Umbrian Jazz

We are a family again; Allen returned earlier this week in time for my birthday!

Jax, Subasio and Kira

The day before, our new friends came over for swimming and a BBQ.   I kept looking for the gas "on" switch, but we had to burn pine cones and WOOD.

Whatever it is, it sounded great

See the candle?

Church? No, Courthouse

Saturday was spent in Perugia, the capital of Umbria and location of a small jazz festival (Prince, Santana, and BB King were there) to listen to street music, shop, sightsee, and lunch (notice the candle in the middle of my seafood pasta?).

The Unexpected

Peace & Good

???

In Assisi, there are often lovely painted greetings and reminders of stories above the doors and along the stone paths.  We have really enjoyed this " art show" as we walk through Assisi.

As always in life, there are always new paths we must try.  Allen had to fly home to Memphis to be with his ailing father.  He may face open heart surgery in the next week or so, so Allen will remain at the hospital until more is known.

Our view from the pool

The children and I are safe and sound at the agritourismo.  We played tennis this morning,  read books, and will probably swim in the pool later this hot afternoon.    There are a couple of other families with small children here, too.  Who cares if they speak Norwegian or French or Dutch?!  Kids are kids.

I'm very thankful for the Americans living here who have had us to their home and introduced us to more locals.  Kindness has surrounded us here in the Umbrian countryside.

Kira feeding neighbor's goats

Lake Bolsena

The pier in format of our Hotel

As most families, we tend to pack too much into one small summer.  Thursday, we moved out of our Assisi apartment,  loaded our car to the brim (including cooking supplies), and visited a hydrangea-filled,  lake town a couple of hours away, complete with a castle.  

On our way to the Top

Almost to the Top

View from the Castle

Luke is still disappointed that the museums aren't family museums (so what if there are artifacts over 2000 years old?).

Fortunately,  our children met some Austrian children and played so well that both families spent the next day together, going on a little cruise and lunch.  Birgit spoke some English, thankfully, so conversations were a little easier.

Luke's new friend, John (Yan)

Saturday, we packed our little car again and drove to a farm house outside Assisi.  Ok, we smell farms around us but we have a pool, soccer field, and a TOASTER in our kitchen.  All are happy.