NIAGARA, Wis. — Looking at the title of today’s column, you may be scratching your head as you wonder where I am taking it. What could I possibly mean? Everyone knows there are only four seasons. Well, in our household, there is a very special season that begins mid-August and, if we are lucky, extends into February. Packers football season is underway, of course! ‘Tis the season when all the game dates must be entered onto our household calendar, and our schedules are built around those dates until the season ends. Now, it was not always like this. It took me many years before I became a Packer backer, and the journey is ongoing.

First of all, one must understand the game of football to be a fan of any team. And I must confess to having been hopelessly confused for years. I simply had no motivation to learn the game, and no desire to become motivated. My brothers watched the games at home on our television, but I never joined them. My sister was a cheerleader for awhile so she had more exposure to the game and understood it better than I did to be sure. I played in the band so participation in pep band at all of our Ripon Tiger home games was required. I yelled and cheered whenever the crowd did, but certainly had no idea of the reason for all the excitement … unless, of course, a touchdown had been scored. That was the only play I understood.

I began college and was way too busy to attend a single Ripon Redman game. At the beginning of my sophomore year, football season was underway as was a co-ed pick up game of touch football on the back lawn of my dorm on a particularly warm autumn day. I was asked to join so I agreed. How hard could it be, anyway? Throw the ball to someone on your team or catch the ball when someone throws it to you, and run as far as you could with it. Hopefully a touchdown would be scored along the way. It did not take long before I realized that it could be a lot more complicated. I found out the hard way that you could not pass the ball once you crossed the line of scrimmage. What is the line of scrimmage? And what is a down? After several more bone head moves, I realized I had no idea what I was doing and that it was apparent to everyone else as well. So, I happily retired to the ranks of spectator.

I met my husband, who was a huge Packers fan and had played football in high school so he knew the game inside and out. He and his family watched the Packers play every week; his dad got so involved that he crumpled little bits of newspaper during the game to ease his nerves. Coming from that background, it was easy to understand why my husband was so surprised to learn that I did not watch the game and found it confusing. So, it became his mission to teach me. While we were dating, I watched the game with him whenever he was visiting me on a game day, and I learned what I could. I must add that I also attempted to learn the card game of sheepshead while we were dating. I had the same level of interest in both of those activities — very low to none at all. But … we were dating, what more can I say.

After we were married, I simply had no time to join him — and eventually our sons — in front of the television to watch a football game. I worked all week, and the weekend was the only time I had to do housework. So, while they were cheering on the team playing a game I still did not understand, I was doing the ironing or cooking a meal.

The years rolled by, our boys left for college, and then began their own lives. We were left with an empty nest, and I had a lot less work to do. Now I did have the time to sit and watch the game with my husband, and he was still very eager to teach me the finer points. I should say, really, all the points. Who knew there were four downs every 10 yards and not in the whole length of the field? And, what is a down, again? And why did that referee blow his whistle this time? What does it mean when the ref chops his arm like that? Why can’t they grab face masks? Oh, the list of questions goes on and on.

As the years rolled by, I did learn. Not only did I learn all of the basics — there are four downs every 10 yards after all — but I am proud to say that I now know many of the finer points. I know what was done wrong depending upon when and where on the field that darn whistle was blown or the yellow flag thrown. I recognize off sides. I can see the unnecessary roughness or grabbing of a facemask. I celebrate the long passes, the touchdowns, and the extra points made. I sit on the edge of the sofa hoping the green and gold can get close enough to make a field goal in the final seconds to win the game. I joyfully celebrate the wins and mourn the losses. It has been a fun journey with my husband as my teacher.

I should add, however, that I still do not share the same obsession level as my husband and sons. For me, Packers season begins in August. For them, it begins in April with NFL Draft weekend.

Actually, it starts about a month before the actual draft as they begin preparing for that special weekend when they all converge on a Buffalo Wild Wings in whatever city is most convenient in that year — Wausau for a while, Green Bay and, most recently, Madison. They have all made their picks and watch together to see if Green Bay’s front office agrees with them. They have been doing this for at least 10 years. Over the years, our grandson, Oliver, has joined them along with Ben, our oldest son’s brother-in-law. And our son, Rob, actually flies in from Arizona to be there as well!

For me, August is soon enough. I have asked my husband to please not share all of the draft details. I do not have to start remembering names until the draft has concluded and final cuts have been made. I cannot keep that many names in my head. But I understand. The man just cannot help himself. He simply cannot contain his excitement over another season and rekindling of the dream of making it to the Super Bowl. So, I let him go on as he reads the sports page in April and gives me his draft picks. I nod my head and agree with all of his assessments of the team’s potential this year. After all, he will be leaving soon for draft weekend with the guys.

