“We’re off to see the Wizard” at the Marion Ross Performing Arts Theater in Albert Lea.

At 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, our motorcoach will meet at the Wal-Mart parking lot to begin our trip. It’s another mystery meal, which continues to be popular with our travelers.

This classic musical will take us on a journey from Kansas to the Land of Oz.

Join Dorothy, Scarecrow, the Tin Man, Cowardly Lion and Toto as they follow the Yellow Brick Road to the Emerald City to meet the Wizard of Oz. Of course, the show will include the familiar songs, such as: “Over the Rainbow,” “If I only had a Brain” and “The Merry Old Land of Oz.”

Coming up

•July 27, “Beauty and the Beast” at The Chanhassen Dinner Theater: This is the second of three summer shows that we have planned. Currently, all seats are taken but we do take a waiting list in case of a cancellation.

•Aug. 4, “The Lion King” at the Orpheum Theatre: This is the third show planned, and it’s one of my all-time favorites. This beloved musical is a winner of six Tony Awards, including Best Musical, and brings together one of the most imaginative creative teams on Broadway. This production continues to be a sell-out whenever it plays at theaters.

Looking ahead

As our thoughts turn to fall, (all too soon), we have another riverboat cruise planned:

•Sept. 28: We will board the “The Celebration Belle” for a four-hour, one-day cruise. There will be music, entertainment, narration and a full lunch buffet, along with the belle’s famous sticky rolls.

•Oct 4-1: Only a few spaces remain on the Motorcoach tour to the Southwest and National Balloon Fest in Albuquerque, New Mexico, but call or stop at our mower County Senior Center to pick up a complete schedule.

Our days have been beautiful with some thunderstorms included, but take advantage of each season, as this is one big reason to live in the Midwest.