Slow Down Time....Please

Our day started with a brisk walk down Stroeget to the cell phone company so that SK could get his telephone repaired.  They kept it for a couple of days to check it out.  Isn't it amazing how dependent we are upon these little items?  SK looked a trifle forlorn when they told him they would have to keep it.

It has been gorgeous all day.  It was slightly overcast and cool....but being out walking a couple of miles made it unnecesary to wear a coat.  I regretted having worn one, but when the wind blew, it was good to have it on.  This is June 11!  We enjoyed the walk and the sights, sounds and smells of this city.

Instead of our usual institute, we went to our stake center, where we had the diploma ceremony for all who had completed a course this year.  I thought we might have 15 or so people there, but we had nearly 30....or maybe 35.  It was a very nice program.

At this point in time, I have quit sitting by translators.  I just sit and try very hard to concentrate on what I am hearing.  I usually get the general idea, but I miss so much.  As I was listening to the meeting tonight, all of a sudden Ulrik leaned forward in his seat just behind me and whispered, "Do you want translation?"

I gratefully responded with an enthusiastic "Yes!"  And so I got nearly every word of every testimony and talk....and even the announcements.  It is probably lazy of me....but I so love those meetings, and am so grateful to get everything.

Ulrik returned from his mission in Greece several months ago, and has since become an important part of the executive committee with the YSA program.  He gives the messages on Mondays at our family home evenings.  He often teaches out of his mission notebook....notes from general authorities and scriptures.  His lessons are well-grounded in the gospel.  He does a great job of getting class participation.  He is an all-around great guy, and he is handsome!  He is currently being seen with one really great young woman (as beautiful as he is handsome)....we are excited to see them together, because they are each wonderful and, as a couple, they would be fantastic.

After the program was ended, we went to Morten's home for dinner and a get-together.  Morten and we were surprised to see so many people there.  He had asked for a yes/no response on Facebook and got about a dozen yeses, so we were somewhat shellshocked to see over 30 there.

SK and I made a quick detour to a store to pick up extra meat....but it was unnecessary.  There was plenty of everything, although I could have made more broccoli salad.  But everything got eaten.  A couple of the young women made salads and cakes and they did a great job.

Most people started leaving around 11 p.m......by 11:30, we had all finished cleaning up.  Morten's home was left just as beautiful as we found it....and it is beautiful.  One entire wall is large picture windows that look out over a large green yard, kept private by tall trees, flowering shrubs and hedges. Morten's father completed an Arizona Room a few years ago, the walls of which are glass.  Sitting at the long table there in candlelight is elegant.

We went outside and walked down the street to the car.  The sky to the north was that lovely pale blue.  When we got home nearly half hour later, the sky to the north....even in the big city was that same shade of pale blue.  SK went up on the rooftop and snapped some pictures.

The photo from outside or Morten's home refused to be downloaded to the computer, so you will have to be content with this one shot from our rooftop.

Is there any way to bottle all of this and smuggle it all home with me to Arizona?