NIAGARA, Wis. — As I reviewed the column topics covered so far this year, I noticed a trend toward self-improvement suggestions as well as tips on creating our best life as we age through our retirement years. Hopefully, you have found some information that affirmed what you were already doing and other tips that helped you improve your current situation. If you have tried to make a few changes as a result of what you have read but are finding it difficult to get started, then today’s topic — procrastination — may be of some help.

Procrastination is the culprit that gets in the way of every good intention that every well-meaning person has ever had. Sooner or later even the most scheduled, organized and punctual among us fall prey to this little demon. It is important to remember that we all have different work habits. What appears as procrastination to one person may simply be a different rhythm or pace followed by the other. As long as the task at hand gets done, it doesn’t matter. But (and it is a big but) if the other person’s “pace” ends up making more work for someone else, then there is a problem.

My husband and I are very different in this regard. I have always been a list maker and an overplanner — especially in my younger years. I habitually underestimated how long each task would take me to complete so always planned more than I could possibly finish in one day. Consequently, I was perpetually disappointed with my progress. My husband was slow and steady. He planned what he could do in one day and was incredibly accurate, so always finished his list. Consequently, he was very pleased with his results. He tried to point out to me that I simply planned more for one day than was humanly possible, but I stubbornly refused to listen. Consequently, I remained frustrated with myself until I made up my own mind that I needed to make some changes before I drove myself crazy. Eventually, I had to learn how to balance my goals with my stamina — especially as I aged.

Another area where procrastination plays a part is punctuality. Here, I win. I watch the clock and begin getting ready to leave the house well in advance of the designated departure time. My husband will invariably wait until the final 15 minutes before he begins to get ready to be somewhere. Consequently, he is driving faster than he should to get where we are going on time — and that is a subject for another column! Suffice to say for now that he is on a first-name basis with the Niagara traffic police. If we are leaving town on a trip that requires packing and loading the car, we will set a mutually agreed-upon departure time. As we pull away from the curb a half-hour past the intended time, he will invariably say, “Well, only 30 minutes off — not bad” and will actually mean it! I finally had to adjust my own expectations in these instances or risk being crabby at the start of every trip. In the grand scheme of things, 30 minutes, one way or the other, is not the end of the world.

When I was still working, my schedule was full of deadlines, so being able to follow a plan was extremely important. I could always tell, however, when I was procrastinating. I’d finish all of the smaller, easier projects first — some even ahead of schedule. This phenomenon happened whenever I had a big project that required several days to complete. I told myself that I was simply “clearing my schedule so I could do a good job” when, in fact, I was simply afraid to tackle the monster. The longer I put it off, the bigger the project became. I finally learned to divide the large project into several more manageable tasks, each with its own deadline.

Even in retirement, time management is important. Granted, the stakes are much smaller and there is no boss to please, but life is easier when days run smoothly. There will always be appointments to keep, chores to complete, and fun times to plan. Life is more relaxing and fulfilling when we find a way to get the necessary tasks completed so we can fully enjoy our newfound rest and relaxation. If you see yourself in any of the scenarios described above, you will find the following tips helpful. They come from an article written by Kendra Cherry for the Very Well Mind website.

1. Identify if fear is a factor. Even at our more mature age, we may fear disappointing friends and relatives. If you find yourself routinely procrastinating work or even postponing party planning, ask yourself if you are afraid you are not up to the task. If you find that you are afraid of certain situations, be honest about it and ask for help. Ask your husband to help with the spring cleaning — a task that gets much more difficult as we age. Or ask a friend to help plan the next party at your house — even fun events can become overwhelming when we get older.

2. Rely on a task list as a helpful guide. List chores in order of importance or put a desired completion date next to each item. Estimate how much time will be required to complete each item and then double it. Things just take longer when we attain a certain age — it’s a fact of life.

3. If at all possible, designate routine tasks to a specific day of the week to make sure they get done. Then fill in the rest of the days with the more seasonal chores or the occasional appointment. It also helps to leave one day each week completely open so you can be spontaneous.

4. When a big project comes along, break it down into its smaller parts and schedule each individually. I used to be able to complete spring cleaning in a week by doing one room in my house per day. Now, I assign one or two rooms per week, giving my aging body a chance to recover before I move on.

5. While working on a task that takes a large amount of energy, ease up on things that can wait for another day. Instead of making a really nice dinner while you are spring cleaning or doing major yard work, pick up a pizza instead.

6. Recognize the signs of procrastination setting in, and do not give into them. Force yourself to do at least a small part of the task you had planned. Once you begin, chances are you will finish it before you know it.

