A Pittsburgh Christmas

I left behind a warm and rainy Portland, eager to celebrate Christmas with family. Expecting the typical frigid northeast winter, I was pleasantly surprised by the mild, almost spring-like weather during my week in Pittsburgh. I was additionally relieved to note the winter solstice on December 21st (the shortest day of the year); the Northern Hemisphere will gradually gain more daylight for the next six months.

Losing three hours on my flight path east, I landed at 7pm EST on Friday. I felt the excitement build as I navigated through the familiar airport and greeted my parents at baggage claim. Anna and Alex had already arrived from Denver. Dinner at home.

My parents' beautifully decorated townhouse

My family and I spent Saturday morning in the North Hills with my paternal grandmother and aunt, also paying a visit to my grandfather's grave. It is important to me to remember those who are no longer physically with us.

Oma

Later on, we stopped to see our childhood piano teacher. Anna and I are proud to see our mom picking up the musical instrument under the guidance of Mrs. Bleil. 

That evening, I paid my respects to my recently passed friend, Sam, before meeting my oldest friend Kelsey for a brewery tour of Sharpsburg and Millvale; Dancing Gnome Brewery, Hitchhiker Brewing Co. and Grist House Craft Brewery.

Sunday was spent in downtown Pittsburgh, first at my old stomping grounds--Oakland. It was somewhat emotional to walk through my alma mater, a place that I intimately knew for six years. The University of Pittsburgh campus was deserted for the holiday break, but otherwise just how I remembered it.

  

After sharing lunch at The Porch in Schenley Plaza, we continued to the heart of downtown to hear my dad sing at the First Lutheran Church with the men's German choir of the Teutonia Männerchor.

PPG Place/Market Square

Following a morning jog on Monday, Mom and I traveled to the South Hills to visit Aunt Mary Anne in Canonsburg. I was glad to see her new farmhouse and horse!

Buddy

That evening, I caught up with my dear friend Janell over dinner at one of our favorites, Aladdin's Eatery.

A thick and unusual fog lingered for the whole of Christmas Eve. After mass, we went to the annual Christmas party for a night of Italian family, food and fun.

I cherished the relaxed pace on Christmas, happy simply to spend time at home, helping my mom in the kitchen and watching holiday movies. Rita and her fiance, Patrick, drove down from Erie to join in the festivities.

  

The sun was shining again on Thursday, encouraging us to stretch our legs on a morning walk. We passed the afternoon in Bethel Park with my aunt and uncle, stopping first at my maternal grandmother's grave. I enjoyed seeing my cousins and updating each other on our lives. It was a warm visit full of laughter and love.

I felt sad to leave behind my Family Bears on Friday morning; it is with great pride and gratitude that I embrace my roots. The most difficult part of living far away is undoubtedly the distance between us, but it makes the reunions that much sweeter! 

 

Wishing my readers a joyous holiday season!

Leavenworth, WA

After one of the driest Novembers that Portland has seen in over 50 years, the winter rains set in by mid-December.

Kyle and I went Christmas shopping at the Portland Night Market. New finds in the food scene include visits to Coava Coffee Roasters and southeast's White Owl Social Club.

Last weekend, Aunt Judy, Kyle and I took a road trip to Leavenworth, WA. We set off at 6am on Saturday, embarking on the 4.5 hour drive via I-84 E to US-97 N.

I was first introduced to this charming Bavarian town in September while hiking the famed Enchantments. Leavenworth in December, however, paints a very different picture from that of summer and even Oktoberfest. During the first three weekends of the month, the Christmas Lighting Festival includes musical performances with hand bell choirs, carolers and alphorns, costumed holiday characters, sledding in Front Street Park, and the smell of roasted chestnuts and Gluhwein. The celebration culminates with the Lighting Ceremony, illuminating the village with over half a million lights.

The three of us embraced the merry atmosphere, popping into shops to warm up and purchase last-minute gifts. We grazed at a variety of restaurants and bars throughout the day, pleasantly surprised by the amount of vegan offerings--even at the bakeries! Favorites included Yodelin Broth Company, The Local Yokel, Blewett Brewing Company and Buschel and Bee Taproom. Note that this is a very busy event; expect crowds everywhere.

After spending the night in the neighboring town of Wenatchee, our trio returned to Portland via I-90 W to I-5 S. This route took us up and over the wintry Snoqualmie Pass (3,015') and past the impressive 270' Snoqualmie Falls. We lucked out with smooth road conditions and minimal traffic. What a weekend!

Powell Butte

Last Friday's forecast indicated 50-degree weather with sunny, clear skies. I took advantage on my day off by tackling another PBOT bike route: Powell Butte - Springwater. The scenic ride through east Portland follows mostly low-traffic streets and paths for 26 miles with two short climbs.

