Crillon le Brave

On Wednesday we all went to the most local (Malaucene) market and bought many many things, including some ham and cheese from the "mountain man" (ponytail, handlebar moustache, chaps, and big hat) who now also runs a B&B and horseback riding stable in the Massif Central as well as producing ham and cheese and who knows what else (Rosanna has his card sp perhaps she knows). I put my purchases in my new shopping bag that Crystal and Sandra bought for me in Barcelona and which is made of recycled vinyl banners for various events. The cheese we bought was savoie (for grating into the risotto with leeks that I made for dinner that night) and laguiole which is delicious and nutty (cow's milk I believe). We also bought a petit valreas (fresh and very mild sheep's milk cheese) and a stronger (but not as strong as picodon) goat's milk one for the tomato, basil, red onion salad with toast points. We were gifted with a melon (and had already bought one and had half a one at home -- Patrick should be here to enjoy them) by the woman who sold us a small basil plant. I bought a new dress too, which I wore to lunch. Crystal and Sandra and Rosanna offered to take me out for a birthday celebration so we went to the Hotel Crillon, which is a Relais & Chateau property comprised of 3 17th century dwellings combined into one lodging in the small town of Crillon le Brave, about 20 km or so from here. The terrace offers spectacular views of the plateau of Mont Ventoux. I am going to try to put in some pictures now, showing the view from the terrace, as well as a view of our plates!