[jhynesrockmtn]

Some random comments. I was divorced with two kids at home when I was 45ish after 20+ years of marriage. I wish I had waited longer to date and focused on me. In hindsight my marriage and other experiences had done a fair bit of damage to my self image. If you are good and the kids are solid, go for it.

Cats. I love them and if my wife leaves this earth before me, I'll get more and live alone. I love dogs too, so probably a few of those. People (my wife and kids excluded), I have less and less patience for the older I get.

The apps. I had some great dates and a few 1-2 year relationships from the apps back in the day. Overall a positive experience. My wife was introduced by mutual friends.

Horses. When I moved from Seattle to Spokane I spent a couple of years working as the CEO of a small equine therapy non profit. We had 8 horses and a few staff with a ton of volunteers. Everyone but me had a ton of experience with horses. I enjoyed the animals, but the arguments over which vet to use, what supplements to feed, does Bella need a chiropractor, which farrier to use........ were endless. I decided I could be a horse person, but not be around horse people. YMMV.

Good luck. The right person is a needle in a haystack. Especially the older we get. The baggage starts looking like they have packed for a round the world cruise. I learned the hard way to avoid long term relationships with anyone who's kids were still living at home or were struggling to launch. Luckily my wife's kids are all folks I am happy to spend time with and are smart, funny and finacially independent.