I'm a bit of a paradox --

I have a modern outlook on life and liberty, but I'm rather old-fashioned in style.
I love being outside in most weather, but my idea of camping is a Holiday Inn without a pool.
I'm happiest making my friends and family comfortable -- creating a warm, welcoming atmosphere in my home is important, and I'm a seriously good cook, but I'm also fiercely independent.

The books on my coffee table right now: Two historical biographies -- A. Hamilton, and a couple medieval notables. Three cookbooks. Today's Washington Post, and a Carl Hiasson novel.
I'm a museum freak -- from the British Museum to a dusty county historical society -- I like poking around in their corners.
I'd rather do almost anything than spend a Saturday at a mall.
I listen to classic jazz and progressive rock, and appreciate classical and the better show tune composers.

I can't live without good kitchen equipment, my car (ie, my refuge), my books and my friends.

The cheesy, grinning-grinning-into-the-camera is, sadly, the only digital photo I have. My driver's license photo is better, but... From the December Alamo Bowl, incidentally.

My leftist leanings -- started when I was in the 6th grade, and helped stuff envelopes at a McGovern campaign site...

I admire manly men between 45 and 54, who still open doors, can plan an evening's agenda, and whose work is important to them.

I'm interested in finding a gentleman to explore the fun parts of DC and the area -- I'm new here, and there's a lot I need to discover. Dining, dancing, strolling, biking, exploring, driving...all sound lovely to me! And I'm open to other suggestions.

Disqualifiers:

Sports fanatics. I can certainly understand that time on the golf course, in a gym or on a tennis court is necessary and therapeutic. I enjoy a good football game on occasion, especially if Green Bay is winning. (I know. Maybe next year.) What I can't deal with is sports being the end-all and be-all of one's existence.
Gentlemen who proudly announce "I don't know what I want to be when I grow up."
I'd throw in Rush Limbaugh fans, but that's probably not necessary on this site!
I think that's enough!