Unexpected Gifts

I've had bunnies on the brain all morning.  Tonight, we're going to the grand opening for Medley Acres Farm, run by our friends Jake and Julie.  They've been working like crazy in the greenhouse all spring, and there are seedlings for purchase.  I can't describe how excited I am for this.  Greenhouses are like magnets for me.  I am physically unable to stay away.  Anyway, in addition to their seedlings, there will be bunnies for sale.

I happen to love bunnies.
So does Juli.
Juli openly wants a bunny.
I would like to bring a bunny home, only Todd doesn't know it.

* * * * * *


Remember in the fall when we said goodbye to Aunt Helen?  Well, I just had a random Aunt Helen memory that made me smile.

The summer after sixth grade we were living in a Ryan neighborhood in Ohio.  It was your typical subdivision, filled with people who cared about manicured lawns.

So right in the middle of a Saturday, an unexpected Econoline van pulled in our driveway.  The doors opened, and out hopped Uncle Fred, Aunt Helen, and my cousin Deb.

And two bunnies.
I can almost imagine the heart-stopping moment my mom had when she realized the bunnies were staying.

It was wonderful to see our family, but Paula and I couldn't take our eyes off those bunnies.  It was quickly decided that I would have the brown one (Thumper) and she would have the white one (Snow White).  I don't remember much of the rest of that day, other than playing with the bunnies outside.  (Outside, because Thumper made a big wet spot on my bedspread within a few minutes...)

The funny part was, we hadn't asked for bunnies.

Aunt Helen and Uncle Fred had bunnies behind their garage.  We had visited and admired the bunnies, but I think Paula and I knew better than to ask to bring a bunny home.  However, Uncle Fred and Aunt Helen knew we would love to have bunnies, so they brought them to us without asking our parents.

It was a wonderful surprise.

My aunt and uncle were very giving people.  I've mentioned about Aunt Helen's kitchen, where you couldn't miss having a great meal, day or night.  But there were other surprises, too, like my E.T. ceramic bank, the Easter jewelry box, and the velvet pictures with markers.  Aunt Helen loved to create crafts, make quilts, and crochet afghans.  But more than making, she rejoiced in giving things away.  She was happiest when she could share beautiful things with her friends and family.  I don't imagine you can see it in the picture, but I'm wearing the gift that Aunt Helen brought that day---Goodie barrettes that had been braided with narrow orange and yellow ribbon, beaded at the end.

The barrettes were from Aunt Helen.
The bunnies?  I'm pretty sure they were from Uncle Fred.