Joe and Rocky, you are both correct. You learned to live with hardships at a very early age. Took nothing for granted, so when rationing became the norm for the war, well, it was just another thing. Tain't no big thang! 
Most people today could not live with it. Well they probably could, but not without a ton of bitchin'. Most don't appreciate what they have and that is very sad. You know what, they make themselves miserable. They are always looking for something better, waiting for another day, looking for an elusive high or something that's just out of reach. Therefore they miss so much of their lives. They throw hours and friends away. They look too far and miss what's right in front of them. Thank God I was brought up the way I was. The little things in life make me happy. Hope they always will.
Signed that "pleasantly mature gal". 
Proud Daughter of Walter (Monday) Poniedzialek
540th Engineer Combat Regiment, 2833rd Bn, H&S Co, 4th Platoon
There's "No Bridge Too Far"