Swims and Shandies
OLIVE’S FIRST POST
Good Morning everyone. My name is Olive Riley. I live in Australia near Sydney.
I was born in Broken Hill on Oct. 20th 1899.
Broken Hill is a mining town, far away in the centre of my native Australia.
My Friend, Mike, has arranged this blob for me. He is doing the typing and I’m telling the stories.
He thinks it’s a good idea to tell what’s going on.
He already made a film about me a few years back and people liked that, so they might like this blob too, he says.
We’ll see.
I’m starting with my Christmas trip. Last Christmas I flew up to Brisbane to stay with my Great Grandson, Darren, Ginelle and their two kids.
Darren works for Qantas and so he was able to arrange for me to be hoisted up into the plane in a lift.
They don’t have one of those walk on ramps at Newcastle airport where we flew from. This is actually me coming back, out of the plane, but it looks the same.
……………..
……………….
Mike is fascinated that I went for swim in the pool at Darrens’s house. Here’s me being held up by my great Grandson It was lovely! Mike asked me a hundred questions about it when I came back.
- Mike
But how did they get you into the water, Ollie, since you don’t walk that well?
- Olive
They helped me down into the water, one on each side, and I just floated around flapping me arms and drinking me shandy.” (Shandy is half beer, half lemonade)
- Mike
They gave you a beer in the water???
- Olive
Too right! A shandy. I had one every day I was up there too.
- Olive
There I was, good as gold with my great great grand kids paddling around me all excited. “Nana’s swimmin, Nana’s swimmin.
- Mike
How many times did you swim?
- Olive
Just the once. That was enough I said. And I was that busy with all the well wishers…
- Mike
So they looked after you well.
- Olive
I’ll say so! I had everything I could possible wish for. Anything I wanted to eat, they got it for me.
The only thing I didn’t like was every time I went to the toilet, there would be a line of people following me in to see I did not fall over.
They even put a bloody bell on me walker so that if I got up in the night they’d hear me, and the kids’d sing out “Nana’s up! Nana’s up!” and everyone would tumble out of bed to see if I was alright.
- Mike
And were you?
- Olive
Of course I was alright. We’ll, I was so sick of that bell, that one night I got th idea of stuffing a sock in it so I’d have some peace and quiet.
But you know, when I got to the bathroom, I must have bumped something because that bell rang again and there they all were “Nana’s up! Nana’s up!” And then it was the landing instructions. “Back you go now, Nana, lower yerself down, now. That’s the spot” O Gawd.
So, that was was my trip to Brisbane. And now here is my trip back to Broken Hill in 2004 when I got to know Mike and he made the film.
Here’s me on the train, The Indian Pacific. It’s overnight, you know
-
………………….
It was a lovely trip. I saw relatives I had not seen in 80 years. Here’s me with my niece, Jean Mckenzine. She’s the daughter of my sister, Lillian
Heres’ Mike telling you the last part of the story and about the other old woman he knew.
- Mike
As we were leaving Broken Hill, I noticed a grove of olive trees that were being planted near the slag heaps.
I asked someone when the trees would bear fruit. “In 2010.‿ he said. It was then 2004.
I turned to my wheelchair star. “There you are Ollie, Olives for Olive in 2010. We’ll come back. It’s a date!‿ She laughed doubtfully, but I believe she could make it to 2010.
And maybe this blog will play its part, keeping her busy. A major reason for doing the blog is that Ollie seems to thrive on activity and stimulation. I’m convinced it’s helping to keep her with us.
In 1990, I made a fiction film called, Vincent and Me, the story of a young girl who went back in the past to meet Vincent van Gogh.
Into the fictional story, we injected a real person, Madame Jeanne Calmant of Arles, France.
Jeanne was 114 at the time and had known Vincent as a young girl. She was the only person alive who’d had any contact with the famous painter.
Being in my movie did Jeanne no harm, quite the contrary. She went on to live to 121, the oldest person ever recorded.
She’s still in Guinness as the oldest actress, and only died, rumor has it, because her carers at the old folks home decided to cut her off from visitors when she turned 119 and she died of boredom two years later.
I’ve never forgotten that. Jeanne died of boredom! We’ll make sure that never happens to Olive.
Olive’s next story is going to be about how we are trying to save some lettuces. She’d be glad to have comments but she wont answer. I might. We’ll see.
Mike Rubbo, Olive’s blog helper.
Friday, February 16th, 2007 at 8:16 pm
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February 20th, 2007 at 11:06 pm
Wow, you are an amazing lady! I am excited to be coming in on the beginning of your journal. Looking forward to so many wonderful stories I know you have to tell.
My husband and I talk of visiting Australia one day. We think it is an amazing place.
February 21st, 2007 at 1:33 am
Hello, Beautiful Lady, I was just passing by to say hello! Greetings from Belgium :0)
February 21st, 2007 at 3:06 am
I agree with Kelly, you are truly an amazing lady. I will also be looking forward to your stories on your blog. Keep up the good work Olive.
February 21st, 2007 at 7:40 am
Wow, this is by far the best blog ever. Keep it up.
Truly Amazing.
February 21st, 2007 at 9:03 am
[…] might be the new star of the internet. Her name is Olive, she is Australian and she has a blog, where with the help of Mike, she tells us of her […]
February 22nd, 2007 at 9:41 am
Whaoh ! Amazing ! You’re the grand mother of all the bloggers in the world !
Welcome !
I put your blog in my favorites and I hope you’ll give us some news frequently…
Greetings from France !
February 23rd, 2007 at 6:03 pm
Good morning Olive, very interesting and kind to your friend to help you to do your website. Here in France , you are a celebrity in the forum, have a look : http://www.forum.com
I will read you again because it is a pleausre
Have a nice day!
February 23rd, 2007 at 9:07 pm
Bravo pour ce site ! Il est vraiment original ! et le bonjour de France !
February 24th, 2007 at 1:46 am
Great idea to have this blog, Olive. I put the link in my blog and will recommand it in a post. I’ll be waiting for updates.
Cheers from Paris
February 26th, 2007 at 7:26 am
It’s me again Olive (Kerri). I had to come back today and leave a comment on your very first post. Your trips to Brisbane and Broken Hill sound like great fun. What fun to ride on the indian Pacific! We watched a documentary about that train.
Your family must be full of wonderful people! And it sounds like you have some great friends too, who must love to spend time with you (Mike and Katya certainly seem to). That tells me you’re a very special person.
I’ll be watching for more of your stories. xox
February 26th, 2007 at 9:58 am
Ollie, greetings from Canada. Your blog is inspiring. I am also adding the link to your blog for my students.
February 27th, 2007 at 12:38 am
amazing! keep on going
greetings from munich.
February 27th, 2007 at 1:12 am
Dear Olive,
Found your blog through Time Goes By and I have
to say you are a lady after my own heart.
Your style both blogwise and personally is so intriguing and I will look forward to more of your tales.
Donna in Arkansas, USA
February 27th, 2007 at 2:23 am
This is a wonderful blog. I live in Boston, Massachusetts, USA, and I am in my 40s. I love hearing about you. I like to drink a shandy, too. Does that mean I will live forever?
February 27th, 2007 at 2:32 am
Greetings from Germany! I think it’s amazing that you are blogging at that age :), even without typing yourself
February 27th, 2007 at 3:49 am
Olive,
Hello from Texas! I am delighted to make your acquaintance and arrived here via a link from Ronni at Time Goes By.
I love the beautiful “flowers” on the side of the screen - so pretty!
Looking forward to reading more of your adventures, Olive. Thanks for sharing!
February 27th, 2007 at 4:44 am
Hi from the US, Olive! Wonderful blog and love your stories. Please continue. Besides you make me feel young as I’m only 71.
February 27th, 2007 at 5:22 am
Hi Olive,
I am 60, so a mere child compared to you. I hope I manage to hold on to a little bit of your zest for life as I grow older.
I would love to see some stories about what life was like in your youth. It would be like time traveling to hear your memories of the 10’s and 20’s.
Thanks for blogging,
LeslieT
February 27th, 2007 at 5:37 am
I’m so glad to meet ya, Miz Olive…my own great-grandmother’s name was Viola Mae Olive and she married a Taylor.
I’m so happy you’ve arranged to make a blog!
There is nothing like it in this world to making long distance friendships.
