We are settled ( I think)

I know Jim had started a few entries that were magically (and frustratingly) deleted a few days ago. Our internet connection seems to be a bit spotty at times. He has now learned the concept of frequent saving just like the old days of term papers in college. I am not sure when he will get back to them. So you get me instead. The less entertaining, but more newsy half of this unit.

We have moved out of the camper and into our apartment in Hochstadt, Germany. Now, had we not spent two weeks living together in a matchbox camper, this apartment might seem small, but our perspective has changed since we left our 5 acre ranch in MN. We feel like we live in a castle! We have three bedrooms and a futon pull out in the living room so each kid has there own bed (if not there own room). We have a functional kitchen with a typical European refrigerator that is slightly bigger than a dorm fridge! Those of you who know me well (or even just a little) know my propensity to store enough food to feed 20 guests at a moments notice- well not anymore! Fortunately, I guess, I don't know anyone here so the chance of an impromptu drop-in is much less! (If you come, however, I will run to the grocery store for you! It is only a few blocks away!)

Speaking of groceries, I never imagined the grocery store being something I would have to learn how to navigate, but I do. Picture Aldi, it is just like that but with all kinds of dairy products, pickled things and salads I do not know what to do with. Of course I want to try everything, but I have no clue where to start. I was walking back from the bakery on Saturday and met an older gentleman who used to teach at a University in Washington state. His English was great and he was excited to talk to an American . I am thinking of walking by his place everyday to get to know him better and ask him to come with me to the grocery store and explain what everything is. Does that sound strange?

Well, Daniel knows that we are not in the United States anymore. For those of you on my FB page you may have read that 10 days into our trip Daniel said to me (with complete seriousness) "You mean to tell me we are not in the United States anymore?" I have since shown him a map of the continents and explained to him that he can tell when he is in the United States when we start using American dollars again! Goofy kid!

Speaking of kids, the boys are adjusting well. Somehow without any TV, video games and only the occasional movie, they have figured out how to entertain themselves. They have found food to eat almost everywhere, and are especially fond of the Pommes Frites (french fries) that come with the tiny plastic fork. Connor plans on taking these forks to school and using them in the cafeteria. I think he hopes it to be a status symbol. It could be possible with 8 year old boys.

Michael has been a great tour guide. He is good at directing us through the various castles and museums we have been to. He is patient enought to read all of the plac cards and write ups so we don't miss anything. He plays the role as older, "wiser" (in his mind) brother perfectly!

I think I am going to enjoy having very little house to take care. Nice to feel like when I am done with my basic chores (laundry, dishes etc. ) I am actually done. Maybe when we get back we will sell the house and move into town to an apartment (can you imagine Jim in an apartment!!???). We spent our weekend touring the Rhein valley villages and plan on heading to a lake district today. I love it!

Jim started work yesterday so I am on my own with the kids. Wish me luck navigating the streets of Germany alone. If you have been here you know how narrow the roads can be, in fact I added a little dent to the rental car yesterday- bummer! We started doing school in the morning and plan on exploring in the afternoon. I hope this schedule works out.

Love to you all- know you are missed! I will encourage Jim to finish his entries when he can.