Chapter 7

Steve

We had dropped sail and started our engines before we entered the harbor area of Dublin Bay. It was only about 8:30 local time as we motored toward the yacht club where we were to dock. Everyone on board rushed to the port side of the boat to point and exclaim at a large sign on top of some buildings on shore. The large S&S Enterprises sign looked pretty good to me.

Dewey said, "Kind of neat to see your company here, isn't it?"

"Sure is, Dewey, the building nearest us is the super-lift rebuild and cart plant. We're closing the cart plant to expand the rebuild area. All the cart plant equipment will be sent to Germany for the expanded operation there. The building behind is where we build the regular forklifts."

Dewey smiled, "I didn't know you were making this a business trip too. I was hoping you might go up to the Netherlands with me for a day."

I answered, "I probably should be able to go with you, Dewey. I only need to check on the people here and in Germany. I won't need to stay. You have some things to do in London and Paris, so you do those while I take care of here and Germany, then we can go see your people in the Netherlands afterward."

Pulling my cell phone out, I could see I had coverage, so I called Mac's cell. "Hey Mac, we're just passing the S&S plant right now. It's your guess as to when we'll reach the yacht club."

Mac said, "I'll have the club send their welcome boat out to guide you into your berth. You'll be berthed next to the kids' boat. There is a large welcoming committee to greet you. I think everyone in the house, including the cook and chambermaids, are here to meet you. It looks like a great many from your plants are here too. We'll see you in a few minutes."

I looked at Dewey, "You're going to really like these folks. You remember the young couple is a little off the wall, but Mac and his wife are good people. You'll also like Mac's man, Brutus. He may be a domestic, but I can tell you, he is more than he appears to be, and he and Mac are real friends."

Dewey laughed, "You don't know any normal people, do you?"

Sue was standing with us and elbowed Dewey, "What do you mean normal people? You're normal; Chuck's normal, right? We know lots of normal people."

Dewey just rolled his eyes as Sheila and Sheena snuggled against him,

smiling.

There was a lot of ferry traffic coming out of and going into the channel where the ferries docked. That was the least expensive way for folks to travel back and forth to the United Kingdom from Ireland. The kids were all out on the deck with binoculars, checking out the people on the decks of the big boats.

A small boat flying the Irish flag came out to meet us. Over our radio, we heard them hailing us to follow them into our berth at the yacht club. When we reached the yacht basin and were shown our berth, I slowly turned the Lucky Lady, and even slower, began easing her into the berth, stern first.

There were several attendants ready to catch our lines as we settled next to the long broad floating walkway between the Irish Bell and the Lucky Lady. There was a bunch of people milling around on the dock in anticipation of our arrival. I recognized Wanda and John, Jan and Don, and Marie and Dennis first. I could see Mac and Brutus standing with Mac's wife, Lorna. Next to them was Michael, Chandra, Lucille, Margaret, and Serene, and their kids, the twins, Cory and Corinne, the boy from Lucille, Sean, and the boy from Margaret, Mike. There were also several of the people from our rebuild and lift manufacturing plant waving at us.

As soon as Chuck put the gangplank in place, customs officers came aboard to clear us into the country. After a brief inspection of the boat and a review of our boat documentation and our passports, the officers welcomed us to Ireland. The officer waved at his cohorts on shore to let the people waiting on the dock come aboard.

The people from the dock flooded the deck of the Lucky Lady. Chuck was busily trying to introduce his folks to Michael and his family, while being introduced to Mackenzie, Lorna, and Brutus.

I noticed Mackenzie spent a few minutes with the customs officials. Probably thanking them for their speedy inspection. I'm sure it helped that S&S is a big employer in the area.

It took a half-hour before everyone had been introduced to each other. Mac announced that he had hired a large bus to take us all to his home. He had also hired a large package van to haul our luggage to the house.

The kids were crowding around Chuck and Lisa, then scattered below deck.
My ladies had prepared everyone to have their bags packed, knowing we would be staying with Mac and family. When the kids began reappearing, they were carrying their guitar cases. Bonita had her guitar case, her violin case, and a backpack. I asked, "Bonita, what's in your backpack?"

Bonita said, "All of my music. I have some CDs of our fake books too, but most of it is my music."

Greg spoke to Bonita and was soon carrying both his and Bonita's guitars. Chuck told me, "Brutus said he would wait with me and take me to the house when I'm done shutting down the boat. I want to wrap the sails and cover the salons. The yacht club said their people would scrub our decks for us, so that'll be done. This won't take long. You go ahead and get settled."

