NIAGARA, Wis. — I try to spend some “thinking time” each day down at the boat landing in Niagara. As I watch the river flow by, my mind travels downstream with it. Cares and task lists float away making room for creative thoughts and memories to take their place. We can learn a great deal about life and ourselves from observing nature and about the importance of being able to make adjustments in our lives.

My husband and I, along with our two sons — then only 5 years old and 18 months — moved up north to begin what turned into quite an adventure. Prior to our move up here, we had never been north of Green Bay. Needless to say, we were quite surprised and learned quickly what a “stand of trees” was after being given directions to proceed down the highway past the third one. Not wanting to appear stupid, we thanked the local who had given us those directions, got back in the car, and asked each other, “What’s a stand of trees?” We figured it out and found what would be our first home — a small cabin a mile into the woods in Pembine, Wis. The cabin was small, but we were surrounded by a huge forest with which I fell in love.

We learned a lot that first year. We learned what it was like having our own well and how to avoid frozen pipes. We learned that it is better to walk the road in the spring until the frost is out of the ground. Honestly, I had never seen such mud in my life! After getting stuck in the mire twice, we left the car on the paved road and hoofed the mile to our cabin: my husband carried the groceries, I carried our toddler, and our kindergartner had to walk on his own. The mud actually sucked the boot right off his foot. As he stood there like a little pelican, I told him, “Stick your foot back in honey and keep walking — I’m sorry, but I can’t carry both of you.” Having always lived with street lights, we learned what true darkness was. We also met our first wood ticks! Despite some difficult lessons, I absolutely fell in love with the forest and the ability to so clearly witness the change of seasons.

After a year in the woods, we moved to Niagara and bought our first home. It is located in one of the oldest neighborhoods in town, and we learned that Kimberly-Clark had built it in 1928 as a “mill home” for its employees. We are still there, and my husband says the only thing the same about our house after 46 years is its address. One of the best things about this location on the hill is the view of the bluffs across the river from our house. And, at this time of year, that view is breathtakingly full of color.

Our relatives came to visit throughout the years. Like us, they believed we would eventually move back to the Fox Valley. But after five years, any thoughts of relocation had left us. We were home — surrounded by forests, rivers and streams. The air was fresh and clean with no foundry smell or factory smoke. Peaceful quiet surrounded us; the noise of life barely distinguishable. Rush-hour traffic occurred when more than four cars drove by as we waited by any stop sign, and that rarely happened. Yes, we had found our home.

Many authors and poets have written about their love of, and appreciation for, nature. Henry David Thoreau advises, “Live in each season as it passes; breathe the air, drink the drink, taste the fruit, and resign yourself to the influence of the earth. John Muir states, “In every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks.” Mimi Novie states another truism in her words, “Sometimes we can only find our true direction when we let the wind of change carry us.” Anyone who has ever wandered along a river’s edge can relate to Mark Helprin’s words: “A good river is nature’s life work in song.” And Rachel Carson echoes my own thoughts of home when she says, “My wish is to stay always like this, living quietly in a corner of nature.”

Much has also been written about the lessons we can learn from nature if we give ourselves the opportunity. Ralph Waldo Emerson advises us to “adopt the pace of nature: her secret is patience.”Lest we fear we are moving too slowly and not getting enough done, Katrina Mayer reminds us that “time spent amongst trees is never wasted time.” Nature also gives us strength to handle whatever life gives us. Rachel Carson states this belief when she says, “Those who contemplate the beauty of the earth find reserves of strength that will endure as long as life lasts.” Theodore Roethke echoes similar thoughts, advising us not to lose heart in life’s difficult moments, when he states: “Over every mountain there is a path, although it may not be seen from the valley.” Even Albert Einstein, the most brilliant of scientific minds, said, “Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better.”

