NIAGARA, Wis. — As my husband and I were travelling up to Marquette recently to celebrate his 74th birthday, we were commenting on the fact that this time of year is usually peak color. Granted, not all of the trees “peak” at the same time, but generally by early October most of them have reached their full potential in that department.

Then my husband wondered aloud if humans had a “peak” in their lifespan, and if they did, when might it be? Of course, after that, all kinds of questions were raised. What constituted peak in humans? Was peak the same for most everyone? When did we believe we peaked as individuals and in our relationship? Then he commented, “Now there’s a topic for a column!” So here goes …

We are all familiar with the various stages of childhood. Normal development in that first year has been well researched, and physicians look for the progression of creeping, to crawling, to walking. We know when to expect those first words followed by full sentences. We lived through teething and the terrible 2s. The grade-school years were pretty fun, only to be followed by the tumult of adolescence. Eventually, our children emerge into young adults, and we marvel at how quickly it all happened.

But what about adults? Do we have stages through which we progress? Fifty years ago, in 1974, Gail Sheehy wrote the book “Passages: Predictable Crises in Adult Life” that clearly answers that question. It turns out that each decade of adult life is generally defined by a set of characteristics, and men and women travel similar, but not identical, paths through adulthood. This book is a very helpful road map of adult life that describes the inevitable personality and sexual changes we go through in our 20s, 30s, 40s and beyond.

The Tumultuous 20s is so named because we have left behind the safety of our childhood home, and we begin trying to find our way through life on our own. We try various jobs and date potential life partners. The Catch 30s have a way of shattering any illusions we may have had about our future. It is time to make, break, or deepen life commitments. The Forlorn 40s can be dangerous years when the dreams of youth demand reassessment, men and women switch characteristics, and sexual panic is common. But the greatest opportunity for self-discovery awaits. The Refreshed (or Resigned) 50s can be the best of life for those who let go of old roles and find a renewed purpose.

I read this book when I was in my early 30s; a time in which I felt that there had to be more to life than I was currently experiencing. I’d definitely been through the Tumultuous 20s. I got married when I was 20 and had my first child when I was 21. My husband had finished his college degree and worked in Ripon while I finished my bachelor’s degree. I had my second child when I was 24. We moved north to Pembine when I was 25. When those children were young, I stayed home and worked evenings in the shoe department at Shopko in Kingsford. At 27, after moving six times in seven years, we bought our house in Niagara and finally put down roots. My husband began a career in sales, and at the age of 28 I landed my first full-time job at a construction company in Kingsford. I believed we were finally “settled” and ready to forge ahead into our future.

Then the Catch 30s hit. I was not happy, but was not sure why. After reading “Passages,” I understood the reasons behind what I was experiencing. I did not feel I was living up to my potential. I enjoyed my job and the people with whom I worked, but it just was not enough. I had worked hard to acquire a college degree, but the payroll job I had did not require that level of education. I soon got bored and began to look for what else was available that would be more of a challenge and allow me to actually use my education.

I definitely experienced the Forlorn 40s. I had found a new job at our local hospital but had not as yet found my niche. I began a new position in the billing office and made my way to department manager. I was ill-equipped for the demands of this position; a degree in English did me little good in this environment.

I kept my eyes open and applied for the position of community education coordinator, which was a better fit. Then I got the opportunity to move, temporarily, into the position of public relations manager when we were building the new hospital. It was an exciting time, and I loved the job. But it would be a few more years before I would move into that position permanently.

I thankfully realized the Refreshed 50s. I remember feeling very comfortable in my own skin on my 50th birthday. I had found my professional niche so was very happy with my job. Our sons had both graduated from college and were busy living their lives. Our oldest son was married, and our youngest son was still finding his way but was happy. My husband and I had newfound freedom to enjoy our time together as we were now “empty nesters.” We had raised our sons so our time was once again all ours. And we were still physically fit enough to be able to hike along Lake Superior and climb Hogback Mountain in Marquette — three times!

Life is definitely a journey. I now find myself with more of life in the rearview mirror than years remaining on the road ahead of me. I am thankful to be married to the same man; we will celebrate our 53rd anniversary Nov. 27. He is only eight months older than I am, so we went through many of these stages of life at the same time. Thankfully, our lives improved with age as we worked through each “predictable crisis” together.

