We are ready to hang up our lawn rakes and tune up the snow blowers, winter will soon be here.  Our travel schedule includes plans to enjoy some events offered in our Midwest area.

On our yearly visit to the Old Log Dinner Theater in Excelsior this past week, we saw their newest production of “Perfect Wedding.”  This family-owned theater is set in a remote quaint area with trees surrounding the theater.  Guests dine in the indoor patio area and then move across the hall to select their preferred seating in a large theater.  This theater also offers, at no charge, a hearing device for those interested.  Many tell us it assists them in enjoying the shows.

In Branson, Mo., Nov. 14-17, we will see the beginning of their Christmas shows.  This trip is on our yearly schedule most every year.  They spare no expense in their decorations.

Located about 25 miles south of Springfield, Mo, this trip makes a fairly easy drive in one day for the five shows we have planned. We are excited to once again offer the Johnny Mathis show. He only makes a couple appearance in Branson yearly.

The newest production at the Sight and Sound Theatre is Joseph, Mo. The theater is in a Biblical setting to further enhance the shows performed there. Our travelers should have their luggage tags on and be ready to depart from Walmart at 8 a.m. We will return on Saturday evening between 7 and 7:30 p.m. Please call if you need a luggage tag.

On Nov. 27 we travel to the Mall of America .  The holiday season seems like a great time to visit one of our nation’s biggest tourist attractions. The convenience of not driving and finding parking makes for a leisurely trip.

We look forward to the elaborate holiday decorations, choice of eateries, the fish aquarium and the week we have picked will feature Home and Garden Television. They will be celebrating the holidays with a gingerbread house in the Rotunda.

There are demonstrations daily and we will have a chance to meet some of the designers of the show.  We will be departing at 8:30 a.m. and return around 5:45 p.m. We do make stretch and comfort stops during our trips as needed.

On Dec. 5 will be a visit to “Bye-Bye-Birdie” at the Chanhassen Dinner Theater.

The award-winning musical is getting great reviews with its recent opening.  The story-line takes place in the ‘60s with special music of the era.

The fee is due by Nov. 8. There is a lot of interest in this show and many of the early show dates are already sold out.

We will select our noon dinner choice that day at the theater.  We will depart at 9 a.m. from Walmart. We are grateful that Walmart will offer their lot for us to use as a departure place.

From Feb. 22 to March 4, 2013 we will be in Miami and Key West, Fla. Deposit is need by Nov. 12 to secure seat on this trip. This 11 day, 10 night trip on a deluxe motor coach will include four consecutive nights in Miami and a day in Key West. We have also included a cruise on Biscayne Bay, the home of the rich and famous. On our way home, we will take a ride on the Delta River Flatboats at the Opryland Hotel in Nashville, Tenn. Seventeen meals are included on this tour.

A full schedule and itinerary is available at the Mower Senior Center. Call 507-438-3946 for more information or write to  1002 16th Street, SW  Austin, Minn., 55912.