Date men and women from United States / California / North Long Beach, 40 year old

Date a man from California, United States. I am an easy going guy looking for the same. I enjoy a wide variety of things. I do prefer dark hair as I enjoy the opposite of myself since I am fair skin. I like a woman that can carry on a conversation and I enjoy talking to. It is fun to be around a woman that can talk and I do not realize time is passing. She should have some life experience and I love hearing funny stories since I have a ton of them. :) I do love watching sports. I grew up in LA, but all my teams are east coast, but I do not discriminate. I often argue with my friends over sports, but in a joking manner.
I can cook and love cooking for a woman. Always great to see the reaction when a woman realizes I can cook. :) I love to read and spend a lot of my free time doing that. I read books in fiction (love me some horror books as they are quick reads) and can get into some politics as well as books that pertain to my profession (teaching/education/science).
Let's not get it wrong, physical appearance is a definate plus. I am just being realistic. A mental and physical connection are a MUST :)
I enjoy the outdoors since I was an Ecology major in college. I enjoy hiking and camping and nature in general. I am also an animal lover as I grew up with them all my life. That includes having pets of various types: birds, dogs, cats, reptiles, possum, raccoon, lots of various others.
I am also in the Air Force Reserves and enjoy my work with it. I love my country and would fight and die to protect it along with the way of life we represent.
I answer all emails and expect the same. Time is short and it is better to be up front and say "No thank you" versus just leaving someone wondering. Courtesy goes a long way in my book :)