). I do it while them when I'm mulching Fall leaves. 
:licking:
Unless an individual has an allergic reaction to walnuts, why not eat them? Yes, they are a total pain in the BUTT to crack and pick the pieces out, but there are trays, tools and accessories to ease the hardship of cracking both the black and English walnut varieties. The Holidays are rapidly approaching and in many parts of this Country walnuts are used in various recipes, especially desserts. If you or your Family don't like walnuts, have you considered bagging up some small bags of them and giving them to friends and neighbors? I am in no way attempting to tell you what to do in regards to your mowing, chopping; etc question, but some of your friends and neighbors would probably really appreciate a small gift bag of those walnuts with a bow or ribbon wrapped around the bag. Just a thought. Who knows what domino effect this kind gesture might bring about?
Maybe others do it differently, but this is the way I was taught. First remove the hulls as soon as possible. If you don't, the hulls will transfer a bitter and strong flavor to the meat of the nuts. Then wash them in a tub or water. The full nuts will sink and the semi empty ones will float. Dry them for two or three weeks spread out on any surface that allows air flow. We always used the old screen material that are on the common front or back porch screens=you probably know the type. After 2 or 3 weeks of drying, crack them and enjoy. If you don't use the nuts right away, just put them in the freezer in a plastic container. The butter tubs that you buy margarine in the store work just fine. They will last for a long time in the freezer and retain their flavor. Putting them in the refrigerator only works for a couple of days. And last but not least, do wear plastic gloves. This will reduce the staining of your hands. Don't fret, the stain won't remain permanently on your skin, but it's pretty hard to get out of clothes and fabric.
