After a lengthy absence, our Danish class reassembled today. It was good to be with those dear sisters again. I enjoy them immensely. Did I tell you we are reading "Pippi Longstocking?" Well, "Pippi Langstromper" in Danish. It is great fun. Among other books we have read are "Little Nutbrown Hare," and "Curious George" - aka "Peder Pedal" in Danish.
SK helps me with my homework, and gets caught up in the story. Mette assigns us 3 pages to read and translate, and he can't stop with three. He wants to find out what happens in 5 pages etc. I should be working on this daily, but I have let it go for awhile, and am behind....so I hope to get back on schedule. I also have not been reading as much in the Book of Mormon to stay on schedule. Slacker!
I enjoy the companionship of the other ladies. We spend so much time with the YSAs, and I love the time with them....and I love them. They have so much enthusiasm and energy....and life for them is fast-paced and exciting with its' ups and downs. But being with women closer to my own age brings a different kind of enjoyment. It is relaxed....comfortable.....heart-warming.
Mette has some grand activities planned for us for the next six weeks of class. In July, Pam and her husband will be leaving for her home in Utah. And since it won't be too long after that we will depart for Arizona, we made the decision to stop the classes at the end of June. I will miss the classes and the sisterhood.
We attended the temple with the YSAs this evening. This was the first night it was open after a 2-week closure. It was beautiful. We had about 10 of our young people there....and it was deeply satisfying to be there with them. They have an appreciation and love for the temple that I didn't have at that age. They go out of a desire to be there and draw from the strength and inspiration that is available in the sacred House of the Lord.
As I type, I hear the pitter-patter of the rain outside....it is a soft soothing sound. There is an occasional voice out on the lake path, and a faint clanking from some metal somewhere far away. I love having the windows open.
My sweet friend Doris is doing well. I called her earlier this week, and I am so happy that she sounds like her old self. I just know that someday she will make one of the dearest relief society presidents possible. She invited SK and me to her fiancee's birthday party on Saturday. It will just be the two of them, his mother, brother and us. She was excited about it.
I love Denmark. I love the land, the landscapes, the sea, the seascapes, the old buildings and the new, the weather in all its varieties and the ducks, swans and all related birds......and so much more. But it is the wonderful relationships here that will color my memories of this place so vividly.
For that I will be eternally grateful.
Wednesday, May 13, 2015
Tuesday, May 12, 2015
"Singing in the Rain" or The Mary Poppins Rides Again
Today was Tessa's last day here, so we took a tour. It was a telephone tour Erin told us about. We loaded it up on the telephone and followed instructions. It was similar to a scavenger hunt. We were given directions and clues about finding places.
It was fun! We walked to the Copenhagen City Hall, where we began. We walked for 2 hours or so and found most of the landmarks. It was charming. As we followed the instructions, we found ourselves on old and picturesque streets right downtown. We saw some of the most famous places in town as well as some lesser know landmarks. I loved it. I can hardly wait to do it again with SK.
Tessa and I were up against a deadline, but I hope the next time, we can take our time and go in to some of the buildings on the tour. For instance, one place had us take an elevator up to the platform where we would have a 360 degree view of the city. But it didn't open til 11, and we couldn't wait around. I also want to go inside the Jewish History Museum.
It was a great way to spend her last morning here. And just to make sure that she left with a good taste in her mouth, we went to LaGlace so that she could try the premier cake cafe in Denmark! It was delicious.
We came back to the apartment in the rain. It was beautiful, but we didn't have an umbrella and we walked in pretty wet. After a quick bite of lunch, we walked to the main train station WITH the Mary Poppins umbrella unfurled and in its glory, and caught a train to the airport. Tessa checked in and I walked her down to where she would go through security. At that point I had to hoof it to get on the train. I hurried through the terminal and down the escalator to the level where the trains are. I ran to the first train there and with relief found that it was 2:44. The train ride from the airport to the main train station is 12 minutes. After 3, people over 65 can be fined a heavy fine for being on the trains....if they have the Pensionist bus/train pass. It costs considerably less than one would cost for a younger person.
But one drawback is that you can't take buses from 7 to 9 in the morning and you can't be on a train from 3 to 6 in the afternoon. I found this out the hard way and was fined 750 Krones.....over a hundred dollars.....several months ago.
