I've been lulled to sleep by Caribbean waves pounding a rocky shoreline just outside my window, as well as in a dirt-floored, thatched-roof hut in Thailand; drifting towards sleep wondering if the music of the jungle might just be serenading insects, or perhaps a larger, unseen omnivore coming to take another bite of the plantains on the table.

I still can't say which was best, or most memorable.

I am not one who's been made from the same mold as many. I've enjoyed a diverse background, as well as career, and I'm not yet finished. I've only just begun.

I prefer live music, over recorded; Blues over Beethoven, Jazz over Country; Red over White, Imported over Domestic; Air over Auto, Convertibles over Sedans; Sushi over Indian; Rare over Well, Eggs over easy.

I like to dress casual/comfortable, and know plaids don't match stripes. I know how to use an iron, and I take pride in my appearance and prefer a lady who does as well. I am well read, and I've traveled a bit. I am in good physical shape at 5'8", 150 lbs, and maintain that not by trips to the gym, but by staying active and eating well, (most of the time....)

Being a father, I can find great pleasures in the simple, everyday things in life, a quiet contentment. I've been blessed with one son, and he is still a young guy, having just recently turned nine years old. We always hear about a womans' biological clock, but never a mans. Yes, he came later in my life than when most guys first became a father, but I am thankful daily for that pleasure, no matter when it happened.

I am not one to watch much, if any, tv: too busy for that; but when I do, I prefer the history or discovery channels, or a good movie.

If I were asked what I'm yearning for, it would be to find a lady who is compassionate and compatable, understanding and kind to strangers, patient, attractive and active: a woman who is goal oriented and knows the light at the end of the tunnel is not a train coming the other way.

Ultimately, a serious, meaningful and monogamous relationship is my desire. But before that, we've got to begin knowing each other somewhere, and so a team of experts has compiled a list, on my behalf, of the top ten reasons I am a good dating prospect worthy of your consideration.
#10) His Mother and the ladies polled in an independant survey have all concurred that he is a nice, good looking guy.
#9) Jacques Cousteau once said, "If he were a fish, he'd be a keeper"
#8) He never fights, but if forced to, he would close cover before striking.
#7) He is comfortable dressing up or down, but never prone.
#6) He never runs with scissors, especially at the airport.
#5) Unless in a hurry, he never uses a hairdryer in the bath.
#4) He knows that exfoliants aren't for removing leaves from trees.
#3) He knows Men are from Mars, and Women from Venus, but enjoys defying gravity. #2) He knows it is not important that his date is as comfortable in jeans as an evening gown, but only that she has more than two sets of clothes. and now.....drum roll.... the number one answer.....
1) He will see if you are intrigued enough to find out, by your response.

MY PERFECT DATE? She, (a minimum requirement), needs to be in good physical condition, with relatively low miles; a good runner. Attractive, yet easy to maintain. Garage kept not necessary. Oh, wait, that was my list when I was looking for a car.

A perfect date would be one when it mattered little what we did, or where we'd gone, only that a second date was inevitable.

I think there are two first 'dates' in this means of knowing another...the first, isn't so much a 'date' as a brief hello..to see if there is that initial chemical thing within....and we all know it if it's there. Then, if that spark is ignited, the real 'date' will come soon after.....