This is me with my grandson, Eric, the night he graduated from high school.

The entrance to my nature trail when the mock orange trees are in bloom.

Autographing books at the re-opening of Lindon Books in Enumclaw, WA.

These are my friends, Jenny Moller and Jerry Lindsey. Jerry’s holding an advance reading copy of Runaway Twin because I had just told them that the book is dedicated to them

This is the real Snickers, who became a character in Runaway Twin when his person was the high bidder at an auction to benefit Pasado’s Safe Haven. I had donated the opportunity for someone to have their pet be included in a future book. As soon as I saw this photo, I fell in love with Snickers and enjoyed writing about him.

A happy day in Tennessee. I had just received the Volunteer State Book Award for The Ghost’s Grave. With me is Brenda Moriarty, who was my fabulous hostess during the conference.

I’ve always loved stuffed animals and when I found this moose for sale at Lindon Books, I had to buy him. I think he’s perfect in my log cabin, looking out the dining room window.

With my granddaughter, Chelsea, when she graduated from high school.

I'm standing in the doorway of the room where I take care of foster cats, holding Charley, one of my rescued cats. Charley got adopted. The sign says "Home For Wayward Cats. Strays Welcome."

Here are some of the awards I've received. The door leads to my office. My book covers hang on the wall around the corner.

Me at age 12, taken two months before I got polio.

I commissioned chain saw artist, Mark Herrington, to carve these bears for my yard. When you drive down my driveway, you see Mama Bear reading Spy Cat to Baby Bear.

This is my cat, Molly, resting in the box where I keep mail to be answered. Molly is 16 years old. If I'm behind on answering letters, it's because Molly is sleeping on them.

I give the first copy of each book to the person to whom I've dedicated the book. Here I'm presenting the first copy of TELL IT LIKE IT IS to my friend, Marilyn Kamcheff. I met Marilyn many years ago when she took a writing class from me.

I had a new visitor - a black bear. Here he is at the entrance to my nature trail. He knocked over all my bird feeders and ate the sunflower seeds.

This is me with Lucy, next to my front door. Lucy had been mistreated; we got her from a rescue group.  She has a bed in my office where she snoozes while I write. She jumps up, all excited, when she hears the computer go off because she knows I’ll take her for a walk on our nature trail.

Here I am playing my player piano.  When I pump the foot pedals, the paper roll turns which makes the keys play. My favorite song is, “What a Wonderful World.” As you can see, I like old Raggedy dolls.