I have a framed photo of lovely flowers that features a quotation from Ralph Waldo Emerson, “Many go through the meadow, but few see the flowers in it.” With a little careful planning and an awareness of the potential for procrastination, we can all better navigate through our retirement. With more skillful navigation, we will find the time to explore new hobbies or spend more time with friends. Not only will we see Emerson’s flowers, but we will have the time to stop and smell them as well!

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SENIOR LIVING

FACILITIES

Freeman

Kingsford

Scenes and sounds Sunday at noon and Monday through Friday at 11:30 a.m.

Sunday: Uno, 1 p.m.; dunking donuts, 2 p.m.; church, 2:15 p.m.

Monday: Room visits, 10 a.m.; busy room, 11 a.m.; library cart, 1:30 p.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.; ice cream social, 3 p.m.

Tuesday: Busy room, 10:30 a.m.; reminisce, 1 p.m.; Irish pub, 2 p.m.

Wednesday: Room visits, 10 a.m.; rosary, 10:30 a.m.; room visits, 1 p.m.; Golden Throats, 2 p.m.; movie and popcorn, 3 p.m.

Thursday: Reading buddy, 10:30 a.m.; Bible study, 1:15 p.m.; bingo with Carol, 2 p.m.; “Lawrence Welk,” 4:30 p.m.

Friday: What’s cooking? 11 a.m.; parlor games, 1:15 p.m.; sing along, 2 p.m.; happy hour, 3 p.m.

Saturday: Meet and greet, 10:30 a.m.; daily newspaper, 11 a.m.; oldies but goodies, 1 p.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.; evening news, 6 p.m.

Iron County 

Medical Facility

Crystal Falls

Sunday: One-to-one church visitors, 8:30 to 11 a.m.; room visits, 9 to 11 a.m.; storytelling, 10 a.m.; bingorama, 2 p.m.; Church of Christ, 3 p.m.

Monday: Crazy hats crafts, 9 to 10:30 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; room visits, 1 p.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.; Sunshine Club, 2:30 p.m.

Tuesday: Book club, 10 a.m.; prayer, 10 a.m.; wildlife film, 1:30 p.m.; crazy hat party/music and snacks, 2 p.m.; comedy movie, 6 p.m.

Wednesday: Coffee social/current events, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; getting pretty, 1:15 p.m.; men’s club, 2 p.m.; night bingo, 6 p.m.

Thursday: Puzzler, 9:30 a.m.; bowling, 10 a.m.; Bible study, 1 p.m.; travel film, 1:30 p.m.; United Lutheran church, 2 p.m.; happy hour, 2:30 p.m.

Friday: Crafts, 9 to 10:30 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; Family Dollar, 12:30 p.m.; room visits, 1 p.m.; faces and places, 2 p.m.; western movie, 6 p.m.

Saturday: Puzzler/name that word, 10 a.m.; geri-gym, 11 a.m.; intergenerational social hour, 2 p.m.

Manor Care

Kingsford

Wet your whistle, 9:30 a.m. Sunday through Saturday.

Exercise, 10 a.m. Sunday through Saturday.

Lobby activity, 11:15 a.m. Sunday through Saturday and 4:15 p.m. Monday through Thursday.

Popcorn day every Friday.

Sunday: Just jokes, 10:15 a.m.; company’s coming room visits, 1:30 p.m.; Protestant church, 3 p.m.

Monday: Did you know? 10:15 a.m.; Crystal Hogan, 2 p.m.; pokeno, 5:45 p.m.

Tuesday: St. Pat’s facts, 10:15 a.m.; resident council/food committee, 2 p.m.; movie and manicure, 5:45 p.m.

Wednesday: Remembering when, 10:15 a.m.; monthly birthday party with Jim Edberg music, 2 p.m.; flip five, 5:45 p.m.

Thursday: Crosswords, 10:15 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.; crazy for cards, 5:45 p.m.

Friday: Finish lines, 10:15 a.m.; Catholic Mass, 2 p.m.; chips and chatter, 2:30 p.m.; movie, 3:15 p.m.

Saturday: Current events, 10:15 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.; movie, 3:15 p.m.

Maryhill Manor

Niagara, Wis.

Rosary/communion, 8:30 a.m. Sunday through Friday.

Sunday: Catholic Mass, 9 a.m.; “Family Feud,” 10:15 a.m.; “Deal or No Deal,” 1:30 p.m.; Protestant service, 2:30 p.m.

