January 5 Run: meet at the parking lot at the Hot Metal Bridge and 2nd Avenue, and New Year’s Day Run at 61C- 7:30 am

January 5 Run: meet at the parking lot at the Hot Metal Bridge and 2^nd Avenue, and New Year’s Day Run at 61C- 7:30 am

Don’t forget to join the New Year’s celebration run at 7:30 am this Wednesday morning, starting at the 61C café in Squirrel Hill.

Next Sunday, we’ll take in some Southside from the parking lot by the Hot Metal Bridge and have coffee at the Indigo Hotel’s Eliza restaurant ,after.

This week’s runs included an ethereal cemetery tour through the thick Christmas morning fog on Wednesday, and a slow climb up Troy Hill, on Sunday, to tour that hidden gem of a neighborhood. We befriended an authentic 40 year local who sang the praises of the overstuffed hoagies at   Pear and the Pickle (see endorsements). The views from Troy Hill were astounding and, as expected, rain held off until the run was done. Oh ya, and going DOWN Rialto street is way more reasonable than climbing up!

A few endorsements:

·        Troy Hill Restaurants:

·        Pear and the Pickle (which evidently carries Boar’ Head meats and loads them onto oversized hoagies)- doesn’t open early enough for running group coffee

·        Scratch f&b

·        Movies:

·        Knives Out

·        Uncut Gems

And of course,  Little Women - most notable for its amazing costuming, especially the SONTAG shawl, which Roye will no doubt be sporting in cashmere well before Spring!

Bingeworthy:

The Durrells in Corfu- the daily adventures of a most imperfect British family embracing life on the Greek Island of Corfu (on Amazon Prime) .

EM

December 29 Run: Meet at Herrs Island, in the parking lot under the bridge

That's it: meet at Herrs Island, aka Washington's Landing (map here).  From Penn Ave., go over the 31st St. bridge, take a left onto River Ave., then your first left onto the island and you'll see the parking lot to your left. 
Too much going on this week to provide more info.  Stay tuned!

December 22: Phipps Conservatory Oakland, plus Christmas run: Starbucks Forbes and Shady (7:30 am start)

December 22 run: Start at Phipps Conservatory Oakland, plus Christmas run: Starbucks Forbes and Shady (7:30 am start)

Last Sunday we did the annual downtown Christmas tour.  The tree at the point shone brightly against the dusky morning sky. We ornamented the giant ornament and were dwarfed by the giant figures of the creche, and the tree at the City-County building (now featuring a video showing the raising and decorating of said tree!). No Hanukah menorahs in sight might actually be better than those PVC pipe versions of yesteryears. We trespassed onto the courthouse yard to view “where the Christmas tree used to be” and passed the old Kaufmanns’ department store where the Christmas windows “used to be”. It was delightful to have Sarah Wallace back for her first of two holiday downtown runs of the day. In the elegance of the William Penn Hotel lobby, napkin topics (including the true meaning of  Okay Boomer and Wendy’s well-maintained rhomboids) were plentiful, but were not actually recorded on a napkin.

This Sunday we're starting at Phipps Conservatory for a visit through Oakland.  Also don't forget the default holiday Christmas run at 7:30 a.m. Wednesday at 61C.

Happy Holidays Everyone!

Dec. 15 Run: Annual Holiday Run Downtown - meet at Market Square

It's that time again - we'll be visiting all the seasonal delights of dahntahn, starting in Market Square.  I'm sadly going to miss it but wish everyone a Merry Everything!

Last Sunday was as Victorian as Christmas Pudding - angelic statues in Allegheny Cemetery - the big hearth at The Abbey - we were just waiting for Pickwick.  We also saw geese walking on water.

We were so comfy that a whole slew of endorsements came up:

• The new Gingerbread House Display at the City County Building - well curated and including several gingerbread buses in sinkholes.
• Buti-Yoga, starring "intentional shaking & vibration to release trauma stored at the cellular level"
• Sing, an Irish Christmas at the Benedum this Thursday
• Many, many water filters - very confusing but our scientists Beth and Galit will figure it out soon
• RG member Maia's poetry reading TOMORROW night at the Steel City Slam, FullPint WildSide Pub
• Acupuncture at the Center for Integrative Medicine takes insurance (sometimes.)  Good for anxiety, shoulders, etc.  Ask for Tricia.  There is evidently Dog Acupuncture somewhere too.
• Movie:  Dark Waters
• Book:  Gift from the Sea
• People who look like their dogs, as in 101 Dalmations, but it's true!
• Not endorsed: cursed plastic - now found in sea salt and fleece jackets and whales.

Dec. 8 Run: Lawrenceville next - meet at The Abbey at 4635 Butler Street

In preparation for another icy run, we'll meet Sunday at the warm wooden coziness of The Abbey, on 4635 Butler Street near 47th St., (open at 7 so we can wait inside) and then we'll maybe go High Victorian in Allegheny Cemetery - or else see what the Lawrenceville shops are offering.  'Tis the season!  Speaking of which, there are also plans for the Downtown Holiday Run which will take place on Dec. 15, so get your Santa hats ready.  Or is it Pussy hats?  It's that season too.

Last week - Shadyside?  It's all a blur.  Great coffee though!

