June 18 Run: Meet at Commonplace at Voluto at 5467 Penn Ave. for Allegheny Cemetery Run

We'll meet at Commonplace at Voluto at 5467 Penn Ave. for a run involving the atmospheric Allegheny Cemetery and whatever we find around it.  We really can go in any direction from there so if anyone has a creative plan, bring it.

Last week was uncharacteristically lightly attended (do you know there are 127 people on this list?) but it's the return of summer travels, and also summer injuries (barefoot days means I just sprained my toe, damn it, so no running for a while.)  But it was a lovely run through the park - Lainy's back with tales of Ireland, London, and the Hebrides - Sharon brought along visiting family and a lively pooch - someone's kid is off to HelpX for the summer? - we're doing a pretty good job not talking politics and so there's relief from the current outrage.  Come along for a T-free zone!

June 11 Run: Wendy Bennett Trailhead and Schenley Park

I just checked and we haven't met here since January - time for a Schenley Park run with leaves.  For anyone out there who is still waiting to join the run and might be tempted, but has no idea what the Wendy Bennett Trailhead is - here's a map - it's at the very beginning of Overlook Drive, right off Bartlett St./Greenfield Rd.  Coffee will be back at the 61C of course.

Last week was momentous and a Running Group first: baby grandchild born in the middle of the run! Wendy and David, the thrilled grandparents, answered the phone and announced the happy birth right there on the sidewalks of Swissvale.  Giant mazel tov to them, Bud, Becky, Iggy and the whole fam.

Another (less momentous) first was our trek through the streets of downtown Swissvale, really cute and starring Master's Hardware store, which is possibly the last authentic hardware store within reasonable driving distance.  It has and does everything, including sharpen blades on push mowers. (Please everyone consider using a push mower - many available for a song on Craigslist. Will give you strong biceps and also save the planet.)  If you're wondering why this picture is here, it is one that Google posted for the store, for reasons truly unknown.

Biddle's was its usual delightful coffee locale - reminding us, whither Mahjong? (We used to have mahjong games there, also delightful, if you're interested, email the group.)  Numerous endorsements:

• Wonder Woman - watch how female intelligence, compassion and kick-assedness boost the superhero genre flick to a new level.  We need to go as as group.  Also the particular beauty of Israeli women:  Gal, Natalie, and of course Galit.
• New book on the history of dearly missed Schenley High School - Pam says unexpectedly moving and engagingly written. 
• Happy Hour at the Cork Factory
• Kayaking from Aspinwall riverfront - so accessible and fun
• and even cheaper if you get a Venture Outdoors membership, which does a lot more.
• More boating:  rent a houseboat for a week. Even in Europe.
• I'm adding this gem I just discovered - this jam-packed neighborhood newspaper covering Bloomfield, Friendship, Garfield, East Liberty, Lawrenceville, and Stanton Heights - see esp. the free Lawrenceville Garden Tour (p.10) and Pep Rally Shoe Drive (p.5). So much to get local about.

June 4 Run: Meet at Biddle's Escape on Biddle Ave. in Wilkinsburg

We're meeting at Biddle's this week, for a run in any direction (Wilkinsburg? Regent Square? Frick Park?) which I have taken it upon myself to decide since even though there were two runs last week, nobody made a plan for this one.  I thought:  which coffee place is just right for the times?  And I thought of Biddle's.  Their signature drinks include a Kyoto Fog Tea Latte, and I also want to see what is on display across the street.

Last week we had both a regular and a holiday run. both with pretty good numbers, despite no message really going out.  Great mind-meld, everyone!  Weather was perfect, which helped.  I missed the Sunday run, but photos were covered by Virginia (sign has a surprising new translation, which actually I don't agree with, but hey.)  The Holiday run went down through Chatham and back up on Murray Hill Ave., where some of us re-lived RG's brief but now eternal appearance on the silver screen, and also recalled the most beautiful port-a-potty ever. At coffee we had a delightful Memorial Day encounter with a spunky genuine WW2 Vet who introduced himself as Billy the Kid.  We also got literally literary, endorsing:

• good handwriting
• bullet journals
• use of writing to solve problems
• tip from the PG about editing:  read it backwards!
• and finally, the first Open Streets, which was awesome, especially the tunnel.  More coming the last Sunday of June and July.