Very down to Earth and grounded I enjoy simple pleasures that actually bring far greater happiness than the superficial. Looking back on the common threads of life it has alwas been the outdoors in all weather (although I do only tolerate rain). Mostly camping, hiking, walking, gardening, anything having to do with water. Absolutely love swimming/boating/canoeing/scuba diving (the next vacation is diving in the Carribean). I've been away from St. Louis for 8 yrs. (born and raised here)and I almost feel like a tourist and would like to find someone to share exploring all the area has to offer. The one thing I missed the most being away was the Ozarks...the hills, colors, smells, eagles, wildlife, and most of all the streams and rivers. I've seen and/or been on most of the major and scenic rivers, they have nothing at all on our Scenic Riverways. After divorcing and moving back to the area I've decided it was a great time to re-invent myself into the person that was hidden inside. That is a devout animal lover and friend of the Earth. No I'm not a fanatic or tree hugger but rather am embracing the entire "Green" movement, I still believe this is an off-shoot of our hippie movement that just took some time to become mainstream (all good things come to those who wait long enough...my question though is where is this perfect lady that is so elusive??). To me this seems to be a no-brainer to be a giver rather than taker, appreciate the environment rather than deplete, contribute rather than sit, participate rather than be a spectator (except when the RedBirds are playing well). This is not an intense "in your face" approach to life but rather a personal laid-back journey in an attempt to make the world just slightly better than it was. If you cannot tell I'm very casual and decided long ago to throw out many conventions of being shallow. Though I did look marvelous in a tux or expensive suit it is rather doubtful at this point I'll be wearing them again although I do very much enjoy the infrequent gourmet meal that requires a coat/tie. Materialism to me is simply the exhibition of a weak spirit and soul.
I'm a near excellent cook and keep trying to refine my skills (so no anorexics please)but it is nice to find a non-corporate bistro to partake. The only place I've found so far that beats my BBQ is Corky's in Memphis (the other locations though do not compare)but I intend to keep trying to find the best.
What the future holds who knows but I hope to continue to help make the world a little better place than I found it. Along the way I'd like to continue taking interesting and slightly different vacations. Some day (next year) when I buy another bike and find an incredibly beautiful (to me at least) and interesting (same answer)I would like to tour the Blues Juke Joints of the South and wherever else there located. If you know/love/and appreciate the Blues then you know the type of places I mean. To me this music is the down home sound of the angels.
These are some of the things I enjoy and would like to share. For me the perfect woman is one that is able to openly communicate (this eliminates so much mistaken guessing), still passionate about love and life, will enjoy having romance in their life again, willing to indulge a chivalrous chauvinist that opens doors, believes in being a protector(though you are perfectly able), using impeccable manners and enjoys treating a Lady like a Lady!! She has been hurt in the past (as we all have ) but is willing to learn from the past and pay heed to not make the same mistakes, believes that baggage is what you take on vacation rather than wear like a trunion. (My only baggage is no extremists please which would also include feminists)Life seems to be so much more pleasureable in moderation rather than extremes (except when it comes to affection of course).
Fitness and health are very important but again the extreme thing, I have an excellent gym here at the house but will never be a body builder or power lifter (though very strong in body and spirit). Eating and living healthy seem to have become second nature. Though I finally beat nicotine I'm not an extremist and look at the person inside the most rather than if they use an ashtray.
And now for the negatives (perhaps). Since I've been away for so long and have always only enjoyed a small group of intimate friends most have moved, died, or found new horizons, also I have no family remaining so my book is completely open to new chapters!!

Well on a first date given the times we live in and paranoia abounds (unfortunately out of need though)just something mellow and public so you feel really comfortable to try and open up.
However, on the second date creativity comes into play. I have many different ideas that would simply depend upon your interests and desires. Besides I don't care to let these other guys in on what a great date is, let them try themselves.