Today we are visiting a deserted island. A very small deserted island. In fact, if the tide comes in any further we might have standing room only.But, the water is warm and clear and the air a balmy 86 degrees Fahrenheit. In short, a perfect day! And it looks shallow enough to wade in the water as long as we'd like.
If you could only bring three things with you to this island, what would you bring?
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I would bring sunblock, and a cooler with a jug of water and some grapes.
Wait, is that four things? Does the cooler count?
Ginger, I'll use one of my things for the cooler.
Do we have to include clothes as one of our things? ;)
I'd bring one of those underwater guns to shoot fish with, a big tarp to use as shelter from sun and rain, and my knife - or maybe a small thing to make sea water drinkable.( I could sneak the knife in under my shirt maybe?}
Uh, no Aidan, clothing doesn't count. I'm wearing my swimsuit, as you may have noticed.
But I opted for food and water over a towel.
And, thanks for the cooler!
Now, that's what I like to see... characters working together.
I was hoping this would turn into a co-operative day.
What great ideas, Gabby! Perhaps someone else will bring some matches for a fish fry!
Sunblock. Lots and lots of it. And a good hat.
You guys don't mind if I build a mausoleum, do you? This sun is gonna destroy me!
I had noticed, Ginger.
We don't need sunblock, but I've got ice for Aidan's cooler, whiskey (mustn't do anything without that) and a boat.
Hey. You said three things. I thought it'd be fun to take everyone for rides.
Stop flirting, Aidan. Can't you see you're embarrassing Ginger?
I've got towels. Big ones. Three.
I think Aidan has the right idea about clothes. Why bother?
Oh, and don't worry about matches. I can light a fire no problem.
Lucy, I wasn't flirting. I was trying to complement Ginger. She looks pretty, that's all.
Uh huh.
I've got my guitar. Who wants music?
Heyya Bo.
I'm with you. But Marc made me wear board shorts. It's okay, I guess. It is kind of tight on this island.
I do, Kalila! And you look nice in your bikini, too.
See, Lu? I'm complementing everyone. I'm not flirting.
You didn't complement me.
You're my sister. Um, ick.
I'm going to water ski. Who's with me? Marc's really good at getting people up. Gabby, you want to try?
I'd like to try water-skiing, Aidan - if the offer's still open.
I brought a margarita pitcher, a canvas, and my paints. Thought I'd paint this lovely scene. And since I couldn't bring cups, I'll have to pour the margarita in everyone's mouths. Hope that's okay.
So, who's up for a margarita?
Mom brought me along - and I'm only too happy that my bathing suit doesn't count as the three things. I brought some extra water - don't want anyone getting dehydrated - and a giant blanket that y'all are welcome to share with me.
Oh, and I brought a book - I love to read at the beach, though I must admit that water looks mighty tempting.
Of course you can ski, Olivia.
In my hometown, we call those "upside down margaritas."
I'm up for one or five. :)
Comin' right up, Aidan! Oh, wait, is it a good idea to drink before water-skiing?
Sunglasses, a six pack and Cal.
A good book, Cathy's iPod, and a comfy lounge chair. I don't care if I get wet as long as the water's warm.
Aw man; only three?
Hmmm. Definitely need my shades, and some a pitcher of Amy's sun tea. Who else knows about this island? Do I need to bring my gun, or just a fishing pole to catch some dinner?
Kalila; know any church hymns? I love to sing, and people say I have a great voice.
But first, Cal and I will water ski with Aidan.
Yeah Bro! How fast does that boat go?
I noticed your swim suit too Ginger.
The ocean, Margaritas, and girls! My kind of day off.
Nice to see you out and about so early Vic. Learning some new tricks?
I'm flattered that you all like my tankini so much!
You boys look quite fine in your suits as well.
I'm getting hungry! Any luck with the fish, Gabby?
I better not have any margaritas. They give me a headache.
Aw, that's too bad, Ginger. If I'd known, I would've brought some strawberry smoothies instead.
Red wine can give me a headache, but margaritas are sweet nectar to me!
Mom, I wouldn't say that too loudly. Makes you sound like a lush.
Boy, I wish I could be with you two, but I don't think my eyes (or my skin) could handle being on a sunlit island all weekend long. Too many years spent underground, I guess.
It's any kind of alcohol, Olivia. I can't handle alcohol in the heat... dehydrates me too much. I'm just a wimp, I guess.
Devi, the sun is going down now. Look at that fabulous sunset! Want to sit with me?
Aidan, care to start that fire now? I suppose we could burn some of these dead palm branches.
Kalila, your music is lovely. But do you think you could conjure us a little food? All my grapes are gone.
