This book is the fi rst of a collection of four books of columns titled Just Between You and Me, Volume I, II, III, and IV. Since I wrote these columns in the eighties, many of them concern the joys and problems of raising a family. For instance, Marion could never keep a fl ashlight, and both he and the children kept destroying my spatulas. Just beginning my writing career, I had to search desperately for a corner for myself. Also, I share my thoughts on a wide variety of subjects, including inspirational thoughts, some of my favorite recipes, and my experience of going to college as a non-traditional student.