As we journey through life, don’t you wish sometimes that there was an instruction manual or guide book to prevent us from making mistakes? For many of us, I guess that is what our parents tried to be. But like most kids, we did not listen, so were destined to make our own mistakes and learn from them. In pondering a topic for this week’s column, I remembered a video I had been sent on Facebook back in January. It featured a very wise, 90-year-old woman from Great Britain, giving advice. By the time it reached my inbox, it had been viewed more than 20.7 million times worldwide.

Since we are never too old to learn, I am passing along most of the advice found in this Facebook post. Some are quite profound, and others will give you a chuckle.

— Life isn’t fair, but it’s still good.

— When in doubt, just take the next small step.

— Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.

— Don’t take yourself so seriously; no one else does.

— You don’t have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.

— Cry with someone. It’s more healing than crying alone.

— It’s OK to get angry with God — He can take it.

— When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.

— Make peace with the past so it won’t screw up the present.

— It’s OK to let your children see you cry.

— Don’t compare your life to others’. You have no idea what their journey is all about.

— If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn’t be in it.

— Life is too short for long pity parties. Get busy living or get busy dying.

— You can get through anything if you stay put in today.

— It’s never too late to have a happy childhood. But the second one is up to you and no one else.

— When it comes to going after what you love in life, don’t take no for an answer.

— Burn the candles, use the nice sheets and the good china. Don’t save things for a special occasion. Today is special.

— Over prepare. Then go with the flow.

— Be eccentric now. Don’t wait for old age to wear purple.

— No one is in charge of your happiness except you.

— Frame every so-called disaster with these words: “In five years, will it matter?”

— Always choose life.

— Forgive everyone everything.

— What other people think of you is none of your business.

— Time heals almost everything. Give time, time.

— However good or bad a situation is, it will change.

— Your job won’t take care of you when you are sick. Your friends will stay in touch.

— Believe in miracles.

This is, indeed, quite the list. Each one could be framed or made into a plaque as a daily reminder.

I am sure that each of you reading this column has lived enough years to agree with every piece of advice noted above. I am also sure that each of you could make your own list of those most important lessons learned along the path of your own life.

This list got me to thinking about the most important pieces of advice I would give my own grandchildren. I came up with five bits of wisdom I would pass along.

Most important is to choose your life partner wisely. I have to say I have been blessed in this category but that it certainly did not always appear to be the case. My husband and I were two very different creatures 49 years ago when we met and, thankfully, grew together as we grew up. We had enough of the important characteristics in common to learn to adjust to those areas in which we differed. Tolerance of those differences grew into appreciation of them. Not only did those differences keep life interesting along the way, but they made us stronger. No matter what came along, one of us could meet the challenge because of our own strengths and then help the other one through the rough patch.

Another good lesson I would pass along is to have enough patience to work through those rough patches. No one’s road along life’s journey is smooth; there will always be unexpected bumps and curves, and you will need to take a detour from time to time. Patience will help you keep the desired goal in view and help you find your way back on course. Don’t give up or be afraid to make a few adjustments along the way to your ultimate goals.

Third, learn from your past and then let it go. Everyone makes mistakes. When things go awry, examine what and why things did not work out the way you had hoped. Chalk it up to a good lesson learned and experience gained. Then move on without getting discouraged. It is not always easy to let go of the disappointment, but it is extremely important that you do or you run the risk of allowing life to defeat you.

Fourth, your life belongs to you. It doesn’t matter how it compares to anyone else’s or what anyone else thinks about it. We all have unique gifts to offer the world and have the right to select a career that allows us to use them. We also have our own priorities. Because we are all different creatures, our lives are going to differ from each other’s — not better or worse, just different. Never be afraid to be true to yourself even though it doesn’t match what someone else thinks your life should be.

Finally, prepare the best you can, then live in the present. Enjoy life now. As my husband and I were raising our family and building our lives together, my father-in-law had a way of letting us know if he thought we had indulged too much. He would say “we really let it snap.” He was a very frugal man who had come from humble roots during the Depression and generally believed that life was basically a difficult journey.

My husband and I, however, believed there was one date every year that deserved to be celebrated in style, no matter what our present circumstances. We always did something very special on our wedding anniversary, no matter how short of cash we happened to be at the time. To this day, those are some of our best memories.

Everyone’s life has been a unique journey. Take a minute to remember, and then jot down your own bits of wisdom. Celebrate what you have learned along the way!

