With the awesome weather we’ve been having this fall, a sightseeing dinner cruise on the Mississippi in La Crosse, Wis., was a great choice.

The La Crosse Queen is an authentic paddle-wheeler that travels upstream on the main channel of the river with a guide explaining facts, history and local points of interest.  A nice dinner was served on the three-hour cruise with the rest of time spent on the top deck absorbing the sunshine.

Our drive began on off-interstate roads leading us to the Lansboro and Rushford area with a coffee stop at Rushford and the Lefsa Factory. The leaf drive in the rolling hills is a must during Minnesota falls.

The apple stands in La Crescent are full of many varieties of apples along with decorated pumpkins, squash and fall decorations.

The “Church Basement Ladies”  at Plymouth Playhouse was a sell-out once again as the ladies came up with more  crazy antics. A delicious lunch was served prior to the show. Word is that this show may play until next spring. Imagine so many people wanting to still see this hilarious production. Well, its happening.

On Nov. 9, the Old Log Theater presents “Everybody Loves Opal,” a classic comedy about a middle-aged recluse, and a trio of down and out con artists. There will be great fun and will feature Old Log Theater favorites Steve Schaffer and Tom Stolz.

We will also enjoy the great entrée choices you select, which includes Iowa Windsor chop,  broiled Minnesota walleye, stuffed breast of chicken and beef stroganoff, while dinning on their patio.  A choice of theater seats is also a plus and they also provide hearing devices for those needing them. Seats are still available. Fee is  now due.

The  Lundstrom’s “Country Christmas Celebration” in Lakeville will be Dec. 3, a repeat trip by popular demand. This show has a cast of 70 singers, dancers and musicians. This is a true family show. Fee is due by Nov. 1.

How soon can you make plans for The Oakridge Boys on Dec. 14 at the Mayo Civic Center? This was just recently booked and will be a special holiday segment along with their old favorites.

You will want to put this on your  Christmas list to put the real spirit in the holidays.

The Oakridge Boys will be set in a wintery setting and includes a lot of laughter and comedy along with serious segments. Reservations are now available and must be  paid within one month. Call 507-438-3946.

Lets not forget about spending New Year’s Eve together on Dec. 31.

This year’s show is the comedy “Hair Spray.”

This has been called the best show of its kind  at Chanhassen, and it will have you feeling jazzed up watching the performers having the times of their lives in this production. There will be an eloquent dinner with holiday décor to match.

Following this show, guests are invited to visit the other areas of entertainment and even dance to the Chanhassen Orchestra.

There will be a special midnight toast before we return to our overnight lodging next door.

It’s been nearly 10 years that we have taken a New Year’s Eve outing and makes for a very special night.

With special treatment throughout it still is a trip we look forward to each year. Sign-ups are open to the public, as always.

On Monday at 5 p.m. there will be a potluck reunion to share pictures and memories from our group tour west at the Mower County Senior Center.

The video, “The World’s Fastest  Indian,” is available. This is a true story about Burt Munro from New Zealand, who in 1967 set the world’s record on his motorcycle  at the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah.