Meet your neighbor

Name: Maurine Simpson

Hometown: Maurine was born in Perth, Australia, but now resides in Coeur d’Alene.

Occupation: She teaches adult basic education and helps people complete their GEDs at the North Idaho College extension in the Silver Valley. Maurine also works for Even Start, a nonprofit family literacy program.

Family: Husband, Ben Simpson, and one 20-year-old son, Zack, who is a student at the University of Idaho in Moscow.

Pets: Two cats, both about 8 years old. The male is a big tabby named Kidem, and the small female is named Tiger Lilly.

Hobbies: Maurine is currently learning to sail. She also enjoys tennis and reading.

Current reads: She just finished “Peace Like a River,” and is now reading “Chocolat.”

What she is listening to now: Norah Jones.

Favorite Foods: “I keep thinking I’m a vegetarian, but never quite get there!” In the meantime, she likes Mexican food.

Travel plans for summer: She and her mom are going to the Best Friend’s Animal Sanctuary, in Kanab, Utah. She said it is a Mecca for animal lovers, and they just want to see it.

Favorite color: Rose.

Favorite movie: “Moulin Rouge.”