I'm a happy, positive woman with a really good life, looking for a smart, honest, energetic guy. I've got a job I love that lets me "do good" every day, great friends and family, a nice home, and beautiful kids who live with me half the time. I love the outdoors and will almost always choose to play outside – in a canoe, on a bike, on a trail. I'm a huge reader, a great cook, and a committed and loving mother. I love to laugh. I’m on the earthy side, friendly and outgoing, honest and straight-forward and I expect honesty in return.


I'm not looking to jump right back into a marriage. My kids have a great dad (with whom I have a friendly and respectful relationship), so I'm not trying to find a stepfather for them. What I want is to start building an honest, committed relationship that will in time turn into a solid partnership for the future.


Things that make me really happy: riding my bike, big loud rock and roll concerts and tiny folk music shows, art and history museums, waking up in a tent, good bookstores, digging in the garden, riding horses, singing almost anything, cooking from scratch for appreciative people, riding (on the back of) a motorcycle, public radio, town meeting, being on top of a mountain at any time of year. I'm in good shape physically and emotionally. I'm intuitive, well-educated, able to make all kinds of things, and able to handle myself in any kind of social situation. I own my own home, pay my bills on time and save money every month, but I also love to splurge on a weekend in Quebec City, on the coast of Maine, or some other memorable trip now and then. It takes me under five minutes to get dressed and get out the door. And I make pies that will make you weak in the knees.


I'm not interested in being one of several women you juggle, so don't bother writing if you're already seeing someone. Concentrate on her, for god's sake, and give it all you've got. If you've already done that and it's still not working, do the right thing and end it. Then look for the new woman. I'm really worried about what this online dating thing has done to so many people -- lots of them seem to think they can just go back to the girlfriend store if something's not working with their partner. It's pretty clear that behavior will lead to us all ending up alone. I'm interested in working out the bugs in a relationship and growing old together.


I'm a sucker for: historic sites, traditional handcrafts, good licorice, good beer, church suppers, smart and unpretentious people. I can't stand: sneakiness, people who are rude to waitstaff, dishonesty, electronic games for kids, raw tomatoes. I'm happier with a nickel adventure than a luxury hotel. Happier on a bike trip than at a canned resort. Have no need ever to go on a cruise. (OK, if that's the only way you can really see the Alaskan or Norwegian coast, I'll do it.)


I grew up in Vermont (my family has been here since before the Revolution), and I'm really happy I've stayed. I'm thankful every day for these beautiful small towns, big woods, clean rivers, and real people. I'm solid, centered, and healthy and I'm looking for a man who can honestly say the same.


If you're old enough to be my father, please don't write. It's just embarrassing. The photos I've posted on my profile are all very recent and actually look like me; don't expect me to react well if yours are five years old and show you in some previous incarnation. And just so you know: I respond to all actual notes from people, but don’t generally respond to “winks” or "smiles."


(Somebody told me recently that my profile is "a little daunting," which makes me think I should balance it by including what another friend said: "you won't find a warmer, friendlier, more approachable and sincere person anywhere.")


Best wishes.