Lots of candles
One of my favorite authors, Anna Quindlen, published a new book this week. Titled Lots of Candles, Plenty of Cake, the 58-year-old fiction writer and journalist takes a look back at her life. I first read Quindlen when she wrote her “Life in the 30s” column in the New York Times about raising her young kids as a 30-something. Now a chapter of the book is called “Life in the 50s.”
But Quindlen’s profusion of candles has nothing on Pikesville resident Goldie Miller, who turned 109 on April 25 and is Maryland’s oldest resident. She is one of only about 60 U.S. residents to reach this age.
Goldie was presented with an oversized birthday card signed by such Maryland luminaries as Gov. Martin O’Malley, U.S. Senators Barbara Mikulski and Ben Carden, and Baltimore County Executive Kevin Kamenetz at her party.
For the past 44 years, she has lived in her home with her daughter, Natalie, who is 82, with the help a caregiver. In the photo, Goldie Miller is shown with Margie Foster, executive director of Griswold Home Care, which provides services for the Millers. Goldie is also visited daily by her son, Gerald, who is 75 years old.
According to Natalie, Goldie never complains because she is in good health and is able to maintain her independence at home. Goldie’s favorite food is mashed potatoes, which she loves so much she eats them daily. Goldie said her favorite pastimes are talking with her son each evening, watching TV and listening to music, particularly “Lawrence Welk.”
So happy birthday to Goldie Miller. I’m looking forward to hearing about her 110th.