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!