Endorsements:

• Misfits Market Box - year-round discount organic vegetable delivery with a twist!
• Airborne super vitamin remedy for incipient colds - works for me
• the JCC Group Power class - maybe for those who are mourning the demise of Club One. (For a few of us this was our entree into the running group years ago.)
• the Pittsburgh Girls Choir Holiday Concert
• TV:  Last Breath on Netflix; His Dark Materials on HBO (that was in last week, but still)
• Bears: someone found one in their car.  Also one is starring in His Dark Materials.
• Book:  Manhattan Beach by Jennifer Egan
• Popsockets for your phone
• Or, no phone
• 79 climate-friendly gift ideas 

Dec. 1 Run: Commonplace Coffee in Pt Breeze, 6736 Reynolds

We'll start on Sunday at the new-ish Commonplace Coffee in Pt. Breeze, at 6736 Reynolds.  This is near Mellon Park, site of the Center for the Arts, whose holiday store will be having a 20% off sale that we can head over to if we have an extra-long coffee (it opens at noon.) Not sure of a direction - maybe a return to the hidden wealth alleys behind Beechwood and Shady?  It's the 1%!!

We had two runs/walks last week with the theme represented at right.  Both immersed in Schenley Park's November gloom.  But revived as always by the dynamite combo of endorphins, caffeine and most of all, us and so many endorsements!

• The Midwest, where people talk to each other
• Thomas, WV
• Painter Ron Donoughe
• Taking the water taxi at the Boston airport
• Tip: when you need to leave your luggage somewhere in a safe place, try any hotel - they usually don't ask if you're staying there
• Kate St. John's blog about birds and the 'burgh
• Free Stores (Braddock and Wilkinsburg) are great places to donate things to
• Handmade Arcade (Dec.6, but too commercial and crazy)  or the I Made It Market (Nov. 30 and Dec. 14 and more original but only in the suburbs - seriously?)
• Squidtivity - the nativity with squid puppets - apparently seen at Handmade Arcade
• TV series:  His Dark Materials
• For our knee problems:  ICE, ICE, ICE
• I hear this is now a thing:  Cashmere sweatpants

November 24 Run: Start at Staghorn Cafe, 517 Greenfield Ave, plus Thanksgiving Run: 61C cafe (7:30 am start)

On Sunday we thought we would go backwards into Schenley Park, from Greenfield, just to change it up.  So we're starting at the cute Staghorn Cafe, where our scone judges were impressed 9 months ago.

Last week, runners visited what appears to be a cartoon moonscape in the process of being dismantled on Schenley Plaza.  Walkers discovered an antiquarian bookstore (Shadyside Books) on the second floor of something called "Caboodle Trading Post" whose purpose is shrouded in mystery.

As if those weren't weird enough, we sort of endorsed:

• Dog Diving
• The old Heads Together video store 
• Espresso with a shot of anise
• The bathroom in the basement of the Cathedral of Learning
• Ring: Your very own surveillance
• 1974

and the kindness of the barista at Starbucks in Bakery Square who custom-made an icepack for us.

Nov. 17 Run: meet at Mellon Park parking lot, off of Fifth Ave. at Beechwood

We'll meet at the Mellon Park "Spray Park" parking lot (map here), locus of a thousand runs!  Seriously, we can go in any direction.  Think about your favorite one and we'll vote on the spot.  After the run, we can try out the new Starbucks in Bakery Square, which proclaims in its "Amenities": "oven-warmed food."  Hmmmm.

Last week we covered Regent Square streets with a deep dive into Frick Park - a perfect combination.  Later, the 61B cafe seemed to have a particularly comfy aura - maybe it's the little chairs that can squeeze together.  Convo seemed to be a lot about food - oven-warmed and not.  Heard at the table; "I need to make kale chips!"

Endorsements for:

• Kretschmann Farms Organic CSA - now featuring enormous fennel fronds and chicken - they have winter boxes too.
• Roast those chickens 8 ways with Mark Bittman (Soy sauce one especially)
• If you can overcome your politics addiction, the New York Times also tells you how to carve a turkey.
• Birthday cake to mail to faraway kid (stays fresh and intact):  Maida Heatter's Sachertorte
• the peanut butter machine at the East End Food Coop
• amazing views from the "Church Route" steps on the South Side
• Malcolm Gladwell audio anything
• 60 Minutes, starring Pittsburgh, on the anniversary of the Tree of Life shooting.

Nov. 10 Run: Meet at 61B cafe in Regent Square for a Frick Park run

Not a typo - that's the 61B Cafe which is on S. Braddock in Regent Square - we'll go from there deep into the dusky park to face the momentous approach of winter.  Or something like that.

Last week so many of us made it ALL THE WAY into the suburban North Hills so that Gretchen could lead us through the cinnamon-y morning light in North Park.  It was lovely.  

Things to consider:

• New non-pharma ways to increase bone density involve standing on vibrating machines and/or jumping around to thumping music.  If you know anything about this, write in!
• Don't forget to vote Tuesday - tomorrow!  Here's everything you need to know from the League of Women Voters. Women Voters Unite!
• Only Lainy can take a selfie that includes 9 faces.

November 3 Run: Meet at North Park Boathouse parking lot & change your clocks!

