Keep Calm and Carry On - Part III

We got into bed very very late last night, but I still awakened at 7:30 this morning.  I laid in bed under the absolutely delightful feather comforter (The reason they are wonderful is that it is dark, snowing and very cold outside.), pondering on how best to tackle the day.

Then out of the blue the telephone rang...Facetime.  Erin called and we had a wonderful visit.  As senior missionaries, we enjoy a lot of privileges that the young ones don't get, and I am so grateful.  It helps to ward off homesickness when we can keep up with everyone.....especially the grandchildren.  We hear them play piano pieces, we look at their artwork and their projects, see their new clothes and the books they are reading.  We hear about school and the temple cultural event.  It is truly a blessing.  But it was very nice to have a little quiet alone time with Erin.  

After we said goodbye, the doorbell rang.  It was the senior missionaries....with a beautiful little blossoming yellow rose plant.  They delivered a card with sweet wishes for a good day.  

Then down to business....we worked on our Danish homework, and assembled all the items that we would take to the center for dinner. One of the items was a pot full of black beans that had soaked for 24 hours and then had simmered through the night and on into the morning.

We took a bus to class...it was snowing and bleak and gray and I absolutely love it!  I never tire of looking around me at the old buildings and the myriad of shops.  

In class today, we went over days, dates and ordinal numbers.  Among other things we had to state what day our birthday was.  I had sworn SK to secrecy....don't tell anyone it is my birthday today!  But he had already told a beautiful young lady from India who sits beside us.  So when it came to be my turn I said January 17.  Well the whole class got excited and immediately asked the teacher to help us learn the Danish birthday song.  We spent about 20 minutes learning the tune, the words and the rhythm of a very fun song.   And of course, in all of the verses, "Janis" was the one they sang to.  

After only 2 hours instead of 3 we left.  I went back to our apartment to gather everything to take to the center.  SK went to the mission office to get the car (it is not our day to have it, but since we will be at the center until well after midnight, it was decided that we should have it).  He drove back to get me and all of our stuff and we have been at the center ever since.  It is now nearly eleven, and I think things are just getting started.  Many of them attended the temple, then came here to eat, and are now enjoying CRUD and other games.  Several went to the baptism of another YSA and made the long trip from the stake center to here and are a part of all the fun.

Once again, within an hour of when the dinner was to be served, we had a small crises with the food.  I made taco soup.....and one of the major ingredients is good black beans.  I told you how carefully I worked on the beans.  After all that soaking and after all that cooking, they were not done at 6.  They were still hard!!!...well...crunchy.  It is baffling to me.  Dinner was going to be served at 8.  

I got busy with the dessert...which was Boston Cream Pie.  I found a beautiful thing.  It is an 8 inch round yellow cake...one layer that has been split into three layers horizontally.  It cost two dollars!  I purchased four.  The filling turned out to be a lot more complex than I had anticipated, but it all turned out fine.  

At 7, the beans were done!  So I finished assembling the taco soup, and when people started to arrive at 8, I only had the guacamole left to make.  So once, again it all seemed to turn out well enough, and I am quite grateful. 

The best part of the evening was the time I spent with YSAs.  Earlier in the night, I kind of just circulated around, and then settled once again in the kitchen.

Well, it is now nearly 3 a.m. and we have been home about half an hour.  While we were at the center, both Melissa and Lia called and "met" several of the YSAs.  That is so wonderful!

While I was in the office with them, SK also told three of the young women that I am a descendant of Hyrum Smith.  They were mildly impressed.  Then he told them that I am also a descendant of Pochahontus.  There was a very small pause in the conversation and then a scream....and then several more.  I might as well have said that I am Justin Bieber's grandmother or something.  They talked about that for another half hour!...occasionally squealing again in delight.

The one who is most enamored with the Disney movie asked if I have a son, to which I replied "Yes, but he is 42 and married." 

She answered with a harumph and "So's my dad."

Then she asked if there was anyone else in the family line from Pochahontus who is eligible.

I told her that I have two eligible nephews...both returned missionaries....Ryan and Christopher.    At that point, all three began planning the wedding.  (I guess I better let Ryan know.)  They will of course use the theme of Pocahontus...music, costumes characters...in invitations, decorations etc.  When I answered their question about whether or not Ryan is blonde (I said yes), it set off a new round of squealing with delight.  They decided ultimately that Ryan should be the first choice because of his age, and then Christopher, and if neither of them work out, then she will wait for Zach to get home.  And if all else fails, she'll wait for Tim to get old enough.  Whatever it takes to be in the family of Pochahontus.

My face is sore from laughing.  The three of them were hilarious....just old enough to have a very well-developed sense of humor, and just young enough to enjoy being silly.  And I enjoyed it right along with them.

It has been a good day.  Thanks Kate and Melissa for your contributions to the taco soup! 

Good night.