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.