Sunday let's venture out to the 'burbs for a nice change of scenery.  Meet at North Park's Boathouse for a loop around the park. Don't forget to make your clocks fall back an hour on Saturday night!

Last week, Virginia and her LED-glowing ankle light brightened up a dark morning, and the rain stopped just in time for the run!  She led us through the Halloween-decked out streets of Regent Square and we saw some really great displays.  Photos to follow.  Coffee by Biddle Street and pastries by Madeleine's rounded out a perfect morning.

October 27 Run: Start at Biddle's Escape for a Wilkinsburg/Regent Square Halloween Run

We'll meet at Biddle's Escape (401 Biddle Ave.) for our annual visit to extravagantly creepy scenes in that neighborhood.  Let's access our inner witches and cast some spells.  Away with toil and trouble!  After this week we'll need that.  All for now - hope to see you on Sunday!

Oct. 20 Run: Meet at Tazza D'Oro at 1125 N. Highland Ave.

We haven't been to Highland Park since May, so it's time to return! Meet at Tazza D'Oro  at 1125 N. Highland (7 am, don't forget) and we'll head somewhere from there.

Last week:  We traversed the quaint back streets of the South Side Flats, coming back on the trail with a view of a glowing sunrise (photo 1) and finished with perfectly made cappuccinos at Big Dog with a view of Lainy's custom dog socks (that's HER dog - photo 2.)
Don't miss:

• Book:  Commander-in-Cheat, How Golf Explains Trump
• Food:  Cranberry Walnut Bread from Costco
• Half-marathon:  Buffalo Creek
• (Almost) free tickets:  SeatStir
• Archive:  The Wayback Machine (OK, I'm a librarian, but you have to try this.) 

October 13 Run: Meet at Big Dog Coffee, 2717 Sarah Street, on the South Side

Wow - this week got away, so just a bulletin here: let's meet at Big Dog Coffee, 2717 Sarah Street, on the South Side.  We can do our own StepTrek up the stairs, or else go back to that new trail to Hazelwood on the other side of the Hot Metal Bridge - or anywhere really.
See you there!

October 6 Run: Wendy Bennett Trailhead

We made no specific plans on Sunday, so we'll head back to the Wendy Bennett Trailhead in Schenley Park (corner of Overlook Drive and Greenfield Ave. - here's a map) and see if we want to head down that dark path into the woods (as in the fairy tales) or over the bridge to Greenfield. 

Last week a few of us who didn't feel great enough for the Great Race headed into Frick Park and then luxuriated in the Pittsburgh-on-the-Seine ambiance of Madeleine's under the trees.  However, I'm leaving out the inspirational Sarah, who truly is greater than the Great Race, as she ran up to join us BEFORE running it afterwards.  See below, with some of our other racers (and offspring!)

Highly recommended:
Books:  The Nickel Boys, The Testaments, and Educated
Movie: Fair Game
TV: Cable Girls, Derry Girls

September 29 Run: Biddle's Escape, 401 Biddle Ave., Wilkinsburg

Sunday is the Great Race, so for those of us who aren't racing, we'll try to avoid the street closings by meeting at old favorite Biddle's Escape, 401 Biddle Ave. in Wilkinsburg.  Run can be in any direction.  Afterwards, if the weather is fine and there are enough seats outside, we may decamp to Madeleine's down the street for the unpronounceable scrumptious Kouign-Amanns. 

Two weeks of great runs displaying the housing improvements, or gentrification (depending on how you look at it) of East Liberty and The Strip.  Either way, change is afoot. See photos below for the gorgeous grunge we visited near Railroad St. (Photo credits to Pam and Virginia.) Also, a very different scene from Carrie and Karen, after the marathon in Bar Harbor.

Pent-up endorsements:

• SO much TV (clearly we need an escape from reality):  Netflix's Unbelievable; Nurse Jackie; Fleabag's 2nd series; new seasons of the Great British Baking Show and Queer Eye, Orange is the New Black (already a classic) inspiring the thought experiment, "if you were in prison, which person would you be?" and the ultimate tranquilizer, Animal Babies.
• If you want your kids to call you, change your Netflix password.
• Fun escape read:  Where did you go, Bernadette?
• Oakland:  The Cathedral of Learning, run up the 36 flights, take the elevator down, and then sink into the consolation of the exquisite Heinz Memorial Chapel.
• Borland Garden - funky treasure discovered in the middle of East Liberty
• Farm Camps - there are a lot of these!
• Western River Expeditions Grand Canyon Tour
• Media surveillance - NOT endorsed - we're being watched endlessly
• The women warriors at Fair Districts PA

Sept. 22 Run: Meet at La Prima on 21st St. on the Strip

Short version today due to a computer meltdown.  Also a memory meltdown (perhaps related) because though I know we are meeting at La Prima on 21st on the Strip, I'm not sure why.

But we'll all see!

Parking probably best on Penn since I don't know if the parking lot off of Liberty and 21st is still legit.

Sept. 15 Run: Meet at The Detective Building, 224 N. Euclid Ave. in East Liberty

On Sunday we're going with Wendy's idea from 2 weeks ago:

How about we meet next week at the recently refurbished Detective Building (a 

few blocks from the Ace Hotel) for a run/walk around East Liberty? Then we can check out 

the coffee and treats at The Bureau, pictured below. 

