This writer talks about why this family is popular but I watch a few dozen of their shows and thought it was great way before I even new about Jewel's relationship with the family. The father who started the Homestead in the 1930's and then the population in Homer was between 200 and 240 so it wasn't like it was such a hugh city and even now it's what maybe 5000 people. The city of Homer was established just in 1964 I think so what's the different if the family is 15 miles or 250 miles away. Try getting there in the middle of winter when you have a life or death sickness. The family is doing just fine and I hope that show is on for years to come. Otto is a genius and his so Eiven is brilliant. The ladies are great as well and you half to give them a lot of credit for not only working so hard but to pick up the slack when the men are away hunting for food or building another cabin miles away for days. These folks are more intelligent than most people and I enjoy watching.