Snowy Day....Yes! Really.

"Hey! Don't you want to say goodbye to the Middlemases?"

I opened my eyes to darkness and for a moment was completely confused.  SK had called out to me, as he headed out door to help load the car.  The clock said 4:15 - a.m. - a time of day we seldom see.  I brushed my teeth and put on my coat and hurried out into the pre-dawn chill.

President and Sister Sederholm arrived looking as fresh and wide-awake as if it were noon (and they hadn't had to get up at 3 or 3:30).  Everything was loaded into the President's car, and  Elder and Sister Thorne, Elder SK and I hugged Elder and Sister Middlemas goodbye and they were off.  The Middlemases were excited and happy....they have said all of their goodbyes and now they are ready to go home.  They are good people who have served well these past 18 months.

As I write, they must still be winging their way west somewhere between Copenhagen and Salt Lake.

Longing for more sleep we crawled back into bed, but 7:30 came all too fast.  We dropped the Thornes off at the office and then continued on our way to Slagelse, a town west of here about an hour.

Did I mention it snowed all morning?  March 31st?  While Arizona is having record heat?

Our first stop was at the apartment of the sisters....2 adorable and energetic young women.  When we entered their apartment, one of them was making pico de gallo!  She fried up some flour tortilla strips and offered us some of that delightful snack.  Wow.....it was so good.  She has discovered cilantro and she knows what to do with it!

Isn't this little street cute?  See the snow on the cars?

Next to me is Sister Floyd and then Sister Reed...look, they have flowers on the table...isn't that cute?

They had remodeled the apartment....taking apart the bunk beds and hauling piece by piece into the living room area. They showed us the very out-of-the-way mold they had discovered and how they had taken care of it. (Mold here in this damp climate is an ongoing problem and battle.)  It was behind the heating unit with about an inch of space between it and the wall.  They duct-taped two chop sticks together and taped a sponge onto that.....which they dipped into soapy solution, and then scrubbed the entire area.  It was followed by a bleach solution.  They have been very effective in vanquishing the offending vermin.

Their original bedroom was - I am serious - the size of a normal walk-in closet.  So they now have their beds in the "multi-purpose" room, where their desks are, as well as a couch and a very small table and chairs.  They have arranged and decorated the room in a very charming way......and then they showed us their old bedroom...which - they proudly announced - is now a walk-in closet!

It is on the second story of an old old building sitting on an old old street....and it is quaint.  It is a perfect place for missionaries to remember for the next 60 years of their lives.  What's not to love about bicycling down a street like that and living in a place that looks like it could have housed Hans Christian Andersen?

We next visited the elders.  They live about 10 minutes away from the sisters and are on the top floor of a multi-storied building.  I think it may have 5 floors.  Whatever it was, it was about my limit as I followed them up the stairway.  There were two other elders there today and they were going on "splits."  They had come from Frederiksberg to give their monthly reports and while there, each Frederiksberg elder split from his companion and went out tracting with one of the Slagelse elders.

All four were sparkling clean, wearing freshly-pressed white shirts and ties.  Their whole apartment could fit into an average-sized family room.  They gave us the grand tour and we talked to them about how to take care of some of the cleaning.

I hated to leave them.  They are so young and so idealistic and full of faith.  They talked about their experiences as missionaries.  They showed us the shower, which they are scrubbing one at a time until they have the whole shower clean....it looks pretty bad.....except for where they have scrubbed.  I was really impressed with all four of them.

I was impressed with all 6 of the young missionaries we saw today.  They talk so easily about the gospel and with enthusiasm about the people they are teaching.  They have not been away from home for long, and they shoulder a fair amount of responsibility in just taking care of an apartment.  They love their little apartments, and they learn how to make repairs or how to do without.  They organize service projects for people, they encourage and befriend, and they spend their days trying to get people to listen.

I love those kids!

On the way back to Copenhagen, we drove through a little town to take a picture of a special street.

Does it look familiar?

This is the beautiful little drawing we found in a flea market back in January dated 1910.

March....Came in Like a Lion......Going Out Like a .... Lion

SK bolted out of bed mumbling, "I'm way late!"  He threw on some clothes and hurried out into the blustery cold weather to the center.  He was supposed to meet workmen there and stay while they did some repairs in the kitchen.  We didn't reset the clock yesterday, and it glowed green through the night - one hour earlier than it should have been.  Denmark went on Daylight Savings Time yesterday.

We made it to church and our other meetings just fine, but we were both snoozing happily at 7:30.  Each time I looked at the clock through the night I was happy to see that there were still plenty of sleeping hours ahead......little did I know that one of those hours had magically disappeared.

He was an hour and a half late, but they hadn't gotten there yet.  He ended up staying until nearly 3 in the afternoon.  He came home rumpled and unshaven and drove me over to the center.  He returned home and cleaned up and then joined me.

At 6:55, we had only 5 or 6 YSAs there, but by 7:15 we had 20 or so.  Amazing how that happens.  We never have the same number that we have on Thursdays because those who still live with their parents are encouraged to have Family Home Evening with their families at home.

The young elders gave the message...about Easter, and then we watched the new film (probably less than 2 minutes) from the Church about the Savior.  If you haven't seen it yet, you really ought to watch:
http://www.mormon.org/easter?cid=HP_FR_3-27-2015_dMIS_fMRMN_xLIDyL1-A_

There was a great activity, which SK participated in and loved.

Afterwards board games as usual....and visiting.  It is always so enjoyable.  Jonathan, our dynamic young RM from the French mission showed me a couple of things he has been working on.  He is amazing.  I always look forward to seeing him, because I learn something new every time.

I talked to Heidi and heard some marvelous things about her mission on Temple Square.  She is wonderful.  Our newest member, a lovely young woman shared some of the feelings she has about the gospel....it infuses everything she says.  She is so happy.

SK talked at length to an investigator about the Book of Mormon.  I know what he said is true, and I hope the young man was listening and felt the spirit of SK's testimony.

Time for bed....we are getting up at 4:30 to say goodbye to Elder and Sister Middlemas and then we will be on the road to inspect 2 missionary apartments about an hour's drive from here.

Looking Back, Looking Forward.....

Rain was  the order of the day and will be for the next several days (except for the day that snow is forecast).  It doesn't seem like we have had much rain lately.  We have had a lot of gray days and we have had a few glorious days of sunshine, but the Mary Poppins has not been in use for some time...it sits forlornly in the corner.

We went to our little branch for all three meetings, which were marvelous.  I love the people in that branch.  Thea, one of our YSAs has been ill.  She has soft brown curls and gorgeous blue eyes and a radiant smile.  We haven't seen her in a couple of weeks.  She assured me today that she wasn't sick that long, but has just been very busy at school and work.

I taught the gospel doctrine class....I enjoy the preparation so very much.  It is always a challenge to present it in such a way that it is interesting.  I so enjoy the YSAs in there.  They are intelligent and witty.  Benjamin  bore his testimony today and it touched my heart.

We stayed after church so that SK could have a home teaching interview and so Elder Thorne could do some home teaching.  By the time we got home, the afternoon was waning.  We sat and studied and then left for the center where we had a student council meeting.