                                          The Detective Bldg

                                          224 N Euclid Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15206

                                          The Bureau

Last week attracted a great crowd!  Delightful weather and the promise of the ever-better Squirrel Hill Farmer's Market may have helped.  We did the Reverse Bird Run with a dramatic detour into Frick Park to rescue Sunny the Adorable Dog.  Theme: love for our fellow creatures.

Top endorsements from the last 2 weeks:

• Upcoming Festival of Combustion at the Carrie Furnace
• Theater:  August Wilson's Gem of the Ocean, outdoors in the Hill and an all-female Julius Caesar in Pittsburgh's Shakespeare in the Parks.
• TV:  Offspring (again! - those who have seen it say "the all-time best"), Mindhunter - filmed in Pittsburgh, The Great Hack, Reese Witherspoon (in anything but you can watch Legally Blonde forever)
• Food:  Turkish Kebab House, on "restaurant row"
• Make your own yogurt - you can start with EuroCuisine yogurt maker 
• Mahjongg - we need to start our group again!  You can learn it from Dorothy at the Pittsburgh Meetup at Panera- sign up here.

Sept. 8 Run: From 61C Cafe in Squirrel Hill to parts unknown

Just a bulletin today - we're starting and coffee-ing at our old standby, the 61C Cafe in Squirrel Hill.  Maybe we'll head towards Greenfield?  We'll see. 

Last week:  The Rollercoaster Trail:

Sept. 1 Run: meet at entrance to Frick Park at Reynolds and S. Homewood at 7. Labor Day Holiday run at 7:30 at 61C Cafe in Squirrel Hill.

Ready for more forest bathing in Frick Park?  We'll meet at the entrance at Reynolds and S. Homewood at 7.  Coffee location TBD.  The Labor Day Holiday run will be as always at 7:30 at 61C Cafe in Squirrel Hill. 

Summer feels like it's over!  College students are pouring in and the inside of Target looks like a bomb went off.  I came back from the beach with a miserable cold so I can't report on last week's run, but I did manage to drag myself to coffee and of course it was worth it.  I learned:

• We're having another Happy Hour! On Tuesday, Sept. 3 at 5:45 at the Oaklander Hotel in (where else?) Oakland. Meet in the 10th floor bar.  Come even if you have never been to the run. (Actually, that's true for most of the people on this list.)
• The Pittsburgh Ghost Tour is hilarious.  Don't miss the County Mortuary.
• That funny little Greek restaurant that you've passed on 6th St. a million times on your way to the Pirates game is run by a former chef on the Onassis yacht!  And they have created a dessert called "Jackie-o's Cake" which is free if you don't like it.  A must go!  Christos Mediterranean Grille at 130 6th St. 

Aug. 25 Run: Meet at 61C Cafe for a Runner's Choice Run

We have been in so many different neighborhoods for so long, let's meet back at home base for a 61C run, where there are so many different options for routes.  1839 Murray Ave.

Last week, we started at Biddle's Escape and Virginia led us through the leafy Edgewood streets, under and over the Parkway, train tracks, and the busway.   We enjoyed the buttery treats from Madeleine's and were joined by various RG guests, which enhanced the sweetness of the pastries/coffee.

I since received notes from Wendy from the previous week's run/walk that started in Lawrenceville, so I am including them below:

İMi gente!

Yesterday, walkers enjoyed a brisk hike through secret L’ville passages (courtesy Beth) followed by some enthusiastic window shopping along Butler Street (“…like Shadyside, 40 years ago.”) In between, we toured the architecturally fascinating Hatfield Street, including Hatfield Laundry, the home of the Pittsburgh Lettering Club. At the well-attended coffee at Espresso a Mano, runners and walkers tucked into some excellent pastries during their usual Sunday morning gabfest. The discussion ranged from CHoP to Brooklyn to Target; the overall theme: female empowerment.

Stay tuned for a NEW, exciting starting location for a run/walk coming up over the next few weeks.

Aug. 18 Run: Meet at Biddle’s Escape, 401 Biddle Ave

A quick post today as I’m on vacation and forgot to take notes last week.  We had two great groups of runners and walkers starting in Lawrenceville and crisscrossing the river to Washington’s Landing for some great cooler temps and river breezes.  I don’t recall any endorsements, only the usual catching up on each other’s lives and enjoying Espresso a Mano’s great goodies, both of which count as the stuff of life.

Next week let’s keep it simple and start at another favorite spot: Biddle’s Escape.  Hope to see you there!

Aug 11 Run: Meet in Lawrenceville at espresso a mano 3623 Butler Street

Aug. 11 Run: Meet in Lawrenceville at espresso a mano  3623 Butler Street

Next run we can meet in L’ville and explore the riverfront and at least one bridge. And we'll head back to espresso a mano for coffee after.

This week on the run we had a rowdy group as we explored some of the lesser traveled streets of Shadyside and Friendship. Stately homes and urban estates were themes and then we emerged into artsy Garfield and the ever-transitioning East Liberty. Coffee was at the new (rumored to be temporary) Starbucks at Bakery Square where the formerly new apartment buildings are being shadowed by high rise office construction. Oops- there went the view out of those pricey abodes!

