It was a day in June that we have looked forward to all winter.   The  beautiful spring weather  was ours that day as we headed for our destination Decorah, Iowa, just a short drive from Austin, a scenic area in northeast Iowa, rich  in history, museums, boutiques and bluff country.

Our first destination was the “Seed Savers Exchange.” Located on a 890-acre farm site, this 40-year-old  agricultural  farm site has been set up as a non profit mission to save and share heirloom seeds. A well-informed recent college graduate was our guide as we could touch, smell and even taste some of the over 25,000 varieties of vegetables and flowers.

Two large display gardens with the opportunity to purchase. A large gift center with hundreds of packets of all kinds were also available. This heritage farm also includes heritage chickens, cows, apple orchards, walking paths, and a n“old barn” ideal for rentals of weddings, and special occasions. This is a stop that makes for a great family outing.

Our lunch in Decorah was as one would expect in this Norwegian community. Swedish Meatballs, and all the trimmings. Rosettes and rommegrot  were also on our menu, which pleased our visiting Norwegians and the rest of us too.

The National  Norweigian-American museum and Heritage Center made this destination complete.

Immersed in Norweigian history, two tour guides accompanied us through much of the four floors. Some of the many displays included a log cabin in the 19th century lifestyle. Another room displayed the boat from Norway to Chicago,which is the smallest boat to have crossed the Atlantic Ocean without assistance.

The many beautiful rosemaling items, authentic furnishings, such as the traditional bundas (costumes) and traditional  sweaters. The gift shop was chock full of items in their heritage.  A couple hours gave us a taste  but a return visit would allow time for several more buildings which have been recently been added to their collection.

June 24  (Wednesday) “Damn Yankees”  at Ordway Theater in St. Paul is our next trip.The feeling of a real baseball game with hot dogs, peanuts, and cracker jack along with baseball memorabilia.

(This year’s mystery trip has been set for Aug. 20 [Thursday]).

Full schedule of travel is available at our Mower County Senior Center.  400 Third Ave. NE.