I noticed Lisa, Taiying, and Sing stayed with Chuck to help him close the boat. He had all the help he would need.

With all the family on the big bus, we left for what I considered a castle. It was just a huge stone home that had the general appearance of a castle, but wasn't really one. It didn't have a moat, drawbridge, or battlements, but it did have a couple of towers with windows that looked out on the land surrounding the home.

As soon as the bus parked in front of the huge rock home, several people came to the bus and package van to help the people out of the bus and unload the luggage. Dewey and I followed everyone inside and were immediately ushered into Mac's favorite garden area to be served a drink. Mac, Lorna, and Michael held up their glasses to us while Mac said, "It is such a great pleasure to have you in our home again, Steve. To you, Dewey, and your families."

We all took a drink and I said, "Thank you for welcoming all of us into your home. Your hospitality is very heartwarming."

Lorna said, "When your friend, Mr. Johnson gets here, we'll do this again. Michael, you might want to get Chandra, Lucille, Margaret, and Serene in here for our toast, as well. It will mean even more with them here."

Michael left, while the rest of us sat on some chairs out in this beautiful garden atrium.

Mac said, "Your businesses have been a boon to our economy, Steve. I have a proposition for Sue and will speak with the two of you about it. You know, if you want, you two can be even bigger employers here in Ireland. I think you'll like what the Irish people are proposing."

How do you respond to something like that? Whatever he was proposing had to do with Quality Wear, and Sue felt she was pretty maxed out right now. Hopefully, the locals had a good plan that would make it possible to work with them.

We chatted for a while before Michael showed up with all of his women. My ladies, and all of Chuck's, accompanied him. The garden sitting area, although very expansive, was getting crowded. Introductions were made again to help everyone remember who each person, and what their relationship, was. When all of the names were given a few times again, Lorna said with a big smile, "Mac, my husband, I suppose I should find a couple of more women to tend to you. I feel very strange being an only wife among these folks who have multiple partners."

Mac pulled Lorna from her feet onto his lap. After her screech, Mac said, "I'm a very happy man to have you for my wonderful wife. I think you are all I could want."

There was some gentle applause by everyone else in the area as the older couple kissed. Chandra looked on with a big smile.

Chuck, Brutus, Lisa, Taiying, and Sing came into the garden area. Brutus went to a tray and handed the newcomers a glass and took one himself. Magically, several ladies in domestic clothing handed all the others a glass containing an amber liquid. Brutus raised his glass and said, "As the spokesman for Mac and Lorna, welcome to our home. We are very excited to have all of you. The excitement you bring us is wonderful and welcome. Enjoy your stay."

The crystal flutes contained delicate champagne. I noticed that three of Michael's ladies, three of Chuck's, and one of mine, Mickey, didn't take more than a small sip from their glass. They were all watching out for their belly baggage.

As if there was a silent command, almost everyone left the area. Only Mac, Brutus, Chuck, Dewey, and I were left. We drew our chairs to a table and settled down for a more comfortable conversation. We had not been talking long before Bonita and Michael's Cory came into the garden. Bonita whispered something into Chuck's ear and was grinning at him.

Chuck stood, "It seems my presence is needed by the children. They want to show me something. Please excuse me."

Chuck left, with the two kids pulling him to hurry.

Mac said, "Remember how quiet this place was when you were here before. I'm sure you remember how silent it was almost everywhere you went. Now it's different, noisy, fun, happy, full of life, and soon it will be even more so. With all three of Michael's and Chandra's ladies preparing to bear us more grandchildren, this place will become a haven of happy sounds. I think when they are gone with you to Italy and the Riviera, Lorna and I will be very lonely. We've almost decided to travel with you."

"You should, Mac. If your boat doesn't have the room, ours, or rather Chuck's does. We would love to have you with us." I hoped I was as sincere as I meant to be. It would be neat to have this man travel with us.

Michael had come into the garden area and sat with us. "Dad, Chandra and I have asked you many times to come with us. Please come with us. That huge boat you gave us for a wedding present can hold many, many more than we ever carry. You need to get your sea legs anyway, as you and Lorna are planning to sail with us to Florida after the babies are born."

Mac said, "Speaking of babies, you made a great selection to sire your offspring. Chuck looks enough like you to almost be your twin."

Michael smiled, "It is uncanny, isn't it? And the man is of good character. You've heard all of the tales of his deeds. I'm told he has been through a great deal more since his return from Hawaii."

