January 27 Run: Redux: Meet at the Ineffable Ca Phe at 3920 Penn Ave.

OK, we're trying again:  meet at the Ineffable Ca Phe which actually opens early enough for us on Sundays, at 3920 Penn Ave., near corner of 39th, and on to explore Upper Lower Lawrenceville.  And walkers please come, we need you!  Actually our speeds are converging.

Last week, the Giant Snowstorm of Potentially One Foot of Snow (which I admit I was hoping and praying for) was actually just a few measly centimeters, but the deep freeze and the icy streets were bad enough so that both runs didn't really happen.  The intrepid Laurie had a solo run on Sunday (and the Ineffable Ca Phe didn't even open - how ineffable is that?)  On Monday, Janet and I walked pretty quickly around a few blocks and then settled in to a lovely warm chatty time at the 61C.  But next Sunday looks just fine so we'll give Ineffable one more try.

January 20 and 21 Runs: Sunday at the Ineffable Ca Phe 3920 Penn Ave., Monday at 7:30 at 61C - Holiday Run

Trying something new and intriguing:  meet at the Ineffable Ca Phe which actually opens early enough for us on Sundays, at 3920 Penn Ave., near corner of 39th, and on to explore Upper Lower Lawrenceville. And then the usual default holiday run (this one at 7:30) from 61C in Squirrel Hill.  I'll be away so make sure someone signs on to scribe duty for next week.  Also - walkers please come, we need you!  Actually our speeds are converging.

Last week, we went down into the park to get bathed in the violet light that happens when snow falls at dawn.  It wasn't even too slippy.
We came back and, with an abundance of pastry on the table, had a pretty high concept conversation about the Constitution, adolescent love, and old slide projectors, and endorsed:

• PBS Great Performances program about Hamilton
• 13th - documentary by Ava DuVernay
• Ear Hustle podcast - now in American history context
• Interview with Jill Lepore who was just in Pittsburgh- ditto
• Laurel Hill State Park
• the UPMC Shuttle that goes from stops in Oakland to Children's Hospital in Lawrenceville - anyone can take it supposedly - schedule here
• Quote:  "Nothing says weekend hobby like a hazmat suit"
• Last but definitely not least - MONTHLY RG HAPPY HOURS - next one on Wed., Feb. 6, 5:30, William Penn hotel lobby downtown - be there!

January 13 Run: Meet at 61B Cafe on S. Braddock Ave. in Regent Square

We're meeting at the 61B Cafe (map) in Regent Square because it's cozy and we haven't been there in a while and maybe Michele will come :-).

I don't know where the run or walk went to last week because I was assisting in cleaning up after the overnight baking of the Roscas for the Fiesta de Los Tres Reyes at St. Catherine's church.  How's that for an excuse, for a nice Jewish girl yet?  But I did make it to the coffee, and have to say, those plastic igloos are fabulous.

It has a heater!  And many tchotchkes. Here is Sharon holding one.
And this is what it looks from the outside.

OK, endorsements:

• Hamilton, Hamilton, Hamilton, again - "there's no bad time to see it"
• The Great British Baking Show, again - this came in response to some yelling about the movie Vice, in which arch-villain Cheney is made to look sympathetic.  There is NOTHING villainous in the GBBS.
• Dickeys - does anyone remember them?  They really keep your neck warm.  But buffs are the item.
• Book:  The Great Believers, 
• Musical: Tic, Tic, Boom (I think this was it...)
• