Considering that it takes a half-acre farm to grow enough, diverse food types to keep one person healthy, I seriously doubt that life was as easy and carefree as suggested. Even a quarter acre garden is a major undertaking. Never mind if you add in pasturage to support livestock. And when you're done tending the garden and feeding the animals don't forget to go pick a few tons of olives and grapes for the presses so we can have wine and oil. And take up spinning and weaving while you're at it since there's no Beale's down the road. And in your spare time before lounging the evening away on the neighbor's portico, don't forget to dry the tea leaves and coffee beans, do your beekeeping, winnow your wheat, grind your flour, and bake some bread. Whew! I think golf carting to the square is a bit more my speed! ;-)
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