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 minor¹ dispute between the United States and Canada for generations.

Mrs. Michaels, who had just celebrated² her 90th 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 decided³ that our land is really part of the United States. We have the right to approve or disapprove⁴ 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!"