There is something special about each season of the year. As Robin Williams states, “Spring is nature’s way of saying, ‘Let’s party!'” And Ralph Waldo Emerson describes spring when he says, “The earth laughs in flowers.” Summer evokes a laid-back sense for many that cannot be confused with laziness. As John Lebbock states, “Rest is not idleness, and to lie sometimes on the grass under trees on a summer’s day, listening to the murmur of the water, or watching the clouds float across the sky, is by no means a waste of time. Regina Brett comments, “Summer is the annual permission slip to do nothing and have it count for something. To lie in the grass and count the stars. To sit on a branch and study the clouds.” And for Wilma Rudolph, summer is energizing as she says, “When the sun is shining, I can do anything; no mountain is too high, no trouble too difficult to overcome.

To me, autumn is the shortest and most beautiful time of year. Before moving north, I thought I had known fall. But it was not until I saw entire bluffs in the distance ablaze with autumn colors that I realized I had not even come close. Too often we believe autumn to be a sad time of year. Others, however, give us a different perspective. One unknown source states, “Autumn shows us how beautiful it is to let things go.” Author and blogger Dodinsky gives us this thought, “I hope I can be the autumn leaf, who looked at the sky and lived. And when it was time to leave, gracefully it knew life was a gift.” And John Burroughs gives us this autumn lesson: “How beautiful the leaves grow old. How full of light and color are their last days.”

That brings us to winter — the season that never seems to end. Yet, there are lessons to be learned from the deep freeze as well. Elizabeth Camden reminds us that “winter is a time of renewal and reflection.” For Ali Smith, “winter is an exercise in remembering how to still yourself then how to come pliantly back to life again.” And Paul Theroux says it most succinctly: “Winter is a season of recovery and preparation.” For me, winter helps me to fully appreciate how blessed I am to have a warm house with a gas fireplace to come home to.

Yes, we can learn many lessons from Mother Nature. All we need to do is slow down, and notice what is around us. And we need to appreciate just how precious a place our Earth is. As Carl Sagan said, “Preserve and cherish this pale blue dot, the only home we’ve ever known.”

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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.; Strong Tower Church, 1 p.m.

Monday: Rosary, 10 a.m.; room visits, 10 a.m.; dice club, 1:30 p.m.; reminisce, 2:30 p.m.

Tuesday: Hair day, 10 a.m.; Yahtzee, 11 a.m.; hosting the memory cafe, 2 p.m.

Wednesday: “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?” game show, dining room, 10 a.m.; crafts,1:30 p.m.

Thursday: Coffee in dining room, 10 a.m.; bunny visit, 11 a.m.; phase 10, 1:30 p.m.

Friday: Bible study, 10:30 a.m.; fun with music, 11 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.

Saturday: Word search puzzle, 10 a.m.; family time, 2 p.m.; “Weakest Link” on PBS, 7 p.m.

Iron County Medical Care Facility

Crystal Falls

906-874-1501

Sunday: Room Visits, 9 a.m.; Yahtzee, 9:30 a.m.; chair exercise, 10:45 a.m.; room visits, 12:30 p.m.; bingorama, 2 p.m.

Monday: Crafts, 9:30 a.m.; exercise, 10:45 a.m.; Norway Senior Center, 10 a.m.; room visits, 1 p.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.; Sunshine Club, 2:30 p.m.; web browsing, 6 p.m.

Tuesday: Just friends, 9 a.m.; Catholic Mass, 10 a.m.; book club, 10:30 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.; trivia teasers, 9:45 a.m.; exercise, 10:45 a.m.; pass the prize, 2 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.; United Lutheran, 2 p.m.; happy hour with Gayle, 2:30 p.m.

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

Saturday: Puzzler/how do you feel? 9:30 a.m.; geri gym, 11 a.m.; social hour, 2 p.m.; classical movie, 6 p.m.

Optalis Healthcare

Kingsford

906-774-4805

Sunday: Devotional, 9:30 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; movie time, 1 p.m.

Monday: Coffee klatch, 9:30 a.m.; chair yoga, 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.

Tuesday: Coffee klatch, 9:30 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; shop op, 2 p.m.

Wednesday: Coffee klatch, 9:30 a.m.; name five, 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; Our Savior Lutheran Church, 2 p.m.

Thursday: Coffee klatch, 9:30 a.m.; name five, 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; trivia and snacks, 2 p.m.

