I own a small engineering company and we have survived the downturn and am enjoying the recovery. Yes- I think this country is on the rebound and 2009 will be a very good year. I work hard at insuring it's success but we make it a fun work environment. Very loose, super casual, but knowing when to put on the coat and tie when appropriate. The great thing about being a small operation is that on days that there are no meetings- I wear shorts and flip flops to work and as often as I can.

I have two wonderful daughters (13 and 15) who do not live with me but I am a big part of their lives and the relationship with them is very important. I strongly believe that the greatest gift one can give is providing the environment for our children to succeed in. My girls are both very active with several sports and my evenings are often spent being a spectator or taxi service to and from practices / games. A few years ago, I was much more the participant in different sports but these days...it's all about getting the girls to where they need to be. I still like to work out as often as I can and am in pretty good shape for an old guy. Right now, it is P90X to accelerate results in the work-out time.

Hobbies? Besides work and kids ... the rest of life just has to be fit in where it can. I do have a farm about an hour away (Wakefield area) that I try to get up to a few times a month - I am into growing organic veggies for my family and friends and enjoy the connection with nature, rather thru a day on the farm, camping or whatever excuse there is to spend time outdoors. One passion is that I am big into peppers, hot foods and hot sauce and I like to cook - a lot of freelance experimenting with food. Despite the more mellow passions, I can still mix it up with the kids racing dirt bikes or 4-wheelers.

I love to travel and have been to all corners of the globe but my favorite trips are domestic adventures exploring the back roads of America. This is an incredible country and is best explored from the inside - bypass the typical tourist attractions and experience the heartbeat of the US. It's a lot more fun and rewarding to travel with a compass and leave the GPS at home.

What am I looking for in a partner / companion? #1 is self confidence. Active and involved. Intelligent and witty. I have a tractor and a tuxedo and need to have someone who is comfortable in either setting but who will not take either situation too seriously.

online dating is a challenge in itself - first introduction should be a drink, maybe lunch - something casual to see if the photo and profile matches up to the expectations of both parties. If all is cool, first date (second get together) maybe dinner, something active to get to know one another better. I like non-tradional dates - bike ride, hiking, maybe even a picnic now that the weather is getting nice.