Home for the Holidays

December was a blur. All of the deciduous trees are now bare, and the cold, dark days make the occasional sunny day that much sweeter. 

 

My friend Natalie and I organized a book club with a group of local friends and family. The best part is that everyone brings something different to the table. I admire the unique perspectives and charisma of the ladies, and am looking forward to our next discussion.

My work group held our annual holiday party at Aaron's house in north Portland. As always, it is a loud and fun gathering with endless stories and laughter. I feel grateful for my "pharmily," who brings a lot of joy to my job and my life. That being said, I am eager to transition to part time next year in order to give myself more time and energy to pursue goals outside of pharmacy.

My gift to Tom this year was a date night at the Oregon Symphony. The Holiday Brass performance was superb. We very much enjoyed the opportunity to watch the brass and percussion sections show off, since they are usually hidden in the back of the symphony.

Two weeks before Christmas, I spent a long weekend in Pittsburgh. Despite the brief trip, I crammed in a lot--lunch with high school friends, a small family party, time with the cats and piano, and holiday movies. My parents always decorate to the nines, and Mom is usually in the kitchen cooking or baking something tasty. Food and wine and family. 

 

Leading up to Christmas, a winter storm blew into Portland with sub-freezing temperatures and ice. Luckily it did not last long, and we were able to spend the holiday with Tom's family in Hillsboro. It was a fun day with lots of laughter, food, wine, and board games.

Happy Holidays from Portland!

Sweater Weather

After a jam-packed summer and a busy October, Tom and I were looking forward to slow down in November. Fall was abbreviated, but the cold and rainy weather was ideal to catch up on rest and sleep. A few sunny days were sprinkled in to keep the seasonal depression at bay.

 

 

 

  

 

At the start of the month was my annual trip to Colorado--which always feels a little bit like going home. Anna and Alex recently bought a house outside of Denver, so I was excited to check out their new digs. Their beautiful home is in the Candelas community of Arvada, and backs up to a wildlife refuge. Arguably the best part is the stellar mountain views. Anna has also done a marvelous job decorating, and Aspen has settled in nicely!

On Friday evening, I joined Anna and Alex at New Image Brewing before grabbing some delicious Indian food at Yak and Yeti brewpub.

 

The next day, we went for a walk around the community. It was chilly, but less so in the strong sunshine. That afternoon, we perched up at 4 Noses Brewing Company.

Later that evening, I met friends and travel soulmates, Anna and Lexi, at Sloan's Lake food hall, Edgewater Public Market. There we shared fresh vegan grub at Gladys. I love catching up with these girls; Anna is running ultra marathons and Lexi is two years out from climbing all of the Colorado 14ers!

On Sunday morning, we relaxed at home before I left to catch my afternoon flight. I deeply miss living in the same city as my sister, but the goodbye was easier knowing that I would see her again in a few weeks!

The following weekend, Tom and I went to the NBA Portland Trailblazers game at the Moda Center. It was a close game, but they lost to the Utah Jazz.

Friendsgiving was also that weekend, with Kyle and Kristen's crew.

Tom and I celebrated Thanksgiving with the Marshalls. As always, this season is a time to give thanks for the many blessings in my life. 

 

  

Out of towners

October was beautiful in Portland this year. Daytime temperatures soared, with abundant sunshine despite Fall's shorter days and cool nights. What a gift!

 

The month brought a lot of social happy hours and dinners, and a stream of visitors. First up was Sarah. Originally from New Jersey, I met Sarah while living in Denver. She is a nurse turned software coder with three dogs, a vegan lifestyle, and an adventurous spirit. She spent the previous month working remotely from Bend, and drove into Portland for the first weekend of October. On Sunday, Sarah and Tom ran the 50th Portland Marathon. Sarah just bought a house in Bend, so I am excited to see her more often!

  

The next weekend, Janell flew into town from Pittsburgh. We have been friends since middle school, and she is one of the best people that I know. She has an artist's mind and a kind soul. I was eager to catch up during our drive to Cannon Beach for sunset.

On Sunday, we hiked at Silver Falls State Park. The waterfalls were not at their fullest, but the early fall foliage and lighting was simply stunning.

During the week, we enjoyed local eats and drinks, and curled up on the couch with Louie and Netflix.

  

That weekend, Tom and I planned a getaway to southern Oregon for his birthday. I booked a stay at Country Willows Inn--a charming boutique bed and breakfast in Ashland. The five-acre farmstead estate includes an outdoor heated pool, hiking trails, mountain views, lush gardens, and a duck pond. The vintage farmhouse and grounds were very warm and inviting, and the experience was elevated by superb staff and thoughtful personal touches. We can't wait to come back!

 

  

 

We spent Saturday with good friends, Mike and Madison, and their baby, Cal. They took us to one of their favorite wineries, Irvine & Roberts Vineyards. Similar to Portland, Ashland was unseasonably hot and dry, but fortunately free of wildfire smoke. I wondered if the fall leaves were delayed this year due to the high temperatures.

That evening, we went to dinner at Bar Julliet before the theatre performance of The Tempest at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival.

 

After breakfast on Sunday, I went for a dip in the pool and a hike at Siskiyou Mountain Park before the five-hour drive home. I feel grateful for our friendship with Mike and Madison; they are very special, and it is always such a treat to spend time with them!

The good weather finally turned, just as our last visitor flew into town. We had two days of wildfire smoke before the rain and cold came at last. Tom and I told Kelsey that she got to experience the "real" Portland--what it's like most of the year. Kelsey and I grew up on the same street in Pittsburgh, and she is my oldest friend. She has a big personality and heart, enjoys books and crafts, and created an organized itinerary for this trip. I enjoyed hearing about her adventures after work. 

 

On Saturday, we drove up to St. Helens for the Spirit of Halloweentown. The next day, we drove to the Gorge to chase waterfalls and brews at Full Sail Brewing Co. in Hood River and Thunder Island Brewing Co. in Cascade Locks.