Friday: Coffee klatch, 9:30 a.m.; name five, 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.

Saturday: Manicures, 9:30 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; arts and crafts, 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: Uno, 10 a.m.; Packers vs. Cardinals, noon; delivery of communion, 12:30 p.m.; Packers tailgate, 1:30 p.m.; church service, 2:30 p.m.;

Monday: Rosary/communion service, 9 a.m.; pamper and polish, 10 a.m.; board games, 2 p.m.

Tuesday: Rosary/communion service, 9 a.m.; Protestant service, 10 a.m.; Pictionary, 10:15 a.m.; bowling, 2 p.m.; Chaplet of Divine Mercy, 3 p.m.

Wednesday: Rosary/communion service, 9 a.m.; cidermaker social, 10:15 a.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 a.m.; resident council, 1 p.m.; making caramel apples 2 p.m.; Chaplet of Divine Mercy, 3 p.m.

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

Saturday: Yahtzee, 10 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.

Northshore Healthcare

Florence, Wis.

715-528-4833

Sunday: Independent activities

Monday: Group puzzle, 10 a.m.; bean bag toss, 2 p.m.

Tuesday: Halloween coloring pages, 10 a.m.; manicure, 2 p.m.

Wednesday: Chair exercise and music, 10 a.m.; painting, 10:30 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.

Thursday: Pastor Jason, 10 a.m.; Halloween crafts, 10:30 a.m.; brain teaser, 2 p.m.

Friday: Catholic communion, 10 a.m.; Pastor Cathy, 10 a.m.; movie, 2 p.m.; group puzzle, 2:30 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; off to the races, 10 a.m.; trivia, 11:15 a.m.; church services, 1:30 p.m.; root beer floats, 2:30 p.m.; daily chronicles, coloring pages.

Monday: Morning visits and reality orientation; open room, 9:30 a.m.; travelogue — Borneo, 11 a.m.; manicure Monday, 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.; juice hour, 11 a.m.; bingo, 1:45 p.m.; off to the races, 4 p.m.; daily chronicles, Family Dollar shopping.

Wednesday: Morning visits and reality orientation; open room, 9:30 a.m.; pondering prompts, 11 a.m.; crafty Wednesday, 1:45 p.m.; off to the races, 4 p.m.; daily chronicles.

Thursday: Morning visits and reality orientation; open room, 9:30 a.m.; wacky wordies, 11 a.m.; bingo, 1:45 p.m.; karaoke, 4 p.m.; daily chronicles, lunch outing/Knight Owl.

Friday: Morning visits and reality orientation; Catholic Mass, 10:30 a.m.; “Jeopardy,” 11 a.m.; Marian Linder, 2 p.m.; book club, 4 p.m.; bologna, 6 p.m.; daily chronicles.

Saturday: Morning visits and reality orientation; exercise group, 10 a.m.; trivia, 11:15 a.m.; bingo, 1:45 p.m.; one-to-one visits, 3 p.m.; daily chronicles; activity packets.

SENIOR CENTERS

Amasa Center

906-822-7284

Menu for the week —

Tuesday: Country-fried steak, mashed potatoes with country gravy, green beans.

Wednesday: Chili dog with cheese, baked fries, macaroni and cheese, Jell-O.

Thursday: Tater tot casserole, candied carrots, biscuit.

Breen Center

Kingsford

906-774-5110

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

Monday: Spaghetti and meatballs, green beans, garlic toast.

Tuesday: Hamburger gravy over mashed potatoes, buttered carrots, dinner roll.

Wednesday: Chili, cornbread, side salad.

Thursday: Beef cube steak, mashed potatoes, green beans, biscuit.

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 the center by 1 p.m. to make reservations or 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: Shepherd’s pie, dinner roll.

Tuesday: Barbecue chicken, rice pilaf.

Wednesday: Cheese cod, parsley boiled potatoes.

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

Monday: Swedish meatballs, buttered noodles, mixed vegetables, dinner roll.

