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QUINCY, ILL. -- She's a familiar face in Quincy who's served thousands of people over the years.

Arlene Hale has worked in the restaurant business for more than 70 years.

"The doctor says if you don't stay busy, it's not good for you," Hale said.

It's one of the many pieces of advice Hale will give you when you first meet her.

"People say I've never met a stranger and I say, if you talk to them a while, they're not your stranger," Hale said.

She's worked in the restaurant business most of her 92 years.

"I'm a waitress, hostess, cashier, and bartender. I've done it all," Hale said.

She drives herself to work three days a week and is in the kitchen by 3:15 a.m.

"I've been working here at the Hampton for 9 years and I worked at the Patio restaurant for 42," Hale said.

Each day, it's a different dish.

"We have cheese omelets. Today, we had scrambled eggs with ham and cheese," Hale said.

Hale has come to work every day without fail.

"I've come to work when I was ill, so sick I had a temperature, and people would say, how are you? I'd say, just fine. You didn't come in to hear my problems. You came in for a nice, enjoyable dinner. So, you just keep that to yourself," Hale said.

It's a work ethic that's cherished by many of her co-workers.

"Once I get there, I just don't ever leave until they throw me out. And no one has yet," Hale laughed.

She'll turn 93 on March 25. She has no intention of slowing down anytime soon.

"I have to take my driver's test again," Hale laughed. "When you get old, you have to take them every year."

And she'll never run of out of advice on the secrets of a long and happy life.

"Enjoy every moment you can, because the longer you live... it's never long enough," Hale said.