Of Castles, Kings, Cares and Kate (Not Necessarily in that Order)

Miss Kate turned 18 today.  She has grown up while we have been here in Denmark.  She has always seemed a trifle older....probably the oldest child thing.  She and her dad have been going from the moment they get up in the mornings til they drop into their beds at night.  I am in awe of all of the things they have been able to see.  She has been a real trouper.  I know she must be so tired.

The plan was 2 castles and then back to see the new Jurassic Park.  Bless her heart, she made it all the way through and then went to bed.  I think I will go soon too...it has been a long day.

We began our day driving an hour north to the very famous Kronborg Castle....otherwise known as Hamlet's castle in Helsingboerg on the northwestern coast of Denmark.  It is an imposing structure that overlooks the water between Denmark and Sweden.  Hamlet, Shakespeare's famous play takes place in Kronborg Castle, and it is easy to imagine the play.  Whether or not Hamlet existed, the character has been around in Nordic literature for over 800 years, reaching his pinnacle when Shakespeare wrote.

I am pretty sure that it was a good mile between the parking lot and the entrance to the castle, but the weather was dark and forboding....dramatic and mysterious.  The wind moaned through the trees and the dark sea lapped against the shore.  It was great.

We trooped through the great halls and official rooms, and then down into the dungeons.....well, I don't think they were really dungeons, but they were very dark, windowless, cold and damp.  There were little passageways and long oddly-shaped rooms.  It was fascinating.

After that interesting tour, we parted company.  SK, Derek and Kate went on to Frederiksborg Castle to see the  Carl Bloch paintings, among other things.  I walked to the train station (another mile and a half) and then took the train back into Copenhagen.

I got home with just enough time to clean up, put on a skirt and walk to the center.  It was at that  point that I discovered (to my horror) that I was missing my wallet.  I looked everywhere.  I went through my purse several times, through every pocket of every skirt, jacket, sweater and coat.  I looked through cupboards, drawers, shelves, and closets.  I tried to wander back in my mind over the last several days to remember where I had been when I had used it last.  I got sicker by the moment.  I had so many important things in there, including my temple recommend.

Finally, in defeat, I left for the center.  I was really kind of heartsick about it.  I got to the center, made a Texas sheet cake, and then visited with several individuals before Institute began.  It was a pleasant evening....a great evening with a lesson about Joseph Smith....what's not to love about that?

I love the prophet Joseph Smith.  Life was never easy for most of the Lord's prophets, but Joseph had a rough rough road for most of his time here on earth, yet, from all reports, he remained cheerful, optimistic, kind and faithful.  What he accomplished in his short time on earth is remarkable.

Notwithstanding the wonderful lesson and the wonderful visits, I had that underlying sense of uneasiness and worry.....I could not think what might have happened to that wallet.

After SK got out of the movie, he called.  After some searching, he found the wallet on the floor of the back seat of the car.  I have been full of Thanksgiving and rejoicing ever since.  What a marvelous relief!

I have also been full of Danish pastries.  SK, Derek and Kate stopped on the way home at our favorite bakery (Theresa's) and purchased several.

It seemed like a good time to celebrate.