Tessa and I have had a close bond since she was in YW and I was the YW president. She calls me Grandma and it just feels right. This has been a grand week to spend with her. We both have serious misgivings about our ability to handle one hundred degrees back in Gilbert, and so we will probably be commiserating in September.
I got home in time to put together a chocolate eclair cake for relief society. It was dessert night. Theresa and her sister Anne just moved in. They are YSAs, and I love them. Theresa is a pastry chef and she made 2 cakes that were soooooooo good! There was a lot of food....nearly all sweet. I had a little taste of everything and nearly went into a sugar coma.
It was so lovely to be with those sweet sisters in our little branch.
And I loved that walk today in the rain with Tessa.....but I don't think it compensated for the sweets!
It was fun! We walked to the Copenhagen City Hall, where we began. We walked for 2 hours or so and found most of the landmarks. It was charming. As we followed the instructions, we found ourselves on old and picturesque streets right downtown. We saw some of the most famous places in town as well as some lesser know landmarks. I loved it. I can hardly wait to do it again with SK.
Tessa and I were up against a deadline, but I hope the next time, we can take our time and go in to some of the buildings on the tour. For instance, one place had us take an elevator up to the platform where we would have a 360 degree view of the city. But it didn't open til 11, and we couldn't wait around. I also want to go inside the Jewish History Museum.
It was a great way to spend her last morning here. And just to make sure that she left with a good taste in her mouth, we went to LaGlace so that she could try the premier cake cafe in Denmark! It was delicious.
We came back to the apartment in the rain. It was beautiful, but we didn't have an umbrella and we walked in pretty wet. After a quick bite of lunch, we walked to the main train station WITH the Mary Poppins umbrella unfurled and in its glory, and caught a train to the airport. Tessa checked in and I walked her down to where she would go through security. At that point I had to hoof it to get on the train. I hurried through the terminal and down the escalator to the level where the trains are. I ran to the first train there and with relief found that it was 2:44. The train ride from the airport to the main train station is 12 minutes. After 3, people over 65 can be fined a heavy fine for being on the trains....if they have the Pensionist bus/train pass. It costs considerably less than one would cost for a younger person.
But one drawback is that you can't take buses from 7 to 9 in the morning and you can't be on a train from 3 to 6 in the afternoon. I found this out the hard way and was fined 750 Krones.....over a hundred dollars.....several months ago.
Tessa and I have had a close bond since she was in YW and I was the YW president. She calls me Grandma and it just feels right. This has been a grand week to spend with her. We both have serious misgivings about our ability to handle one hundred degrees back in Gilbert, and so we will probably be commiserating in September.
I got home in time to put together a chocolate eclair cake for relief society. It was dessert night. Theresa and her sister Anne just moved in. They are YSAs, and I love them. Theresa is a pastry chef and she made 2 cakes that were soooooooo good! There was a lot of food....nearly all sweet. I had a little taste of everything and nearly went into a sugar coma.
It was so lovely to be with those sweet sisters in our little branch.
And I loved that walk today in the rain with Tessa.....but I don't think it compensated for the sweets!
Monday, May 11, 2015
Taking a break
I awoke with that familiar feeling in my lower back and hip. I don't know what exactly causes it, but I think it is some kind of cramp. If I don't take care of it when it happens, it hurts for days. So, I went back to bed with some handy little heat pads ... you snap them and they heat up for about 30 minutes. And idea whose time has come!
But when I got up again the day was fast fleeing. I sat with Tessa as we ate our breakfast. I told her I was woefully behind in my Danish homework, the lesson I will give on Thursday night, and the book I am working on, and that my back was objecting. "I think I need to pull back and work on other things today," I said.
She just smiled and answered that she wouldn't object to a lazy day. She is charming when she smiles like that! I was grateful to have the time today, and she made it sound like I was doing her a favor. Isn't that a talent?
I worked on the lesson for a few hours, and then we had lunch and left for the center. We walked over...it takes less than a half hour. I love that walk! By that time of day, the weather was beautiful with the bright sunlight drenching everything in sight.