Hello, Calvin, Robert, and Amy. I don't think we've met yet. Calvin, I really don't think you need a gun. But you might try surf fishing. I would love some fried flounder!
I did it! I managed to sneak out of the Hollow. Jesse's covering for me... told everyone I'm holed up in our apartment, sick. Hopefully, no one will see me sneaking back in tomorrow.
But, for now, I'm on the island! With my beloved daughter and granddaughter! There's still some life in this old girl yet - I feel almost giddy.
So, sure, Ginger, I'll sit beside the fire with you. As long as Liv and Sam will join us.
Oh, and I've brought some vittles along with me - fresh-baked cinnamon apple muffins, some dried apricots, and some homemade beef jerky. (You know, just in case there's not enough fish.) Anyone hungry?
Yay! Grandma's here. I'm so excited to meet you finally.
*gives Devi a big hug*
Hi, Mom!
*hugs Devi, too*
What a wonderful surprise! I'm only sorry Michael and Daryl aren't here to meet you. They're home, watching Buddy.
Bless you Devi! Thanks!
You're welcome, Ginger! This is so much fun... I feel like I'm playing hooky from school.
Thank you for bringing paint to commemorate this event, Olivia. I don't photograph well.
I suppose I can conjure food if no one managed to catch any fish. You'll have to tell me what you want, though. I don't eat human food very often, and Ricky says I sometimes get it "wrong," whatever that means.
How DO you photograph, Nevin?
how about some grilled chicken, vegetables, rice and, um, water ice for dessert? That is, Italian ice, to you non-Jersey folks.
(Is that simple enough for her, Ricky?)
That's easily done Ginger. Enjoy!
Ginger, Kalila can conjure whatever you ask for if she's in the mood. The problem is when she tries to guess what a human might like. The time she produced both waffles and pepperoni pizza was a bit of a disaster. I mean, I like them both, but...
Ginger, the problem with photographs is that I sparkle too much. We have a makeup artist who helps with that, but she's not here.
I think paintings are much more civilized, anyway.
Ricky, why don't you just admit you're ungrateful?
I'm sure these other humans will understand. I try very hard to give this mortal what he wants and he turns his nose up at it!
I refuse to get in the middle of this "discussion," Kalila and Ricky - I'm sure you're both delightful and frustrating in your own way... but I'm glad my painting skills can be put to good use here. I like photography, Nevin, but I often prefer a canvas to a camera, too.
Do you not like the grilled chicken, rice and vegetables, Olivia? Humans are so hard to please!
There, I think that fire will hold us.
Well done, Aidan. It's not nighttime on a beach without a fire.
Kalila, I'll eat anything you conjure.
Oh brother...
Nice fire, guys! Later, after the mortals go to bed, we should have a fire-setting party.
Why are you looking at me like that, Ricky? Have a pizza or something.
It's just that this is a small island, Kalila. Setting things on fire seems like a bad idea.
Don't worry, Ricky. She'll put the fires out when she tires of them.
No, Kalila, the food is terrific - and much appreciated! I love chicken, rice, and vegetables - a dish I've made often enough at home.
I simply stated that I refused to get into a discussion about whether Ricky's ungrateful or not.
And while a fire-setting party sounds awesome, I'm afraid all of our shady trees will be gone tomorrow.
I admit, my menu does sound a bit too healthy. But delicious!
How about a round of hot fudge sundaes, Kalila? You are *such* a dear. Have you ever thought of trying the food business? I'll bet you make fantastic baklava.
Aidan, Marc, and Jason.. slow down! You'll make yourselves sick.
Or not. *shrug*
And the fire is wonderful, Aidan.
You seem to be quite skilled at starting fires.
Oh, to be 21 again!
Let me make the ice cream! I just love sweets. Here, everyone! I hope you like it!
Thanks, Ginger.
I won't let any of the trees go up, I promise. We can always have Marc slick us with the boat.
Of course, we might get wet. You all cool with getting all wet?
Brilliant ice cream, Nevin. Well done, mate. What do you put in it? Pure love?
Heehee. Pure love - in ice cream? What does that taste like exactly?
*tastes some*
Mmm... like heaven!
You really outdid yourself with the ice cream, Nevin. A little nightcap after this and I'll be ready to sleep by the fire. Unless some folks are still planning on burning things, in which case I guess I'll move of down the beach.
I'll go with you, Ricky. Mom and I are having a good time, but neither of us wants to get burned alive.
If only we were on South Padre (our island), it would be a different story. That one's big enough to have a wild fire without killing everything in sight. Not that I recommend wild fires as a rule.
Ice cream? I heard ice cream. Where is it?
Cal caught some fish, but he doesn't really know what it is, so, he's embarrassed to share it
Lucy, come walk with me.
Tell me about yourself.
