NIAGARA, Wis. — I am writing this after a particularly difficult morning. You know the kind as I am sure you have had them as well. Everything was just a beat or two off, and if an annoyance was going to happen, it happened this morning — along with all of the many other annoyances of aging — one right after another within the span of four hours. Today, the journey to old age is not one that I am enjoying.

As I may have mentioned a time or two before, my husband and I are creatures of habit and routine. Our mornings progress pretty much the same. I get up ahead of my husband and set the table for breakfast, which in itself is a routine because, unless it is Saturday, we have the same thing every morning. A pot of tea, juice or berries and cold cereal suits us just fine along with two pens and the newspaper’s word find and crossword puzzle. I turn the tea kettle on after he has had his shower and has watched enough of the CBS morning news. I do not join him for the news as I really dislike beginning my day with it. After breakfast, we continue with our plans for the day, which typically is dependent upon the day of the week and whether or not we have meetings or other appointments. We usually do not meet up again until lunch time.

Not this morning. It began when he hit a wrong button on the remote when he turned on his news show, and that led to a great deal of time being spent relocating the proper connection on the darn thing. This delayed his shower and breakfast, as well as the laundry, which I like to get started before breakfast on a Monday. I had a busy morning planned because I was cooking ahead for a special meal that I was planning for some of his relatives who were visiting the following day. So that made more of a mess in the kitchen, which gave us more dishes to do than normal. In the middle of everything, we received a phone call from the contractor who had given us a quote for a new retaining wall … which had come in quite a bit higher than we had expected. Then his aunt called — the folks who were planning to visit and for whom I was cooking. They were still coming, but plans had changed a bit, and she wanted to discuss them. After that, any hopes for a smooth morning or an easy, advanced meal preparation had gone out the window … and any shred of patience my husband and I had for each other had disappeared.

My inability to handle this type of morning really got me to thinking about the aging process. It seems to me that when I was younger, and had a much more demanding schedule, that I was able to handle disruptions to that schedule much easier. I could cook with a kitchen full of family and not miss a beat. I could handle a crazy busy day at work and come home to an over scheduled evening of kids’ activities and not get crabby. My tolerance for change and disruption has noticeably decreased as I have gotten older.

I have noticed other annoyances with my ever-increasing birthdays. When we moved our elderly mothers into assisted living situations, we packed up their belongings and shook our heads as we found multiple bottles of shampoo, duplicate tubes of toothpaste, and enough canned goods to supply a small grocery store.

Well, this morning as I was cooking my squash soup for tomorrow and looking through my pantry for the appropriate ingredients, I found multiple bottles of ketchup, two bottles of Dijon mustard, and no fewer than three little jars of capers. I also found two half empty jars of paprika. I have become my mother.

And, can you tell me why so many manufacturers have made it so darn difficult to open their products? Do items have to be hermetically sealed for gosh sakes? I am so tired of not being able to open bottles and jars. My little jar grippy thingy is in shreds. And don’t get me started on cereal boxes! When we finally manage to open the top of the box — my husband always jokes that there must have been a new guy on the glue machine — we wrestle with the interior bag. Is it really necessary to melt the tops of that bag together? And don’t get me started on prescription bottles. At least I can still manage to pop open a cold one, which I really need after struggling to open everything else!

For more than four decades, we have managed our recyclables in the same manner. We keep the bins in the basement so we simply toss anything that goes into them down the basement steps to be gathered and stored properly the next time my husband descends into that domain. The kids and grandkids used to think it fun to be able to simply pitch an empty pop can down those steps. Now, Niagara has a new company to manage the garbage and recyclable collection, and they have provided huge bins that sit outside our back door until it is time to wheel them to the curb. This is actually going to be more convenient for us as carrying those heavy bins up from the basement was becoming increasingly unsafe. But, if you can believe it, I have had to actually post a sign next to the basement door that reads, “Recyclables now located by back porch” so I do not continue to throw them downstairs!

Speaking of notes … our home is beginning to resemble my mother-in-law’s former apartment at Victorian Pines. Her dining room table was full of notes to herself, and many items were sitting out in neat piles instead of being put away somewhere; she needed the visual reminders to jog her memory. Well, depending upon how much is going on in our lives, the counter by the telephone (still using a land line) and the prep counter in the kitchen are now home to all kinds of reminder notes and cryptic messages. My husband is famous for writing down just a date or a phone number with no additional explanation, and then it is a guessing game as to what they mean. I write notes that are a little more helpful, but I have to admit not by much. I use an appointment calendar book that displays a week at a time, and my husband uses a wall calendar that shows the whole month. We use them both religiously to stay on track.

Last but not least, we are both finding our cell phone and remote controls to our television sets more and more confusing. We are getting better a little at a time with the cell phone the more we use it, and we usually can find our way out of the cryptic messages on our TV screen when we hit a wrong button on the remote.