I hope today’s column took you through the stages of your own life and helped to shed some light on how you progressed through each phase. And if you are looking for a gift for your son or daughter — or your grandchild — as he or she graduates and begins their own life’s journey, I highly recommend this book. Life is very challenging. But when you are armed with the information in this book, the challenges are better understood. And, after all, we all feel better knowing we are perfectly … normal.

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NURSING HOMES/SENIOR LIVING FACILITIES

Freeman Nursing and Rehabilitation Community

Kingsford

906-774-1530

They welcome anyone who would like to entertain the residents. Volunteers are also needed to help with crafts and other activities.

On the third Tuesday of every month at 2 p.m. they host a Memory Café — a fun hour to spend with others. For more information, contact Jaime Hathaway at jlhathaway@protonmail.com. The program is run by donations.

Sunday: Church on TV, 10 a.m.; resident and staff ice cream social, 1:30 p.m.

Monday: Rosary, 10 a.m.; room visits, 10 a.m.; dice club, 1:30 p.m.; reminisce, 2:30 p.m.

Tuesday: Decorate the dining room for a spooky day; party with our home school pals, 2 p.m.

Wednesday: “Who Wants to be a Millionaire?” game show — dining room, 10 a.m.; crafts,1:30 p.m.

Thursday: Halloween mask parade, 10 a.m.; Halloween bingo, 2 p.m.

Friday: Bible study, 10:30 a.m.; fun with music, 11 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.

Saturday: Word search puzzle, 10 a.m.; family time, 2 p.m.; “Weakest Link” on PBS, 7 p.m.

Iron County Medical Care Facility

Crystal Falls

906-874-1501

Sunday: Room visits, 9 a.m.; trivia, 9:30 a.m.; chair exercise, 10:45 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.

Monday: Costume prep, 9 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: Book club, 10 a.m.; shopping trip, 1 p.m.; wildlife film, 1:30 p.m.; Halloween reminisce, 2 p.m.; spooky movie, 6 p.m.

Wednesday: Coffee social/costume prep, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; room visits, 1 p.m.; happy hour with Gayle, 2 p.m.; night bingo, 6 p.m.

Thursday: Puzzler, 9:30 a.m.; bowling, 10 a.m.; employee costume parade, 1 p.m.; Halloween party with Bob Larson, 2 p.m.

Friday: No information available.

Saturday: No information available.

Optalis Healthcare

Kingsford

906-774-4805

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

Monday: Coffee clutch, 9:30 a.m.; chair yoga, 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.

Tuesday: Coffee clutch, 9:30 a.m.; current events, 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; tabletop bowling, 2 p.m.

Wednesday: Coffee clutch, 9:30 a.m.; chair exercise, 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a. m.; bingo, 2 p.m.

Thursday: Coffee clutch, 9:30 a.m.; name five, 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; Halloween party/trick or treat, 2 p.m.

Friday: No information available.

Saturday: No information available.

Maryhill Manor Nursing Home

Niagara, Wis.

715-251-3172

Families are allowed to attend activities and are encouraged to join in.

Sunday: Witch’s brew and trivia, 10 a.m.; Packers vs. Jaguars, noon; delivery of communion, 12:30 p.m.; Packer tailgate, 1:30 p.m.; church service, 2:30 p.m.

Monday: Rosary/communion service, 9 a.m.; pamper and polish, 10 a.m.; board games, 2 p.m.

Tuesday: Rosary/communion service, 9 a.m.; Protestant service, 10 a.m.; penny ante, 10:15 a.m.; pumpkin carving, 2 p.m.; Chaplet of Divine Mercy, 3 p.m.

Wednesday: Rosary/communion service, 9 a.m.; candy corn knowledge, 10 a.m.; jokereno, 2 p.m.; Chaplet of Divine Mercy, 3 p.m.

Thursday: Rosary, 9 a.m.; Catholic Mass, 9:30 a.m.; scary stories, 10 a.m.; Halloween bingo 2 p.m.; Chaplet of Divine Mercy, 3 p.m.

Friday: Uno, 10 a.m.; C&R happy hour with Ray and Mindy, 2 p.m.

Saturday: Scrabble, 10 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.; read a book.

Northshore Healthcare

Florence, Wis.

715-528-4833

Sunday: Independent activities.

Monday: Prepare trick-or-treat, 10 a.m.; bean bag toss, 2 p.m.

