Where: The church parking lot at SE 20th/Salmon (same location as the Eastbank market when it's in season)

When: Tuesday, November 24, 1 - 5 p.m.

What: Get the freshest produce and gourmet goodness for your holiday meal this week. This market happens rain or shine.

There's also another Thanksgiving market in Sellwood. It's held indoors in the gym of the Boys and Girls Club at 7119 SE Milwaukie Avenue. It happens Tuesday, November 24th, from 3 - 7 p.m.

With holiday shopping season upon us, parking in downtown Portland and the Pearl District area is about to become a serious pain in the butt. That means there will be fewer available parking spots, and more meter maids out to enforce the rules. Oh yeah, and as of November 30, the fines for Portland Parking tickets are increasing. (Except for overtime parking fines, which will increase Jan. 4, 2010). Most fines will go up $10.

To avoid these fines, take an extra few minutes and park in the Smart Park lots around town. Then, get your parking validated when you shop, and avoid an expensive fine. Before you go, check the real-time Smart Park parking availability online.

This Thursday, we will eat a lot. And it will be good. It seems like each year, more Portland restaurants decide to stay open on Thanksgiving, which is a great thing for those who'd rather not put their hands inside a turkey (it's slimy in there!).

Check out our partial list of Portland restaurants open on Thanksgiving, and be sure to call ahead for reservations. These places get busy!

This January, the Portland Chinese Classical Garden will celebrate its tenth year in our city. Personally, I think it's one of most beautiful, one of the most meticulously kept, and interesting places in the city. Admission is usually $8.50 for adults. But during their birthday celebration, they'll offer free admission for visitors between January 2 - 11.

See photos of the Portland Chinese Classical Garden.

Are you planning to replace your refrigerator or freezer between now and the end of the year? Now you can have it picked up and recycled by Energy Trust of Oregon and JACO Environmental. And it's not just free ... they'll give you $50 for participating in the program between now and December 31, 2009.

By recycling your old refrigerator or freezer, 95 percent of its components will be reused, and the toxins and ozone-destroying gases from its foam insulation will be safely disposed of.

Schedule your pick-up date online or call 1-866-444-8907.

Tastebud restaurant is tucked away near the intersection of SE Powell and Milwaukie (3220 SE Milwaukie Blvd.). Their menu is wood-fired everything, including pizza, bagels, and vegetable dishes.

Now, they're offering a great deal every Sunday from 5 to 10 p.m. Come and enjoy all-you-can-eat wood-oven pizza and salad for just $15. The pizzas and salads include seasonal combinations you don't see everywhere, like a pie with pancetta, roasted pears, mascarpone, arugula, and olive oil.

With all these premium ingredients, whole pies usually cost $22 - $25, making this all-you-can-eat deal particularly sweet.

I admire people who bike, hike, and go for long walks in the rain. But not all Oregonians are so hearty. I tend to stay indoors a bit more during the fall and winter. As far as entertainment goes, there always plenty of movies to catch up on. Or, you could consider another one of these rainy-day ideas.

Got a rainy-day idea? Please post it using the "comments" link below.

Multnomah County Health Department has a limited number of H1N1 vaccine, and has an event scheduled for this Saturday. If you are in one of the priority groups, you may be eligible for the vaccine at this event. Priority groups are:

• Pregnant women
• Children less than five years old (6-59 months)
• Caregivers of children under 6 months of age
• People under 65 years of age with chronic medical conditions
• Healthcare workers

Get the H1N1 vaccination event details.

With 2 - 3 feet of snow in the forecast for the Mount Hood region this Friday and Saturday, ski resorts like Mount Hood Meadows are preparing to open for the season--earlier than expected. And if you take frequent trips to the mountain, now's a good time to snag your 10-time or season pass.

Sample pass prices:

• Timberline: Season pass (includes Ski Bowl): $449 Adult, $379 Teen, $279 for Junior/Senior until 11/8/09
• Mount Hood Meadows: 10-time pass: $349 until 11/8/09
• Cooper Spur: $200 for individual, $375 for family

Enjoy the snow!

If you're a fan of Bravo TV's Top Chef and you think you've got the culinary skills to compete, here's your chance. The show's talent scouts will be in town soon to find the next batch of talent. Not only can you try out for the regular version of the show, but they're also looking for people to compete in the new spin-off of Top Chef, "Top Chef: Just Desserts."

Where: Benson Hotel, 309 SW Broadway

When: Sunday, Nov. 15, 10 a.m.-2 p.m

What to Bring: Your filled out application and video. Read the full requirements online.