NIAGARA, Wis. — It is spring in the U.P. and that means gray skies, rain … and sometimes more snow. But, as the old saying goes, “Into every life some rain must fall.” Really? Let’s explore that sentiment a bit.

I remember visiting my sister in California many years ago in August. I had accompanied our mother on what would be her last visit out there. She was getting more and more confused, and my sister did not want her traveling on her own through busy airports with their potential for gate changes. I spent 10 days there, and while I enjoyed the visit and time with my sister and my mom, I found the southern California heat oppressive. Day after day the weather was the same: blue skies, absolutely no clouds, and unrelenting sun. I looked forward to 4 p.m. every day — not because of the proverbial “happy hour,” but because the desert winds would begin and cooled everything down.

Upon my return to work, I was describing my displeasure with the heat and constant sunshine, and my friend asked me, in a most incredulous tone, “Do you even hear yourself right now?” As strange as it seems, I actually got bored with the “sameness” of every day. I found myself missing the unpredictability of our northern climate that has earned the assurance, “if you don’t like the weather, just wait 10 minutes.” I realized after that vacation that I could never live in California. I flourish in the changing of the seasons and enjoy the fluctuation from week to week. I remember a trip to Marquette my husband and I made one day in May. As we drove from the “highlands” of Negaunee and Ishpeming to the Lake Superior shore in Harvey, the temperature dropped 20 degrees! The lake had opened its big refrigerator door!

So, I guess I would say that I can find happiness in a lot of ordinary things — like rainy days. In one of his Monday Morning Memos, Roy H. Williams claims that the secret to happiness is indeed found by celebrating the ordinary. He cites the lyrics of a Tom T. Hall song as a prime example.

“I love little baby ducks, old pick-up trucks, slow movin’ trains… and rain. I love little country streams, sleep without dreams, Sunday school in May… and hay. And I love you too. I love leaves in the wind, pictures of my friends, birds of the world… and squirrels. I love coffee in a cup, little fuzzy pups, Bourbon in a glass… and grass. And I love you too. I love honest open smiles, kisses from a child, tomatoes on the vine… and onions. I love winners when they cry, losers when they try, music when it’s good… and life. And I love you too.”

I had to laugh when I read these lyrics. Not only does their message make me smile, but I admire anyone who can find a way to make “world” rhyme with “squirrels” and “smiles” somehow work with “child.” So, I can forgive him the fact that “vine” in no way rhymes with “onions.”

My husband and I have always been able to find happiness in ordinary things: a Friday night pizza at home after a busy week of work, a weekend to ourselves while our young sons visited a grandmother, that feeling of accomplishment after finishing a day filled with yard work, or a drive to Marquette for the last picnic of the year.

Now that we are retired, we have more time to notice the little pleasures of life. I love watching the changing of the seasons, and I especially love to take the day and do nothing but read. And, after 50 years together, we can honestly say that each time there was a challenge in our lives — the proverbial bump in the road — and we were able to find our way through or around it, we were all the stronger for it. Life can be difficult, but getting through those challenges is what keeps it interesting.

Williams writes again about the secret of happiness in another memo about a year later. He makes a distinction between pleasure and happiness when he states that “we live in a nation that has mistaken pleasure for happiness.” The difference comes in that pleasure can be pursued directly; we find pleasure from attending events, going on vacations, purchasing a new car, buying our first home, earning a promotion. These are all things that can be attained through a step-by-step disciplined approach of setting and meeting pre-determined goals.

Happiness is different. Williams states that “Happiness is the warm glow of gratitude, and the happiest people in the world are those who have learned to celebrate the ordinary.” He also quotes Walt Whitman who said, “Happiness, not in another place but this place… not for another hour, but this hour.” How many of us can say we are happy with our “here and now?” Or do we feel more like, “Sure I’m happy, but I will be happier when…” fill in the blank.