Tuesday: Group crossword puzzle, 10 a.m.; music trivia, 10:30 a.m.; Halloween manicure, 2 p.m.

Wednesday: Crazy hair day, 10 a.m.; Yahtzee, 10:30 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.

Thursday: Pastor Jason, 10 a.m.; Halloween costume contest, 10:30 a.m.; trick or treat, 2 p.m.

Friday: No information available.

Saturday: Independent activities.

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 and refreshments, 1:30 p.m.

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

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

Thursday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; refreshments, 1:30 p.m.

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

Saturday: Juice time, 10 a.m.

Pinecrest Medical

Care Facility

Powers

906-497-5244

Sunday: Morning visits and reality orientation; bean bag toss, 10 a.m.; trivia, 11:15 a.m.; church services, 1:30 p.m.; social circle and treats, 2:30 p.m.; daily chronicles.

Monday: Morning visits and reality orientation; open room, 9:30 a.m.; picture this, 11 a.m.; manicure Monday, 1:45 p.m.; book club, 4 p.m.; movie, 6 p.m.; daily chronicles.

Tuesday: Morning visits and reality orientation; open room, 9:30 a.m.; juice hour, 11 a.m.; bingo, 1:45 p.m.; bunco, 4 p.m.; daily chronicles.

Wednesday: Morning visits and reality orientation; open room, 9:30 a.m.; “Believe or Batty,” 11 a.m.; crafty Wednesday, 1:45 p.m.; ten clue — what is it? 4 p.m.; daily chronicles.

Thursday: Morning visits and reality orientation; bingo, 10:30 a.m.; Halloween pizza party, noon; Bunco, 4 p.m.; daily chronicles.

Friday: No information available.

Saturday: No information available.

SENIOR CENTERS

Amasa Center

906-822-7284

Menu for the week —

Tuesday: Swedish meat balls, buttered noodles, mixed vegetables, dinner roll.

Wednesday: French bread pizza, Italian blend vegetables, fruit crumble.

Thursday: Happy Halloween. Mummy dogs (pigs in a blanket), monster brains (baked macaroni and cheese), bat’s eyes (baked beans).

Breen Center

Kingsford

906-774-5110

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

Monday: Sloppy Joe with bun, baked macaroni and cheese, corn.

Tuesday: Hearty beef stew, beets, whole wheat dinner roll.

Wednesday: Swedish meatballs, buttered noodles, mixed vegetables, dinner roll.

Thursday: Happy Halloween. Mummy dogs (pigs in a blanket), monster brains (baked macaroni and cheese), bat’s eyes (baked beans).

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

Crystal Falls Center

Head Cook: Elizabeth Peryam

Assistant Cooks: Debbie Bigalke and Shannon Stapleton

906-875-6709

The center is serving meals for dine-in or takeout — call the center by 1 p.m. to make reservations or 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 a phone number. A volunteer will deliver meals to homebound citizens only. Menu for the week —

Monday: Breakfast for supper – French toast casserole, hard-boiled eggs, home fries.

Tuesday: Tacos, pinto beans, cheese, Mexican rice.

Wednesday: Roast turkey served with all the trimmings.

Home-delivered meals (prepared by DICSA — independent from above menu) —

Monday: Pancakes, sausage, hashbrown potatoes, pears, yogurt.

Tuesday: Turkey-spinach-artichoke-rice casserole, wax beans, whole wheat bread with butter, dessert.

Wednesday: Big mac salad, cheesy breadstick, freshly cut-up melon.

Thursday: Happy Halloween! Spaghetti with bats, breadstick snakes, cauliflower brains, Frankenstein pudding.

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: Pancakes, sausage, hashbrown potatoes, pears, yogurt.

Tuesday: Turkey-spinach-artichoke-rice casserole, wax beans, whole wheat bread with butter, dessert.

Wednesday: Big mac salad, cheesy breadstick, freshly cut up melon.

Thursday: Happy Halloween! Spaghetti with bats, breadstick snakes, cauliflower brains, Frankenstein pudding.

Friday: Barbecue chicken, baked beans, whole wheat dinner roll, apple crisp.

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: Les Artistes art club, noon to 4 p.m.; woodcarvers, starting at 9 a.m.

Tuesday: Cards — Pinochle and cribbage, noon to 4 p.m.; Happy Quilters, noon to 3 p.m.

