I have this mental image of myself aging gracefully and somehow turning into a NewEnglander as I age. I see myself as tall and thin -- lanky, really -- with a full head of wavy silver and gray hair, coming in the back door of my house -- in from a very well-manicured garden, in fact. Probably just wrapped up picking some fresh blueberries to share with Lisa. I'll be wearing gently aged clothing that looks like it all came from LL Bean about 15 years earlier. Perhaps I will say something like, "Feels like thar could be a bit of a Nor'easter comin' in tonight, dear!"

Later, we will sit out by the lake behund our house with Lisa saying "The loons, Todd, The LOONS." And, while I am adjusting my hearing aid so I can hear her, she will say, "Oh, Todd, you old poop!"

Oh well, they are nice thoughts at least!