Armed with plenty of layers, I left my apartment at 11:30am. It was an easy connection to the route as I cycled through the charming southeast neighborhoods. A short but very steep side trip to the top of Powell Butte affords panoramic views of Mts. Hood, St. Helens and Adams. I noted the small network of hiking trails for next summer.

I circled back to downtown via the familiar Springwater Trail. Home by 2:30pm. Great ride!

I caught the bus downtown that afternoon to meet new friends for happy hour at the Pearl District's Cider Bite. Afterwards, it was a quick walk to REI where I joined Aunt Judy and Kyle for an informative and inspirational presentation on hiking Mt. Whitney; if it wasn't on my bucket list before, it sure is now!

Sunday beckoned a welcomed sleep-in, morning jog, and brunch with Sierra (co-worker and climbing friend) at Rosswood on the South Waterfront. Later on, I joined friends for a shopping trip at the Columbia employee store (my favorite). Building my community!

A recent turn of events led to a non-traditional Thanksgiving. I was scheduled to work the weekend, but had the holiday off. A chilly but clear day moved me to take a late morning bike ride. The Waterfront Loop is the premier short ride in Portland. The mostly flat route follows the Willamette River trails for 11 miles. The quick trip was just the breath of fresh air I needed! 11:30am-1pm RT.

That afternoon, I met Aunt Judy at the movie theatre in Vancouver to watch A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood. Tom Hanks did not disappoint in portraying my beloved childhood role model, Mr. Rogers.
























Thanksgiving is a call for gratitude. I am grateful for my friends and family, a place to call home, and our beautiful planet. It's hard to believe that the Christmas season is already upon us!

Northeast Ramble

A quiet day off on Wednesday inspired a bike ride through northeast Portland. PBOT's Northeast Ramble is a 15-mile, mostly flat route on the Neighborhood Greenways (low-traffic streets designed for use by cyclists). I left my apartment around 11am, jumping on the Eastbank Esplanade. Tracking north, I followed Tillamook St. east through Historic Irvington, which is easily one of my favorite neighborhoods in Portland--a real contender if I were to stay longterm.

My first time on the Alameda Ridge, I was taken aback by the beautiful homes set against the city views.



In warmer and clearer weather, I would have opted for the side trip to Rocky Butte--a steep climb to a nice park with panoramic views. However, my cold toes (remember thicker socks next time!) had me circle back through Alberta. Rose City Book Pub is a new spot that is ideal for settling into winter and its shrinking daylight hours.

I was back at my apartment by 1pm, pleased to have gotten outside during a short winter sunburst. It wasn't my first time cycling through northeast Portland, but I am enjoying making connections within the city's official greenway system.

I had to work last weekend, but I managed to meet Kyle afterward for a show at southeast's Aladdin Theater. It was my third experience with the small acoustic folk band Birdtalker, and they did not disappoint! Though I went for the opener, Nashville's Americana band Drew Holcomb and the Neighbors put on an incredible performance. Another great find for live music--that is just a short walk from my apartment--is Laurelthirst Public House.

"I want to see your sadness, I want to share your sins,

I want to bleed your blood and I want to be let in.

Don’t you just, don’t we all just want to be together?"

-Heavy

Denver Weekend

A quick trip to Denver served as the perfect break from work and the stressors of life. I hadn't been back since last November, so I was excited to visit friends and family, and see what had changed. Anna and Alex warned me that a snowy, cold front had just passed through town, but the weekend forecast warmed up nicely. At such high elevation, the sun feels stronger and warmer. In contrast, the same temperature on a sunny day in Portland can seem colder (unless it's ironically overcast, as the clouds create insulation).

After a short flight on Friday afternoon, I caught the train into town and met my friends, Anna, Lexi and Jordan. We shared tapas at Somebody People, beers at grungy City, O' City, and free non-dairy ice cream scoops at Ben and Jerry's in celebration of World Vegan Day.

Saturday was spent brewery hopping with Anna and Alex. We started in Boulder, hitting Avery Brewing and cozy Twisted Pine Brewing. 

Back in Denver, it was fresh margaritas at Los Chingones. I met my friend Bri that evening at Blue Moon Brewing Company.

I was ready to get outside on Sunday, so Anna and I rallied for a morning work out at Red Rocks--beast mode!

Then we enjoyed a leisure walk at Washington Park. Grabbing lunch at Whole Foods, we spent the afternoon back at the apartment, watching the Steelers game and baking fall treats.

Aspen



I traveled back to Portland that night, feeling grateful for the opportunity to relax and spend time with special people.