Book excerpt: No person's life exists in a vacuum. To varying extent, we are all shaped by the times, places, events, and people that make up the milieu of our experience. This is well illustrated by this women's life. Born Elvira Claudia Farr in Montana in 1899, "Vi" (as she preferred) was witness to, and strongly subject to societal changes stemming largely from the enormous advances in science, technology, and culture. (An amazing parallel exists between then and now-rapid change and conflict). Her life was filled with competing forces from her beginnings in a affluent family in a small town retaining a vestige of the Wild West (with its cowboys and Indians); to space travel. Her temperament and the times led to a paradoxical existence not easy to decipher. Unique events occurred in her life that were especially challenging. Her way of coping provides a valuable lesson. Vi lived in fascinating times and fascinating places. Some of those people who had special meaning to Vi will be a surprise to the reader. Her life is a good example of the importance of family lore.