The season is open here. The temperature dipped into the upper 50's one day last week as we enjoy an unusual cold front for this time of year. Of course I was out of town at a conference. The word is that the squirrels are sample testing hickory nuts right now. My hickory trees behind the house aren't bearing much mast this year. It might be a year where mast production is slim or spotty. The last several years we had so many hickory nuts and acorns it was like walking on marbles in the woods. Squirrel numbers were crazy high. A little early yet, we'll see how it shakes out pretty soon.

Every normal man must be tempted, at times, to spit on his hands, hoist the black flag, and begin slitting throats.