We sat at the center, while SK sat and laboriously went over the Danish homework with me. Can I just mention here that it is quite disheartening to know so little Danish at this point in time. But I am not going to let it get me down!
We had a great crowd tonight. I didn't even count, but I am thinking we had between 25 and 30. The Family Home Evening committee decided they wanted higher quality evenings on Mondays. That is very worthwhile. Ulrik, the chairman took charge tonight. He led a marvelous discussion about the kinds of things YSAs would like to discuss and that are relevant to them. He covered the board with suggestions made by nearly everyone there.
It was a great discussion and lasted over an hour. Afterwards, everyone put on their jackets and walked to a nearby landmark in Copenhagen - "The Black Diamond" a library that is made of black glass and is quite striking. The walked to it and back...in under a half hour. Upon returning, tables went up and the games began.
Tessa played Aviaja (our champion SET player) a game of SET. Tessa was the clear victor....Aviaja was so cute. She was flabbergasted...she has been the uncontested winner for so long now, she wasn't used to having to work to see sets. But Tessa was getting them so fast, it was nearly impossible to find them any faster. They both seemed to enjoy it.
The place was empty by 10:30. We said our goodbyes....tidied up, turned off the lights and locked the door. A walk past the town square, the entrance to the walking street, Tivoli (going strong, all lit up and the sounds of people having a grand time) and the now so familiar streets got us home well before midnight.
The three of us foraged for food, found chocolate and ate it while we played a couple of games of Nines. Now, it is time to hit the sack!
Tomorrow....we'll take a little walking tour of the city....have cake at LaGlace and head to the airport. Tessa will get back to school, and I will get serious about the things to be done here.
...But what a lovely little break we have had.
But when I got up again the day was fast fleeing. I sat with Tessa as we ate our breakfast. I told her I was woefully behind in my Danish homework, the lesson I will give on Thursday night, and the book I am working on, and that my back was objecting. "I think I need to pull back and work on other things today," I said.
She just smiled and answered that she wouldn't object to a lazy day. She is charming when she smiles like that! I was grateful to have the time today, and she made it sound like I was doing her a favor. Isn't that a talent?
I worked on the lesson for a few hours, and then we had lunch and left for the center. We walked over...it takes less than a half hour. I love that walk! By that time of day, the weather was beautiful with the bright sunlight drenching everything in sight.
We sat at the center, while SK sat and laboriously went over the Danish homework with me. Can I just mention here that it is quite disheartening to know so little Danish at this point in time. But I am not going to let it get me down!
We had a great crowd tonight. I didn't even count, but I am thinking we had between 25 and 30. The Family Home Evening committee decided they wanted higher quality evenings on Mondays. That is very worthwhile. Ulrik, the chairman took charge tonight. He led a marvelous discussion about the kinds of things YSAs would like to discuss and that are relevant to them. He covered the board with suggestions made by nearly everyone there.
It was a great discussion and lasted over an hour. Afterwards, everyone put on their jackets and walked to a nearby landmark in Copenhagen - "The Black Diamond" a library that is made of black glass and is quite striking. The walked to it and back...in under a half hour. Upon returning, tables went up and the games began.
Tessa played Aviaja (our champion SET player) a game of SET. Tessa was the clear victor....Aviaja was so cute. She was flabbergasted...she has been the uncontested winner for so long now, she wasn't used to having to work to see sets. But Tessa was getting them so fast, it was nearly impossible to find them any faster. They both seemed to enjoy it.
The place was empty by 10:30. We said our goodbyes....tidied up, turned off the lights and locked the door. A walk past the town square, the entrance to the walking street, Tivoli (going strong, all lit up and the sounds of people having a grand time) and the now so familiar streets got us home well before midnight.
The three of us foraged for food, found chocolate and ate it while we played a couple of games of Nines. Now, it is time to hit the sack!
Tomorrow....we'll take a little walking tour of the city....have cake at LaGlace and head to the airport. Tessa will get back to school, and I will get serious about the things to be done here.
...But what a lovely little break we have had.
Sunday, May 10, 2015
Happy Mother's Day!
As we were driving home this evening, I asked Tessa if it was still Sunday. In confusion, she questioned what I meant. "It seems like a lot longer ago than this morning that we were in church," is what I was trying to say.
