Nature School :: Woodland Harvest

Back in the Spring, we had a day of Nature School where we simply enjoyed what was right around us. I suppose that could be said of this past week, too. We did travel away from home, just a few miles, to collect hickory nuts for pies and things.  

It was a beautiful evening to collect the nuts, with welcome coolness after a long, sunny day.  The screech owls were calling back and forth as we were getting ready to go home, which was a real treat for the children.  There were so many nuts, you hardly had to move to fill up a basket.  I have four more trays besides these!  They are supposed to be easier to crack after they cure for a couple weeks, though I wonder if all the dry weather hasn't helped them along.

We had a wood splitter visit our backyard, which was much appreciated.  Splitting wood with an axe is not a skill I have learned, though I still hope to have Roan learn to do it.  Now we are all set to burn as many recreational or emergency fires as we want.  I'll admit I kind of dream of a big snowstorm, having been born with a snow deficiency. ;-)  It was suggested that we let the forthcoming rain fall on this new wood to help it season, so Roan and I made it into a spiral.  I'm tempted to leave it until the first Sunday in Advent.  We'll see.

For now, the weather has turned wet as another hurricane works its way North.  Here, the rain is very welcome as we've been dry since the last one came through.  I think I'll spend the next few days trying to knock out some sewing projects for Halloween and Winter.