During that weekend, I enjoy those three days to myself. I watch all of my HGTV shows in peace and quiet. I get caught up on household chores. I read undisturbed. I may even tune in occasionally to the draft on TV to see who was picked first. And I look forward to hearing all the details when he gets home. I am glad they all make time to get together to share their love of the game and our team, and to build memories.

So now the preseason is underway, and the Pack looks full of potential. Jordan Love has progressed beautifully and has the respect of the team. The rookies look promising, so it will be interesting to see who is chosen to stay — then I will commit names to memory as the full season gets underway. Meals will be eaten in the living room in front of the game. Text messages will be flying back and forth with our sons as we react to unexpected plays. The phone will not ring as friends and relatives know better than to call us during a game. Our Packers flag will be flying from the front porch. Super Bowl here we come.

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NURSING HOMES/SENIOR LIVING FACILITIES

Freeman Nursing and Rehabilitation Community

Kingsford

906-774-1530

They welcome anyone who would like to entertain the residents. Volunteers are also needed to help with crafts and other activities.

On the third Tuesday of every month at 2 p.m. they host a Memory Cafe – a fun hour to spend with others. For more information, contact Jaime Hathaway at jlhathaway@protonmail.com. The program is run by donations.

Sunday: Church on TV, 10 a.m.; lunch music, 11:45 a.m.; Strong Tower Church, 1 p.m.

Monday: Rosary, 10 a.m.; hair fixing, 10 a.m.; card club, 1:30 p.m.; reminiscing, 3 p.m.

Tuesday: Walking club, 10 a.m.; hydration time, 10:30 a.m.; hosting the memory cafe, 2 p.m.

Wednesday: Woman’s club, 10 a.m.; fit for fun, 10:30 a.m.; resident choice, 1:30 p.m.

Thursday: Uno, 10 a.m.; Bible study, 11 a.m.; music, 11:45 a.m.; happy hour fun with crackers and cheese, 2 p.m.

Friday: Room visits, 10 a.m.; trivia, 11:45 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.

Saturday: Family time, 10 a.m.; coloring fun, 1:30 p.m.; “Weakest Link” on NBC-TV, 7 p.m.

Iron County Medical Care Facility

Crystal Falls

906-874-1501

Sunday: Room visits, 9 a.m.; coffee and jokes, 10 a.m.; chair exercise, 11 a.m.; room visits, 12:30 p.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.

Monday: Crafts, 9:30 a.m.; exercise, 10:45 a.m.; room visits, 1 p.m.; bonfire, 1:30 p.m.; Sunshine Club, 2:30 p.m.; reminisce, 5:30 p.m.

Tuesday: Book club, 10 a.m.; Catholic Mass, 10 a.m.; wildlife film, 1:30 p.m.; Dan’s songs for seniors, 2 p.m.; musical movie, 6 p.m.

Wednesday: Community breakfast, 8:15 a.m.; garden club, 10 a.m.; exercise, 10:45 a.m.; two dips and an ice cream truck, 1 p.m.; night bingo, 6 p.m.

Thursday: Puzzler, 9:30 a.m.; bowling, 10 a.m.; Bible study, 1 p.m.; travel film, 1:30 p.m.; happy hour, 2 p.m.

Friday: Memory books, 9:30 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; room visits, 1 p.m.; fishing trip, 1 p.m.; web browsing, 2 p.m.; comedy movie, 6 p.m.

Saturday: ICMCF word search/high rollers, 10 a.m.; geri-gym, 10:45 a.m.; room visits, 1 p.m.; social hour, 2 p.m.; classic movie, 6 p.m.

Optalis Healthcare

Kingsford

906-774-4805

Sunday: Manicures, 9:30 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; hangman, 1 p.m.

Monday: Coffee clutch, 9 a.m.; chair exercise, 9:30 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.

Tuesday: Coffee, clutch, 9 a.m.; current events, 9:30 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; Sunshine Club, 2 p.m.

Wednesday: Coffee clutch, 9 a.m.; name five, 9:30 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; monthly birthday party, 2 p.m.

Thursday: Coffee clutch, 9 a.m.; chair exercise, 9:30 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; Yahtzee, 2 p.m.

Friday: Coffee clutch, 9 a.m.; reminiscing, 9:30 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.

Saturday: Devotional, 9:30 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; Flip-o, 1 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 trivia, 10 a.m.; delivery of communion, 12:30 p.m.; prize bingo, 1:45 p.m.; church service, 2:30 p.m.

Monday: Rosary/communion service, 9 a.m.; pamper and polish, 10 a.m.; loaded baked potato fiesta, 2 p.m.; outing to Tripp’s Tavern, 5:30 p.m.

Tuesday: Rosary/communion service, 9 a.m.; apples to apples, 10 a.m.; courtyard cabana, corn roast, 2 p.m.; Chaplet of Divine Mercy, 3 p.m.

