As the pandemic dragged on through the end of year, I found myself increasingly more restless in being unable to travel or do much of anything. As a result, Tom and I treated ourselves to a weekend at one of the treasured McMenamins hotels. McMenamins is a family-owned company in the PNW serving handcrafted booze and coffee alongside good, honest pub fare since 1983. Steeped in art, history and a sense of place, locations range from neighborhood pubs to historic hotels where live music, soaking pools, movie theaters and other fun prevail. Our weekend retreat was the perfect reset before the holidays.
In deciding whether or not to go home for Christmas this year, I felt that the benefits outweighed the risks, so I traded the Portland rain for Pittsburgh snow.
My family quarantined in our own little bubble, so we missed seeing extended family and friends. However, I enjoyed the quality time spent cooking, baking, playing board games and watching our favorite holiday movies. My parents and sisters are the most important people in my life, and I am grateful for our sense of love and connection.
While I did not enjoy the frigid northeast temperatures, at least we had a white Christmas!
Tom also came back with me, which was fun to introduce him to Pittsburgh.
A trip home would not have been complete without these little fur balls, Lucy and Phoebe.
My family recently lost my last remaining grandparent, Oma, whose life we celebrated at a beautiful memorial mass. My grandmother grew up in rural Germany before immigrating to Pittsburgh. Throughout my childhood, her stern yet caring nature helped shape my values of hard work and family. I am proud of my German heritage and our shared interest in gardening, and I look forward to seeing her again someday at the grand "family reunion."
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Feb 1, 1927 - Nov 27, 2020 |
