Thank you, Sharon, for sharing such precious memories. Your story immediately reminded me of my grandpa who lived with us 8-9 months of the year when I was growing up (grams had passed on early). He had been an iron worker and farmer in his younger years and, although blind in the latter years, he was always able to identify what I had growing in the garden by touch. Through him, I learned the "old ways" - methods that I still utilize in my own little organic garden today. That generation had so much wisdom to impart!
The snake portion reminded me immediately of the time I was weeding a back hillside under Acasia trees and a rosy boa plopped down a few feet from me (at one time, someone's "pet" I am sure). To say that it gave me a start is an understatement - more like cardiac arrhythmia! By the time I returned with a serpent slayer armed to do battle, the slithering menace had vanished.
Anyway, thank you for the memories and thank you, so much, for sharing.