"The First Easter Egg Hunt" Chapter 10 from the book titled "Afternoons with Grampa WIllie" copyright 1998, 1999 by Gary Swancey
Chapter Ten
Tapping Ricky on the shoulder Farmer Johnny asks, “You going to let grass grow under your feet son.”
“I'm sorry.” Ricky replies as he continues down the line putting food on his plate.
Taking a spoon full of beans, his plate was loaded except for bread. Looking down at the end of the table he finds baskets of bread. Beside the baskets were hard boiled eggs on a plate. Some were whole and some were sliced. With his plate filled Ricky turns to go sit by the big oak tree in the Church yard. Staring across the street …
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“Grampa Willie!” Ricky exclaims as he runs up to Grampa Willie relaxing under the big oak tree. “I won the giant chocolate rabbit for finding the most Easter eggs! Miss Minnie's granddaughter won the special Easter basket for the prettiest basket.”
Jumping up in the air Ricky lands sitting next to Grampa Willie. Snuggling his back against the tree Rickiy shows his chocolate rabbit saying, “Boy, is this not a beauty?”
“Well I declare.” Grampa Willie says as he takes the large chocolate rabbit.
“Grampa Willie.” Ricky says touching him on the shoulder. “I cannot find anyone who knows much about the Easter Bunny. Do you know why the Easter Bunny hide eggs instead of carrots? Why does he paint the eggs? What do chicks and jelly beans have to do with eggs and Easter?”
“Whoa Ricky!” Grampa Willie announces as he sets the giant chocolate rabbit down. “All the questions you have I can answer in a story about the first Easter egg hunt.”
Making himself comfortable Grampa Willie reaches in Ricky's basket as he says, “I like the red jelly beans and Easter eggs the best.”
Taking out a few Grampa Willie pops a red jelly bean in his mouth as he winks and says, “ Let me see.”
Leaning his head back against the old oak tree Grampa Willie savors the red sweet as he begins, “A long time ago there was a bunny named Sunny, who liked to frolic the in the woods around Stone Mountain. Now this was a happy bunny, happy as pig in slop. He could sneak into the nearby Indian farmer's field whenever he was hungry. There he would eat the carrots, lettuce and other delicious vegetables till he was round and fat as balloon. Life was being very good to Sunny. Then one day he discovers his world was not going to be so pleasant.
In the early spring one year, Sunny woke up to the rays of the warming sun. Oh, it was a beautiful day. Well, Sunny decides he would go see how the planting was going at the farmer's house.
Dancing and hopping down his favorite trail that lead to his favorite garden, Sunny was singing, “Oh today is a great day so let come what may. I am going to see the field to see what goodies it will yield. Do be dooo de dah de dah.”
When Sunny got the edge of the woods he stopped dead in his tracks and quit singing. Standing there he put his hands on his hips while tapping his paw on the ground … Sunny had a frown on his face. There all around the garden was a fence of sticks to high for him to jump over.
Stomping his way to the wooden fence Sunny cries, “I'll starve.” as he looks for a place to sneak in through the fence.
Marching around the fence Sunny looks high and low for a hole big enough for him to get through. All he could find were small holes he could only see through. Looking in one of the holes he could clearly see the ground was already being prepared for planting.
“This is terrible!” Sunny cries as he backs up from the peep hole. “Oh, What will I do? What will I do?”
“Why are you so upset Mr. Bunny.” A small voice asks.
Turning around Sunny questions, “Who are you? Come out and let me see who you are.”
“I am out Mr. Bunny and standing right here beside you.” The small voice replies.
Looking down Sunny finds a small baby chicken. Now Sunny did not know anything about chickens. Stooping down he studies his little feathered friend.
“My name is Sunny. Where did you come from?” Sunny politely asks.
“My name is Peep and I live here on the farm. One day I will grow up and be a great Rooster.” Peep boldly boasts. “When the farmer was building the fence I heard him talking about you. He was angry that you keep coming in his garden every year and eating up all the vegetables.”
