I really appreciate everybody's input. I made my chose and brought home a new Trek 2.1 Apex today. It's an entry level road bike but its low bail out gear will help me develop the legs I need to get over the hills I will be riding and this bikes gearing will help me stay on a bike in the coming years as I age more. I haven't taken pictures yet but will sometime this week but here is the generic from the Trek web site. The bike is actually much nicer looking than this picture indicates.
Again, thanks for all your help.
2012 Trek 2.1 Apex.
Congrats on the purchase. Keep us posted on your progress up those hills.