I'm a fun, funny, active guy - and really enjoy day trips, short to moderate hiking, bicycling, entertaining at home, going to the movies, or to hear live music. I have a wide variety of interests and have a passion for photography, writing (short stories, poetry etc.), painting in oils or acrylics, learning new things. I've been an entrepeneur all of my life and have enjoyed long periods of prosperity as well as leaner times, especially as a younger man. I am a survivor - having experienced significant life-changing events in recent years, I've gotten back up and lived to laugh once more, taking the lessons while leaving the drama behind. Musically, I enjoy about any genre when it's live, and prefer soft rock / oldies etc. when listening at home. My least favorite is country-pop.

I see a first date as being after initially meeting for coffee to get acquainted. When first meeting, we'd discuss our various interests - the first outing together would likely be something that we've discovered we both enjoy. I think it's especially important at first to do things that include ample time to talk and spend *face-time* together, so activities which foster *connecting* would be great - such as dining out, taking a walk or drive, cooking a meal together, etc. It seems to me that activities such as going to the movies etc., enjoyable as they are, would be more fun after we've gotten to know each other better and have a better idea of one another's interests and preferences. I am also an open-minded guy, and love to try new things. Any ideas?