“Hmm.” Sunny says as he twitches his whiskers. “I will have to do something about this right away.”
“What will you do?” Peep asks. “The fence is taller than you can jump over.”
“I know so I will have to come up with a plan to get him to take down this fence,” Sunny firmly states. “If I am going to starve then he should also. That's what I will do I will steal all his food. Once he has nothing to eat I will talk to the farmer about taking down this fence.”
“You cannot steal his food.” Peep declares. “Besides he will not starve for he can always eat chicken eggs when he is hungry. He uses eggs in preparing his meals too. Only a few of us are hatched so the number of chickens he has can grow.”
“Oh Really!” Sunny exclaims as a naughty grin comes to his face. “I believe I know what to do. Yep! I do believe I know what I can do.”
Scratching his ear Sunny asks, “My little friend do you know where the eggs are kept?”
“Sure!” Peep exclaims turning towards the chicken coop, “Just follow me!”
Walking down the long fence Peep says, “What are you planning to do Sunny?”
“I am going to steal all the eggs.” Sunny quickly replies.
“Oh my goodness.” Peep exclaims as he stops in his tracks. “How are you going to get all the eggs. The hens will peck you to death if you try to take the eggs from under them. There are lots of eggs too. Also if you steal the eggs the hen's will make so much noise it will wake the farmer and his family. Even if you could get all the eggs where are you going to hide them. They are white and will stick out no matter where you put them. If you put all the eggs in one place they might get eaten by other animals in woods if found. What you are wanting to do is a going to be a bigger job than building this stick fence.”
“Hmm.” Sunny replies as he crosses his left arm and places his right elbow on it while tapping his cheek. “Maybe I should see just how many eggs there are before trying this.”
Turning Peep continues on his way to the chicken coop. Coming around the stick fence there are chickens and chicks every where. Pecking and scratching at the ground, they were paying no attention to anyone. Behind the chickens was a long building with two ramps leading down to yard.
Stopping Peep points to hen house as he says, “There is the chicken coop Sunny.”
“I see.” Sunny replies as he quickly hops across the yard into the chicken coop.
All along the back and front walls between the two doors were three rows of nests as Sunny says, “Oh My! This is going to take a long time to do.”
Standing there looking at all the nests Sunny's face lights up as he says, “I know I will make a game out of it!”
Hopping out of the coop Sunny darts across the yard to Peep exclaiming, “I am going to get my family together to play some wonderful games.”
“GAMES!” Peep exclaims. “Can my brothers and sisters play too.”
“Sure!” Sunny replies, “I will have to have a meeting so I can tell everyone the rules of the games. While I am letting all my family know you let all your brothers and sisters know also. We can all meet me at the big oak tree by the lake.”
“Great!” Peep cries out with excitement as he runs off to tell his brothers and sisters.
Turning Sunny hops into the woods heading for his home as he yells, “To all my brothers and sisters, young and old. We are going to have a contest of fun. Come test your skills in the many games we will play tonight. We are meeting at the big oak tree by the lake to discuss the rules in just a short while.”
Running throughout the woods Sunny announces the games as rabbits come out to follow him. Soon the woods are filled with rabbits scurrying to the big oak tree by the lake. Arriving at the big oak tree Sunny finds there are rabbits and chicks every where.
Hopping up on to a log Sunny stomps his foot as he announces, “We are going to play some games tonight by the light of the moon. Tonight when the moon is shining bright we will begin the games. The chicks will be on one team and rabbits on another. Now the first game is the egg gathering and bean contest. Rabbits will try to get all the eggs out of the hen house without breaking any before the chicks can fill the nests with beans.
Our next contest will be the egg race where the rabbits will toss the eggs while the chicks roll the eggs. The team that gets the all their eggs to the old log by the old cedar tree will win. Now once the eggs are there then the next contest will be the decorating and hiding contest.