At coffee we discussed:

7^th edition of the Wonderland of Nature, now available on Amazon, written by our own Chris Horwitz’s Mum!

Sunday night Soul Line Dancing at Highland Park, 7pm each Sunday in August. Some of us will be there because we love the inimitable Roland Ford. Could you stand to miss this? (can you find some East End Runners in this video?)

Respectfully submitted by Elaine, filing in for Roye.

Aug. 4 Run: Meet at Mellon Park (the Spray side) parking lot, corner Beechwood and Fifth

Next run we can meet and park in the Mellon Park lot - next to the Spray Playground, corner of Beechwood and Fifth.  7 am as always.  But we'll head over to Bakery Square for coffee later at the new Starbucks - and see if by some chance it could be different from a million other Starbucks.  Actually I won't be there so don't forget to find a new blogger for a few weeks.  (Aimee, Wendy, Lainy, and Teri can all post to the blog, but everyone can send out the message.)

Last week on the South Side it was still steamy but bearable as we headed for the river trail.  On the way, we peered at the anonymous local office for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) at 3000 Sidney Street - no identifying sign, except for a flag - but the site of hundreds of heartbreaking stories.  Down on the riverside there is a sudden glut of fancy boats in marinas.  What is Pittsburgh coming to?   We also previewed the big set-up for Open Streets, which later on was a huge fiesta.  And then we experienced our future if Roboburgh has its way.

In the comfort zone of Big Dog Coffee, we discussed Mexico, appliances, cars and bikes, and teenagers:

• Kraynick's Bike Shop - appeared magically in my hour of need and totally rescued a vacation, in 30 minutes.  Plus, should be a Pittsburgh Historic Landmark.
• Books:  The Lacuna by Kingsolver, and any good bio. of Frida Kahlo
• Movies:  more Mexico: Frida - which is fascinating, and Roma - which is brilliant.
• TV - The Great Hack - we are all at risk.
• AirBNB Experiences - things to do while your staying in one! 
• The new kitchen faucet with a spray feature INSIDE.  Find it and a million more things at the Home Improvement Warehouse.
• Don's Appliances!  So much faster and easier than big box stores.  Don't let the showrooms with the high end models put you off - they carry all levels, just find them on the website.  But you have to call it Dawn's.
• Aimee is selling a Subaru - come to the run to talk to her if you're interested
• Teen trajectory:  "First it's the bar mitzvah parties, then finally the driving test."

July 28 Run: Meet at Big Dog Coffee, 2717 Sarah Street, on the South Side

It's Open Streets again, so we'll meet (at 7 am, of course) close to its route at one of our favorites, Big Dog Coffee, 2717 Sarah Street on the South Side. (This is in case anyone wants to bike or hike the Open Streets fiesta when it starts at 9.)   There should be plenty of parking on the street, and since it's outside of the route, no street closings in the way if you arrive via the Hot Metal Bridge.

Last Sunday it was STILL steamy hot, and I must say it was a relief to be one of the walkers.  So I can't speak for the runners, who made it all the way to Herr's Island and back, but they were definitely sweatier.  All evaporated as we lounged in the lovable but grungy sidewalk courtyard of the Original La Prima, (or, La Prima Primera!) downing the incomparable meles from Colangelo's next door.  A shout-out to Bella Notte down the street, for graciously letting us use their bathroom, even before they opened. Women of a certain age are grateful.

What did we talk about? A LOT, but the only things that will be recorded here are:

• Rooftop Happy Hours (we will try one of these before the winter) - Tryp Hotel, The Oaklander.  
• August will soon be here with Line Dancing at Highland Park on Sunday nights with the famous Roland Ford!  (Some of us were recorded for all time here - in the back somewhere.)
• Shakshouka, aka Eggs in Hades - great for brunch.

July 21 Run: Start at La Prima Espresso on the strip - probably best to park on Penn Ave.

It will still be pretty hot, so let's go to a place with few hills and with a river breeze - Herr's Island!  No coffee there, though, so let's start at La Prima, 21st off of Penn Ave.  Though we usually park off of Liberty Ave., the last time I was there I saw some severe NO PARKING signs, so I think we can park on Penn - it will be early enough to find spaces.

Last week we peered at a few honorary consulate residences and then just moseyed around Pt. Breeze and Squirrel Hill, stopping (we love to stop) at Howard Aiken's Sterrett School garden on the way. Highlight: celebrating Bastille Day by snarfing down croissants of various kinds in Wendy's cool bamboo-shaded yard, and heading out carrying beautiful veggies from HER garden.
Endorsements:

• Gardens!
• Kretschmann Farm CSA
• Movie:  Drum Line
• TV:  Big Little Lies (Meryl is amazing) and Aziz Ansari's apologetic Right Now
• Bathroom colors - NOT dark ones, too hard to clean mold
• Elaine's Israeli contractor for home remodeling (ask her for contact)
• David Coulson Hand Lettering and calligraphy - exquisite!

July 14 Run: Meet at 1447 Beechwood Blvd. in Squirrel Hill (off of Wilkins)

Why are we meeting at 1447 Beechwood Blvd. on Sunday?  It's Bastille Day! And that (for a reason we need to investigate) is the address of the French Honorary Consulate in Pittsburgh.  There are some clues in this article by PG columnist Brian O'Neill, who has also written a book called "The Paris of Appalachia: Pittsburgh in the 21st Century" which I think we all have to read.  And afterwards, how about cafe et croissants au chocolat at Five Points Bakery on Wilkins?  We can grab the outdoor tables, or if there's no room, just smuggle them into the 61C.