All I can hope for at this point is that I remember where it is that John Brown lives the next time that I take that memory test at my doctor’s office. If not, I have more to worry about than a bad morning.

——

NURSING HOMES/SENIOR LIVING FACILITIES

Freeman Nursing and Rehabilitation Community

Kingsford

906-774-1530

Freeman’s has resumed small group activities. Visitation is currently being allowed twice weekly with screening and COVID-19 testing required before entering the building. All precautions are still being taken to protect residents. Everyone has adjusted to this new normal; however, they are all looking forward to a great get-together when it is safe to do so.

Sunday: Church on TV, 9 a.m.; self-activity packet, 1 p.m.; “Antiques Roadshow,” 6 p.m.

Monday: Coffee chatter, 10 a.m.; trivia, 11:45 a.m.; Uno, 1:30 p.m.; room visits, 2:30 p.m.

Tuesday: Coffee chatter, 10 a.m.; music, 11:45 a.m.; cooking group, 1:30 p.m.; left-right-center game, 2 p.m.

Wednesday: Coffee chatter, 10 a.m.; trivia, 11:45 a.m.; pumpkin toss, 2 p.m.

Thursday: Coffee chatter, 10 a.m.; music, 11:45 a.m.; the boo game, 2 p.m.

Friday: Coffee chatter, 10 a.m.; trivia, 11:45 a.m.; boo! double 0 fill in the blank, 2 p.m.

Saturday: Word search, 10 a.m.; color fun, 2 p.m.; ice cream with staff, 3 p.m.

Iron County Medical Care Facility

Crystal Falls

906-874-1501

Sunday: Room visits, 9 a.m.; trivia teasers, 10 a.m.; chair exercise, 11 a.m.; room visits, 12:30 p.m.; bingorama, 2 p.m.

Monday: Cooking, 9 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; DT luncheon, noon; room visits, 1 p.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.; high rollers, 6 p.m.

Tuesday: Casino trip, 9:30 a.m.; book club, 10 a.m.; Catholic Mass video, 10 a.m.; travel film, 1:30 p.m.; current events, 2 p.m.; musical movie, 6 p.m.

Wednesday: Coffee social/costume prep, 9:30 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; monthly birthday party with Bob, 2 p.m.; night bingo, 6 pm.

Thursday: Puzzler, 9:30 a.m.; bowling,10 a.m.; wildlife film,1:30 p.m.; church video, 2 p.m.; happy hour, 2:30 p.m.

Friday: Costume prep, 9 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; room visits, 1 p.m.; spooky stories, 2 p.m.; spooky movie, 6 p.m.

Saturday: Word game/room visits, 9 a.m.; puzzle time, 10 a.m.; geri-gym, 11 a.m.; social hour, 2 p.m.

ProMedica (formerly Manor Care)

Kingsford

906-774-4805

The center is now open for visitation. There is no longer a need to call in advance of your visit.

Sunday: Halloween card making, 9:30 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; Flip-o, 1 p.m.

Monday: Wet your whistle, 9 a.m.; exercise, 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.; leisure cart, 3 p.m.

Tuesday: Wet your whistle, 9 a.m.; devotional, 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; candy corn toss, 2 p.m.; leisure cart, 3 p.m.

Wednesday: Wet your whistle, 9 a.m.; manicures, 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; pumpkin painting, 2 p.m.

Thursday: Wet your whistle, 9 a.m.; chair yoga, 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; ghost party game 2 p.m.; leisure cart, 3 p.m.

Friday: Wet your whistle, 9 a.m.; chips and chatter, 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.; leisure cart, 3 p.m.

Saturday: Spider craft, 9:30 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; Halloween cookies, 1 p.m.

Maryhill Manor Nursing Home

Niagara, Wis.

715-251-3172

Visitation is allowed as long as all infection control guidelines are followed, including wearing a mask, washing hands and social distancing. Daily scheduled activities continue to be for residents only.

Sunday: ’80’s trivia, 10 a.m.; delivery of communion, 12:30 p.m.; rummage bingo, 2 p.m.

Monday: Rosary/communion, 9 a.m.; help your neighbor, 10 a.m.; pamper and polish, 2 p.m.

Tuesday: Rosary/communion, 9 a.m.; prayer service, 9:30 a.m.; Yahtzee, 10 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.; Chaplet of Divine Mercy, 3 p.m.

Wednesday: Rosary/communion, 9 a.m.; devotionals, 10 a.m.; penny ante, 2 p.m.; evening prayer, 5 p.m.

Thursday: Uno, 10 a.m.; Protestant service, 10:30 a.m.; rosary/communion, 1 p.m.; jokereno, 2 p.m.; Chaplet of Divine Mercy, 3 p.m.

Friday: Rummy, 10 a.m.; happy hour / monthly birthday party with Jim D., 2 p.m.

