Getting used to the signs again!

It is always interesting to re-adjust to the different signs. This tells you the speed limit is 30(residential street) but you also need to know that any traffic approaching from the right has the right of way, even if you are on a main road. It is a hard one to get used to.
This indicates that you are approaching an incoming street or busy driveway.
The is the sign for the bus stop. It gives the name of the stop, bus number, where it is going and also the name of the bus company.
This may be universal?? anyway, crosswalk and you must stop for it if people want to use it.
Basically...no parking! or keep the exit free/open.
I love this one! Parking only for ladies! Not sure how they monitor it but it sure is nice!

Fun with skype!

Jess and I skyped with Sharla and Chiara tonight. It is so great to be able to see and talk to them face to face. This is fun technology and makes being far away so much easier!

Running errands!

I am glad I was carrying a camera today because not only was it a beautiful day, I also saw some interesting sights. These guys were singing with gusto!
You know the song, 'Chestnuts roasting on an open fire'...well, this is the European way of doing it! The smell of the roasting chestnuts is wonderful! You have to try them more than once to acquire a taste for them. This guy's booth is on wheels and he rolls in here everyday from about October to the end of February. He has a BBQ like thing that he cooks the chestnuts in. 'Heisse Maroni/Marroni'(he has it spelled both ways on his booth) means 'hot chestnuts' and that is the best way to eat them. By the way, I do not recommend trying to roast these on your own. Leave it to these guys...they know what they are doing!

Lots of food booths open today because of the nice weather.

Tulips have arrived! Yeah! I love them! Maybe spring will arrive soon as well!

As I was downloading the above pictures, I looked outside and saw this wonderful sunset...looked much prettier in real!

One of my favorite photos...

Chiara checking out Christmas lights. Can you tell that I am a little lonesome? She is 9 months old today!

Wintery Kandern

We do not often see ice along the stream in Kandern. I love to walk this path over the covered wooden bridge. Today was sunny but cold. There is not much snow here and the forecast is for warmer weather in the next few days. We'll see!

Back in Germany!

We arrived back in Germany on Thursday, January 8. Shawna took this picture of the plane we were on as she was leaving the airport after dropping us off in San Francisco. Our flight was 'eventful'!! About 4 hours into the flight they made an announcement asking for a Dr or someone with medical expertise and then all was quiet for awhile. The next announcement was the Captain informing us that we would be landing in Iceland to 'drop off a passenger'. I think we all thought this was a medical emergency. However, it was more than that. One of the passengers got more than a little unruly and was escorted off by police officers once we landed in Iceland. The crew deserves much praise for the way they handled this. Two male attendants were successful in hand-cuffing this gentleman so he would 'behave' until we landed safely in Iceland. We spent about 1.5 hours there before cleared for take-off(minus the above passenger)...but hey, we can say we have been to Iceland!


And now back in Germany...our first outing was a German wedding.
This candle arrangement was just beautiful. The top of the candle holder is decorated with white feathers.
The pew/chair markers.
The bride and her dad.
This was on the screen in front of the church. It says 'The wedding of Eliane and Thomas.'
An interesting way to do the 'Union' candle.
Eliane and Thomas.
Eliane, the beautiful bride.
Jesse with Thomas and Eliane. Thomas did a practicum at Janz Team last year and often worked with Jesse.

My very first doll, with clothes that GGrandma made.

 

 

New Hat for Christmas!

'So... I got this new hat for Christmas.

 

I think it is pretty neat and I really do not mind wearing hats.

 

However, sometimes they fall over my eyes and I have to work pretty hard to see again.

 

Whew! I did it!'

 

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year everyone! New Years eve 2008. We are in Seattle taking care of Chiara while Mom and Dad are out celebrating their 4th Anniversary!! Shawna is in flight to Sydney, Australia. Here are a few last pictures from our wonderful Christmas in Canada.


The Smid home in the mountains!
Downtown Sun Peaks reminded us a bit of Switzerland!

Sharla and Chiara on an afternoon out.

Chiara loved riding in her new sled.