NIAGARA, Wis. –Today I am a bit heartsick. My husband and I agreed that it was long past time to have our beautiful maple tree professionally trimmed. Our home was built in 1928, and we have lived in it since 1978. The centerpiece of the backyard is an incredible sugar maple that has been growing for at least 150 years. We love that tree. But we had some concerns for its continued health, and the safety of our property, if we did not take the responsible steps to care for it. The end result was more than a shock, and I was rather upset until I pondered the importance of thinning out dead wood — from both trees and our lives.

To appreciate how this tree trimming affected me as I watched, you need to picture my tree and understand how many memories it holds for me. And, you need to understand how much trees in general mean to me. My husband has accused me on more than one occasion of photographing every tree in the U.P. And he teases me about my propensity to purchase photographs of trees at art fairs — always alone, in the middle of a field or by a stream. I cried the first time I experienced Estevant Pines in Copper Harbor. Yes, I love trees.

Our backyard tree is massive. It towers far above our house, and its branches had spread over the entire backyard as well as over the roofs of our garage and back addition. We have only lost one big branch in the 43 years we have lived in our home. When our boys were little, the entire neighborhood played under its branches. It also provided our sons and grandsons with terrific leaf piles for jumping every autumn. It has given us shade and privacy for nearly half a century. It calms me as I sit on my deck and stare up into its canopy, listening to the wind rustle its leaves.

We agreed to trust the expertise and experience of the professional tree service. And I am sure they did what was necessary and best for our tree, but the result was quite shocking to say the least. Imagine a woman with beautiful hair down to her waist ending up with a pixie haircut! The tree trimmers assured us that what we see now will look very different when the leaves come back in the spring and that within a year, branches will fill out once again. They also explained that when they are actually up in the tree, they can spot problem branches and deadwood that we cannot see from the ground. I understand… but it is hard to see, and I am left hoping we did the right thing.

It occurred to me as I was struggling with the transformation of our tree, that this is not unlike our lives. Isn’t life similar to a tree trimming? As we grow through our lives, we spread our wings and try to experience everything life has to offer. We plunge into new experiences eager for their thrill. We crave promotions at work so we can earn more money… to have a better home, more vacation time, a newer car, more stuff. We join clubs and organizations to meet more people and to help advance a cause to which we feel a connection. We work hard, play hard and enjoy life … until we don’t.

There comes a time when we begin to wonder if all this busyness is what life is really all about. We find ourselves thinking that life is not as much fun as it used to be. Sleepless nights arrive along with tension headaches. There doesn’t seem to be enough time any longer; the weeks and months fly by, and the seasons begin to blur. What, Christmas already? Didn’t we just pass out Halloween candy to the trick-or-treaters?

When life gets to this point, we have to stop what we are doing and give ourselves some “thinking time.” We need to take a breath, get off the merry-go-round, and do some “trimming.” It is time to take stock of our commitments and obligations and ask ourselves if our activities are still in line with our priorities. And, maybe we need to re-examine those priorities because just maybe we have changed over the years.

To further illustrate this point, I turn to my “Food for Thought” folder. Titled “Beer Philosophy 101,” I share it with you today.

A philosophy professor stood before his class and had some items in front of him. When the class began, wordlessly he picked up a very large and empty mayonnaise jar and proceeded to fill it with rocks about 2 inches in diameter.

He then asked the students if the jar was full. They agreed that it was. So, the professor then picked up a box of pebbles and poured them into the jar. He shook the jar lightly. The pebbles, of course, rolled into the open areas between the rocks.

He then asked the students again if the jar was full. They agreed it was. The professor picked up a box of sand and poured it into the jar. Of course, the sand filled up everything else. He then asked once more if the jar was full. The students responded with a unanimous — yes.

The professor then produced two cans of beer from under the table and proceeded to pour their entire contents into the jar, effectively filling the empty space around the sand. The students laughed.

“Now,” said the professor, as the laughter subsided, “I want you to recognize that this jar represents your life. The rocks are the important things — your family, your partner, your health, your children — things that if everything else was lost and only they remained, your life would still be full. The pebbles are the other things that matter, like your job, your house, your car. The sand is everything else — the small stuff.”

“If you put the sand into the jar first,” he continued, “there is no room for the pebbles or the rocks. The same goes for life. If you spend all your time and energy on the small stuff, you will never have room for the things that are important to you.”