Wednesday: Rosary/communion, 9 a.m.; Protestant service, 10 a.m.; creative art, canvas painting, 10 a.m.; jokereno, 2 p.m.; Chaplet of Divine Mercy, 3 p.m.

Thursday: Rosary, 9 a.m.; Catholic Mass, 9:30 a.m.; derby day, 10 a.m.; badminton in the courtyard, 2 p.m.; Chaplet of Divine Mercy, 3 p.m.; Music In The Park, 6:30 p.m.

Friday: Spelling bee, 10 a.m.; C&R happy hour with Ray and Mindy, 2 p.m.

Saturday: Yahtzee, 10 a.m.; courtyard cabana, lemonade 2 p.m.; Chaplet of Divine Mercy, 3 p.m.

Northshore Healthcare

Florence, Wis.

715-528-4833

Sunday: Independent activities.

Monday: Group puzzle, 10 a.m.; play instruments, 2 p.m.

Tuesday: Social/coffee, 10 a.m.; manicure, 2 p.m.

Wednesday: Chair dance, 10 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.

Thursday: Pastor Jason, 10 a.m.; live music with Larry, 2 p.m.

Friday: Catholic communion, 10 a.m.; play instruments 2 p.m.

Saturday: Independent activities.

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; bean bag toss, 10 a.m.; trivia, 11:15 a.m.; church services, 1:30 p.m.; ice cream bar social, 2:30 p.m.; coloring pages.

Monday: Morning visits and reality orientation; open room, 9:30 a.m.; listen and learn, 11 a.m.; bowling, 1:45 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.; hangman, 11 a.m.; bingo, 1:45 p.m.; table talk, 4 p.m.; daily chronicles.

Wednesday: Morning visits and reality orientation; open room, 9:30 a.m.; what’s in the bag? 11 a.m.; crafty Wednesday, 2 p.m.; dinner al fresco and music with Vicky and Dave; daily chronicles.

Thursday: Morning visits and reality orientation; open room, 9:30 a.m.; Kwik Trip and Dollar General, 9:30 a.m.; who-what-where, 11 a.m.; bingo, 1:45 p.m.; Uno, 4 p.m.; daily chronicles.

Friday: Morning visits and reality orientation; Catholic Mass, 10:30 a.m.; flip flops, 11 a.m.; Jon Sampson, 2 p.m.; book club, 4 p.m.; off to the races, 6 p.m.; daily chronicles.

Saturday: Morning visits and reality orientation; exercise, 10 a.m.; trivia, 11:15 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: Mushroom Swiss burger, oven-baked fries, Jell-O, lemonade.

Wednesday: Sack lunch — Chicken salad on a bun, spinach salad, string cheese, granola parfait.

Thursday: Lasagna, green beans, garlic French bread.

Breen Center

Kingsford

906-774-5110

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

Monday: Scalloped potatoes with ham, buttered corn, dinner roll, brownie.

Tuesday: Chicken teriyaki bowl, white rice, low-fat cottage cheese, Mandarin oranges, lemonade.

Wednesday: Beef and cabbage bake, carrots, whole wheat dinner roll, fruit crumble.

Thursday: Fish with summer vegetables, baked fries, garlic cheese biscuit, pudding.

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

Crystal Falls Center

Head Cook: Elizabeth Peryam

Assistant Cooks: Debbie Bigalke and Shannon Stapleton

906-875-6709

The center is serving meals for dine-in or takeout – call 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. A volunteer will deliver meals to homebound citizens only.

Many people have asked if the center could serve meals on Thursdays. They have tested a day in August and will keep the patrons informed if this new serving day can become permanent.

Menu for the week –

Monday: Spanish rice casserole with tortilla chips.

Tuesday: Meatloaf, macaroni and cheese.

Wednesday: Pork chops, mashed potatoes and gravy.

Home-delivered meals (prepared by DICSA — independent from above menu) —

Monday: Cheese omelet with ham, hashbrowns, mini-croissant with jelly.

Tuesday: Pineapple pork fried rice, Oriental vegetables, whole wheat bun, lemonade.

Wednesday: Honey mustard chicken, mashed potatoes with gravy, cornbread stuffing, dinner roll.

Thursday: Barbecue bake, green beans, baked apple.

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: Cheese omelet with ham, hashbrowns, mini-croissant with jelly.

Tuesday: Pineapple pork fried rice, Oriental vegetables, whole wheat bun, lemonade.

Wednesday: Honey mustard chicken, mashed potatoes with gravy, cornbread stuffing, dinner roll

Thursday: Barbecue bake, green beans, baked apple.

Friday: California cobb salad, biscuit, apple crumble.

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 4 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 p.m. to 3 p.m.; cards cost 25 cents with 10 games played

Thursday: Spinning Spools quilting, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Friday: Cards — smear, noon to 4 p.m.