True blue Friendships!
I’ve been blogging a year, and I write about different subjects if you ever want to visit with me feel free!!
February 27th, 2007 at 5:41 am
I’ve never heard of a wish wheel…I would wish that he could continue his lettuce farm!!
February 27th, 2007 at 5:59 am
It’s nice to see a young spirited lady keeping up with the times! I can’t wait to hear more of your adventures Olive ! Keep on Truck’n
Mary
February 27th, 2007 at 6:17 am
Good evening, Olive.
I’m Mehdi, excuse me for my horrible english, i’ll try to be understable.
First, i want to say that i have got sssooo much respect for you…
Born in 1899, make a blog in 2007 : unbeleavable.
Your trips sounds so cool.
And Mike is so sexy.
Oh really, Oliven i’m so jealous.
Wish you a long life again.
With my affection.
February 27th, 2007 at 6:41 am
Olive, you are incredible! How wonderful to be so active at your age. I am 66 and I still work 2-3 days per week, plus write my blog. I wish I could get paid for that!
I loved seeing the photos of you, especially the one in the swimming pool.
It is terrible that the man who grows the lettuces has to stop. Perhaps your blog will be responsible for getting that law changed.
I look forward to reading all about you in the future. Take care!
February 27th, 2007 at 7:14 am
The life of Olive Riley
Dass bloggen nahezu Volkssport ist, das sollte jeder schonmal gehört haben. Nun gibt es in Australien eine 107 Jahre alte rüstige Dame, die dieses Hobby auch für sich entdeckt hat ! Hello Olive Riley, welcome in the world of bloggers :-)…
February 27th, 2007 at 7:18 am
Really amazing. I read you were born in Broken Hill: I visited the lovely town 2 months ago while travelling through Austraiia.
Good luck and all the best,
greetings from The Netherlands!
February 27th, 2007 at 8:52 am
Olive,
I say hello to you from the Netherlands. Unbelievable, such a respectable age and you’ll sharing your life on the net…..Tell me, Olive, what’s the secret? And you’re still a criticaster, haha, that keeps the mind young!
My respect to you, dear Olive. I look forward to reading all about you, you’re already on my favorites.
Greetings,
Monique
February 27th, 2007 at 10:23 am
Welcome to blogging. I love your pictures and the spirit your blog shows. Best wishes from Oregon
February 27th, 2007 at 11:49 am
Dear Ms. Riley,
Congratulations, your blog is in the Dutch news! That’s how I find about you. You must be a very interesting lady. Your two blog entries were nice to read, but will you also write memorable things of the past in your blog? There are not many of your age, and that is what makes you special. Please use this in your advantage, and tell us the things from the past that only you experienced! Perhaps we can all learn from it.
Good luck with your blog, I will be checking in frequently.
Best wishes from the Leiden, the Netherlands!
Maarten
February 27th, 2007 at 3:28 pm
Hola Sra. Riley!
Realmente su blog es una idea muy aparte de todos los blogs que conozco. Me ha parecido muy interesante y sinceramente creo que vale mucho la pena saber que existen personas como Usted que le ponen ese toque especial a la vida.
Felicidades y ojala continúe con esta tarea el mayor tiempo posible.
Saludos desde México.
February 27th, 2007 at 6:39 pm
I wish you all the best and good luck with your weblog.
February 27th, 2007 at 7:10 pm
Hello Olive,
Loved the story about you on NBN Newcastle. Keep up the good work and enjoy your shandies.
May you enjoy a few more years.
Nancy Summerland Point
February 27th, 2007 at 7:12 pm
Ñ?тарушко жжот)))
ЗЫ ФÑ?ем превед)
February 28th, 2007 at 7:52 am
hello Olive
I think this site is great 
Your smile is so positive, its nice to look at you.
Greetings from Poland
February 28th, 2007 at 8:15 am
Hi! I read about your blog in one website. That’s really great! I love blogs about traveling with many photos.
Respect from Poland. Bye!
February 28th, 2007 at 8:21 am
They are so lucky to have you! I am sure that you make a different in a lifetime!!
Sophie
Montreal/Canada
February 28th, 2007 at 8:46 am
Olive! You’re amazing! I look forward to reading more stories of your life.
Best wishes from Poland:)
February 28th, 2007 at 8:57 am
What a wonderful story…At 107 wow, you are my idol……bless you my friend…..judy
February 28th, 2007 at 9:01 am
Hello!
Knowing that there are people like you in the world makes it a better place. You’re adorable!!
I have read about your blog in the newspapers and I think it’s such a sweet thing! It’s admirable that you are such a positive person and so full of life. From now on I will visit your blog every week in order to know a little bit more about you. I’m sure you have a lof of interesting stories to tell!!
Greetings and kisses from Spain.
Monica
February 28th, 2007 at 9:13 am
Hi Olive
It was so nice to visit your blog. You have beautiful pictures. Keep us updated about yourself.
Greetings from Montreal (Quebec), Canada.
February 28th, 2007 at 9:44 am
Hello Olive. Great blog. Looking forward to reading lots more about you. Get talking and get Mike typing.
February 28th, 2007 at 9:46 am
Hello:) Today I red in my newspaper on-line about Your blog. It’s amazing tha You wrie blog and write optiistic things. Your smile is so positive
Good Luck on the next notes onYour blog :):)
Best Regards from POLAND :):)
February 28th, 2007 at 9:47 am
Hello to you! I’ve been reading about your blog, in blogs I visit. Could not access here before but this time, I’m in!!! I’ll put your blog in my Favorite Places and come back and visit here again.
I think it’s marvelous that you {with your son} are blogging. Simply marvelous. A lady of your age! I also think that you being so peppy, at your age, is simply marvelous too. I’m a mere youngin at near 70, compared to you. How wonderful to think that I too, could maybe be wonderfully peppy, even later on in my life.
Hugs to you and yours,
Mari-Nanci
Upper NE of the US
February 28th, 2007 at 10:05 am
This is fantastic.
Did you receive a letter from Her Majesty when you beat Bradman’s average?
Have a shandy for me Olive
February 28th, 2007 at 10:21 am
Olive, greetings from the US! You are so truely amazing! So now that you have this blog thing down, when are you going to make a myspace.com? Only kidding!
You are very inspirational and I can’t to hear more of your stories.
Melinda
February 28th, 2007 at 10:23 am
Great idea! Keep up the good blogging.
Both of my grandmothers have/had blogs. One used to write the stories out by hand and mail them to my mother who typed them in, http://stormy.blogs.com/vera.
The other tells my mom the stories, Mom writes as fast as she can and then she types them in later, http://sandeelee.blogs.com/mary.
February 28th, 2007 at 10:40 am
I’m glad to see older people on the internet more and more they have a unique viewpoint, which I think we can all learn from.
Does beer still get you tipsy as you get older?
February 28th, 2007 at 11:38 am
you are really fantastic.
Best wishes from Portugal
February 28th, 2007 at 12:15 pm
Hi lady! I am a master student of communication technology from Iran. I enjoy a lot reading your weblog and I wish you continue to write and let us know more about you. You are amazing!
February 28th, 2007 at 12:18 pm
Fantastic lady!!warm greeting from Iran,…
February 28th, 2007 at 1:36 pm
You are a excellent old woman that I knew on the Internet. Can you visite to Vietnam country? It will make your blog more plentiful.Best wishes from Hanoi City.
February 28th, 2007 at 1:46 pm
You’re an awesome person, madame. I really admire you :D.
February 28th, 2007 at 2:34 pm
Greetings from Vietnam!
You are a very beautiful lady, Olive!!! I do enjoy your pictures on your blog. You must be leading a very healthy life, I guess. And you must have a treasure of interesting stories of your life to tell us. Come on, lady. You are amazing! I like your smiles in the pictures. Wish you health and happiness!
By the way, I found you and your blog address in the news in my country.
February 28th, 2007 at 5:34 pm
Wonderful lady, welcome to blogosphera and congratulations from Croatia. Hope we all will read you stories in the future!
February 28th, 2007 at 6:20 pm
Great to hear from such an enthusiastic person. Looking forward to read your blogs in the future.
February 28th, 2007 at 7:07 pm
Congratulations dear Olive to start up a blog at your advanced age. Thank you for sharing your stories with us, and thank Mike for assisting you.
