I have been retired for several years now and consider house sitting as a useful way of exploring parts of the country that I may not necessarily always go to. This also applies to overseas locations. The longer the stay the more you get to know the area in which you are sitting. Its also an excellent way to decide whether you might like to relocate to an area. My interests include, 4 wheel driving and camping (novice - I have a good friend in Melbourne who is the expert). I like walking - but have yet to join a walking club. Reading, mostly detective stories by various authors and some Law stories by John Grisham. I do like fantasy books but lost interest when some of the best stories went on for book after book after book!. However the purchase of a Kindle may allow me to pursue that particular interest again. I do like to play 10 pin bowling and have a high score of 237! (some years ago). Other interests are watching sport of all kinds particularly Soccer and Rugby (any code). I do like animals, with dogs being my favourite. Have been lucky enough to live with a Labrador, Lassie Collie and a Malamute. References are available from the following: Denise Thompson and Bruce McNeill on House sat from 19 Dec 2012 to 5 Jan 2013 Jo and Tom Fisher on House sat for them for 3 weeks in Feb Alan and Lorraine Griggs - Housesitting from 31st October until 12 Nov 2013 Denise Thompson and Bruce McNeill (repeat booking) from 19 Dec to 5th Jan and will be sitting again for them from Mid April to end of May 2015 prior to going to UK. I am sitting for them again from 2 Mar to 20 Mar 2017.