I enjoy music, movies, taking walks (trying to get back in shape little by little), going out with friends, eating and cooking (I am actually a pretty good cook -- don't tell anyone!), and good conversation.

Conversation, communication and beimg comfortable with each other are necessary for a good relationship. I want someone I can dress up go out with, or plop down on the couch in shorts or sweats and just enjoy each other's company.

I am not just a homebody, though. I love to go out to see and do things. Ballgames, concerts, sights, places where I can take photos -- love them all. I like the zoo in St. Louis and I like to poke around in shops sometimes.

I am quiet at first but I will talk your leg off when I get to know you better -- especially one-on-one. I have a nice sense of humor and I can laugh at myself.

My taste in music goes all over the place -- classic rock, old R&B, blues, jazz. I am kind of a record geek! Actually, it's not "kind of" -- I *am* a record geek. Music is more likely to be playing in my house than the TV.

I play guitar and have for about 25 years, although I don't seem to be getting any better! I write on occasion. When I get some days off I might sit down and maybe finish some music projects -- or start some new ones.

I'm not a huge movie buff, but I have several DVDs and am always looking at Best Buy, Wal-Mart, Target or wherever for more. The bargain box is my friend. I have a couple of Coen Brothers movies, most Quentin Tarantino movies, and some older movies. I like old black-and-whites, especially on a fall or winter night.

I work hard, but I also am able to relax. I love to go for walks, sit on the deck and drink my coffee in the morning, work in the yard, go out and see the countryside, or just get distracted by whatever is going on aroumd me.

Lately I work in the yard a lot. Does sitting on the deck with shears in my hand count as working in the yard? Seriously, I have a lot of outdoor plants left from the previous owner, and I am getting better at taking care of them. I am even gradually learning their names. I also have a lot of indoor plants -- it just makes my house feel better to me.

The first date is tough, huh? Keeping it simple and giving each other a chance to get acquainted is key. Dinner-and-a-movie is a cliche, but it works sometimes. In my opinion, you want to avoid things that involve lots of confusion or noise on a first date -- it's all about getting to know each other and getting used to each other.

Taking a walk or something like that can be nice. Actually, just sitting on the porch is sometimes nice for a first date.