Saturday: Trivia, 10 a.m.; Halloween movie and popcorn, 2 p.m.

Florence Health Services

Florence, Wis.

715-528-4833

Visitation is allowed seven days a week in designated areas only. Each visit is limited to 30 minutes and must be scheduled in advance. All visitors will be subject to health screening before entering the facility. There are no group activities at the present time.

Victorian Pines

Iron Mountain

906-774-5158

Sunday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; Packers vs. Commanders, noon; Bible study, 1:30 p.m.

Monday: Juice time., 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; bingo, 1:30 p.m.; refreshments, 2:30 p.m.

Tuesday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; shopping, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; trivia, 1:30 p.m.; refreshments, 2:30 p.m.

Wednesday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; bingo, 1:30 p.m.; refreshments, 2:30 p.m.

Thursday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; Lutheran Bible study, 1 p.m.; left-center-right 2 p.m.

Friday: Juice time, 10; exercise, 11 a.m.; Halloween party, 5 p.m.

Saturday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; movie and popcorn, 2 p.m.

Pinecrest Medical

Care Facility

Powers

906-497-5244

Sunday: Bunco, 10:30 a.m.; one-to-one visits, 2 p.m.

Monday: Lunch outing, 10:30 a.m.; crafts, 2 p.m.; karaoke, 3:30 p.m.; one-to-one visits, 6 p.m.

Tuesday: Decorating, 10:30 a.m.; bingo, 1:45 p.m.; cards, 3:30 p.m.; one-to-one visits, 6 p.m.

Wednesday: Casino outing, 10:30 a.m.; wine and cheese, 2 p.m.; Sorry, 3:30 p.m.; board games, 6 p.m.

Thursday: Exercise, 10:30 a.m.; bingo, 1:45 p.m.; cards, 3:30 p.m.; one-to-one visits, 6 p.m.

Friday: Catholic Mass, 10:30 a.m.; happy hour, 2 p.m.; games, 3:30 p.m.; mind joggers, 6 p.m.

Saturday: Ladder ball, 10:30 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.

SENIOR CENTERS

Alpha-Mastodon Center

906-875-3315

Amasa Center

906-822-7284

This center remains open. They recently welcomed a new cook who will be preparing meals on site.

Tuesday: Chili, cornbread and salad.

Wednesday: Pork chops, baked potato and corn.

Thursday: Beef tips over noodles, green beans and salad.

Breen Center

Kingsford

906-774-5110

Now open for dine-in eating Monday through Thursday — serving at noon. Friday and night meals are on hold indefinitely. Carryout meals are available. Soup and salad bar are also available. Menu for the week —

Monday: Sloppy Joe, fries and green beans.

Tuesday: Beef stew and garlic bread.

Wednesday: Chicken, sweet potatoes and chef choice vegetable.

Thursday: Stuffed shells, garlic bread and wax beans.

Note: All meals served with a choice of skim milk or juice and fruit.

Crystal Falls Center

Head Cook: Sterling Peryam

Assistant Cook: Rocky Scarlassara

906-875-6709

The center is now open Mondays and is once again serving meals for dine-in or takeout — call the center by 1 p.m. to make reservations or to place an order. All food is purchased from local vendors. All dinners include salad bar, homemade desserts, coffee, tea, or milk. Salad bar begins at 4:30 p.m. and dinner is served at 5 p.m. Pickup for takeout meals is 4 p.m. – call ahead and leave a message with phone number. A volunteer will deliver meals to homebound citizens only. Menu for the week —

Monday: Chicken parmesan.

Tuesday: Beef stew over steamed rice.

Wednesday: Pizza, bread sticks.

Dickinson-Iron Community Services Agency

DICSA

Iron Mountain

906-774-2256 ext. 230 or 235.

This is a Meals on Wheels program only. Home delivered meals only — call to make arrangements. Menu for the week —

Monday: Pizza burger, macaroni and cheese and California blend vegetables.

Tuesday: Tomato tortellini soup and dinner roll with butter.

Wednesday: Gnocchi with meat sauce, Italian blend vegetables, dinner roll and butter.

Thursday: Sausage and potato skillet with peppers and onions, peas and carrots and spiced fruit.

Friday: Tuna sandwich, salad, fruit and treat.

Note: All meals include a choice of skim milk, juice, or no beverage.

For more information, call Christine McMahon at 906-774-2256.

Crystal Lake Center

Iron Mountain

906-828-1776

Schedule for the week is:

Monday: Spinning spools quilting, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Les Artistes’ art club, noon to 4 p.m.; wood carvers, noon to 4 p.m.

Tuesday: Cards — Pinochle and cribbage, noon to 4 p.m.

Wednesday: Bingo, 1 to 4 p.m. Card cost is .25 cents per card, 10 games are played.

