Gathering Nuts

There is row of black walnut trees surrounding the property where I live. Our parking lot out back is filled with smashed husks and skins that have fallen from the trees and been smashed by the cars coming in and out. However, our resident squirrels seem to truly appreciate the fact that the cars are opening the nuts up for them so they don't have so much work to do. As it is, they have been scurrying back and forth, up and down, collecting the nuts and storing them for the winter ahead. The daytime temperature outside may have been on the warm side lately ... like in the 70's for a week at a time ... but the squirrels obviously know something we don't. Personally, I'll take my cues from the squirrels rather than the weather folks every time.

While I don't collect nuts, I do take this time to start my annual cooking and freezing adventure. It starts with my going to the farmers market and the cider mill nearby and picking up several different kinds of squash, the last of the tomato crop, and the makings for stews and soups like carrots, celery, and onions. Then I spend a week or two cooking and freezing. Some squashes are mashed or roasted and freeze easily. The zucchini is cooked with onions and tomatoes for my mother's famous spaghetti topping and frozen in individual containers for several separate meals. One day will be devoted to all things soup and stew where the carrots, onions, celery and sometimes lentils come into play. Homemade vegetable soup, lentil stew and even a vegan chili all end up in containers in my freezer. Although I have a small freezer, I have learned how to pack a lot in it. If all else fails and I have gone overboard, I can always ask my dear daughter, she who owns a chest freezer, to rent some space. 

So what is it with our need to stock up for the winter? Are there no stores open out there anymore? Sure there are although recently we have been facing shortages on certain supplies due to the pandemic and a shortage of workers and ingredients, but storing for the winter has been something we humans have been doing since humans started walking upright. We took our cues from the animals, like the squirrels, and put food away to keep us fed over the winter. Even though I don't really have to perform this ritual every year, it is something I look forward to. I love hunting through the piles of produce in the market, enjoying the colors and the smells, and finding just the right squash or shiny apple. I love how my home smells when all the cooking is going on. I usually put on some nice, autumn-type music and light candles. Mostly, there is something therapeutic in the chopping and stirring that makes me feel self-sufficient and safe. What can I say? The squirrels and I are having a wonderful time!

And so it is.