Name's Stan.  Just Stan.

I live in a small town just outside of Rochester, New York, and work in development (fundraising) for an area museum.  I love Rochester, but hate the winter.

I grew up in northeast Alabama and attended college in Birmingham.  My family still lives in Alabama.  I try to get down there a few times a year, but at the present do not have an automobile in the city, so it requires purchasing plane tickets and arranging to be picked up at the airport.  Alabama is beautiful and usually relaxing though, so the trip is well worth the effort.

I am a 35 year old, Caucasian male.  My family is primarily of descent of the various British Isles.  It's a twisted tale.  I hope to discover more of my family's genealogy.  Much of my mother's ancestry has been documented and maintained, but my father's is in bits and pieces.

I love music and enjoy playing the piano and singing, although I don't do either as often as I should and am very out of practice.  I am working to remedy this situation in the very near future.  I love organ music.  Estey made reed organs in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.  They do not have much monetary value today, partly because the organ, as an instrument, is not in favor.  Currently I have a small folding/portable reed organ, a parlor organ, and a the very large, two manual and full pedal board, "Gibson" Studio Organ.  It is my dream to someday collect and restore these instruments.  These organs are still vital musical voices and some of the most versatile instruments ever produced.  They will never be manufactured again and are being destroyed due to lack of concern for their history.

All "crafty" things are of interest to me.  I like sewing, D-I-Y handiwork, upholstering, costuming, and the like.  I tend to be rather mechanically inclined and will tinker with just about anything.  Cooking is also a hobby, although I don't do it as much these days as I am trying to eat healthier.

I have a great group of friends here in the city and in the various places I have resided over time.  They have a very wide range of personalities.  It is nice to have such a diverse set of people around.  You can almost always find someone interested in doing the same thing  you may be interested in.  There are many activities and cultural opportunities in the area.  You do have to make an effort though.  It amazes me how easy it is to sit at home and let life pass you by.

I read a lot.  Fiction mostly.  It may be escapism, but I love being drawn into stories of interpersonal relationships.  A few of  my favorite authors are John Knowles, Christopher Isherwood, Brendan Behan, and the like.  I also really enjoy movies and theatre.  Unlike most of my friends, I enjoy most movies I see.  I specifically chose the movie, so there must have been something I found interesting in the first place.

Well, I could go on for a while and will add to this file in the future.  For now though, that's a bit about me and my interests.  If you should want to know more, just ask.

Stan