A cool breeze tickled Johnny Vics neck. Not fully awake, he tried to rub it away, then rolled over, cocooning himself within a thick layer of bedding. Only a few tufts of his wavy brown hair could be seen as he snuggled and struggled to return to his dream. And, he would have succeeded if a boisterous band of blue jays had not swooped onto the gnarly apple tree outside.
Johnny poked his head out and yelled, Darn birds! Cant a fella get any sleep around here? The racket continued as the feathered intruders bickered and bounced from branch to branch. But suddenly, Johnny did not care. His eyes popped openhe yanked the blankets awayhe was glad to be awake.
Oh boy! Were gonna go treasure hunting!
It was 11-year-old Johnny Vics first full day at Bens new cabin in Vermont. He was going to spend a whole week alone with his favorite uncle, Benjamin Victor Bradley, before the rest of his family came for their summer vacation. He jumped out of bed and raced to the window, hoping the weather would be as good as Ben had predicted.
Yes! Not a cloud in the sky, Luke! His uncles white German shepherd woofed softly and pushed his wet nose against the boys bare leg before sitting back on his haunches. With his tongue hanging out and his eyes shining bright, Lucas made a comical sight. Johnny Vic laughed and rubbed his ears.
Hey, you look just like Scooby Do . . . youre just as smart as he is too, arent you. Johnny pictured the popular cartoon pooch as he stretched his arms around 101 pounds of real fur. Lucas happily accepted the hug and Johnny Vic gave him an extra tight squeeze before pulling away to jump into his jeans.
So . . . I guess you wanna go out, huh boy?
Lucas woofed again and sprang toward the door. Johnny Vic skittered out of the way and snatched his shirt off the wooden side chair. He struggled to pull it on as he followed the dog. He did not want to be left behind for even a minute on his first day at the cabin.
THE CLATTER OF PANS told Johnny Vic that Ben was already up, and when he burst through the kitchen door, the smell of sizzling bacon greeted himgood thing, too, because he was suddenly very hungry.
Hi, Uncle Ben! Want me to take Lucas out for a few minutes?
Not necessary, kiddo. Just let him out the doorhes okay on his own.
Ben turned to look at his nephew. Hope you still like pancakes, cause theres several here with your name on them. Why dont you grab the O-J and bring it to the sunroomthe tables already set.
Glad that he would not have to wait for breakfast, Johnny Vic happily yanked at the door of the fridge, then hopscotched across the black and white linoleum squares without spilling a single drop. Ben was right behind him with a platter heaped with pancakes and crispy slices of bacon. He placed it onto the table and said, Here, help yourself . . . the syrups in that little metal pitcher.
Thanks.
Johnny Vic snagged three pancakes and poured a generous helping of the Clark Farms deluxe Vermont maple syrup onto the stack. His uncle watched with amusement as he stuffed a huge forkful into his mouth.
Think you can eat all that?
Johnny Vics eyes sparkled. Sure . . . after allMom says she doesnt know if I remind her more of you . . . or Grandpas pigs.
To prove his point, he stuffed his mouth again. Oh? She said that, did she? Ill have to talk to that sister of mine. Ben tried to look stern, but his nephew just sputtered with laughter. Hey kid. Its not polite to laugh with your mouth full! Of course, that only made it worse. After a lengthy fit of the giggles, Johnny Vic and his uncle concentrated on their food. They ate hungrily and did not speak again until they cleared the table.
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