August 10 Run/Walk: Meet at Biddle's Escape, 401 Biddle Ave.

Next up:  Meet at Biddle's (map), head to parts unknown.  

Sunday last we met at the Waterfront.  We followed the GAP trail, which unfortunately for us walkers, never quite made it past the parking lots and railroad tracks (next time we'll go in the other direction).  Runners however made it to Homestead and the Bulgarian Macedonian National Cultural Center.  We missed seeing Senator Fetterman in his usual Sunday spot - but were not quite sure of what we would say to him if he surfaced.  The last time we exchanged views on Hokas.

It's always appealing to sit in that space outside Starbucks, even in our winter Covid days, wrapped up in blankets.  Distress and outrage about the current moment were a main topic,  but also some opportunities and distractions:

• Gretchen reported on the Ambridge (and other) ICE attacks on immigrants.  Casa San Jose offers various opportunities to help as a volunteer, notably the Rapid Response Team.  Jane M. also told us about a weekly vigil on Fridays from 8 - 10 a.m. outside the ICE office on the South Side.
• Quantum Theater's production of Seagull is wonderful - ends Aug. 17th.
• One's 70th birthday is tough. 
• Somebody is listening to Miranda July's All Fours on audiobook.  Whoa.

August 3 Run/Walk: Meet at the Costco parking lot in Homestead.

Everyone loves Costco (especially the pants) so let's meet there and head to the GAP trail, to be followed by coffee outside of Starbucks/Panera.  Sadly, the eagles have moved their nest elsewhere - probably sick of the paparazzi, as probably Sen. Fetterman is too, though he may be in the vicinity.  This time we can run, walk or bike - a new feature!

Last week we auditioned the new Ineffable cafe next to the eye-opening Enson Market (apparently briefly to the Health Dept.). There was decent ambiance, good coffee, bad pastry, but excellent company.  We ranged widely around Homewood and Pt. Breeze, featuring Howard's Community Garden (plus available compost bins), Westinghouse Park, the Brilliant Line, Homewood Library, the Bowling Green, and Frick Museum.  All in a sliver of our Fair City!  Much was endorsed:

• The Brillliant Line pedestrian/cycling trail from Aspinwall to Homewood ("and beyond") is underway.
• Read:  books by James McBride, esp. the Heaven and Earth Grocery Store.
• Watch: The Horse Whisperer with Robert Redford (actually ANY movie with Robert Redford) and also Scarlett Johansson at 13.
• The Lawrenceville Art Crawl is this Saturday 1-9 pm.
• We remembered Josie and the Pussycats - movie (2001), TV series (70's) and comic book (60's).  Only a few admitted to recalling that last one.
• Anna Li, amazing young founder of Korion Health, and a daughter of immigrants, who says "Why can't medicine be cute?"
• Howard's Garden, at Sterrett School, a community jewel, deserves a look at its gofundme page.  
• Protest: Nat'l Rage Against the Trump Machine on Saturday at 11 - closest one is Forbes/Braddock.

July 27 Run/Walk: Meet at the new Ineffable Ca Phe, 7511 Thomas Blvd. Pt. Breeze (off of Braddock)

For post-run sustenance, we'll try out the new location for the Ineffable Vietnamese cafe, now attached to the brand new and wildly abundant Asian superstore called Enson Market in the Rockwell Park development across from the Co-op.  There is a parking lot - address listed at 7511 Thomas Blvd., off of Braddock.  It's a little confusing in there but Google Maps clarifies it here.  The run/walk itself is TBD.  Enson Market itself opens at 10, and is a sight to see - so we might want to stretch out our coffee time.  

Last week we made our trek to Schenley Park to wander around the Grand Prix, though at this point I don't pay much attention to the cars.  They were shiny. The weather was blessedly cool, and of COURSE the rain held off as we nestled into Sharon's green and comfy backyard and downed a multitude of treats.