“Pay attention to the things that are critical to your happiness. Play with your children. Take time to get medical checkups. Take your partner out dancing. There will always be time to go to work, give a dinner party and fix the disposal. Take care of the rocks first — the things that really matter. Set your priorities. The rest is just sand.”

One of the students raised her hand and inquired what the beer represented. The professor smiled. “I’m glad you asked. It just goes to show you that no matter how full your life may seem, there’s always room for a couple of beers.”

Lives, like trees, need to be trimmed so new growth can occur, and so we can continue to spend our time on what matters most to us. We need to continually evaluate the use of that finite resource — our energy — and be sure it is channeled where we truly want it to be going. So now, my husband and I can sit on our deck this spring and watch our beautiful tree sprout new, fresh growth … while we enjoy a couple of beers and each other’s company.

——

NURSING HOMES/SENIOR LIVING FACILITIES

Freeman Nursing and Rehabilitation Community

Kingsford

906-774-1530

Freeman’s has resumed 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

Crystal Falls

906-874-1501

No information currently available.

Manor Care

Kingsford

906-774-4805

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

Maryhill Manor

Niagara, Wis.

715-251-3172

Church services are held five days each week. Please note that scheduled visits are in the front living room or outdoors and are by appointment only. Daily scheduled activities continue to be for residents only.

Sunday: Rosary, 8:30 a.m.; Catholic Mass, 9 a.m.; coffee and “Jeopardy,” 10:15 a.m.; tailgate party, Packers vs. Bears, 2 p.m.; Protestant service, 2:30 p.m.

Monday: Rosary/communion, 8:30 a.m.; Protestant service, 9 a.m.; pamper and polish, 10:15 a.m. and 2 p.m.

Tuesday: Rosary/communion, 8:30 a.m.; coffee and short stories, 10:15 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.

Wednesday: Rosary/communion, 8:30; kickball, 10:15; monthly birthday party – bobbing for apples, 2 p.m.

Thursday: Rosary/communion, 8:30 a.m.; Catholic Mass, 9 a.m.; short stories, 10:15 a.m.; nickel jokereno, 2 p.m.

Friday: Bowling, 10:15 a.m.; happy hour and music, 2 p.m.

Saturday: Spelling bee, 10:15 a.m.; Netflix movie and popcorn, 2 p.m.

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

Sunday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; Packers vs. Bears, noon; Bible study, 1:30 p.m.

Monday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.; refreshments, 3 p.m.

Tuesday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; birthday party, 2 p.m.

Wednesday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.; refreshments, 3 p.m.

Thursday: Exercise, 11 a.m.; Lutheran Bible study, 1 p.m.; trivia, 2 p.m.

Friday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.; refreshments, 3 p.m.

Saturday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; movie and popcorn, 2 p.m.

Pinecrest Medical Care Facility

Powers

906-497-5244

Sunday: Mass (channel 66.1), 11 a.m.; life stories, 2 p.m.

Monday: Bus ride, 10:30 a.m.; crafts, 2 p.m.; karaoke, 3:30 p.m.; one-to-one visits, 6 p.m.

Tuesday: Bingo, 10:30 a.m. and 1:45 p.m.; cards, 3:30 p.m.; one-to-one visits, 6 p.m.

Wednesday: Omelets, 8 a.m.; coffee social, 10:30 a.m.; crafts, 2 p.m.; “Sorry,” 3:30 p.m.

Thursday: Bingo, 10:30 a.m. and 1:45 p.m.; cards, 3:30 p.m.; one-to-one visits, 6 p.m.

Friday: Shopping, 10:30 a.m.; rosary on radio 66.1, 2:30 p.m.; games, 3:30 p.m.

Saturday: Bingo, 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.; room visits, 3:30 p.m.

SENIOR CENTERS

Alpha-Mastodon Center

906-875-3315

Amasa Center

906-822-7284

Now open for dine-in eating — serving at 11:30 a.m. Menu for the week —

Tuesday: Beef stroganoff, noodles, California blend vegetables and salad.

Wednesday: Pork roast, mashed potatoes, broccoli and carrot coins.

Thursday: Spaghetti, green beans, lettuce and garlic bread.

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

Breen Center

Kingsford

906-774-5110

Now open for dine-in eating — serving at noon. Carry-out meals also are available. Menu for the week —

Monday: Salisbury steak and mashed potatoes.

Tuesday: Meatloaf, mashed potatoes and corn.

Wednesday: Spaghetti with meat sauce, green beans and garlic bread.

