Only in Portland . . .

Would you run into a bagpiper, playing Christmas carols, dressed in a Santa suit — and riding a unicycle.

And he was actually quite good. 

Madeline and I headed downtown today after recycling some old Christmas lights at Far West Fibers and before recycling an old toilet at Environmentally Conscious Recycling — more Portland flair for you — and ran into this guy blowing his pipes just outside Pioneer Square. It definitely added to all the festivity and hustle going on downtown today, what with the Salvation Army band filling the air, the Portland cops trotting about on their horses, and the huge but unlit Christmas tree filling the square. 

We grabbed a coffee and a paper and paused on a bench in the square to take it all in for a bit. It's really a must when the weather is relatively pleasant, work's been put on hold for a day, and you're spending time with someone who appreciates every little joy there is to be had.