House Sitter in Chevy Chase, Maryland

I am a 59 year-old woman who lives in Australia from May-Nov/Dec. I would like to spend six months of the year here to be close to my family including my 90 year-old healthy very independent dad who would rather I not stay with him for that length of time. A professional freelance writer, editor and project manager specialising in environmental conservation, I am currently studying how to provide care for the dying. I will be volunteering for hospice while here. For the last 15 years I have been a wildlife rescuer and carer in Australia so I am comfortable with animals. I am quiet, resourceful, responsible, honest, and somewhat handy. My many contacts in the area would enable me to troubleshoot efficiently. I have several house-sitting references in Australia, where I have been living for 16 years, and one or two in the States. Because I have not yet established a permanent cell phone account here, email is the best means of communication.