After a high-intensity technical career, I am enjoying the relaxed, gentle rhythms of retirement. Now there is plenty of time to read, improve my health through diet and exercise, build a wiki of book reviews, and think about where I might travel someday.

I have a quiet, shy personality that prefers listening and learning rather than talking about myself; however, I am very open and not reluctant to discuss anything that interests you. Honesty is very important to me, and I am not interested in playing games, unless it is bridge, scrabble, or cribbage.

My politics are liberal, and I practice no religion. I was raised a Christian but can no longer accept the literal interpretations of the Bible required by most churches. I believe that the universe is an orderly system where we have a responsibility to care for each other and do no harm. I believe in reason, justice, ethics, and charity. However, I am not an activist and do not mind if others want to practice their religion. We live in a diverse, multi-cultural society and can benefit from our differences rather than trying to convert others to our own way of thinking.

Freedom to follow my curiosity and current interests is important, but I miss having someone with whom to share my discoveries. Are you someone who is engaged with their own interests but who knows that sharing a passion for life makes it even better? Are you a gentle, caring, open fellow who has many interests and would like to share them with a kindred spirit?

I am curious, independent, and shy. I find many things to occupy me around the house and have no need to be always on the go. I would rather save my money for traveling to new places, both in and outside the United States.

In retirement, I have the freedom to explore all the interests that I had put in waiting. I spend a lot of time on the internet reading news, expanding my wikis, connecting with friends who live out of the area, and researching my current topic of interest. Many questions occur every day, such as how can I improve my closeup photography? How can I balance my desire for objectivity with all the subjectivity in life? What is the evidence for dark energy? What is the difference between personality type and traits? Where can I send all these magazines I've collected so that others can benefit?

But I'm also looking for new activities. Do you enjoy a particular kind of dancing, photography, low-impact sport, or cultural interest (museums, theaters, lectures, concerts)? Let me know what engages you.

With a background in software development, I am still fascinated by technology. The web is a vast resource and a great equalizer, allowing anyone with a creative spirit to express themselves online. I enjoy hunting for the best free tools that will allow me to prepare my own media for online presentation in a wiki, a podcast, or a web store.

I also love to bake. The wonderful smells of baking bread, cookies, muffins, or pizza are good for the soul. While I cannot partake as much as I would like if I am to maintain a healthy weight, I do insist on baking regularly as another creative outlet.

The one consistent comment I receive is that I look much younger than my age. I am hoping that they also notice my smile, my interest in them, and my gentle, calm, accepting manner.

My reading includes philosophy, science, psychology, and science fiction. Favorite authors include Owen Flanagan (The Problem of Soul), Bertrand Russell (The Conquest of Happiness), Orson Scott Card (The Ender series), Ursula Le Guin (The Dispossessed), The New York Times Columnists, The Atlantic, The New York Review of Books.

Favorite films have great acting and tight, well-written dialog that helps with character development. Examples include "Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead", "Shakespeare in Love", The Tolkien Trilogy, Masterpiece on PBS with "Foyle's War" or "Inspector Morse, and "The Sting". Films I don't enjoy play on sensationalism with gratuitous sex, graphic violence, or are just plain silly.

My music tastes focus on classical and jazz, primarily the baroque era (Bach, Vivaldi, Scarlatti) or the romantics (Tchaikovsky, Rachmaninoff), but also Vaughn Williams and Villa-Lobos. Favorite jazz performers include Stan Getz, Miles Davis, Dave Brubeck, Keith Jarrett, and Wynton Marsalis.

My taste in food is simple at home and eclectic when dining out. I do not enjoy cooking at home and tend to prefer simple dishes that quickly combine fresh ingredients. When dining out, I enjoy a wide variety of cuisine including Italian, Indian, Greek/Turkish, Chinese, Thai, and of course, fine American restaurants. I am always open to trying new places.

My two sons are a treasure and a tremendous source of pride and delight when I am able to see them.

Alone, I need the internet for reading and answering questions, playing games on Facebook, planning and connecting with friends, organizing pictures, and watching movies. I do not have cable entertainment.

Sunshine makes a real difference in my mood and level of energy. I hope to increase the amount of time that I spend in sunny climes.

Good fresh food and sweets are always appreciated. Favorites include freshly baked bread, cookies, and muffins; icy cold salads with home-grown tomatoes in summer; hearty soups and stews in the winter; brown ales and stouts; mellow smooth red wines.

I love the feel of soft fabric next to my skin, so super soft cotton or silk shirts and dresses are definitely a must have.

The last I am currently doing without. While I enjoy all of these things, the pleasure is diminished without a loving partner with whom to share hugs, snuggles, and all the joys and disappointments of life.

The older one grows, the faster time flies. I spend a lot of time thinking about how I should spend the time I have remaining. I try to live each day as though it is the last.

I spend too much time wondering where is the low-key, gentle, caring, open fellow who has many intellectual interests and would like to share them with a kindred spirit. Are you out there? Send me a message!

In retirement, Friday is no different from any other night. I enjoy relaxing in my big, red, overstuffed chair with a cold beer or glass of wine before dinner. After dinner, I will read and listen to music, watch a film or public television, write email to my friends, and plan the next day's activities.

A secret wish I have is to embark on a romantic holiday with someone I love. This is something I have never done and feel it is long overdue.

If you are still reading at this point, and your interest is piqued, then by all means send me a message and let's meet for coffee. The more people we meet, the more likely it is that we will find a good match. Good luck and best wishes on your search!