I am a lifelong bachelor with no kids (one would hope) who loves animals. For the first 40 years year of my life, I was a Pennsylvania guy, working a number of jobs in social work, hospital pharmacy and landscaping. Looking for something different, I began moving slowly west in 1993. First stop was Evansville, IN for a year doing social service work and then Pocatello, ID where I have lived on and off again ever since. I retrained in video production in the late 90s through the early oughts (spent 2000 in NZ) and worked in public access TV until 2013 when I took early retirement and moved to Durango for a spell (awfully small and isolated - but cute). Western Oregon has always been intriguing to me, so for this summer I planto visit several cities there to see how they fit.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

Despite being a member of Couchsurfing since 2009, I have never actually done it. I can afford hotels for a spell but not 3 months. Besides, they are impersonal, and it is difficult to get to know the locals. Homestaying sounds more intriguing and fun.

Interests

I enjoy the outdoor activities including hiking, XC skiing, bicycling and flower walks. I have sung in choirs for over 20 years and constantly work to improve. As a Unitarian Universalist, I do social justice work and help the church grow. I'm very active in the local 50+ community education group, which is associated with Idaho State Univ., where I attend classes, perform in Reader's Theater, and hope to teach a few classes next fall. I love watching movies, listening to talk radio, books, red wine, dancing (square, spiritual and contra), drumming, good coffee and writing. I sing in the shower a lot. As a moderate/liberal in conservative Idaho, my letters to the editor usually spark a lively response. You can check out my blog at truthortruthiness.blogspot.com.

• animals
• dogs
• writing
• books
• singing
• theater
• performing arts
• acting
• dancing
• education
• wine
• red wine
• coffee
• flowers
• movies
• tv
• traveling
• blogging
• outdoor activities
• hiking
• skiing
• astronomy
• teaching
• social work
• mountains

Music, Movies, and Books

Over the years, my musical tastes have morphed from pop and rock to jazz and classical. I listen to lots of old time jazz like Ella
Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong , as well as classical choral music. Like most people, my taste in movies tends to vary depending on the mood which translates into comedies, dramas, docos, thrillers and sci-fi. That said, however, my all-time favorites include Dr. Stranglove, Blazing Saddles, Aliens, and too many more to name. From political and religious non-fiction to sci-fi and medical thrillers, my reading list spans many genres but not all.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I'm not that amazing nor have I done anything exceptional, but traveling around the world in 2000 certainly left an impression on me. Seeing life in third world countries was a serious eyeopener. Standing on top of very tall mountains certainly feels amazingly spiritual, and singing/acting as a space alien, among other characters, certainly tickled a few funny bones.

Teach, Learn, Share

I have a working knowledge of basic astronomy and can point out numerous celestial objects. My video skills can come in handy in helping people shoot better pics and movies. I've always wanted to learn Spanish.

What I Can Share with Hosts

I can certainly dog walk, and I'll have a couple of good bottles of wine. Expect humor.

Countries I’ve Visited

Australia, Belgium, Canada, Czech Republic, England, France, Germany, India, Malaysia, Netherlands, New Zealand, Singapore, Switzerland, Wales

Countries I’ve Lived In

New Zealand