The council meeting was constructive and helpful in planning for April.  They have put a bunch of things on the calendar.  And they are good things.  This coming week, besides our usual days there, we will be there on Saturday and Sunday for sessions of conference, and we will serve a meal on Sunday.  SK made a suggestions that should work great, and make the preparation much simpler.  We will be inspecting missionary apartments on Tuesday, and I think the week will fly by.

It has got to slow down here, so I can soak up these final months here.

We left the meeting a few minutes early so that we could get to President Sederholm's house.  All of the Copenhagen/Fredericksberg senior missionaries were there for dinner to honor Elder and Sister Middlemas, who have spent the last few days seeing the places they served and saying their farewells to the people they have come to love.  When they left the ward members of Aalborg, they all assembled in the church lobby and sang "God Be With You."

I know Sister Middlemas has a headache from all the crying she has done.  After a lovely dinner, President Sederholm asked both Elder and Sister Middlemas to bear their testimonies.....there were more tears and some very inspired messages about how, where and why they have served these past 18 months.

Back left: Sister Hamblin, SK and me.  Sitting down: Sister Middlemas and Elder Middlemas

Elder and Sister Freeman have been serving in Iceland these past 18 months and will be leaving for home within another 2 weeks.  Of the eight who departed Utah for Copenhagen on October 10, 2013 there will only be Sister Hamblin, SK and I left until we depart for home on August 28.  It makes me so sad to see them leave, but I am happy for them.  They are making the transition now from the heart-wrenching good-byes to looking forward to seeing their precious grandchildren and children.

I can hardly believe it.  It can't have been that long since we all landed on Danish soil together....October 11, 2013.

Sweet Contentment

Although snow has been predicted for next week (April!!!!), I can't escape the idea that Spring is here.  The temperatures are pretty constant in the 40's and it is cold in our apartment, and so far I haven't seen much in the way of buds and blossoms.  But it feels like the earth is getting ready break forth in a glorious new season.

In fact, the only real sign, if it could be called a sign is how plump the rats and pigeons are.  I guess their winter stores were plentiful....either that or they have found a very reliable food source in the here and now.

Our YSAs had a temple session today, and I fixed lunch for the get-together afterwards at the center.  I left before nine....needing plenty of time to get everything ready.  As usual, I was in the dark about how many would be there.  I fixed two large 13 X 9 inch pans of baked ziti, thinking that was at least 24 decent servings.  That stuff smells so good during the process of preparation!!...all the garlic, fresh basil and sausage.  Yum.  I love it when the YSAs come through the door and breathe in the scents wafting through the center.  You can see the delight of anticipation on their faces.

Everything but the oregano-infused white sauce

Mixed with the sauce, topped with Italian bread crumbs and ready to bake.  Thanks Erin and Ethan for a winner of a recipe!

Other than that, I just had warm rolls....30 of them.  When all was said and done, we served 16....and it was all eaten!!!....But we could have still served 24, without serving seconds.

For dessert, I made chocolate eclair cake.  That was a hit as well.

We had a visitor from California.  Amy is a young woman who served a mission on Temple Square in Salt Lake with our own Heidi from Copenhagen.  They have stayed close.  Amy also lived here for 9 months as an exchange student.  She was delightful.

When Doris came to help me, both Heidi and Amy spent a lot of time visiting with her.  They both know the gospel well and are both so very articulate in explaining things.  Doris asked a few questions and they were wonderful in their responses.  It is a joy to sit back and listen.

Doris is engaged!  Her boyfriend asked her to marry him and gave her a beautiful diamond ring.  They will marry in November in Peru.  I am so pleased for her.

Home to laundry, some cleaning and preparation for gospel doctrine tomorrow.  Jesus and miracles in the New Testament.

Great day!

Enough....and to Spare....We Hope

I didn't work in the temple today.  I need a day to do laundry, shopping and food preparation, especially when we have two meals in a week.  Tomorrow there will be a YSA temple day.  We have scheduled baptisms, although there may be some who opt to do other things.

Two other stakes are invited, and on the Facebook invitation, 20 people have responded that they will be with us.  Unfotunately, we do not know if that was a yes for the temple or for lunch tomorrow after the temple.  And as it stands now, we do not know if the 20 could in point of fact be 10 or 40.  With some coming from far away, there is no telling if they will come to the center or do some sight-seeing around Copenhagen.

We were originally going to meet in the church by the temple for lunch and visiting, but a funeral is being held there tomorrow, and we thought it best not to have a room full of enthusiastic YSAs during that time, so we will be at the center.  That is easier for me.

But it the meantime, I am trying to fix enough but not too much....whew.....I haven't quite mastered that.  So I am making what I think will serve 24 to 36 depending upon the size of the servings.  We'll just go from there and hope.  It always turns out, one way or another.

Doris was ill today and cancelled, but we talked on the telephone for a LONG time.  She is going through some rough times, but the good news is that she is officially engaged to her boyfriend and it looks like the wedding will be in November!  I am very happy for her.

She will come to the center in the morning and help me prepare the lunch.  That will be nice to have that time with her.  I think she will enjoy the young people who come....how can you not?

In the meantime, I will be most happy to have her help. SK will be at the temple with the young people and will not arrive at the center until time to serve lunch.

It will be nice to visit with her during the preparation time.....women chatting while they are preparing a meal, or cleaning up afterwards, is a time-honored tradition that has been with us since the world began.

In the Kitchen Again

Way back in December our Costco Wannabe - namely "Metro" closed its doors for good in Denmark.  We made several treks to and through for the sole purpose of getting supplies for the center at a great price.  Among other things, we purchased very large cans of black beans, white beans, kidney beans, and tomato sauce.  They will come in very handy this month.

Kasper is super busy and will not be able to cook at all from now through April.  He just returned from England and will be returning in another week and a half.  He may eventually move there to work in a British restaurant for a time (for chefs...a resume of really great restaurants worked at is everything).

SK drove me to a store and waited for me while I got a few essentials to go with the supplies we already had to make white chicken chili, and then drove me to the center, where we unloaded everything into the center.....large cans of beans etc.  He returned home and relaxed for a few hours so that he could drive the car back at 6, rather than walk.  At 6, the cost of parking goes down ....to about $10 instead of $20.  Normally we walk, but this was just one of those days.

I chopped chilies, fried up a ton of chicken breasts, sauteed onions and put together  a 3 gallon pot of the chili.  It was pretty good.  I thought "This made 48 cups - which should serve 48.....but it is unlikely that we will have that many, so we will have enough to serve to the people who come to the center for lunch after the temple on Saturday."  I was very pleased with that plan.

We have been serving dinner at 6.....and at 6 p.m. we had about 10 people there.  I was feeling pretty good about this clever  plot to fix enough for two meals.  By 6:50, I don't know how many people were there, but the soup was gone!  I guess I should have thought that through a little better.

Part of the problem is that Kasper has taught me an invaluable lesson.....keep it simple.  A year ago, I would have served that soup with green salad and hot dinner rolls and a dessert.  Tonight, it was just the soup with toppings of sour cream, tortilla chips and grated cheddar cheese.  I think everyone really enjoyed it, and nearly everyone had seconds and thirds until it was gone.  I think along with the newfound simplicity, I had better plan on making more servings.

