NIAGARA, Wis. — I would imagine that most of you, upon reading the headline of today’s column, are scratching your head in disbelief and wondering if I am totally off my rocker. How can we not take life seriously? Life is serious business, after all — especially as we age.

We have to watch for signs of illness and take the steps necessary to prevent health issues. And, after all, those health issues can be more serious because we are getting older. We also have to be sure to get all of our household tasks done and remember birthday cards to the grandkids. Somedays, it seems like life is a never-ending “to do list” that gets a little more challenging to complete the older we get. If this sounds way too familiar, then read on. I found a very helpful article and a few very good quotes which should help us get off the merry-go-round that can suck the joy out of our remaining years.

First, I have to admit that I have spent the majority of life as a perfectionistic, Type-A individual. As such, I am a member of the “serious club.” You can easily spot us. We are super organized so have lists for everything. We rarely forget, and our lives run on a schedule. Our houses are always clean: dishes always done, furniture dust-free, clothes always ironed. We never run out of milk, and we always have everything we need in our cupboards if we decide to make cookies. After all, how can anyone get through life without a menu and grocery list posted on the inside of the cupboard door? Now, there is nothing wrong with being organized and having a clean house and healthy meals. But, taken to an extreme — which means not allowing for any deviation from that schedule — it becomes restrictive. It threatens to suck the joy out of life.

The summer between my freshman and sophomore year in college, I happened to meet this guy at a teen bar in Oshkosh who was quite different than I was. As I got to know him better, it was clear he was a Type B individual with the attitude that good was good enough. Perfection was not necessary and, in fact, highly over-rated. He was serious when the situation required it, but he generally took each day as it came and rolled with whatever it brought him. He was flexible and seemed to really enjoy whatever he was doing. He showed me an entirely new approach to life, and he was so funny! I cannot remember anyone else who had ever made me laugh as often as he did. Were his grades as good as mine? No, but he was intelligent, could think on his feet, and once he made up his mind he would not be defeated, he found solutions to any challenge that presented itself.

The phrase “opposites attract” certainly described our relationship back then. We have been married since November of 1971 — nearly 54 years. We are still very different individuals, but our sharp “edges” have worn a little as we worked through the inevitable conflicts those extreme differences caused. We learned how to talk things through when my potato throwing did not work as an effective communication tool and neither did his ignoring the elephant in the room. I am not as rigid with schedules, and he is not as relaxed with them. He appreciates my meal planning, and I don’t always stick to the exact order of meals as we move through the week if pork chops strike our fancy instead of chicken. He broke me of my over-the-top ironing habit by removing clothes from the ironing basket that did not need to be wrinkle free. Simply put, we found a way to make our differences work to our advantage.

So, what does my trip down memory lane have to do with not taking life too seriously? Well, my husband and I had to argue our way to a mutual understanding of each other. If we had let every argument caused by our differences overshadow how much better our lives had become since we found each other, we certainly would not still be together getting ready to celebrate another wedding anniversary. We never let the troubling times we experienced overshadow what brought us together in the first place. Because of our differences, we were able to handle whatever life threw at us. If one of us faltered, the other was there to carry on in the face of whatever challenge confronted us.

Too often in life, the hardships that befall us cast a shadow over all the other great things we have going for us. It’s natural to win some battles and lose others. But often all it takes is one bad day — a broken garbage disposal, a frustrating phone call, or a ruined meal — to put us in a foul mood. In those moments, it is too easy to forget just how great life is — difficulties and all. As the old saying goes, it can be difficult to see the forest for the trees.

It’s often only in retrospect that we realize how exaggerated our reactions can be — how things that seemed like such a big deal in the moment were really just inconveniences in the long arc of our lives.

It’s crucial to remember that so much of our understanding about the meaning of life lies in our attitude toward it. This is another area in which my husband and I differed greatly in our early years. I had always considered myself a realist. When the worst happened, I always saw it as the worst and could not imagine another point of view. It was what it seemed. My husband, on the other hand, could always find a silver lining. I will never forget what he told me, in exasperation, in year three of our marriage: “If you go through life with your head in the toilet, all you are going to see is … ” I am sure you can fill in the blanks.

