Blog Master G

I clearly remember 20 years ago today — 08.08.88 — when my Mom, Nana, and Bro were on an East Coast tour (having grown up in California, of course, this was a big deal for an 11-year-old). I believe we were visiting my East Coast family (grandparents, uncle, aunt, cousin).

On this day 20 years ago, I recall driving — err, riding as a passengere since I was only 11 — through beautiful, green, rolling country hills somewhere in Connecticut. We stopped in at an old B&B on the side of the road — maybe for brunch or some other meal? — and visited the gift shop.

I was drawn to this awesome stuffed bunny rabbit. He was gray and wore a velvet tuxedo with a gold pocket watch. He stood at least a foot tall and was a really classy guy. I immediately knew he had to be mine.

I used to have a great stuffed animal collection.

These days, it’s down to only a few classics, including Benji — the little brown bear who was the leader of all my stuffed animals (my favorite) and could fly (of course) and is older than I am:

…and  Nuts the Squirrel, a Beanie Baby I acquired in college ’cause, well, squirrels rule:

 

Back in 1988 at that B&B gift shop, I remember showing the stuffed bunny to Nana and telling her how awesome he was. The brand of toy that he was normally had a blue tag, but this rabbit was so classy that his tag was black.

But the thing that really sold me on that bunny? I turned over the tag and saw that he was called the After Eight Rabbit.

Nana bought the After Eight Rabbit for me on 8.8.88. And I’ll never forget that.

Sadly, I don’t know what happened to that rabbit. But at least I still have Benji and Nuts (and yes, I know I’m a little nuts).

 Happy 8.8.08!