March Madness

Spring is springing slowly but beautifully here in Paris. Last weekend we spent playing both on the Champs de Mars and walking through the Luxembourg Gardens. I've actually finally made a "walking buddy," and am getting out for a fast-walk through the Lux Gardens 2-3 times a week! On the way home I get to stroll through the wonderful farmer's market on our street, buying whatever looks delicious - fresh pasta, luscious pears, a special dessert from Brittany called Kouign-amann, which is essentially flaky pastry bursting with almond-flavored frangipane. Delicious! And Josie, who beams away and points at everything, always emerges with a few free treats - a shiny strawberry, a buttery Madeleine, etc.

My French is coming, slowly but surely -- a good thing considering my private lessons will wrap up in May. After that I'll either sign up for a group class or continue on the internet. We'll see! I'm just excited for great weather and a chance to explore some of Paris' gardens and parks with Josie. Jeff, meanwhile, has embarked on a number of interesting travels - this week he's off to South Africa. He's finding in this economic downturn that developing low-cost, nutritious products for needy populations is more important than ever. We're so proud of him!

And Josie continues to grow and change every day! She's making little "copines" (friends), really coming into her own at music class, and chattering constantly. The big news this week (see pic and video) is that she started "School" - actually a part daycare-part nursery school right across the street. I went with her yesterday for "adaptation" (I stayed) and Thursday will go just for 20 min. or so. It's completely in French, though they will speak English to her if she is anxious or confused. She made a little friend who led her around by the hand, and had fun singing songs and playing with all the toys. Now I'm trying to figure out some fun activities to do while she's there! Looking forward to even wandering around with my camera and loafing in cafes as the French do SO well. On that note, off to drink another cup of coffee and figure out how Josie and I are going to have fun inside and out of the rain today!! Au revoir!