I found you from my blogging friend Tammy. We make so many wonderful friends through blogging and we
really care about each other, happy for each other
in happy times and sad for each other is sad times.
I do hope you enjoy it as much as we do. Take care, dear Olive, Love, Merle. in Sheeparton, Victoria
Australia.
February 28th, 2007 at 7:59 pm
This is the best blog i have ever seen!!
Congratulations from Croatia!!
P.S.You are great!
February 28th, 2007 at 8:01 pm
What an amazing, interesting, funny woman you are Olive, I’m also glad I’m coming in at the start of this blog, and I am boomarking it right now! I will be back to read more, please keep us up to date!
I found the ‘landing instructions’ part of your blog hilarious, shows humour makes the world go around and promotes longesvity which I have always suspected!
Love from South Africa!!
Colleen (I’m 40)
March 1st, 2007 at 12:08 am
Welcome to the world of “blobs.” I just can’t wait to hear your stories. Thanks for sharing with us! Love from Brazil!!!
March 1st, 2007 at 12:57 am
You are my hero. Don`t stoppa. go, go, go!
March 1st, 2007 at 1:26 am
Great blog! You’re a ray of sunshine, take care and greetings from Sweden.
March 1st, 2007 at 4:18 am
Welcome to the blog-world. May you stay with us for a long time. It would be interesting to hear your memories of The Great War. When did your familys history begin in Broken Hill? Have you ever shot an outlaw?
March 1st, 2007 at 4:33 am
Dear Olive.
I enjoyed your blog and congratulations on keeping interested in things going on around you. I have many Australian friends, mostly lifeguards who worked in South Africa in the 70’s nice guys all. there is also a Broken Hill in Zimbabwe (formerly Rhodesia) where I spent some time.
all the best and a long happy life.
Love
Norm (54) now living in London
March 1st, 2007 at 4:33 am
absolutely awesome! thank you so much for bringing yourself to the blogosphere!
March 1st, 2007 at 6:13 am
Hi.
I was there.
Greats to see “older” people try the web.
Great blog olive.
SUN from Italy, and long life!!!!
March 1st, 2007 at 3:17 pm
They put a bell on your walker! Like belling the cat so it can’t sneak up on the birds!
You rock, Ollie. Keep up the blogging.
March 1st, 2007 at 10:57 pm
Hello from Scotland, UK.
March 2nd, 2007 at 7:02 am
ok, i don’t know what to say.First you are the best granny on the world.No,really I think so.From today you are my idol…..ok goodbye…
March 2nd, 2007 at 7:09 am
And I didn’t say I am from Croatia that is the small country in Europe.It is a verry nice country.You will not do mestake if You come to Croatia.I am from Osijek that is town in Croatia,but no the capital the capital of Croatia is Zagreb verry verry nice town.ok now goodbye if you want come to my blog.
March 2nd, 2007 at 4:38 pm
howdy from Texas..I have a good friend that lives in Colyton, which I think I near you.and another Aussie friend that is in Tansmania…It’s nice to know more great people from Australia…keep up the great work Olive, you are being admired from all over…
March 3rd, 2007 at 6:08 am
Hi Olive,
I just visited your blog with my youngest son ! He could not believe that you were born in another century than his !!!
Keep up the good work !!
Love from Lelystad ,the Netherlands
March 3rd, 2007 at 10:56 pm
Hello Olive!!!
I was listening to the radio when I heard that you did your own blog…. So I decided to visit it…
WAOOW!!!
Thank you !!!
You are the greatest Granny I ‘ve ever seen!!!
Love from France,
(and sorry for my english)
March 4th, 2007 at 3:48 am
I came across your blog only by accident and I’m deeply impressed!
Greetings from Germany
March 4th, 2007 at 5:29 am
[…] sind die Eröffnungsworte der 107-jährigen australischen Bloggerin Olive Riley, die auf The Life Of Riley aus ihrem Leben […]
March 4th, 2007 at 10:22 am
Great work Olive, you are a fantastic and an amazing lady!
March 4th, 2007 at 10:27 am
I love you ‘blob’. Here in Spain Maria Amelia has a ‘blob’ too, She is 95 years old, this is her site:
Maria Amelia
March 5th, 2007 at 2:42 am
Hello Mrs Riley,
What a beautiful idea to make this blog. Do you know they’ve spoken about you on a french radio? Please keep on fighting against stupids rules in your country and believe me : there are stupid rules in every countries in the world.
I’m waiting for your next post.
Dominique
March 5th, 2007 at 4:04 am
Greetings from MALAYSIA!!!!!!!
March 5th, 2007 at 12:15 pm
This is wonderful, I love it! The ‘hidden history’ of normal people, and especially the hidden history of women is so important. Thank you for doing this, its a well presented and written blog. Lovely photos, too!
March 5th, 2007 at 1:34 pm
Thanks for sharing your story with us! You are truly an inspiration, please keep up the great writing. Love and greetings from New York City.
March 5th, 2007 at 2:54 pm
YOU GO GIRL!!!!!!!!!
March 5th, 2007 at 2:55 pm
you are crazy cool!!!!!! NO crazy KOOLLL
like the aid
J
From America, matess
March 5th, 2007 at 7:09 pm
Wow! Congrats! I am 28 and my mother was 47!!!! when I was born and my dad was 52. My mom’s dad was born on March 13th 1899 and I was thinking last week what would it have been like to not only meet him but what if he were still alive! It’s amazing we still have a part of the Victorian and Edwardian Eras with us.
Best Wishes from Las Vegas!
Devin
USA
Yes, Devin and hopefully for a while to come. Maybe I have a longetivity thumb (like a green thumb) The last old lady I filmed was 114 and lived till 121, breaking all records . She was Jeanne Calmant in france. Cheers, Mike the helper.
March 5th, 2007 at 9:32 pm
Olive, how lovely to read your stories. You are a great inspiration. Keep up the great work.
March 5th, 2007 at 11:17 pm
[…] Blog : Olive’s first Post Good Morning everyone. My name is Olive Riley. I live in Australia near Sydney. I was born in Broken Hill on Oct. 20th 1899. (tags: bloglife) […]
March 6th, 2007 at 1:29 am
Greetings from SZÃ?RLIGET/HUNGARY
Have a nice day.
March 6th, 2007 at 6:40 am
Szia!Magyarországra is eljutott a hÃred…
March 6th, 2007 at 9:12 am
Hello and Greetings from Tehran, IRAN.
Hi, Masoud, so nice to hear from you. With all the tensions around, this is the peace road. Mike
March 6th, 2007 at 10:13 am
Greetings from Poland (torun)
March 6th, 2007 at 12:35 pm
I like so many others am blown away.
I belive hhis blog will get really intresting.
Really hope to get the change to read something from the 10’s-40’s from a person still living the life to the fullest.
Thanks alot for sharing,
Garri
Reykjavik, Iceland
Dear Garri, It seems you are the first from Iceland. not Bara. Thanks, Mike the Helper
March 6th, 2007 at 5:59 pm
http://www.szelkialto.hu
March 6th, 2007 at 8:42 pm
This is pretty cool.
Will return to check it out.
Get a perspective of life, from one who has enjoyed it for 108 years. That is amazing.
Thanks for sharing.
Aron
Kolding, Denmark
(Icelandic Citizenship though)
March 6th, 2007 at 11:44 pm
Hi Olive.
I think it’s so amazing that you are doing this blog, with the help from your friend, and I do hope you keep on writing and sharing your stories and life with us reading
It’s hard to believe that you are born in 1899.. you surtenly don’t look it.. you look so good
With all my best wishes that you are doing really good and I’ll be sure to keep on reading and please share some more pictures
Your Icelandic gal-friend
Sigrún
March 6th, 2007 at 11:48 pm
You are really impressive. I admire the will to keep going and live to the fullest. Please tell us more.(And what a couincidence that Garri posted)
Darri
ReyjkavÃk, Iceland
Does darri know Garri? It sounds like an Icelandic poem. Mike the helper
March 7th, 2007 at 1:04 am
I find your spark in life really encouraging, your blog is very popular here in Iceland, Do you know what country is on the other side of the globe from you… Iceland
Greetings from Kópavogur
March 7th, 2007 at 1:05 am
Hi there, I really enjoyed reading youre blogg, keep on getting into adventures and dont forget youre shady
March 7th, 2007 at 2:28 am
That is so cool, keep up the good work. I will visit your site daily.