It must be admitted that, impossibly, we were all rained on in Schenley Park last Sunday.  But only at the end.  We dripped a little bit on the floor of the 61C. 
Endorsements (had some saveur francaise even then)

• Janet's umbrella - acquired at a Placenta Meeting in Paris
• US Women's Soccer!!  They had beaten the French team - then the World Cup!!
• Fall Run Park in Glenshaw - not Niagara but something
• As Bastille Day also brings to mind prisons: Pittsburgh's Lights for Liberty Vigil is Thursday evening, July 12, 7:30 pm in Schenley Plaza in Oakland - to stand with people all over the world against the horrific abuses in US detention camps.  (There is one in Paris too!) 

July 7 Run: Wendy Bennett Trailhead in Schenley Park, at Overlook Drive and Greenfield Ave.

Here's a map to the Wendy Bennett Trailhead, where we are meeting on Sunday.  Beyond that, who knows?  The urban forest beckons, full of mystery.  Coffee to follow at 61C, full of schmoozers.
Happy Fourth!

Here's how we were last week -

June 30 Run: Meet at Market Square downtown - it's Open Streets!

We'll meet at Market Square (map) downtown, at 7 as usual, because...  Open Streets starts at 9 am with Zumba  right in the Square!  But also because downtown is always a treat.  A note about parking: there is no parking on the route, and it's a pain to cross it in a car (only possible at certain points) so be sure to be on the side of Penn Ave. that you want to be.  I think our usual parking spots on Third Ave. will be fine, especially at that hour.

No time for a recap of last week on the North Side, but 3 pictures are worth a thousand words.  I just learned that we were only blocks away from the house where Gertrude 'Stein was born!  Next time...

June 23 Run: North Side run starting at Commonplace Coffee, 1501 Buena Vista St.

Coming up this week:  back to the North Side, at Commonplace Coffee, 1501 Buena Vista St. in the Mexican War Streets.  I personally am hoping to visit the statue of George Washington, the birds at the Aviary, the scenic steps up to Fineview, the corner of Compromise and Hemlock, Randyland, City of Asylum - please add your own favorites and we'll work them in.

Last week we toured around, over and next to the 3 rivers, and, on the basis of good advice, avoided running across the Parkway.  Refreshment was had on the downwind side of the fountain, and also at the new La Prima, located at yet another shiny new hotel near the Convention Center.  Who is staying at all these hotels?  Are there really tourists here?  Apart from the annual Furries Convention, I mean - which by the way is happening July 4.  We may have to plan on returning for that.

Fascinatingly disjointed conversation topics:

• The earthquake in Cleveland - last week?
• Pornographic potholders
• The Casbah Happy Hour, and its new restaurant in Aspinwall, Altavia
• Mullin's Diner in Deutschtown -- on second thought
• The Farmer's Daughter Flower Shop
• Keeping your photos on Amazon Prime
• The artichoke and lemon taco at Tako downtown
• Research a Veteran at the WW2 Museum 
• Mrs. Dalloway by Virginia Woolf, which Chris claims is about drug-induced states - I disagree! - feel free to weigh in on Sunday. 
• Tree guys - ask Sharon who she decided on

June 16 Run: Meet at the NEW La Prima on the Strip at the AC Marriott,1100 Smallman Street

On Father's Day this Sunday, we're going to try out the new La Prima (map) where you can actually sit down, though we may have to smuggle in some meles, which apparently they have not transferred.  Parking should be available on Penn Ave. or Smallman around 11th or 12th St. - free on Sunday.  Many directions offer themselves, North Shore, Pt. State Park - runners and walkers choice!

Last week was another opportunity for forest bathing in Frick Park, which just keeps staying gorgeously green.  We then had the best of both cafe worlds: world-class baked yumminess from Madeleine's and plentiful outdoor coffee drinking at Biddle's.  All this would put anyone in a good mood - much needed these days. 
So we endorsed:

• Self-care:  
• Pedicures from Eva Szabo, and Kim's on Highland
• EsSpa in Aspinwall
• Wearing compression socks on plane rides
• Buying discount from Poshmark 
• Carrie Furnace - it's kind of breathtaking close up - if you missed the Quantum production onsite, you can still get there at the Rivers of Steel tours 
• Churchview Farms dinners - apparently fabulous but sold out, yikes! You can get on their mailing list for other things, and next year...
• Documentary starring AOC before the election, and may make you love her and forget all the hype that has followed.
• Pam's advice if you're driving to NYC:  stay in Secaucus!  Free parking, inexpensive hotels, and a 15-minute ride on NJ transit to Port Authority in NY, running 24-7.  ($1.55 each way with senior discount.)

June 9 Run: Meet at Biddle's Cafe, 401 Biddle Ave.

Back to Biddle's Escape this time, with maybe an Edgewood or a Wilkinsburg run: let's be surprised.  And we may end up at Madeleine's down the street for coffee and those astonishing Kouign-amann delicacies, which I just read have been called "the fattiest pastry in all of Europe" by the New York Times.  OK, so no eating the rest of the day, they are worth it.

