Conkers coming

This takes me straight back to boyhood. Horse chestnut trees are usually among the last into leaf, but early to bud. Next there will be voluptuous leaves, extravagant flowers, and finally chestnuts in spiky green cases. To be picked up off the ground by children, polished, pierced with a skewer, threaded with a knotted shoelace, and smashed against others in games of conkers. 

Did you ever try baking yours in vinegar to make them harder? I tried it once. Didn't work.