Don’t you just love Autumn? I think ive been asking that qute a lot in my last few blogs, but to me its just the season that ‘keeps on giving’.
Over the last few days during walks with my dog Jess, I have been waiting. Waiting for something to drop so I can scoop them up and put them in my bag, ready to be placed on a suitable dish when I get home. Its something I do at this time every year as I like to bring a bit of autumn inside, and I love the feel of those shiny brown autumn jewels in my bulging pocket. Yes you’ve got it, CONKERS! I think in a previous life I may have been a Magpie as I love picking up something shiny and squirreling it away to be admired at a later date, although new research has shown that Magpies are actually afraid of shiny objects so maybe I would just have been a Squirrel.
Do you remember playing conkers at school? I can, and I can remember being very afraid as I saw my opponents conker flying towards mine as it dangled timidly on its string, my arm outstretched to the point of being painful. I would hope if I played it now that I would be a little less afraid, but I think I would probably still prefer to enjoy them as they sit huddled together on a dish looking nice and autumnal, while possibly scaring away some of the spiders in my house, of which there are many.
Did you know that on finding your first conker of the season you are supposed to say “oddly oddly onker, my first conker” this is apparently supposed to ensure ‘good fortune and few tangles through the coming season’. I think that just avoiding playing conkers would do that for me! but I will leave you to give it a try.
For those of you who love the game here are a few tips to give you a chance of getting a Killer Conker.
1: Place conkers in a bucket of water: those with damage inside will float to the top so best to choose one that sinks to the bottom.
2: Soak your conker in vinegar.
3: Bake in the oven.
4: Use one of last years conkers. Roald Dhal was a big conker fan. He says, in his book ‘Roald Dahl, My Year’ that a ‘Formidable conker is one that has been stored in a dry place for at least a year’
Let me know if any of these tips work. Of course many schools have banned this game but I’m sure many still play it at home. I do have a slight tinge of guilt at times when I see children looking for conkers under the tree near my house, little knowing that the 55-year-old Magpie/Squirrel has already scooped them all up.
Autumn is such a lovely season for so many different reasons. I do hope you’re enjoying it as much as I am. The colours, the aromas, warm cosy jumpers, sitting by the fire with a good book and a mug of something tasty. And if your out on an autumn walk and can’t find any conkers please forgive me……I just can’t resist those shiny brown autumn jewels.
Love Alison x
Through rose tinted glasses. 
Ha nostalgia. We would brag about our conker being a oner, or a twoer, or a threeer. Keeping count of the conkers we conquered. So many games to be enjoyed with Mother Nature. Wonderful post Alison evoking so many memories.
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Im so pleased you enjoyed it. I dont think i ever got as far as numbering my conker. Knowing me i probably pulled it away before anyone could hit it 🙂
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Americans call them horse chestnuts and while we love the shiny nut, I don’t recall ever learning a game with them, although I’m sure many a child used them as ammunition!
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It was always a popular game in England when I was younger, but not one that i relished. I still enjoy them for their appearance in the season though.
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Oh, the shine of a freshly shelled conker! I’m going out to look (and mutter oddly oddly inker)!
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Nothing quite like it….Enjoy.
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I have never heard of a conker, Alison, but now I know what it is. I can just imagine a game with them, and I’d probably be afraid, too. 🙂 Lovely autumn post again. I’m ready for the new season, but it’s still summer here. I think it’s supposed to cool down this weekend, though. So the sweaters and boots are ready! Have a good tomorrow! 💕🍁🍂
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Its still trying to be summer here too but Ive lept into autumn thoughts. The weather is changeable, last week I had the wood burner lit but this week the sun is out again. It is starting to get colourful though which is lovely. Take care x
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Alison, I’m smiling at your ultimate conker cooking recipe – that would explain my losses at school and very sore fingers! 😀Nowadays I just love to collect them and put in a bowl for display – although there are definitely less about! I love this season early on and it’s a glorious warm sunny day today. Heavenly!
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Yes i love it too😊although getting a bit confused as to what to wear!. Today is lovely😊
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My son’s solution to this time of year is shorts (until it is very cold), T-shirt with hoodie to take off as the day warms! As for me, I’m confused too!
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I remember crunching through tonnes of crispy leaves and searching for conkers…thanks for stirring up lovely memories!
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My pleasure. Im glad you enjoyed it.
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The chestnuts are such a lovely color. They look fantastic in a bowl. I have never heard of the game, but I enjoyed reading about it. This is such a wonderful post! 🎃🍁💟
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Thankyou lisa. It must be an english game. It was always played in my school days and still a bit now . I just like collecting them 😊
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We picked up the first of the season last weekend 🙂
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Ah im glad im not the only one. 😊
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lovely memories
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Thanks Gary.
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I have never heard of conker, but thanks to you I know have an understanding of the game. And yes, autumn is a fantastic season! Keep enjoying it.
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Im glad I have introduced you to something different. Its growing more beautiful by the day and need to get out and take a few snaps.
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