Mac looked at me, "You don't think Mike and Chandra are strange, do you, Steve? They wanted more children, and with the addition of the lovely Serene, Michael needed some help. He was a little quick to have a snip job, and discovered his couldn't be reversed. We'll probably have to borrow your friend for Serene in the future, as she's told all of us she wants several children. Chandra and Mike want more too. What do you think, Mike, are Lucille and Margaret done after this go around?"

Michael laughed, "For babies, yes; but from the way they speak of Chuck, I think they would like to simulate the making of more."

"My children are so naughty," Mac laughed. "Lorna and I raised a quiet, gentle daughter who has become a worldly lady after marrying what I thought would be a calm, gentle, husband. I don't think Michael encourages her, as Chandra has become a beautiful temptress all on her own."

Michael was staring at his drink, "She is a wonderful wife, Mac. I'm lucky to be her chosen man. She is a little wild, but nothing is wrong with having a torrid woman at home."

Brutus got up and excused himself.

Mac said, "Brutus has assumed a new role in our home. He still considers himself a domestic, but let me assure you, I do not let him chase after anyone or me. He is in charge of the home and the personnel. He rules over the home with a firm hand, but makes the others lives very enjoyable."

Mac sipped his whiskey and added, "Since you've begun doing business with us here in Ireland, Steve, my own business has prospered. You have brought luck to me, as well as to Ireland. You've allowed me to have more than I deserve in this life."

Michael said, "That you hired me to oversee many areas within your company was what I needed to become more of the man I had always wanted to be. I've learned to bring people together for a common goal. I've learned to strive for the perfection S&S has demonstrated. And now Mac is using me more and more to help him in his operations."

I nodded, "I'm glad to know you've been able to work toward keeping the business flowing here. I'm sure you are a big reason we're expanding our rebuild plant and relocating the cart plant."

Lamenting, Michael added, "I wish you didn't have to move the cart plant. I think Ireland could have supplied the labor to keep both operations going. I do realize the economy is slow enough to keep the plant sizes about what they are." With a sigh, Michael said, "It's always difficult to hear of losing a plant to another European country, especially Germany."

I told the others, "We'll watch the demand. If there is sufficient demand, we'll build another cart plant here. We may have something new to begin building here. We are working very hard to develop wind turbine electric generators. Our goal is to reduce the size of the turbine and to build a more efficient generator. We've accomplished a lot toward our goals, but I think we can do more. Right now, our generators can be run by steam, water, wind, or fuels. Michael, if you want to know more about our successes, talk to Dennis. He's one of the R&D engineers who is close to the projects."

Mac said, "You must bring one or some of your wind turbines here for me to test for you. Electricity is one of our larger costs here at home. With the welcoming of more people, we use more electricity and a lot more hot water."

I told them, "We're working on efficient battery operated vehicles too. We want to break the hundred mile barrier. If we can store power for a three or four hundred mile range, an electric car can be the answer to high fuel costs."

Mac laughed, "If you think you pay too much for gasoline, think about us. We pay almost as much per liter as you do a gallon. Let's see, doing the conversion, we pay about nine twenty-five a gallon. You build me an affordable electric car with some range and I'll buy it."

I told them, "I don't want to be the manufacturer of the electric car, I just want to sell our technology to the big 3 or 4. If we can develop better energy efficient electric motors and battery storage, we will have accomplished one of our goals. The other goal is to capture energy from the wind and store it for our use."

Michael said, "I'm with you, Steve. Develop what you can and let us build it for the European market. If the luck of the Irish is green, then let green energy be the luck of the Irish."

Mac laughed, "Good one, Mike. I'm betting on S&S helping us out even more."

Michael asked, "What's this about all the kids on your boat playing music?"

"It's Chuck's boat, Michael," I said. "This boat is all his. He bought and paid for it, modified it, and has learned to captain it to sail over here. Chuck and his family are all becoming proficient sailors and also learning to captain the boat."

Michael asked again, "Okay, so what about the kids playing music?"

I smiled, "This is a continuation of our Hawaiian trip, when Chuck began teaching the kids guitar and some piano. I remember that Serene helped with the project, as well. Some of the kids have become more talented since then, and on the trip over; Chuck and Lisa began working with them to play as a group. They sound pretty good too."

Michael said to Mac, "You won't believe how talented Chuck is. The girl with him, Lisa, came to Hawaii with some other musicians for Chuck's birthday. The music they played was very professional. Those two are really good." Michael said to me, "Perhaps we can have all the kids give a performance."

