Dec 19 Run: Tom's House for the Holiday Panther Run

Another run that is sure to bring bad weather: meet at Tom's house (5434 Ayesboro - about a 1/2 block from Forbes) for a run to see the Panther statues by Phipps with their holiday hats on. I am sure there will be additional visual treats, knowing Tom.

I admit, I was thinking of staying in bed this morning, but as I have recently learned, 40's and light rain is really not bad running weather, so I drove downtown and of course was glad I did. 

Despite having the role of run leader thrown at him with no warning, Tom took us on a comprehensive tour of the city's holiday displays, with a few historical facts thrown in for our learning pleasure. One of the first stops was at, what I always thought was a mural, of Pirate players throughout history displayed at the juncture of Second Ave. and the Boulevard. It is not a mural but a painting on canvas. Our enthusiastic pointing and touching caught the attention of a near-by police person who turned on his siren and gave us a stern hands-off warning. We have done unsanctioned things in the past but this was the first time anyone noticed! Luckily this did not set a precedent and we managed to restrain ourselves for the rest of the run - although I was sorely tempted to have us all climb into the the life-size nativity scene at the Steel Building (we decided it would be safer to Photoshop our faces onto the statues given our earlier run in with the law). Despite some who did not find the Macy's windows attractive, I and a few others found their detail and execution entrancing. We also saw many well-decorated trees and had a discussion about the proper display of Menorahs but the big finale was an amazing display of ginger bread houses at PPG place (http://www.ppgplace.com/gingerbread.php). There were many ingenious subjects and artful touches to capture your attention! Among others there was a pyramid made of Matzo crackers, a church made out of gum, a rendering of the civic arena, a swiss chalet with little hearts on the shutters, a remarkable likeness of St. Bernard's Church in Mt. Lebanon made by pre-schoolers and more. We discussed these and lots of other topics over coffee and donuts at Dunkin Donuts in  the all new Market Square - continuing the new random practice of having coffee where we run. This also made it easier for Louise to get to know us. She a long-time lurker now made famous as part of the dining table relay.Welcome!

Oh and for those who are looking for new dinner ideas, here is a site with an intriguing name but delicious recipes: http://cooktobang.com/