Greetings from Iceland
March 7th, 2007 at 6:53 am
I want to have a life like yours when I’m 108 years old
March 7th, 2007 at 12:41 pm
Hello Lady of Flowers,
good work done in favour of you thru Mike.
Ur blogs are very fascinating and creative.
Keep going on. I will again visit ur blogsite.
Greeting from Munich-Germany
Dear Amarjit, I gave a clue as to where the flowers on the masthead came from. Did you find it. Mike the helper.
March 7th, 2007 at 2:32 pm
Hi Olive,
What a treat to read your blog. I saw the article in today’s Central Coast Express and logged right in to take a look.
You are an amazing lady. My step grandmother and grandmother are 96 and 98 respectively but not nearly as spritely as you.
Here’s wishing you continued health and looking forward to many more entries to read.
Regards
Vicki
March 7th, 2007 at 7:09 pm
Hi nan, this is Leanne, Paul, Daniel, Zach and abbey calling to say hi. Darren’s brother-in-law. We saw your picture in the local paper and we are so proud of you. We tell everyone about you and think that what you are doing is wonderful. We are sorry that we don’t get to see you very much, but we think of you all the time. We promise that we will make the effort and come and visit. Just know this that we love you like you were our own nana. Take care nana and we will see you soon. Love always Leanne, Paul, Daniel, Zach and Abbey Riley. xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
March 7th, 2007 at 9:17 pm
wow you are amazing !
greedings from iceland 
March 7th, 2007 at 11:05 pm
hi,everyone.this blog is wonderfull.OLÄ°VÄ°A is an amazing woman.thank you so much…
March 8th, 2007 at 3:13 am
Hello.. I love to read your stories.. Please keep up all the good work!!
I have dreamt about becoming a movie-star when i’m eighty, hopefully I’ll reach my goal, and be as beautiful as you are…
Greetings from Iceland
Sol, for some reason, Iceland has now become one of th countries which is replying most. Do you have any photos of those outdoors spars with lots of people in them, lounging around, and the steam rising in the low afternoon sun? My students once made a short film there featuring such a scene and it was an arresting image which would perhaps be good to show Ollie. Mike the helper.
March 8th, 2007 at 7:28 am
Your website is really beautiful. Australia is one of my favorite places.
Keep writing
Iceland says hi
March 8th, 2007 at 7:49 am
love you stories, could you by any chance be able to help me with my assignment? It’s on the life of Australian’s in 1901-1914, love it if you could.
I feel so young at 14 now that I’ve seen how old you are.:)
Nice to see past catch up with present your a good role model/ mentor. Post you later.
Greeting from Australia
(saw you in the news paper)
March 8th, 2007 at 8:43 pm
Hi there down under.
I saw your blog,on a website on the other site of the Globe. The web is really amazing. Keep up the good work. And I thought I was to old,to start blogging. I was born in 1966, I see I was so wrong:) But I still have few years to start.
Thanks again for your blog.It is really amazing.
Kveðja frá Akureyri �slandi(Greetings from Akureyri Iceland).
March 9th, 2007 at 1:06 am
You are an amazing woman!!! Love your blog. Keep up the good work;)
Greetings from Garðabær, Iceland:D
March 9th, 2007 at 1:32 am
If it was you, who was asking about pictures from Iceland, so here they are: ENJOY!!
http://www.b2.is/?sida=tengill&id=225002
WOW YOU ARE WONDERFUL!!! :D:D:D
have very great times in the future!
March 9th, 2007 at 3:30 am
Olive, you have inspired my day! Wow - your brain rocks!
March 9th, 2007 at 3:14 pm
Wow… I admire you.. I am 21 years old and sometimes I complain about stupid things, and you Olive, a living century full of experience, still have that sparkle in your eyes that my generation once had… In the land down under there’s an amazing woman called Olive, and she rocks!!!
I send you a warm hug from Venezuela
Shaindel Novoa
Dear Shaindel, I think you are the first from Venezuela. I’m a lot older and Olive inspires me too. Mike the helper
March 9th, 2007 at 11:51 pm
I’m calling my blog “Just another blob”. I hope you & Olive don’t mind. It sounds like the perfect way to describe what we do.
Lara, I think it’s find to call your blog a blob. Perhaps you can credit Olive with inventing the term. Mike and ollie
March 10th, 2007 at 9:50 am
Hello Olive, from England. A friend came across your blog and we think it’s blinking marvellous. Good on you! I’m going to tell my Dad, who at a youthful 57 is terrified of “…all that modern technology…” and shame him into having another go with a computer.
I look forward to reading your missives from sunny Australia, our very warmest wishes, Danny and Phil.
Tell your Dad, Daniel, that the idea for Olive’s blog came from Eric Shackle who publishes on the net what he calls an e-book. (You’ll find it easily) Eric is 87 and perhaps the oldest electronic journalist still at work. So, if Eric can master it, your Dad is just being stubborn and denying himself a lot of pleasure.
Interestingly, journalists in Australia don’t find Olive’s blog nearly as interesting as foreigners do. The comments here are littered with reports of Olive making it into the foreign media. But in Aust, there’s mostly indifference as if what she’s doing, is of no consequence. We had a phone call from a famous magazine who was panting with eagerness to do a story about the blog, or so it seemed. I got her all prepared. They rang back a day later to say that, on second thoughts, since Olive did not actually type her blog herself, it wasn’t story they’d do.
I was nonplussed. Here you have a woman born in the 19th century embracing the technology of the 21st century to tell her stories, and that’s not interesting? The fact that she gets a lot of help from me, some from Eric, and that she can’t type, I find irrelevant. It’s a strange dismissive country we live in, mean spirited in so many ways, I’m afraid. Mike the helper.
March 10th, 2007 at 6:41 pm
Zum Bloggen ist keine(r) zu alt!
Geboren am 20. Oktober 1899: Olive Riley, die weltweit wohl älteste
Bloggerin… dachte sich die 107 jährige Olive Riley und bloggt mit Unterstützung ihres Freundes Mike
seit dem 16.2.2007 im Blog: The Life of Riley.
Respect & best wishes!
March 10th, 2007 at 6:43 pm
Respect & best wishes!
With regards,
Thomas / Esslingen / Germany
March 10th, 2007 at 6:44 pm
I Olive we have something in common.I was wondering if you knew any Maddigan’s from Broken Hill my Great Grandfather owned a building business in Broken Hill around 1888 to 1920.Please write back.Mal
March 10th, 2007 at 7:00 pm
Gratulation!
From Hungary
March 11th, 2007 at 12:24 am
WOOOOO you are truly an amazing lady…..love from Iclend
March 11th, 2007 at 1:45 am
[…] Olive’s first Post • …and if you thought that 93 was a honourable age to start blogging, visit Olive from Australia. 107 years! […]
March 11th, 2007 at 2:44 am
Beatiful
Keep it up, i find simply marvellous all the thry out all times from Iceland
March 11th, 2007 at 3:34 am
Wow..:) I admire you so much..:) Keep up telling us wonerful stories… i think it’s so great, your soing this
greating from Iceland
March 14th, 2007 at 6:21 pm
Greetings from Norway !
I came across your blog while reading a blog in an “internetpapaer” …
Thank you for a wonderful blog. Keep up the good work Olive.
I admire you.
Looking forward to reading your next piece
Millemina, last week it was Iceland who was writing. So now Norway has discovered Olive? that’s fun. Mike the helper
March 16th, 2007 at 4:15 am
Greetings from South Carolina,USA!
Hello Olive! You are just a youngster enjoying life to the fullest, I can tell!
My mission in life is to ’stay young forever,’ and teach others to do the same!
I enjoyed reading your blog. When I complete mine, hope it is as exciting as yours!
You are one AWESOME lady!!!
Chris
March 16th, 2007 at 3:36 pm
You made my evening! What a delight and inspiration you are..Greetings from Texas.
March 16th, 2007 at 4:21 pm
And here is Fran from Redondo Beach, CA visiting you as a referral from a blobbing friend. Olive, I’m 69 and sometimes whine because I’m slowing down, but now I’ve got you as a role model. My own parents were born in 1898 and 1897, but they are gone now. But here you are going strong–and enjoying life to the fullest a day at a time. Never heard of shandy before, but it sounds like it might be a miracle tonic for longevity. Mike, thanks for bringing Olive to us.