Monday: Derby day, 10:15 a.m.; nickel jokereno, 2 p.m.

Tuesday: Current events, 10:15 a.m.; prayer shawl, 11 a.m.; bingo and green beer, 2 p.m.; Yahtzee, 6:15 p.m.

Wednesday: Protestant service, 9 a.m.; spelling bee, 10:15 a.m.; monthly birthday party with Ray and Mindy, 2 p.m.; Chaplet of Divine Mercy, 3 p.m.; movie and popcorn, 6:15 p.m.

Thursday: Catholic Mass, 9 a.m.; Stations of the Cross, 10 a.m.; golf, 10:15 a.m.; jokereno, 2 p.m.

Friday: Ball toss, 10:15 a.m.; trivia, 10:30 a.m.; happy hour with Crystal Hogan., 2 p.m.

Saturday: Crafts, 10:15 a.m.; pamper and polish, 2 p.m.

Victorian Pines

Iron Mountain

Juice time, 10 a.m. Sunday through Saturday.

Exercise, 11 a.m. Monday through Friday.

Shopping days: 10 a.m. Tuesdays and Fridays, must sign up.

Sunday: Bible study, 1:30 p.m.; refreshments, 3 p.m.

Monday: Music with Paul, 2 p.m.; refreshments, 3 p.m.

Tuesday: Music with Pastor Jim, 2 p.m.; refreshments, 3 p.m.

Wednesday: Bingo, 2 p.m.; refreshments, 3 p.m.

Thursday: Music with Crystal, 2 p.m.; rosary, 3 p.m.

Friday: Bingo, 2 p.m.; refreshments, 3 p.m.

Saturday: Movie and popcorn, 2 p.m.

Florence Health Services

Florence, Wis.

Morning news, 6 a.m. Sunday through Saturday.

Sunday: Bingo, 10 a.m.; music with Grace and Dave, 2 p.m.; Pastor Miller, 3:30 p.m.

Monday: Bingo, 10 a.m.; table games, 2 p.m.; reading, 6 p.m.

Tuesday: Minute to win it, 10 a.m.; Irish tunes and green beer, 3 p.m.

Wednesday: Horse races, 10 a.m.; manicures, 2 p.m.; picture look, 6 p.m.

Thursday: Pastor Jason, 10 a.m.; music with Larry J., 2 p.m.

Friday: Father Timothy, 10 a.m.; chair exercise, 2 p.m.

Saturday: Family and friends visit/bingo, 10 a.m.

Pinecrest Medical Care Facility

Powers

Sunday: Grace church, 10:15 a.m.; bean bag toss, 10:30 a.m.; reminiscing, 2 p.m.

Monday: Life connections, 9:45 a.m.; busy bee, 12:45 p.m.; rosary, 2:30 p.m.; bean bag toss, 3:30 p.m.; checkers, 6 p.m.

Tuesday: Baking, 10 a.m.; busy bee, 12:15 p.m.; St. Pat’s party, 2 p.m.; “Family Feud,” 3:30 p.m.; one-to-one visits, 6 p.m.

Wednesday: Bingo, 10 a.m.; busy bee, 12:45 p.m.; Rosemary and Wayne, 2 p.m.; one-to-one visits, 6 p.m.

Thursday: Exercise, 10 a.m.; busy bee, 12:45 p.m.; bingo, 1:45 p.m.; cards, 3:30 p.m.; board game – Trouble, 6 p.m.

Friday: Catholic Mass, 10:30 a.m.; busy bee, 12:45 a.m.; happy hour, 2 p.m.; trivia, 3:30 p.m.; one-to-one visits, 6 p.m.

Saturday: Manicures, 10:15 a.m.; cards, 10:30 a.m.; karaoke, 2 p.m.

SENIOR CENTERS

Note: All centers ask for 24-hour advanced reservations for lunch. Those who have meals delivered who will not be home should notify the center.

Alpha-Mastodon Center

906-875-3315

Meal at noon every Tuesday, Thursday and Friday.

Amasa Center

906-822-7284

Open Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.

Lunch at noon.

Bingo on Tuesdays.

Free meal drawing on Thursdays.

Menu for the week:

Tuesday: Ham, baked potatoes, mixed vegetables and lettuce salad.

Wednesday: Polish sausage, mashed potatoes, corn and tomatoes.

Thursday: Turkey, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, dressing and cranberries.

Breen Center

906-774-5110

Meals Monday through Friday.

Pasty sale every third Saturday of the month, except on holidays.  

Cards and games available 9 a.m. to noon and 1 to 2 p.m. 

