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

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

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

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

I don’t have anything against dinosaurs; I’m just tired of every other exhibit in Portland involving them somehow. Big giant extinct things, OK, we’ve done it. Next.

So by way of positive reinforcement I wanted to point out two cool things happening at OMSI that don’t involve the T-Rex. Both are really for adults even though the first is directed at kids.

1.    Moneyville – Kids “explore the history, science, math, and economics behind money” and runs till Jan. 11. Finally someone else can tell your kids it doesn’t grow on trees.
2.    OMSI After Dark – On Dec. 3 (6 p.m.-10 p.m.) adults get the run of the place – no kids allowed! Enjoy the exhibits, including the Mindbender Mansion, with a glass of wine or beer, a cup coffee or some chocolate, and learn about the science behind each.

Bravo, OMSI, bravo.

See ya,
Emily

Well, I’ve got to give thanks for the Holiday Ale Festival, which I’d never heard of until this morning. And I should give thanks to the guest who just who just told me as well.

I just looked it up and here are the details: It’s held outside down at Pioneer Square. But it’s covered under a clear tent covering and it’s heated by gas heaters. The guy this morning said it’s really comfortable. Especially after the first couple of tastings.

It runs Dec. 4-7 and includes nearly 40 brewers from Oregon and outside. And the thing about this one compared to the summer festival is it’s all darker styles like stouts, red ales, scotch ales, barleywines, dopplebocks and that kind. So if that’s your flavor, you’ve now got your weekend planned.

Later,
Keith

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone, from all of us here at Hotel deLuxe. It’s been said before but where does the time go? Seems like it was only yesterday that I was complaining about the Rose Festival.

And here’s an idea for your pre-Tday prep: Take in the zoo’s Thanksgiving Day Feast. I don’t know if the animals like it, but you get to watch them dig into their favorite dishes like, well, animals. I’m told the meerkats really like their turkey-shaped piñata filled with crickets.

The culinary mayhem ensues at 10 a.m. on Nov. 26 at the zoo. If nothing else, it will make old crazy Uncle Bob’s eating habits seem not quite so disgusting on Thanksgiving.

Bon appétit,
Emily

We’re into the holiday season now. So from here on everything has a turkey or a Christmas tree. And at Hotel deLuxe we believe it’s our duty to help you with all the different turkey/Christmas tree offerings.

This one should be fun. Especially if you have kids. The Oregon Zoo and the Oregon Road Runners Club are doing the Turkey Trot at the zoo on Nov. 27. There’s a 4 mile run/walk, and a 1K “trot” for kids 11 and under.

I’m going to get ripped by my friends for saying this, but I think it’s great that there’s a holiday thing for kids that doesn’t involve candy. Why not involve some exercise in holiday activities? And the run fee includes admission to the zoo. It’s good and good for you.

Later,
Keith