Church was great. We had wonderful speakers, wonderful teachers and excellent messages to chew on. Our fairy tale prince spoke in sacrament meeting. He has been a member of the church for 7 or 8 years now, and his enthusiasm for the gospel and the power of his testimony are strong....with a sweetness that can only come from being close to the spirit.
The lesson in relief society was given by his wife Christine, whose sweet little baby must be over 2 months, maybe even three. I lose track. She talks so fast and with such delight over the message that I gave up trying to listen to her and instead, listened as closely as possible to Anne, our translator. It was about the Book of Mormon....who doesn't love that topic? We had several visitors - all from America. Anne sat surrounded by them - speaking as loudly as she dared without disrupting the Danish speakers.
One thing happened about half way through relief society. Christine asked a question, and was listening to a thoughtful answer from a class member. She glanced at her phone and then bolted from the room. The sister who was speaking looked startled, then continued her comment. A minute later, Christine returned to the room with her baby....he must have started to fuss, and her phone is a monitor - besides doing everything else.
She was greeted with several pairs of outstretched arms. She deposited little Elliot in one pair and then continued with her lesson. Every head turned and every eye watched that beautiful baby. The brief silence was interrupted by one sister, who announced to everyone, "This is our Sunday pastime." Everyone laughed since we all know exactly what she was saying.... that cuddling a little one is something women do, or at least long to do.
After lunch and down time, we went to a suburb a half hour from our apartment. The couple who own it are astonishing. They both work, they both have church responsibilities and their uncommonly large yard was gorgeous. Their home was beautiful. It is about 150 years old with thatched roof (she told us it costs about $150,000.) They have worked on it and have done all kinds of remodeling and updating to it. It looks modern AND charmingly old.
They fixed a meal that was outstanding. We were there a couple of hours, snacking on cheese, crackers, soda pop and fresh red peppers. Dinner had as a main course smoked salmon....the best salmon I have ever tasted. She made homemade bread....yum, and two salads, both of which were wonderful. It was topped off with a dessert, the base of which were meringue cookies made with hazelnuts.
We met a young man who was baptized 5 months ago. He converted to Christianity first and then with that foundation of a belief in Christ became a member of our church. He seems kind and gentle. I wasn't sitting on his end of the table but I wished I could have talked more to him.
That was the evening....we thoroughly enjoyed it. Dinner is an occasion here. A marvelous event. I wonder how I will be able to incorporate these wonderful traditions here.
We have been talking to our children since we got home. We opened a package from home....oh my goodness....chocolate....Cavenaugh's chocolate. I am in heaven! And a beautiful little necklace that says "Gratitude is the key to happiness."
It has been a glorious day. I am so grateful for so many things.....I think I will have to wait to list them!
Church was great. We had wonderful speakers, wonderful teachers and excellent messages to chew on. Our fairy tale prince spoke in sacrament meeting. He has been a member of the church for 7 or 8 years now, and his enthusiasm for the gospel and the power of his testimony are strong....with a sweetness that can only come from being close to the spirit.
The lesson in relief society was given by his wife Christine, whose sweet little baby must be over 2 months, maybe even three. I lose track. She talks so fast and with such delight over the message that I gave up trying to listen to her and instead, listened as closely as possible to Anne, our translator. It was about the Book of Mormon....who doesn't love that topic? We had several visitors - all from America. Anne sat surrounded by them - speaking as loudly as she dared without disrupting the Danish speakers.
One thing happened about half way through relief society. Christine asked a question, and was listening to a thoughtful answer from a class member. She glanced at her phone and then bolted from the room. The sister who was speaking looked startled, then continued her comment. A minute later, Christine returned to the room with her baby....he must have started to fuss, and her phone is a monitor - besides doing everything else.
She was greeted with several pairs of outstretched arms. She deposited little Elliot in one pair and then continued with her lesson. Every head turned and every eye watched that beautiful baby. The brief silence was interrupted by one sister, who announced to everyone, "This is our Sunday pastime." Everyone laughed since we all know exactly what she was saying.... that cuddling a little one is something women do, or at least long to do.
