She may be 86, but she’s still going strong

Q: What’s it like to be 86?
A: “I think it’s a wonderful age. I’m very glad I am who I am.”

Q: How would you describe your personality?
A: “I’m just a nut. I like to have fun. I like people. I’m very versatile. I like to keep busy, but I like my alone time, too. I can fit in most anywhere these days.”

Q: Your friend says that you’re a pretty good dancer. Is that true?
A: “I can dance with anybody that can lead. I started in high school. But I didn’t dance much for years while raising my kids; I had four in five years. After I retired, I got back into it. We have senior dances all over the area. I still enjoy it.”

Q: What else keeps you busy?
A: “I’ve been an avid sewer all my adult life. I just love fabric. I tell people that for me, going into a fabric store is like a kid going into a candy store.”

Q: Any memorable jobs?
A: “I was working as a waitress at a Holiday Inn. Then one day the cook said, ‘Joanne, I know you’re a greenhorn but …’ The next thing you know, I’m tending bar. One day these fellas started laughing at me. They thought it was funny that I was mixing drinks while holding my book. It was a recipe book for drinks. So I was stirring and reading at the same time. It took me a while to get the hang of it.”

Q: What’s your biggest challenge right now?
A: Probably my health. But really, it’s not bad. I’m lucky. I’m very, very blessed.”

Q: Do you have any advice for others?
A: “Don’t complain about life. Just do what you have to do every day and enjoy it.”
Q: Do too many people complain?
A: “Oh, yeah. Big time.”

— Joanne Webb