Both Sides of the Fence

A Tosa resident since 1991, Christine walks the dog, cooks but avoids housework, writes and reads, and enjoys the company of friends and strangers. Her job takes her around the state, learning about people's health. A Quaker (no, they don't wear blue hats or sell oatmeal or motor oil), she has been known to stand on both sides of the political and philosophic fence at the same time, which is very uncomfortable when you think about it. She writes about pretty much whatever stops in to visit her busy mind at the moment. One reader described her as "incredibly opinionated but not judgmental." That sounds like a good thing to strive for!

Thwack! Bam!! Craaaack! Thud. . .

Wauwatosa, Trees not transmission lines, Walnuts

Yes, it's black walnut time again.

During last week's heavy winds, a huge branch fell onto my driveway, neatly missing the house. Good neighbor Dave helped me cut up the heavy main branch, and the smaller ones I stuffed into containers awaiting pick up day.

But the nuts are everywhere. You may have stumbled while stepping on one or been startled by the popping sound as you drove over them in your car.

If you live under the lovely native trees (seems like only people can survive there), they may be hitting your house, the sound of heavy handed destiny knocking.

I'm not sure how many bags I'll retrieve. I'll line them up at the curb. Any foragers out there are welcome to them.

Of course, getting to the delicious, high quality protein inside is not a task for those of us seeking instant gratification. There's step after messy step. I guess that's why we waste so much, the nuts and even the gorgeous wood when we cut the grown trees.

If you're curious, give it a try. Here's one set of instructions.

Good luck, and wear gloves.

You also might need a helmet if you're walking the streets of Wauwatosa today. Just, you know: sayin'.

P.S. I've been eating bits freed by the car tire crusher as I pick them up, and this crop is the best ever.

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