First, are there any other 40 somethings out there trying to learn from scratch? Or am I just insane?

I wish I was still forty. I've played WITH guitars on and off for years, learned a few songs but never really learned to PLAY guitar. I've decided that its now or never, either finally learn to play or sell them all and never pick up a guitar again. Thats why I joined GT about 4 months ago.

Yes, chord progressions, scales and picking and strumming patterns are difficult at first. But after a while you start having these "I get it now!" moments. The fingers begin to get muscle memory so the chords and scales get easier. The next thing that happens is you start "hearing the music" in those boring progressions and scales. Just give it time, when it starts to happen you won't be able to wipe the smile from your face!