That's a great story. I love stories about people who are able to make lemonade out of lemons. A lot of what you described brings back a lot of fond memories of summers spent on my Grandfather's farm (while my Mother was away in graduate school at Columbia). We had lots of chores but there was lots of fun too, and some of the things I learned (including some basic values) I have retained to this day.

Although stories like this are still possible, it becomes harder and harder in today's environment. Just to be clear, I don't think EVERYthing in America's past is bad.

chas