CURRENT MISSION

I like these two thoughts: 'We live in the shelter of each other' and 'You can't lose hope as long as you're making friends.'

ABOUT ME

Married to Debbie for 31 years. I love chess and the arts. Recently returned from a 3 week visit to Scotland.

Graduate of Washington State Univ with a BA in Asian Studies. Dabbled with seminary so that I am conversant with New Testament Greek.

I was a savings and loan branch manager before signing on with the FAA for a 28 year stint as an Air Traffic Controller.

Debbie has a masters in Psycology and is a fantastic social worker.

I played a lot of football (6.4) and coached a year at a local high school last year. Coaching was one of the hardest things I have ever done.

PHILOSOPHY

Life is a God given adventure. I try to live it gratefully with kindness and generosity toward all, malice toward none.

Keep on top of wrongs, mine and others, by forgiveness and love. Life is much easier when free of resentments.

We are all flawed people, so resist judgment and extend understanding and compassion to all.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

HOW I PARTICIPATE IN COUCHSURFING

Just getting started. But my hope is to host many interesting people with my wife in our home. I will of course also visit some of you in your home in time.

COUCHSURFING EXPERIENCE

None yet.

Interests

US and world history, art of all kinds. I myself like to paint, write stories, do ceramics, and draw.

I may have the largest cactus/succulent collection in the Auburn area, more than 70 varieties. I look at them as my prickly little friends.

Chess. Chess. Chess.

I have several of my paintings hanging on the outside of my house.

• arts
• books
• poetry
• chess
• pottery
• painting
• drawing
• soccer
• history
• social work

Music, Movies, and Books

Drama/action movies are my favorite. But my tastes run from 'Return to Me' to 'Gladiator.' Recent fav was the latest Star Trek movie - a masterpiece of film making.

Music: Mozart to Led Zeppelin. Definitely Muse in between. The era of music that really touches my heart is late sixties through the seventies, groups like the Who and Credence. Occasionally I'm in the mood for jazz, too.

I have about 700 books in my library (no, I have not read them all). Currently reading Anna Karenina by Tolstoy.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Been to every state in the US and 28 countries.

Wrote a novel, founded a regional poetry contest. Won a chess tournament in Reno.

Built a twenty foot long, four feet tall, rock wall in yard. A half year of weekends to do it.

Countries I’ve Visited

Aruba, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Belize, Canada, Cayman Islands, Czech Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, France, Germany, Honduras, Hungary, Israel, Italy, Jordan, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Mexico, Monaco, Poland, Puerto Rico, Switzerland, United Kingdom, United States, Vatican City State

Countries I’ve Lived In

United States