SENIOR LIVING

FACILITIES

Freeman

Kingsford

Scenes and Sounds, 11:30 a.m. Sunday through Saturday.

Sunday: Toss across, 1 p.m.; dunking donuts, 2 p.m.; church, 2:15 p.m.

Monday: Room visits, 10 a.m.; brouhaha, 11 a.m.; library cart, 1:30 p.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.; ice cream social, 3 p.m.

Tuesday: Crafts and gardening, 10:30 a.m.; reminisce, 1:15 p.m.; Kentucky Derby, 2 p.m.

Wednesday: Room visits, 10 a.m.; rosary, 10:30 a.m.; room visits, 1 p.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.; movie and popcorn, 3 p.m.

Thursday: Reading buddy, 11 a.m.; Bible study, 1:15 p.m.; Crystal Hogan, 2 p.m.; afternoon visitor, 3:30 p.m.; “Lawrence Welk,” 4:30 p.m.

Friday: What’s cooking? 11 a.m.; Pictionary, 1:15 p.m.; Golden K bingo, 2 p.m.; happy hour, 3 p.m.

Saturday: Meet and greet, 10:30 a.m.; daily newspaper, 11 a.m.; oldies but goodies, 1 p.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.; evening news, 6 p.m.

Iron County 

Medical Facility

Crystal Falls

Sunday: One-to-one church visitors, 8:30-11 a.m.; room visits 9-11 a.m.; trivia teasers, 10 a.m.; afternoon matinee with popcorn, 1:30 p.m.

Monday: Memory books, 9-10:30 a.m.; resident council, 10:30 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; room visits, 1 p.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.; sunshine club, 2:30 p.m.; activities council, 3 p.m.

Tuesday: Room visits, 9 a.m.; book club, 10 a.m.; Mass, 10 a.m.; travel film, 1:30 p.m.; current events, 2 p.m.; musical movie, 6 p.m.

Wednesday: Coffee social/animal kingdom, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; gramma groomers, 1 p.m.; night bingo, 6 p.m.

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

Friday: Crafts, 9 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; room visits, 1 p.m.; faces and places, 2 p.m.; classic movie, 6 p.m.

Saturday: Spelling bball 10 a.m.; geri-gym, 11 p.m.; intergenerational social hour, 2 p.m.; card club, 6 p.m.

Manor Care

Kingsford

Wet your whistle: 9:30 a.m. Monday through Saturday.

Exercise: 10 a.m. Monday through Saturday.

Movie: 10:45 a.m. Sunday through Saturday and 3:15 p.m. Monday through Saturday.

Popcorn Day: Every Friday

Sunday: Grandparents’ Day social, 9:30 a.m.; company’s coming room visits, 1:30 p.m.; Protestant church, 3 p.m.

Monday: Who, what, when, 10:15 a.m.; Catholic Mass, 2 p.m.; chips and chatter, 2:30 p.m.; pokeno, 5:45 p.m.

Tuesday: Who am I? 10:15 a.m.; Lutheran church, 2 p.m.; movie and manicure, 5:45 p.m.

Wednesday: Table talk, 10:15 a.m.; Golden Throats, 2 p.m.; flip five, 5:45 p.m.

Thursday: Crosswords, 10:15 a.m.; K bingo, 2 p.m.; crazy for cards, 5:45 p.m.

Friday: ABC game, 10:15 a.m.; Catholic Mass, 2 p.m.; chips and chatter, 2:30 p.m.

Saturday: Current events, 10:15 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.

Maryhill Manor

Niagara, Wis.

Rosary, 8:30 a.m. Sunday through Friday.

Sunday: Help your neighbor, 10:15 a.m.; bingo, 1:30 p.m.; Protestant service, 2:30 p.m.; Christian fellowship, 5:30 p.m.

Monday: Spelling bee, 10:15 a.m.; nickel jokereno, 2 p.m.; Chaplet of Divine Mercy, 3 p.m.

Tuesday: Current events, 10:15 a.m.; prayer, shawl, 1 p.m.; resident council, 2 p.m.; Yahtzee, 6:15 p.m.

Wednesday: Protestant service, 9 a.m.; You Be the Judge, 10:15 a.m.; jokereno, 2 p.m.; concert: group therapy, 6:30 p.m.

Thursday: Catholic Mass, 9 a.m.; Scattegories, 10:15 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.; help your neighbor, 6:15 p.m.

