MELVA Henry of Coal Point celebrates her 106th birthday today (June 1).
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The Lakes Mail visited Mrs Henry at the Carey Bay Gardens residential care facility on Friday.
The Lakes Mail was planning to drop in to see Mrs Henry on her birthday, but she has too busy a day planned today.
"I'm looking forward to seeing the whole family," she said.
"I'm actually having two lunches. One at the Yacht Club [Royal Motor Yacht Club, Toronto] and one with Pat and Colleen, my son and daughter in-law, at Coal Point, where I used to live," she said.
Mrs Henry welcomed the suggestion to go outside for a photo shoot, dismissing concerns about the cold.
As she led the way out into the garden, she walked past well-wishers who were getting in early.
"Happy birthday for tomorrow, love!" one man said.
Making news:
Once outside, Mrs Henry's attention was taken by a shrub.
"Isn't this one beautiful," she remarked, as she stopped for a closer look at the foliage.
Gardens, and gardening, she said, had played an important part in her life.
Indeed, gardening is one of the 'three Gs' that Mrs Henry has long espoused as the key to her longevity.
So, what are the secrets to living such a long life?
"The answer is gardening, golf and grog," she said.
"But the grog in moderation, of course."
Mrs Henry is the patroness of Toronto Ladies Golf Club, and founded their annual Sportsgirl Award.
She began playing in the 1950s and, in 1957, she was on the steering committee for the old Kilaben Bay golf course.
She went on to serve the club in a variety of roles, including president, captain, secretary and publicity officer.
For her 100th birthday, in 2013, Toronto Ladies Golf Club hosted a birthday celebration for her - complete with a large cake - after their round of golf.
Mrs Henry told the Lakes Mail that day that "making friends" was the most enjoyable part of the game.
"And I love the fact that in golf you never know what's going to happen. It's full of surprises - good and bad."
Mrs Henry packed her golf clubs away years ago, but now a walker is her favourite new piece of equipment.
"Oh, I love this walker," she said. "They're very good."
Mrs Henry said she felt happy to have reached 106.
When asked about the proudest moments of her life, Mrs Henry didn't hesitate.
"My family, mixing with people, and making friendships," she said.
Letter writing had played an important part in building and maintaining friendships, she said.
These days, Mrs Henry enjoys playing Scrabble on Fridays, and listening to speaking books.
So, has she heard any good speaking books lately?
"No, not lately. I've been too busy talking," she laughed.
"I can yak on like a magpie."
