Just a short note this time, as I’m on vacation and filling in.
Last week the group did the classic Wednesday/Friday route through Schenley Park, starting from the Library. Sadly, I missed it but heard that Tom joined the group for some good fun times.
Next up, Schenley Plaza under the tent. Stay cool, everyone!
RG will convene again at the dear old 61C Cafe, in order to re-run the dear old weekday route of yore, that met every Wed/Fri at 5:45 am from the Squirrel Hill Library. Sometimes it was so dark that you couldn't see your feet (this was before fluorescent shoes). But we could always see Tom's head.
Last week we took an atmospheric trek through lovely Frick Park, recently hydrated so that Falls Ravine actually had little waterfalls. Then we then took over a large section of the Biddle's Escape porch. We reflected that many had lived long enough to compare No Kings to Hell No We Won't Go, and the National Guard in LA and at Kent State. (For those of you who haven't lived that long, see: Vietnam War.)
Before the news - a reminder to join the NO KINGS demonstrations on Saturday - Pittsburgh offers 2 of more than 1500 planned nationwide - 12:30 at City County Building and 2 pm at Freedom Corner. We rise up together.
Could it be that we haven't been in Frick Park since January? Seems impossible but this blog seems to think so. Anyway, it's gorgeous lately so let's head for the trails, and then sit under the Biddlean porch. If it rains on Saturday, then Falls Ravine will actually have waterfalls, but you might want to wear your mud shoes.
Last Sunday we barely averted the Three Rivers Arts Festival's customary downpour (it never rains on the run) but we saluted the booths (which received a professional appraisal from Max) and headed down along the river. Under the Convention Center, we lamented the spooky darkness (appearing like a descent into Hades) of the once marvelous Riverfront Plaza. Bring back the light! Runners reached the fountain and crossed the Fort Duquesne bridge. At La Prima we were blessed with a bounty of almond meles, though a usable bathroom (aren't they required to have one?) would be nice too. Noted:
Back to La Prima and the Strip on Sunday - getting there before the 3 Rivers Arts Festival opens at noon. That will be over at the riverfront so we can scope it out.
Last week's we wandered around the Cemmie (Homewood) and the nearby Greenhouse (Frick, I think), with gardens in bloom everywhere. The Sunday a.m. line outside of 5 Points looked daunting, but they are supremely efficient and soon we sat down to a table of magnificent treats and the usual witty repartee. It involved naked men playing pool at the JCC. I think that's as far as I can go.
June 1 Run/Walk: Meet at Five Points Bakery, 6520 Wilkins Avenue, Pittsburgh 15217
Last week, we met at 61C on Murray Avenue, and who can complain? (Well, I did, earlier...)
It's pretty great being able to join the tables and carry the extra chairs and hang out at our old standby. The big treat was seeing Tom, beloved to the OG RG, and legendary to those of us who are new.
Looking forward to seeing everyone on June 1 and hearing about the Hudson Valley bike trip.
Apologies for getting this out on the late side... filling in for Jane and Roye. Tomorrow let's meet at 61C Cafe for a Squirrel Hill, Point Breeze, or Schenley Park run.
Last week we met at a new place! And explored a new neighborhood!
Brighton Heights was a charming neighborhood that many of us were unfamiliar with but completely delighted by. Runners tried to make it to Riverside Park but got a little lost... thank goodness for Apple Maps directions! Runners found the new bridge to the park (it's on Davis Ave & Rodney Street) but it wasn't yet suitable to cross (or trespass!). Turns out Bicycle Heaven and Manchester Craftsmen's Guild are both a bit farther away than we thought as well.
California Coffee Bar was a really special neighborhood cafe with made-to-order breakfast sandwiches and smoothies. And the coffee and muffins were spectacular as well, I might add.
Lots of book endorsements:
Tartufo, by Kira Jane Buxton
My Brilliant Friend, by Elena Ferrante
The Overstory, by Richard Powers
A People's History of the United States, by Howard Zinn
Cloud Atlas by David Mitchell
Also, a recommendation for a warranty service to efficiently and patiently troubleshoot HP printers as well as all devices in your entire house: Asurian, 1-844-529-2692
May 18 Run/Walk: Meet at California Coffee Bar, 3619 California Ave, Pittsburgh 15212
California Coffee Bar is near both Bicycle Heaven and Manchester Craftmen's Guild.
Last Sunday, we made our annual Mother's Day walk/run to the Queen of Peace Shrine, aka, Our Lady of the Parkway. To read a little about the history and lore surrounding the shrine, check out Virginia's story in the April 23, 2023 edition of Pittsburgh Magazine. https://www.pittsburghmagazine.com/places-we-love-lady-of-the-parkway/
After our pilgrimage, we were able to gather outside the Oakland Starbucks, thanks to the glorious weather, and hang out for as long as we liked. And we hung out, which we liked.
A single endorsement, but one with a ticking clock: Catch the Kara Walker exhibit at the Frick Museum before it closes on May 25. Kara Walker
And -- Garrison Keillor fans! Two tickets are available for his May 30th show at the City Winery, 1627 Smallman Street. The tickets were originally $70 each, but the ticket holder, (Elaine's sister) will sell them for $100 total. To get more information, email Judithbendersky@gmail.com or 907-230-1935