Happy to, Cal, but I have to warn you, Marc gets jealous.
I don't! Go take your walk. Get to know Cal.
Beautiful morning. Did anyone think to bring coffee?
Hi, everyone! Daryl and I couldn't come yesterday - he had a date of some sort, and I had appointments to attend to. But I couldn't miss this chance to see an island smaller than ours...
Oh, and I've brought organic coffee, milk, and sugar.
Daryl brought scones, mugs, and a big-ass towel. He almost brought his iPod, but I thought a towel might be more useful.
Whatever, Dad. The sun's bright enough - we could air-dry... and I could be listening to music right now.
Yay! Buddy's here, too!
Arf! Arf!
*licks Sam's face*
I'm so glad you guys could make it! Come for a swim. The water's great!
Coffee! You're a lifesaver, Michael. If you weren't already married, I'd hug you.
You can hug me, Ginger!
Coffee sounds great! Let me get a cup for Robert too.
I knew better than to let him run off with Cal for the day. Cal's so dark he doesn't need sun block, and Robert forgets his red hair and fair skin.
I'll take a hug, Ginger. Olivia's not worried, believe me, and we're a hugging kind of family.
Sorry Amy. I'll make it up to him later.
Hey Buddy! Aren't you a good looking dog.
Arf! Arf! Yup. Arf! Arf!
Does Buddy like to ride in the boat?
Arf! Arf! Yup! Yup! Arf! Arf!
*wags tail happily*
Yes, dear Aidan. Buddy loves boat rides - thanks for asking.
We have a boat of our own on the island, and he often goes for rides with us. He loves the wind in his face and the sea spray - though I must admit he gets a little excitable when someone catches a fish.
Ow! Anybody think to bring some Tylenol? Man that sun hurts.
Where's Vic? Did he burn up too?
Ow, Amy, don't touch it. Just find my shirt.
Sorry, Robert. I should've brought some - being a doctor and all. But my family's so used to the sun - given that we live on a sunny island - that I didn't think to. There seems to be plenty of water, though, so drink up! Let's try to avoid heatstroke, shall we?
I'm feeling generous, Bo. Here's a hug for you... ow! You're a brick wall!
Here, Michael, one for you, too. That was great coffee! And Nevin, your ice cream is fabulous.
Kalila, thank you so much for last night's dinner. It was a treat not to have to cook.
And, hey, why not just a big group hug for everyone!
I didn't even have any whisky or margaritas. See what the islands do to me?
Hey, Buddy, thanks for the kisses, baby! You're awfully cute.
Robert, I always carry Tylenol in my purse. Here you go. That's quite a burn you've got there. Too bad I don't have any solarcaine.
Hey, wait, we could bring our purse? But I thought that would count as one of the three things.
I had to tuck my money and license in an uncomfortable place. If I had only known...
Thanks Ginger!! Thats much better. We'll be going back soon anyways.
Uh, where'd Cal go? Is he still off with Lucy?
Robert, would you like me to help with that sunburn? Kalila is a better healer than I am, but she's gone off somewhere with Ricky.
Thanks Ginger for the group hug, and the Tylenol. It's been fun lounging in the sun, but we really need to get back to the real world.
I haven't seen Cal this happy in months and have been worried he's falling into one of his depressions. Maybe this was just what he needed.
Yeah, Amy, it's time for me to slip back to the "real world," too - well, the underworld of Ruby Hollow, that is. But it's been wonderful meeting you all in person - I'm especially tickled that I've gotten to see my daughter and finally meet her family.
What a delight this has been! Thanks for the hospitality, everyone!
Uhm, th-thanks Nevin. But, well, you're a demon, right?
You seem like an alright guy and all, but, I haven't been right with God lately. And, maybe, that would, you know offend him.
I'm used to being burnt. My own folly, you know. But hey, that ice cream was just heavenly.
Robert, Nevin is a fairy. Bo is the demon.
Nevin is totally okay! And totally harmless.
And quite sparkly in the sunshine, I might add.
Olivia, ladies can always bring our purses.
They DEFINITELY don't count.
Ah don't mind my Bro, Nevin. He doesn't mean to be so grumpy. Those blisters are starting to bubble.
My fault, I shouldn't have let him take off his shirt. I was distracted by the beauty of the place, and the people. I've been so bored at home, and this place has excited me. I never want to leave!
But maybe I better get Robert home before he suggests a prayer meeting. Or serious drinking. He's been really good this weekend, only had a few brews.
Amy, wipe that worried look off your face and wave good-bye. There you go - oh thanks Buddy for the tail wagging. You sure are cute.
See y'all next time.
Well, darn. If only I'd known - I would have been less uncomfortable, and I, too, would have had Tylenol to share. Oh, well, live and learn.
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