Thursday: Tomato soup, grilled ham and cheese sandwich.

Friday: Baked fish, baked potatoes and green beans.

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

Crystal Falls Center

906-875-6709

The center is now open and is once again serving meals for dining in or takeout — call the center by 1 p.m. to make reservations or to place your order. All food is purchased from local vendors. All dinners include salad bar, homemade desserts, coffee, tea, or milk. Salad bar begins at 4:30 p.m. and dinner is served at 5 p.m. Pick up for takeout meals is 4 p.m. — call ahead and leave a message with phone number. A volunteer will deliver meals to homebound citizens only. Menu for the week —

Tuesday: Stuffed green peppers, mashed potatoes and vegetables.

Wednesday: Chili, crackers and vegetables.

Crystal Lake Center

Iron Mountain

906-774-2256, ext. 230 or 235.

Home-delivered meals only — call to make arrangements. Menu for the week —

Monday: Lemon pepper fish, baby red potatoes and Normandy blend vegetables.

Tuesday: Reuben sliders, pub fries, southwest corn and yogurt.

Wednesday: Stuffed green peppers, rice, broccoli, bread and butter.

Thursday: Turkey and ranch pasta salad, three-bean salad and oatmeal raisin cookie.

Friday: Tomato soup, grilled cheese sandwich, side salad and pudding.

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

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

Felch Center

906-246-3559

Now open for dine-in eating — call for serving times. Carry-out meals also are available. Menu for the week —

Monday: Turkey sub sandwich, chips and coleslaw.

Tuesday: Stuffed shells, garlic bread and salad.

Wednesday: Night meal — Beef roast, mashed potatoes and gravy, broccoli bake and dessert.

Note: All meals served with skim milk or juice.

Aging and Disability Resource Center of Florence County, Wis.

715-528-4890

Director: Tiffany White

Restrictions have lifted at some centers. Menu for the week —

Monday: Cook’s choice – entrée, vegetable and fruit.

Tuesday: Chicken salad on croissant with lettuce and tomato, broccoli salad and fruit.

Wednesday: Waikiki meatballs over rice, Oriental vegetables, fruit and birthday cake.

Thursday: Pasty, coleslaw, fruit and cookies.

Friday: Taco tater tot casserole, lettuce, tomato and onion, cucumbers in sour cream and Mandarin oranges.

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, home-delivered only.

Florence Community Center/Town Hall

RSVP for meal at 715-528-4261

Same as ADRC menu. Now open — serving at 11:30 a.m. Monday through Thursday.

Tipler Town Hall

715-674-2320 – RSVP for meals

Same as ADRC menu, home-delivered only.

Hillcrest Senior Dining Center, Aurora

715-589-4491 – RSVP for meals

Same as ADRC menu. Now open — serving at 11:30 a.m. Monday through Friday.

Hermansville Center

Coordinator: Pam Haluska

906-498-7735

Iron River Center

906-265-6134

Now open for dine-in eating — serving at 11 a.m. Carryout meals also available. Menu for the week —

Monday: Chicken Caesar salad, breadstick, cottage cheese, fruit and milk.

Tuesday: Pulled pork with bun, baked beans, apple compote and milk.

Wednesday: Scalloped potatoes with ham, broccoli, roll, fruit and milk.

Thursday: Chicken Florentine, rice, roll, dessert and milk.

Norway Center

Director: Michelle DeSimone

906-563-8716

Now open for dine-in eating served restaurant style beginning at 11:15 a.m. Salad bar available from 10:30 to 11 a.m. Takeout meals will remain available for pick-up from 11 to 11:30 a.m. Menu for the week —

Monday: Bourbon steak over noodles and Italian blend vegetables.

Tuesday: Shepherd’s pie, mixed vegetables and biscuit.

Wednesday: Two-meal Day — 11 a.m., chef salad, meat and vegetable toppings, breadstick – no salad bar; 5 p.m., barbecue ribs, mashed potatoes and gravy, vegetables – this meal is pick-up only.

Thursday: Chicken chow mein, rice and Oriental vegetables.

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

Sagola Center

906-542-3273

Now open for dine-in eating — call for serving times. Carryout meals also available. Menu for the week —

Tuesday: Polish sausage, buttered egg noodles, sauerkraut, broccoli and pineapple.

Wednesday: Beef tips, mashed potatoes, green beans and applesauce.

Thursday: Pizza, breadstick, carrots and mixed fruit.

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