All sorts of news!!!!!

I had initially thought about writing about some of the hill towns located in the area but this morning we got a surprise which I think should take the first part of this post. Our newest grandchild Oscar Paris arrived before noon today!

Unexpected for everyone since he was due to arrive a bit later in the month but he weighed in at almost 3 kg and is darling. Happy Birthday Oscar! We spent the day just being amazed and then we got in a short egg hunt in the garden for Maya and her little cousin Anna. Those two girls are going to keep Oscar in line that is for sure!

Now on to the hill towns...Murs is perched up on a windy hill with an amazing view of the Luberon valley.

It is close to Gordes and Venasque and it just looks like a movie set to me. Gordes also is on a hilltop and to me looks like a sort of landlocked Mt. Saint Michel with all the buildings clustered around  up to the top which in Gordes is the chateau.

The streets are narrow and cobbled and you never know what narrow path will lead to a view of the valley below.

It is really windy here when the Mistral is out...can you see that on us??!! sorry for the scowls but honestly I just can't seem to get a good selfie but I do think you should see how the wind is whistling.

These are baskets of ceramic cigales outside of a shop...prices are still good but soon tourist season will begin and then I think that will change...but maybe I am wrong!

There are many small shops in Gordes and restaurants and this fellow seems to be making some decisions about what might be available in this boutique.

In the village close by called Joucas this dog was waiting for his mistress next to the lavoir which I think has been here for hundreds of years.

The streets of this tiny hill top village are so narrow that we had to fold in our side mirrors of the car so we would not touch the walls of the buildings.

On a sunny day it is nice to sit at this cafe terrace overlooking the vineyards and orchards of the Luberon which are all beginning to bloom and bud out.

This part of the hill gets less wind so it feels warmer. Of course there is often a group of boule players out on a nice day...

I love to listen to their conversations as they try to decide which boule is the closest to the chochonnet.

On some Fridays Maya stays overnight with us and we usually take a hike around our house. First or last we like to check out our shadows...

We spotted this cat sitting on the rooftop on a house in the forest. He kept a close eye on us as we walked through the olive grove.

Maya is a real trailblazer and is very confident hiking in the woods. She is the leader and JC and I follow her in single file "like lambs" while she directs our route.

Last Saturday we went to the open doors event at her school so that Maya had a chance to visit her next year's first grade classroom. This XVIIth century building is where her school is located!

Frequently following ballet class Maya gives instruction to JC and they practice for me...I do some of the musical humming and this day we were humming from the Nutcracker Suite ballet. She likes a precise dance partner so JC often needs to repeat steps.

After some of the ballet practice JC and I sometimes indulge in a beer at a cafe...this one was rather interesting for its name...a local beer and really very tasty!

Here's a toast to Oscar!