Date men from United States / California / Orangevale, 61 year old

Date a soulmate from California, United States. Hello.... and let me introduce myself...
First, I'm a romantic (small "r"). If you do not like having the door opened for you, or being seated at the table, I'm absolutely not the guy for you. Can't help it, it's the way I was raised.
Second, I live in a barn.... actually my barn's loft. But there’s Italian marble, teak floors and a really nice view of the surrounding park. The barn is part of my life... it goes with the 31 horses, and my car restoration project. I was widowed after 25 years of marriage, and 2 daughters (both of which are happily married). Family is important to me; my mother lives on the ranch with me (in her own home). In fact all of my family lives within 3 miles of me....
I'm reasonably educated, BSc, and Masters. I'm retired from 30 years in the California fire service (odd how easy it is to summarize in one sentence thirty years of adrenalin junky-hood). I've traveled, but not as much as I’d like... I'm in excellent health (except for my knees). I don't wear glasses, and I need to use a comb. I do not smoke, and I can make one glass of Chardonnay last for hours.
My sense of humor is "dry".. with a touch of irony. I prefer to read a good book over watching network television. In fact I'd read a telephone book instead of watching the latest network comedy, although I do enjoy good movies... (absolutely NOT horror). I cook, but in an eclectic style.
I’m housetrained. I vacuum, wash and dry, and I don’t wear shoes indoors. I'm not looking for ephemeral relationships, plus, even though I was never an official Boy Scout, my ethical outlook matches their mottos.
I love animals; dogs, cats, and horses, since I've been surrounded by them all my life. I am "healthy", but totally not a vegetarian. I'm politically conservative, fiscally very conservative, but liberal in terms of personal rights. I am a USMC veteran. I do not play golf...( never really got into whacking small balls that never bothered me). I'm not much into spectator sports either.I love the performing arts. Best of Broadway, Music Circus, all of the local theaters, San Francisco and ballet, to name a few. Anything from “dinner theater”, to the National Ballet. Anything that celebrates the human spirit.I enjoy conversation; good conversation with dinner turns a meal into a joyful experience. I love the mountains, and the ocean. Not much for camping (30 years of wildland fire control included a lot of summer "fire camps", definitely not recommended for that leisurely, enjoyable camping experience). I'm also not much for cold... been there, done that, got the frostbite to prove it. But I do ski, as long as I don't have to put chains on…When I retired, I took my watch off, threw away my uniforms, and formal wear. Thirty years of formality was enough for one lifetime. Currently I'm casual only, but I can be cleaned up... not particularly willingly, but it is possible. On the other hand I've never embarrassed my partner, no matter what the social milieu.And that's who I am, or at least as good a mirror as I can create with words.As to who I'm looking for; obviously "chemistry" has to be good. You enjoy our four footed friends, and are responsible, sensitive, caring, intelligent, affectionate, love to hold hands, and understands my humor. An intelligent, warm, loving woman that wants an honorable man. I like tall since I'm 6'5". I promise I'll never make the same mistake twice, but I do reserve the right to make that initial mistake. I'll never try to hurt you. Never. But I will probably do so in spite of myself. I think that's a "guy thing". I'm a good listener, but if you tell me your troubles, I'm going to try to fix them.I love to walk in the moonlight holding hands. Being together is one of the joys of a relationship. Not that the term “inseparable” enters into my vocab. Space for each other is a requirement. But I’ll always be available, and always be interested in what you’re doing.