After lunch and down time, we went to a suburb a half hour from our apartment. The couple who own it are astonishing. They both work, they both have church responsibilities and their uncommonly large yard was gorgeous. Their home was beautiful. It is about 150 years old with thatched roof (she told us it costs about $150,000.) They have worked on it and have done all kinds of remodeling and updating to it. It looks modern AND charmingly old.
They fixed a meal that was outstanding. We were there a couple of hours, snacking on cheese, crackers, soda pop and fresh red peppers. Dinner had as a main course smoked salmon....the best salmon I have ever tasted. She made homemade bread....yum, and two salads, both of which were wonderful. It was topped off with a dessert, the base of which were meringue cookies made with hazelnuts.
We met a young man who was baptized 5 months ago. He converted to Christianity first and then with that foundation of a belief in Christ became a member of our church. He seems kind and gentle. I wasn't sitting on his end of the table but I wished I could have talked more to him.
That was the evening....we thoroughly enjoyed it. Dinner is an occasion here. A marvelous event. I wonder how I will be able to incorporate these wonderful traditions here.
We have been talking to our children since we got home. We opened a package from home....oh my goodness....chocolate....Cavenaugh's chocolate. I am in heaven! And a beautiful little necklace that says "Gratitude is the key to happiness."
It has been a glorious day. I am so grateful for so many things.....I think I will have to wait to list them!
Saturday, May 9, 2015
Experiencing Denmark!
Have you ever gotten up early to go to a party?
SK and I arose this morning much earlier than usual so that we could get ready and drive to one of our YSA's home for his parents' twenty-fifth anniversary. They have three YSAs...all of whom we love. One of them is a returned missionary and has been back for about a year. He is a great young man. Another is on a mission, and doing well....in South Africa. The third his their younger sister who is eighteen.
We drove over the farmlands and through a few lovely little communities which seemed to be quietly sleeping in the morning mist. The skies were dramatically cloudy, with the sun occasionally breaking through. It was cool....in every way.
We pulled up to their home, and saw a group of people waiting outside, and several cars parked along the road. After parking the car, we joined the group, were handed a piece of paper with two songs on it, and waited expectantly for a few other guests to arrive. Once they were there, Phillip began to play the saxophone, which was our cue to join in the singing.
You would think the songs would be funny, maybe even a bit raucous, but they were actually beautiful and even spiritual. Have you ever sung along with an alto sax? It is low, and I was happy to be singing in the lower registers early in the a.m.
Soon, the parents came to the door, smiling broadly, arms around each other, and in their pajamas. They stood looking at the scene around them. We finished our singing and yelled hurrah. We were welcomed and invited in the house for breakfast. There were probably about 40 of us.
The parents were so cute....and feigned surprise, like every set of parents has for who knows how long. The children are in charge generally, and Phillip and Josephine did a magnificent job of decorating the front door and driveway, the house an even the backyard. They put a spacious open white tent up in the yard with tables and benches, and had extra serving tables in the family room.
Wonderful smells wafted from the kitchen, and in just a few moments fresh breads, cheese, cinnamon rolls, fruit platters, juices, milk, hot chocolate and a variety of other things appeared. For 2 1/2 hours we visited with friends and family members, sampling the array of foods. I asked many different people about this delightful tradition.
I guess it is in honor of a marriage that has stood the test of time for 25 years. It is a cause to celebrate by all of those near and dear to the couple. It is always begun by "surprising" the couple early in the morning....waking them up to celebrate. I kind of think no one is surprised....but isn't it fun for everyone if they pretend!
The couple looked so happy....the wife seemed like a happy bride and the husband the proud groom. Once again, I experienced that Hygge that Danes are famous for.....an amazing outpouring of love from friends and family and a closeness and ease in their company.
We drove home, picked up Tessa, and headed out to FrilandsMuseet, a park about a half hour from here. It is an open-air place with something like 40 to 50 authentic old homes and farm houses which have been brought here from all over Denmark and a beyond to other islands which come under the jurisdiction of Denmark. The buildings were taken apart, shipped to this park, and reassembled to look as authentic as possible.
There was no electricity in any of them as far as I could see. It was a 2 1/2 walk around to see the structures. We didn't see them all....but we saw most of them. It was fascinating, and it was a gorgeous walk through spring-green forests and grassy fields. The park seemed to be nestled in the city, but when we began walking around, we felt like we had stepped back in time to a very rural and large old village.