At 7, I taught the English Institute class on Sections 121, 122, 123 of the D&C.  I love those sections.  We had a nice little discussion on several points and  I was blown away by the beautiful insights and comments made by young people in the class.  Benjamin made a comment that "My Kindness Shall Not Depart From Thee" is one of his favorite songs.  I love it too, and decided to use it for our closing song.  Good idea!  It ended the lesson on a marvelous note.  Sorry about that pun.
If you would like to listen ....follow this link:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=irX0E4-mc9U

We have a young Dane who is investigating the church and who seems to enjoy being with everyone.  He is a very likable guy and very sincere.  It is always great to have new people with us.  We left around 11....which isn't too bad, especially since we had the car, and were home in less than 10 minutes.

Well, I had better plan the meal for Saturday.  We have invited a stake from Sweden and the Danish stake from Jutland.  There is no way to know beforehand how many will come, so it is best to serve something that can easily be stretched.....like spaghetti.

Doris had to cancel today and will meet me tomorrow instead....then I'll buy a few more groceries for Saturday's meal before coming home.

It is not nearly as stressful as it was a year ago....probably because of the newfound simplicity, and probably because I don't worry so much.  Everyone is really very kind.

Did I tell you one young man wants to take me on his mission with him?  Grandma/cook....it was the cutest compliment I have ever received!  If you had ever - at any time in my life - told me that I would be thought of as a good cook, I would have laughed myself silly.  Today, I find it incredibly sweet to cook for these young people, and very fulfilling when they enjoy what I fix.

President Sederholm says that his wife likes to cook for people because it is how she tells them she loves them.  I like that.  I think that is what I am doing when I fix meals for our young people....it is just a very pleasant way to let them know I think so much of them.

A Little Bit of Art and Music

Our drive up to see Lily's performance in a concert was lovely....although not nearly as long as I originally thought.  It was a 30-minute drive, mostly on a freeway and then over little one-lane country roads to the east coast of Sjaelland (the name of the island we live on).  We arrived in a town by the name of Nivaa, where a lovely little privately-owned museum was tucked away.

We love art museums!  We paid the entry fee, and then wandered around the museum enjoying art from many European countries, including Holland, Belgium and Denmark....specifically Denmark's Golden Age of Art.  We recognized some of the artists' names.

Then - Bingo!  We found five beautiful little portraits by Franz Scwartz...one of our new-found favorites.  We snapped a few pictures, we stood admiring them, we exclaimed about the delight we felt to see more of the artist's work.

This was done in pastels and it is excellent.

We moved on, and practically in the last little hallway we meandered down, we found two precious little paintings by Carl Bloch!  They were genre paintings....everyday life.  We couldn't have been more delighted in finding those very out of the way works.  I had never seen any copies of the Carl Bloch paintings....there is so little written about him, and so few of his works that have been printed and copied, except for his religious paintings, and paintings of royalty.

We found that we had more time than we thought, so we went into the small museum cafe and ordered dinner....there was only one dish on the menu for dinner, and the price was unusually reasonable for a museum cafe, so we each ordered one.

We sat for over an hour enjoying the view out the window and talking about what is coming up for the rest of the week, and planning how to work everything in. We have conflicting calendar items and it will be a challenge to get everything done.

While we were talking, young happy voices began to fill the museum, and then music.  Lily's group had arrive and began to practice their numbers.  We went into the area where the recital was held.  Lily attends an international school, and this was the music department.  The ages of the young people ranged from about 6 up to 17 (Lily was the oldest there at 17).  She was participating with the others, but she had agreed to accompany a couple of the numbers.

She is a very good pianist and we enjoyed her contribution.  She is a cute young woman and she is bright and cheerful.  She was genuinely happy that we had gone to see her.

Lily is way up at the front playing the piano...but the light makes it difficult to see her.  I wish I had asked if I could snap her picture with us.  Next time!

We had a nice visit with her before the concert, and then saw her mother afterward.  They are both such nice people!  We hugged and promised to try to attend other concerts that will be coming up.

Going South

We started out from Copenhagen around 8 a.m. to be in Ny Koebing Falster at 10:30 to inspect a missionary apartment.  This is an apartment we have inspected quite a few times over the last year and a half.  It is amazing to me how different it looks from visit to visit.

Yesterday was transfer day, so one of the missionaries was new there.  They were both cute and for some reason both seemed soooo young, perhaps because they ARE young.  Neither is over 21 I know, and I think one of them is just 19.

The first time we visited in Ny Koebing, was before Christmas, and there were three missionaries there.  They were all clean-scrubbed and happy and the apartment was cozy with Christmas decorations and letters from home hanging up.  Over the months the decorations have changed and the degree of clean has varied.

Our two young men today needed a little instruction (we sometimes forget that they are - for the most part - fresh from living at home and haven't been responsible for taking care of everything in the house.) about several things.  Fortunately, they don't seem to mind a little gentle correction from a grandma.

It was a very gray and rainy day, and their apartment looked just a little forlorn.  I taught them the 10-minute rule and had them try it out.  Stand in the middle of the room and ask, "What can I do in 10 minutes to make this room look better?"  I showed them what could be done in that amount of time in the kitchen.  I scrubbed out the sink and polished it up, and wiped down the countertops and windowsill and straightened out the spices.

I think they got the idea and seemed enthusiastic about it.  We had a nice visit with them, and forgot to take their pictures!!!!!  Argh.

We took them to McDonald's for lunch, and I think they were both very happy about that and seemed to enjoy it.  I know what you are thinking.  Hasn't it just been a couple of weeks since you vowed never again to darken the doorway of a McDonald's?  Yes, that is true.  But that was in Sweden, and this was a much superior McDonald's....although still a McDonald's.  My vow now is that we will never again go to a McDonald's unless that is the only place available.  These young missionaries haven't been "out" to eat anywhere in that city and couldn't recommend a place.

They usually eat at member homes, but here in Denmark, that amounts to maybe once a week.  In Arizona, people practically fight to see who gets to feed the missionaries, and in Utah, Kasper - who served there - said they never had to pay for a meal.  If they went to a McDonald's or whatever, someone always stepped up to pay for them!  Ah....don't tell our Danish missionaries that.

Last week, Sister Sederholm said that when the sign-up sheet came around, no one had signed up to feed the missionaries, so she took them home with her and gave them a good home-cooked meal.  She is so cute!

We went to several genbrues in the little city and found an old etching that I really like.  It was in an old frame with broken glass....so SK asked if we could just take the etching and leave the frame.  They said yes and charged us the same price!....which wasn't too bad anyway.  But they ripped the side a little bit getting it out.  It will be alright.  I will frame it when we get home.  I love the mood it imparts.

Isn't this a magnificent old tree in the middle of the town square?  Do you see me standing underneath?

This is such a beautiful little building so typical of the old churches that dot the countryside.

Not to let a good opportunity pass by, we drove further south an hour til we reached Denmark's southernmost point...Gedser.  It was beautiful there....deserted and quiet, but somehow I could feel the weight of centuries......boats and ships sailing to Denmark, people waiting patiently on the shore, a lighthouse signaling its importance....no doubt a replacement of an older one.

I can't imagine how many people have stood on this shore watching for loved ones to return.

The southern most point!

