Grandfather's Workshop IV

Grandfather's work went by many names,
And had existed through the course of human history
In every culture.

He crafted poultices, herbal medicine, and home remedies.
And for the truly desperate,
charms and potions.

Dealing with a particularly feisty old biddy, he could only quickly nod in my direction while barking out orders to cousin Angeline, who
stood behind the counter grinding compounds in a mortar-and-pestle.

Grandmother's voice could be heard in the back.

I watched as Angeline tipped the contents into an apothecary's scale, and then satisfied,
made neat packets with mummy paper and string for the old lady to take home.

From the pickling jar labeled, 'Baby Mice', I knew they were making arthritis medicine.