Questions from children and grandchildren prompted the writing of this account about my earliest memories and childhood which began in the middle of a national forest in the foothills of Missouri's Ozark mountains. This volume ends with graduation from the only high school in the entire county as valedictorian.Starting with no electricity or indoor plumbing and ending with still no indoor plumbing and struggles to use a typewriter, the author used language reflecting the flavor and aura of the communities in which she lived.That she was planning to go to college was a new and revolutionary concept for the family. She knew that venture would be filled with strange and challenging experiences but she was excited and believed she was ready!The author plans a second volume concerning some of those experiences and a life that took several unanticipated turns, detours and further challenges.