That is an interesting description of rural life, interesting and sad. I imagine potatoes are not one of your favorite foods these days. It is fascinating how people can have a difficult childhood and turn out to be functioning adults. One of my sisters-in-law is schizophrenic, and she had three kids. She was in and out of jail and the state mental hospital all of their lives, and married someone that was a drug addict, which is who ultimately raised them. Those kids had a horrible childhood. And yet they are so sweet natured and have basically turned out alright. How, I don't know. It really takes the pressure off me needing to be a perfect parent though :)

My grandmother's father was definitely the sort who "knows things." He was the traditional dominant figure in the house and he is a bit of a mystery to me. According to my grandmother he was a very loving character. According to other relatives that did not live in the house, his arthritis was an excuse, and he chose not to work, letting his large family stay just above starving. What kind of a person does that? I'm undecided.

I grew up running in the creek and tinkering around in the woods as well. In Florida there are lots of fossilized shark teeth and sting ray teeth, which are amusing to find eighty miles inland. Age three is kind of when the fun begins I think. They can listen to a reasonably long story, and can start to get a grasp on the world around them. Enjoy. I miss that stage sometimes.

Sounds to me like your childhood would make for some good stories.