Olive has been a tonic for me too, Fran. A friend from down the road, Lou, told me last night that he is interested in the idea of reverse mentoring as he calls it. That is youger people would mentor older folks like Olive into understanding the mysteries of the internet, help them with blogs as delivery systems for their memories for example, and that there would be a mutual benefit. Mike the reverse mentor.
March 20th, 2007 at 1:08 pm
I read about you in our local paper. I live half-way between Sydney & Newscastle. I am amazed at your blog and your inspiration. Congratulations to Mike for undertaking the typing and, no doubt, for spurring you on. It’s a pity some of the people in other countries don’t write their replies in English. Here in Australia not many people know other languages (unless born overseas). They must have read the blog in English?? I enjoyed reading it all - my first time at seeing it. Hopefully, Australians will show more interest as more and more people get to hear about your outlook on life at 108. I will certainly be telling my friends about it.
Love and best wishes.
Glad you liked it, Doreen. I’ll tell Ollie. She is not 108, though, not till Oct 20th.
If you know any high school English teachers, tell them about her blob. We think it would be good for high school kids, esp. in English and history.
Also, if you want to see the film on Olive, you can get it through a company called Ronin films, easy to find on the net. People loved the film, All About Olive, when it was on TV last year. It’s very much Ollie’s film. She gets a co directing credit, or did on the version which was broadacst. This probably makes her the oldest director in the world as well as being the oldest blogger. Mike and Ollie.
March 21st, 2007 at 3:40 am
It gets me every time….you´re blog it gets me every time. I am going to a party abit later on and we toast in you´re honour….Cheers Olive and Mike…..it gets me every time:)..lol
Heaps of love
Sigurður
Iceland, Reykjavik
March 21st, 2007 at 6:40 am
Hello Olive,
I just wanted to send you love and greetings from Switzerland. I just heard about you on the French NATIONAL news (which we often watch from here) and I couldn’t resist doing a Google search to find your “blob”!
Haven’t read all your messages yet, but I just couldn’t believe that we have so many things in common.
You were born in a mining village - so was I (New Hartley, Northumberland, UK).
You mentioned flying from Newcastle where they don’t have all the fancy commodities - I fly TO Newcastle upon Tyne, UK regularly to visit my elderly parents.
You were born in October - my mother and son were too.
You talk about drinking shandy - that was my Gt. Grandma’s favourite drink too!
Just wanted to say HELLO and wish you well. You’re one AMAZING lady!
I’m off to read all about you now!
All the best.
Margaret, So glad that you empathize. I’ll be reading Ollie you comments in a few hours. Mike, reader and the writer.
March 21st, 2007 at 8:20 am
Hello again!
It’s me back again.
Have just read through ALL 8 posts with interest.
How interesting they are. So friendly, simple and warm-hearted. I love listening to stories of the olden days.
I agree with you Mike, I don’t know who would take an unemployed man into their home and feed him nowadays. It’s sad really how times have changed.
And hey, I’ve found out that we’ve got a few more things in common, Olive!
Your “Coathanger Bridge” is the double of “my” Newcastle upon Tyne bridge in the UK.
You have 3 children (Evelyn, Barnie and Bonnie) so do I: Catherine, Claire and David.
One of my best friends is called Evelyn.
You had a dog called Mitzie and so did my Gt. Aunt - hers was a miniature Yorkshire.
Well, I’m off to bed now, but I’ll keep looking to “Read all about YOU”.
Take care and all the best.
Hi margaret, Olive will enjoy the links and because of the trouble you’ve gone to with all these interesting parallels , I’d be happy to lend you her movie. If you’d like to see it, give me your address and I’ll post it over. The idea is that after you have seen it, we’ll choose someone else to get it in your area and you send it on Mike
March 22nd, 2007 at 9:00 am
Hi Olive! I’m writing from Italy. I’ve just read about you and your website and I need to tell you, that this site is great! YOU ARE GREAT!!! And I’m sure, like Mike, that you?ll see the “olives” in 2010. Big kisses and strong hug. Francesca.
Francesca, Italy must be the home of Olive oil, and is special for Olive. Yes, I think she will make 2o10 also. Mike, her helper.
March 26th, 2007 at 12:30 pm
Just heard an interview on the Radio in South Australia, regarding your Blog, and the film that has been made, so decided to check it out.
Good on you Olive stick to it, most people your age and 50 years younger don’t know how to turn on a computer, I think you’re great !!.
I love my computer, it opens the world, and I’m only 68 !
Good health for many more years, so you can enjoy blogging, Hello Mike !
Ronda, you are the only one so far who came from that ABC radio program. I’m curious to see if there’s more people from SA who come to the blog. Olive lived for years in Adelaide in the twenties. Mike for Ollie
March 27th, 2007 at 8:24 am
I love that you are blogging! What an inspiration.
March 28th, 2007 at 12:25 am
Hello Olive, I have read about you ,but am kept informed by my neice Barbara, who is your grand daughter. She is so proud of you! I went to school at Beltana S.A. I still have a shed on a block there,near the old school house. Its wonderful that you have all those stories from old,Keep em’coming. love from Marjie Ware, nee Nicholls. p.s. Barbs mum is my sister .
Marjie, Glad you discovered the blob and that you like it. So, this means that your sister was married to Barnie, Olive’s son? When I first met her, Olive either did not know about this short lived mariage marriage or had chosen to forget about it.
The marriage was just after the war and probably marred by the stress Barnie brought back with him. He apparently had violent nightmares. Barbara was the only child from that union. When I was doing the film on Ollie, I found out about all this and by researching the records of Beltana where you went to school, and by phoning the pub on the highway there, I was able to track down the story and eventually to find, the child, Barbara, in Murray Bridge.
Can you imagine the moment when I rang Barb cold and said on the phone, “Hi, you dont know me, but I want to tell you about an amazing grandmother you don’t know you have, and get you together with the Dad you’ve not seen since a child. ”
Barb quickly flew over to meet Ollie. It was very emotional, especially for Barbara, I think. Meeting Ollie seemed to fill a void in her life. The next thing was to get her together with Barnie, her Dad, which we soon did. That involved driving 4 hours up the Coast towards Brisbane. Sadly, Barnie is not in nearly such good shape as his Mum, and, whilst he knew his missing daughter, that was about all.
What was especially interesting was that Barb’s son, Jeb, bears a very strong resemblance to the grandfather he also did not know he had. I will get around to putting these photo in the blog and have Ollie tell the story.
Another detective angle was tracking news of Bernard, the father of Barnie, the husband olive left in Broken Hill. Benard had been cheating on her with Ollie’s best friend Vera, the girl next door. This was round about 1922. Olive gave Vera a good punch in the face, a couple of times she insists, and then left for Adelaide with her three kids, off on the train to her Mum’s place.
I found out that the rascally Berard married again to a Tiny or Trixie, I foget which, and lived in Beltana for a while. I found him in the Betana cricket team, mid thirties. Next, I managed to find his kids from the second marriage to Tiny or Trixie, the half brothers and sisters to Barnie, Evelyn and Bonnie. One of them sent me a photo of Bernard when old. Sady, I have lost touch with this second batch. It would be nice for them to to know about the blog. Perhaps you know something of their whereabouts.
I’ll write you you privately, hoping for more news if there is any. We can keep it out of the blog is you wish, but news would satisfy my curiostiy and Olive’s too. Mike the helper
March 28th, 2007 at 1:43 pm
incase u dont read ur other page its me again just want you to no we are studying u at school
March 28th, 2007 at 8:35 pm
This is just amazing!!!:)
Greetings from the Czech Republic!
March 28th, 2007 at 8:43 pm
Olive,
My Grandad just turned 90 yesterday, his wife is 6 months older than he, they married at the age of 80 and still go out driving and collecting wood for their fire every weekend - even a fall down a ditch hasn’t stopped my Grandads wife, who incidentally is also called Olive.
Every year my Grandad gets another year older is another year that injects fear into my heart as I think I am getting closer to losing him, even though he is showing no signs of giving up!
Reading about you and your travels/adventures fills me with hope that I may yet have many more wonderful years to spend with the most precious person in my life.