Sharon took charge last Sunday as we broke new ground in Greenfield, following "the run" (aka Ruska Dolina with quite a history involving the Carpathian mountains.) In search of hidden stairs, we depended on human intelligence in the form of a mysterious man sitting on his porch at 7:30 am, next to a human skull.  See photo below, though you'll have to take my word for it about the skull.  Afterwards, another delightful coffee (next photo), and then on Tuesday, a Happy Hour at the Ace to celebrate birthdays for Wendy and Janet (yet another photo.)  (Is this blog getting too much like the dreaded Facebook?)
Endorsements:

• Babies being born: welcome to Baby Mo!
• Pigeon Bagels - finally, after 25 years, decent bagels return to Squirrel Hill.
• Neck pinching from the back - secret technique for photo ops.
• Pittsburgh Pro Bikes is now Pro Bike + Run, and has running shoes.
• Renaissance City Choir at East Liberty Presbyterian Church - keep checking for next concert.
• Boden Sample Sale is on Saturday at the Convention Center.
• Happy Hour at the Ace Hotel
• The 54C Bus - an amazing route
• Anthony Trollope's 47 novels

June 2 Run: Meet at 61C Cafe for Runner's Choice Run

We have a default run location for this Sunday because I don't remember anything else being chosen. We will hope for drier weather...

Last Sunday we had a gorgeous clear morning for a run, making for some great views across the river.  It was a Strip District run that crossed over to the trail and over through Herr's Island.  Keeping it short this week, but will share some great photos below.  This run included only minimal trespassing through a construction site; we did not attempt to bushwhack our way through the truly dangerous closed trail pictured on the right!

May 26 Run: Meet at the Strip parking lot off of Liberty at 21st St.

This Sunday is a Strip run, and afterwards for those who can stay, we'll go to brunch at DeLuca's to celebrate Aimee's 40th birthday!

Last week the forest bathing in the springy green festival of Frick Park was glorious.  As were the baked goods at the EveryDay Cafe, where the coffee can also speak.  Endorsements:

• Events at the EveryDay Cafe
• A beautiful tree with hanging flowers (Yellowwood - thanks, Joanne), 
• Some tiny blue wildflowers (bluets)
• Quantum's King Lear production at the Carrie Furnace - a dynamite pairing - see it if you can, only rush tickets available though.
• Alternatives to knee surgery, discussed with 2 of the RG's resident physicians - with varying degrees of recommendation from NO to could be good - stem cell injections, steroids, synovial fluid, spironolactone, ultrasound, or rooster comb (?)
• "It's comforting that we all have osteoarthritis."
• Nanette  - Hannah Gadsby, Australia comic
• UShake running pack for those of us who are ready to recycle our 1980's fanny packs

May 19 Run: Meet at the entrance to Frick Park at Reynolds and S. Homewood Ave.

We're meeting at Reynolds and S. Homewood at the entrance to Frick Park, and have our own Green New Deal as it is at it's lushest right now.  There may be mud, but we'll be looking up.  Maybe we'll rediscover the owl nest and the fox den, if anyone can remember where they are.   Coffee: let's try Everyday Cafe again.

Last week we tragically missed our first Zumba opportunity, but Wendy promises another one soon.  It must be admitted that the rain was simply pouring.  However, a surprisingly good showing of intrepid runners and walkers paid no mind, and soaking wet, we later dripped all over the floor of the Tazza D'Oro. Never did a cappuccino taste so good.  So much to talk about (includes last week):

• Nature!  There is a Mushroom Club in Pittsburgh - Birding can be transcendental but evidently some people are overdoing it - Hurray for fly-fishing c/o Beth and her Stream Girls - plus the wildflowers in Boyce Mayview Park.
• Eden Hall is very cool and will soon host the Funky Fly Project and an Earth Wind & Fire night.
• Music - The Pittsburgh Girls' Choir sings about Anne Frank at Rodef Shalom on June 14 - recommended!  Also, Resonance Works has amazing performances but it looks like we've missed the whole season, so I'm signing up for updates.  
• TV:  Game of Thrones!  I know, I know, it's overhyped and super-violent.  But what a show.  Also This is Us (location: Pittsburgh), The Good Fight (helps deal with the current national emergency), and Three Identical Strangers, fascinating documentary about triplets separated at birth.
• Books:  SO MANY free audiobooks from the Carnegie Library - it's worth getting a quick free tutorial from one of their librarians to save the time in figuring out how to use them.
• Hair - recommended stylists: Mary at Classic Hair, Beth at Evolve, Marianne at Denim and Co., Griff at Capristo.  
• Birthdays, notable ones:  Laurie will be celebrated on July 20 with a dance party - save the date - and we'll toast Aimee on May 26 with a Strip run and then head to Deluca's for b'day brunch.  
• Eyeglasses - good ones at Lenscrafters that don't cost a fortune.  Also, Transition sunglasses don't work inside cars - good to know!
• Summer Line Dancing starts May 17.

May 12 Run: Meet at entrance to Highland Park at top of Highland Ave. for a surprise event!