A return trip got us home in time to have a quick dinner before I had to go visiting teaching.  I have two sisters to visit....one a YSA from New Zealand - a law student.  I enjoy visiting with her.  The other is Anna, a wonderful young woman who works for Church Translation Services who is currently under the gun to get all the upcoming conference talks translated so they will be broadcast simultaneously live.

SK drove me to Sarah's, went to the center to open it for the young married's institute class, left to come and visit with Sarah for a few moments, then drove me to Anna's.  While I visited with her, he drove back to the center to lock up and then back to pick me up.

Home again, home again.  Tomorrow we do some more traveling....and shopping.  SK needs to be at the center at 7:30 a.m. for a repairman. I am doing the cooking Thursday and will need the supplies, so I can do some of the work here early Thursday.  And we are going North a couple of hours to see my young Chinese birthday sister (we share the same birthday) play and sing in a concert.  She is 15, and we have carried on a little correspondence since I first met her at her uncle's baptism well over a year ago.  I believe she is a Christian and is really a sweetheart.

I hope sometime to be able to have a really nice gospel discussion with her, and to share the testimony of my heart about our Savior and the Restored Gospel.  If the opportunity arises, I'll be ready, but if not, I will be content knowing that perhaps we have been one of many contacts preparing her to receive it.

It has been such a strong anchor source of joy and strength to SK and me, and we see it in the lives of our children, their spouses and children.  I would like cute Lily to have that gift as well.

David, Doris and Ah! Sweet Denmark

We enjoyed breakfast with Elder and Sister Middlemas before going our separate ways.  We will see them again at the end of the week for dinner with President and Sister Sederholm and the other senior missionaries.  They will spend one more night with us then before leaving for their home in the States.

They are both a bit teary-eyed as they recall the many friends they have made, the many people they have come to love, the beauty of this land and the many varied experiences they have had in the last 18 months.  How can you say good-bye to all of this?

I took a long walk around the lakes, and then SK and I walked to the center for Family Home Evening.  Is it possible that I love these young people more every week?  We had a small turn-out for the evening, but they had a marvelous time anyway.

David, the returned missionary from Arizona (he served in Mesa/Scottsdale) gave a wonderful message about tithing and testimony, and he also made the refreshments.  I'm telling you....I am learning great lessons from these guys.  He went to law school all day, and came in about six with flour, sugar, eggs, butter and jam.  He made thumbprint cookies with strawberry jam in the depression.  They were very tasty.

He had help from several other YSAs who worked to get everything done.  It may have been a case of "Too many cooks spoil the broth."  The cookies weren't spoiled, but they could have been better.  The jam oozed all over the cookies and they didn't quite get done, and got put back in the oven and came out kind of crunchy.  But the cookies tasted good!  It was fun just to watch the melee in that little kitchen.

Part of the problem was the activity.  It was all kinds of fun, and we all kept forgetting the cookies in the oven in the kitchen!  We were divided into teams and then each team had to act out a word or phrase for one of their team mates.  They stood in the front of the room going through all kinds of motions,  while the entire room echoed with everyone's laughter.

Later, I met with the outreach committee.  They are doing great things.  Morten asked for our reports from this last week and gave us our new assignments.  It is all good.  This week, we will be at the center nearly every day of the week.  When we are not there, we will be out doing missionary stuff.

And the really awesome news is that my sweet friend Doris called today to see if I would meet her for lunch this week.  You may remember that she was in my Danish class last year ... she is from Peru...and so lovely.  I am fixing the dinner and giving the lesson on Thursday, but it was the only day I could get away to meet her, so I will see her at 11 a.m. that morning.  Michael, her boyfriend has asked her to marry him!!!!!  The wedding will probably be in November.  I am thrilled for her.

We have to be up early and away tomorrow morning....to drive 2 hours to the southwest to inspect missionary apartments.  I love the opportunity just to see a little more of Denmark.  And it is always always always so nice to spend a little time with the missionaries.

Better get to bed!

Forward .....Pressing Forward

SK  and I are back up to speed.....and we needed to be today and for the coming week.  We went to our little branch.  Our branch president, our fairy tale four-year-old crown prince,  and several others were not there today due to illness.  As far as I can tell, everyone tells the same story.  They are fevered, have sore throats and congestion, and it hangs on for weeks.

One dear sister who is a year older than SK has battled with it throughout March and still has a terrible cough. Kasper came to church today and gave an absolutely wonderful talk about family search and temple work, but left immediately after the meeting....sick....with the usual lineup of symptoms.  It seems to be going around the center and the branch.  I hope it is nearing the end of its course.

After our block of meetings, we came home and ate a light lunch in the half hour before leaving for another ward's sacrament meeting, where Christian - a tall young fair-headed 18-year-old spoke.  He will be leaving on April 9 for Scotland on his mission.  17 generations back, is a Scot his family descends from, and Christian was wearing a tie in the tartan of the family.

His talk was outstanding, but I especially loved the part about there being a population of 12,000,000 there in his mission.....and he is going to give it his best shot to see that they all are introduced to the gospel and are converted.  I know he was being facetious, but don't you just love these young people and their optimism and enthusiasm?

Elder and Sister Middlemas said good-bye to all the dear friends they made on the little island of Bornholm where Elder served as branch president for the last several months.  President Sederholm drove the newest senior couple over (they had to take a fairy) yesterday....got them settled, stayed for church meetings today, and then drove Elder and Sister Middlemas back to Copenhagen.  They will be with us tonight.

They got here at 5:30, and we sat at the dinner table for at least a couple of hours sharing experiences and essentially bearing testimony.  It is 1 degree outside, and warm inside and we enjoyed the spiritual nature of our conversations.  Sister Middlemas and I did up the dishes while the two men continued talking.

We four are different than we were nearly 18 months ago when we met in the MTC.  Older....obviously....a few more gray hairs.....and wiser than we were.....and we probably have softer hearts.  We have seen how much the Lord loves His children - we have seen how prayers of faith are answered.  We have seen the impact of the gospel in the lives of the saints.  Elder Middlemas baptized a man and his wife 50 years ago, and at the latest count, over 1000 people are in the church from just that one couple.

I am unsure what I pictured when I dreamed of a mission long ago....but our experiences of the last year and a half are much different than whatever it was I imagined.  And every senior couple I know has different stories to tell than ours.  Our assignments and our approaches to them are so varied as to not even be in the same mission category.

A mission is an amazing experience.

The Inane and the Sublime....Thoughts on a Saturday

What a lovely day for the 2nd day of Spring!  It has been dark and cloudy all day long....and cold.  I don't think it even got up to 40 degrees.  I even brought out the portable heater again.  I had rolled up the cord and tucked it away in a closet for the people who will replace us to use next year.

SK went to the temple this morning for an hour and a half.  It makes him so happy to be there.  He works in the baptistry on Saturdays.  He came home looking kind of pale.  I think he is on the mend, but he is without energy....really dragging, and he still has the sinus thing going on.  I may have to be more aggressive in pushing him to see a doctor if he isn't feeling better by Monday.

We sat together and had lunch.  I always sit where I am facing the windows - which go floor to ceiling.  I love it.  However, two things caught me attention.....the first thing was that the sky got dramatically darker....heavy black clouds hung low and the wind picked up significantly.  The apartment got cooler.  The second thing was that activity next door got nearly frantic.