I always love to hear/read about people in their 80’s, 90’s and 100’s living a fuller life than most 20 somethings I know. You are a true inspiration to us all.
I hope with all my heart you get to see the Olives in 2010!
Greatest respect to Mike for making sure yuo never get bored.
Best Wishes, L
Who knows, Lucy? They say that if you reach 90, you tend to plateau into relatively good health. The nasty things like Cancer and Heart have not got you, and you are into a reprieve period. So, you may be lucky.
In the meantime, are you taping your Grandad? Not just for the memories either. I am convinced from my experience with Olive that the stimulation this process provides, is a big factor in keeping her alive. After all, the more useful, the more wanted, a person feels, the more reason they have to stick around, and we surely do have some control over our going. Surrounding your Grandad with some excitment vis a vis his past and memories, wont hurt anyway.
Probably his marriage and ongoing relationship is a big plus as well. Mike for Ollie.
March 28th, 2007 at 11:26 pm
Im 92 but I don’t feel the need to publish my life on the web
Well, Fanny. nobody is saying you have to. But why be grumpy about it? Olive is giving many people pleasure with her stories. That’s clear from the comments. Perhaps you should let a relative do some taping with you. If not for yourself, for those coming after. I am sure you have interesting stories to tell. Mike for ollie
March 28th, 2007 at 11:37 pm
I hope im active when im old
Well why not, Vera? Mike and Ollie
March 29th, 2007 at 12:25 am
Hello Olive
It was so nice to read your blog, it’s good of Mike to do if for you.
I’ve been trying to get my Mum to start doing something like this with no avail, and she’s half your age
Keep it up, it made me happy.
Gavin, UK x
Well, the first thing to do is to tape your Mum, Gavein. Just get her going on stories of her youth, how your parents met, courted, etc.
I’m so sorry i did not get my Mum talkng about London before the 2nd wold war where she went from Sydney as a fashion artist. She sketched all over spain on holidays as war clouds gathered, and even these water colors have disappeared. I have a beloved Uncle, Francis, who was there at the same time and is a link. What I know comes from him
I had the chance before Mum died to have a lot of mysteries solved and I did not take it. So sorry now. I am sure that it’s parlty such regrets which make me seize on this chance with Ollie, that and the fact that she’s such a spectacular informant. Mike
March 29th, 2007 at 1:34 am
Good on you Olive!
March 29th, 2007 at 2:49 am
Wow, you’re amazing, I’ll be keeping an eye on your blog
March 29th, 2007 at 9:13 am
Hello Olive. I’m so pleased to meet you. It is delightful to see you having so much fun. And you obviously care very much about all the people around you and people you meet, which is why you draw love to you. I’ll come back and read some more another day. Take care, Olive, and Mike, and best wishes from England.
Thanks for the kind remarks, Geraldine. Mike and Ollie
March 29th, 2007 at 5:30 pm
Hello there, Olive.
I just love your blog and I’d really like to read more stories!
hahahaha
greetings from Brazil
Welcome rafael, Mike and Ollie
March 29th, 2007 at 8:10 pm
Hello Olive!
What a fantastic blog. My Grandmother seems to have something of your attitude and humour (although she’s a mere slip of a girl at 83)and I find it very encouraging to hear about your life and what a difference a positive outlook makes. All the best from Warwickshire, England.
xx
Thanks, Layla from Ollie and I, Mike the helper
March 30th, 2007 at 9:55 am
Wow - what a lady.
I mumble and moan all the time and I’m only 63 but Olive has the right outlook on life.
I will be watching her story with interest
Paul (Adelaide)
Paul, great to see we are getting some Aussie comments at last. Mike and Ollie
March 30th, 2007 at 10:36 am
Ollie,
Whatever you do, don’t stop! You and your ‘extended family’ are providing not only entertainment, but moreso, a much needed reminder that we don’t have to ‘grow old’. Sure, the word is that age is a state of mind, but too often we sit around and lament the speed at which Life has taken us when, in fact, we are at the helm! Thank you for not placing yourself in a rocker, content to let the world fly by. Thank you for reminding us that our parents and grandparents and great-grandparents and for those blessed to have, great-great grandparents can offer us so much more than our own future–the link to the past is what will keep us steady-footed. God bless you for your openness to blogging! I’ve read only the first, but will follow thru until the most recent and anxiously look for more!
holly of hali
That’s a nice appreciation. Tomorrow, I’ll tell
Ollie about
holly of
Hali
Mike the helper.
March 31st, 2007 at 4:27 am
Dear Olive,
Thanks for sharing your memories in your Blog. I have only just found your site, so will be taking the time to read it all.
I look forward to reading more.
Best wishes,
Mandy.
(Writing from from the county of Cheshire in England.)
March 31st, 2007 at 9:59 am
Dear Olive, Mike & Tataya,
We (the internet community) are so fortunate to read your blog!
Olive, you are a national treasure for Australia and a World treasure for the rest of us to enjoy and marvel over! I had never heard of Shandies. It does sound tasty though! Here’s a toast wishing each of you continued good health and happiness!!! From Jerry in Dayton, Ohio U.S.A. Home of the Wright Brothers & Birthplace of Aviation!!!
Try a sandy, Jerry, half memonade and half beer. Too sweet for me, though. Considered a ladies drink. Mike the helper.
April 1st, 2007 at 1:54 am
Hi Olive,
It’s great to read your blog. Australia has many fond memories for me as I travelled extensively about 15 years ago. I never made it as far in as Broken Hill - Nevertire was as far as I got. Maybe if I come back with my wife and three children some day we’ll look you up. You are a web legend! keep enjoying the shandies
Best wishes from David and family in Southend, England. home of the longest pier in the world
David, you prompted me to look up Nevertire. I found this. “Nevertire exists due to the grain handling at the nearby railway station. It has only about a dozen houses. So why is it included? Because Henry Lawson (our most famous 19th-20th century bush poet) once described it as the edge of the ‘Great Grey Plain’, the genuinely dry country of saltbush which extends west to the deserts of the centre. When Lawson passed through the town he observed: ‘Somebody told me that the country was very dry on the other side of Nevertire. It is. I wouldn’t like to sit on it anywhere.’ ” Thanks for the titbit. Mike and Ollie
April 1st, 2007 at 7:38 pm
Wow! What an exceptional lady. My grand-father only got to 85 years young, but when ever i visited him as a child and young adult he told me the stories of his life. He spent a lot of time in a small village in Central India called Mhow. He met and married a local girl, but it wasn’t approved of. Partly because Chris (grand-dad) wasn’t an officer in the army he was only a lowly NCO! And partly because she was pregnant with my dad!
I now wish that I had written his memoirs for future generations. But I shall always keep the memories alive by telling his stories.
Keep going Olive, your stories are an inspiration to us all.
Paula from Askern Doncaster. South Yorkshire UK
Paula, you grandfather was breaking huge taboos. Have you read E. M. Forster’s, Passage to India? Was it a happy marriage? You’ve told us just a tantalizing bit of an interesting life story. Mike the helper.
April 1st, 2007 at 9:13 pm
Thanks Mike for your reply. Yes it was a happy marriage but unfortunately I never met her as she died before I was even a twinkle in my dads eye!
Thanks to you and Olive I am determined to thoroughly research my family tree and history. I’ll let you know how I get on!
Please do, Paula. Mike the helper
April 2nd, 2007 at 3:05 am
Hello to all I have enjoyed reading the blog
it has provided terrific insights and I will con tinue to read it and learn more and more about life A dear friend turned me on to your site
Thank You for Sharing And have Many Many more
Birthdays. Ilike Your bathing suit>(smile)
ATG (USA) Georgia
Thanks, ATG. Mike
April 17th, 2007 at 11:14 am
Hi Olive!
Just letting you know that you have one more reader, glad to see you online
Keep up the blogging!
Glad to have you, Zhasper! Mike the helper.
April 21st, 2007 at 10:39 am
Hey,
I love what you’e doing!
Don’t ever change and best of luck.
Raymon W.
April 22nd, 2007 at 5:07 pm
Hi Olive!
Really nice blog, we wish you a lot of love, fun and happiness in your life. You are great!
All the best from Slovakia! (Europe)
April 27th, 2007 at 3:25 am
Hello,
I like this place! You’ve done a great job.
