Date men and women from United States / Alabama / Vernon, 56 year old

Date men and women from Vernon, United States. I’m an easy going guy looking for friendship first with the hope of someday finding that certain someone I can share my life with.
Never thought I would find myself posting a 'dating' profile but what the heck, it’s a new age. My friends describe me ( I actually asked, kind of embarrassing) as having a great dry sense of humor, a youthful spirit, someone who genuinely cares for people, in possession of a sensitive side, intelligent with a life long love of learning, and an animal lover. It was also mentioned I have a misplaced passion for golf (been playing for years yet still insist on torturing myself with the game).
I would describe myself as someone who wouldn’t know how old they are if they didn’t know how old they were. I’m primarily a homebody who enjoys goofing around the house doing projects (some can take a while to complete). I love to read with varied interests ranging through biographies, histories, novels, essays and short stories, professional journals, and just about anything else I can put my hands on. (I’ll even admit to reading the occasional issue of People when sitting in a waiting room.) I love watching movies and usually don’t care if they are old or new, color or black and white, mystery, drama, romance, suspense, action, or comedy. I enjoy watching sport on TV and like shows like Criminal Minds and the Sopranos. Over the years my hobbies and interests have included rose gardening, reef keeping, the internet, fly fishing and backpacking, photography, collectables, and ASL.
I think kids can be a real blessing and truly enjoy their company but not looking to have more. I have two sons who do not live at home. The oldest is 25 and lives in Denver. The youngest is 21 and majoring in rugby and beer in college.
I own my own home but do share it with two felines. “My girls” are two sisters I adopted from the shelter when they were kittens and are real sweethearts. (If I’m nice to them they allow me to sleep indoors).
UPDATE Sept09 Two years ago I added an Australian Shepherd puppy named Watson to the household. I subsequently moved to acreage in the country, built a kennel, have a 1yr old half sister to Watson named Layla, and bought a little travel trailer and drive to shows and trials. Having a blast!
I also have some close friends in the area, including my sister and brother in law, whom I often socialize with.
What am I looking for in a perfect match? Preferably, a professional type who wants to explore and discover secrets of the White Mountains and southwest with me, enjoys a retail shopping excursion, attending an occasional sporting event, a dinner out, the quiet times, and intimate moments with wine and candlelight, Must also enjoy spending time with good friends and family, and of course now "must Love dogs".
A woman who is comfortable with themselves, who recognizes inner and natural beauty is what is important, a patient communicator who is a true friend and someone who shares my values in a relationship.
Everyone has something to offer though so take a chance and contact me.