First of all I have never met John. He is a dear friend of a dear friend of mine. My friend is Randy Tost. Randy has had John come to stay at his abode to hunt deer. This has become their tradition now for a number of years.
Randy is a unique fellow. He is special. He is a retired teacher with oodles of great traits. Kindness is just one of them! Another positive trait is thoughtfulness.
The Painted Egg
Close up- Tost photo
Earlier this fall, Randy contacted me about an idea he had for a surprise gift for John. Indeed, the idea was an interesting one. It seems last spring Randy and John discovered the remnants of a turkey nest. The turkeys were gone but the eggs’ shells remained minus the newly hatched poults. Randy gathered a couple of the shells that were almost complete in shape. (Except where the peep removed itself)
Randy and "his" egg
The egg shells, at his home, eventually gave Randy the idea of painting something on the shell as a gift. He mixed plaster-of-Paris and carefully filled the void for strength. I told Randy the task was doable and the decision to paint a feather on it was made. I painted a turkey feather on the shell and sprayed several coats of clear varnish on it.
Moss-lined wooden box (Tost photo)
The gift was made now that John arrived to hunt. The secret remained until now. I understand John was “eggsited” with his unique gift!
Larry A. Smail's Blog 
Hi Larry (and blog followers),
It is nice to meet you via “blog”. This is “Big John” on this end. I am the lucky person to have Randy as my best friend. I am sure he has told you that we have hunted together for over 40 years. (You are right about the wonderful traits that he possesses.)
I saw reference to a secret and a surprise a month or so ago on your blog and wondered what it was. Well—I found out. The purpose of this post is to thank you for your art contribution to my suprise gift. Yes I was “eggsighted” when I received it. Randy I always try to get each other something unique and I have to say he is far ahead of me on this one. You did a wonderful job on the art work. Sometime when I am in Pa., I would like to meet you.
I am back in Alabama now but my heart is still hunting in Pennsylvania. I doubt I will get back up there until turkey season. Congratulations on that great buck you got. I am posting my email address so I can follow your blog.
John,
I am elated to know the gift was satisfactory. Thank you for the kind words regarding the on the “egg”. I was anxious to place the gift and story on the blog-site. I waited as instructed!
Randy talks fairly often about you and the experiences with him on the “Tost Acres.” Maybe sometime when you are back to Pennsylvania we can spend some time to talk . Let’s plan on it!
thank you again,
Larry