Felch Center

906-246-3559

Open for dine-in eating — call for serving times. Carryout meals also available.

Menu for the week —

Monday: Hamburger gravy over mashed potatoes, buttered peas, dinner roll, apple crisp.

Tuesday: Pork roast, fried cabbage, sweet potatoes, lemonade.

Wednesday: Night meal — roasted chicken, mashed potatoes with gravy, green bean casserole, dinner roll, dessert.

Note: All meals served with skim milk or juice.

Home-delivered meals —

Monday: Cheese omelet with ham, hashbrowns, mini-croissant with jelly.

Tuesday: Pineapple pork fried rice, Oriental vegetables, whole wheat bun, lemonade.

Wednesday: Honey mustard chicken, mashed potatoes with gravy, cornbread stuffing, dinner roll.

Aging and Disability Resource Center

Florence County, Wis.

715-528-4890

Director: Tiffany White

Menu for the week —

Monday: Cabbage roll casserole, carrots, fruit.

Tuesday: Homemade pizza, broccoli salad, fruit.

Wednesday: Hot turkey sandwich, mashed potatoes, corn, fruit, cinnamon roll cake.

Thursday: Ham and bean soup, cucumber salad, cornbread, fruit.

Friday: Baked fish, baked sweet potato, cauliflower, fruit.

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, served at noon on Wednesday only.

Florence Community Center/Town Hall

RSVP for meal at 715-528-4261

Open Monday through Thursday, serving at 11:30 a.m.

Reservations for a meal onsite need to be made 48 hours in advance by calling the above number.

Tipler Town Hall

RSVP for meals at 715-674-2320

Same as ADRC menu, served at noon on second Thursday only.

Hillcrest Senior Dining Center, Aurora

RSVP for meals at 715-589-4491

Same as ADRC menu, served at 11:30 a.m. Monday through Friday.

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: Barbecue meatballs, smashed red potatoes, broccoli, pineapple tidbits, whole wheat bread.

Tuesday: Chop suey over rice, Oriental vegetables, Oriental coleslaw, pears.

Wednesday: Meatloaf, mashed potatoes with gravy, Scandinavian vegetables, fruit cocktail, whole wheat bread.

Thursday: Chicken Alfredo, vegetables, salad, warm peaches.

Friday: Chili, cornbread, baked potato, fruit cup.

Iron River Center

906-265-6134

Salad bar begins at 11 a.m.; meal is served at 11:30 a.m. No night meals. Carryout meals also available. Menu for the week —

Monday: Chicken stir-fry with vegetables, boiled rice, fortune cookie.

Tuesday: Deluxe chef’s salad, cottage cheese, pineapple.

Wednesday: Unstuffed pepper bowl, peas, whole wheat bread.

Thursday: Mushroom Swiss burger, oven-baked fries, vegetable.

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 is $5 for those older than 60 and $11 for 60 and younger. Transportation is available.

Tuesday: Cheesy beef casserole, broccoli, butter beans, pineapple.

Wednesday: Pork ribs, sauerkraut, sweet potatoes, pickled beets, wheat rolls.

Thursday: Sloppy Joe on a bun, green peas, potato rounds, apple torte.

The center will have bingo on Tuesdays and Wednesdays this month.

Norway Center

Director: Joyce Olesky

906-563-8716

Dine-in eating begins at 11:15 a.m. Salad bar is available from 10:30 to 11 a.m. Takeout meals are available for pick-up from 11 to 11:30 a.m. Let staff know if planning to dine in or pick up.

Menu for the week —

Monday: Swedish meatballs, egg noodles and gravy, vegetables.

Tuesday: Philly cheesesteak, potato wedges, vegetable.

Wednesday: 11 a.m. –chef salad with vegetables, ham, chicken, and egg, breadstick; 4 p.m. — barbecue ribs, mashed potatoes, gravy, vegetable.

Thursday: Finnish pancake, sausage, hash brown potatoes, strawberries.

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

Center activity schedule:

Mondays and Thursdays — Exercise at 10 a.m. and card bingo after the meal.

Monday through Thursday — Card game 101, 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.

Tuesday: Taco salad, fiesta corn, tortilla chips, salsa and sour cream, lemonade.

Wednesday: Tuna melt sliders (two), creamy tomato basil soup, fresh fruit cup.

Thursday: Chicken cordon bleu minis, baked french fries, baked macaroni and cheese.

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

Home-delivered meals —

Monday: Cheese omelet with ham, hash browns, mini-croissant with jelly.

Tuesday: Pineapple pork fried rice, Oriental vegetables, whole wheat bun, lemonade.

Wednesday: Honey mustard chicken, mashed potatoes with gravy, cornbread stuffing, dinner roll.