By Helena Hewston (U3a March 2026)

“Now have I got all my ducks in a row?” I pondered as I contemplated the journey ahead and the reason for the travel. It was the time for the Easter reunion with aged parents, siblings, nieces and nephews. I had my check list ready itemising the suitcase contents and the extra carrier holdall for the gifts, particularly chocolates.

“No”, I was short of something suitable for a three year old, who also happened to have her birthday that weekend. A trip into The Range superstore was called for, not only for the present but also the wrapping paper and card.

This outlet catered for such events and off I toddled to the store. Nothing caught my eye to begin with until I wandered from crafts to object d’art and spotted some Beatrix Potter miniature Peter Rabbits. Inspiration struck. The BP book which would be suitable as a bed time story, from another isle, a Peter Rabbit from the shelf in front of me, a pack of lettuce seeds from the garden section which would then involved activity with grandparent and one of those popular chocolate gold foil covered chocolate rabbits would cover the bases. Child and family. Job done. Oh, must not forget some suitable rabbitty wrapping paper and a card. Six things with rabbits. Achievable. I had my ducks in a row. Now to wrap the gifts and when the day arrived “burrow” or rather hide them in the garden for my neice to find as was a tradition of ours.