This is what ninety looks like

If you possess exceptionally good genes, remain active and have a zest for living and giving.

I first met Val a couple of years ago when she was  member of a history class I joined. One afternoon when we were chatting while waiting for the tutor to arrive she remarked "Saturday was my 70th wedding anniversary." Jaws dropped: no one could believe she was 88 but yes, and she'd married  shortly after her 18th birthday. She has eight children, seventeen grandchildren and 36 great-grandchildren, all of whom she sends birthday cards to. She has run a hotel and  been a nurse. A widow now, she lives on her own but is "never in" because she's always out. She does Pilates, swims, and belongs to a walking group. She is tall and slender, has a spring in her step, and always looks stylish. She drives and travels abroad to visit her far-flung offspring. She volunteers for "everything" in the community and in particular for our theatre/cinema where she both ushers and  takes charge of the refreshment bar (with an iron hand I am told.) 

As a special token of the theatre's appreciation Val was invited to  select a film to be screened in her honour to an invited audience of staff and volunteers. She chose Forrest Gump which was followed by a small party with a fancy cake and the presentation of an apron bearing the words 'Your Kitchen, My Rules'. 
(Why wouldn't anyone want to follow Val's rules?)