How did ConaLee and her mother live before Papa came?

ConaLee and her mother hid from the War and the men leaving the War in their house on the ridge. Mama taught ConaLee her lessons. They shared their buckboard with Dearbhla, their granny neighbor. Dearbhla would go to town to sell her ramps, ginseng, and medicine powders. She would bring back salt, flour, and cornmeal for them from town. ConaLee would give her eggs. As neighbors, they helped each other survive.