Date women from United States / California / Eureka, 73 year old

Date a soulmate from California, United States. If I had my "druthers," my beloved and I would have discovered each other years ago. Together, we would have built an interesting and relaxed history. We would be at ease with each other, knowing what makes us laugh together, what we like to do, and where we like to go. In short, we would be comfortable together.
However, life did not happen that way -- yet. I am continually hopeful that it is not too late, but am apprehensive all the same.
For many years, I had a career centered on making conditions better for rural families, and for small, local businesses. My work commanded the major portion of my time and energies, and I loved it. I got to travel across the country as well as become intimately acquainted with rural Oregon. I’d still be working if I had not quit in order to take care of my ailing mother, and to help my brother-in-law with my ailing sister. But with me, family is paramount. Even if I sometimes long for the “good old days,” I would not – and realistically could not – change a thing.
Today, I live in a small studio built for me by my son and have a seven-year-old cockapoo who was rescued after being released to a kill-shelter (an oxymoron, if I ever heard one) by a notorious puppymill. She is a sweet little thing and, in the scant two years I have had her, has developed into an individual with a mind of her own. Together we walk at least a mile a day and have several routes we both agree on: Old Town along the waterfront; Halverson Park with a bay shore trail that goes under the bay bridge; Sequoia Park with redwood trees, a steep hill and zoo noises; and, of course, the beach when the tide is right – most likely nearby as the doggie is anxious for her daily walk. I don’t know which of us benefits more – the dog whose muscle tone continues to improve after being locked up in a kennel for the better part of five years or me who applies the exercise to staving off osteoporosis.
My idea of a good relationship is one in which the potential partners present and share real and honest attitudes, behaviors and beliefs from the beginning. When this happens, I believe the relationship can be strong enough to withstand any negatives that are bound to get in the way. And, no matter who we are or what age, there are bound to be obstacles of one kind or another.