A quick post about the pie off. I did not win. So sad. However there were 49 pies entered and my apple pie got one of the three judges’ votes and that made me very happy. I tried my apple pie, which is not actually my apple pie but a recipe by V (who has won the Malibu Pie Festival three years in a row) that I followed religiously, and it was excellent. I made the crust with butter and lard and the pie itself was great. I feel much more confident in my pie-making skillz and will definitely enter more pie contests in the future. Because I will win. Oh yes, I will win.

The big winner was RSG’s mom! She entered two pies and won three ribbons. The blue ribbon was awarded to a woman who sells her pies at the Farmer’s Market. So, well, she’s had a lot more practice than this Cali girl. BUT I STILL GOT ONE VOTE…in the fruit pie category, but WHATEVER. I got a sticker on my sheet! A tiny blue circle that equals love and respect and eternal admiration from an anonymous judge.

I had a blast. There were about 100 people there and I got to see so many friends. I also met some of my bloggy readers including the very, very cool Matt in Overlook and Jeanette and her partner Nan. Jeanette reads this blog, but Nan does not. I tried not to hold it against her, but I have faith that she will be reading my blog after meeting me because I can be charming in person. It’s rare, but the charm surfaces once every 30 years. Plus lezzies love me.

I’ll be seeing Jeanette and Nan on Monday and I’m storing up witticisms because I just can’t stand that someone I’ve met in person does not read this blog. Nan — you are mine. Oh yes, you are mine.

That’s me at the pie off. See, aren’t I charming? Thanks to RSG’s DD#3 for taking that pic. I didn’t take any pictures of my pie because I’m a moron.

Besides the apple, I made a chocolate pecan pie and I paired it with a Deschutes Black Butte Porter. One of the categories was best pie and drink combo. There was one other entrant. And she won. She made a rosemary blueberry pie and paired it with a dessert wine. I’m sorry, but this is a pie off. WHAT SORT OF WORLD DO WE LIVE IN WHERE BEER AND CHOCOLATE LOSES TO DESSERT WINE? IS THIS PORTLAND, PEOPLE? (Ooops, out loud voice.) I am not a sore loser, much. See, the pretty picture, everyone?

What else happened? Uh… lezzies, pies. That’s about it.

It was a great event and my congratulations and gratitude to LeLo, Radio Gretchen and Lizzy Caston for a most excellent time. It was just so good to see so many friends and eat good food. I vote for a chili cookoff next!