Teams of rabbits and chicks will color the eggs so they can be hid in the forest without being seen. Now all eggs must be hid in plain sight. No eggs can be broken or hidden out of sight. The first team to color and hide all their eggs will win! Are these rules okay to all?”
“Yeah!” all the bunnies and chicks scream as they begin to pair off in teams for each of the events.
“How will we get the hens out of the hen house?” Peep asks as he tilts his head a bit.
“Simple.” Sunny replies as he grins “I will go into the hen house tonight to get the chickens to play a game. We will have a night race to the lake and back. The top ten winners will be told when and where the next worm parade is going to be held.”
“Oh that is clever.” Peep exclaims. “So when they return they will think the beans are there eggs. It will be so dark they wont know the difference.”
“Right!” Sunny replies as he smiles.
The rest of the day the rabbits and chicks were busy making plans for the contest. Now paired off into teams, they decide how each team will win each event. The decorating teams were out gathering up the colors of the woods. Plants and berries were being crushed into bark with a little water. Cattails were being collected from the lake for brushes to paint the eggs. Scouts on each side were busy running through the woods making notes on where to hide the eggs. As others were planning their paths through the woods to the old log by the cedar tree.
By mid day most of the rabbits and chicks were ready for the games. Taking it easy most decided to lay down for a nap in the shade as they waited for the moon to rise. Chicks were cuddled up with rabbits sleeping as the sun lazily sets in the west.
Just as the dark of night with the moon shining bright came to the countryside, Sunny jumps back on the log announcing, “Okay friends and family the games are about to begin. I will go to the hen house and start the hen race. Once the hens are out of the coop that is when our games will begin.”
Jumping down Sunny hops his way to the edge of the woods by the farm as a cloud of rabbits and chicks follow right behind him. Making it to the clearing, the old mud dwelling of the farmer was as dark as the night itself. Making a quick rush Sunny darts across the yard.
Going into the hen house Sunny announces, “The race for the lake is about to begin.”
“What race?” the rooster asks as he jumps to the floor. “I have not heard of a race tonight.”
“Oh my goodness.” Sunny replies as he slaps his forehead. “News has been spreading all over the countryside all day. An Owl knows when and where the parade of the worms is going to be next week. He is only going to tell the top ten winners of the secret race tonight.”
Turning for the door Sunny continues, “I guess you were not told because the Owl figured you would win the race to easily.”
“Wait a minute.” the rooster says. “Tell me about this race.”
Stopping at the door Sunny smiles as he turns to the rooster with a straight face saying, “In about five minutes this particular farm is suppose to have all the chickens quietly lined up by the edge of the woods. On my signal, they are suppose to race down to the lake and pick a cat-willow then return back here to the coop. The first ten chickens back to the coop will be told where the worm parade will be held. Now silence must be strictly observed. If not the creatures of the forest will be awaken and come out to eat the chickens. But I understand that on short notice you could not be prepared for this race.”
“No wait! We can run in the race and be silent.” the roosters says as all the hens nod.
“Okay, but you have only got about four minutes to get ready.” Sunny says as he jumps out of the coop followed by the Rooster and the hens.
Suddenly the farmer's dog shows up asking, “Why are all you chickens doing out of the coop?”
Thinking fast Sunny whispers, “They are going to run a race to the lake and back. It might be wise if you run along with them in case they wake up a fox or something. That way the chickens will be safe.”
“Yes!” all the chickens whisper, “Please do this for us.”
“I guess I have no choice since it looks like the race is going to happen anyway.” the dog says as he walks to the edge of the woods. “Remember be quiet so we do not wake up anyone.”
As all the chickens nod, the dog jumps into the woods, as Sunny says, “Get ready.”
Jumping into a straight line along the edge of the woods, the chickens are ready as Sunny says, “Get set.”
Looking around Sunny sees the rabbits and chicks are also getting set in the woods as he says, “Go!”