Mac said, "We've remodeled the lower children's area so they have a place for their guitars, as well as a piano and a couple of keyboards. Corinne has been taking violin lessons for a couple of months. I hope she continues with the guitar and piano, as she has progressed very well. Serene has become a very popular instructor for all of the instruments here. Michael and Chandra chose well when they made her part of the family."

I told the others, "I'd bet that's where Chuck is right now. Everything Bonita gets excited about has something to do with music. She does enjoy riding her dirt bike and likes to play ball, but music is what she really loves."

Mac said, "It's getting close to the evening meal. Why don't we all wash up and meet with our womenfolk in the big lounge, what you call a family room."

Michael said, "Let me show you where your rooms are. We've put you two on the third floor, and Chuck and his family on the fourth floor. The three couples that flew over are also on the third floor. The fourth floor is a little smaller, but fits Chuck's family very well."

We were led to a hidden elevator. Mike said, "You can use the stairs, but this is faster. Even with the car on another floor, it is still very responsive. Chandra had to use it for a while after she gave birth to Cory and Corinne. She had a hell of a time giving birth. Mac was glad he had the elevator then."

The third floor was as enormous as the floors below. I think half the trailer park could have been housed on the floor. The door to Dewey's suite was across from the door where my family was to be housed. When we walked into the suite, we were in a sitting area, complete with two couches, several big chairs, tables, and a large TV. Going off this room were several doors that were all open. Sue came from one of the rooms, gave me a quick kiss, and said, "I think I have the kids unpacked. Glenda, Mom, Barb, Kathy, and Juanita helped out. Mercy and Missy were shanghaied into demonstrating their mental talents to Lorna and the household staff. They have a maid who has some of these same abilities and want her to learn to use them more."

Dewey had diverted to his suite, but came into ours with Sheila and Sheena. Sheila said, "Whew, that's done. All the clothes are hung and put away. Lucille sent a maid up to help. How do you handle so many kids? You always seem so relaxed and organized."

Kathy answered, "Easy, there are five of us to take care of the kids, so it really isn't a big deal. We also have Glenda, and usually, Beth, hanging around. There are only ten younger kids. Barb is really like another of us, helping to get things done when we need her."

Barb was standing with her hip cocked to the side and her hands on her hips, "Perfect, I get all of the wifely responsibilities without any of the benefits. If I'm going to be a surrogate mom around here, I expect some of the good stuff too."

Kathy laughed, "As if you were excluded from the hot tub fun the other night."

Barb's face flushed, "Well, we were all together. With both Steve and Chuck there, it was an opportunity, you know."

That caused the moms and mature women to all laugh heartily. Beth said, "We do love those hot tubs, don't we?"

Sue said to me, "Chuck had me call Julie's kids while we were traveling. They are due here any minute to surprise her. Mac and Lorna have enough room on the fourth floor for the two couples and their two kids, so they will stay the night and take Julie back to London tomorrow. Let's all go downstairs to make sure the kids aren't dismantling this castle, and to be there when Julie's kids and grandkids get here."

Some took the elevator, and some of us walked down the stairs. From the ground floor, Kathy said to follow her so she could show us the children's' area. We went down a wide staircase into a large living, or family, room area. Serene was there with the kids and greeted us. She spoke what sounded like a foreign language.

When she saw our confusion, she laughed sweetly, "Ah, but you wouldn't know the Irish language, would you? This is our living room, a lounge if you're in the UK, or to the Irish, the Seomra Teaghlaigh."

It sounded more like "Sumra chielee."

Serene said, "The Goidelic language is recognized as the national language of Ireland. It is used more predominantly in Northern Ireland where I come from, but I think most all Irish speak English now. Only a few of the older folks still hold out and speak only the old language.

Sue said, "I guess I have a lot to learn about Ireland and the wonderful Irish people."

The lounge was huge, almost half the size of the main floor of the castle. One wall was all glass, with the curtains pulled back to give a view out over the manicured meadows behind the building. The room was large enough for several simultaneous activities, and had sound deadening materials on the floors, ceiling, and walls. Kids were playing instruments on the other side of the big room and you couldn't hear them on this side.

Serene brought us to where the kids were playing their guitars. Bonita and Corinne were off to the side, playing their violins for each other in the part of the room that had a full grand piano. Amusing was the electronic keyboard set up next to the grand piano. My kids were demonstrating some of the music they had learned while sailing over. They had music sheets out to show the others about harmonizing.

Chuck and Lisa were helping demonstrate how good the two guitars sounded when playing only two parts of the piece they were playing. When they finished, they began having the Irish kids play with them to learn the harmony parts.

