November 29 Run: Meet at 61C Cafe for a Neighborhood Run; Thanksgiving Morning Run: meet at Starbucks SqHill

On Thanksgiving morning, sleep in a little to meet at 7:30 at the Squirrel Hill Starbucks on Forbes.  Virginia will lead a run through Schenley Park, possibly extending to Oakland and Shadyside for those looking for a longer run.

Next Sunday 11/29, meet at 61C Cafe at the regular time for a regular neighborhood run.  After traveling to other neighborhoods lately, let's stay close to home base this time.

Last Sunday, Pam toured us through Homestead, starting in the Waterfront, crossing the train tracks, and up into Homestead, up the hills into Munhall.  We got off to a slow start, waiting at the railway crossing, where we counted 114 cars (excluding the double stacked ones), all covered in snow, coming from the west.  Perhaps a harbinger of weather to come, but glad not yet!  It was hard to run very far without passing a church.  At the pinnacle of Munhall, we found the historic Munhall Fire Hall, established in 1894.  We also wandered around the gorgeous Carnegie of Homestead Music Hall, and pondered a bite at gastropub Dorothy 6.

Coffee was at Panera at the Waterfront, where Roye sparked a lively discussion on the origins of the bidet, which quite seriously lasted most of the coffee time!  Things that make you go hmmmm.....

Happy Thanksgiving!

November 22 Run: Meet at Waterfront Smokestacks for a Homestead Run

Next Sunday, let's meet at the Waterfront smokestacks (between Costco and Movie Theater) so we can have a Homestead run.

Last Sunday, we took one of the usual Highland Park runs in reverse.  It's funny how different things can look when in reverse.  At coffee, various topics were discussed, including a "single serving friendship" made at Target, and my favorite quote: "I needed 3 potatoes and 2 green peppers, and I spent $197."

Across the street from Target, Eastside, is coming along, and the conversation veered toward the concept of microunits in apartments.  This is actually one of the trends I'm following at work for my coverage of the multifamily market, so I was quite happy to share my nerdiness with the group.  Basically, in Pittsburgh, a "microunit" is around 500 square feet, but in New York and Seattle, it's around 350 square feet, about the size of a hotel room.  There are some great concepts out there, bringing back Murphy beds, built in furniture, etc.  These compact units are embraced by Millennials, but quite frankly, tend toward male Millennials.  But they only work in dynamic mixed use neighborhoods in apartment communities with lots of common areas/amenities.

Endorsements:
The ultralight down vests and coats from Costco
Marshall's in Greentree-- best selection
Weighted vest from Dick's-- helps with preventing osteoporosis

November 15 Run: Meet at Tazzo d'Oro in Highland Park

This Sunday, let's meet at Tazzo d'Oro (Highland and Bryant) so we can catch the tail end of the fall foliage in beautiful Highland Park.

This past Sunday, Michele led us through the high and low points of Braddock, with no worries about missing out on hills.  We started out with the Edgar Thomson Works  and wound our way up to a bridge connecting to North Braddock.  We saw the Free Store and the community garden, but a couple of new things were going on.  For example, the Brew Gentlemen Beer Company, which has been flourishing along with its accompanying food trucks that appear on Friday and Saturday nights.  Then, Mayor John and his wife Gisele hosted coffee for us in their home.  Again, what an amazing experience to be able to ask questions of a PA candidate for US Senate!

November 8 Run: Braddock Run and Coffee at the Fettermans'

This past Sunday, Sharon led the group through Squirrel Hill in search of festive and scary Halloween decorations. Coffee was a bit abbreviated (got to be productive with that extra hour), so I didn't catch any endorsements.

This Sunday, Michele offered to lead a very special run in Braddock.  Park on Braddock Avenue near the intersection with 11th Street.  Braddock Mayor John Fetterman and his wife Gisele will host coffee at their home afterward.  This is a great opportunity to learn about this evolving borough and ask questions of a 2016 Democratic candidate for the U.S. Senate.  Below is a note from Michele. She added that we can donate anything to the Free Store in addition to the specific items listed:

"Since Gisele and John have so graciously offered to host coffee, I am hoping that our running group can again help support the FreeStore.  While shopping over the next two weeks, and remember the upcoming run, can you please make a feminine hygiene product, diaper of any size or formula purchase to donate.  Gisele will be so happy and grateful.

"Furthermore!  please know that when Gisele offered to host coffee, she made NO MENTION of asking for a FreeStore contribution!  This is my idea completely and no one should in any way feel obligated to donate.  We are a fortunate group of means.  A this is a small donation to us but can be a "lifesaver" to someone in need.

"Hopefully the weather will cooperate and we will have a lovely morning.  For those who do not remember, it is necessary to drive all of the way through Braddock and park around Edgar Thompson."