I have been lucky enough to meet several centenarians in my time as a journalist, all of them remarkable and memorable in their own way.
Dunedin woman Dawn Ibbotson is no exception.
My grandmother will celebrate a century this evening at the University Oval's Long Room, a fitting venue for the keen cricket and rugby fan.
Born in Gore on December 12, 1914, just after the war started, she was schooled in Gore and at boarding school in Timaru, before gaining a bachelor of home science degree at Otago University and working as a teacher.
She married my grandfather, the late Arthur ''AK'' Ibbotson, in 1938. They spent 66 years of married life in Dunedin and had three children, Russell, Neal and Ruth-Mary.
The pair were keen trampers, travellers, benefactors and devoted First Church members.
A staunch Otago supporter, Nana accompanied Granddad to almost every inter-provincial and international cricket and rugby match at Carisbrook for more than 40 years, but these days prefers watching on television from the comfort of her living room in Roslyn.
Still sharp as a tack and living independently, Nana stays in touch with her far-flung family via text messages, keeps her brain exercised with daily Code Cracker sessions and corresponds regularly with the Otago Daily Times.
She no longer drives, but her personalised number plate ''GETNON'' has a prominent spot in her home.
Of the many treasured gifts she has given me over the years, the one most synonymous with my Nana, is her fundraising flower cards.
For as long as I can remember, I have watched her spend endless hours assembling those cards with a toothpick, PVA glue and dried flowers from her garden. Sales of those cards have raised more than $63,000 for more than 30 charities. And she is still making them.
She has been involved with many community, church and educational groups, is an Alpine Club member, a life member of the National Council of Women, a co-convener for Amnesty International, was awarded a CBE in 1977 and a Commemoration Medal in 1990.
There is plenty to be proud of when it comes to my Nana, but perhaps most admirable of all is her positive outlook and her grateful and giving nature.
''As I come to the end of my life, I feel that the dominant word is gratitude ... for all that I have been given and for all that I have been able to give,'' she said.
Attitude helped ''enormously'' towards good health and longevity.
''Life has been good to me. I had a wonderful husband and the family are all just so supportive and loving. It's terrific.''
Her milestone will be toasted tonight with the pre-release of the Saint Clair Dawn Methode Champenoise - named in her honour - from her son Neal's family winery.
Like ''Champagne Dawn'', Nana has a sparkle and effervescence which livens up a room.
She is an inspiring role model for her 10 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren.
A great gardener, public speaker, campaigner, lover of large earrings, fundraiser, hostess and my grandmother.
You have scored your century, Nana, and what an innings it has been.
