JUST THE FACTS, MA'AM

Birthplace
Washington, D.C.; on June 1, a long time ago (Hint: no color television!)

Hometown
Falls Church, Virginia

Current home
San Diego, California

Other homes along the way
Middlebury, Vermont (college); Boston, Massachusetts (Go, Red Sox!); Denver, Colorado

Parents
Jessina Maria Cessina Rubini Cruise and Robert Aloysius Cruise (both deceased)

Siblings
Two older sisters, Shauneen and Kathleen; one older brother, Bill (deceased); and one twin brother, John--my best friend forever!

Kids
Andrew, Henry, and Hannah--all young adults!

Great dad, fine friend, and former husband
Richard S. Bayer, Esq.
www.RichardBayer.com

Stepmom extraordinaire (to my kids) and friend
Kathy Bayer

Favorite things to do
Hanging out with my fun kids, faithful Lab, and amazing friends; reading and writing; talking about books with kids, teachers, and librarians; watching movies and listening to all kinds of music; cooking (but not cleaning up); yoga; taking long walks; and watching the sun set over the Pacific Ocean at the end of the day.

Favorite flower
Tulips--they're cheerful, and they dance!

Favorite color
My kids won't let me choose brown (well, it's interesting), so I'll say ... plum.