I’ll be back soon for sure. Take care
Thanks for the comment, Maryanne. Mike the helper
May 3rd, 2007 at 6:19 am
Hey,
Really nice site you got here.
I’ll come back more often and check it out.
Peace!
May 11th, 2007 at 5:22 am
Olive,
Holy cow!
I was just thinking I was getting on and really ought to start working out and getting back into shape.
Then I read your story and realized that you were my age in WWII.
It gives one pause.
Keep on keeping on. My grandfather was born just a few years afer you. He worked almost every day of his life until he was 89. He remembered the St. Louis world’s fair as a baby in 1904. I hope my stories will be as good as your’s and his.
Keep documenting your wonderful life.
Boulder, CO USA
Jim, what a a great response. Love that “Holy Cow!” Olive is indeed such an amazing age reach acrosser, if I can say such a thing. She gives us all a new slant on our place on the time scale. Thanks for reading. mike the helper
May 21st, 2007 at 8:03 am
Olive - Greetings in Peace
You are fortunate to have Mike to type for you. My senior mother uses “hunt&peace” because she can’t type and she reminds me it’s slow going, but she still does email. When you have a chance check out our website: http://www.PartnershipsInPeace.org The kids just published an Art Book of their recycled art on the website. Look under “photos” and then go to “art” and you can see the visual fun! I congratulate you on swimming and creating a documentary. We are creating one for our neighborhood called “A Way Out” which will help other at-risk areas. We value you. Keep up the blog. Your writing is interesting & uplifting. Thanks love, Andrea.
Dear Andrea, thanks for writing. I checked you web site, partnership in Peace. I’m going to tell Ollie about Atlanta being a city of peace, running lots of peace initiatives as I read on the site.
I had no idea this was happening or that Atlanta was so peace minded. When we think of the US these days, we think war, the Iraq war..
I try to restrain any politial comments here, Eric does his best to keep me in check, but your country is about to start war games with ours in Shoalwater bay in North Queensland. This will involve massive bombing of a pristine environment, all sorts of sea creatures and land animals to be blown up, not to mention islands and forshore of great natural beauty. Our population is aquiescent. Few ask, is it really necessary? Mike the helper
June 11th, 2007 at 2:53 pm
olive,
greetings from the Philippines! i found your blog through a friend. Wow, you are one amazing lady.
mike, keep up the good work.
Thanks. Ligaya. Hipefully there will bea new post soon. Mike the helper
July 7th, 2007 at 10:28 am
hello dear miss Olive,
Your blog is of lasting importance as a singular example of life and how precious it is.
Bravo !
Regards from Paris, France.
Hi, Bruno, Olive will be very happy to hear that. Mike the helper.
July 26th, 2007 at 7:20 pm
Hello from Salzburg!!
Respect respect! What an amazing life. Keep the spirit for all of us Olive and let us here more of you for a long long time!
July 26th, 2007 at 9:45 pm
Olive you are really amazing lady! Greetings from Poland!!
July 31st, 2007 at 10:32 pm
I write on a blog site; one of the other bloggers came across this blog and reported it to us. I’m so delighted she did! It is great to meet you, Olive, through Mike’s writing.The two oldest bloggers on our site, both gentlemen from the US, are aged 94 and 93; just spring chickens by comparison to you. I look forward to reading all your entries.
Ruth, Thanks for this interesting news. What is the blogsite you write on? Can we find out more about your old bloggers? Up to the appearance of Olive on the scene, the world’s oldest blogger was Maria Amelia in Spain. Did you two co bloggers know they were up there with the record holders? Mike the helper
August 2nd, 2007 at 1:30 pm
Olive,
Loving your stories, I read your story in The Standard. It is wonderful that you are still able to enjoy a full life! I will enjoy keeping up with your adventures and sharing them with staff and residents in our aged care facility.
I am an administraion officer at a 19 bed aged care residential hostel. We have recently adopted the Eden philosophy.
Judith
What is the Eden Philosphy, Judith. And what wnd where is the Standard? Mike the helper.
August 3rd, 2007 at 4:15 pm
Hi Mike,
The Standard is a newsletter for aged care home staff, managers, residents and their families (July 07 issue which contains Olive’s story) their web site is http://www.accreditation.org.au.
There is an article in the same issue of the Standard, “Protecting Independence”, by Petra Neeleman, CEO Dutchcare, which explains the Eden Philosophy. Judith
Thanks Judith, We’ll take a look. Mike the helper
September 1st, 2007 at 4:16 pm
Hello, I am Tan Ji from China. I read about this blog on Chinese news website, and find myself really like this amazing story telling. It is really good to have so many people highly interested in the old days, which may be different from that of my country, but the wisdom is shinning universally.
I do believe that somebody should have recommanded, or you may already put into practice, that you publish a book with these stories, which could certainly be a bestseller, and maybe make some money to improve the elder’s daily care services. That is my suggestion.
Thank you for all your great job!
You are the first person to suggest a book, Tan Ji. maybe someone will pick up the idea. Mike the helper
September 6th, 2007 at 9:34 am
Hi Olive,
I am 35 years old and I go to TAFE in Sydney.
My teacher brought in a newsarticle on you CYBER GRANNY, 107, TAKES THE WEB BY STORM.
Olive you have given our class such a wonderful depth, spirit, courage and appreciation to what life is really all about. You seem like a very couragous lady, with a very strong determination, that will never find a reason to stop at anything and to give everything ago.
Your blog has inspired us very much. I think just seeing your smile, your spirit shining through it, is enough to know and believe there really is truly so muh more to life.
God bless you Olive
Caroline Bos
Olive will bew delighted to hear this. Caroline. Eric is taking her out for Oysters today ht the old Woy Woy pub. I’ll tell her there and get you a photo. Mike the helper
September 6th, 2007 at 9:37 am
Dear Olive,
Mum and I heard about your blog on Radio National. It’s a great thing. Mum, 90, has just lost her sight, and your example motivated her to agree to having a blog where she can show all her craft work. She’s crocheting again and dreaming up new projects. Thank you for your blog and for having inspired us to get out there and share Mum’s work.
Best wishes from Frieda and Merc
What a wonderful story, folks. D osend us the URL when you get the blog going for your Mum. Wordpress, which we use, is a very good as a template, Mike helper
September 6th, 2007 at 4:29 pm
Dear Olive, I’m 9 years old, my name is Christine. I was born in Australia too. I know someone who is 102. I don’t know much to talk about, but I enjoyed reading your stories, I look forward to reading more. Oh, my! I just realised you’re nearly 100 years older than me! This letter I’m sending may be A LOT different from the others. Anyway, I guess this is enough to say.
Christine.
Dear Christine, sorry to be so long in answering your lovely comment. Today has been very busy. Yes, it is amazing that Olive is almost 100 years older than you.
I think you’ll be amazed in the next post to see her eating oysters in the Woy Woy pub so friskily, telling stories about fishing, and singing songs with someone who has almost the same name as you, Christina. And don’t worry that you did not write a lot. I was great what you wrote. Cheers, Mike the helper.
September 10th, 2007 at 6:52 am
Olive, I came upon your blog somewhere in the middle so just had to look back and catch up on all the stories. Please keep blogging. Your stories are so interesting!
September 18th, 2007 at 6:03 am
Hi Mrs. Olive,
I just came across your blog and it’s really amazing. I love your stories from the past. Glad and someone is helping you in typing your entries.
Hope to read more posts from you.
Regards from Norway
October 4th, 2007 at 8:45 am
Exellent…u r really great i find here today in a persian bogger
lov u and ur blog
greeing from Iran
=)
Hi fatima, so nice to have someone from Iran. let’s all work for peace in our world, shall we? God idea? Mike the helper.
October 5th, 2007 at 11:04 am
tnx dear Mike
yees why not
let s pray for better world
luv u and ur blob(lool) so much :d
god bless u dear oliveu r wonderful
i m a ew blogger and I put the link in my blog
:kiss :hug
We’ll have a look at your blog, Fatima.
October 17th, 2007 at 10:27 pm
Best regards from Poland
You Are amazing!! I wish You many happy returns of the day!!
October 20th, 2007 at 9:52 am
Hi Alive:
I will ditto what others have written. You are truly an amazing woman and a wonderful role model for all of here.
Certainly for you…activity has kept you young, along with a zest for life and optimism…
Do hope you make it to 2010 Olive…and continue to share your travels with all of us all over the world.