Friday: Exercise, 10:15 a.m.; history of the fortune cookie, 10:30 a.m.; happy hour with Ron W., 2 p.m.

Saturday: Baking, 10:15 a.m.; pamper and polish, 2 p.m.; bingo, 5:45 p.m.

Victorian Pines

Iron Mountain

Juice time, 10 a.m. Sunday through Saturday.

Exercise, 11 a.m. Monday through Friday.

Shopping days: 10 a.m. Tuesdays and Fridays, must sign up.

Sunday: Bible study, 2:30 p.m.; refreshments, 3 p.m.

Monday: Bingo, 2 p.m.; refreshments, 3 p.m.

Tuesday: Craft class, 2 p.m.; refreshments, 3 p.m.

Wednesday: Catholic Mass, 2 p.m., refreshments, 3 p.m. 

Thursday: Trivia, 2 p.m.; rosary, 3 p.m.

Friday: Bingo, 2 p.m.; refreshments, 3 p.m.

Saturday: Movie and popcorn, 2 p.m.

Florence Health Services

Florence, Wis.

Morning news, 6 a.m. daily.

Beauty shop open Tuesday and Thursday

Snack cart, 7 p.m. daily

Sunday: Bingo/family and friend social, 10 a.m.

Monday: Bingo, 10 a.m.; music with Grace and Dave, 2 p.m.

Tuesday: Bingo, 10 a.m.; resident council meeting, 2 p.m.

Wednesday: Uno 10 a.m.; manicures, 2 p.m.; social hour, 3 p.m.

Thursday: Pastor Jason, 10 a.m.; music with Valri, 2:30 p.m.; chocolate milkshake party, 3 p.m.

Friday: Catholic church service, 10 a.m.; “Wheel of Fortune”, 2 p.m.; happy half hour, 3 p.m.

Saturday: Bingo, 10 a.m.; music with Jason and Amber

Pinecrest Medical Care Facility

Powers

Sunday: Grace Church, 10:15 a.m.; sensory, 10:30 a.m.; Lutheran service, 2 p.m.; phase 10, 3:30 p.m.

Monday: Life connections, 10 a.m.; busy bee, 12:45 p.m.; worship and communion service, 1:30 p.m.; rosary (1st), 2 p.m.; bean bag toss, 3:30 p.m.; Scrabble, 6 p.m.

Tuesday: Veterans program, 10 a.m.; busy bee, 12:45 p.m.; bingo, 1:45 p.m.; Scattegories, 3:30 p.m.; one-to-one visits, 6:30 p.m.

Wednesday: Karaoke, 10:30 a.m.; Jim Clements, 2 p.m.; cribbage, 3:30 p.m.; room visits, 6 p.m.

Thursday: Shopping outing, 10:30 a.m.; busy bee, 12:45 p.m.; bingo, 1:45 p.m.; cards, 3:30 p.m.; Sorry board game, 6 p.m.

Friday: Mass, 10:30 a.m.; busy bee, 12:45 a.m.; happy hour, 2:30 p.m.; bunco, 3:30 p.m.; one-to-one visits, 6 p.m.

Saturday: Trivia, 10:15 a.m.; coffee social, 10:30 a.m.; mind joggers, 2 p.m.; sensory, 3:30 p.m.

SENIOR CENTERS

Note: All centers ask for 24-hour advanced reservations for lunch. Those who have meals delivered who will not be home should notify the Center.

Alpha-Mastodon Center

906-875-3315

Meal at noon every Tuesday, Thursday and Friday.

Amasa Center

906-822-7284

Open Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.

Lunch at noon.

Bingo on Tuesdays.

Free meal drawing on Thursdays.

Menu for the week:

Tuesday: Pork roast, mashed potatoes, carrots, salad

Wednesday: Meatballs, mashed potatoes, California blend vegetables, lettuce

Thursday: Barbeque pork on bun, potato salad, coleslaw

Breen Center

906-774-5110

Meals Monday through Friday.

Pasty sale every third Saturday of the month, except on holidays.  

Cards and games available 9 a.m. to noon and 1 to 2 p.m. 

Hostess on duty Monday through Friday.   

Treats and coffee, 8:30 to 11:30 a.m.

Center retail store is open 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday through Friday; volunteers and donations are welcome.

Birthdays acknowledged every day.

