Gertrude Baines celebrates 114th birthday

The air was filled with excitement Sunday at the Western  Convalescent Center as Gertrude Baines celebrated her 114th birthday  among a shower of congratulatory greetings, handshakes and warm hugs.
Baines,  the daughter of former slaves, is officially recorded as the oldest  living person in California and the third oldest person in the world  according to the Gerontology Research Group.
Draped in a bright red  shawl and sporting a leopard trimmed hat, Baines, a former college maid,  smiled modestly and nodded as a number of elected officials  congratulated her and presented her with proclamations.
She smiled as  she eyed the white birthday cake that featured her picture and surveyed  the gaily decorated table resplendent with sandwiches and tropical  fruit.
How did you get so old? someone in the crowd asked  Baines.
Chuckling, Baines cocked her head to one side. Youre going  to have to ask the Lord about that, she responded.
Born in Smyrna,  Georgia on April 6, 1894, Baines first memory was riding in a car.  She  claims that she never had a serious sick day in her life.
Baines  had one daughter, who died of typhoid fever at the age of 18. She  outlived her husband who she divorced years ago. The centenarian has no  living relatives.
Shes very healthy, said the convalescent  administrator Emma Camanag.  Shes also very witty. She doesnt smoke  or drink and she trusts God, said Camanag.
Baines, who has resided  at the convalescent home for seven years, is popular among the residents  and the nurses.
She loves watching The Price is Right and Jerry  Springer on television, said Camanag.
Although she is restricted  to a wheelchair due to a touch of arthritis, Baines exercises daily,  stretching her arms and doing hip exercises.
Baines also likes to  eat. I eat bacon, toastI like all kinds of food.  If it tastes good, I  eat it.  If it doesnt taste good, I dont eat it.
Right after  lunch, shell usually take a nap, said Camanag. The rest home  administrator also said that Baines delivers sage words of advice. Ms.  Baines said, Do not be afraid of long life. Longevity is good.