Date men from United States / California / Bishop, 54 year old

Date single man from California, United States. My day consists of going to work at a Radio Observatory for Caltech and then coming home to a Beagle named Snoop Dog. I ignore him for a bit and he usually barks at me for the entire time. (It’s like he’s scolding me for being gone too long.) Then I’ll bend down and let him rest his legs on my bent leg. He gives me a hug by smashing his face into mine and then gives me 1 little lick on my face. (He’s not a big 'licker'.) I was hoping one day I might have some kind of relationship like that with a beautiful lady instead!
The reality is that I was in a relationship/marriage for 20 years and because of the healing process I may not be fully ready for a relationship so I'm looking for a friend first. (Just being honest here.) But who knows, maybe some kind of magical chemistry will happen. That would be cool...
At nights, you'll find me playing guitar, working out on my Bowflex or working on a hardware and software design for a small company I have on the side.I'm a small town Midwest boy at heart. I grew up in South Dakota, got my Electronic Engineering degree, and moved to California in 1982. I love this area of the country! There are so many things to do and see in California and Nevada. I joined a Rock and Roll band a few months ago. I'm also comfortable playing jazz music (played in the Bishop Big Band for 10 years) and even been in the Orchestra pit with my guitar 3 times.
I've always been in great shape. I've lifted weights (switched to Bowflex 10 yrs ago) since I was 26. I've been mountain biking for many years as well and just recently purchased a new one. (29" wheels are pretty crazy, eh?). My sport in high school was swimming and running (no football or basketball for me and I NEVER watch them LOL). I did triathlons for about 6 years in my mid 30s. The last two summers I did long distance backpacks that started in the Giant Forest in Sequoia and ended at Mt Whitney Port one year and Shepherd Pass last year.