NIAGARA, Wis. — In keeping with this month’s spring ahead into daylight savings mode, it seems a good time to discuss our dreams and what they may be telling us. While dream analysis and interpretation is an imperfect science, paying attention to those dreams that occur frequently may give us some insight into issues with which we may be wrestling. At the very least, analyzing dream symbols and ascribing meaning to them have become a source of both entertainment and the kind of self-reflection that can lead to personal improvement.

Most of us are familiar with Sigmund Freud and his ground breaking study of dreams and their meaning. He described them as the “royal road” to the unconscious and suggested that by studying the obvious content of dreams, we could bring to light those hidden and unconscious desires that cause humans to have difficulties in their waking hours. Today, some modern theories suggest that dreams have more of a biological component to them or may even be due to sleep position. Still, the need to identify common dream themes and symbols persists, and books are full of theories; nine common dreams have garnered particular interest.

1. Dreams about falling from great heights are very common. And, no, the myth that claims if you hit the ground in your dream, you will die in real life is simply not true. I remember hearing this as a kid, and for a while I was afraid to fall asleep! Russell Grant suggests, in his book, “The Illustrated Dream Dictionary,” that falling dreams may indicate the presence of fear in real life or the desire or need to relax and enjoy life more.

2. Dreams about showing up naked in public are also very common according to author, Penney Pierce. She suggests that those who have such dreams may harbor feelings of insecurity over perceived shortcomings and imperfections.

3. Dreams about being chased by a known or unknown entity can be particularly upsetting. Dream interpreters often suggest that such dreams mean the dreamer is trying to avoid something in his or her daily life. Tony Crisp, author of “Dream Dictionary,” stresses that the key to understanding these types of dreams depends partly upon the identity of the chaser. If an animal is doing the chasing, it may indicate the dreamer is hiding from his or her own anger or other deep feelings. If the chaser is unknown, the dream may represent a childhood experience or past trauma that remains unresolved. And if the chaser is a member of the opposite sex, the dreamer may have yet to resolve a past relationship.

4. The phenomenon of losing teeth is a common dream theme. Analyst, Penney Pierce, explains that the power of teeth is their ability to bite through, to cut, tear and grind. In that context, then, the loss of teeth signifies concern over “the loss of personal power and the ability to be assertive, decisive, and self-protective.” She further suggests that such dreams may signify concern about the ability to communicate or that there is fear about having said something embarrassing.

5: Dreams about death — either one’s own or that of a loved one — are also very common and can be particularly stressful. Popular interpretations suggest that these types of dreams reflect anxiety about change or a fear of the unknown. As Lauri Loewenberg explains in her book , “Dream On It: Unlock Your Dreams, Change Your Life” — “Like death, change can be scary because we do not know what is on ‘the other side’ of the change, which is why the dreaming mind equates change with death.” Dreams of death may also accompany our unconscious concern over the aging of our children, a mourning for the passage of time. We also may have such dreams as we age and have concerns over our own passing, or that of a loved one, into an unknown dimension.

6. Dreams about taking a test are also very common. Craig Hamilton-Parker, author of “The Hidden Meaning of Dreams,” suggests that taking an exam in your dream might reveal an underlying fear of failure. Exams are stressful experiences that require us to face up to potential shortcomings. So if we dream of failing an exam, being late for one or being unprepared to take an exam, it is a sign that we feel unprepared for the challenges of life in our waking hours.

7. Dreams about your own unfaithfulness or the infidelity of a spouse or partner do not automatically mean that it is happening in real life. Authors of “The Complete Idiot’s Guide Dream Dictionary,” Eve Adamson and Gayle Williamson, suggest that these dreams are indications that the dreamer has broader issues with trust, loyalty and communication in his or her relationship. It is an indication that “one of you is not getting what you need from that relationship right now.”

8. Dreams about flying are common and can mean distinctly different things. Flying dreams can be exciting and liberating thus representing feelings of freedom and independence. They can also be quite frightening. When fear is produced, it can be an indication that the dreamer is harboring a desire to flee or escape from the realities of his or her life. It is also interesting to note that flying solo is the most common of flight dreams and is accompanied by pleasurable feelings.

9. The interpretations of dreams about pregnancy run the gamut. Some interpreters suggest they represent everything from creativity to fear of being an inadequate mother. Others suggest these dreams appear in order to predict difficult times ahead. The more positive interpretations suggest that the dreamer is developing some area of potential or deepening a relationship.

