The secret of longevity.

Tomorrow we will be up very early to leave for the airport at the crack of dawn. I’ve been madly packing today, and have almost done. My Mom-in-law says that she’ll really miss us, but she has so much to keep herself busy, and so many friends, that I’m sure she’ll get back into her normal routine in no time.

The Sunday lunch was really great, and we all had more than enough to eat, including my cheesecake which went down a treat.

Whilst we were busy eating and chatting, Luca was sitting watching out for rabbits. She did spot one, playing with the black cats, but when she made a dash for it, ‘Brer Rabbit’ disappeared into the bushes in a split second.

Much of the conversation was about plans for the upcoming 100th birthday celebration next year. It’s going to be a great weekend, with partying galore, and family attending from all over the world. Some of the bloggers have asked me what her secret to longevity is, as she’s so fit and active. Here she is after laying the lunch table on Sunday.

She told me that her secret is really no secret at all. She thinks it’s really important not to stress about things, and to show tolerance to other people’s views, ideas, and way of doing things. She fills her day with watching her favourite programmes on TV, whilst knitting hats, mittens and scarves for the ‘Shoebox appeal‘, which sends prettily covered shoeboxes, filled with useful goodies, to needy children in Romania. She also knits beautiful garments for herself, which she embroiders with flowers and beads.

She does the most amazing tapestries.

Whist and Scrabble competitions are high on her agenda, and she attends talks at the village hall, and concerts organised by the Women’s Institute, and the Friendly Club. She keeps up with the news, politics and the stock market, and never refuses an invitation, believing that life must be lived to the full. She has devised a little exercise programme for herself, which she does religiously every day, and goes for walks around the local playing fields when the weather is fine. She also walks over a mile to the shops and post office, carrying her two bags of shopping home with her. She told us, “I’ve been spotted doing this, and told off, but I just tell them that I have to keep myself fit.”  I think that this is absolutely amazing for someone of her great age.

Well, there you have it. The secret to a long life. Of course, the daily use of Oil of Olay, is credited with keeping the wrinkles at bay. Who knew? 🙂

Next time I post, it will be from my home by the lake in Florida. I’m looking forward to seeing my old friends again.

and especially………

I’m off to bed now. Chat again soon.