But it is not every day that you turn 100 either.
Eunice Muldrew has done both these things in her long life — and so much more it could fill a newspaper.
Mrs Muldrew marked her centenary early with a party at Harbour View rest-home on Friday.
Her birthday was on Sunday.
She was surrounded by family, friends, her knitwear, embroidery, photo books full of memories and numerous cards, including one from King Charles and Queen Camilla.
There was a party atmosphere, piano music and a suitably impressive cake for the occasion.
“That’s ancient history,” Mrs Muldrew said, downplaying the impressive achievement where she was commissioned by the New Zealand government to knit her homespun wool into matching jerseys, which were given as a wedding present to the King
and Queen of Sweden in June 1976.
She also designed and knitted jerseys that went around the world.
Mrs Muldrew was described by those who know her as an “avid supporter” of the local area and a “wonderful crafts person”, who has been a member of Oamaru Creative Fibre, formerly the North Otago Spinners and Weavers, for its entire 55-year existence, as well as the national spinners and weavers group.
“I’ve always been a crafts person.
‘‘If I wasn’t spinning or weaving, I was embroidering,” she said.
Mrs Muldrew was born in Oamaru to George Ledley, originally from Belfast, and Mary (nee Souter) Ledley, born in Glasgow.
After leaving school, she worked in the secretarial office of car dealership GT Gillies, notably travelling to Wellington with George Gillies to sign a deal to purchase 1200 ex-army trucks the New Zealand government no longer needed.
She married Ian in 1949.
Her other passion in life was singing she said, as well as Scottish and Irish dancing. She was a member of choirs and sang at weddings, concerts and charity events.
She was also an active member of the Women’s Division of Federated Farmers and Association of Presbyterian Women.
She supported her husband with his sheep breeders associations and attended meetings across the country.
Not one to be idle, later in life she also took up needlepoint and cross stitch, embroidering many famous scenes, which — like her knitting — were sent around the world.
Mrs Muldrew maintained her independence following her husband’s death, until 10 months ago when she “checked herself in” at Harbour View.
Mrs Muldrew, still going strong at 100, is an avid reader of books and newspapers.
When asked how it felt to have lived for a century, she said “it doesn’t feel any different to being 50’’.
‘‘Life is no different.”
She said the secret to a long life was “walking”.
‘‘I wish more people would do it.”
It was clear on Friday that Mrs Muldrew still enjoyed dancing, as she waltzed away at her birthday celebration.
