You know how a person will designate a subject they’re taking in college – psychology 101, chemistry 101 – well, I have a far different designation for it. It belongs to a lady – she’s 101. This is in years. My, that’s a ton of years!

There is no envy here. I’ve long ago stated my living plans. I’m 85 and I’m willing to go on to 90 –

my cutoff date. I’ve informed the Lord already to look for me then.

Now, back to 101 (I marvel every time I write it). This lady amazes me constantly. She’s small (I’m glad of this as a fat 101 loses my interest). She dresses as tho’ each outfit is one you’d select for a first date. Now, dating has got to be a problem. Men haven’t the staying power of the female so there’s little out there in her age group and younger ones, she’d feel like their mother (I guess). So female-male games are out. Sorry, Edith, that’s the way it goes. Can I help it if the guys die earlier and spoil the fun?

She never misses crosswords when I present that activity. She answers and is right most often. She taught for a number of years and I kid her about having taught the &uot;big kids.&uot; This is because she taught fifth grade while I taught second. Her fifth-graders were lucky kids. She brings a sense of honesty and integrity into her association with one and all.

She’s never surprised or upset when I kid her about anything. We might even come out with something approaching risqu but she smiles and seems to enjoy it –

so I know it didn’t go over her head. I hate it when I get smart and it goes over like a lead balloon. Thank you, Edith.

I repeat, 101 does not appeal to me – even 100 is a no-no but I salute this woman who reached 101 and kept her dignity, her alert mind, her neat appearance, and her sense of humor. In case I come forth with something clever or witty – Edith will get it. Again, I thank you. Go as high as you like. A Japanese woman is 114. Wow! Want to beat her? You, not me!

Florence Arena is a resident of the Hillcrest Retirement Center and a regular columnist for the Suffolk News-Herald.