I am nearing my retirement; it's one year away. My career has been primarily in education, teaching Spanish & English, and in high school counseling. My most interesting job was that of Education Coordinator at a private minimum-security prison for male felons, ages 25-32; I set up community college classes and workshops at the prison; I taught the guys tennis; the setting was just outside a tiny CA. coastside town; it had been a corporate retreat site prior to the three years it was used as a prison. I would like to take a well-planned trip or two each year; I particularly want to visit major national/international parks; I have a book that highlights many of the world's most spectacular parks; it's my inspiration. I want to return to Spain and enjoy its beloved language, people & culture. I would like to learn Japanese. Since I once enjoyed teaching ESL/English as a second language, I may pursue that interest. Commerce and tourism interest me. I also find it delightful to watch people completing physical tasks, such as tree-trimming high above the ground or operating heavy equipment.

Interests:

writing; walking/hiking; driving/exploring everywhere; travel; dogs; Nature/wildlife; wineries; agricultural businesses/commercial enterprises; chamber of commerce activities; stand-up comedy shows; concerts (jazz & classical); ethnic festivals/food; travel, domestic & worldwide, especially to national/international parks.

Music:

Smooth Jazz; classical

Movies:

"Out of Africa"; "Gone with the Wind"; "No Way Out"; "Jane Austin Book Club"; list to be expanded

Books:

THE WINTER OF OUR DISCONTENT, John Steinbeck; ATLAS SHRUGGED, Ann Rand; A GOOD MAN IS HARD TO FIND, Flannery O'Conner; poetry of Robert Frost; poetry of Emily Dickinson;...to be expanded

Television:

PBS: News Hour; CA.'s Gold; Washington Week; McLaughlin Group; CNN:Wolf Blitzer; Larry King; George Stephanopolis; Meet the Press; Hour of Power; Two and a Half Men; Comedy channel; Country Music Channel; Golf/Tennis channels; movie channels