I was thinking what I could take a photo of whilst driving home from court this afternoon when I remembered Cherrill's photo of some conkers from the other day http://365project.org/Cherrill/365/2010-09-20 and of some conkers I photographed last month. So I decided to pay another visit today and see if I could find some conkers to snap.
When I got to the field I visited last month, the ground around the trees was covered in hundreds and hundreds of fallen conkers...What is it with today's youth?? Don't they play conkers any more??
When I was a kid, you never saw such bounty as this! Always having to throw sticks high into the trees to try and dislodge the remaining conkers from the tree..
Seems the internet and playstation has got in the way of proper old fashioned games.... I pocketed about 30 good size conkers and will be introducing my girlfriend to the pleasures of the game this weekend...
As for this pic - I placed this chap on a mirror, in my hallway with the light on. Then adjusted a little in Lightroom.
Oh, last day of jury service tomorrow - summing up then verdict... Will tell you all about it tomorrow...
PS - would just like to say a BIG thanks for all your fantastic comments yest...
Excellent seasonal photo! you've captured the sheen on that really well. Brings back some memories of baking conkers, soaking them in vinegar, keeping them a whole year. none of it worked of course- still broke pretty quickly.
I must have grown up in the wrong place,I never heard of conkers. The thumbnail looked like something I would like to eat. This is too beautiful to eat! LOVE IT!
love it ....and they are good for keeping the spiders at bay, plant them around your house and they omit an oil that spiders do not like.This is one old wives tails that is true
It sounds like another "Apple Tree" moment under the "conker" tree! I remember when you introduced this word and I wasn't familiar with it at the time...now you've provided us all with an education. Sounds like your girlfriend is in for a playtime treat! (Do you throw them?) ...and like you, I WAS NOT ready to pack up and leave this summer! Had too wonderful a time! On the other hand, it was a nice transition to see our kids in Chicago, and then finish moving on back home. We're only here for 3 weeks before taking off again...I'm getting adept at living out of a suitcase!
Wow thanks for the mention! :-) Indeed what has happened to the skill of conkers? Love Louise's comment, do you throw them? LOL Well that's one way I supoose...hehhe A very imagiantive shot and watch out for those knuckles and no varnishing, pickling or putting in the oven! (more confusion for our foreign friends :-) )
thanks guys and Louise.. haha, you don't throw them, you thread them onto a shoelace then take turns trying to smash the other persons conker whilst they are holding it steady for you to whack...
Perfectly simple, with the absence of any other detail. Great background colour, both of which really celebrates this much afflicted tree (have you seen the leaves how they wizened and browned much too soon?). One of my favourite colours is the rich brown of a chestnut.
Must admit, I'd never heard of a conker before today :) Thanks for teaching me something new.
Very cool shot!