My life is about family and home. Family includes not just my husband and 3 children and 4 grandchildren, but all the people, animals, and plants of the world.

Home includes a small non-functional farm and 100-year old farmhouse, and a small modest condo a few miles away, very conveniently located on Portland's MAX (light rail) line. But my home is also the earth, so I try to live minimally, shop not at all, and put my energy into improving our planet's future.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I graduated from college with a Geography degree. I didn't see how it prepared me for any particular paid employment, but it included fun courses, and did prepare me to be a world traveler.

I started on this form of travel even as a small child . I found that when the car broke down (a common experience) we children would be invited into other people's homes while the men-folk attempted to repair the car. It was educational to see how other people lived and what they ate (and if they had food).

I am not so hungry now, and my cars are quite reliable thanks to a husband who earned an electrical engineering degree. But I still seek to understand the world around me via direct interaction with other individuals. I joined a Quebec friend on a couch-surfing adventure several years ago; I have recently decided to re-connect to cs. My husband retired a year ago and now we have time to travel more extensively than in the past. Staying in motels all the time is expensive and boring. I enjoying camping, but sometimes the weather or locations are not suitable.

I'm looking to host other, like-minded individuals. But I don't want to have to host 24-7. Minimal visiting, guidance toward points of interest, possibly some shared trips. I am happy to provide a bed and some meals for 2 or 3 days while you explore the area mostly on your own. I am not particularly interested in "hanging", and I don't do bars, at all!

Interests

I used to sew and knit a lot. But now I try to follow Transportation and Energy issues. And how they related to Housing and Planning. I am a member of a number of environmental organizations, and also the National (and local) Association of Rail Passengers (NARP). Of course, I love spending time with my grandchildren, gardening, backpacking, and trying to make the world a little better place.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I stopped a freeway; in 1989 I worked with neighbors to prevent the construction of the Westside Bypass.

I compiled and published a nature guidebook for the Tualatin Riverkeepers in 2002.

I was producer and director of a children's theater program for a couple of years in the 1990s.

I homeschooled my youngest child with great success from 1980's through mid-1990's.

Teach, Learn, Share

I enjoy travel and to a limited extent enjoy sharing travel experiences...especially things I might learn from you. I am not into "competitive travel" comparisons.

I have traveled through much of Europe, including a bit of Eastern Europe, but not Scandinavia. I once went to Taiwan, and once to Palau; both excellent experiences. And I have traveled some in Central America.

What I Can Share with Hosts

I am pretty busy and relish my alone time. I DON'T want to show off Portland's coffee, beer, wine or marijuana resources. I am NOT a gamer.

However, I DO enjoy hiking and sharing my knowledge of nature, especially Pacific Northwest Native Plants. And I enjoy bicycling for fun.

Countries I’ve Lived In

United States