Last week my Michigan driver’s license expired, so I had to renew my license here in Minnesota. Thankfully before going to the DPS a friend warned me that I’d have to take the “knowledge test” and that it was a tricky test requiring studying. Luckily, the Minnesota Driver’s Manual was only about 100 pages long :(
While reading this manual and prepping for the test, I captured the number-related rules, and I’ll share those here for Heather or for you, my friends and family, for when you come into town for a visit.
So, here’s the Minnesota Driver’s Manual, by the numbers.
1/16 – a tire is illegal if the tread is less than 1/16 of an inch deep
3/4 – the length of time from perception of danger to using the brakes happens in 3/4 seconds
3 – applying the “3-Second Rule” is a way to help keep a safe distance between your car and the vehicle ahead of you
3 – a load must not stick out more than 3 feet in front of the front wheels or bumper of any motor vehicle
4 – if a load extends 4 feet or more from the rear of any vehicle, a red, yellow, or orange flag at least 16 inches square must be attached to the end of the load
6 – remember, 6 inches of water will reach the bottom of most passenger cars, causing loss of control or possible stalling
8.5 – the maximum width of a trailer is 8.5 feet
10 – do not park within 10 feet of a fire hydrant
10 – 10 mph speed limits applies in alleys under ideal driving conditions, unless traffic signs indicate otherwise
12 – when a vehicle is properly parallel parked, its wheels on the curb side will be positioned no more than 12 inches from the curb
13.5 – the maximum height of a trailer is 13.5 feet
20 – when a school bus is stopped with its red lights flashing and its stop arm extended, you must stop your vehicle at least 20 feet from the bus
20 – do not park within 20 feet of a crosswalk at an intersection
25 – driver distraction or inattention is a leading factor in crashes in Minnesota, accounting for at least 25 percent of all crashes annually
30 – do not park within 30 feet of any flashing light, stop sign, or traffic control signal located at the side of a public road
30 – 30 mph speed limits applies on urban or town roads under ideal driving conditions, unless traffic signs indicate otherwise
35 – in heavy rain, standard cars may begin to hydroplane at 35 mph
40 – the “Zipper Merge” benefits drivers reducing the overall length of traffic backup by as much as 40 percent
45 – the maximum length of a trailer is 45 feet
50 – do not park within 50 feet of the nearest rail of a railroad crossing
55 – 55 mph speed limits apples in all other locations that are not specified in this list under ideal driving conditions, unless traffic signs indicate otherwise
72 – insurance information must be given to the law enforcement officer investigating the crash within 72 hours
100 – do not pass within 100 feet of an intersection, underpass, tunnel, or railroad crossing
100 – signals are to be activated at least 100 feet before you make the turn
100 – when passing another vehicle, you must return to the right side of the road before coming within 100 feet of an oncoming vehicle
130 – an average passenger car traveling at 55 mph can stop within 130 to 140 feet
400 – a fully loaded tractor-trailer may require more than 400 feet to come to a complete stop from 55 mph
500 – only vehicles traveling on official emergency business are allowed to follow within 500 feet of any firefighting vehicle making an emergency run
500 – headlights should be used when conditions limit visibility to less than 500 feet
700 – do not pass on a curve or hill where you cannot clearly see the road ahead for at least 700 feet
26,000 – vehicle weighing more than 26,000 pounds are classified as commercial
Interesting, huh?
This cake. We have a history. I wrote about it a little bit when I made it around this time last year, but we go way back to college days. It’s become a tradition to make it for Analiese’s birthday for the past four years — that includes her actual BIRTH day! Making it and eating it brings back lots of fun memories of my roommates and one stellar mom who blessed us one evening with its decadence.
In my experience of making this cake, it has never cut very neatly due to the chunks of peaches throughout. It’s best served around a circle of friends with forks in hand ready to dig in. Perhaps that will happen again one day, but for now, I plan to use Analiese’s birthday as an annual excuse to enjoy it.
With permission, I am finally sharing the recipe!
For the cake
1 box yellow cake mix
2 eggs
1/2 cup sour cream
1 can peach pie filling
1/2 stick butter
Preheat oven to 350-375 (follow cake mix instructions depending on type of pan). Mix first 4 ingredients until well mixed and set aside. Melt the butter in the pan in the oven until bubbly. Pour batter into pan while it is hot. Bake according to box directions. If using a bundt pan, when cake is done, invert onto plate while cake is still hot. Cool completely.
For the Icing
1/2 stick butter
4 oz. cream cheese
1 lb. powdered sugar
1/4 cup whipping cream
Melt butter and cream cheese in a pan on low-med heat. Add a bit of powdered sugar at a time, stirring with a whisk. Add the cream and bring to a bit of a slow boil. Remove from heat and add the remaining powdered sugar. Add more cream if necessary to maintain a smooth consistency. To prevent sticking, lower heat and whisk mixture. Pour over completely cooled cake a little bit at time allowing each “layer” to harden before adding the next and serve.
Enjoy!
You heard that we’re moving, and now our home is for sale! Please tell your friends and neighbors. Send them to 1149dewey.com for the listing or download the flyer below and pass it on. While I’d love to expand more on the process and the home, it’s been a hectic week, but we have house to show….
Well, it’s certainly been quite some time since I’ve shown up here. The fall is busy. Life is busy. Forgive me for my absence and this random reemergence into the blog world.
I wanted to announce that I’m blogging over at The Tethered Crate today. Have you heard about this fantastic way to check out the handmade world?
What’s The Tethered Crate?
The Tethered Crate offers its members monthly shipments of goods from respected contributors within the handmade community. Each crate will include 3-5 items, and every month will be different. For only $19.95 subscribers receive double that value in items like jewelry, headbands, prints, stationery, and other products. It’s a way to experience the latest and greatest from your favorite designers every month for a great price.
Well, that’s pretty great. What’s the heart behind it?
[The Tethered Crate] wants to expand the handmade market, giving handmade artists an outlet to reach new customers. We also want to give loyal supporters as well as new customers a way to experience the best of the handmade market. The Tethered Crate also desires to connect hand and heart by joining the handmade community to significant causes. We will highlight different charities benefiting humanity, and a portion of all our proceeds will go to funding their causes.
So, why are you blogging over there?
That’s the exciting part. I am honored to be a November contributor! 50 subscribers to The Tethered Crate will receive a little goody from my Etsy shop, pipe|up. And readers of The Tethered Crate will have access to a discount, too!
I love how the Lord works. I met The Tethered Crate’s co-creator, Jessi, through a college friend way back in 2003. Last year when I was scouring the masses of Etsy shops for baby headbands, I came across hers. She has an insane sense of fashion and her words on her blog, Suzie Studios, cut to the soul. Seriously, just read it. You’ll be glad you did.
Come visit me over at The Tethered Crate!