Tuesday: Shredded barbecue chicken on a hoagie, sweet potato with butter, steamed carrots, dessert.

Wednesday: Hearty beef stew, pickled beets, whole wheat dinner roll.

Thursday: Liver and onions, roasted garlic potatoes, green beans, biscuit.

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: Swedish meatballs, buttered noodles, mixed vegetables, dinner roll.

Tuesday: Shredded barbecue chicken on a hoagie, sweet potato with butter, steamed carrots, dessert.

Wednesday: Hearty beef stew, pickled beets, whole wheat dinner roll.

Thursday: Liver and onions, roasted garlic potatoes, green beans, biscuit.

Friday: Cheese ravioli with marinara sauce, Italian vegetables, garlic bread.

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 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: Liver and onions, roasted garlic potatoes, asparagus.

Tuesday: Sack lunch — Turkey and cheese wrap, spinach and iceberg lettuce salad, string cheese, yogurt parfait.

Wednesday: Evening meal — Meat loaf, mashed potatoes, broccoli bake, dessert.

Note: All meals served with skim milk or juice.

Home-delivered meals —

Monday: Swedish meatballs, buttered noodles, mixed vegetables, dinner roll.

Tuesday: Shredded barbecue chicken on a hoagie, sweet potato with butter, steamed carrots, dessert.

Wednesday: Hearty beef stew, pickled beets, whole wheat dinner roll.

Aging and Disability Resource Center

Florence County, Wis.

715-528-4890

Director: Tiffany White

Menu for the week —

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

Tuesday: Swedish meatballs over noodles, side salad, broccoli, fruit.

Wednesday: Hot pork sandwich, mashed potatoes, candied carrots, fruit.

Thursday: Cheeseburger tater tot casserole, cauliflower, fruit.

Friday: Beer-battered fish, sweet potato fries, baked beans, 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 on site 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. Now open, serving 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: Sloppy Joe, whole wheat hamburger bun, cook’s choice vegetable, oven potatoes, diced pears.

Tuesday: Bourbon chicken breast, baked potato, Capri blend vegetables, fruited yogurt, whole wheat bread.

Wednesday: Meatloaf, boiled potatoes, corn, apple slices, whole wheat bread.

Thursday: Cream of broccoli soup, meat sandwich, whole wheat sandwich bread, three bean salad, tropical fruit.

Friday: Beef pasty, broccoli, 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 are available. Menu for the week —

Monday: Swedish meatballs, buttered noodles, mixed vegetables, dinner roll.

Tuesday: Chili cheese dog, baked fries, macaroni and cheese, pudding cup.

Wednesday: Honey mustard chicken, potatoes, broccoli with cheese, apple crisp.

Thursday: Lasagna, green beans, garlic breadstick.

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

Niagara Senior Center/Café

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: Pork chop, parsley potatoes, green beans, applesauce, dinner roll.

Wednesday: Egg salad sandwich, broccoli salad, fresh banana, cookie.

Thursday: Baked fish, sweet potato tots, baked beans, cole slaw, wheat bread.

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. Please let staff know in advance if planning to dine in or pick up. Menu for the week —

Monday: Sloppy Joes, tater barrels, green beans.

Tuesday: Breakfast bake, sausage, hash brown potatoes.

Wednesday: Two Meal Day — 11 a.m., chef salad with ham, chicken, hard-boiled egg and breadstick; 4 p.m., barbecued ribs, mashed potatoes and gravy, carrots.

Thursday: Cheese ravioli, garlic bread, wax beans.

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

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 more 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. Menu for the week —

Tuesday: Sloppy Joe with bun, baked macaroni and cheese, sweet potato fries.

Wednesday: Boiled dinner, biscuit, applesauce.

Thursday: Meat loaf, mashed potatoes, candied carrots.

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

Home-delivered meals —

Monday: Swedish meatballs, buttered noodles, mixed vegetables, dinner roll.

Tuesday: Shredded barbecue chicken on a hoagie, sweet potato with butter, steamed carrots, dessert.

Wednesday: Hearty beef stew, pickled beets, whole wheat dinner roll.