I love rabbits.  I went through a phase in the '70's and started a collection of bunnies- ceramic, wooden and nature sketches.  I tole painted, embroidered and sewed bunnies.  But my very favorite kind never made it into the collection- chocolate rabbits.  They still are the best candy ever.

I think I'm so fond of these animals because as a child I was allowed to play with the neighbors' new baby bunnies.  There was nothing in the world softer and more cuddly than these little guys.  They were sometimes white , but mostly grayish brown and always adorable. We didn't pay too much attention to the adults because they weren't allowed out of the cages.  It wasn't until I was an adult that I can sadly guess they were being raised as a source of food.

Every morning and evening we have several rabbits who nibble their way across the yard following the clover and other volunteer growth in the grassy areas.  When startled they make a run to the raspberry briar patches.  That always reminds me of the Uncle Remus stories my Dad read us. "Do what you want to me, just don't fling me in that briar patch!" clever Br'er Rabbit would say to Br'er Fox and Br'er Bear. And of course they always did. Thus that tricky rabbit was saved again.

From cartoons, to children's classics, to spring time traditions, rabbits and bunnies are the favorites of many.  Of course, there's always the Farmer McGregors out there protecting their gardens and crops, who think differently.