This is why a healthy sense of humor is so very important. If you can find something to laugh at amid what seems to be nothing but chaos and calamity, you will be able to relax enough to find a solution that will lead you back to safer ground. The following quotations will help you find your way to lemonade when life hands you that proverbial lemon.

“Do not take life too seriously — you will never get out of it alive. ” — Elbert Hubbard

“My favorite thing on this planet to do is to play games. And if you don’t enjoy games, then you’re really missing the point of what this life is. Honestly, it’s important to not take this whole process of life on this planet too seriously. ” — RuPaul

“I have a simple philosophy: Fill what’s empty. Empty what’s full. And scratch where it itches. ” — Alice Roosevelt Longworth

“All you need in this life is ignorance and confidence, and then Success is sure. ” — Mark Twain

“I’m an idealist. I don’t know where I’m going, but I’m on my way. ” — Carl Sandburg

“You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough. “– Mae West

And, finally, here is my absolute favorite, said by comedian Ron White: “I believe that if life gives you lemons, you should make lemonade. And try to find somebody whose life has given them vodka, and have a party. ”

Life is so short, and seems to be speeding up as we get older. Let’s make the very most of what we have left by keeping it joyful.

——

NURSING HOMES / SENIOR LIVING FACILITIES

Freeman Nursing and Rehabilitation Community

Kingsford

906-774-1530

The center welcomes anyone who would like to entertain residents. Volunteers are also needed to help with crafts and other activities.

The third Tuesday of every month at 2 p.m. has a Memory Cafe – a fun hour to spend with others. For more information, contact Jaime Hathaway at jlhathaway@protonmail.com. The program runs on donations.

Sunday: Catholic Mass in dining room on YouTube, 10 a.m.; relax, coloring, 2 p.m.

Monday: Book reading with Crystal in the west lounge, 10 a.m.; ice cream cones, 10 a.m.; trivia, 10:30 a.m.; card club, 2 p.m.

Tuesday: Bible study, 9:30 a.m.; nail spa, 10 a.m.; bingo, 2 p. m.

Wednesday: Coffee chat, 10 a.m.; crafts, 1:30 p. m.

Thursday: Book reading with Crystal in the west lounge, 10 a.m.; bunny/dog visit, 2 p.m.

Friday: Table hockey, 10 a.m.; bingo, 2 p. m.

Saturday: Word search, 1 p.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.; “You be the Judge,” 9:30 a.m.; chair exercise, 10:45 a.m.; room visits, 12:30 p.m.; tailgate party, 1:30 p.m.

Monday: Memory books, 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, 9:30 a.m.; Iron River Bible Church, 10 a.m.; travel film, 1:30 p.m.; senior bball, 2 p.m.; mystery movie, 6 p.m.

Wednesday: Coffee social/current events, 9:30 a.m.; exercise, 10:45 a.m.; monthly birthday party, 2 p.m.; dinner in DT (Animal Shelter fundraiser), 4 p.m.; night bingo, 6:15 p.m.

Thursday: Puzzler, 9:30 a.m.; bowling, 10 a.m.; room visits, 1 p.m.; wildlife film, 1:30 p.m.; happy hour with Jim, 2 p.m.

Friday: Crafts, 9:30 a.m.; exercise, 10:45 a.m.; Norway quilt, noon; room visits, 1 p.m.; Scattegories, 2 p.m.; musical movie, 6 p.m.

Saturday: Word search/hangman, 9:30 a.m.; geri-gym, 10:45 a.m.; special music, 3 p.m.; classic movie, 6 p.m.

Optalis Healthcare

Kingsford

906-774-4805

Sunday: Sunday devotional, 9:30 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; movie/games, 1 p.m.

Monday: Coffee time, 9:30 a.m.; first day of autumn, 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.; desserts and conversation, 5:30 p.m.

Tuesday: Coffee time, 9:30 a.m.; daily chronicle, 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; fall craft, 2 p.m.

Wednesday: Coffee time, 9 a.m.; Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.; after dinner reminiscing, 5:30 p.m.

Thursday: Coffee time, 9:30 a.m.; physical therapy game, 10 a.m. ; room visits, 11 a.m.; Yahtzee club, 2 p.m.

Friday: Coffee time, 9:30 a.m.; daily chronicle, 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.

Saturday: Manicures, 9:30 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; crafts/games, 1:30 p.m.