Our institute director (and former mission president to the Danish Mission) told us that when new missionaries would arrive, he would take them out almost immediately to this place. He would tell them that when the first missionaries arrived in Denmark, this is what it was like for most people as far as living conditions.
I am certain that is true. It is fascinating to imagine what life was like for the people who had inhabited those places, what the people were like, if they had dreams similar to our own, and if life was so strenuous that they found little joy. I thoroughly enjoyed our time there. We stopped at a little cafe attached to the park and for quite a reasonable price ate a nice little lunch.
Not content to call it a day, we drove out to Amager to let Tessa try what is reputed to be the best ice cream (Lia claimed it is gelato....which was confirmed) in Denmark. It was excellent.
A few games of Nines had me laughing hysterically at SK. Tessa and I were the clear victors....well Tessa was....and SK is never funnier than when he is losing and feels unlucky. We were both laughing at his antics....and they are antics.
It is nice that we will call it an early day and all retire early so that we can be ready for the Sabbath day. It is a day I look forward to, and I know that Tessa will enjoy it
.
SK and I arose this morning much earlier than usual so that we could get ready and drive to one of our YSA's home for his parents' twenty-fifth anniversary. They have three YSAs...all of whom we love. One of them is a returned missionary and has been back for about a year. He is a great young man. Another is on a mission, and doing well....in South Africa. The third his their younger sister who is eighteen.
We drove over the farmlands and through a few lovely little communities which seemed to be quietly sleeping in the morning mist. The skies were dramatically cloudy, with the sun occasionally breaking through. It was cool....in every way.
We pulled up to their home, and saw a group of people waiting outside, and several cars parked along the road. After parking the car, we joined the group, were handed a piece of paper with two songs on it, and waited expectantly for a few other guests to arrive. Once they were there, Phillip began to play the saxophone, which was our cue to join in the singing.
You would think the songs would be funny, maybe even a bit raucous, but they were actually beautiful and even spiritual. Have you ever sung along with an alto sax? It is low, and I was happy to be singing in the lower registers early in the a.m.
Soon, the parents came to the door, smiling broadly, arms around each other, and in their pajamas. They stood looking at the scene around them. We finished our singing and yelled hurrah. We were welcomed and invited in the house for breakfast. There were probably about 40 of us.
The parents were so cute....and feigned surprise, like every set of parents has for who knows how long. The children are in charge generally, and Phillip and Josephine did a magnificent job of decorating the front door and driveway, the house an even the backyard. They put a spacious open white tent up in the yard with tables and benches, and had extra serving tables in the family room.
Wonderful smells wafted from the kitchen, and in just a few moments fresh breads, cheese, cinnamon rolls, fruit platters, juices, milk, hot chocolate and a variety of other things appeared. For 2 1/2 hours we visited with friends and family members, sampling the array of foods. I asked many different people about this delightful tradition.
I guess it is in honor of a marriage that has stood the test of time for 25 years. It is a cause to celebrate by all of those near and dear to the couple. It is always begun by "surprising" the couple early in the morning....waking them up to celebrate. I kind of think no one is surprised....but isn't it fun for everyone if they pretend!
The couple looked so happy....the wife seemed like a happy bride and the husband the proud groom. Once again, I experienced that Hygge that Danes are famous for.....an amazing outpouring of love from friends and family and a closeness and ease in their company.
We drove home, picked up Tessa, and headed out to FrilandsMuseet, a park about a half hour from here. It is an open-air place with something like 40 to 50 authentic old homes and farm houses which have been brought here from all over Denmark and a beyond to other islands which come under the jurisdiction of Denmark. The buildings were taken apart, shipped to this park, and reassembled to look as authentic as possible.
 |
I took all kinds of pictures with my telephone, but they won't download to the computer so I had to stoop to taking photos off the internet, except for the photos above of Tessa. |
There was no electricity in any of them as far as I could see. It was a 2 1/2 walk around to see the structures. We didn't see them all....but we saw most of them. It was fascinating, and it was a gorgeous walk through spring-green forests and grassy fields. The park seemed to be nestled in the city, but when we began walking around, we felt like we had stepped back in time to a very rural and large old village.
