Retired from the Polk County, Florida Sheriff's Office in 2000, I'm just your everyday guy,who's Southern born by the Grace of God; easy going, laid back, multi-divorced, (married for all the wrong reasons-divorced for all the right ones) with no money. By choice, I've lived alone for the past 19+ years. My home is a very small 100 year old farm style house, located in the mountains of North Carolina near the Tennessee state line, which is an equal distance of 9 miles from the small towns of Burnsville, Spruce Pine and Bakersville; 50 miles from the nearest cities of Asheville and Johnson City.As I am fulfilling a dream of renovating an old house while living in it, I've admittedly, bitten off more than I can chew, and the lack of insulation and outdated heating/electrical systems force me to return back to my roots in central Florida from mid-December until mid-April, to escape those harsh mountain winters, although it is a working vacation. Therefore, I have the ability to enjoy the best of both worlds, By NEXT winter, I will have THOSE problems eliminated and will "tough it out" in my home. (Guess what my summer projects will be?!) While I'm here in Fl for the winter, my brother and I will be working alongside to bring my mother's house up to code. When back in the mountains, my only companionship is that of my cats, so it often becomes lonely, and I find myself yearning for the sweet voice and touch of a woman. In my area of the mountains, a traffic jam consists of 3 cars; (A far cry from the Orlando area where I was raised) and the only way to meet members of the opposite sex other than the internet is via the bar scene which is an hour's drive away, and not part of my desired lifestyle. Endowed with a great sense of humor, and not easily offended; I laugh easily, mostly at myself. I like to tease; enjoy being teased; taking it as well as dishing it out. Extremely honest, open, direct, and loyal to a fault; (No, I'm not the family dog) Outspoken, I believe in telling it like it is, so you'll ALWAYS know where you stand with me! I'll only tell you the truth-not just what you want to hear. I dislike those who will lie to impress or deliberately hurt others. As a "Glass Half Full" guy, and by maintaining a positive attitude, I manage to think only of the good aspects of my life, for I have much to be thankful for, and like most our age, many negative events have affected my life, but why allow myself to dwell on misfortunes? My friends also have positive attitudes, as those who choose to remain unhappy and negative are not welcome in our lives. Born with a tender spot for all animals, I enjoy standing on the rear of my deck watching the deer, turkeys, groundhogs, squirrels, rabbits and birds that gather in the backyard. I find my greatest joy in the mountains; on the beach; fishing anywhere; day trips or short hikes; or just sitting in a room with a special someone, even if neither of us utters a single word,because both of us are contented knowing the other is near. If you ever question the existence of a Higher Power-just look around you! You will soon realize as I did, that such awesome beauty could not possibly be here by accident! I have discovered how enjoyment can be found in SPUR OF THE MOMENT things, and I often like to take a long drive with no particular destination, going off the beaten path, maybe down a back road, or wherever the mood takes me. I'm always open to any new hobbies and experiences for fun, pleasure, enjoyment, or relaxation. Most of my wardrobe is comprised of casual clothing, for I prefer to wear jeans, pullover shirts, with sneakers or hiking boots, but I can also dress up or down for whatever the occasion calls for. I've been told that I do clean up well. Although I don't dance, I enjoy all types of music except rap and heavy metal, and am not overly fond of opera. During nice weather, day trips on the Blue Ridge Parkway are great- especially when the leaves are changing, or when everything is blooming in the spring! I take great pleasure in the simplest things in life which most take for granted, ie: Sunrise or sunset; a warm shower; a good cup of coffee after a fine meal; having my back rubbed and scratched; (You scratch my back and I'll scratch yours) soft tender caresses; hugs; kisses; gardening; taking walks; or lying in my porch swing early in the evening watching the lightning bugs (fireflies), and listening to the crickets, katydids, and birds at night, while the gentle mountain breezes blow through what is left of my hair. I still hold on to a lifelong dream of driving overland and seeing Western Canada and Alaska. As I'm self sufficient in, and around the house, I don't need a lady to be there to answer my every beck and call or to wait on me. We will walk side by side, arm in arm, hand in hand, through the remainder of our so-called "Golden Years". For some reason, I find it easier to show - rather than tell, how I feel about someone. If it were a perfect world, my wish would be to someday find a lady who also believes honesty, integrity, open communication and monogamy are the basis of a lasting relationship; she would be my best friend and sweetheart; the first vision these old eyes behold in the morning, and the last I see at night. Someone who will always enjoy my walking up from behind, wrapping my arms around her, as I nuzzle her neck and ears. Maybe, she'll even do the same to me! She will be the center of my universe, and I will be the center of hers..... ABOVE ALL~~~~ She won't ever try to change me into the man she might WANT me to be, but totally accepts me for who and what I am; for I promise to accept her just as she is. (After all, what was it that drew us to each other in the first place?) Until she and I meet, I will continue my search--Not for the PERFECT WOMAN~~but for the woman who is PERFECT FOR ME. I am limiting my distance for dating to 50 miles, but there is no limit for emails. I promise to answer all FIRST emails! NOTE: As I am in Florida working through the winter, I have found it very hard to begin any type of relationship an for the time being, it will have to be limited to emails and phone calls, so we could build a rapport until I am free to pursue a relationship. I WILL be able to find time for more later in the winter!

A first date should occur only after we have come to know each other by email, phone, and then eventually meet if that is appropriate for us. If so, our intial tension-breaking - face to face meeting should be in a neutral, public place for coffee, or whatever you choice of beverage, such as a Denny's. Then, if we are enjoying each other's company, maybe take a walk or ride; possibly even tossing a blanket beside a creek or lake, or anywhere in a grassy spot while continuing our conversation. If the chemistry is there, we can then make plans for our first date.