Serene looked on as the kids followed Chuck and Lisa, "Chuck is so good with the children. Lisa and Chuck have the children's full attention. They all want to learn from them. He is a wonderful man." She said this while rubbing her swollen, belly.

I said, "Let's leave them be. I want to be upstairs when Julie's family gets here."

Sue and I left Serene and the others, and went back upstairs. I was amazed at how the sound didn't carry up to the living quarters.

Brutus intercepted us and said, "Go get Chuck and Lisa for me, please. Madam Montgomery's family is pulling in the outer gate."

I went for Chuck and Lisa. They told the kids they would be back and followed me back upstairs. They found Julie with Lorna, Missy, and Mercy in the kitchen, and brought Julie out to the main lounge near the entrance area.

When Brutus opened the door, two young children ran through it, looking around quickly. They spotted Julie and ran to her, almost knocking her down. The two couples that followed the children in were a bit embarrassed because of the children's eagerness to see their grandmother.

Julie was cooing over the two grandchildren as her children entered the lounge. She looked up as her son and daughter came to embrace her. The son said, "Mother, it is so good to see you. We are so excited you are coming to live near us."

Julie's daughter was hugging her and said, "This is so exciting, and I have even more exciting news."

The reunited families kept hugging each other until Mac and Lorna suggested they sit on the comfortable couches and talk. Brutus had an attendant find out what the folks all wanted to drink and left them. The rest of us excused ourselves. Julie asked Chuck and Lisa to remain, so they joined Julie and the families on the couches. Julie kept exclaiming that she was so surprised to see her family so soon. As we left, Julie was giving Chuck a very warm kiss on the lips, thanking him for the wonderful surprise. I could see the daughter's surprise, as well as the arched eyebrow of the son.

We went to another lounge that Mac explained was the library. It did have bookshelves from floor to ceiling, plus a balcony with more books in it. There was one of those ladders on rails and wheels that could be pushed to any part of the bookshelves. In addition to the multiple couches and chairs with reading lamps, there was a very ornate bar and a snooker table. Mac said, "This is our Pub. A place to relax, read a good book, shoot a game of snooker, and to have a soothing drink. What can I get for you?"

Over the next few minutes, we were joined by all of the women of my family, Dewey's two, the three couples who had flown over, and all of Chuck's women except Lisa. Mac said, "This is wonderful. Your group is a party just looking for a place to happen."

Dewey said, "You're right about that. If Chuck and Steve are around, it will be party time soon."

Mac asked of the men, "Who wants to play some snooker? I know you folks in the States play more straight pool than we do here."

John suggested, "Steve, I've seen you play some snooker over at Park Place. Why not play with Mac. We'll all try to play some over the next few days."

Mac showed me his cues and encouraged me to select any one. All of the cues had very thin shafts. While I picked out a cue, we agreed the host would have the first shot.

The game progressed more rapidly than it would have at home. It must have been that my opponents at home were not as adept at snooker as Mac. He didn't beat me by that many points, but he beat me fairly soundly. If I had not run out the last four numbered balls, I would not have been even remotely close.

While Mac and I retired to the bar for a drink, John and Brutus had a game. John was a good pool shot, but a snooker table is very different from a pool table. The pockets are narrower and the angle that you have to enter them is straighter than in pool. You have to line up perfectly, or you will catch a corner, or tit, of the pocket and bounce away. Corner pockets are deceptively narrow.

Brutus won, but not by much. Chandra was next to play and took on Michael as her opponent. It was no contest. Chandra was a dead shot and beat Michael by more than double.

The evening continued until Julie led her children, spouses, and grandchildren into the library lounge. She introduced everyone and suggested to her two kids to have a drink. Julie said, "I'm going to take the little ones downstairs to introduce them to the other children."

The daughter, Penny, followed Julie downstairs so she could meet the other children. James, the son, and his wife Eugenia, and Penny's husband, Thomas, stayed behind and welcomed a drink. They integrated easily into our friendly group. Soon Thomas was shooting a game of snooker with Chandra and keeping up with her quite well.

Sue and Mercy were next to me, and Mercy asked me, "What happened to Chuck and Lisa?"

I kidded Mercy, "You mean you've lost contact with both of them? How could that be?"

Mercy asked Missy, "Where's Chuck?"

Missy smiled and said, "They went back downstairs with the children. If you notice, Lucille and Margaret are also gone to help Serene with them." Mercy just nodded and I could tell she was trying to mentally contact either of the two absent friends.

