I've been taking long walks (3-4 miles) in the woods several times a week
since late September, in an effort to shed excess weight. I've only lost 4
lbs. in all that time, but there are other benefits. One is lessening of my
depression. And it is making me feel younger.

Apparently I'm also looking younger as a result of these walks. Today, I was
buying beer at the local Walmart and the clerk, grinning ear to ear, asked
me if I'm under 27. I was so sure she was joking that, grinning just as
large, I replied "Yes, ma'am."

I figured at that point she would bust out laughing and was ready to join
her when she said "Lemme see your license, please" and then learned my age
is 52.

We were both lucky in that our dropping jaws were intercepted by the rubber
conveyor belt of the counter, or we'd both be in the hospital getting our
faces wrapped in gauze. You know how hard the floors in Walmart are.

Of course I had to ask the lady if she perhaps needs a stronger eyeglass
prescription. She said maybe she does....

I mean, after two nights of very little sleep I usually look pretty washed
out, and I wasn't wearing any makeup (I almost never do).

I was laughing so hard as I left the store that two more clerks caught me
and asked what was so funny. I told them I'd share the joke in return for a
small favor. They agreed. So I asked them, what is the absolute youngest age
they would say I am. Their answers: 29 & 32. "Neither of you would have
asked for my ID if I was buying beer, right?" And I told them this other
clerk had done just that.

So if I'm looking as much as 25 years under my actual age in a badly
sleep-deprived state, all this walking in the forest must be a mighty good
thing.

;)