Warmest regards,
Marjie Olmstead, Ontario, Canada
October 20th, 2007 at 11:04 am
Hi, Olive! Diarist Arbi told me about you. I’m nonagenarian Willy. She figures your 108th birthday has just come.
Happy birthday to youhappy birthday to you happy birthday dear Olive happy birthday to you
AND MANY MORE!!!
Willy, does that mean, that you’re 90 plus? If so, warmest congrats. Yes the birthday is today. have a look later later when more songs of your era will be posted. Willy, do you have a blog? Ruth says you do, but I can’t find the URL. . Mike and Ollie
October 26th, 2007 at 5:19 am
Couriousity killed the cat, they say
What a nice lady you are!
Im from Sweden I`ll get a tip about your website so I deciteed to write to you.
Almost lost my both, parents in a car accident, but the had angeleswhatch, Im so glad!
I only wanted to say, that I already, love you almost, as much that my cat, Pavarotti, his old too, 60 catyers, the say, love, from Suzi, Sweden.
Why did your curiousity kill the cat, Suzi? You can ask whatever you like,. Mike the helper
November 7th, 2007 at 11:31 pm
Hello Olive
I’m so happy to have found your website. You are a remarkable lady and Mike and your family sound like wonderful, caring people. Keep on blogging and enjoy the shandies!
Love from Lynn in South Africa.
Glad you found Ollie, Lynn. Not too many visitors fro South Africa. Mike the helper
November 9th, 2007 at 10:10 pm
Hi Olive!
I found your website listening to a public radio broadcast here in Indiana, USA. What an amazing story you have to tell and I can’t wait to read more about it! Keep on blogging!
Have a terrrific day!
Amy
What were they saying, Amy? Was it a news item. I assume you mean NPR. Mike the helper
December 15th, 2007 at 3:28 am
I love you both, Ollie and Mike.
Thank you for this beautiful blog.
Sally
January 4th, 2008 at 1:37 pm
Hi Olive
Amazing that you are so alive!!! My grandparents must have been born in Broken Hill around the time you were, as my mother was born in 1919. Perhaps you knew one or both of them? My grandfather was Walter Louis Shiell and my grandmother was Ivy Myrtle Scheer. They were both of German descent.
Anyway you have a lot to offer the world at your age.
Andrea
Hi Andrea, so sorry not to have replied. Xmas got us. I will ask Ollie about your rellies. Mike the helper
January 15th, 2008 at 11:19 am
Olive
An associate in New York recommended your blog, and what a great story to tell friends around here in Vista, California.
howie
February 24th, 2008 at 3:00 pm
This is truely amazing! I am doing research on Senior blogs for my class and this tops them all! I hope one day I can be as energetic and lovely as you Olive! I send my love….
Looks like you are starting at the beginning, Katie. Happy reading. Mike the helper
March 3rd, 2008 at 3:42 pm
jimsotonna
jimsotonna dropped by
March 4th, 2008 at 1:08 pm
Hi i am Joshua i am from Wodonga.
i am studying aged care at Wodonga Tafe.
I like your adventure and good to see your helper Michal helping you with the Website
Take Care i will spread the word to others i like the the website.
Hi Joshua, so glad you discovered our site and that you’ll spread the word. tell me more about the course and pass on to all the others who left comments, that they are appreciated. Mike the helper.
P.S, did you see th latest post. We’re hoping Ollie will get a job soon.
March 4th, 2008 at 1:27 pm
Dear Olive i am sending you this from Albury whilst doing my Aged Care course. It’s about to rain here. You are an inspiration: wishing you continued health and happiness love Jeanette
March 4th, 2008 at 1:29 pm
Hi Olive
You are an inspriation to Australia.
We are doing an aged care course at the Wondonga Taff, and you are part of our assigment.
What a great innings.
Love Robyn
March 4th, 2008 at 1:29 pm
Hi. We are students at Wodnonga Tafe studing aged care. We are looking at how to break steriotypes. I don’t think Olive fits any steriotype
All the Best
March 4th, 2008 at 1:30 pm
hi Olive
iam 49 and a tafe student at wodonga tafe studdying crt3 in aged care .its great to see that a lady of your years moving with the times and not sitting around thinking about how old you are .I Love your webb site and i hope iam agile as you if i get to your years so i will say good bye for now david
March 4th, 2008 at 1:32 pm
Hi olive we are students from wodonga tafe we are studying aged care We both think you are amazing. Best of luck thankyou for reading this cheers leeanne and mary
March 4th, 2008 at 1:33 pm
Olive, i am a student at Wodonga Tafe and i am studying Cert 3 in Aged Care and Cert 3 in Home and Community Care. One of the students recomended getting your movie to view in class and our teacher jumped on to have a look at your blog. Its wonderful!!! You are an inspiration to us as students and to myself as a younger person. I really do believe that what you are doing is so wonderfull. I do hope that i will be as wonderfull as you are when i get older
Keep up the great work, Luv Dani.
Hi Dani, do you have a copy of the movie or should I send it, and if so to whom? Mike the helper
March 4th, 2008 at 1:38 pm
Hi form wondonga Olive
looking wonderfull
amazing blog
March 4th, 2008 at 1:38 pm
we are so happy to view your page,we are student at wodonga tafe and your very intresting person .we all love you.
March 5th, 2008 at 9:11 pm
hi olive and mike i am a student at wodonga tafe i am studying cert 3 in age care it i stumble across your blog olive while doing some reserch on articles on age care .what an amazing lady. you are a insperation to us all.i was so amaized i couldnt wait to share your story with my fellow students .we are now all waiting anxiousely for the dvd the teacher has ordered so we can watch it you are now the talk of the town god bless you keep smiling leeanne
March 11th, 2008 at 7:49 am
Hello Olive & Mike! I just found out about this blog and reading these stories made my day. How wonderful to read about someone whose way of living is so uniquely positive. After this, I’m looking forward to being old! Best wishes,
Tiia
Finland.
Great to have you as reader, Tiia. How did you find the blog. I love Finland, been there several times. Mike the helper
July 20th, 2008 at 10:42 am
awwwwww i found this blog fater learning the sad news
i will read everything she wrote and learn about this wonderful person >:D< sleep with the angels olive
July 22nd, 2008 at 8:27 pm
I found this blog after reading about Olive’s passing in the paper. I will put it in favourites and read her stories with great interest. Thank you for sharing your stories Olive. God Bless.
July 23rd, 2008 at 4:17 am
I just found Olive’s blog after her death. I am starting at the beginning. It is with great interest that I will continue reading until the end. What an amazing woman. I am 71.
July 26th, 2008 at 12:02 pm
I am a 14yearold girl who thinks this story is abs. amazing.
what does that tell you?
July 30th, 2008 at 10:55 pm
I too just learned about Olive after her death. Her life story fascinates me. Im a physical therapist assistant and work at a small hospital and nursing home. Our oldest resident will be 100 this sept. and she is remarkable, a lot like Olive. So I will be reading all of Olive’s story. Thank you for sharing it with the world, Olive. May you rest in peace.
September 15th, 2008 at 9:02 am
It is said people only become famous after they die. Olive was a step ahead of that, She enjoyed fame before her passing and even now, people like me are just learning about this wonderful lady. She left us some reading material and I plano in readin all of it.
Thanks, Olive.
October 1st, 2008 at 6:05 am
Sorry, Olive for not writing to you for so long but my cat Pavarotti died in cancer 12 september
he become 18 catyears or 90 human years.
He had Donny Osmonds eays. Every time I seen Donny Osmond in Tv, last time on Oprahs Winfrey show with all 150 Osmond family members. I thought at my belowed desisted, familymember, the cat, Pavarotti. He was so smart, he was my cochin for 18 years, he always slept in my bed, next to my cheek, miss him so much……………
Cannot sleep, criing all awake moment, dream about him. Second day after he was asleep, at pm 10.50 O´clock he sent me a white dow on the bedroom window, the dow would not flow away until I awake and gone to the window, to see her with my own eyes, so their is something in the sky, Good lives in Paradise, my Pavarotti gone in Paradise with the angels and someday we meet.
Your friend Suzi from Göteborg, Sweden.
P.S. Bye and all the best whises for you and your family!
My emailadress; babben2@passagen.se
sms +46 0768 802430
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