Friday, December 17, 2010

more S N O W


It's another SNOW day here, so the boys started their Christmas break a day early. Three snow days in two weeks... wow! I'm not big on snow {{or winter}}, but it is providing a little entertainment and stress relief for the boys. Justin and Caden were shoveling this morning and I'm sure Ty and Coleman are headed out soon to work on a snow sculpture of some type.

I finally took (and passed) my driver's license test this week, so I can actually DRIVE! It definitely wasn't without a little stress and studying! Jim took his in KS before we left so he could drive as soon as we arrived. He knew how tough it was and helped me study- it's because of him that I passed the first time. It's pretty normal to have to take it more than once, in fact I think more than half in the room with me had to re-take it. It was a 100 question test which wouldn't normally be too tough except it's Germany- the driving over here is completely different. With very few traffic lights, it's all about who has the right of way and getting used to the round-a-bouts. Now, if our van would get here... we could actually go somewhere all together as a family!

A few other interesting things straight out of the study guide...
** "Inconvenience" is to make more noise than necessary including letting the engine idle for more than 30 seconds (doesn't matter if it's cold)
** Curves- Drivers must slow down well before entering the curve and accelerate at the end (don't think they ever slow down AT ALL)
** If you run out of gas on the Autobahn, you may be fined. (Germans seem to have NO tolerance for stupidity... I do like this)
** Good Samaritan Law applies- if you don't stop at an accident to help, you will be punished by imprisonment not exceeding 1 year or by a fine. Supposedly, police set up mock accidents to test this out.
** If you're in an accident in the winter and don't have proper tires on your vehicle, another fine. Makes sense.
** All vehicles are required to have warning triangles in them in case you break down. They check this before you can even register your car.

1 comment:

Carinne said...

OK, Sheila, can I just say that you've completely changed my mind. I always thought it would be so cool to live in another country for just a little while. I've been a little jealous that you guys are off on this adventure. I watched Krista go to Guam and Kari to England. My parents were in India, etc etc. I've lived in Alaska basically my whole life and I'd love the adventure. Well, while living somewhere a bit different does sound cool. I've now decided I really don't need to ever live outside the US. Too much, too different to live instead of just visiting. :) So many things I never thought about. I feel for you. Hopefully, things will settle down soon and you'll be able to just enjoy it.