It was Zig Ziglar who constantly talked about maintaining an “attitude of gratitude.” When we show appreciation for a kind deed, we certainly make the other person feel good through our expression of thanks for their job well done. But we feel good too when see the look of pride on their faces our appreciation of them has achieved. It truly is a win-win situation and a feel-good moment for all involved.

Williams goes on to quote Manley Miller’s definition of passion. “We use the English word ‘passion’ to describe a love for something, or a deep inner drive. It is a word borrowed from the French with a Latin root that means ‘to suffer.’ Feelings follow actions. When you commit to something, what you’re saying is, ‘Even if this gets hard, I’m going to keep on doing it. Even if this causes me pain and suffering, I’m going to keep on doing this.'”

By the time most of us have reached this time in our lives, we have experienced all three levels Williams has written about. We know that pleasure is easily purchased, but pleasure is not happiness. Happiness is the appreciation of life’s smallest, simplest things and comes from the warm glow of gratitude — gratitude for our life and shown to the people in it. And passion is happiness taken to the next level. Williams concludes, “To receive with gratitude brings happiness. But to give with joy requires passion, the most intense happiness of all.”

So, the next time it rains in your life, you can appreciate it as one of those ordinary things that helps you better appreciate the next sunny day when it most assuredly arrives.

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NURSING HOMES/

SENIOR LIVING FACILITIES

Freeman Nursing and Rehabilitation Community

906-774-1530

Freeman’s is in their second week of small group activities. Visitation is currently being allowed twice weekly with screening and Covid testing required before entering the building. All precautions are still being taken to protect residents. Everyone has adjusted to this new normal, however they are all looking forward to a great get together when it is safe to do so.

Iron County Medical Care Facility

906-874-1501

Sunday: Morning room visits; exercise; “Price is Right”; afternoon room visits.

Monday: Morning room visits; bingo; afternoon matinee; afternoon room visits.

Tuesday: Morning room visits, reminisce; exercise; afternoon room visits.

Wednesday: Morning room visits; bingo; travel film; afternoon room visits.

Thursday: Morning room visits; church with Pastor Vicky — channel 99.1 at 10 a.m.; traveling happy hour; afternoon room visits.

Friday: Morning room visits; crafts; current events; afternoon room visits.

Saturday: Word game packet; morning room visits; Mandala coloring; afternoon room visits, United Lutheran Church on radio 99.5 at 4 p.m.

Manor Care

906-774-4805

Limited visitation has resumed for family and friends. Appointments must be made in advance by calling the center.

Maryhill Manor

715-251-3172

Scheduled visits are being allowed in the facility’s living room. Call ahead to reserve. The weekly happy hour and bingo have resumed for residents only.

Golden Living Center

Florence, Wis.

715-528-4833

Visitation is allowed in designated areas only on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays. 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. Residents have resumed some small group activities.

Victorian Pines

Iron Mountain

906-774-5158

Limited visitation has resumed in resident apartments only.

Pinecrest Medical Care Facility

Powers

906-497-5244

Sunday: 10 a.m., room visits; 11 a.m., Catholic Mass-channel 66.1; 2 p.m., ice cream social.

Monday: 10:30 a.m., bus ride; 2 p.m., shopping; 3:30 p.m., cards; 6 p.m., one-to-one visits.

Tuesday: 10 a.m., bingo; 1:30 p.m., bingo; 3:30 p.m., cards; 6 p.m., one-to-one visits.

Wednesday: 10:30 a.m., tea party; 2 p.m., movie; 6 p.m., rummy.

Thursday: 10 a.m., bingo; 1:30 p.m., bingo; 3:30 p.m., cards; 6 p.m., one-to-one visits.

Friday: 10 a.m., coffee social; 1:15 p.m., room visits; 2:30 p.m., rosary; 3:30 p.m., games; 6 p.m., one-to-one visits.

Saturday: 10 a.m., bingo; 2 p.m., bingo; 3:30 p.m., visits.

SENIOR CENTERS

Alpha-Mastodon Center

906-875-3315

Amasa Center

906-822-7284

The Amasa Center is a curbside pick-up-only kitchen for now. Call ahead for Tuesdays through Thursdays. Menu for the week —

Tuesday: Ham, baked potato, peas and corn relish.

