I have always heard that you are only as old as you feel. I agree with that thought.

This past week, I celebrated my 61st birthday and didn’t feel any different than I did the day before when I was only 60 years old.

In fact, my 61st birthday was just like all previous days. My good health allowed me to go into The Advertiser office before 8 a.m. and work until 7:30 that night.

Gaining a year in age apparently only has an affect on me around my home. My wife, Peggy, isn’t giving me any slack in my older age.

Apparently, I can’t remember to turn off lights when I leave a room. I also am finding it more and more difficult to remember to take the garbage out without having to be asked to do so.

I have been quick to point out to her that I am now a year older and she has to expect such lapses of memory. Her comment on that excuse made it crystal clear that regardless of my age I better remember not to use that excuse again.

I began to wonder about the affects of adding a year to my age later in the week when I found the potato chips bag in the refrigerator. I chalked that up to having too many things on my mind when I went to put the bag back in the food cabinet.

But when Peggy called to let me know she found ice cream in the refrigerator but not in the freezer compartment, I really began wondering if I needed to schedule some attention retention classes going forward.

Just like when I was 60, I am certain this year will be a good year in my life. I am fortunate to be living in exciting times filled with advancements in just about every aspect of our society.

By the time my 62nd birthday comes around, I’m sure many more new advancements and new products will have occurred that will “wow” me just like this past year has. Maybe someone will invent a device that will jog my memory, telling me to turn off the lights and take out the trash. Of course, I would have to remember to turn on the device.