NIAGARA, Wis. — The weather is a common topic of conversation. We also use weather related phrases to describe other non-weather situations. After our recent blizzard, the phrase “snowed under,” would be relatable to everyone. Its literal meaning is clear — we received lots of snow in the recent blizzard. It also means that we have too many responsibilities and way too much to do for any one person.

The following common phrases are part of our everyday vocabulary, often without us even realizing their connection to sun, rain, wind, or snow. Following are a dozen such phrases that we most often use in our everyday speech.

Under the weather. The familiar phrase “under the weather” means feeling a bit sick or unwell. It likely comes from sailors who went below deck during storms when they were seasick. Being sheltered from harsh weather became linked to feeling ill, and over time, the phrase took on its current meaning in our everyday language.

Come rain or shine. You have probably heard this one. “Come rain or shine” means something will happen no matter the weather or situation. It shows strong commitment and determination to follow through, despite obstacles. The phrase began with its literal meaning — events happening in any weather — but grew to express persistence in all circumstances. It’s often used to promise support or dedication, like, “Come rain or shine, I’ll be there.”

Every cloud has a silver lining. This upbeat phrase reflects a positive attitude and means there’s always something good, even in the toughest of times. It’s a reminder to stay hopeful and look for the positive in bad situations. Remember the character Pollyanna? Played by Shirley Temple, this little girl could find something positive in every situation. I remember the scene where she had been challenged to find something positive about the cook’s Sunday dinner which was always less than appetizing. After thinking a moment, Pollyanna chirped that it would be a full week before they would have to eat it again.

A storm in a teacup. This phrase means making a big deal out of something minor. “Making a mountain out of a molehill” is similar. It describes situations where small problems are blown out of proportion, causing needless drama. Both phrases advise that we should not let little things cause major stress.

Take a rain check. Another classic, to “take a rain check” means turning down an offer for now but showing interest in doing it later. It’s a polite way to postpone plans without saying no entirely. The phrase comes from 19th-century baseball, where fans got “rain checks” if games were rained out, letting them return later without buying another ticket.

Get wind of something. This common phrase means to hear about something, usually a secret or hidden detail, through rumors or indirect sources. It suggests finding out information unintentionally. The phrase comes from the idea of animals catching a scent on the wind, picking up on something not meant to be noticed.

Snowed under. When someone is “snowed under,” it means that he or she is feeling overwhelmed, usually by work or responsibilities. It describes being buried by tasks to the point where it’s hard to keep up. The phrase dates back to the late 1800s and comes from the image of being covered in heavy snow, stuck, weighed down, and unable to move freely. After our recent blizzard, I am sure we can all relate to this description.

As right as rain. This is a positive phrase that means feeling well or that something is in perfect order. It’s used to say everything is fine or back to normal. The phrase likely began in 19th-century Britain, where rain was seen as natural and refreshing. The Brits had to develop a positive attitude regarding rain because they got so much of it. This phrase suggests comfort and means that things are just as they should be.

A fair-weather friend. Everybody can recognize one. A “fair-weather friend” is someone who sticks around only when things are going well but disappears during tough times. They enjoy the good moments. but aren’t there when support is needed. The phrase dates back to the early 18th century and compares such people to those who flee when the weather, or life, gets stormy. It highlights the difference between true friends and those who vanish in the face of a challenges.

Head in the clouds. This phrase describes someone who’s daydreaming or not paying attention to reality. It can suggest being unrealistic, distracted, or lost in thought. The phrase comes from the image of clouds high in the sky, far from the ground, just like someone not grounded in the present. It’s a way to describe being mentally elsewhere or out of touch.

Steal someone’s thunder. This phrase is usually used in competitive environments or situations, and means to take credit for someone else’s idea or to divert attention from their achievement, often for personal gain. It’s about overshadowing someone unfairly.

Weather the storm. This phrase is often used when speaking about getting through a tough situation with strength and resilience. It suggests enduring hardship without serious harm. The phrase comes from sailing, where ships had to survive harsh storms at sea. Just like sailors battling wind and waves, it reflects the ability to stay steady through life’s challenges.

Every language has idiomatic phrases. When translated literally, they are quite humorous. The dozen explained above is just the “tip of the iceberg” in our language. Spend a little time brainstorming others. You will be surprised how easy it is to come up with additional colorful terms and phrases that mean something other than their literal definition.

Source: Dictionary Scoop

——

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: Church on TV, 10 a.m.; have fun with the weekend packet, 6 p.m.

Monday: Coloring in the dining room, 10 a.m.; movie in the dining room, 1:30 p.m.

Tuesday: Nail day, 10 a.m.; Yarn Club, 11 a.m.; early bingo, 1:45 p.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.

