Mrs. Mildred Fern (Shimp) Christian of Napa celebrated her 97th birthday on Saturday, March 24, at New Life Tabernacle in Napa, where she read from the poem "I Love to Live," the last lines of which are, "I know by then I won't be fast and sometimes will be late, but it would be so pleasant to be around at 98. I have seen so many things and had a wonderful time, so I'm sure that I'll be willing to leave at the age of 99, maybe. Just one more thing I'd like to say, dear Lord, I thank You kindly, but if it's OK with You, I'd love to live past 109."

Mrs. Christian was born and grew up in Talala, Okla., and married Byrd J. Christian on May 27, 1933, in Oolagaa, Okla. Mr. Christian passed from this life in 1992. With an unquenchable zest for life and blessed with great health, she keeps looking forward to each new day with a whistle on her lips and a spring in her step. Her gift to her children in 2004 for Christmas was a video of her riding on a Harley-Davidson motorcycle behind one of many grandchildren from the church who have adopted her. She toured the Napa Valley in a leather jacket and helmet just before her 95th birthday.

Mrs. Christian's hobbies include sewing, flower beds, fishing, seeing new places and things, reading and playing games with anyone, anywhere, any time. As she looks forward to her 100th birthday, she encourages her five children, 12 grandchildren, 34 great-grandchildren and six great-great-grandchildren to enjoy life and look forward to each day with the joy of the Lord in their hearts, a smile on their faces and a whistle on their lips.