Tired From Having a Grand Time

Flea Markets never appealed to me.  Garage sales have held some interest for me.  Mostly, the thoughts of rummaging through old things has never been high on my list of things to do.  But there is something positively scintillating about the loppemarkeds (flea markets) and the genbrues ("used stores").  Mary, SK and I traveled about a half hour outside of Copenhagen this morning to go to a reputed "fantastic loppemarket."

It wasn't - fantastic.  It was OK....it was so-so....it was ho hum.  Frankly, I was disappointed.  We were excited to take Mary to this marvelous outdoor rummage sale, but alas, there wasn't much to it.  Someone explained that it won't get to be "marvelous" until full-scale tourist season arrives, and then it will be worth the drive.

Actually, it was worth the drive anyway.  The loppemarked was right next door to one of the most famous and beautiful old churches in Denmark, dating back centuries.  We enjoyed prowling around that ancient structure, reading plaques and pausing in reverent tones to ponder the centuries represented there.

We also thoroughly enjoyed prowling around the stalls of things for sale.  The day was clear and absolutely gorgeous and the city we were in is nearly ready to take the full-scale head-long jump into Spring.  Mary loved it.

So did I.

Later in the day, I went to Mette's birthday party.  Both SK and I were invited, and we felt like the best thing to do was for one of us to go to the party and one to be with Mary.  I would have enjoyed the evening with Mary, but since I am closer to Mette than Stan....I went to her party.  SK and Mary went grocery shopping and relaxed at home.  But first they took me to the party.

I can honestly say that I have never been a part of an evening quite like that.  There were 15 of us there.  They had rearranged their living room so that two tables end to end could fit.  The tables were beautifully set.  The meal that was served was amazing....delicious and varied foods filled the surface of the table.

The conversations during the meal were warm and friendly. Mette and Jesper are sweet hosts who made everyone feel comfortable.  Mette introduced each one of us, telling what our relationship with her is.  After we were utterly filled with delightful food, at Janet Williams' suggestion, we went around the table and each told something we liked about Mette.  I loved everything that was said and was deeply touched by the their tributes..every one of them well-deserved.

The spirit there and the sweet joy that seemed to permeate everything was edifying in a way that I can't even begin to describe.  I wonder if I am even capable of preparing and serving a meal to people I love like that one.  It is not the meal itself, but the way it was served, the manner in which we were welcomed and the kindness shown to each of us.  It makes you feel significant to be treated as if you are the most important guest who could possible be in attendance.

I don't know if I am capable enough to do that.....but I think I will try.

Pictures will follow soon.