I saw someone on You-Tube that soaked them overnight and then used Grandpa's Goody Getter nutcracker to open them. The shells shattered less, he got much bigger pieces, and it wasn't as messy. I have tried both with and without soaking them overnight and I agree that soaking overnight is better than not soaking. You still need a very good nutcracker. https://www.grandpasgoodygetter.com/products/black-walnut-nu...
One of my first ambient records I bought after I got into Music for Airports by Eno. Still one of my favorites. After those two I got into Stars for the Lid.
I started beekeeping with my first hive in April this year. I find it very fascinating. It has helped me control my emotions as you have to be calm around them. Knock on wood, I have not been stung yet (I always suit up when I open the hive). My hive is thriving, but I did not harvest any honey to make sure they make it through their first winter. I have been fighting small hive beetles but so far have not had any significant infestation of varroa mites.
As a doctor I hope it still allows me to get up to speed on latest treatments for rare diseases that I see once every 10 years. It saves me a lot of time rather than having to dig through all the new information since I last encountered a rare disease.
I definitely am enjoying life more since we bought a small 16 acre farm/woods and I started growing vegetables/growing fruit and nut trees/foraging mushrooms and berries/beekeeping. I wouldn't call it boring. Always learning something new. Found 8 black walnut trees on the property and 3 pecan trees. Lots of hickory trees. 3 persimmon trees. Multiple red mulberry trees. I enjoy country life.
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