After a handful of years around academia and at one point considering teaching in my rural hometown high school I became rather hooked on agriculture. Heading to the North Country this year to explore old family roots and the farming scene. Would like to develop my skills and support a community.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

Hospitality appears to be a lost art...but alas there are still practitioners of the real thing. I enjoy working at becoming a better host and returning the incredible hospitality I've received over the years.

I've also had rather nice experiences on AirBnb but the exchange doesn't seem to facilitate the same intimacy with a place and its people. In my younger frugal days I had nothing but great experiences couchsurfing. Haven't been on here for a bit but maybe it's time to bring it back.

Interests

Oh sheesh! Most anything with the exception of celebrities.

My biggest interest lately has been how to manage animals to stimulate landscapes. In the next few years I'd also like to build competency in light carpentry and masonry. Rather interested in alternative building techniques and how one can transform undeveloped land into affordable and beautiful housing. My readings of Christopher Alexander's work have really gotten my gears turning on this.

Other than those two big ones, it's standard fare, you know - pleasant dinners where one is inclined to linger with others at the table, a good book on a quiet night, waking up early and going for a swim, enjoying a cup of tea in the afternoon.

I'm also quite an enthusiast for ... oh, what's the term people use now ... "green living" perhaps? I enjoy keeping things relatively simple and finding a lifestyle that is beyond sustainable yet not overly ascetic.

Music, Movies, and Books

Hey now let's not get too superficial here! But oh well I'll take a crack.

I think my desert island movie could be "Aliens". Shot of adrenaline every time Sigourney Weaver hops in that yellow robot suit. Desert island artist? Tempting to choose Prince, but I can pretty much listen to Sade anywhere, anytime. Tough call. At any rate I seem to have a constant appreciation for the late 80s/early 90s.

Teach, Learn, Share

Oh sheesh x 2.

I do love the art of fermentation and it seems that will be a lifelong affair. I can talk your ear off on bread and love getting my hands in some dough. I mean how bad can life be when there's good bread?