I was always under the impression that the women worked the fields along side the men along with caring for children. I also believed there was little or no meat, soup was on the fire and added to as necessary (Peas porridge hot :-) ). This means when did the ethnics dishes become invented? ie tortes, cookies, yummy breads, pickled pigs feet, potato dumplings etc. These women either had help or a lot more energy and stamina than I. Dori