Suddenly the chickens dart into the woods as the rabbits and chicks jump into the yard. Running as fast as they can, the rabbits enter the coop as the chicks enter the shed. Eggs begin rolling out of the chicken house as the chicks come running out of the shed with beans. It was going perfectly, chicks were going in one door as eggs were come out of the other.
All the rabbits had already spread out making a line and had began the egg toss. While the chicks were all ready rolling the eggs to a section of the woods. From there they could roll the eggs to a hill that lead down to the log. Through the woods the rabbits were tossing the eggs from one to another as the chicks were rolling their eggs.
From within the chicken house a rabbit and a chick yell out at the same time, “We're through.”
Jumping from the coop an old rabbit says, “The rabbits won!”
Not far behind, a chick jumps out saying, “No, the chicks won because we had the beans in the nest just before the egg rolled out of the coop.”
Holding his hands up Sunny declares, “It is a tie. The egg had to be out of the coop.”
Jumping up to him the old rabbit protests, “You never said anything about the eggs being out of the coop!”
Quickly Sunny replies, “Now wait a minute. The eggs have to be out of the nest before the beans could be placed in the nest. I said the rabbits had to get the eggs out of the hen house not out of the nest. So it is a tie.”
“Yeah that is what he said.” the chick says as the old rabbit stomps away.
“The first contest is a tie.” Sunny announces as he turns.
The chicks were rolling the last of their eggs as the rabbits were picking up the last of theirs. Running to the edge of the woods Sunny watches the last two eggs being brought by a chick and a rabbit. Into the woods, Sunny darts heading for the finish line. Running as fast as he can he enters the clearing just as the last two eggs make it.
“Its a tie again.” Sunny declares as he turns to watch the eggs being painted.
Hurrying the last two eggs are quickly painted and given to the hiders. Instantly, the chick and the rabbit run to hide the eggs. Going to the Cedar tree with a smile Sunny waits for the last two hiders to come back. Suddenly from the left the last chick runs into the clearing at the same time the last rabbit hops into the clearing.
Holding up his hands Sunny announces, “Its a tie again.”
“So nobody won tonight?” the old rabbit from the coop asks.
“All the games were a tie that is true.” Sunny replies as he leans against the Cedar tree. “I cannot help it if all the games were a tie. Nobody got hurt, nobody won and nobody lost. Not to mention, we all had a lot of fun playing.”
Shaking his head the old rabbit walks away saying, “Sure did seem like a lot of work for a game. So now what are you going to do have a race to see who can find all the eggs.”
Pausing for a moment Sunny smiles widely saying, “Exactly! Then you have played this game before?”
“No.” the old rabbit says as he walks into the woods. “I just know tricksters when I see them. How many eggs did each side have to play the game?”
“Wait a minute.” a Chick says stomping up to Sunny. “You did not count the eggs and make each side have the same number. We all took the eggs from one stack not two equal stacks through out this whole contest. There was no way it could not have been anything but a tie.”
“That's right.” the old rabbit echoes from the woods.
The chicks and rabbits begin to think about the trickery. Talking among themselves they begin to get angry. Closing in around Sunny the chicks and rabbits do not look happy.
“What is wrong with all of you.” Sunny explains. “Look this was a game, a race and nothing more. I did not force any of you to join in the fun. We were all happy playing and doing our best trying to win. I did not think about separating the eggs into two stacks. Come to think of it neither did anyone else. Now because some old rabbit decides that the fun was a trick everyone wants to be upset. It was a game and the only prize was to do our best to win. Nobody won and now it is a trick.”
“What do you mean collect all the eggs?” a chick asks.
“Yeah!” a rabbit shouts.
“Well tomorrow by the light of the sun we can see who can collect the most eggs.” Sunny replies. “This time we will count the eggs of each side to see who wins.”
“I'll pass.” one rabbit says as he hops away.
