Sometimes the best things happen by chance. But you usually have to seek out what you want; that's why I'm here. What I do know is that life is better with someone than without - so long as we get along reasonably well. I'm looking for someone down to earth, unpretentious, smart, balanced, kind, loving, understanding, who prefers casual, country life.

I enjoy seasonal outdoor activities, animals, keeping busy. Films, reading, writing, and listening to music occupy much of my time. I listen to "classical," opera, jazz, old country, rock and roll, American standards and would rather puncture my ears with ice picks than listen to crap on the radio, rap, disco, new country.

I can hold a serious discussion and know a lot about some things and usually enough about the rest. I'm smart enough to know better but have learned through making some mistakes, hopefully making me better. I've got sense and appreciate that in others. I'm also not so steeped in books and culture that I can't change my own oil and cut my own firewood.

I'm retired and plan to relocate in a few years to a better climate than New England. Meanwhile, I'll be here and live life as best I can.

I like a lot of different types of women. We all have baggage. All of us! But I don't wear rose-colored glasses to avoid anyone's and think it will go away, not yours, either. As long as we reasonably can accept each other and fit, tolerance and understanding go a long way. I have no patience for liars who withhold critical information in order to hook a person. Been there, done that, don't want it again. Younger women are fine, as long as you're a good companion, interesting and fit with me. I'm a conservative politically and have zero time for debating with moonbat liberal wackos -- so if you're one, find another guy.

I don't care if a girl is skinny or a few extra pounds, as long as she doesn't require a license plate on her rump. Those rare qualities of sense, intelligence, sense of humor, compassion and wisdom are getting rarer all the time. Being alone isn't as bad as living with a fool or user just so you have meals prepared and some sex. I'm nobody's fool; don't you be, either.

The bar isn't especially high or low. It's just there and rather subjective. A pretty face is "fool's gold" if that's all there is. I want the heart, mind and soul behind that pretty face to be the real beauty.