What is your current state of mind?

My mind is like a bed in the morning. Unmade at first but smoothing out as the day emerges.

What qualities do you value in a friend?

I want friends with open minds, a love of beauty, commitment to the civilizing process.

What do you regret about your youth?

That it was so short. I'm making up for that by being an adolescent old geezer.

What talent would you like most to have?

I would like to be able to play the piano.

What is your favorite place?

My favorite place is by my wife Judy's side. In a few days we will have been married 51 years. On a good day, she tells me she still loves me.

What would you do if you hit the lottery?

I'd pay our bills as far as the money would go.

On what occasion do you lie?

I have a tendency toward hyperbole but everything I say is true. Sometimes it is also factual.

What do you consider your greatest achievement?

Having the doting love of my children and grandchildren.

What is your best quality?

I truly enjoy people. I'm like the late humorist Will Rogers and the oft-married Elizabeth Taylor. I never met a man (or woman) I didn't like.

If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?

I would talk less and listen more.

What is your guiltiest pleasure?

Homemade peach ice cream. Or a good fruitcake. I know I'm the only man in the world who'll admit this.

What would you rather be doing right now?

I would rather be kicking back with some good friends having a glass of tea and spinning yarns.