I am talking about rotter....or rats.  Plump little rats scuttled back and forth with great speed.  The last time this happened, it snowed.  I commented to SK that it must be about to snow, based on my scientific observation.  He laughed at me!

Within a half hour, light puffs of snow began wafting down to the ground.  That is when the rats settled down and stayed inside their den.  I'm telling you....those little critters know something.  When the snow comes, they go out shopping and stock up on supplies so they can sit out the cold weather watching old movies and snacking on the bread crumbs that Sister Hamblin puts out for the pigeons.

I have been studying D&C 121, 122, 123 for the lesson on Thursday.  So today while I have been working I have been listening to Truman Madsen talking about Liberty Jail (he recorded several hours of masterful lectures about the prophet Joseph Smith).  I listened to Jeffery R. Holland speaking at a CES broadcast....his topic was "Lessons From Liberty Jail."  I have read and listened to it before and never tire of it.  I also listened to a Mormon Channel panel discussion about the Liberty Jail experience, which was excellent.

All speakers talk about the utterly miserable conditions Joseph Smith and the other men with him suffered for over 5 months.....during the coldest winter on record in Missouri.  It was during that time that he was given some of the most sublime gospel messages ever recorded.  The gospel principles taught and the depth of meaning for every individual life found in those verses are exceptional.  I cannot imagine not being able to find comfort there.

One of the speakers made the point that Joseph Smith was angry when he first began to write the letter, which later was canonized and became the 121st section.  He pleaded in anguish to know where the Lord was in their great need.  As he languished in that foul place, his people were going through some of the worst trials in the history of the Church, his parents, wife and children were suffering, and the outlook for relief was grim.

Yet the revelations that came were a call to lead a Christlike life, to let worldly things dim in importance and to seek to develop the qualities that qualify for the companionship of the Spirit.  They are some of my very favorite scriptures.

We talked to SK's sister Kaye last night, wishing her a happy birthday.  She has been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and has been told that she doesn't have long to live.  She sounds like she is coming to terms with it, but it must be so very difficult.  SK and I frequently talk about the battles ahead for her. She is much in our thoughts and prayers.  She is a gentle and kind soul who has spent much of her life lovingly caring for others.

A Rose By Any Other Name

This has been a rare day.  Neither one of us even left the apartment.

SK took a nap for several hours this afternoon.  He was up and about and tried to help on Wednesday for the missionary lunch but was so pale that I worried.  I finally convinced him to just go and sit down while we got the meal on.

Thursday he was doing a little better, and took me shopping, but that wore him out too, and by the time we got to the center, he was content to just sit.  We even drove...and parked the car....which costs $20, but we figured it was worth every cent/krone.

I have asked him to see a doctor....perhaps he has an ear infection....but he refuses.  He is getting better though.  And now in the fourth week for me, I still have the remnants of the bad cold.  And maybe the bottom line is that we are getting old!....and just take a little longer to recover from something like that.  It was a bad bad cold....but I'm nearly back to normal, and another week will get SK back I am sure.

We missed the eclipse!  85%  But I am grateful to say that we would have missed it anyway....there was quite a cloud cover.  It did get darker, but it has been rather gray all day.

I too have rested.... and read and relaxed.....ah the divine r's.  I am working on the D&C lesson for next Thursday...section 121.  I love that section.

For lunch and dinner we had salads....Cafe Rio rice, beans, pico de gallo, lettuce and the cilantro lime ranch dressing.  We both agreed that it still tasted great - even without the tortillas and sweet pork. That signaled the absolute end of the Cafe Rio Salad meals.  

When Erin and Ethan were here last summer, we went to a grocery store where they - with a mixture of shock and delight - both pointed out "cilantro."

 It was something I had looked for our first Fall and Winter here - to no avail.  I had finally quit looking....assured that it didn't exist here.  Since that time, we have found several good outlets for it.  And for Mexican cooking....it is positively vital.  Part of the problem is its name:  Koriander.  I was always looking for cilantro (how foolish is that?) .....and to tell you the truth....nothing here, including salt is the same in Danish.  Why it didn't occur to me see if there was a Danish name for it is just one of those mysteries.

But the good news is that we now have that wonderful green herb that lends itself so beautifully to our favorite dishes.

Sweet Pork Salads Are Us

I could never fix Cafe Rio Salad for the center.  It is labor intensive and takes much time, especially if fixing a meal for 30 to 40, and I am on my own there pretty much.  But yesterday's lunch for the missionaries made it possible to serve it to the YSAs.

SK and I went shopping this morning to buy tomatoes, jalapenos, fresh garlic and avocados, so that we could make some more pico de gallo and guacamole, and another 15 servings of the cilantro-lime dressing that makes the salads so good.  We got home in time to spend a little bit of time with Elder and Sister Middlemas before they left for their home in Bornholm....a little Danish island off the coast of Sweden.  They will arrive late tonight and have a couple of days to get the apartment ready for the couple who will replace them on Sunday.

Elder and Sister Middlemas will come back here Sunday night and spend the night before embarking on a small round of visits to places they have served, seeing people they have come to know and love.  They will return a week later to get together with all the senior missionaries at President Sederholm's house, and then head off to Utah.  They are great people.

I spent the afternoon making a batch of cupcakes, making the pico de gallo and gathering everything I needed to make the meal tonight.  We carted a lot of stuff over to the center, and then began to reheat all of the food from our missionary zone conference....which, by the way, was yesterday, even though it seems like 2 months ago.

We went to the center as soon after 3 p.m. as we could get there and immediately began the preparations.  It took us until 6....the time we served dinner, to get all the food reheated, the lettuce chopped, the tables set and the guacamole made.

As near as I could tell, we served about 35 people, and had enough for many to have seconds.  Except for 2 young women who thought the meat was too sweet (I'm guessing most Danes would think it too sweet.)  I would say it was a great hit.  It is fun to see young people enjoying each others company while enjoying a meal.

Once again, I forgot to take pictures.  But it was a great evening, and a great day.....and that really WAS my day!

I loved getting everything ready, and I love to fix something for the missionaries - especially something they enjoy.  But yesterday and today have been somewhat difficult, mostly just in the fact that I spent a great many hours working on these meals.  It wasn't difficult.....just intense and requiring a great deal of mental and physical stamina.  I have done well getting everything done that needed to be done,....

But I am now soooo ready for bed.  Good night one and all.

Feeding The Five Thousand....OK....the Sixty

Amazing how you can plan for something for days and it comes and washes over like a tidal wave, and you are left wondering what hit.

Our zone conference was today and quite marvelous.  I have thought about and schemed for days how we could serve 60 missionaries Cafe Rio Salads.  The exact moment that Sister Sederholm asked if I would be willing to plan a lunch for zone conference, I thought "Ah....Cafe Rio Sweet Pork Salads!"

I had as much ready by this morning as I possibly could.  I got up unusually early so that I could get ready for the day, and fry up the corn tortilla strips to put on top of the salads.  Then we loaded down the car with all kinds of things needed for the lunch, including rice cookers, electric skillet, crock pot (that little red crock pot has performed heroicly for the last week....percolating through long nights and long days), bowls, dishes, ladles, and other utensils, not to mention a huge pot of black beans, a large pot of sweet pork, 8 large bags of corn chips for the tables, etc.