Hostess on duty Monday through Friday.   

Treats and coffee, 8:30 to 11:30 a.m.

Center retail store is open 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday through Friday; volunteers and donations are welcome.

Birthdays acknowledged every day.

Evening meals are on the first and third Thursday of the month. Salad bar opens at 4 p.m., with dinner at 5 p.m. Donations are $4 for those 60 and older and $5 for 60 and younger.

Menu for the week:

Monday: Cabbage rolls and mixed vegetables.

Tuesday: Sweet and sour meatballs, rice and Oriental vegetable blend.

Wednesday: Liver or sausage, parsley potatoes and carrots.

Thursday: Night meal — Chicken alfredo, noodles and mixed vegetables.

Friday: Fish or barbecue sandwich, fried potatoes, pork and beans.

Soup, salad and dessert are offered with every meal. Reservations for meals are encouraged. Walk-ins are welcomed.

Crystal Falls Center

Head cook: Lucy Korhonen

906-875-6709

The center is not just for seniors — bring a friend.

Suggested meal donations: $5 if older than 60; $6 if younger than 60; $1 extra for take-out.

To reserve meals, call the center by 1 p.m. with name and number of people.

All dinners include the soup and salad bar, homemade dessert, tea, coffee and milk.

Open: Monday through Wednesday, 4:30 p.m., soup and salad bar; 5 p.m., dinner.

Mondays: Basket weaving after dinner — all are welcome for dinner and/or class. Beginners can make their first basket with materials provided.

Menu for the week:

Monday: Pulled pork with gravy, mashed potatoes and vegetables.

Tuesday: Corned beef and cabbage.

Wednesday: Chicken stir fry and rice.

Crystal Lake Center

906-239-0278

The center is closed on weekends.

Monday: Woodcarvers, 10 a.m.; Les Artistes Art Club, noon.

Tuesday: Pinochle, 12:30 p.m.; two-person team cribbage, 12:30 to 3:30 p.m.

Wednesday: Spinning Spools Quilters Guild, 1 p.m., with crafters, scrapbookers and others also welcome; knitting and crocheting class, 1 to 3 p.m.

Thursday: Pinochle, 12:30 p.m.; Happy Quilters, 1 p.m.

Friday: Smear, noon.

In addition to home-delivered meals, a lunch is offered from 11:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. every Wednesday, along with two evening meals each month. Meals cost $5 for those younger than 60 and a $4 donation for those older than 60.

Home-delivered meal menu for week:

Monday: Cheeseburger, potato wedges and broccoli.

Tuesday: Egg and sausage sandwich, hashbrown potatoes and spiced peaches.

Wednesday: Boiled dinner, biscuits and cottage cheese.

Thursday: Meat loaf, mashed potatoes, corn and oatmeal cookie.

Friday: Fish sandwich, tater tots and green beans.

Any questions regarding the home-delivered meal program at this center can be directed to Christine McMahon at 906-774-2256.

Wednesday: Noon meal at center — Boiled dinner, ham and cheese slider and salad bar.

Transportation is available from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Call 906-282-0492 or 774-2256. Rides are $3 for age 60 and older, and $3.50 for younger than 60. 

Felch Center

906-246-3559

Meals served at 11:30 a.m. Monday through Wednesday.

Bingo after lunch on the first and third Wednesday of each month.

A congregate jigsaw puzzle is done daily.

Menu for the week:

Monday: Spanish rice, coleslaw and green beans.

Tuesday: Corned beef, fried cabbage and cornbread.

Wednesday: Evening meal at 4:30 p.m. — Shrimp, pasta, broccoli bake, dinner roll; salad bar begins at 4 p.m.

Aging and Disability Resource Center of Florence County, Wis.

715-528-4890

Director: Tiffany White

Suggested donation for seniors older than 60 is $4 per meal. Residents younger than 60 must pay $7. Reservations and cancellations are needed 48 hours in advance.

The ADRC can assist area seniors and those with disabilities with transportation Monday through Friday. Transportation reservations should be made with meal reservations.

Menu for the week:

Monday: Liver and onions or chicken breast, side salad, beans, mashed potatoes, broccoli and pears.

Tuesday: Corned beef and cabbage, parsley potatoes, carrots and lime Jell-O with pineapple.

Wednesday: Salisbury steak, mashed potatoes, rutabagas and fruit pie.

Thursday: Pasties with gravy, coleslaw and bananas.

Friday: Creamy tomato soup, egg salad on croissant, fruit and B & B brownies.

