When you first meet me you might guess that I am a bit quiet, perhaps even shy. Typically I let others initiate, but I am good at drawing people out and finding out more about their history, their ideas, and their dreams. Then if I find that we have things in common I will let you know more about me. You will find that I am very easy to get along with, enjoy trying new activities, and have a great variety of interests. I am self-sufficient, but that does not mean that I want to be alone. In fact, with my personality, I am much happier and more stimulated by being with other people.

Each day I enjoy nature's handiwork in the Hill Country... the beautiful Guadalupe River flowing through town, young fawns chasing each other, cedar covered hills, the countryside viewed along an evening bike ride. Friends are numerous, whether I see them daily or only talk with them by phone occasionally. The clients who share their stories continue to challenge me, teach me, and fascinate me.

In the past several years I have learned to take better care of myself by becoming more athletic and I enjoy cycling, swimming, and walking. My children are out of the nest and while I don't always have daily contact with my family, they are important to me. My life is fairly full, and I still would like to have a companion who would share and enhance the joys of life.

Please don't be put off by my independence. It was developed because I have been leading the single life for 20 years. During that period my two children graduated from college and purchased their own homes. For nearly 29 years I served the state of Texas and then retired with a pension and health care. It was a great experience, but I have no desire to return to fulltime bureaucracy. The retirement was never intended to be a "sit back" period, just a time to do some transitioning. The transition included a move from the city to the hill country, finding a new niche in my social work career, and an opportunity to build a small home.

Nurturing others has been the focus of my life for many years. As a social worker I advocate for people who have personal deficits and help them understand their options. Each person has a story. Although I have been working in this field for over 35 years I continue to learn from clients and co-workers. I am passionate about correcting the injustices to the "underdog" and continue to try to right some wrongs in my own small way.

As an only child of two elderly, independent parents I sometimes serve as caregiver advocate for them. My children no longer need active parenting but occasionally they check in for a recipe or some other detail that only their mother can provide. Over the years I have built a support system for myself of an eclectic group of friends.

Time away from work is spent doing yard work, working out, volunteering in community activities, developing new friendships and reading. That may sound a bit serious so you should know that I love to socialize and whoop it up with friends, too. Often I share meals with friends both in Kerrville and San Antonio, shop with girlfriends, or take in a movie. I still want someone to teach me to dance. One of my favorite activities is watching the sunset on the Guadalupe. Our local Starbucks has a great spot for that.

I love to read for fun, but it seems I haven't done much of that lately. Often I read to stay abreast of changes in social work or to learn new things. I wish I had more time for is creative projects. I am not naturally artistic but enjoy some small creative projects to make my home or yard feel more colorful and comfortable. Sometimes the creative projects take the form of adding some colorful plants to my yard, hoping they will truly be deer resistant.

Editors

• AyasImmuneSystm

....maintaining friendships. My friends stay in touch, they support my efforts to change, they share meals, stories, and travel with me. Most of the members of my extended family are friends too.

Sometimes I can whip out a decent meal, but I don't cook much unless I have company. I love to find new foods to grill. Desserts are a favorite, but I need to be careful about overindulging.

....is my smile. I like to make people feel comfortable. After you get to know my laugh you will recognize it. When you hear it you will enjoy knowing that I have once again found the lighter side to life.

Editors

• AyasImmuneSystm

Books - hard to say, for fun I read light mysteries, loaners recommended by friends and I also enjoy a lot of non-fiction

2 favorite movies are Sound of Music and Animal House, how's that for contrast. Sometimes I will watch action movies and I am usually up for chick flicks.

Food - chocolate, shrimp, watermelon (about the only food I dislike is a turnip) - There are so many wonderful tastes and cuisines and I hope to try more.

Music - Country is the number one choice, but I enjoy some classical, jazz, pop, and soft rock.

laughter - it revitalizes my soul and is good for physical health
friends - they enrich my life
purpose - I always want to have a purpose for my life
family - we are not linked at the hip but they have supported me and they care about me; I enjoy spending time with my children, my parents, and my extended family
faith
new experiences - I love to meet new people, try new activities, travel to new places, and, of course, try new foods

how people relate to each other and wondering why they don't treat others as they would want to be treated

having dinner with a friend or friends; or sometimes a bike ride in the country

I have a bunion on my left foot.

Editors

• AyasImmuneSystm

you like to laugh, if you enjoy spending time in nature, you are willing to share experiences, and if you might be looking for a weekend biking buddy (quiet country roads).