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

Thursday: Spinning Spools quilting, 9 a.m. to 2 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 —

Tuesday: Oven-fried chicken, mashed potatoes and gravy, Brussel sprouts, cheesecake.

Wednesday: Baked pork chops, mashed potatoes, peas, applesauce.

Note: All meals served with skim milk or juice.

Home-delivered meals —

Monday: Pancakes, sausage, hashbrown potatoes, pears, yogurt.

Tuesday: Turkey-spinach-artichoke-rice casserole, wax beans, whole wheat bread with butter, dessert.

Wednesday: Big mac salad, cheesy breadstick, freshly cut up melon.

Aging and Disability Resource Center

Florence County, Wis.

715-528-4890

Director: Tiffany White

Menu for the week —

Monday: Black bean soup, cole slaw, breadsticks, fruit.

Tuesday: Baked chicken, mashed potatoes, stuffing, mixed vegetables, fruit.

Wednesday: Smothered pork chops, baked sweet potato, broccoli, applesauce, cookies.

Thursday: Happy Halloween! Spook-etti with meat sauce, spinach cranberry salad, vampire’s garlic bread, poison apple pie.

Friday: Chicken patty on a bun with lettuce and tomato, cucumbers in sour cream, oven fries, 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

Open Monday through Thursday serving at 11:30 a.m.

Reservations for a meal onsite need to be made 48 hours in advance by calling the above number.

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: Salisbury steak, mashed potatoes, carrots, diced peaches, whole wheat bread.

Tuesday: Chicken parmesan over pasta, Italian vegetables, side salad, tropical fruit.

Wednesday: Closed.

Thursday: Goulash, green beans, salad, whole wheat breadstick, pumpkin whip.

Friday: Hamburger gray over mashed potatoes, corn, fruit cocktail, whole wheat bread.

Iron River Center

906-265-6134

Salad bar begins at 11 a.m.; meal is served at 11:30 a.m. No night meals. Carryout meals are available. Menu for the week —

Monday: Lemon garlic tuna burger on whole wheat bun, baked fries, broccoli.

Tuesday: Turkey and cheese wrap, spinach side salad, yogurt, string cheese, chips.

Wednesday: Chicken and dressing bake, California blend vegetables, dinner roll with butter, applesauce.

Thursday: Happy Halloween. Mummy dogs (pigs in a blanket), spiders’ eyes (baked beans), brains (macaroni and cheese).

All meals are served with choice of skim milk or juice and fruit.

Niagara Senior Center/Cafe

715-251-1603

Dinner is served at noon Monday through Thursday. Reservations are required one day in advance. Suggested donation is $5 for those older than 60 and $11 for 60 and younger. Transportation is available.

Tuesday: Swedish meatballs, egg noodles, corn, side salad, apple pie.

Wednesday: Happy Halloween. Ghoulash, eye of newt (Brussel sprouts), boo-berry crisp, wheat roll.

Thursday: Cook’s choice.

The center will have bingo on Tuesdays and Wednesdays this month.

Norway Center

Director: Joyce Olesky

906-563-8716

Dine-in eating begins at 11:15 a.m. Salad bar is available from 10:30 to 11 a.m. Takeout meals are available for pickup from 11 to 11:30 a.m. Let staff know in advance if planning to dine in or pick up. Menu for the week —

Monday: Liver or burger and onions, mashed potatoes with gravy, vegetables.

Tuesday: Italian sausage roll-up, breadstick, vegetables.

Wednesday: Chicken pot pie with mixed vegetables, biscuits.

Thursday: Roast beef, mashed potatoes with gravy, cauliflower.

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

Board meeting on Thursday.

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 more 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

Dine-in meals served. Salad bar opens at 11 a.m. and meal is served at 11:30 a.m. Carryout meals also available. Menu for the week —

Tuesday: Chili, cornbread, side salad.

Wednesday: Salisbury steak, mashed potatoes with gravy, green beans, dinner roll, dessert.

Thursday: Happy Halloween! Mummy dogs (pigs in a blanket), baked brains (macaroni and cheese), spider eggs (baked beans).

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

Home-delivered meals —

Monday: Pancakes, sausage, hashbrown potatoes, pears, yogurt.

Tuesday: Turkey-spinach-artichoke-rice casserole, wax beans, whole wheat bread with butter, dessert.

Wednesday: Big mac salad, cheesy breadstick, freshly cut-up melon.