Wednesday: Bible study, 10 a.m.; horse race, 10:30 a.m.; roll it to play it, 2 p.m.

Thursday: Bowling, 10 a.m.; residents’ birthday party, 2 p.m.

Friday: Waylon Jennings’ chair workout, 10 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.

Saturday: Board games in dining room, 10 a.m.; “The Wall” on the Game Show Network, 7 p.m.

Iron County Medical Care Facility

Crystal Falls

906-874-1501

Sunday: Room visits, 8:30 a.m.; faces and places, 9:30 a.m.; chair exercise, 10:45 a.m.; room visits, 1 p.m.; wildlife film, 1:30 p.m.; penny ante, 2 p.m.; musical movie, 6 p.m.

Monday: Memory books, 9:30 a.m.; exercise, 10:45 a.m.; room visits, 1 p.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.; sunshine club, 3 p.m.; reminisce, 6 p.m.

Tuesday: Just friends, 9 a.m.; Iron River Bible Church, 10 a.m.; room visits, 1 p.m.; wildlife film, 1:30 p.m.; penny ante, 2 p.m.; musical movie, 6 p.m.

Wednesday: Community breakfast, 8:30 a.m.; coffee social/garden club, 9:30 a.m.; exercise, 10:45 a.m.; getting pretty, 1:30 p.m.; men’s club, 2:30 p.m.; night bingo, 6:15 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 Gayle, 2 p.m.

Friday: Crafts, 9:30 a.m.; exercise, 10:45 a.m.; room visits, 1 p.m.; monthly birthday party with Appaloosa Sky, 2 p.m.; romance movie, 6 p.m.

Saturday: ICMCF word search/volleyball, 9:30 a.m.; geri-gym, 10:45 a.m.; room visits, 12:30 p.m.; social hour, 2 p.m.; western movie, 6 p.m.  

Optalis Healthcare

Kingsford

906-774-4805

Sunday: Pamper yourself with manicures and hand massages, 9:30 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; afternoon coffee, 1:30 p.m.

Monday: Coffee time, 9:30 a.m.; National Puppy Day, 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.; after dinner reminiscing, 5:30 p.m.

Tuesday: Coffee time, 9:30 a.m.; chocolate covered raisins day, 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; March birthday party, 2 p.m.

Wednesday: Immaculate Conception Church, 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; desserts and conversations, 5:30 p.m.

Thursday: Coffee time, 9:30 a.m.; current events, 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; coloring club, 2 p.m.

Friday: Coffee time, 9:30 a.m.; magazines, 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; bingo, 1:30 p.m.

Saturday: Manicures, 9:30 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; afternoon coffee and movie, 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 and spelling bee, 10 a.m.; delivery of communion, 12:30 p.m.; popcorn and movie, 1:30 p.m.; church service, 2:30 p.m.

Monday: Rosary/Communion service, 9 a.m.; pamper and polish, 10 p.m.; tall tale adventures, 2 p.m.

Tuesday: Rosary/communion service/Stations of the Cross, 9 a.m.; buzz words, 10 a.m.; bowling, 2 p.m.; Chaplet of Divine Mercy, 3 p.m.

Wednesday: Rosary/communion service, 9 a.m.; catch a phrase, 10 a.m.; afternoon ride, 1.m.; jokereno, 2 p.m.; Chaplet of Divine Mercy, 3 p.m.

Thursday: Rosary, 9 a.m.; Catholic Mass, 9:30 a.m.; you be the judge, 10:15 a.m.; what’s the scoop — banana splits, 2 p.m.; Chaplet of Divine Mercy, 3 p.m.

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

Saturday: Scrabble, 10 a.m.; prize bingo, 2 p.m.; write a letter

Northshore Healthcare

Florence, Wis.

715-528-4833

No information available.

Victorian Pines

Iron Mountain

903-774-5158

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.; My Fair Lady, 2:30 p.m.; coloring pages; daily chronicles.

Monday: Morning visits and reality orientation; open room, 9:30 a.m.; you be the judge, 11 a.m.; bowling, 2 p.m.; Bible studies, 3 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/who-what-where, 11 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.; kings ‘n corner, 4 p.m.; daily chronicles.

Wednesday: Morning visits and reality orientation; open room, 9:30 a.m.; hang man, 11 a.m.; crafty Wednesday, 2 p.m.; Yahtzee, 4 p.m.; daily chronicles.

Thursday: Morning visits and reality orientation; Catholic Mass, 10:30 a.m.; 5 clues, 11:15 a.m.; drama club play, 2 p.m.; pondering prompts, 4 p.m.; daily chronicles.

