Richard

Travel information

I am currently

Description

Greetings workaway hosts and thanks for looking at my profile. My name is Rick and I live right on the Oregon coast in the US. I love to travel and learn new things, especially language and other cultures. I enjoy working with all ages and sharing knowledge. I am passionate about food, cooking and woodworking. I like to walk/hike and enjoy nature. I am easy-going, hard-working and work well in groups or individually. I'm a quick learner and am always willing to lend a helping hand.

I 'd be happy to put my extensive background in DIY remodeling and restoration to help you with projects big and small. I've remodeled/restored 8 homes over the years, some from the ground up. I have a very strong work ethic and truly enjoy the work. I'm an accomplished woodworker and author (I've written 35+ books on woodworking and home improvement) and have built most of the furniture in my home.

I love animals, especially dogs and cats. I've always had dogs in my home; always in pairs as I believe they are very much pack animals. I enjoy walking, playing, and just being with them.

As a recently retired college engineering professor I've worked with students from age 14-70. I've also offered summer engineering and ROV (underwater robots) camps for middle school children. I've assisted my daughter (and engineering colleague) with summer GEEK (Girls Exploring Engineering Kamp) for 7-12 year old girls (what a blast!).

Finally, I am a very clean, neat, and tidy person. Both my kitchen and my workshop are well organized and spotless.

Interests

Languages

Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Spanish: Beginner
French: Beginner

More details about my language interests
I can teach English, both oral or written. I'm interested in learning any new language.

Find a language buddy

Skills and knowledge I'd like to share or learn

I'm interested in:  

Gardening

Babysitting and creative play

General Maintenance

Helping around the house

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Some knowledge of:  

Creating/ Cooking family meals

Helping with Computers/ Internet

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Able to teach about:  

DIY and building projects

Teaching

More details about your skills

I have a varied skillset. I've worked as an educator, editor, and author (35+ books on woodworking and home improvement for Time-Life, Popular Mechanics, Sunset, Taunton Press and Sterling publishing). I spent years as a woodworking magazine editor (Woodsmith and ShopNotes) and book acquisitions editor for Taunton Press and Rodale Press.

I have purchased and remodeled/restored 8 homes. My skills include: electrical, plumbing, drywall, painting, trim and custom woodwork. Many of the homes (including my current one on the Oregon coast) I've gutted down to the studs, moved walls as necessary, and have replumbed/rewired the entire house. I've designed numerous kitchens and also built and installed the cabinets myself.

I'm a recently retired electronics, robotics and engineering professor and am fluent in current technologies. I'm proficient in English included writing and editing.

Age

66

What else ...

I enjoy puzzles, cryptograms, crosswords, etc. I'm a US Navy veteran that worked in secure communications (cryptography) for the NSA and NSGA.

For an old guy, I'm relatively fit. I walk along the Oregon coast 4-6 miles (6-10km) every day. I don't smoke and only drink socially. I have an excellent sense of humor and love talking to people about their life experiences. I've made some musical instruments in the past (dulcimer, mandolin) and so enjoy and appreciate all kinds of music - especially live music.

Some more information

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  Smoker

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  Driver's licence

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  Allergies

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  Special dietary requirements