December 23 Run: Meet in front of Phipps Conservatory in Oakland

We are meeting in front of Phipps Conservatory (map) so that Elaine can initiate us into the mysteries of "crows over Oakland."  Don't ask, just come and you will be enlightened!

It must be said, it rained on the downtown Holiday Run.  Seriously, it was sacrilegious, though at least it was mainly a drizzle.  I think the photo says it all.  But we did see the sights: the SuperVatican Creche (always a standout), many lit-up trees, the full-of-tchotchkes Holiday Market, and especially one major improvement: Menorah.net! which has FINALLY replaced the tacky PCP pipe menorahs with state-of-the-art internet-connected glossy steel candelabras. We won't quibble that Menorah.net seems not to know that Hanukah ended last week.

We lounged in our damp running gear in the brocade chairs and under the crystal chandeliers of the Wm Penn Lobby and it was lovely as always.  Endorsing:

• The Wednesday and Friday morning runs, 5:45 at the corner of Murray and Forbes, are reportedly in FULL FORCE.
• Happy Hour in this same William Penn lobby, 5-7 on weekends, so good that we set a date:  Wednesday, January 2 - meet everyone there at 5 and we'll drink to... there's lots we can think of.
• Movie:  Roma, maybe the best picture of the year - don't miss the chance to see it on the big screen.
• TV: Mrs. Maisel, especially now that they're in the Catskills
• Shows: Hamilton, of course - many people are going!  How did they get tickets?  By being clever and persevering, unlike yours truly, who will have to wait until the next decade.  Virginia says that there is another lottery coming up, though.
• Yoga retreats, especially if they're in Aruba or the Mexican Caribbean (and of course Linda Meacci's)
• Not endorsed:  copulation in Gateway Center Park - evidently a problem