With a friendship extending back decades, two Ponoka women have celebrated the shared milestone of turning 100 recently.
Rimoka residents Ilona Carter and Inger Christensen enjoyed reflecting on their histories as long-time Ponoka area residents and were so pleased to be celebrating their birthdays with friends and family over the past while.
"I enjoyed it very much," said Carter of her celebration. "You never realize that it's coming, until it's here - and then, it's a real shock," she said with a laugh, referring to turning 100.
"I don't have any secret really - you just go along as best you can, and have a good time. I've always liked people, and just having fun," she said of her view on helping achieve longevity.
"Of course, you have to work, too," she added with a chuckle.
For example, she milked cows on the farm for 20 years.
"I never minded it. I never had anything against the cows! We were kind of friends, and I would often sing to them - and I'm no singer. But they didn't mind," she smiled.
"Again, I don't think there is any secret to it. You just do your best, and have a happy time."
Carter was born at Dakota, west of Ponoka. The family settled in town when she was a very young child.
She married Mickey (Michael) in 1943, and noted that the only time was was away from the region was when the couple moved to Ontario for a few years when he was serving in the military.
When they returned to Ponoka, Mickey started a farm. Along the way, they had two children: Barrie and Janet Ann.
"I had always said that I would never marry a farmer," she added with a laugh. "But I did!"
They operated a dairy operation until Mickey had an electrical accident, leaving him unable to farm. After that, they purchased a store in town and ran a ladies' clothing store, 'Classic Style,' for the next 20 years.
"I enjoyed working, and I loved the store," she said.
Sadly, they lost their daughter to cancer in 2000. Mickey passed away in 2009 at the age of 87.
Barrie, who now calls Las Vegas home, was in town for the celebration.
Christensen is originally from Copenhagen, Denmark.
"I came to Canada in 1949," she said.
"We (her and her husband Hans) came to a farm here in Ponoka, and we worked there for awhile."
Her husband also worked in a number of fields over the years as the couple raised their family - son Anders and a daughter, Heather.
"We landed in Halifax, on Pier 21," she recalled of their arrival to Canada. "It was amazing.
"We also farmed, and we had quite the success with growing potatoes," she said.
They would grow potatoes for 42 years, on a farm which was close to the Carters.
And so the two women were not just neighbours, but friends as well. And are to this day.
As to turning 100, Christensen takes it all in very cool stride.
"It's just another day," she said with a smile. "I had a little party with family here from Toronto, too. They have a little girl, so it was exciting to see them. And then yesterday, we had a gathering here, and that was very nice."
There was to be another get-together beyond these as well. She said it's a particular delight to be with all of the youngsters.
"There are so many children, and I love to see them."
As to her thoughts on a long and happy life, Christensen said that really, she was born happy.
"I had a good childhood. Then I came to Canada, and I was happy."