Our institute director (and former mission president to the Danish Mission) told us that when new missionaries would arrive, he would take them out almost immediately to this place. He would tell them that when the first missionaries arrived in Denmark, this is what it was like for most people as far as living conditions.
I am certain that is true. It is fascinating to imagine what life was like for the people who had inhabited those places, what the people were like, if they had dreams similar to our own, and if life was so strenuous that they found little joy. I thoroughly enjoyed our time there. We stopped at a little cafe attached to the park and for quite a reasonable price ate a nice little lunch.
Not content to call it a day, we drove out to Amager to let Tessa try what is reputed to be the best ice cream (Lia claimed it is gelato....which was confirmed) in Denmark. It was excellent.
A few games of Nines had me laughing hysterically at SK. Tessa and I were the clear victors....well Tessa was....and SK is never funnier than when he is losing and feels unlucky. We were both laughing at his antics....and they are antics.
It is nice that we will call it an early day and all retire early so that we can be ready for the Sabbath day. It is a day I look forward to, and I know that Tessa will enjoy it
Friday, May 8, 2015
Friends...Old and New.,,,,
"You can eat when you can't do anything else!" That has been a motto of SK's for longer than I can remember. It has served him well, because he loves to see new things...he loves to explore and to see all the sights. He is like a little kid that way, and eating for him is almost a burden because it takes time away from other more exciting things.
The problem comes in when those who are with him get hungry.
We drove to Frederiksborg Castle today. We saw the Carl Bloch paintings and the castle, the special exhibition of the Queen's dresses throughout her reign, and the grounds. I love that place! As we headed toward the car, Tessa mentioned that she thought we ought to get a bite to eat. I suggested that to SK who had the best of intentions...yet waited nearly an hour to stop. By then, Tessa had a bad case of car sickness and was far past eating.
We got home where she could get some rest and have a little something to eat. SK and I went shopping to get food for a party we went to tonight. Sarah, one of our beautiful YSAs has graduated from college....she got her diploma yesterday, and had a grand bash tonight. There were around 45 people there I believe.
She is Mette's daughter....I love that sweet family.
We stayed about 3 hours and enjoyed the happy atmosphere of the evening and the wonderful food. There was a wide array, including frikadeller (Danish meatballs)...pigs in a blanket (they don't call them that!), and all kinds of salad and several decadent desserts. It was great fun.
After arriving home we played a game of Nines again. We enjoy that game! Tessa has caught on quickly and either has beginner's luck or great skill or both. She won again and SK was the big loser. He has been lamenting a couple of moves that backfired on him. He is a very good sport and the most gracious of losers, but he hates to lose because he didn't think a move through.
I am going to wish you good night so I can work on the upcoming D&C lesson....and read the Book of Mormon. What a way to end a delightful day!
The problem comes in when those who are with him get hungry.
We drove to Frederiksborg Castle today. We saw the Carl Bloch paintings and the castle, the special exhibition of the Queen's dresses throughout her reign, and the grounds. I love that place! As we headed toward the car, Tessa mentioned that she thought we ought to get a bite to eat. I suggested that to SK who had the best of intentions...yet waited nearly an hour to stop. By then, Tessa had a bad case of car sickness and was far past eating.
We got home where she could get some rest and have a little something to eat. SK and I went shopping to get food for a party we went to tonight. Sarah, one of our beautiful YSAs has graduated from college....she got her diploma yesterday, and had a grand bash tonight. There were around 45 people there I believe.
She is Mette's daughter....I love that sweet family.
We stayed about 3 hours and enjoyed the happy atmosphere of the evening and the wonderful food. There was a wide array, including frikadeller (Danish meatballs)...pigs in a blanket (they don't call them that!), and all kinds of salad and several decadent desserts. It was great fun.
After arriving home we played a game of Nines again. We enjoy that game! Tessa has caught on quickly and either has beginner's luck or great skill or both. She won again and SK was the big loser. He has been lamenting a couple of moves that backfired on him. He is a very good sport and the most gracious of losers, but he hates to lose because he didn't think a move through.
I am going to wish you good night so I can work on the upcoming D&C lesson....and read the Book of Mormon. What a way to end a delightful day!