“Yeah me too.” A chick exclaims as other chicks and rabbits agree as they also turn and walk away.
Soon all the chicks and rabbits were gone except Peep who says, “It was fun Sunny. Cheer up. But how are we going to get the eggs back to the farmer?”
“No problem.” Sunny says. “When I get the farmer to take down the fence everyone will be happy to join in and collect the eggs.”
“Okay, well, I'll say goodnight.” Peep says as he turns for the farm. “Hope you are right.”
“Night.” Sunny replies as he sits down leaning against the tree.
Next morning Sunny is awaken by the rooster crowing from the farm. Stretching out his little arms, he yawns to the rising sun. Jumping up, Sunny starts dancing and hopping his way to the farm.
“Oh today is a great day so let come what may.” Sunny sings, “I am going to see the field to see what goodies it will yield. Do be dooo de dah de dah.”
Coming to the edge of the woods Sunny hears a voice from the hen house say, “What is this!”
Stepping out of the hen house the farmer asks the dog, “There are beans in all the hen nests. Where are the eggs?”
Watching the dog cowering as he tucks his tail, Sunny hops out from the woods yelling boldly, “I have them.”
Jerking his head back the farmer declares, “A rabbit has all my eggs! What in the world would a rabbit want with eggs?”
“I took the eggs because you built a fence around the garden.” Sunny boldly protests.
“I see.” the farmer says “So where are all my eggs.”
“They are hidden in the forest.” Sunny proudly proclaims. “I will return them to you if you agree to take down the fence.'
“Hmm.” the farmer says as he chuckles. “Now why would I want to bargain with you for what is mine?”
Walking up to Sunny the farmer reaches down grabbing him by the ears saying, “Well, I will have more eggs tomorrow. The problem I have right now is I have families around here that all those eggs were suppose to be sold to. I will have to find a way to get those eggs to them some how or give them back their payment.”
“Then take down the fence and I will return all the eggs.” Sunny replies boldly.
“No, I will not take down the fence.” the farmer replies. “I think I will have some rabbit stew this morning.”
“Hum, rabbit stew?” Sunny nervously replies. “Maybe I was a bit harsh here. Tell you what, why don't you put me down and I will go get your eggs for you.”
“No.” the farmer says as he walks over to a cage made out of sticks.
Raising the lid the farmer says, “I think I will go out in the woods and find them myself.”
Dropping Sunny in the cage he replies to the farmer, “You will never find them. We painted them before we hid them in the woods. Only I know where they are located.”
Suddenly all the folks from around the farm began to show up to get their eggs as the farmer announces, “Well it appears we have a rabbit that likes eggs. Last night he stole all the eggs. Clever as he is, he painted them before he hid them in the woods. To keep the hens from knowing anything he put beans in the chicken nest. So all I know to do is return all of your payments.”
“Nonsense.” A little Indian boy replies, “We can have an egg hunt. It will be a lot of fun. I can get all the kids to get baskets. We can all meet here by noon to go find the eggs.”
“That's a great idea.” The farmer replies. “There are a lot of eggs out there too. More than likely three times the amount that I sold to all of you. I will also give prizes like one for the child that finds the most eggs. I can give twelve baby chicks for the child with the prettiest basket. Each of the families will get a baby chick with a nest of beans from the chicken coup whose children hunt for the eggs.”
“If that is okay with everyone.” the farmer continues. “I will even give you the straw for the baskets. When all the kids get here, they will need to go into the barn. They can then put straw in their basket to help keep the eggs from breaking.”
All the neighbors were nodding and talking among themselves. The idea of an egg hunt was a great idea and the prizes were even more appealing. So it was agreed upon that the egg hunt would be at noon.
“What prize will be given for the most eggs found?” the little Indian boy asks as everyone was leaving to prepare for the first egg hunt.
Pointing to the cage the farmer says, “A rabbit for your Sunday dinner.” |