Things to ponder:

• Go here: Findhorn, Scotland.
• Also, Costco.  Especially now that they have copycat Lululemon pants.  
• Take to the: Open Streets- happening in Lawrenceville after the run on Sunday
• Find a bathroom in Ford City - evidently Volunteer Fire Dept. Station 2 is an option.  "It never hurts to ask" says Gretchen.
• Watch:  The Bear?  Maybe the 7 Fishes episode.
• Learn about: the Whiskey Rebellion, which happened right here circa 1791.  Maybe next year:  the 42nd Annual Whiskey Rebellion 5K in Canonsburg.  I really want that t-shirt.
• Do yoga: in Frick Park (off of Beechwood) with RG favorite Linda Meacci on Tuesdays evenings at 6:30.  Or, in Italy
• Listen to: great music, and support our immigrant community in these perilous times:  at the All Together Now Festival August 7-10. Buffalo Rose will be there!
• Take a stand against tyranny, cruelty, and mayhem - find a time and place here. 

July 20 Run/Walk: Meet at Sharon's house, 5612 Woodmont, for annual Grand Prix run-through

We'll meet at Sharon's and make our yearly visit to the lineup of fancy cars in Schenley Park. En route, we may also visit the wall of international snacks at Vendor Bender (open 24 hrs).  Then a return to Sharon's delightful backyard for coffee and a customary deep analysis of goings-on. 

Last week we toured the leafy fields and spacious yards of McCandless - and were reminded that Beth and Gretchen get up MUCH earlier than we do on Sundays and we are grateful!  Beth's yummy shakshuka and many other delights provided us with the strength needed to face each day in these times.  But at least we can take a break and kibitz:

• Do you want to go bowhunting in the parks and snag a few deer?  Of course not, but evidently it's possible to become a trained archer.  Somebody knows how.
• We loved Beth's beautifully balanced water pitcher - it's from Blenko Glass in WV
• Some of us are trying to get used to back-up cameras and cars that scream at you.
• Many TV shows from the 50's and 60's were endorsed, even by some who were not even born when they came out. Youtube has them all:  check out Peyton Place.
• What's with the Ebisu Japanese Life Store?  
• And don't even think of entering the creepy jewelry store on Forbes in Oakland. "Any sane person would quickly turn around."

July 13 Run/Walk: Meet at Beth's House in McCandless: 9384 Hilliard Road Pittsburgh, PA 15237

Sunday Beth has generously offered to host coffee at her house in McCandless.  Enjoy the beautiful verdant route that she takes you on Sunday.

Last Sunday we ran and walked around Highland Park and enjoyed the treats and camaraderie at Jane's house around the corner from Tazzo.  I don't remember any endorsements, but have since seen recommendations for:

The new Palm Palm restaurant in East Liberty; and 

a music festival/benefit concert with Buffalo Rose to benefit Pittsburgh's immigrant community.

July 4th and 6th Run/Walk: Two Run/Walks: July 4 7:30 am @ 61C; July 6 7:00 am @ Tazza D'Oro

Before I forget:

       1) Friday 7/4 holiday run at 61C. Please note holiday meet time 7:30 am

       2) Sunday 7/6 at Tazzo D'Oro in Highland Park at usual meet time 7:00 am

100% walkers today 6/29; up to the Oakland water tower, followed by 

coffee at the brand spanking new La Gourmandine on Meyran Ave.

Stay cool, stay dry, and have a great week!

W.

June 29 Run/Walk: Meet under the tent at Schenley Plaza

 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!

June 22 Run/Walk: Start at 61C cafe in Squirrel Hill

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.) 

• No Kings was declared pretty glorious.  Do look at this.
• Signs we loved:  Don't Worry Melania, I Hate Him Too.  No Kings, Only Drag Queens.  American Pope OK, American King No Way. Elect a Rapist - Expect to Get Fucked (If the New Yorker can say it, so can we.)
• More Vietnam era endorsements:   The Best & The Brightest, The Women, The Post (and hurray for our Virginia!), The Deer Hunter, Apocalypse Now.
• The Post-Gazette evidently is not as reactionary as it has been.
• The US Open provided a relief from politics.
• If you need a public bathroom (i.e. you're at La Prima), there's an app for that.