Date women from United States / California / Walnut Creek, 54 year old

Date someone special from Walnut Creek, United States. I have recently become an "empty-nester" and relocated to the East Bay from the Sacramento area. I am a strong, independent woman. I am honest, caring, compassionate, affectionate, spontaneous and easy-going. I don't waste time sweating the small stuff. I enjoy going out for a night on the town but also enjoy staying in by the fire and cooking, especially on cold rainy days. I am a people-person. I love meeting and getting to know new people, I always try to find good in everyone, and will always cheer on the underdog. I am adaptable to almost any situation, whether at the pool hall shooting pool or at a black tie event. I love to entertain at home. I am not a high maintenance person, and don't like alot of drama. I realize with us all, we have times in our lives we have drama, but I tend to try to deal with it and then move on. I prefer to choose my battles, I like to try to fix what I can and let go of the rest. I have 2 daughters, 21 and 24, they are the center of my world and I cannot imagine life without them. We love spending time together when possible.
I would like to have a strong, confident man in my life that knows where he is going, but is most happy to come home at the end of the day. No egomaniacs, show-offs or know-it-alls, please! He has to be open minded and a good communicator. I would love a man that cooks and is not afraid to cry at a sad movie. I have had my share of men who misrepresent themselves and their situations. Of course, I am sure there are plenty of women on here that do the same, however, I am not one of them. You will find my photos are current (within the last 2 years) .
I am interested in a committed, monogamous, long term relationship with someone who would like the same. I am not interested in a long distance relationship, as I feel the only way to get to know someone is to participate in the day-to-day life experiences together, not just weekends together or less. I have tried the long distance arrangement, and it is just not enough for me. It takes months to learn about someone when you are only seeing each other sporatically and this does not promote a strong desire of committment.
So now that all the serious points are made, you must also know that I love to laugh! Humor is so important in life, I cannot survive without, and the more sarcastic for me, the better! But just remember if you can dish it out, you must be able to take it!! But never at anyones expense, that is most important. I don't take too many things too seriously, and I hope you don't either.

Meet a soulmate from Walnut Creek, United States. I'm happy, fun, funny, and looking for someone who is the same. I have my quiet times, and I have my fun times too. I'm looking for someone who would be content with both sides. Someone I can be quiet with, and someone who I can have fun with.
I love to travel, and am looking for someone who also loves to hit the road. I love exploring other countries, other cultures, other languages, different types of food. I have a particular passion for Europe. It is endlessly fascinating. I've spent alot of time over there and really feel that i've only scratched the surface. I need to be with someone else who can spend hours walking through ancient churches and marvel at the feeling of "time travel." I also want to fit in an African safari at some point. My passport is always in my wallet, because you just never know...
I'm a mom to two wonderful teenage boys. They are the lights of my life. They are getting older now and don't need me as much, and I am having trouble getting used to that idea. I also have two wonderful golden retrievers. The retrievers are my hiking buddies. I hike whenever I can and like exploring new trails. Whitewater rafting is a particular passion too. I am a beach bum and love lying on the beach whenever i get the opportunity. I have a particular love for St John in the US Virgin Islands. That is "my island" and where i always disappear to when i need a break. There I hike, snorkel, lay on the beach, sip daiquiris, explore old ruins, walk through the jungle. There's nothing like it. It would be even better with someone to share it with.
I also love wine, really good wine, and would love to go winetasting. did I mention that i love wine?
I spend hours reading.
Political views are important to me. I am a liberal seeking another liberal.
I also love classic rock, the doors, janis, jim, and jimi. If i have to explain who those people are, please stop reading now.
If you are just looking for a one-night stand, please don't respond. (you know who you are!)
oh, i'm also nice, wonderful, sweet, thoughtful and considerate. just so ya know. Hopefully, you are too.