Evening meals are on the first and third Thursday of the month. Salad bar opens at 4 p.m., with dinner at 5 p.m. Donations are $4 for those 60 and older and $5 for 60 and younger.

Menu for the week:

Monday: Beef stew and biscuits

Tuesday: Chicken pot pie, stewed tomatoes

Wednesday: Liver or sausage, parsley potatoes, corn

Thursday: Chicken Alfredo, buttered noodles, mixed vegetables

Friday: Baked fish or barbecued pork sandwich, baked potato, baked beans

Soup, salad and dessert are offered with every meal. Reservations for meals are encouraged. Walk-ins are welcomed.

Crystal Falls Center

Head cook: Lucy Korhonen

906-875-6709

The center is not just for seniors – bring a friend.

Suggested meal donations: $5 if older than 60; $6 if younger than 60; $1 extra for takeout

To reserve meals, call the center by 1 p.m. with name and number of people.

All dinners include the soup and salad bar, homemade dessert, tea, coffee and milk

Open Monday through Wednesday: soup and salad bar at 4 :30 p.m. and dinner at 5 p.m.

Mondays: Basket weaving after dinner – all are welcome for dinner and/or the class. Beginners can make their first basket with materials provided.

Menu for the week:

Monday: Grilled Italian chicken, cheesy potato, vegetables

Tuesday: Grilled pork, buttered noodles, vegetables

Wednesday: Roast beef, potato, carrots

Crystal Lake Center

Christine McMahon

906-774-2256, ext. 235

The center is closed on weekends.

Monday: Woodcarvers, 10 a.m.; mahjong in dining hall, noon; Les Artistes Art Club, noon; Bridge Club, 12:15 p.m.

Tuesday and Thursday: Pinochle, 12:30 p.m.

Tuesday, Thursday and Friday: Billiards, 9:30 a.m.

Wednesday: Spinning Spools Quilters Guild, 1 p.m., with crafters, scrapbookers and others also welcome; knitting and crocheting class, 1 to 3 p.m.

Thursday: Happy Quilters, 1 p.m.; two-person team cribbage, 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Friday: Smear, noon.

The kitchen once again is open and serving meals. A new lunch program is offered from 11:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. every Wednesday. Meals cost $5 for those younger than 60 and a $4 donation for those older than 60.

Menu for week:

Monday: Cheeseburger casserole, peas and carrots, dinner roll

Tuesday: Barbeque chicken, mashed potatoes and gravy, coleslaw

Wednesday: Lunch – California medley soup with deluxe salad bar; dinner – spaghetti and meatballs, breadstick, Italian blend vegetables

Thursday: Scalloped potatoes with ham, broccoli, biscuit

Friday: Beef tips and gravy, egg noodles, green beans

Transportation is available from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Call Buzzin’ Around Town at 906-282-0492. Rides are $3 for age 60 and older and $3.50 for younger than 60. 

Felch Center

906-246-3559

Meals served at 11:30 a.m. Monday through Wednesday.

Bingo after lunch on the first and third Wednesday of each month.

A congregate jigsaw puzzle is done daily.

Menu for the week:

Monday: Salisbury steak with gravy, mashed potatoes, green beans, orange, bread

Tuesday: Pork chops with gravy, baked potato, baked beans, pineapple, bread

Wednesday: Chicken strips, country gravy, potato wedges, carrots, peaches

Aging and Disability Resource Center of Florence County, Wis.

715-528-4890

Director: Tiffany White

Suggested donation for seniors older than 60 is $4 per meal. Residents younger than 60 must pay $7. Reservations and cancellations are needed 48-hours in advance.

The ADRC can assist area seniors and those with disabilities with transportation Monday through Friday. Transportation reservation should be made with meal reservation.

Menu for the week:

Monday: Pork steak, cheesy red potatoes, creamy cucumber salad, peaches

Tuesday: Cook’s choice entree, vegetable, fruit

Wednesday: Hot pork sandwich, mashed potatoes, green beans, fruit, apple pie bars

Thursday: Pizza casserole, garlic bread sticks, coleslaw, applesauce, cookies

Friday: Baked chicken, parsley red potatoes, three bean salad, cantaloupe

Other assistance includes information on aging, benefits specialist and caregiver support.

Fence Center/Town Hall

715-336-2980

RSVP for meals, 855-528-2372

Meal at noon Wednesdays only – Same menu listed under ADRC of Florence County. Reservations are requested. Cribbage and cards are available.

