I'm a UC Berkeley grad, retired General Contractor - among other occupations, widower, humanist, Master Composter, phrenologist, gadfly, and part-time curmudgeon who is looking for a lifelong partner. I have a broad and easy sense of humor and love laughing - it brightens my days and gets me thru the night. I like books, salty beaches, film ala Sarris & Kael, ballet ala Balanchine, Californian pleine aire Impressionists, cooking (I cure my own pancetta, pastrami, olives, etc.) and dining (esp. Mediterranean rim, Latin, and any street food), gardening for the perfect two locule tomato, napping in the sun, tending my two horses, five sheep, two goats, two dogs (a yellow Lab and an Akbash), and two cats, cultural events, projects, new adventures, riding, hiking, walking, and exploring multifarious curiosities. I enjoy the sea, green hills, blue highways, and red rock canyons. I have a BA (Classics/History) and two years of post-grad work (History/Education). I'm financially secure. I have volunteered for native plant, trail, equestrian, historic building preservation, and political groups. I believe that Nixon, the post-Nixon GOP, and the rise of Christian fundamentalism has been an utter disaster for this country and much of the world. I appreciate those who have a glass or two of wine most evenings -- and who can say the word "regularly." And I don't have TV reception and I'm not interested in "the game."

m in search of a woman who is curious, bookish, athletic, an able conversationalist (your favorite TV programs don't count), and financially secure. One who is honest and direct. One who appreciates the arts, natural fabrics, perfect tomatoes, and dirt under her finger nails. Ideally she would be gritty, graceful, active, tall, slim, liberal, well educated, regularly daffy, adventuresome, and quick witted. She would have a broad smile, a natural sense of humor, an easy laugh, a strong aesthetic sense, a love of nature, a strong appreciation of cooking and food, steadfastness, compassion, and excellent reaction times. She would have an edge and a critical sense. She would want to engage, listen, and interact. I'm looking for a woman who can catch the ball and throw it back, who is objective and present in her assessment of reality, and who is willing and able to trust and commit to sharing the long journey of finding the constant change in our voices. And having horses or riding, or an interest in learning, is a definite plus.