Well, I think I’m recovered enough to try posting again. Man, that was a new year’s. I won’t tell you where we went because my lawyer has advised me against it. I’ll just say we gave 2008 a right and proper send off.

It’s taking good olde timey mountain music to get me out of the house. I guess it’s been around for a couple of years but I’d never heard of the River City Bluegrass Festival. But just now it seems the perfect antidote. A little fiddle music will fix you right up.

The event takes place at the Convention Center. I’m not hot on the venue but for Ralph Stanley I’m willing to give it a shot. It runs from Jan. 9 through Jan. 11. Plenty of time to get the spirit in ya.

Later,
Keith

I think I’ve mentioned we usually try to get out of town on New Year’s to hit the mountain, or at least go find some snow. It’s got to be one of my favorite traditions we’ve started out here.

This was the third year we did it and this time we just packed some food and thermoses of lifesaving coffee, Irish’ed if you like, and headed up to Trillium Lake and spent the day cross country skiing. Great snow, great day. Highly recommended.

I think I like doing it because it starts the year off right. Reminds you of the important things. Don’t let yourself get stressed by the little stuff during the year. Maybe it’ll work for you. Trillium is only about 1.5 hrs away if you’re interested. Mirror Lake is another good option. Have fun.

Later,
Keith

I wish I would’ve known about this place before all my Christmas shopping. Though actually maybe it’s better to do it now. I’m talking about Talula’s, which thankfully is just a stone’s throw from us.

They have joined the ranks of those who married peanut butter with jelly and gin with tonic. Talula’s combines a shoe store, with labels from designers like Miss Sixty, Bronx, Vince Camuto and DKNY, and a foot spa. I know.

You’ve shopped. You’ve toiled at a hot stove. You’ve endured in-laws, or are still and need an escape. You deserve a reward. Thank your feet with a new pair of shoes and a bit of ped pampering. I don’t even have any in-laws and I deserve it.

See ya,
Emily

Man, it’s cold out there these days. I moved to Oregon to get away from this weather! I apologize to all the guests I’ve given a cold handshake to lately. Not my fault.

But it has made the city even more beautiful than usual I got to admit. Especially the snow. Just love that buzzing sound when it’s so quiet.

The real point is I just want to echo what Emily said and offer my Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to everyone. It’s been a total blast this year, and it’s been great getting a chance to meet so many of you. That’s one of the bonuses of my job. So have a happy one and stay warm.

Later,
Keith

Where do we live anyway, Minnesota? What is it with this weather? Blizzards? I thought the globe was supposed to be warming. Anyway, if you’re like me and you’ve still got shopping to do, may I remind you about NW 23rd.

If you’ve stayed at Hotel deLuxe before you’ve no doubt wandered around NW 23rd, but I’d say it’s probably the best shopping in the city if you’re looking for a special, one-of-a-kind something.

It’s outside, but you can warm up in all the boutiques while you search for everything from shoes to accessories to lingerie to beauty items. OK, there are a few chain stores, too (Pottery Barn, Restoration Hardware, Urban Outfitters).

I recommend some spicy Thai for lunch.

Stay warm,
Emily

This holiday, I want to ask where are the jazz shows? Does all Christmas music require a French horn? Where’s the soprano sax or the standing bass?

Here’s my recommendation, get yourself a couple of tix to Portland’s big-time Jazz Fest in February. This is up there with the Brewers’ Fest. If you dig jazz it’s the end all be all in Portland. This year has Terrence Blanchard, John Scofield, McCoy Tyner and Bobby Hutcherson, and others.

Hotel deLuxe is even offering a special Big Deal rate if you get tix. It includes a double room, free parking and a free continental breakfast for two.  Get your jazz on!

Later,
Keith

I want to make it as simple as possible for family and friends this Christmas. All I’m looking for is lift tickets. Easy. I don’t even care if it’s to Timberline or Meadows or whatever. I’m not picky.

If you just don’t feel like you could sleep if all you got me was a season pass to Meadows, then I could use the following items from the following locations. Again, trying to make it as simple as possible. No need to thank me. It’s my pleasure.

Snowboard bindings – Try REI at NW 14th and Johnson.
A new shell (with a hood) – Maybe Mountain Shop on NE Broadway
Oakley goggles – I’ve seen them at the US Outdoor Store on SW Broadway

Just let me know if you need any more ideas.

Later,
Keith

Christmas ships. And one more time, Christmas ships. Do you like your boats all done up for the holidays in lights like that fire hazard on your crazy neighbor’s house? Well, I’ve got just the flotilla for you.

Every holiday season for the last 53 years up to 60 boat owners get in the yuletide spirit by dreaming up some holiday decoration for their boat. And they can get pretty involved. And then the whole load of them parade down the Columbia and Willamette Rivers.

It can make a nice floor show if you’re sitting at a restaurant with a river view. But book your table now. The parade goes every night from Dec. 10 through Dec. 21. And it’s an all-volunteer effort, which fits with the season. Check their website for parade routes and times.

See ya,
Emily

Well I just have to give big props to the Holiday Ale Festival last week. It wasn’t looking like I was even going to get there. Had all kinds of crap go wrong that day, including my car breaking down. Right on the bridge!

But we persevered. And actually all the problems just made it that much sweeter. No pain, no gain. And if I hadn’t gone, I wouldn’t have discovered my new favorite local brewer, HUB Brewing, and that would’ve been criminal.

They had their Noggin’ Floggin’ Barleywine there, which was my favorite of the day. It was so good I tracked down the HUB brewpub. It’s over on 29th and SW Powell and is a totally kickback spot if you haven’t been there. Just a relaxing place with great beers (try the IPA too) and some good pizza.

Later,
Keith

I think I’d heard about these kazoo guys before but figured it was just kind of a one-time thing. But I guess they’re actually a band. Who knew? They call themselves the It’s a Kazoo Christmas Group. Hard not to love something like that. I’ve always said Christmas needed more kazoos.

If you’re as curious as I am about what the heck A Kazoo Christmas might sound like, they’re blowing it out at Bridgeport Village on Dec. 13 from 2-4 p.m. Word is you can even pick up your own kazoo for $5. Maybe they’ll let you join in the joyful noise.

Oh, and Emily tells me that Bridgeport Village, which is actually a few minutes south of the city, is a good outdoor mall. So there you go. You can do some Christmas shopping too.

Later,
Keith