I'm in a tough place right now, but trying to be open to possibilities. I don't have a great deal of time because of my job, but try to have some kind of social life, however limited. As far as relationships, I'm pretty cautious, but I won't get into that. Please read before contacting me. I don't like to be rude, but I get a little frustrated with trying to find ways to politely say I'm not interested.

I'm divorced/widowed and have a daughter and grandson who are the lights of my life. I am a Christian, and although I don't currently attend services regularly, my faith is fundamental to who I am. I'm opinionated, but not argumentative, and also fun-loving, playful and romantic. I'm politically conservative and seek the same in a partner, or at least not politically opposite. I enjoy solitude, but don't want to be alone all the time. I want someone to have fun with; be it dinner or dancing, horseback riding, window shopping, special events or just being together. Looks matter, but not more than sincerity, intelligence and humor. I appreciate a man who is romantic and a good conversationalist and who is confident enough to have his own interests, and allow me mine. I want to be adored, not smothered. I can't deal with someone who is demanding, possessive or wants to control me. I'm independent, but I want to be treated like a lady. I love road trips and dream of taking a cruise. I can equally enjoy a museum or an amusement park, a hike in the mountains or an elegant dinner, spending a day on the lake or cuddling up with a movie, but please don't expect me to get excited about watching football games or riding motorcycles, although if I get excited about you, anything's possible. I love animals,especially horses, cats and birds, and have a creative side when I can find time to express it.

I like a man who is confident, genuine, quick with a smile, a compliment or a funny remark and has expressive eyes; who can carry on an intelligent conversation and share his opinions while respecting the opinions of others. I notice when a man treats others with kindness, respect and generosity, and when he is good at what he does. I notice a man who is well-groomed and appropriately dressed for the occasion. I dislike rude, crude behavior, corny jokes, sloppy appearance or a condescending attitude. A man who writes well gets my attention. He should say enough to reveal his personality. It shows that the person he's looking for deserves his time and thought. He doesn't have to look like Johnny Depp, but there has to be physical attraction. I am likely to ignore contacts from men with suggestive screen names, who have no photo or essays or whose writing reads like a first grader's. Spelling and grammar don't have to be perfect, but should at least reflect literary competence. "Hi, sexy" and similar greetings, particularly if used repeatedly. are more demeaning than complimentary, coming from a man who doesn't even know me.

A man who can make me laugh, who loves to dance (especially country) and who'll occasionally go shopping with me would be a dream come true. I prefer shorter men, but am open. I don't care for beards, especially if straggly or ungroomed. I like a man to have hair, but it's not an absolute. I'm not attracted to men who look old enough to be my father, even if they're not and I am not really interested in men more than 2 or 3 years older than me, having always clicked better with men a little younger. I work hard at keeping healthy and fit and want to be with someone who takes care of himself; not fanatical about it, just conscientious. I want the man I love to make me feel like I'm the most important person in his life, and I want him to feel that he is the most important person in mine.

For a first meeting, keeping it casual is best....coffee or a drink, something that doesn't have an extended time expectation or a high price tag. If a date follows the first meeting, the options are limited only by the two people involved and their interests.