Friday: Morning visits and reality orientation; bingo, 10:15 a.m.; joke of the day; happy hour with Vicky and Dave, 2 p.m.; book club, 4 p.m.; Friday night movie, 6 p.m.; daily chronicles.

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

SENIOR CENTERS

Amasa Center

906-822-7284

Menu for the week –

Tuesday: Baked chicken, baked potato, roasted carrots.

Wednesday: Sausage and pepperoni pizza, chef salad.

Thursday: Grilled ham and cheese, pasta salad, sweet potato fries.

Breen Center

Kingsford

906-774-5110

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

Monday: Pasty pie, corn pudding.

Tuesday: Fish tacos, vegetables, baked fries.

Wednesday: Smothered chicken, rice, broccoli, biscuit.

Thursday: Pulled pork sandwich, potato wedges, Jell-O.

Crystal Falls Center

906-875-6709

The center serves 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 a phone number. A volunteer will deliver meals to homebound citizens only. Menu for the week —

Monday: Italian beef sandwich, potato salad.

Tuesday: Spaghetti over noodles.

Wednesday: Pork chops, mashed potatoes.

Dickinson-Iron Community Services Agency

DICSA

Iron Mountain

906-774-2256 ext. 244

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

Monday: Philly cheese sandwich with ground beef, baked fries, carrots.

Tuesday: Chop suey with vegetables over rice noodles, Mandarin oranges, fortune cookie.

Wednesday: Fish florentine casserole, buttered pasta, corn.

Thursday: Meatloaf, mashed potatoes and gravy, green beans.

Friday: Ham and cheese wrap, baked potato chips, string cheese, yogurt.

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

For more information, call Sarah VanMarter at 906-774-2256 ext. 244.

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.

Menu for the week –

Monday: Philly steak sandwich, tater tots.

Tuesday: Picante chicken breast, oven browned potatoes.

Wednesday: Cheesy cod, penne pasta with Alfredo sauce.

Aging and Disability Resource Center

Florence County, Wis.

715-528-4890

Menu for the week —

Monday: Entree, vegetable, fruit.

Tuesday: Chicken corn chowder, ham sandwich, dill pickle, fruit.

Wednesday: Hot turkey sandwich, mashed potatoes, candied carrots, fruit, peanut butter bars.

Thursday: Chef’s salad with turkey, ham, egg, romaine, tomato, croutons, parmesan, Caesar dressing, refried beans, fruit.

Friday: Fish tacos — coleslaw, salsa, tomatoes, olives and onions, refried beans, fruit.

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

Aurora-Hillcrest Dining Center

Serving on site Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 11:30 a.m. RSVP by calling 715-589-4491. Homebound meals will be delivered on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays.

Florence Community Center

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

Fence Town Hall

Serving at noon Wednesdays 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: Mashed potatoes with turkey gravy, broccoli, diced pears, whole wheat bread.

Tuesday: Polish sausage casserole, green beans, warm applesauce, whole wheat bread.

Wednesday: Herb roasted chicken, loaded mashed potatoes, chef’s choice vegetable, whole wheat dinner roll, sunshine cake.

Thursday: Vegetarian burger, American cheese, whole wheat hamburger bun, oven roasted potatoes, corn, fruit cup.

Milk available at all meals.

Iron River Center

906-265-6134

Salad bar opens at 11 a.m., with the meal served at 11:30 a.m. Thursdays, salad bar opens at 3:30 p.m. with the meal at 4 p.m. Meals can be prepared for carryout.

Menu for the week —

Monday: Philly sandwich with ground beef, baked fries, carrots.

Tuesday: Chop Suey with vegetables over rice noodles, Mandarin oranges, fortune cookie.

Wednesday: Fish Florentine casserole, buttered pasta, corn.

Thursday: Meatloaf, mashed potatoes and gravy, green beans.

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.

Bingo on Tuesday and Wednesday a 12:30 p.m.

Tuesday: Stuffed peppers, wild rice, side salad, peaches.

Wednesday: Italian sausage, peppers and onions, roasted potatoes, fruited Jell-O, wheat dinner roll.

Thursday: Shrimp Alfredo with linguine, carrots, pea and cheese salad, apple crisp.

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: Homemade chili, corn, corn bread.

Tuesday: Chicken patty on a bun, tater barrels, broccoli.

Wednesday: Chef salad (ham, chicken, hardboiled egg), breadstick .

Thursday: Chicken Alfredo, breadstick, Brussel sprouts.

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.

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. Dine-in meal is $5 and takeout meal is $6. Reservations are required and should specify if dining in or taking out. Come and enjoy a meal with us — all are welcome — any age. Menu for the week —

Tuesday: Hot Italian roast beef sandwich, onion rings.

Wednesday: Taco buffet.

Thursday: Smoked chicken, baked macaroni and cheese.