This is off the topic of aviation, but after seeing this story I couldn't help but share. This is an amazing lady to be as articulate and active as she is at her age. Before aviation took off, there were the old classic cars--and she has certainly seen it all:

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=CHwwwJ83oWo

 

Regards,

 

John

Nice video and you are right, both are amazing.

Being 40+ just turned out to be a not so big deal.

 

Still, I won't heed her advice to try to fix up my granddad's car, because the only car I remember him driving was a Morris Marina.

That was awesome.

 

One thing she said was that the general public sees them just as 4 wheels like any other car. That's the problem aviation has as well. Two wings with either jets or prop spinny things.

What an amazing Lady, I can only hope I'll be so healthy and mentally with it if I ever reach 102... Inspiring... B)

What a great story. Thanks John.

 

My father in law didn't quite make it to 102 but he was sharp as a tack even though his body was failing (arthritis and black lung). He had a pick up that he inherited from his father in law who inherited it from from his father. People around town here used to call it the "Bungee Truck". The rear fenders and bed were all held on and together with bungee straps. A few years before he passed away he decided to have it restored. We tried our best to talk him into just getting rid of if since he could no longer see well enough to drive anyway, but he would part with it. It took a year to get all the parts and pieces necessary from the USA, Canada and elsewhere. He was like a kid waiting on a new bicycle. We took him to the place that was doing the restore job once a week just so he could watch the progress. I even ended up helping by doing the wood work for the bed slats - aged red oak and four coats of varnish. When it was finished he asked me to drive him around in it and take him to some antique car parades. I loved just seeing how happy he was, he earned it. I now have a mint green Chevy, with really outrageous white wall tires. It sets in my garage because I'm afraid it would get damaged if I drove it. I think that is just what my father in law planned. Like I said, he was elderly but shrewd as a fox, he knew I wouldn't sell it, or drive it, out of respect for him. I guess I'll just see to it that my great grandchildren have it some day.

 

There is something wonderful and truly amazing about a lot of the people from that era. I hope that if and when I get to that age I will have such character.

 

Best regards to all,

Mel