We managed to get to the church at 8:30, and were given permission to use the temple guest housing kitchen.  If there had been other guests, we wouldn't have been able to use it.  We received help from several young missionaries to empty the car and carry it up 3 floors to the real kitchen.

Within minutes after we arrived most of the other senior missionaries came and all began to pitch in.  We had to stop for a half hour to troop over to the temple steps to get our zone picture taken.  We all convened in the chapel for opening exercises and I rushed back to the kitchen.  I worked frantically to get everything chopped up ....then the others were released from the conference and came and together we got it all done....and ready to serve at noon.  Having all that help in the kitchen is a beautiful thing!

I meant to take pictures, but by the time we served the lunch, that was the last thing on my mind.

The lunch was an unqualified success, I am most happy to say.

We had 8 or 9 senior missionaries standing on one side of the table dishing up one thing.  One dishing the beans, one the rice, one the meat etc.  I just stood to the side and watched and listened.  The young missionaries were soooo cute!  Some of the comments were:

"You really DID fix us Cafe Rio!"

"This tastes just like the real thing!"

"I have missed this so much!"

"Cafe Rio is at the top of my list of places to go when I get home!

"You just became the most popular senior missionary!"

And there were more....all really nice statements.  I knew this group would love those salads because most of them come from areas where Cafe Rio is popular, but I was blown away by how much they really did love them.  For a brief time we worried that there wouldn't be enough - but by the time the last missionary had gone through the line, there was enough for seconds....and missionaries had all they wanted.  They went back and dished up their own salads.

We brought out the cupcakes....about 150.....and quite a few said they had eaten so much that they had no room left for dessert, but the cupcakes eventually all disappeared.  Sister Sederholm made some decadent chocolate cupcakes with a cream center and some white cupcakes with a sweet raspberry filling.  I made chocolate with chocolate icing, pumpkin with cream cheese icing and lemon with lemon cream cheese icing.  The young men and women seemed to love them all, but I received some very complimentary thank yous about the lemon cupcakes.  I like them a lot.

Here is the really sweet thing.  Not only was there enough - and to spare - but there was enough beans, rice and pork to serve tomorrow night at the center!  Kasper can't make it, and I was thinking I would have to get up and put together a dinner for the YSAs..... but now most of it is ready.  I just have to made some pico de gallo and guacamole and purchase some tortillas.....and make some more cupcakes.

It doesn't get any better than that as far as having everything go right.....see?.....  I told you....even in small matters like feeding His missionaries a meal....the Lord is in the details.

We ended the day with 9 of us seniors around the Thorne's table playing Nines.  It was a nice easy and relaxing way to end the day....I lost....but then I always do.

But I still feel like a winner......great friends who help, great young people serving the Lord, plans that actually come to fruition.... and an easy day tomorrow at the center!!!!!

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

We started our day with shopping....we got all of the things we will need for tomorrow's lunch.  It is in the church by the temple, which is quite adequate for most of the needs of the members, but sometimes it is difficult to negotiate something like a meal for a lot of people.  There are two closet kitchens....one in the relief society room behind folding doors, and one in the overflow to the chapel with a similar arrangement.

So cooking is not especially easy in such kitchens.  I think we will be able to get everything ready and served by noon.  The beans and the pork are both prepared ...and the salad dressing, and the cupcakes are ready.  The cupcakes are being refrigerated - in the car.  Ha!  All of you Arizona people who use the car for raising your dinner rolls....I know you can hardly comprehend that.

On one of his forays out to a store today, SK happened across this little procession right by one of our favorite bus stops.  This little pub is about as large as our living room....tiny.  But it is very popular....especially today On St. Patrick's Day.

I spent the day until now preparing food.  I don't mind at all....I just hope it is good.

There will be a lot of help to get the pico de gallo ready, the lime-cilantro rice and the lettuce washed and cleaned ....and the tables set.  It is lovely to have plenty of other people helping.  That is one of the nicest things about relief society....the work is spread around so that you need never carry the full load of any meal.

Our dear friends Elder and Sister Middlemas are here for the night and then tomorrow night.  They will attend the zone conference.  They will be departing for their home in less than 2 weeks.  We met them in the MTC and went through that marvelous experience there together.  We departed the Salt Lake Airport with them and 6 others, and landed in Denmark almost at the same time (a glitch in customs in London left them and Sister Hamblin at the airport until the next flight to Copenhagen.

We have been strengthened by their faith, their optimism, their cheer and their wonderful experiences here in Denmark.

Our lives have expanded dramatically since first entering that MTC ....I hear young returned missionaries express the thought that serving a mission was one of the greatest experiences that they have ever had.

I understand that....it will definitely go down in our journals as one of the best for us.

Alone - Again

I believe this was SK's last day to stay in bed.  He is definitely doing better at this time (11:30 p.m.) than he has felt in many days.  That is a good thing.  Hopefully this will be the first, only and last brush with illness we will have in Denmark!

I struck out on my own again to do some more shopping.  I found corn chips for a smoking good price at a store across the lake and down the road a ways.  I picked up several good buys that will contribute to the lunch on Wednesday.  I was without SK AND my trusty stroller cart....alas, and had to carry it all home by myself.

SK got up to drive me to the center at 3, and then he came back for me at 10:30.  I was grateful not to have to walk....either way.  I am tired.

We had a good group for Family Home Evening with a short message on tithing and then a musical game which was very funny.  Individuals got up one at a time, put head phones on and hummed along to a song, and then their team was supposed to guess what the song was.  Their styles of singing were all different, and funny.  Everyone participated and everyone had a great time.

Kasper got a large gash on his index finger when another worker was trying to open a box with a box cutter.....Kasper was trying to help....he has had several stitches and it looks pretty ugly.  He will not be able to cook the Thursday night meal, and fortunately, I have nearly everything I need to make White Chicken Chili.  There you have it!  Easy.

The YSA Council met and I am excited about the things they are planning.  I am given an assignment each week and it is fun to prepare and report.  Everything this particular committee is planning is designed to bring people into the center....people who have fallen away from the Church and people who have never heard of the Church......missionary work, as it were.

Tomorrow, I have a lot to do.....make the last batch of cupcakes....frost them and the other 6 dozen that are in the freezer.  I have another batch of beans soaking and a pork roast crock potting.  Tomorrow I will have one more pork shoulder to cook.  There are several things to get done, and if all goes smoothly, the lunch will be fine.

Actually, these are the Lord's young servants.  The lunch WILL be fine.  It is nice to know that you have divine assistance when you are doing things like this.  I know that either everything will turn out beautifully OR everything will TASTE terrific to them all.  Either is just great.

It will be fun.  I am looking forward to it.

A Day of Peace and Rest

Yes, indeed this was a quiet day of rest.  

SK was in bed most of the day....but he is beginning to sound a trifle better.

I rested at home most of the day....I awoke this morning with a bad headache, which the normal migraine meds didn't vanquish.  But they did calm it down.  I think it comes from the little portable heater being on day and night....I think it super dries the air.

So, I slept, rested, read and fixed a couple of light meals for us.

In the evening I spoke to some of our family back home.  That was a treat.

I also made several telephone calls about our lunch/zone conference on Wednesday, making assignments.

