tablespoons butter or margarine, melted 1/4 cup chopped green onions (3 to 4 medium)