Maryhill Manor Nursing Home

Niagara, Wis.

715-251-3172

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

Sunday: Coffee social, 10 a.m.; Packers vs. Browns, 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.; silly crafters, hedgehogs, 2 p.m.; Chaplet of Divine Mercy, 3 p.m.

Tuesday: Rosary/communion service, 9 a.m.; Protestant service, 10 a.m.; checkers tournament, 10:15 a.m.; fly swatter balloon, 2 p.m.; Chaplet of Divine Mercy, 3 p.m.

Wednesday: Rosary/communion service, 9 a.m.; Oktoberfest, brews, brats and music, 11 a.m.; board games, 2 p.m.

Thursday: Rosary, 9 a.m.; Catholic Mass, 9:30 a.m.; mugs and muffins, 10 a.m.; jokereno, 2 p.m.

Friday: Five second rule, 10 a.m.; happy hour with Jim on the piano, 2 p.m.

Saturday: Uno, 10 a.m.; prize bingo, 2 p.m.

Northshore Healthcare

Florence, Wis.

715-528-4833

No information was available

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; bunco, 10 a.m.; trivia, 11:15 a.m.; church services, 1:30 p.m.; Sunday funday, 2:30 p.m.; daily chronicle.

Monday: Morning visits and reality orientation; open room, 9:30 a.m.; you be the judge, 11 a.m.; fall carnival, 2 p.m.; movie, 6 p.m.; daily chronicle.

Tuesday: Morning visits and reality orientation; open room, 9:30 a.m.; movie – “An Affair to Remember” and pizza, 11 a.m.; rummy, 4 p.m.; daily chronicles.

Wednesday: Morning visits and reality orientation; open room, 9:30 a.m.; Pictionary, 11 a.m.; crafty Wednesday, pretty picture frames, 1:45 p.m.; kings in corner, 4 p.m.; daily chronicles.

Thursday: Morning visits and reality orientation; open room and baking group, 9:30 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.; table talk, 4 p.m.; daily chronicles.

Friday: Morning visits and reality orientation; Catholic Mass, 10:30 a.m.; picture this, 11:15 a. m.; happy hour with Vicky and Dave, 2 p.m.; book club, 4 p.m.; game night, 6 p.m.; daily chronicles.

Saturday: Morning visits and reality orientation; kickball, 10 a.m.; Bible study, 11 a.m.; juice hour, 11 a.m.; bingo, 1:45 p.m.; one-to-one visits, 3 p.m.; daily chronicles, activity packets.

SENIOR CENTERS

Amasa Center

906-822-7284

Menu for the week —

Tuesday: Philly cheese sandwich with ground beef, baked fries, mixed vegetables.

Wednesday: Layered chicken casserole, cauliflower, dinner roll, fruit cobbler.

Thursday: Stuffed peppers, baked potato, biscuit.

Breen Center

Kingsford

906-774-5110

Dine-in eating Monday through Thursday at noon, salad bar at 11:30 a.m. Carryout meals are available. Soup and salad bar are also available. Friday and night meals are on hold indefinitely. Menu for the week —

Monday: Chicken fettucine Alfredo, broccoli, garlic bread.

Tuesday: Sloppy Joe with bun, baked macaroni and cheese, sweet potato fries.

Wednesday: Sweet and sour chicken, fried rice, Oriental vegetables, fortune cookie.

Thursday: Hamburger gravy over mashed potatoes, corn, dinner roll.

Crystal Falls Center

Head Cook: Easton Anderson

Assistant Cooks: Debbie Bigalke (Mondays) and Jess Anderson (Tuesdays/Wednesdays)

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 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. Deliveries to homebound citizens only. Menu for the week —

Monday: Tater tot casserole, dinner roll.

Tuesday: Easton’s choice – we know it will be outstanding.

Wednesday: Pizza.

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: Sloppy Joe with bun, cowboy beans, baked potato chips.

Tuesday: Hamburger gravy over mashed potatoes, broccoli, dinner roll.

Wednesday: Chicken cacciatore over rice, carrots, dinner roll.

Thursday: Turkey dinner, mashed sweet potatoes, green bean casserole, brownie.

Friday: Shepherd’s pie, corn, biscuit.

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 3 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.; board games, 1 to 3 p.m.

