The Michaels family owned a small farm in Canada, just yards
away from the North Dakota border. Their land had been the
subject of a minor dispute between the United States and
Canada for generations. Mrs. Michaels, who had just celebrated
her ninetieth birthday, lived on the farm with her son and three
grandchildren.
One day, her son came into her room holding a letter. "I just
got some news, Mom," he said. "The government has come to
an agreement with the people in Washington. They've decided
that our land is really part of the United States. We have the
right to approve or disapprove of the agreement. What do you
think?"
"What do I think?" his mother said. "Jump at it! Call them right
now and tell them we accept! I don't think I could stand another
one of those Canadian winters!"