I missed seeing all our sweet friends at church, and missed the spiritual boost it always give me to be there.

And now another week.....it is like getting on a ride at Disneyland.  Once you get on the ride, it is over in no time.  These weeks are zooming by.

So a day of peace and rest every now and then is probably a good thing.

Shopping Around in Frederiksberg

A few years ago, out of curiosity, I asked a group of young women (ages 17 to 24) what it was they did to relax....what they loved to do.  I was taken aback somewhat when their reply almost to a person was "shop."  Once in a while I enjoy shopping....once in awhile.  If it is a social occasion....especially with one of my daughters, I like it.  But mostly it is drudgery I prefer NOT to do.  Online shopping is - in my humble opinion - a wonderful thing.

I went shopping today.  I had written down the best prices of all the ingredients we will need for Wednesday's lunch plus which stores in which they could be found, and I set out on foot (with the very tried and true and trusty rolling cart) to all of the nearest stores.

I found avocados for roughly 70 cents apiece which is an excellent price.  Most stores this weekend, they cost 80 to 90 cents.  I purchased 6, still wanting to compare sizes at other stores, not to mention price.  At the next store I found the pork shoulder, which was at a clearance-sale price and purchased 25 pounds.  The meat and avocados and a few other items maxed out the cart, as far as pushing it around, so I came home.

After finding space in the refrigerator for all the meat, I went out again and found other things that are quite necessary.  I missed SK though.  It is nice to have someone to visit with while I shop, and to bounce ideas off of....it is also nice to have someone who can carry a lot of stuff and push heavy carts around!

He is still in bed....having spent most of the day there.  He got up to eat a little bit a couple of times, and he actually drove me to two other stores that would have been a 45-minute bus ride with a transfer midway.  He sat in the car at both places and I hurried in and out.  I think though that he wasn't really ready to even do that.  He is really miserable, and I believe he still has a low-grade fever.  He doesn't feel warm to the touch, but he is clammy and feels like he can't get warm.

It is really disheartening to someone who hardly ever gets sick.  I don't even remember the last time he saw a doctor for a sick visit.....and I will be surprised if he actually relents and goes on Monday.  If he is not better, it would be a good idea though.  But I have heard from several others (and it has been my experience) that this hangs on for at least a couple of weeks or more.

Well, I have gathered Easter decorations for the tables and have rounded up enough table cloths to serve a sit-down meal for 60.  I have the first batch of sweet pork in the crock pot (it reheats very well), and I have 8 pounds of black beans soaking.  I have experimented with the lime-cilantro rice in the rice cooker and it works great.  I have made the final list of things to purchase on Monday, including the plates, forks, knives and cups.

I have ingredients for sandwiches, which I will take to church tomorrow.  One Sunday a month, after our block of programs, we have our SOS meeting, which stands for Sandwiches and Family History (the Danish words for both really do come out as SOS...."og" is and).  For an hour, we work together on family history and we hear the hows of many projects from experts.  It is delightful.

I am certain that SK will not be attending tomorrow, and I think that means I will take the bus....or 2 buses....to church.  That is alright.  You know I love being outside here.  But I may have to take my trusty cart again to get everything there.

Monday's shopping - it will be a lot of stuff - will be the last big shopping trip for me for awhile. And I like that just fine.

Mexican with a Danish Twist....or Vice Versa

Another day in Paradise!  The skies are that wonderful clear blue and the air is crisp and clean.  The lake is calm and the white seagulls everywhere.  Whenever someone feeds them, I know it immediately because they set up such a racket.  The air comes alive with large seagulls, and when they leave the pigeons come in to clean up any leftovers.  It is a bit chilly....which I love.  If you wear the proper clothing, you are ALWAYS comfortable.

SK however, is not comfortable.  This has been his worst day so far.  He got up and drove the Thornes to work so that he could return Victoria's dishes and trays to her workplace.  She is the sweetheart who supplied dinner last night, and today was her last day working there.....so everything had to be returned.

I would gladly have taken care of it, but I have not been behind the wheel of the car here....going on 18 months.  I know I would probably kill or maim someone.  There are so many bicyclists and pedestrians and turning a corner is a terrifying exercise in reflexes and awareness of everything around you in every direction.

He returned home and went immediately to bed, where he has been for the better part of the day.  I feel bad for him.....I remember it just seemed to get worse every day for several days and then just hung on.  Who likes being sick?

The really nice thing is that he can stay in bed for several days if necessary.  I can carry on at the center....although the YSAs really missed him Thursday.

I have been baking cupcakes, doing laundry and ironing....it has actually been a very restful day for me to.  I haven't ventured out except to get the mail.

I have also been scanning all of the grocery ads this week looking for the best prices on all of the food we will need for Wednesday.  I think I have everything planned out well enough, and am now just praying that it will be as good as it should be for those Utah missionaries who love Cafe Rio (It appears that about 95% of our young missionaries...and quite a few of the seniors are from Utah) .

While putzing in the kitchen I listened to the Mormon Channel.  Boy....that is a wonderful source of inspiration!  I listened to a program called "Conversations" where Sherri Dew was interviewed by Heidi Swinton.  I have always thought Sherri Dew is an amazing woman, but that 45-minute question-answer session was marvelous.

If you have time to listen, I think you would really enjoy this:
http://www.mormonchannel.org/listen/series/conversations-audio/sheri-dew-episode-54

And for another treat, head on over to a Cafe Rio tomorrow and have a Sweet Pork Salad.....and think of 60 of the best young people in the world enjoying that treat at the Wednesday zone conference.   Doesn't that just warm your heart?

Down and Out - 2 (Too)

This creeping cold is exactly that....it sneaks up on you, and then just slowly gets worse.  I am finally feeling better, but SK is miserable.  As I type, he is shivering in bed - freezing - and I am certain that before too long he will throw off all the covers in order to cool down.

He went with me earlier to a large store to get a new hand mixer.  There was one in the apartment when we got here, but I have worn it out!  There were two extras in the center, so I brought both home to try them out....neither worked.  The motors are fine....for whipped cream....but try to make anything thicker and you are out of luck.  No wonder they were extras.

SK felt it best to try to get a new one right away and I am most grateful since I will be making more cupcakes and frosting tomorrow and Saturday....and a mixer is certainly nice for both of these.  He didn't feel great this morning, but assumed this was as bad as it was going to get.  We drove to a big mall where the appliance store was and shopped around til we found the one we got.  We also stopped at a grocery store and bought a few items.

That was his limit....but he drove me to the center at 3, and then went back to get me at 11. He rested while I was gone, but it is hard to rest when you feel so awful.  When he came to get me, he was wearing his heavy winter coat, hat, gloves and scarf!!!!  He is a healthy guy, so something like this hits hard when it hits him.  I am hoping that the illness is short-lived.

My time at the center was enjoyable.  The young woman who has been bringing home food from her father's business will not be working there anymore.  When there has been left-over food (meals for 500 people), she has brought it on Thursday evening and it is amazing and delicious.  So it has given Kasper and me a wonderful break.  (Although I must say, Kasper is not intimidated or stressed over the meals he fixes as the center.  He sweeps in, throws everything in bowls or pans, stirs, chops, mixes, cooks, bakes and makes wonderful things.) All of us have been very grateful for Victoria and all the great food she has brought the last several weeks.

