Now that we’ve turned the calendar to March, we know that spring is on its way.

Despite the unusual winter we have had, our thoughts have turned to our summer plans.

With a large population of Scandinavians in our area, we have chosen to visit there this summer, including the remarkable cities of Stockholm, Oslo, Bergen and Copenhagen, which will come alive with history.

There will be breathtaking views of the countryside with scenic rail experiences from Oslo to Myrdal and aboard the Flam Railway from Myrdal to Flam.

We will cruise the scenic Sognefjord and Naeroyfjord. Lodging will be at the majestic setting of the Stalheim Hotel, 3,000 feet above sea level.

As we visit each city, we will witness the rich history so proudly preserved. Many of you will relate to the Little Mermaid as she graces the Copenhagen Harbor.

This tour is scheduled to start on July 10 and last for 10 days. Only a few reservations remain, so call our travel numbers and make plans to join us. Remember that we have hometown pick-up and will depart from our local Walmart. Our travel number remains  507-438-3946.

Upcoming Events

• April 4: Our first outing, which will be Bachman’s Floral, Gift & Garden on Lyndale Avenue in Minneapolis. This is a place that will definitely put us in the mood for spring. The sweet smells of pansies and daffodils and of course the many other varieties in their nursery.  We will then head for the New Eagan Outlet Mall, with over 100 stores and several places to enjoy lunch. We will be departing at 8:30 a.m. from the Walmart parking lot.

• April 10: A tour of the John Deere Plant in Waterloo, Iowa, is on our list this year. This is generating a lot of interest, with a one and a half hour riding tour, which will take us through each stage of the manufacturing process. We will also visit the interactive exhibits which have an impressive array of John Deere tractors on display. The final payment date is Monday, March 25. You can stop by the Mower County Senior Center office. This trip is open to the public. We will be departing at 8 a.m. and will be returning by 6 p.m.

• May 3: Pella, Iowa’s annual Tulip Festival, located near Des Moines, Iowa. We are making an early start of 6:30 a.m. This is a one-day trip which is full of activities and a 2:30 p.m. parade. Fee is due by April 16.

A complete schedule of our tours is located on the outside overhang on the south entrance of our building. Members receive their copy each month. Regular office hours are Monday, Tuesday and Thursday,  9:30 a.m. to noon. in the Mower County Senior Center, unless we are on a tour.By  phone, we can be reached at the hour of your convenience. Messages will be returned.    

Think spring.