I look forward to hunting for conkers every autumn. I go with my grandad and my kids to a secret location, where horse chestnut trees line either side of the road, and then we split up: kicking up leaves, foraging under the hedgerow, keeping our eyes open for glimpses of elusive glossy conkers. Here are some pics from the day:
What seasonal traditions do you look forward to? Have you been hunting for conkers this year?
Amy, I like your use of the word “conkers”. We called them horse chestnuts when we had them in bulk and then “kingers” when we would win with one. Maybe you played or saw the same game? Drilling a hole in the center of the chestnut and then slipping a shoe lace through, knotting it tight on one end so it held the chestnut on the shoelace. Your opponent would do as well, then each would take turns hold it out arms length, while the other would coil theirs up to swing and strike the nuts together, me trying to knock his off the shoelace and then vice versa. The winner would be a “kinger” and grow in glory with as many kings as it could accumulate.
My brothers and I were the envy of the neighborhood as we had access to a couple of trees that field the yard with conkers. We got to clean the yard. The pay was to take the conkers away. A real good deal for both, the owner got a clean yard and we returned with shopping bags of chestnuts some of which we sold or bartered, the choice ones we kept for our “kingers”.
Steve Sherlocks last blog post..Voting is Patriotic (USA)
I had never heard of conkers before. I guess it eludes me because I grew up in West Texas?
My memory is terrible. For some reason, I can’t think of any seasonal rituals that I did as a child. Kinda makes me sad, really.
Amy, I had to read Steve’s comment to figure out what the hell a “conker” was. I LOVE regionalisms!
There’s precious little about the advent of cold and dark that I like, but I force myself to try to be positive. I love my yummy warm clothes, I am particularly fond of the cooking I do this time of year, and despite the stresses that are often involved, I really do love the holidays.
Mrs. Chilis last blog post..Nearly Wordless Wednesday
We always called these “buckeyes” and they were highly prized! When I was young, there was one of these trees in the front yard of an elderly gentleman whose house we would walk by on the way home from school. He didn’t mind our gathering these special treasures, and we always looked forward to collecting them in the fall. I haven’t seen one of these trees in years, and I miss the fun of finding those buckeyes!
I love your blog! I just found it via your comment on Gala’s post – it’s so like the idea I have in mind for mine once I get organised enough to write the longer, more in-depth articles I have planned, so it’s a great, inspiring read!
Vixels last blog post..Things I Love Thursday!
I’d never thought of ‘conkers’ as anything but a widely recognised word for these. It’s really interesting to hear what they – and the game of putting them on a string and bashing them together – are known as elsewhere! I remember collecting them in the school grounds (we had lots of trees). I don’t remember playing the game much, though…
Autumn Songs last blog post..Email circulars.
I had to take a moment to compliment you on your awesome photography…I think your photos are beautiful. The colors are some of the best I have seen. Lovely work.
Eaton Bennetts last blog post..Thursday Thirteen 169th Edition
Other than restating how amazing the photos you take are, I am here for a different reason! I just found out from Joanna’s last entry it’s your birthday today. So I’m wishing you happy birthday! Hope you celebrate it online and offline with those you love and hope everything you wished for comes your way
Hugs,
Alina
Alina Popescus last blog post..New Guest Post on Blogsessive
Lovely photos Amy!
And a happy birthday to you