Boy, I sure see a lot of similarities between your story and mine, LouisaMay!
I am a firm believer that there are no coincidences: things happen or dont' for a reason. I'm approaching AI myself about 15 years after my initial rush, and I am sure that the time is finally right. Maybe that's the case for you too!
Welcome to GC! Be prepared to give updates of your AI pursuit-- that's become a tradition around here: to guess which PNAM is going where.
Adrienne