East End Runners

So many decisions could have been bad!

Sunday, July 29, 2007

August 5 Run: Coffee Tree Yet Again

We have not exhausted the possible runs from the Coffee Tree and since this easy choice matches the vacation-like atmosphere we will meet there again this coming Sunday.

What could be better than a run through Frick Park with friends new and old on a mid-summer's morning (assuming you forget about those up-hill bits)? Not much! The meadows are in full-bloom and the trails shady.
Tom, a.k.a. HWRWW*, had the company of two other men this week: Paula the Brit's husband, Ian and Elaine's new recruit, Alvin. I brought along a visiting ballet Mom. Plus we ran into Elaine's husband Carl in lower Frick. All contributed to lively run with many of the usual elements: discussions about real-estate, a recipe shared and a leisurely visit over coffee afterwards. Murray has now been officially adopted as the group coffee dog.

*He Who Runs With Women

Tuesday, July 24, 2007

July 29: Coffee Tree Redux

A request to run in Frick Park, leads us back to the Coffee Tree this coming Sunday which has the added attraction of making coffee easy on these balmy summer mornings. Can you believe July is almost over?


We were on our way to a traditional Homewood Cemetery Run, complete with a stop to read Robert Wood's self-effacing gravestone note, when there was a suggestion to investigate the community garden plots. So we dropped down from the cemetery and thoughts on mortality to view the gardens teaming with flowers, vegetables and life. We followed this with a pleasant visit over coffee where Murray the dog once again charmed his way under our table.

Monday, July 16, 2007

July 22 Run: Coffee Tree Again

Because this past Sunday's run was certainly not a regular run (see below) plus the summer is such a delightful time to sit outside and drink coffee, let's meet at the Coffee Tree again.

Our run got off to an auspicious start when a police cruiser trumpeted "Have a nice run ladies" as we ran down Murray Ave. We then made our genteel way around Prospect Drive looking at the fancy race cars that were being prepared for the Vintage Grand Prix. Those two events alone would have made for a memorable run, but we continued on the Wendy Bennet Trailhead trail and Elaine led us up steps by the Vietnam Vets Pavilion, which were new to some, to the Schenley Oval. There we discovered that the new soft track had been completed which of course we had to run around as we admired the very fine soccer field. Heading back to the Coffee Tree we were stopped from crossing to Bartlett Street by a race official (Emergency Vehicles on the Grand Prix course?) and had to make our long run even longer by skirting around various barriers. By that time we got back to the Coffee Tree we were more than ready for coffee and visit from Murray, a calming kind of dog.

Sunday, July 08, 2007

July 15 Run: The Coffee Tree

It was beginning to look like there would only be a small crowd for this coming Sunday's run so we decided on something simple - we will meet at the Coffee Tree on Forbes, Ave. and go where we feel like. Homewood Cemetery is always an option but if someone has other creative ideas please bring them.

Today we re-affirmed our love for Frick Park as Julie led us down-hill and up-dale on those cool leafy paths. Afterwards we enjoyed Julie's hospitality as we drank coffee and traded stories on her gracious front porch.

Thursday, July 05, 2007

July 8: Corner of Dallas and Willard

Next Sunday's run will be led by Julie from the corner at Dallas and Willard (St. Bede school; triangle flower bed where Wilkins meets Dallas).

Yours truly is running on the flat plains and under the open sky of Illinois so I have no report from this past Sunday's run.