Copenhagen - A Gem

I love a day like today!  We had to be home most of the day, because we had a man coming to pick up some boxes we are shipping home.  We hope to simplify getting out of the apartment, and be able to focus on getting it in tip top shape for the next couple who will live here.

We have also spent some time on working out details for Festinord.....the annual week-long Scandinavian festival for YSAs.  There are activities, classes, swimming, dances, food and inspiration on the schedule for them.  Don't tell a soul I told you this.....but all the while, we and many others are hoping there will be marriages come of this week!  It does happen....I know several people right here in the Copenhagen area who met their one and only at Festinord.

We were unsure during the registration process if we will have our own bedroom/bathroom combination.  Last summer, we had our own bedroom, but shared a kitchen and bathroom with another senior couple....the Hicks.  It was nice to visit with them in the evening and in the morning before we left for the activities.  One of the many blessings of serving a senior mission is meeting other couples who are here in this part of the world and exchange ideas of how to best fulfill our missions.

Last year, it was held in Finland....a gorgeous country, where we nearly died of heat stroke.  Finland, no doubt one of the coldest places on earth in the winter had a heat wave last summer....high temperatures and high humidity.  They are simply not equipped to handle such conditions.  But they really know how to handle the cold weather.

This year, it will be held in Denmark.  On Jutland....the mainland....connected on the southern border to Germany.  The couple in charge are well-prepared and will no doubt see that it is superb.  I must tell you though, that the common consensus among YSAs is that the Festinord of 2012 in Copenhagen was the best by far Festinord - ever.  I wasn't even here, but I am feeling uncommonly proud!

The Church of Our Lady gave permission to crowd hundreds of YSAs into the interior of that great old church where a choir sang in front of the Christus statue, and inspirational talks were given.  Activities were spectacular, swimming here in the harbors is a wonderful thing in the summer, and the food served was excellent.

I spent a great deal of the day reading old conference talks and pioneer histories.  I only have 10 minutes for my talk next Sunday, and I believe I have about 30 minutes worth.  Wow.  I love to prepare talks and lessons!!!!  Giving them is another thing.

Later in the day, SK and I needed to do some shopping, and we stopped by a little camera shop where we picked up a new charger cord for our camera.  I love walking along these streets.  I love how every little cafe, no matter how large or small will have anywhere from 2, to 7 or 8 tables and chairs out on the sidewalk where patrons sit, bare legs crossed, backs against the storefront, soaking up the sunshine and sipping drinks or daintily eating salads.  Walking to the store can be an obstacle course since the tables are right out where we normally walk....and sometimes spill into the street.

On the way home, we stopped at a little Danish restaurant where we sat right in front of the windows overlooking a busy street...and the neighborhood where we live.  We each had an open-faced sandwich on rye bread - an incredible meal.  We watched people walking by....and we talked.  The restaurant was playing American music from the 50's and 60's.

Every bite was so good, and every minute precious.  The sun was spilling over everything, and the trees gently swaying in the cool breeze.

SK took the hose off the washing machine and cleaned it out....which made the machine do a much better job of washing.  We did some housecleaning, and now we are ready for the rest of the week.