The morning air was balmy as I walked into the garden to check the water level in my fountain. The last thing I wanted was another burnt-out pump because the water had evaporated overnight. Southern summers were brutal, but I loved the heat. I grew up in it and planned to retire in it. I wasn't close to retirement age yet, but I had hit the dreaded thirty-nine and suddenly felt I should be planning my funeral. Forgive me for being dramatic. I grew up with a baby face and an athletic body. I was used to being the center of attention because I was cute. I married young and...