Today I had a cold and did nothing all day but lay on the couch and doze off while I watched TV (it was kind of awesome, but I won't go into that now).

Since I was such a slug and didn't actually do anything worth noting, I took a photo of Something About Germany That I Think Is Really Cool And I Wish We Had In America.

I love, love, love the window shades they have here.  Ours are made of wood, and when they are down, they completely block out any light.  They also are a good insulation against the cold, and they are outside the windows so I never have to dust them.  We let them up and down by pulling that strap you see to the right of the window.  They really are rather brilliant.