So, I guess that’s that then?
Suddenly I’ve reached the point in life I had thought was far off in the distance - and I didn’t even see it coming.
If I close my eyes it feels like just yesterday that I was anxiously awaiting my A-Level results, eager to take on the world and all its opportunities.
But then, I open my eyes and realise the last 20 years have just disappeared in a blink and here I am - feeling my age and feeling very out of touch with life, and this week, things only got worse.
Talking with my colleagues in work the other day, we were discussing our plans for the weekend.
One of the ladies mentioned she was going to the hairdressers for a bit of pampering.
I chipped in at this point, mentioning that my hair really needed a treatment because it was breaking off every time I combed it. No surprise really, given that I’ve coloured it decades.
Anyway, just then, one of the girls said "that’ll be your age".
She explained that after you turn a certain age (no need to mention) your hair begins to fall out.
(I just want to point out, my hair is not falling out, just breaking - that's my story and I'm sticking to it).
A couple of days later, I again mentioned to someone else about my hair and before I knew it, I was being handed a shampoo for ‘hair over forty’.
I could have cried.
Apparently a lady’s hair needs a bit of extra help after a certain age.
The little blurb on the bottle went in to mention something about age, hormones and menopause.
Deflated and defeated, I accepted the bottle and lifted my walking frame and hobbled on home.
My situation wasn’t helped the next day when I called into a shop to pick up an item for an older friend of mine who’s daughter is expecting, only to be asked if it was my daughter who is pregnant?
Sick as a dog, I felt like lying down on the floor and crying.
The only thing that put me off was the chance that I might not have been able to get up again - given how quickly this ageing thing is taking hold.
So, that’s that then.
There’s nothing to be done.
Soon I’ll be living in cardigans, having dinner at 3pm and drinking cocoa before bed. Come to think of it, that doesn’t sound half bad.
---------------------------------------------------------
I just want to take a moment this week to salute legendary Hollywood star, Robert Redford (81) who has announced his retirement from acting after 56 years.
Ever the fan of the older man, I fell madly in love with Mr Redford in the 1996 romantic drama, Up Close and Personal.
In it, the heart-throb starred as a charismatic news producer who helped launch the career of a cub reporter played by Michelle Pfeiffer.
It was a wonderful movie which captured my heart and left me swooning.
Goodbye Mr Redford.
We wish you and your handsomeness well in your future endeavours.
----------------------------------------------------------
Competition
With the end in summer in sight, you may be starting to feel a bit deflated, so how do you fancy winning a “brave, bold, warm, rich, amusing, engaging novel”?
The Juniper Gin Joint by Lizzie Lovell tells the story of Jennifer, who's had a tough year in her seaside home in Devon.
Her kids have left home for pastures new and her husband has left home for another woman.
Home alone with her eccentric home-brewing father, she then discovers her job at the local museum is under threat amid plans to sell the building to a pub chain.
But help is at hand from her colleagues and sexy newcomer, Tom Bassett, who happens to be a widower.
However, could the key to saving the day lie with a cold gin and tonic?
With its debauched local history of smuggling, can gin be the town’s saviour and bring love back into Jennifer’s life?
I have five copies of The Juniper Gin Joint to give away.
If you fancy winning a copy, simply email your name, address and telephone number – along with the answer to the question below – to competitions@irishnews.com
Closing date for entries is 12 noon on Tuesday, August 14, 2018.
(Q) Who wrote The Juniper Gin Joint?
Normal Irish News Rules Apply
____________________________________________
The winner of the Northern Ireland Museum's Bluegrass competition is Celine Mackle, from Dungannon.