Friday: Cards — Smear, noon to 4 p.m.; chess, noon.

Felch Center

906-246-3559

Head cook: Joan Wickman 906-246-3559

Program president: Lisa Casey 906-282-7899.

Salad bar opens at 11 a.m., with the meal at 11:30 a.m. and dessert to follow. Evening meal is served every third Wednesday of the month, with sponsored activities. Takeout meals are available. Delivery offered to homebound residents within Felch, West Branch and Breen townships.

Monday: Cheesy baked cod and parsley buttered potatoes.

Tuesday: Philly cheesesteak sandwich with chips.

Wednesday: Shepherd’s pie with dinner roll.

Aging and Disability Resource Center

Florence County, Wis.

715-528-4890

Menu for the week —

Monday: Barbecue chicken pizza, potato salad, three bean salad, cornbread, fruit.

Tuesday: All centers closed for staff training.

Wednesday: Ravioli with meat sauce, spinach salad, garlic bread, fruit, cranberry bars.

Thursday: Hot pork sandwich, mashed potatoes, squash, fruit.

Friday: Soft-shell tacos with lettuce, tomato and salsa, pasta vegetable salad, refried beans, fruit.

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

Aurora-Hillcrest Dining Center

Serving at 11:30 a.m. Monday through Friday. For reservations, call 715-589-4491.

Florence Community Center

Serving at 11:30 a.m. Monday through Thursday. For reservations, call 715-528-4261.

Fence Town Hall

Serving at noon Wednesday only. For reservations, call 715-589-4491.

Tipler Town Hall

Serving at noon on second Thursday only. For reservations, call 715-528-4261.

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: Meatballs in gravy, brown rice, green peas with pearl onions, Capri vegetables, diced pears.

Tuesday: Meat lasagna, broccoli, side salad with cheese and tomato, warm applesauce, whole wheat breadstick.

Wednesday: Congregate Birthday — Monterey chicken, smashed red potatoes, green beans, whole wheat dinner roll, pineapple/Mandarin orange mix, dreamy orange cake.

Thursday: Turkey tetrazzini, broccoli, diced carrots, tropical fruit, whole wheat bread.

Friday: Swiss steak, mashed potatoes with gravy, vegetable, fruit cup, whole wheat bread.

Milk available at all meals.

Iron River Center

906-265-6134

Salad bar opens at 11:30 a.m., with the meal served at noon a.m. No night meals are available. Meals can be prepared for carryout.

Menu for the week —

Monday: Sloppy Joe with a bun, cowboy beans, baked potato chips.

Tuesday: Liver or a substitute, roasted potatoes, biscuit, pudding.

Wednesday: Brats, corn, macaroni and cheese.

Thursday: Swedish meatballs, buttered noodles, applesauce, mixed vegetables, Jell-O with whipped topping.

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 for the meal is $5 for those older than 60 and $11 for 60 and younger. Bingo is played on most Wednesdays. Transportation to the meal site is available.

Tuesday: Chicken parmesan with red sauce, penne pasta, corn, pistachio fruit fluff.

Wednesday: Chop suey, brown rice, Oriental vegetables, chow mein noodles, fresh apple.

Thursday: Kielbasa, parsley buttered potatoes, green beans, wheat bread, peach dessert.

Norway Center

Director: Alicia Rochon

906-563-8716

Dine-in eating begins at 11:30 a.m. Salad bar available from 11 to 11:30 a.m. Takeout meals are available for pick-up from 11:15 to 11:30 a.m. Those attending should let staff know in advance if planning to dine in or picking up the meal.

Menu for the week —

Monday: Liver or burger, mashed potatoes with gravy, wax beans, biscuit.

Tuesday: Chicken patties, fries, baked beans.

Wednesday: Chef salad with ham, chicken and egg, ham and Swiss sliders, fruit cup.

Thursday: Chicken ala king, biscuits, mixed vegetables, cookies.

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 information.

Tuesdays — Quilting and sewing.

Wednesdays — Ceramics and crocheting.

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

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: Pork chops, roasted potatoes, vegetables.

Wednesday: Wet burritos, corn casserole.

Thursday: Hearty stew, cheesy biscuits.

The center will offer a fall color tour bus ride on Oct. 13. Those interested should call 906-221-1332 or see Nancy or Monica.