Interlaced with the routines of life, there are adventures big and small. An adventure might be an afternoon road trip to wander a small town's main street. It might be a weekend in Duluth. It might be crossing an ocean.

The best adventures are shared with someone who embraces life - a kindred spirit. Yes, we have to attend to our day-to-day responsibilities, but we eagerly anticipate the next getaway.

For a long time, I wanted to charter a sailboat in the Caribbean. Last year, I took the classes to qualify me to do that. I had a chart of the Virgin Islands framed and hung on the wall to help motivate me. The kids and I did a long weekend charter on Lake Superior so they'd be comfortable on a big boat. We recently returned from a fantastic week in the BVI with great memories. Now I have to figure out what to do for an encore.

I'm certified as an open water scuba diver, though I've only managed a few dives in the last 10 years. I'm a baseball umpire at the high school varsity and American Legion levels. I'm a competitive pistol shooter - I mostly compete against myself, but the matches are fun. I spent 15 years in the army as a reservist doing interesting things, but those days are behind me.

I had a long, happy marriage before becoming a widower, so I know what commitment is about and how to compromise. I know there's someone out there with whom I can share the deep connection and chemistry that makes for something lasting. Someone to join me on the rest of my adventures.