Other assistance includes information on aging, benefits specialist, and caregiver support.

Fence Center/Town Hall

715-336-2980

For meal reservations, call 855-528-2372

Meal served Wednesday only, with the same menu as listed under ADRC of Florence County. Reservations are requested. Cribbage and cards are available.

Florence Community Center/Town Hall

RSVP for meal at 715-528-4261

Home-delivered meals are available. Meal is served at 11:30 a.m. at this center Monday through Thursday, with the same menu as listed under ADRC of Florence County.

Tipler Town Hall

For meal reservations, call 715-674-2320

Serving lunch at noon on the second Thursday of the month only, with the same menu as listed under ADRC of Florence County.

Hillcrest Senior Dining Center, Aurora

For meal reservations call 715-589-4491

Meal is served at 11:30 a.m. Monday through Friday, with the same menu as listed under ADRC of Florence County. Closed on Wednesday this week. Transportation arrangements can be made to and from the meal site.

Hermansville Center

Coordinator: Pam Haluska

906-498-7735

Meal is at noon Monday through Friday. Suggested donation is $3 for age 60 and older and $7 for younger than 60. Morning coffee is available daily.

Fifteen games of “fun bingo” are played starting at 12:45 p.m. each Tuesday and Friday, along with a 50-50 drawing.

Wednesday: Cards played in the afternoon. Call ahead to see if a game will be going on.

Monday through Friday: Walking in the gym, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. A treadmill also is available.

Enjoy friendly interaction with other crafters.

Iron River Center

906-265-6134

Meals served 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Monday through Wednesday; a $4 donation is encouraged from those 60 and older, and a $5 payment is required from those younger than 60. Thursday meal, 3:30 p.m. soup, 4 p.m. salad bar, with dinner 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Home-delivered meals are available — call 906-774-2256, ext. 235 or ext. 230.

Menu for the week:

Monday: Salisbury steak, au gratin potatoes and carrots.

Tuesday: Chili and cornbread.

Wednesday: Chicken alfredo, noodles, winter vegetables and dinner roll.

Thursday: Meat ravioli, wax beans and breadsticks.

Saturday: Pancake breakfast, 8 to 11 a.m. Cost is $5.

Niagara Northwoods Senior Cafe and Center

Meal site manager: Corrie Maule, 715-251-1603

Senior center director: Jill Anderson, 715-251- 4154

Noon meals served Monday through Thursday. Transportation is available to the meal site for those living in the Niagara, Wis., area. Any senior groups that would like to use the meal site as a meeting place are welcome — come for lunch, then stay for a meeting or social time. Wii games, cards, puzzles and board games are available to play. 

Other activities are in the works — suggestions are always welcome. 

Norway Center

Director: Susie Slining

906-563-8716

Monday through Thursday: Meals served at noon, with salad bar. Soup also is available at 11 a.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Milk, juice, bread, fruit, tea and coffee served daily. Meal donation is $5. Reservation for the meal should be made in advance.

Two special-themed meals take place each month on Tuesday, with bingo, prizes and a 50-50 drawing.

Two evening meals offered at 5 p.m. on the first Monday and third Wednesday of the month, with bingo, prizes and a 50-50 drawing.

Monday: Center board meeting at 10 a.m.

Menu for the week:

Monday: Mushroom and Swiss burger on a bun, garden rice, peas and carrots, salad bar, fruit, juice and dessert.

Tuesday: St. Patrick’s Day dinner — Irish beef stew, roasted potatoes and cabbage, soup and salad bar, fruit, juice, green beer and dessert.

Wednesday: Noon meal — Ham and cheese sliders, stewed tomatoes, salad bar, fruit, juice and dessert; 5 p.m. meal — Barbecue rib dinner, soup and salad bar, fruit, juice and dessert.

Thursday: Birthday Club — Sweet and sour chicken over rice, stir-fry vegetables, soup and salad bar, fruit, juice and birthday cake.

Craft and exercise classes: Mondays and Thursdays.

Ceramic and art classes: Wednesdays.

Puzzles always in the works.

Note: File of Life packets available at the center.

Sagola Center

906-542-3273

Meals: Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, 11:45 a.m. Cards: Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.

Commodities every other month and quarterly commodities are every three months.

A puzzle table is available to enjoy. Volunteers are always welcome. 

Menu for week:

Tuesday: Hamburgers, potato wedges, pickled beets and applesauce.

Wednesday: Stuffed shells with marinara sauce, mixed vegetables, apricots and breadstick.

Thursday: Ham, twice-baked potatoes, broccoli and pineapple.