Date women from United States / California / Big Bear Lake, 66 year old

Date someone special from Big Bear Lake, United States. “You only have one life to live, if you live it right, once is enough.” One of my favorite quotes that now has me on to another exciting phase of my life, retirement, after 32 years of teaching learning disabled students in middle school. (That alone should tell you something about me!:) )
Photography is one of my passions. I have no formal training, but I enjoy remembering many moments through pictures.
Travel is another passion. I've enjoyed cruising down the Danube (it is NOT blue!) taking in so much history, art, beauty, people. Sitting in the square in Prague watching World Cup Soccer, people from different countries waving their own flags, laughing, crying, declaring their team THE best. Understanding the language didn't matter, their passion carried the message!! Standing in Red Square and remembering the stories in my youth.
New experiences~adventures, haunts, nooks and crannies in tiny little towns, small cafe by the side of the street with you by my side...?
I enjoy frequent trips in the local mountains, breathing in that fresh mountain pine-y air, walking, kayaking, jet skiing, reading on the deck, playing with my grandchildren, visiting friends, family with a nice glass of wine or two,...or, perhaps an open air jazz group, play, orchestra, music...bliss! There's also "cozying" up in front of the fireplace with a good read- historical novel, mystery, best seller, interesting book jacket summary, magazine article- with a big ole comforter wrapped around me and, perhaps, a companion book lover, while it's snowing outside. Tomorrow, maybe I'll ski.
My perfect match: You'll be considerate, thoughtful to others, genuinely warm, like to touch, not afraid to communicate, honest, have some good close friends, enjoy travel, exploring new haunts, be a best friend as well as lover, predominantly upbeat, optimistic, understanding, open minded...an all around, nice guy!
I am financially and emotionally stable (since that appears to be needed to say~I thought it was normal to be so) and have enjoyed my singleness for over 10 years, but I'd like to find a special man to spend this next portion of my life with. Someone to share new experiences with, who enjoys many of the things that I do, but also brings new experiences, dimensions to our lives.
If you are out there, drop me a line. Let's meet and see if there is something we'd like to follow up on. If you are 5'6" I don't care, just don't say you are 6'!!! That's happened, and it's a waste of both of our time. Also, don't wink...let me know that you've read this and are actually interested.