Something that enhances the getting-to-know-you process. Dinner is nice, or something fun like a Segway tour, visit to the zoo, museum, or a concert.

Communication, respect, and loving care for each other are keys to keeping one's first love. Complete honesty is a must, and it goes both ways.

Fellowship with loving believers who realize God's love and guidance for us in these times, without forgetting that salvation is through Him and not what we do. Bible study is one of my favorite activities. I have learned so much in the past few years!

That's a good question. In five years I expect I will be 64 years old, if this old world lasts. My fruit trees will be taller, and maybe I won't want to climb the orchard ladder any more without a safety harness. But we'll see! One definite thing is that I do not want to be alone. I want someone to cuddle with me in front of the fireplace where we can be lovingly comfortable in each other's presence. That means I will also need a fireplace. Since the mission trips I have been on were so rewarding, I expect to go on a few Maranatha trips.

Isaiah 50:4 - He wakens me every morning and shows me His will for my day, for my life. I need that.

Don't let my photos cause any disbelief on your part. The dates on the photos are accurate, and I really am 59.

I enjoy writing, so I have dabbled a bit on the Message Boards here. Time is moving quickly, so TV is becoming less a part of my life. There is so much of more importance, so much in the Bible I still want to know, and a mission that God has for me to fulfill, which I know isn't TV watching. But I do watch once in awhile, since it is one of the best things around for putting me to sleep when I need a 20-min. afternoon power nap.

My family and friends view me as creative and inventive, with a wacky sense of humor but a calm and happy spirit. I have been through trying times, but I know God is with me.

Most of my family live in Oregon or Colorado, but we are close in spirit, communicate frequently, and enjoy vacations together every year.

I've been to Ethiopia, Czech Republic, Ukraine, the Virgin Islands, and the Netherlands, Canada, Mexico, and most of the United States. I have always wanted to visit China, Australia, New Zealand, Alaska, the New England states, and maybe even Hawaii as long as I go to places that aren't too touristy. I've also been on a couple of cruises and enjoyed them a lot, in spite of the "touristyness" of them.

I was a special education teacher (resource specialist working primarily with students who had dyslexia) until I retired a couple years ago. I loved helping students, child or adult, achieve in areas that have been difficult for them.