If you know me now – you know a few years ago – I decided I wanted to live to 102. One of my idols at the time was Virginia Oliver. A Maine lobsterwoman who was 102 and was interviewed by a writer at Downeast magazine that asked her, “Virginia when do you think you will stop lobstering?’ She responded, very Maine like, ” I suppose the day before I die.”

She is still alive today. In July 2024, Virginia was interviewed by the Today show. She once again stated, “I’m not going to retire, I’m going to do this till I die.I like being out on the water and being your own boss. I’m the boss.” She now let’s her 81 year old son drive the boat. She is 104 years old.

I’m sticking with 102. In a few weeks, I will be ready to tell you more about my own 2025 work. I plan to focus on local political work and demonstrating the value of intergenerational experiences.