I enjoy doing almost anything outdoors that is active and lets me enjoy my surroundings (hike, run, long walks, swim, cycle, canoe, roller blade, camping, skiing (especially x-country), snowshoeing, etc.)

I have lived in the Boston area for all my life, except for a 4 year stint in Rochester, MN. I love New England for many reasons: four seasons, a world-class city, the Red Sox, mountains, ocean, grist mills, covered bridges, keystone arch bridges, American History, country inns, trees, colonial architecture, rolling landscapes, ponds and lakes and streams and rivers and so much more. Of the many states I have visited, my favorites are probably Colorado and Alaska.

Amongst the greatest aromas in the world are the forest, ocean, freshly baked bread just pulled from the oven, a wood-burning fire, richly brewed coffee, the sweetness of recently cut grass, and a coal-burning steam locomotive (don't knock it 'til you've tried it!)

I enjoy reading both non-fiction and fiction. The last few books I've read are Walden, Final Gifts, The River of Doubt, Candide, and I am presently delving into The Last of the Mohicans.

Like a lot of people I enjoy lounging by a blazing hearth while reading a good book, having a comfortable meal, thoughtful conversation, working on a puzzle, or just about anything relaxing. I'd rather be where the dress code is casual (hiking boots, worn-in blue jeans, and soft cotton sweatshirts are best), but I've been told that I "clean up nicely" more than once.

A kitchen isn't a foreign country to me, but neither is it my home town. I can cook and grill the basics but have the most fun baking cakes and cookies and making ice cream (the FUN stuff!).

I enjoy learning new things, preferably self taught or through experience but classrooms have their place, too.

While generally laid back, I can be serious and driven about things that are important to me. I am sociable but may be initially quiet.

I LOVE and am the LUCKIEST PERSON ALIVE for being the Dad of my two young boys!

A good friend once told me he noticed that I don't have a "type", which surprised me because I most definitely think I do. But when we discussed it I could see where we were both right. I don't have a checklist but am sort of looking for a female version of myself (family and friends have said that I am independent, self-sufficient, ethical, thoughtful, conscientious, adventurous and curious). Also someone intelligent with eclectic tastes and a good sense of humor, playful and upbeat. DEFINITELY someone who shares my love of getting out of doors and burning off some energy doing something fun!

A cup of coffee or light fare in a relaxed setting so we can talk for as long as we want and get to know one another with minimal distractions. It's not unheard of me to go rollerblading or hike up a mountain for a mountain-top picnic on a second date if time, interests, and weather permit.