Conkers

What a truly horrible day! I'm so glad we brought some nature into the house recently so I don't need to get soaked. These conkers were collected by my wife as part of her unceasing battle against her great enemy...the spiders!! Apparently spiders don't like the smell/taste and will not hide out in dark corners if there are conkers there. I don't mind - I love the polished brown-ness of conkers and hate to use pesticides. I can't help thinking that in years to come, when the house is a ruin, there will be a thicket of Horse Chestnut trees that will be said to have ancient powers.