Thoughts about aging.

You know you’re getting old when your contemporaries start winning Kennedy Center Honors. This year’s honorees include Meryl Streep and Neil Diamond, and I’m feeling slightly overwhelmed.

I’ve always loved Meryl Streep’s movies. I haven’t seen too many of her recent films except for Julie & Julia, which was wonderful. She’s a more convincing Julia Child than Julia Child. (Seriously.) As for Neil Diamond, I grew up on his top 40 hits during the 1960s — “Cracklin’ Rosie,” “Cherry Cherry,” “Sweet Caroline,” “Kentucky Woman” — most of which have evolved into sing-along anthems at stadiums and ball parks.

All of a sudden I feel very old. And today’s mail hasn’t helped much, either.

Before he left for work about an hour ago Sam handed me a catalog of orthopedic shoes for diabetics, September’s AARP newsletter and an offer to sign up for “Southern Living” magazine at the senior citizen rate (ten bucks for 14 issues). I think I’ll go soak my teeth while I consider all these exciting options.

Incidentally, our wonderful new patio is finally done! A crew surprised us at 8:30 this morning to seal the stamped concrete — a five-hour process that included scraping, pressure-washing and several coats of spray-on sealant that also managed to stink up the family room. I’m not complaining because the concrete has gorgeous color now and looks like glossy granite. Tomorrow we’ll arrange the patio furniture and tie our new cushions to the bistro chairs. I’m hoping to shoot some photos by the end of the week and post them here in the Howdygram, no extra charge.

Thank you for reading this!