One theory that interested me was the significance of recurring dreams. Decades ago after working at a particular company for a number of years, I found myself locked into a position with no pathway upwards. As I looked into the future, all I could see myself doing was the same thing I had been doing for the past nine years, and it just wasn’t enough. I began having a recurring dream. I was in a dark, underground parking ramp surrounded by stairways and one elevator. Each time, in an effort to get out of the dark garage, I first chose the elevator; the operator would not let me get on and told me I had to take the stairs. Each stairway I chose had no doorway to the outside at the top. I spent the night locked in that dream, taking stairway after stairway that led nowhere; I awoke exhausted. The problem was obvious. As soon as I found a new job, the dream disappeared.

While some of the interpretations outlined above may seem farfetched, dream interpretation has helped many get to the root of what is troubling them in their waking hours. Consequently, they have been able to make necessary changes on their own or have been motivated to obtain the additional help they needed to create positive and healthy life adjustments. So, if you see yourself in any of the above scenarios, give it some extra thought… you know, sleep on it.

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NURSING HOMES/SENIOR LIVING FACILITIES

Freeman Nursing and Rehabilitation Community

Kingsford

906-774-1530

Group activities are ongoing, and doors are unlocked for visits. They welcome anyone who would like to entertain residents.

Sunday: Church on TV, 10 a.m.; crossword, 1 p.m.; color a picture, 2 p.m.; “NCIS” on ION-TV, 6 p.m.

Monday: Rosary in the dining room, 10 a.m.; room visits, 1 p.m.; reminisce, 2 p.m.

Tuesday: Cooking with Jess, 10 a.m.; card games, 10:30 a.m.; music and milk shakes, 2 p.m.

Wednesday: Sale of walking tacos, 10 a.m.; game choice, 10:30 a.m.; arts and crafts, 2 p.m.

Thursday: Movers and shakers group, 10 a.m.; card games, 10:30 a.m.; Yahtzee, 2 p.m.

Friday: Movers and shakers group, 10 a.m.; card games, 10:30 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.

Saturday: Color by number, 10 a.m.; word search, 2 p.m.; “Undercover Boss,” on CNBC-TV, 6 p.m.

Iron County Medical Care Facility

Crystal Falls

906-874-1501

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

Monday: 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.; reminisce, 6 p.m.

Tuesday: Just friends, 9 a.m.; Catholic Mass, 10 a.m.; book club, 10 a.m.; prayer, 10 a.m.; travel film, 1:30 p.m.; Florence St. Vincent de Paul, 12:30 p.m.

Wednesday: Travel club, 10:30 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; monthly birthday party with live music and cake, 2 p.m.; night bingo, 6 p.m.

Thursday: Puzzler, 9:30 a.m.; bowling, 10 a.m.; Bible study, 1 p.m.; wildlife film, 1:30 p.m.; happy hour with music, 2 p.m.

Friday: Crafts, 9 to 10:30 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; room visits, 1 p.m.; throwaway bingo, 2 p.m.; romance movie, 6 p.m.

Saturday: Word search/smart shoppers, 10 a.m.; geri-gym, 11 a.m.; room visits, 12:30 p.m.; social hour, 2 p.m.; romance movie, 6 p.m.

Optalis Healthcare (formerly ProMedica)

Kingsford

906-774-4805

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

No information available.

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: Crafts, 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.; “Price Is Right,” 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.; tic-tac trivia, 10 a.m.; pamper and polish, 2 p.m.; evening prayer, 5 p.m.

Thursday: Rosary/communion, 9 a.m.; Uno, 10 a.m.; joker-eno, 2 p.m.; Chaplet of Divine Mercy, 3 p.m.

Friday: Shut the box, 10 a.m.; happy hour, 2 p.m.

Saturday: Trivia and coffee, 10 a.m.; 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 this time.

Victorian Pines

Iron Mountain

906-774-5158

Sunday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; 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.; exercise, 11 a.m.; birthday party, 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.; craft class, 2 p.m.

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

Saturday: Juice time, 10 a.m.

Pinecrest Medical

Care Facility

Powers

906-497-5244

Sunday: Bunco, 10:30 a.m.; manicures, 2 p.m.

Monday: Bunco, 10:30 a.m.; painting, 2 p.m.; karaoke, 3:30 p.m.; one-to-one visits, 6 p.m.

Tuesday: Menu committee, 10:30 a.m.; resident council, 10:45 a.m.; bingo, 1:45 p.m.; cards, 3:30 p.m.; mind joggers, 6 p.m.

Wednesday: Filling Easter eggs, 10:30 a.m.; wine and cheese, 2 p.m.; “Sorry,” 3:30 p.m.; one-to-one visits, 6 p.m.

Thursday: Filling Easter eggs, 10 a.m.; bingo, 1:45 p.m.; cards, 3:30 p.m.; word search, 6 p.m.

Friday: Catholic Mass, 10:30 a.m.; happy hour, 2 p.m.; games, 3:30 p.m.; one-to-one visits, 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. Their new cook prepares meals on site.

