Hello and thanks for checking me out! A couple of conditions, first: No smokers, please, and long-distance doesn't seem to work for me.

I am, frankly, completely mystified at what women are seeking. You think you know what we men want, but, believe me, it isn't much different than what you want. I read "Are all the good men taken?" or.." Looking for a good man..", but what I find is that women take one look at my pic, which isn't the best but all I have at the moment, and that's it.

So, here goes....I'm just myself and don't want to be someone I'm not nor change into someone I can't or won't be. I try to treat everyone fairly, honestly and as I want them to treat me. I know I'm not Pierce Brosnan or Roger Moore. I look at myself every morning when I shave! But I have earned every one of those lines and each gray hair. Besides, I don't worry about things I can't change. I'm me, period.

I'm not a high income person and being self-employed can be a challenge. But I am up for it and have found that things aren't the key to happiness. Like many people these days, I found myself no longer needed in a job about three years ago. It hasn't been fun, at times, nor has it been easy, but I still have my home, my health and my sense of humor, so I figure I'm ahead of many others and know that I am blessed.

Once I meet that someone special, I believe that the little things in a relationship are important and provide a foundation for how two people relate. I enjoy doing the extras, such as surprises, phone calls, flowers, cards, etc. If you want to be spoiled, I'm your man! But I like spoiling in return!

I am a reader, a writer and a thinker, who loves words, a well-turned phrase and enjoys a good riddle. I love a good discussion,regardless of the topic. No subject is off limits! My hero is Thomas Jefferson and I have an intense interest in aviation, history and the Civil War.

I also enjoy working with my hands around the house, as I own an one hundred year old house that is truly representative of the Arts and Crafts period. I am enjoying the challenge of fixing it up and having a yard to putter around in again. I revere the old things that we don't take time to appreciate and want to see them preserved for future generations. Having an old house, I am always looking for things to enhance it so I love flea markets, estate and yard sales, as I have a list of things I'd like to have and am checking them off, albeit slowly, one at a time.

I can also cook, tie my own shoes and give a great back-rub! My sense of humor is quirky, dry and sometimes ironic/sarcastic. I love a good quip! "Outside of a dog, a book is a man's s best friend. Inside of a dog, it's too dark to read."- Groucho Marx.

As a student of jiu-jitsu, I know that strength does not mean power, nor does power necessarily indicate real strength. I seldom raise my voice in anger and will truly cherish any woman who allows me to share her thoughts and feelings.

I am a proud Dad and Granddaddy, with a 4 and 12 year old granddaughters who are the apples of my eye and, as of recently, another on the way! My three children have always been a main focus in my life, with my oldest daughter married with a great family; my middle child, a daughter, about to complete a Master's in May, and my son is a college senior who will also graduate in May. I am still very interested and involved in their lives. I am fortunate to be able to arrange my work so I can spend time with my youngest granddaughter every week. Grand-parenting is a whole different experience!

If any of this has piqued your interest or tickled your fancy, then let's talk. What do we have to lose?

Even if we're not "perfect" for each other, we can still gain a friend. You'll never find a more loyal friend than I, bank on it.

And finally, if you don't find anything about me that interests you, please have the courtesy to reply with a "No,thanks." or perhaps offer a few constructive suggestions. After all, what's a little good manners?


Hope to hear from you! Good luck!

" We do not understand Joy, Until we have felt sorrow; Faith until we are tested; Peace, until we are faced with conflict; Trust, until we are betrayed; Love until it is lost; Hope, until we are faced with doubts." -- Author Unknown

ONWARD!

Meet somewhere quiet, chat over a cup of coffee or whatever suits you, maybe with a dessert, then chat a while, or take a walk while we learn about each other.