Thursday: Cards — Pinochle, noon to 4 p.m.

Friday: Cards — Smear, noon to 4 p.m.

Felch Center

906-246-3559

Open for dine-in eating — call for serving times. Carryout meals also available. Menu for the week —

Monday: Stir fry, rice, carrots and bread.

Tuesday: Cheesy potato casserole, California blend vegetables and biscuit.

Wednesday: Swedish meatballs, mashed potatoes, gravy and green beans.

Note: All meals served with skim milk or juice.

Aging and Disability Resource Center

(ADRC) of Florence County, Wis.

715-528-4890

Director: Tiffany White

Restrictions have lifted at some centers — see below. Menu for the week —

Monday: Liver and onions or chicken breast, au gratin potatoes, squash and fruit.

Tuesday: Amish breakfast bake, maple roasted Brussel sprouts and warm fruit compote.

Wednesday: Roast pork with gravy, mashed potatoes, broccoli and pumpkin dump cake.

Thursday: Boiled dinner with ham, carrots, cabbage, rutabagas and potatoes and fruit.

Friday: Chicken patty on a bun, spinach salad, baked beans and fruit.

Note: All meals served with whole grain bread, butter and milk.

Fence Center/Town Hall

715-336-2980

RSVP for meal at 855-528-2372

Same as ADRC menu, served at noon on Wednesday only.

Florence Community Center/Town Hall

RSVP for meal at 715-528-4261

Same as ADRC menu. Open Monday through Thursday serving at 11:30 a.m.

Tipler Town Hall

RSVP for meals at 715-674-2320

Same as ADRC menu, served at noon on second Thursday only.

Hillcrest Senior Dining Center, Aurora

RSVP for meals at 715-589-4491

Same as ADRC menu. Now open, served at 11:30 a.m. Monday through Friday.

Hermansville Center

Coordinator: Barb Peters

906-498-7735

Center is open 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday. Meals are served through the Menominee-Delta-Schoolcraft Community Action Agency in Escanaba. Meals-On-Wheels program for those who are homebound is available.

Contact the center for weekly menus.

Iron River Center

906-265-6134

Now open for dine-in eating — serving at 11 a.m., salad bar available. No night meals. Carryout meals also available. Menu for the week —

Monday: Goulash, broccoli/cauliflower, dinner roll, fruit and milk.

Tuesday: Pork roast, potatoes, roasted cabbage, dinner roll, fruit and milk.

Wednesday: Ham and cheese sandwich, pasta salad, yogurt, fruit and milk.

Thursday: Salisbury steak, mashed potatoes and gravy, green beans, dessert and milk.

Niagara Senior Center/Café

715-251-1603

The center is open, and dinner is served at noon Monday through Thursday. Reservations are required one day inadvance. Suggested donation is $4.50 for those older than 60 and $7 for those 60 or younger. Bingo played on most Wednesdays. Transportation is available.

Monday: Chicken pot pie, cottage cheese with fruit and dessert bar.

Tuesday: Cheesy broccoli soup, turkey and cheese sandwich, Mandarin oranges and dessert.

Wednesday: Pasty, side salad, fruit and peanut square cake.

Thursday: Beef tips with gravy, mashed potatoes, Brussel sprouts, dinner roll and peach cobbler.

Join us for Bingo on Wednesday this week.

Norway Center

Director: Joyce Olesky

Head Cook: Brian Gutkowski. 

906-563-8716

Open for dine-in eating served restaurant style beginning at 11:15 a.m. Salad bar available from 10:30 to 11 a.m. Takeout meals will remain available for pick-up from 11 to 11:30 a.m. Let staff know if you are dining in or picking up. Menu for the week —

Monday: Roast beef, mashed potatoes with gravy, carrots and onions.

Tuesday: Chicken patty on a bun, tater tots and mixed vegetables.

Wednesday: Liver or burger with onions, mashed potatoes, gravy and green beans.

Thursday: Italian sausage roll-up, breadstick and Italian blend vegetables.

All meals include milk, juice, fruit, bread and dessert.

Center activity schedule:

Mondays and Thursdays — Exercise at 10 a.m. and card bingo after the meal.

Monday through Thursday — Card game 101 from noon to 3 p.m. Call Joe at 563-5587 for information.

Tuesdays — Quilting and sewing.

Wednesdays — Ceramics and crocheting.

Last Monday of each month — Book club at 9 a.m.

Second Thursday of each month — Birthdays and bingo.

Sagola Center

906-542-3273

Now open for dine-in eating — call for serving times. Carryout meals also available. Menu for the week —

Tuesday: Meatloaf, mashed potatoes, peas and peaches.

Wednesday: Ham, scalloped potatoes, carrots and applesauce.

Thursday: Sweet and sour chicken, rice, stir fry vegetables and pineapple.

All meals served with an option of milk, juice or no beverage.