In the distance, the toona boat can be seen moving closer to shore
with a large number of kitties partying on its decks, climbing the
rigging and otherwise celebrating the catch.

On the Island the staff is busy with preparations for the night's
party: the beach is groomed, carpenter-cats are erecting a large tents
on the beach, setting up a well-stocked bar and a long buffet table.
Other kitties are assembling a low kitty-sized sushi-bar, with silk
cushions in front of it, and a dance floor. Cushions, deck chairs and
blankets are spread over the beach, and strings of colorful paper
lanterns are being hung. A small dance band is setting up under the
tent.

As the tender from the boat beaches, a small army of cats bring the
toonas where the itami (sushi-chef) and his two assistants wash and
clean them. He carefully takes the belly and choice parts, wraps them
and puts them in the cooler for the sushi-bar. He cuts the remainder
into filets, steaks and chunks, giving a large number of the choice
pieces to Jocko for the fire-pit, and sending the rest to the kitchen
to be prepared by the villa's chefs, along with the rest of the
banquet. Jocko and his friends are getting the fire-pit ready.

A number of smaller boats are bringing an assortment of fish, crabs,
mussels, clams and oysters; kitchen cats are preparing roast beast to
be roasted over an open pit as well as a complete menu; bartender
kitties are polishing the crystal as wait-kitties set china on low
tables.

On the boat, Anaïs and Cleo try to get everykittie's attention: "Hihi
efurryone! Da Noo Yeerz party will begin at sundown tonite, so we haff
a few howrz to relax, take a nap, swim or shop until den. We''ll see
efurrykitty on da beech later!"

Anaïs turns to Tiger: "Dis will be funfun! I'ze wearink my Hawaiian
shirt dat matches yourz! What wood you like to do until sundown???"
--
Purrs,

Mme. Anaïs
1/17/2007 4:07:51 PM