By special request of group members, we have a treat this week courtesy of our Zumba Instructor Extraordinaire, Wendy!  At the garden entrance to Highland Park (location of the famous summer line dancing,) Wendy will teach an authentic, aerobic, and super fun Zumba class - here's a preview!  Then if there's time left over, we can finish with a lovely dawn run around the reservoir.  And then drop down to the Tazza D'Oro for coffee.  What could be better?

There are many things to say about last week, which was fun! but there's no time right now, so we'll keep the endorsements on the burner until next message.  Except that Axe-throwing in the Burgh is a thing.

May 5 Run: Start at Everyday Cafe on S. Homewood Ave. for a Frick Park run

Though it has been our tradition to pre-run some of the Marathon route before the race gets to Shadyside, we're going to change it up this time, and start and end at the Everyday Cafe on 532 N. Homewood as a new way to get to Frick Park, where we will do some springtime forest bathing.  To everyone running in the Marathon, may the force be with you!


Last week we broke new ground over Hazelwood and tried out the new trail, which has a cool post-industrial/nature-preserve vibe. Our new friend Kevin introduced us to the soon-to-be CMU Robotics center, probable home to something equivalent to the dreaded wights swarming through the latest GOT episode (more expounding on that for sure this Sunday.)


The Big Dog just gets better and better, so we lingered there and endorsed:

• Genetics: the mystery of x&y
• the new Jeopardy genius with a rubbery face
• Replacements - when you need to add to your grandmother's china set.  
• Maybe:  the Health App that is a standard feature on iPhones and which keeps tabs on many things you may actually not want it to
• The annual Marathon Health & Fitness Expo this weekend at the convention center, which I have always missed but not this time.
• The Slowskys commercials
• A wallpaper steamer because it will change your life, and fly fishing because you don't have to kill a worm.
• The Pittsburgh Center for Creative REuse - crazy, unique stuff, and doing its part to save the world.
• Teddy Grahams - apparently still exist!

April 28 Run: Meet at Big Dog Coffee on 2717 Sarah St. South Side

We're going to explore the new Hazelwood Trail on Sunday, so be prepared for adventure!  We'll start and end at the always welcome Big Dog Coffee shop on the South Side, 2717 Sarah St., cross back over the Hot Metal, and go from there into the unknown.

Our Squirrel Hill Bird Run proceeded as usual, that is, many things were pointed out that are not there any more, in particular, birds.  Also hills were killer.  Walkers had a similar experience in the other direction.  We were all glad to get back to the familiar comfort of 61C where schmoozing is an art form.
Endorsed:

• Penn Ave. Fish Company - a legit quality fishmonger, a bit pricey but worth it.  Also very fun for a casual dinner.  And I just noticed:  oyster BYOB happy hours!? - let's discuss.
• Pittsburgh Botanic Garden - so new we don't think of it - but in spring glory right now
• Superstitions that work, i.e. turning over a glass and/or praying to St. Anthony to find things
• Velcro bandages (socks?) for plantar fasciitis. RG can diagnose this in a half-minute.
• "Speaking of gels that make you feel better" - particularly CBD gels for arthritis. We corrected the idea that you have to go to Seattle to get it because if you have the permit, it's available at the Solevo Wellness Center.  I discovered that I am the only person in Pittsburgh who didn't know that was a medical marijuana dispensary.  
• TV:  Schitt's Creek, One Day at a Time (Rita Moreno is amazing.)
• The return of the Lobster Door Handles from Poli's

April 21 Run: Meet at 61C Cafe for a Runners' Choice Easter Run

Next Sunday is Easter, so we will default to the 61C Cafe for a Runners' Choice run.

This past Sunday we had a small group of runners and walkers, and the rain held off until we were safely at coffee.

The theme of the run was Teardowns, as there was a hotly debated issue on the NextDoor app prompting a visit past a home demolition.  We began at 61C and ran up Murray past said house, then checked the status of the soon-to-be demolished house on Woodland Road.  We ran through Chatham, where Joanne gave us a tour through the center of campus as well as the top of campus with the views.  The foot of Wilkins where we headed back up to Squirrel Hill revealed a recent teardown and active construction site.  To bring the run full circle (and uphill), we saw a brand new home on Aylesboro that had replaced an older home.

I did not take notes at coffee, but I will share that the ratio of pastries to people was 1:1, which I believe is unprecedented and a sign of a great run or walk and healthy appetite!

April 14 Run: Start at 61C Cafe on Murray heading to parts unknown.

On Sunday we'll start and end at the 61C Cafe in Squirrel Hill - what happens in between is up for grabs.  I won't be there so hopefully someone else will take over this blog for next week.

We did enjoy the promised Springy Frick Park last Sunday - with added attractions of real owl nests, pointed out by Lainy, and a dramatic dawn on the Rollercoaster Trail.  Later, endorsements:

• Food - The Impossible Burger, a veggie-burger that evidently can fool the most devout meat lover.
• Books:  Warlight by Michael Ondaatje, Unsheltered by Barbara Kingsolver, and Evicted by Matthew Desmond.  Excellent, but all so sad!  So, to counteract:
• Comedy:  Improv at the Waterfront, Tracy Morgan, Leslie Jones
• Upcoming run plans include the brand new Hazelwood Trail  and a visit to Oakmont!