In a message dated 5/20/2008 1:17:09 P.M. Pacific Daylight Time, Gene writes: My family on both sides have been farmers for as far back as I can trace them, which I consider the "noble-est" occupation of all. Gene, It is a noble occupation, so noble that many of the szlachta, those members in this society were minor nobles, ended up as poor farmers. When the "nobles" divided their land so all family members could own noble land, they divided it until each had so little of it that it would hardly feed their own family much less be enough so they could live on it and have peasants work it. The peasants meanwhile, were more clever, marrying those who 'had' land available, and acquiring it who knows how until many were actually better off than some of the szhlachta. One had to be smart enough, know the right people, be lucky in dealing with royalty to obtain land, and keep from having splitting the 'spoils' put them into poverty.... basically have the status to be in those places peasants could not go.... Anettka **************Wondering what's for Dinner Tonight? Get new twists on family favorites at AOL Food. (http://food.aol.com/dinner-tonight?NCID=aolfod00030000000001)