I think it hit me that I was starting to get old when I turned 50, and that is also when AARP started to hound me with offers that I still toss in the trash.

I started turning gray a bit early, and had a heart attack and triple bypass operation at 47, which accelerated the graying process.

Since then, I have been working harder to keep myself in good physical condition. I workout and try to eat better. I also try getting in more activities time, getting me out of my chair, and I also try to add new things every so often to keep my mind active.

In September of 2016, I took up playing the violin again, after a 42 year gap after those elementary school lessons. It took a while to get fairly good at playing the violin, but I am pretty sure I am much better now than I was as a kid. Still much more to work on though. I can play better still, and I now know it.

But it did not stop there, last year I took up the classical guitar, and now, just a few days ago the viola as well. I am still working on mastering the alto clef, but I can already tell that I love the sound of the viola. I have to stop and check which notes those are on the clef too often, but I can play enough of a tune to get the feel of it. It will not be long before I can play that first tune all the way through without pause. I did not start at the beginning of the lesson book either, but near the end. 

I am now 57, as of this month, and still learning, and still getting better.

I definitely get the jokes about the bathroom breaks, while you can, though.

MACJR