Date women from United States / California / Solvang, 44 year old

Date a woman from United States. I thrive on learning new things. I'm passionate about food and cooking. I find as much pleasure in eating as I do in creating new recipes. I love traveling and going to fabulous restaurants. But taste is everything to me and I'd rather eat an authentic and great meal in a dive than a mediocre meal in a fine restaurant.
I like every kind of traveling from a small day trip somewhere in the United States to a big trip overseas. I enjoy going off the beaten path and discovering something new. I love when an unexpected turn or plan takes me somewhere new.
I have two girls, ages 13 and 14. They are talented, smart and independent. My main focus is helping them to be the best they can possibly be and exposing them to as much as I can through traveling and education.
Even though I'm not shy and meet people easily I also enjoy spending time alone. I really enjoy hiking, horsebackriding, kayaking and snorkeling.
I love quotes and reading. Some of my favorites are: "The pursuit is the reward." and "The true cook has, in his or her modest sphere, such pleasure in recipe making as the musician or poet in composition." --Kitchen Cooks Oracle, London 1927
I love going to dinner and a good movie. I like a huge variety of movies. I love discussing movies as much as I enjoy a good book.
I'm looking for someone I can laugh and have fun with and see a good movie with. I'm looking for someone interesting that likes discovering, exploring and learning new things.

Meet someone special from United States. I am honest, direct and comfortable in my own skin. I am well travelled and looking to settle down with that special someone. I am a huge animal lover so anyone I date must love dogs! I bred horses for several years and also competed internationally. I still own 2 horses for pleasure riding.
I am looking for someone who is honest above all else. Someone comfortable with himself and not searching for the next thing to make him happy. I want someone who enjoys the simple things in life like cooking a meal together, hanging out watching a movie or having a night out with a glass of wine and good conversation.
I am looking for that special relationship. Someone to be my partner, friend and more. Someone who knows what he wants out of life.
I am quiet but not shy. I'm very independent and certainly not clingy. I can be very affectionate with the right person and enjoy that aspect of a relationship. I am not a someone who needs to have a lot of people around me all of the time. I enjoy having a social life but I am not one of those people who needs to be the center of attention.