The evening progressed very nicely. After a while, we were ushered into the large dining room. The adults all sat and were well fed by the staff within the home. Mac made note that the English sitting at his table were enjoying the traditional Irish fare on the table. He congratulated the people from London on their good taste. I think Lorna was working to keep Mac's antagonism toward the English at bay.

After the meal, Chuck suggested all of the adults adjourn to the lower level to hear what the children had been practicing. When the crowd was all arranged around the grand piano, with all of the various children sitting together with their instruments, Chuck announced. "It is our custom for the kids to play the songs they have learned and keep current by playing them often to build up their repertoire. The music they play is a variety that will amuse and astound. Julie, Bonita has taught your two grandchildren a couple simple guitar chords so they can play along. Ladies and Gentlemen, let the music begin."

The kids played their Tom Petty song, which was very impressive. Bonita led the kids in their newest harmonization piece, 'When a man loves a woman' with Lisa singing softly. Next they played the multi-part, Georgia. The children did well harmonizing on it, then they played the piece Pop and Rags had written for Chuck and Lisa. It was old time blues, but with a bounce. Bonita added an organ accompaniment on the keyboard, Liz filled in nicely with her harmonica, and Chuck played soft electric bass notes, with Lisa playing a good blues guitar. The kids did a great job with the four part harmony to give the piece an unnatural realism.

When they were done, all of the kids stood and bowed, giggling for doing something as simple as bowing. Everyone who had listened was spellbound and began applauding. I couldn't have been prouder while watching and listening to the children perform like that.

Mac said, "My goodness, even the two children who just came played for us. How did you teach them so fast?"

Chuck said, "Bonita taught them. She has a way to show little ones how it's done. Serene is another wonderful teacher. She has really taught her children here well. I think we should all be proud of their accomplishments. Now for a very unique treat. Both Corinne and Bonita have been studying violin. Both girls have become pretty good at the keyboard, as well. Tonight, after only a few hours of practice, these wonderful music students will play for you. They will switch instruments halfway through so they can each show what they have learned. You'll recognize the music."

Chuck left the two at the grand piano. There was no music in front of either girl as Corinne picked up her violin, and Bonita struggled to adjust the reach of her feet to the pedals of the piano.

When they began the slow melodious piece, you had to choke up a little. The two played so well and had learned this in just a few hours. I was standing next to Julie and Lorna as the girls began and Lorna gasped, "Ave Maria, so beautiful."

The two played through several bars and when there was a natural pause, Corinne moved to the piano and Bonita rose and took up her violin. They finished the piece as beautifully as they had begun. The real showstopper was Lisa replacing Corinne on the piano, and both girls playing the theme through one more time on their violins, but in harmony. Totally amazing.

When the music stopped, the room was totally silent in awe of the performance. Chuck began clapping and soon the room was loud with applause.

Mac said loudly, "This is a proud moment for all of you parents. Just see what we have to look forward to. Let's go have an evening dessert."

Everyone went upstairs. The kids went to their dining area and the adults went back to the library lounge. When we were being served a form of pie, I said, "It's unusual that we're not sharing our time with the kids. I suppose you all have your ways with the kids, but we enjoy their rambunctious ways. They can be loud and disruptive, but they are also so very loving and entertaining."

Mac was nodding and got up, leaving the room. Seconds later, all of the kids came running into the sedate library lounge. I think the only people surprised were Julie's two adult kids and their spouses, as well as Margaret and Lucille.

We enjoyed the children being with us until it was time for them to go to bed. The nannies gathered the children, but some of my family, some of Chuck's, Serene, and Chandra helped get the kids up to bed.

Thomas and Penny, along with their spouses and kids, were shown to their quarters. Mac, Michael, Dewey, Chuck, John, Dennis, Brutus, Don, and I stayed in the library for one last drink. We talked about how great it was to be able to visit like this. I told Mac, "We're going to really enjoy Americanizing you when you come to visit. You will enjoy the casual atmosphere. I'm really looking forward to you and Lorna coming."

In a few minutes, we all said goodnight and headed up to our suites and women.

My lovely ladies were waiting for me in our bedroom. Sue said, "This isn't as romantic as the boat, but I think we are all ready for some Steve. Come take care of your harem, we're all needy."

It was a long time before I was able to drift off to sleep. We were all snuggled together, with smiles on our faces. I was face to face with my dark Latin lady, with our pregnant newest addition, Mickey, hugging my back. I really couldn't have it any better.