We were self-sufficient.
One of the prime articles of our creed was Cain's auld question: "Am I my brother's keeper ?" We answered that question wi' a ringing "No!" The day was enow for the day.

We'd but to gae aboot our business, and eat and drink, and maybe be merry.

Oh, aye--I ken fine it was sae wi' me.

Did I have charity, Weel, it may be that the wife and I did our wee bit tae be helping some that was less fortunate than ourselves.

But here I'll be admitting why I did that.