CURRENT MISSION

Immediate goal: to find nice couches and nice people to stay with when I travel. Long-term goal: to meet interesting people and share this lovely part of the world with them.

ABOUT ME

I'm a "glass half-full" person. I believe that most people are good at heart. I laugh easily and often, frequently at myself. I don't know it all, but I'm curious about nearly everything.

PHILOSOPHY

I believe in good "karma" -- sending ripples of kindness and humor out into the world -- which not only helps others, but also comes back to me when I need it most.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

HOW I PARTICIPATE IN COUCHSURFING

I had wonderful experiences surfing a few summers ago while on a trip from the Bay Area to Toronto, and have hosted several great surfers since my return. I'm a pretty busy person, so I don't accept every request: it mostly depends on what else is going on in my life at the time.

COUCHSURFING EXPERIENCE

My previous "Couchsurfing" experiences have all come through visits with friends and family members over the years. I'm new to both sides of the official Couchsurfing thing, but I've met the most amazing people through it -- both hosts and guests.

Interests

I love my kids/grandkids, books of all kinds, and sunshine. I collect small blue and white plates from around the world.

• books
• surfing

Music, Movies, and Books

My musical interests are broad, encompassing Sting and Stravinsky, Simon and Simone, Basie and boogie. My reading interests are equally wide-ranging: Lee Child and David Mitchell, "Wool" and "Harry Potter," Stegner and Kingsolver. Movie favorites are simply too numerous to mention; just no vampires or zombies, please.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I suppose the most amazing thing I've done is watch my sons become the remarkable men they are. I can't claim much of the credit for it, but they make me terribly proud anyway.

Teach, Learn, Share

The English language is a special love of mine, and I enjoy helping others navigate its twists and turns.

What I Can Share with Hosts

My love for my new "forever" home: Portland and Oregon.

Countries I’ve Visited

England, Italy, Netherlands, Sweden