The Night Before Christmas at Pittock Mansion - 1

Yesterday we went shopping and bought real (English!) mince pies, so now we're ready for Christmas. And today...

we drove to Pittock Mansion

to enjoy each others' company, and the views.

The old house stands on a hill overlooking Portland,

Mount Hood...

Mount Saint Helens...

and the river.

A beautiful place, and so much more was waiting inside for us. It's the "Night before Christmas" exhibition, and I'll try to add more photos to share with you as soon as I can.

Part 2: Part 3: Part 4

Comments: 27

Marge H. Dec 11, 2008, 7:50pm EST

Lovely photos. My favorite was the one of you and your mother. I'm so glad you are enjoying each other's company again.

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Kay M. Dec 11, 2008, 8:24pm EST

What a beautiful place.

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sheila h. Dec 11, 2008, 8:27pm EST

This is lovely..wonderful that you are sharing so special a time with us..thank you!

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sheila h. Dec 11, 2008, 8:28pm EST

mince meat pies? are they the same as mince pies?

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sheila h. Dec 11, 2008, 8:29pm EST

that old mansion is gorgeous..what style architecture? and the year..not Victorian as so many here in PA

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sheila h. Dec 11, 2008, 8:30pm EST

yoy..so close to that volcano! and St Helen's missing in action..
time to relocate?

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Sue T. Dec 11, 2008, 8:30pm EST

It's absolutely stunning. Wonderful photos.

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Jan S. Dec 11, 2008, 8:32pm EST

Beautiful house with beautiful views! I'd like to see more.

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JOHN BECK Dec 11, 2008, 8:43pm EST

My sister's house went downstream when Mt. St. Helens blew her top! I enjoy my few visits to this country.

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DesertDarlene L. Dec 11, 2008, 8:45pm EST

Beautiful! Now, you've got me hungry for mincemeat pies. I haven't had one of those in a long time.

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j - Frugal Mom - r. Dec 11, 2008, 8:59pm EST

Wow, what a treasure you found.

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Wanda H. Dec 11, 2008, 9:06pm EST

Beautiful place. Thank you for posting these as I have never seen or heard of this place.

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Nancy L. Dec 11, 2008, 9:22pm EST

What a lovely spot with gorgeous views!

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Wilma M. Dec 12, 2008, 11:18am EST

I'm glad your mom has made it back over for another visit. I've been to Portland many times and have seen the outside of the mansion but have never gone in.

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Wilma M. Dec 12, 2008, 11:18am EST

Your pictures out over the city make me want to come back. I used to be there every 2-3 months when my son lived there from 99-04.

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Cristina S. Dec 12, 2008, 2:08pm EST

Lovely pics - I especially like the one of you and your Mom!

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lynn a. Dec 15, 2008, 12:40pm EST

These are so wonderful, Sheila. Your mother, the beautiful surroundings. The mince meat pies. Wilma told me you'd posted some cool photos. So glad I found them. Can't wait to see the others.

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Beryl Singleton Bissell Dec 17, 2008, 5:52pm EST

This spring I was in Portland with my husband for a fantastic four days. I loved that city . . . and the views were spectacular.

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Curt L. Dec 17, 2008, 9:53pm EST

What an incredible experience! I admire you so much!

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William Dotani Dec 18, 2008, 4:18pm EST

Quite a beautiful array of photographs.

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William Dotani Dec 18, 2008, 4:19pm EST

Is the lady with you the Queen?

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Xelene *. Dec 19, 2008, 11:06pm EST

What a wonderful outing. Glad you invited us along!

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William Dotani Dec 20, 2008, 4:16am EST

To Whom It May concern seems a bit formal, so I'll just say to my Gather friends, Happy Holidays. I have had so many chores and things to do that it has been tough to find time to comment. I love to write and I try to set aside at minimum 2 hours a day just to write whatever. My thought is always of you, my audience. You are an inspiration and I try to be entertaining. I read all of your comments. I should respond more. I appreciate good or bad reviews. All I take as a positive. Please oh please give me 10 stars!!! My goodness, I feel like I'm in First grade. I could give a good squat about the stars. Well, it has become just impossible to reciprocate in a timely manner, so I'm just putting this in your comments as a way to say one word. Thanks.
May God bless.

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Ellie !. Dec 22, 2008, 10:56pm EST

I love the Pittock Mansion. And the views. Can you imagine LIVING there? Newspaper money seems to be a thing of the past. Glad you made it before the snow.
Hope your son makes it home for Christmas. With all the highways closed in the Gorge, maybe he should go visit Wilma. I had a dream last night that I got stranded in Spokane and she took me in! Merry Christmas!

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Elsie Duggan Dec 23, 2008, 12:18am EST

Sheila, what lovely pictures, and I love the one of your Mum and you, do you realize how very much you look alike? My daughter used to say to me, Mom, I'm turning into you, and she would laugh, but I think mother's and daughter's get to grow so close that they take on mannerisms and everything else, enjoy your visit, hope your son gets home quickly . take care.

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