After listening all these years to many women saying that they can’t find a good man, I decided to take the plunge into this Internet thing and brace myself for the stampede.

Date joined POF: Sep 26, 2009

Place cursor over each pic to enlarge and see date. I look like the pics and fit comfortably in the same clothes.

My long-term goal is to be in a committed quality relationship with someone who is my best friend and lover. To start, I’m re-entering the dating scene to look for an unattached woman who appreciates and reciprocates what I can offer. If our friendship develops into a committed relationship, that would be best. I'm open on ethnicity, age, religion, smarts, height, etc., but we must have Chemistry, which is not easily defined and can be different from person to person. If you have a GREAT sense of humor and an open mind, ginormous points for you, you’ll get me.

I believe in living life to the fullest, without artificial or self-imposed restrictions. I find women who are truly independent very attractive. Have you ever refrained from doing something that would be fun or make you happy because you were worried about what “others” might think? Life is too precious to let group mentality (whatever that may be) or anyone keep us from trying something different or pursuing our own happiness. It’s perfectly alright to get a second opinion, but if you are an independent adult and still require approval from “friends” or family for your relationship, please consider getting help and finding real friends. We need to follow our own passion with confidence to make the journey count.

I bring no kids, high-maintenance pets, baggage, debts, or diseases and do not wish to gain any. Many women are looking for a dog lover, which is great because I have been and will always be one. Dogs and certain pets can be a great addition to the family and can enrich our lives. However, I need to be clear upfront: if you must sleep with your dog, if your dog has a place at the dining table, if where/whether you go on vacation is dictated by the dog, then you are already married…to the dog. I’m not looking for married women and do not want to break up such happy couples. If I cannot take you on say a cruise to the Caribbean because you think kennel boarding is beneath Fluffy, then you have already found “the one” to surely grow old with. I love animals (sometimes with potatoes) but they can never be my “soul mate”. We will be compatible if you believe that humans come first in a relationship. Bottom line, I am good with kids (been told by many), I have raised/fostered/rescued six dogs over the years and will continue to rescue in the future. At this point in my life, I want to fully invest in a relationship and enjoy life. I am seeking a truly independent (mentally/financially) woman who is also ready, or soon to be ready, to try the same.

Some words that describe me and you: no bs, glass half-full, easy-going, independent, considerate, kind, sincere, playful, fit, open-minded, loyal, passionate, intelligent, patient. I recognize others' beliefs and differences even if I do not share their views. I do not force my opinions on others and do not get into arguments over politics, religions, personal values, etc.

I enjoy good conversations, cooking, holding hands, playing cards, good surprises, fishing, hiking, camping, bonfires, cookouts, beer, cruises, farmers' markets, trying new foods, jokes, shopping (no joke), sunrise over water, but ultimately, it's who I am with. I can handle sluggish engines, dirty dishes, tired feet, car dealers, and multi-million dollar company projects.

I like many types of music and look forward to new finds. Some favorites from my iPod: Pink Floyd, Amélie, CCR, U2, Toby Keith, Andrea Bocelli, ’Stones, Accept, Radiohead, Pearl Jam, Guns n' Roses, Bob Seger, Tangerine Dream, Rachmaninoff, Eagles, Louis Armstrong, Jimmy Buffet, etc. There is a time and place for just about any music, even rap (really, I can show you).

My favorite authors: Scott Adams, Berkeley Breathed, Bill Waterson, Gary Larson, Seth MacFarlane.

More about me:

I look much better without a shirt on.
I am near the top of my profession and gaining momentum.
I am not looking for my exact match, but if you’re out there…
I shake my head at “…because that’s how it’s always been done”.
I am the neighbor that shovels snow from your sidewalks.
I have lived in VA for more than 30 years.
I have never started an argument.
I am always open to new ideas.
I am an excellent spooner.
I will make you laugh often (in a good way).
I respect your space and encourage you to be yourself, do your own things.
I know when not to prove that I’m right or better.
I won’t get into a three-some with the couch and TV while waiting for you to make dinner.
I won’t continue that stellar performance with Ms. Couch and Ms. TV after dinner while you clean up.
I will be happy to go grocery shopping with you and carry them in even after we’ve been together 1 month, 1 year, 1 decade…

I know this may seem long to some, but it was written with honesty and meaning. Isn’t it better to spend 10 minutes now than wait weeks/months guessing if we are compatible? You wouldn’t want to base what could be an important life decision on just a few sentences, would you? Fancy talks, clothes, cars, boats, appearance, etc. cannot maintain true happiness unless there’s a genuine good guy behind all that. I don’t have a boat yet, only because it’s not a priority at this time.

If you are ready to have fun and try something new, if you are a one-man woman, if you can balance relationship, family, friends, and the dog, let’s build a friendship and see if that leads to more. Thank you for reading.

PS. If you read my profile and do not email me, I will take it as you are not interested and will not bug you.

Our first meet & greet (call it whatever you wish) depends on what's available that is hopefully fun to both of us. The focus should be more on us than on what we do. It can be anything from checking out a hole in the wall (perhaps something from Washingtonian’s Cheap Eats) to strolling through a festival, as long as we can relax and talk.