tonight was the tree lighting at pioneer square. it was pretty cold, about 36 degrees and dry(thank goodness). we went down early to take a trip in to the apple store and get a good seat at the tree lighting. a load of people made it out for the festivities, although there was already plenty of people out doing there black friday shopping.
when we went into pioneer place(a mall downtown) a strange anxiety set in. people everywhere, christmas songs playing, consuming, consuming, consuming. after we squeezed our way out of the apple store we were frantically searching for an exit.
isn’t it funny how it’s so hard to get out of those places. whew!
anyway, we got our hot coffee drinks and sat down on the pioneer square steps to start this holiday season. with music by the portland jazz orchestra with valerie day, it just warmed you from the inside out. something about christmas tunes and jazz, i guess. with everyone dancing and singing, santa made his appearance with a giant plug to light up the tree.
so they lit it up, the singing continued, and we made our way home for a hot apple cider.
next thursday through sunday the holiday ale festival will take place at pioneer square. you’ll be sure to hear a few stories from that too.

when we got home we started in on our thanksgiving meal. on the menu: cornish game hens with cranberry-orange glaze, roasted garlic mashed potatoes(with a cranberry-orange reduction), a jelly fruit salad, and of course, pumpkin pie with real whipped cream. it was all so delicious.
obviously family and friends, but the first dusting of snow, seeing people we haven’t seen for awhile, those little things that in the back of your mind you may not see them, but when you don’t you wonder where they’ve gone.
well, the first day is behind me. and boy, am i in for a ride!
i’m really looking forward to it. so far i have really appreciated the high standard that western culinary institute holds. it makes for a better learning experience all around when both the students and chefs are holding higher expectations, from the strict uniform policy to the attention to great detail in skill.
a little test of the new digs
spoon&fork
happy 29th deeann!
a recent weekend
not wanting to give in.
summer so far
deeann is here to stay