Hi...my name is Robert. I am a patient, kind, thoughtful and thankful man. Hard work, sacrifice and unwavering committment all marked the nearly 30 years of a marriage spent in many proud and diverse efforts to provide the best possible opportunities for my family. I have two extraordinary (now adult) children: My Daughter is married and is an incredible Mother to my 2 grandchildren; my Son is a Firefighter for the United States Forest Service and I could not be more proud of either one. My teaching career ended in June after 36 years in Special Education- teaching those truly unique and loving children who are severely physically and mentally challenged. It is they who have taught me so many of life's most important lessons each day- all about caring, sharing, tolerance and the offering of truly unconditional love. It's time now to change course a bit and focus upon life from a new perspective; one with more time spent in appreciation of the many blessings I am thankful for daily: LAUGHING, gardening, revisiting old and building new friendships, restoring classic cars, gaining new exposure to the Arts, traveling, learning new skills, practicing old talents, planning new experiences, writing, enjoying sports once again as a player and spectator: tennis, golf, biking, long walks, eating well to stay well, exercising because I can, refusing to grow entirely up, serving others less fortunate, committing random, often anonymous acts of kindness just because it feels good when I do it...seeking to find the inherent good in others, remembering what a true gift life really is,....and giving thanks daily to the Lord who gave His Life so that I could be free to live mine. I am committed to answer a calling to assist with programs that benefit those individuals who call the streets their home..they are collectively called "homeless"- but they each have a name, a heart, a voice and a deep need for some glimpse of hope. All of these tasks are important, enjoyable and bring fulfillment to me, but they are not all meant to be done alone. There are very few other activities I don't enjoy-CAUTION: I rarely get invited to "Black-tie affairs"..in fact, I've always wondered why a man trying to have an affair would ever want to wear just a black tie and absolutely nothing else-it seems so, so..."preppy"...c'mon, at least some socks. By no means am I limiting my sights solely on those very few ladies who would have a majority of the same interests...in fact, what better way for me to learn of the new and unfamiliar than from a blossoming friendship with a Lady who cares enough to share Her Special Passions in life with me. What will you look like? I have no idea, no preconceived notion of height, weight, hair color, body build- you definitely take care of yourself in all healthy manners of eating and exercise and you are attractive without being consumed by your appearance... your eyes and your mouth will be first in my sight and, without forming a word, you'll speak volumes when we exchange the first greetings. If any of these thoughts strike a personal note with you, I'd enjoy hearing from you- you will find that I am worthy of your trust, a gentleman from another time, a concerned listener and a faithful friend...I am not interested in counting how many responses I may receive- however, I am extremely interested in making that One Special Connection the One that counts. Thanks for taking the time to read about me! Please post a picture and write a simple note of greeting rather than a wink..thanks again!

First dates should be simple in nature, providing open and uninterrupted conversation...in an atmosphere of ease and comfort....there may be some brief sharing of the past, but the focus is clearly upon the here, now and the future as each one views them...if the chemistry is there, it will be easily seen...for the effort to impress will give way to the effort to understand one another...and appreciate what each brings to this new table...if it's fun, light, comfortable, warm in exchange, full of truth, honesty and void of deception, maybe there will be even more than first met the eye..