Wednesday: Sloppy Joe on bun, baked beans and coleslaw.

Thursday: Turkey, mashed potatoes, dressing, sweet potatoes and cranberries.

Note: All meals include milk, bread and butter, fruit and dessert.

Breen Center

906-774-5110

Call for home delivery or a to-go box. Menu for the week —

Monday: Pasty.

Tuesday: Chili and sandwich.

Wednesday: Chicken, mashed potatoes, gravy and mixed vegetables.

Thursday: Spaghetti and garlic bread.

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

Crystal Falls Center

Head cook: Lucy Korhonen

906-875-6709

Crystal Lake Center

Iron Mountain

906-239-0278

Home-delivered meals only. Menu for the week —

Monday: Swedish meatballs, noodles and carrots.

Tuesday: Barbecue pork sandwich, potato wedges and baked beans.

Wednesday: Split pea and ham soup, chicken salad, trail mix and bread.

Thursday: Smothered chicken, mashed potatoes and green beans.

Friday: Taco salad, sour cream, salsa and chips.

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

For more information, call Christine McMahon at 906-774-2256

Iron Mountain

906-239-0278

Home-delivered meals only. Menu for the week —

Monday: Spanish rice, corn and garlic bread.

Tuesday: Turkey/swiss sub sandwich, chips and coleslaw.

Wednesday: Italian beef bake, peas and salad.

Note: All meals served with skim milk or juice.

Aging and Disability Resource Center of Florence County, Wis.

715-528-4890

Director: Tiffany White

Home-delivered meals only. Menu for the week —

Monday: Beef chop suey over rice, Oriental vegetables, spinach salad and fruit.

Tuesday: Cranberry chicken, baked potato, green beans, fruit pie and pudding.

Wednesday: Beef stroganoff with mushrooms, buttered noodles, carrots, fruit and birthday cake.

Thursday: Homemade pizza, beet salad and fruit.

Friday: Cheese burger with lettuce and tomato, baked French fries, western beans and fruit.

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

Fence Center/Town Hall

715-336-2980

For meal reservations, call 855-528-2372

Same as ADRC menu, home-delivered only.

Florence Community Center/Town Hall

For meal reservations, call 715-528-4261

Same as ADRC menu, home-delivered only.

Tipler Town Hall

For meal reservations, call 715-674-2320

Same as ADRC menu, home-delivered only.

Hillcrest Senior Dining Center, Aurora

For meal reservations, call 715-589-4491

Same as ADRC menu, home-delivered only.

Hermansville Center

Coordinator: Pam Haluska

906-498-7735

Iron River Center

906-265-6134

Home-delivered meals only. Menu for the week —

Monday: Sweet and sour chicken, rice, Oriental vegetables and fruit.

Tuesday: Barbecue beef, scalloped potatoes, green beans and fruit.

Wednesday: Salisbury steak, mashed potatoes, gravy, carrots and fruit.

Thursday: Fish sticks, macaroni and cheese, peas and dessert.

All meals include 8-ounces skim milk or juice.

Norway Center

Director: Michelle DeSimone

906-563-8716

The center will remain closed; however, takeout meals will be prepared for pick up — those picking up must call ahead and wear a mask.

Menu for the week —

Monday: Chicken divan over noodles and broccoli.

Tuesday: Tater tot casserole and green beans.

Wednesday: 11 a.m.: Turkey burger on a bun, sugar snap peas, potato wedges and 5 p.m.: Barbecue ribs, mashed potatoes and gravy and vegetables.

Thursday: Lasagna, winter blend vegetables and garlic bread.

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

Sagola Center

906-542-3273

Now open with limited seating from noon to 1 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday. Menu for the week —

Tuesday: Chicken and rice soup, carrots and mixed fruit.

Wednesday: Western burger, corn, potato wedges and peaches.

Thursday: Pork roast, mashed potatoes, peas and pears.

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