Florence Community Center/Town Hall

RSVP for meal at 715-528-4261

Home-delivered meals are available. Meal is served at 11:30 a.m. at this center Monday thru Thursday, with the same menu as listed under ADRC of Florence County.

Tipler Town Hall

RSVP for meals, 715-674-2320

Serving lunch at noon on the second Thursday of the month only, with the same menu as listed under ADRC of Florence County.

Hillcrest Senior Dining Center, Aurora

RSVP for meals, 715-589-4491

Meal is served at 11:30 a.m. Monday through Friday, with the same menu as listed under ADRC of Florence County. Transportation arrangements can be made to and from the meal site.

Hermansville Center

Coordinator: Pam Haluska

906-498-7735

Meal is at noon Monday through Friday. Suggested donation is $3 for age 60 and older and $7 for those younger than 60. Morning coffee is available daily.

Fifteen games of “fun bingo” are played each Tuesday and Friday, along with a 50-50 drawing.

Tuesday: Bingo, 12:45 p.m.

Wednesday: Cards are played in the afternoon. Call the center in advance to see if a game will be going.

Friday: Bingo, 12:45 p.m.

Monday through Friday: Walking in the gym, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. A treadmill also is available.

Enjoy friendly interaction with other crafters.

Iron River Center

906-265-6134

Meals served 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Monday through Wednesday; a $4 donation is encouraged from those 60 and older, and a $5 payment is required from those younger than 60. Thursday meal, 3:30 p.m. soup, 4 p.m. salad bar, with dinner 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Home-delivered meals are available by calling 906-774-2256, ext. 235 or 230.

Menu for the week:

Monday: Tuna-noodle casserole, mixed vegetables, fruit, milk

Tuesday: Scalloped potatoes and ham, California blend vegetables, roll, fruit, milk

Wednesday: Chef salad, hard-boiled egg, fruit, milk

Thursday: Pork chops, mashed potatoes, gravy, corn, dessert, milk.

Niagara Northwoods Senior Cafe and Center

Meal site manager: Corrie Maule, 715-251-1603

Senior center director: Jill Anderson, 715-251- 4154

Noon meals served Monday through Thursday. Transportation is available to the meal site for those living in the Niagara, Wis. area. Any senior groups who would like to use the meal site as a meeting place are welcome — join us for lunch then stay for a meeting or social time. Wii games, cards, puzzles and board games are available to play. 

Other activities are in the works — suggestions are always welcome. 

Those who have not been at the meal site/senior center are invited to give it a try. Those who haven’t been here in a while are encouraged to come back.

Norway Center

Director: Susie Slining

906-563-8716

Monday through Thursday: Meals served at noon, with salad bar. Soup also is available at 11 a.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Milk, juice, bread, fruit, tea and coffee served daily. Meal donation is $5. Reservation for the meal should be made in advance.

Two special-themed meals take place each month on Tuesday, with bingo, prizes and a 50-50 drawing.

Two evening meals offered at 5 p.m. on the first Monday and third Wednesday of the month, with bingo, prizes and a 50-50 drawing.

Menu for the week:

Monday: Sloppy Joes, potato wedges, green beans, salad bar, fruit, juice, dessert

Tuesday: Chicken bacon alfredo over egg noodles, corn, garlic bread, soup and salad bar, fruit, juice, dessert

Wednesday: Liver and onions or burger, mashed potatoes and gravy, glazed carrots, salad bar, fruit, juice, dessert

Thursday: Turkey burger, fries, broccoli, soup and salad bar, fruit, juice, dessert

TEFAP Food Distribution will be 9 to 11 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 10, at Iron Mountain Center.

Cards are played daily after the noon meal.

Craft and exercise classes: Mondays and Thursdays.

Ceramic and art classes: Wednesdays.

Puzzles always in the works.

Note: File of Life packets available at the center.

Sagola Center

906-542-3273

Meals: Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, 11:45 a.m. Cards: Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. Commodities every other month and quarterly commodities are every three months. A puzzle table is available to enjoy. Volunteers are always welcome. 

Menu for the week:

Tuesday: Baked fish, roasted potatoes, coleslaw, roll, mixed fruit

Wednesday: Pork roast, mashed potatoes, bread, mixed vegetables, applesauce

Thursday: Sloppy Joe, potato wedges, baked beans, pears