A real birthday surprise!

Published 12:00 am Sunday, September 14, 2003

Lucy Wells of Suffolk awoke Saturday to find that not only had she become 100 years old, but that dozens of pink flamingos gathered on her front lawn to wish her a happy birthday. Family and friends arranged for their &uot;visit.&uot; Wells, a native of Sunbury, N.C., was treated to a party yesterday afternoon in the Holiday Inn. Friends and relatives, some from as far away as Hawaii, flew in for the unique occasion. What’s Wells’ secrets to her longevity? &uot;I’ve had a lot of love from family and friends,&uot; she said. &uot;Everyone’s been mighty good to me. I’ve tried to do unto others as I would have them do unto me.&uot; Any health tips? &uot;I never smoked, and had only the occasional social drink.&uot; Staying active has been important to her. She golfed until she was 90. The handicap was once 18, but 26 by the time she stopped. Watching TV, reading quite a bit and playing cards are activities that keep her quite alert. Wells, the widow of Jack Wells (they married in 1938; he died in 1965), is the last of two sisters and three brothers in her family: Rebecca Rountree, Margaret Moran, Charlie Manning, Brooks Manning, and Tom Manning. Many of them also lived long lives. Asked if she ever thought to live so long, Wells replied, &uot;I thought I’d make it to 105.&uot; She declined a party before this event, and already is looking forward to becoming 105, concluding, &uot;The party’s on me!&uot;

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