Billings, 93, has been collecting unusual coffee mugs for 50 years

The most distinctive feature of the interior of Edith Billings' home in the Cherry Lane area is the thousands of coffee mugs which line shelves, walls and cabinets in at least two rooms.

Billings started acquiring the mugs about 50 years ago as keepsakes of her travels and adventures. They are a tribute to her longevity and her philosophy of being willing to stand out and live life, not merely watch it.

"A lot of people call me a ‘mug nut,' but that don't bother me a bit," she said smiling. "I always wanted things different from the average, and it shows it."

Billings herself is not sure how many mugs she has. Her daughter, Dorothy Gilbert, said they were counted at 900 five years ago. The collection has at least doubled since then.

"Everywhere there's a place to set a mug, they're all over, everywhere," Billings said.

She has enjoyed traveling extensively, taking numerous bus tours, sometimes flying. "Everywhere they stopped, I'd get a mug if they'd sell me one," she said.

Places she has seen include Niagara Falls, Pennsylvania Dutch country, Florida, Colorado and the Cherokee Indian region. One of her favorites is Dollywood in Pigeon Forge.