We studied the 110th section of the D&C in class, and the comments made were excellent.  We read it aloud and then talked about each verse (of 16).  Some sweet experiences were shared and some very thoughtful comments were made.

When class was over, the board games were brought out.  Afterwards, several helped me clean up and then all left.  It is fun to watch as they get ready to leave.  They stand in the narrow hallway laughing and talking and donning coats and scarves.  They go to everyone in the center, hug them and say goodbye.  I am usually in the kitchen and they are cute to give me a quick hug and smile and a wave as out the door they go smiling.

I truly enjoy those young people......so does SK.  We just need to get him feeling better again.

Wonderful Wonderful Copenhagen...Through Different Eyes

SK is getting worse....and I hope that it is at its worst.  He hardly ever gets sick.  It is basically a cold.  Colds are mostly miserable, but if he can rest for a few days, that will help.

He was banished to the upstairs while the ladies came for our Danish class...which is a good thing. The only thing he could do was rest!

The women from the class are such fun and I enjoy their company very much.  We had a simple lunch....a variation on Hawaiian Haystacks, and then we took off!!  Mette said that since I live close to the downtown area, we would eat and then do some sightseeing. My one big regret of the day is that I left in a bit of a rush, and not only did NOT take the camera, but even forgot my phone - which takes a decent picture.  One of the other ladies promised to share her photos.

I thought it sounded fun, but I had no idea just how fun it would be.  Mette had a plan....a very specific plan.  We started out over by nyhavn...the iconic little waterway lined with old and colorful buildings and businesses.  We walked all over the place...criss-crossing the walking street a couple of times and then over the bridge to ChristiansHavn, the island I have always called Amager.  I need to ask Mette about that.  Mette estimated that we walked 6 or 7 kilometers - which is between 3 and 4 miles.

Mette walked with purpose and we hurried to keep up.  She took us down fun little byways and into lovely old courtyards.  Occasionally we stopped and she would share a story out of history.  She showed us where the first Relief Society was held, where the first church meeting occurred, the old jail where early missionaries were held until they went to trial and were subsequently deported (their message was attracting many people, and it did not sit right with some, including the national church), and several places where missionaries taught out on open squares.

It was a magnificent LDS history tour of Copenhagen.

I was in heaven.  The light here on these Spring days is indescribable....sharp contrasts, and the most glorious clear air.  It is so bright nearly everyone wears sunglasses.  The temperature was in the forties....still a bit chilly - especially in the shade, but standing in the brilliant sunlight felt very comfortable.  We stopped in several of the city's historic squares.

I have volunteered at the Phoenix Art Museum for nearly twenty years.  I gave a lot of hours in service and enjoyed it tremendously.  But the real perk was the Friday morning lectures.  I loved listening and looking closely at great art.  So often, a piece of art that I had seen often would absolutely burst into my awareness like never before.  Having someone point out details, giving us whys, hows  and wherefores.

Every time it happened, it was positively delicious.  I loved the learning that took place at those lectures.  Being with Mette today was like that.  So many of the places we visited today are places I have walked by, but they had no meaning to me other than being beautiful old buildings, but today they came alive with meaning and relevance.

Later in the evening, I went to the temple to be with a small group of YSAs.  We have two temple days on the calendar monthly, and one of us tries always be there with them.  Normally, I am at the center in case anyone comes who couldn't be in the temple.  But nothing was scheduled after the temple this evening.

 It was a beautiful way to end the day.


 

There is More to Life Than Dessert...But Something Sweet is Always Nice

SK had an outing today.....to the local and newest (for us...it has been there for several years) Costco Wannabe.  Oh how I miss Costco!  We walked the 10 or 12 blocks and then toured our way through, pen and paper in hand.  Did I mention that I am in charge of the zone conference lunch on the 18th?

I thought it wise to check prices, as well as availability of all the items we will need.  We are having Cafe Rio Sweet Pork Salads.  One thing I was checking was prices on pork shoulder roasts.  One of the online recipes said that you can get a good roast at Costco for around $2 a pound.  Yes...just rub it in.

The roast there cost $5 a pound and that was the least expensive one.  I talked with a friend today who was sure I could find a better price.  The Costco Wannabees that I have come to know and love here don't ever give the false impression that their prices are better than any other store.  They just have more of everything than other places.

We went through the entire place with pen and paper writing everything down.  I think we can do it.  I tried out the rice recipe in our rice cooker, and it was pretty good, even though the bottom was too well done.  That's OK....with 3 rice cookers I think we can get everything done that morning to serve 60 ravenous young missionaries.

I have asked around to see if any of the other senior sisters could make a batch of cupcakes and have been dismayed that most don't bake anymore.  Their adult children take care of all of that now.  I have several really great cooks in our family, but I love to bake, especially if the grandchildren are going to be visiting.  I am sure someday soon I will be lambasted as a grandma who contributed to all kinds of difficulties for her grandchildren by plying them with so much unhealthy sugar.

But all the sisters will be on hand the morning of the lunch, so there will be plenty of hands to help get the meal on and that will be lovely.  I can make a batch a day between now and the lunch and freeze them and have enough, with the help of SisterSederholm, and Sister Brookes, who will each make a couple of dozen.  I want to have enough for everyone to have two each.

We attended the Relief Society Birthday Party this evening.  I believe there were 15 there, and like every other evening R.S. meeting...it was excellent.  We played some games and ate heavenly cake to celebrate.  One game we played was a quiz about early R.S.  Ellen, a dear friend who constantly amazes me with her store of knowledge about family history, church history and Danish history seemed to know all the answers.  She is a treasure.

It is exciting to know that as we gather here in Amager, hundreds of thousands will gather all over the world this month to celebrate being a part of the oldest continuous (and largest) organization for women in the world.  The organization has been responsible for much good in the world, as well as for educating women about their divine roles and their potential to grow and become so much better in this life.  President Hinckley said at one time:  "People wonder what we do for our women.  I'll tell you what we do.  We get out of their way and look with wonder at what they are accomplishing."

That is always the way I feel when I look at the collective efforts of women throughout the world who belong to this great organization.

One of the cakes was a yellow layer cake with whipped cream frosting....but not just any frosting.  Our R.S. president had melted "After Eight - After Dinner Mints".... a dark thin mint.  After melting them, she stirred them well and refrigerated them until completely cool.

She stirred the melted chocolate into whipped cream and piped it between and on top of the cake layers.  The result was heaven.

SK went to the planning meeting at the center....he took the bus and walked since Elder Thorne drove the sisters to R.S.  It was a good meeting with some planning going on for the next several months which will be dynamite.  I am excited about all that is ahead.  We will be spending more nights there since there are now more classes going on during the week.

I think he is getting what I have had.  Everyone who has had it has coughed for weeks afterwards...mine still hangs on.  I hope it doesn't get worse for him because we have so much ahead that we have to do.  We (like all missionaries) come as a couple, and for the most part ought to be together, except in cases like tonight or when just one of us is at the temple, while the other is at the center.

He is pretty good at toughing it out, but there comes a certain point when you really ought not be around other people.  I made chicken noodle soup yesterday....we'll see if it works its magic on us! You know carrots are good for you.  Maybe I ought to try another batch of those carrot cake cookies.