Thursday, May 7, 2015
Mexican Food - Guaranteed Success
It is 12:27 as I begin this blog. For some reason everyone stayed later than usual. I love that they like enough there to stay....goodness knows it is not a comfortable place to chill out. It is a lovely center, but there is not enough room for more than the one couch we have, so everyone sits on the classroom chairs. And while they are comfortable enough to sit in for an institute lesson or a meeting, they are not the sort of chairs you feel like spending a couple of hours in just visiting with friends.
But people stayed. We probably had a dozen or more who stayed almost until everyone left around 11:30. They had a board game going and then there were small pockets of people talking quietly, and one guy sat strumming the guitar.
Poor Tessa was fighting sleep. She helped me make cookies this morning and then we walked to Fotex to pick up the last few items for dinner. We had a quick lunch (and couldn't resist playing a game of "Nines" while we ate. It really is a fun, easy and fast game.
Tessa and I walked to the center - getting there around 4, and began our dinner...taco pileups. We made a fair amount. It is a kitchen sink dinner....you can throw all kinds of stuff together with chili and taco seasoning, then serve it on a bed of lettuce and taco chips. Top it off with diced tomatoes, grated cheddar and sour cream, and voila.....a humble little taco pileup. I think they enjoyed it. We served about 25 or so, and many had seconds. If I had made another gallon or so....I think it would have been eaten. It was so lovely to have Tessa there to help.
Our lesson tonight was given by Brother Andersen (in Danish). He is a master teacher. I struggled hard to understand, and generally knew what he was talking about. But it is frustrating because I could feel the spirit so strongly, but missed all of the beautiful details of which he spoke. Fortunately, Sarah, our cute returned missionary from Temple Square translated for Tessa....so she understood all of the lesson. That made me very happy.
I talked to several of the YSAs who said it was a fantastic lesson. Brother Andersen asked some excellent questions which elicited some incredible answers.
"What are some of the blessings of having the gospel in your life?"
When he had filled the board with their answers, he spoke for some time on the idea that if all of these blessings are available to those who will pay the price, isn't it worth doing everything possible to be worthy to receive them. He used Old Testament and New Testament scriptures to help us understand that the Restored Gospel is the fulfillment of prophecy.
It was a great day....relaxing but tiring nonetheless. Tessa has gone to bed....I hope she sleeps well. SK and I will be snoozing soon too.
But people stayed. We probably had a dozen or more who stayed almost until everyone left around 11:30. They had a board game going and then there were small pockets of people talking quietly, and one guy sat strumming the guitar.
Poor Tessa was fighting sleep. She helped me make cookies this morning and then we walked to Fotex to pick up the last few items for dinner. We had a quick lunch (and couldn't resist playing a game of "Nines" while we ate. It really is a fun, easy and fast game.
Tessa and I walked to the center - getting there around 4, and began our dinner...taco pileups. We made a fair amount. It is a kitchen sink dinner....you can throw all kinds of stuff together with chili and taco seasoning, then serve it on a bed of lettuce and taco chips. Top it off with diced tomatoes, grated cheddar and sour cream, and voila.....a humble little taco pileup. I think they enjoyed it. We served about 25 or so, and many had seconds. If I had made another gallon or so....I think it would have been eaten. It was so lovely to have Tessa there to help.
Our lesson tonight was given by Brother Andersen (in Danish). He is a master teacher. I struggled hard to understand, and generally knew what he was talking about. But it is frustrating because I could feel the spirit so strongly, but missed all of the beautiful details of which he spoke. Fortunately, Sarah, our cute returned missionary from Temple Square translated for Tessa....so she understood all of the lesson. That made me very happy.
I talked to several of the YSAs who said it was a fantastic lesson. Brother Andersen asked some excellent questions which elicited some incredible answers.
"What are some of the blessings of having the gospel in your life?"
When he had filled the board with their answers, he spoke for some time on the idea that if all of these blessings are available to those who will pay the price, isn't it worth doing everything possible to be worthy to receive them. He used Old Testament and New Testament scriptures to help us understand that the Restored Gospel is the fulfillment of prophecy.
It was a great day....relaxing but tiring nonetheless. Tessa has gone to bed....I hope she sleeps well. SK and I will be snoozing soon too.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)