Easter in Connecticut Part 2

Back in the day, Easter was a very big deal. Everyone always got new clothes; crinoline, gloves, patent leather, maryjanes, bow ties and suits. Boys became young men and girls became ladies. Church was first and then off we'd go to our grandfather's house, Poppa Henry (yes that is who Uncle Henry was named after and now we call him Pop, or King Henry). Poppa Henry lived in Springfield Gardens, Queens. Once there we'd play in the basement and harass his growling dog Rusty. Finally, it would be time for the Easter egg hunt and out we'd all go (about 12 or more of us) to scamper around his small backyard looking for eggs.

We'd run up and down his narrow, one car driveway and around the house until we were just chasing each other and laughing. Eventually, Poppa Henry would bring Rusty from the basement and tie him in back of the yard, where we'd taunt him and he'd continue to growl and bark at us. We always worked him into such frenzy that we'd go running back into the house for fear that he would break his chain. It was nice having so much family to play with. Easter in Conneticut reminds me that it still is.

-Robne