Tuesday: Hamburgers, mashed potatoes and vegetables.

Wednesday: Chicken parmesan, mixed vegetables and coleslaw.

Thursday: Lemon pepper cod, roasted red potatoes, salad and garlic toast.

Breen Center

Kingsford

906-774-5110

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: Pasty pie and green beans.

Tuesday: Brats, boiled potatoes and baked beans.

Wednesday: Ham, scalloped potatoes and mixed vegetables.

Thursday: Pork chop, mashed potatoes and cabbage.

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

Crystal Falls Center

Head Cook: Sterling Peryam

Assistant Cook: Bitsy Peryam

906-875-6709

The center is now open on Mondays and is 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 warm vegetables, salad bar, soup, 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.

No dine-in menu available.

Home delivered meals menu for the week —

Monday: Teriyaki chicken, rice, and Oriental blend vegetables.

Tuesday: Italian sausage soup, dinner roll and yogurt cup.

Wednesday: Honey and brown sugar fish, sweet potato fries and green beans.

Thursday: Farmer’s omelet, hashbrown potatoes and applesauce.

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: Teriyaki chicken, rice and Oriental blend vegetables.

Tuesday: Italian sausage soup, dinner roll and yogurt cup.

Wednesday: Honey and brown sugar fish, sweet potato fries and green beans.

Thursday: Farmer’s omelet, hashbrown potatoes and applesauce.

Friday: Breaded chicken sandwich, pea salad and Jell-O.

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:

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

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

Wednesday: Bingo, 1 to 3 p.m., cards cost 25 cents with 10 games played; Happy Quilters, 1 to 3 p.m.

Thursday: No activities at this time.

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: Wet burrito, Mexicorn and tortilla chips.

Tuesday: French bread pizza and side salad.

Wednesday: Turkey ala king, stuffing and coleslaw.

Note: All meals served with skim milk or juice,

Home delivered meals —

Monday: Teriyaki chicken, rice and Oriental blend vegetables.

Tuesday: Italian sausage soup, dinner roll and yogurt cup.

Wednesday: Honey and brown sugar fish, sweet potato fries and green beans.

Aging and Disability Resource Center

ADRC

Florence County, Wis.

715-528-4890

Director: Tiffany White

Menu for the week —

Monday: Cook’s choice – entrée, vegetable and fruit.

Tuesday: Pasties, coleslaw and fruit.

Wednesday: Lasagna, roll-ups, dark green salad, bread sticks, fruit cup and pumpkin dump cake.

Thursday: Chicken tortellini vegetable soup, egg salad sandwich, lettuce and tomato and fruit.

Friday: Fish sandwich, baked beans, broccoli salad 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 is available for those who are homebound.

Monday: Tater tot casserole, corn and tropical fruit.

Tuesday: Pork stew, coleslaw, biscuit and applesauce.

Wednesday: Stuffed shells, peas and carrots, lettuce salad and pineapple upside down cake.

Thursday: Chop suey over rice, Oriental vegetable blend, Oriental coleslaw and Mandarin oranges.

Friday: Fish sandwich with bun, baked beans, oven potatoes and fruited Jell-O

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: Cheeseburger, French fries and corn.

Tuesday: Boiled dinner, biscuit and applesauce.

Wednesday: Omelet, hashbrowns and ham.

Thursday: Fish chowder, cheddar biscuit and broccoli.

Niagara Senior Center/Café

715-251-1603

The center is open, and dinner is served at noon on Monday through Thursday. Reservations are required one day in advance. Suggested donation is $5 for those older than 60 and $7 for 60 and younger. Bingo played on most Wednesdays. Transportation is available.

Monday: Swiss steak, buttered rice, vegetables and peaches with topping

Tuesday: Lemon baked fish, cheesy hash browns, baked beans, rye bread and apple crisp.

Wednesday: Sliced turkey, mashed potatoes and gravy, corn and lemon bar.

Thursday: Beefy noodle casserole, vegetable, dinner roll and banana.

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 planning to dine in or pick up. Menu for the week —

Monday: Pork loin, baked potato and squash.

Tuesday: Fish patty on a bun, macaroni and cheese and vegetables.

Wednesday: Burgundy beef over noodles and vegetables.

Thursday: Ham with scalloped potatoes and carrots with onions.

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 906-563-5587 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

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

Menu for the week —

Tuesday: Sloppy Joe, mixed vegetables and sweet potato fries.

Wednesday: Chicken noodle soup and grilled cheese sandwich.

Thursday: Meatloaf, potato wedges and green beans.

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

Home delivered meals –

Monday: Teriyaki chicken, rice and Oriental blend vegetables.

Tuesday: Italian sausage soup, dinner roll and yogurt cup.

Wednesday: Honey and brown sugar fish, sweet potato fries and green beans.