So Adriel had just turned 50. I went for lunch at a crowded restaurant in downtown Lexington. The hostess (is “hostess” not allowed anymore, ok, maybe “greeter”?) a young woman, maybe a college student at nearby UK. No, we didn’t have reservations, but she would seat us anyway. She gave me a once over, and said “just follow me, young man.” Young man! What? I was pissed. When college age girls first start greeting you with “young man,” you know you are over the hill. Spent. Ancient.
Now that I have just turned 70…okay, 71 actually, I went to Home Depot and bought three pavers. These pavers are gray concrete, 16 inches square, weighing maybe 30 but not more than 35 pounds. I wheeled them out on a cart to my SUV and opened the hatch. Suddenly there appears a lady, about 35 or maybe 40. She reaches down and grabs a paver, saying “oh, let me help you with that,” graciously omitting the “old man”. I just let her load them and thanked her. I thought when someone wants to do a good deed, you should accept it gratefully and let them feel good about themselves. And then I knew I had entered geezerhood and looked the part.
Two Strikes 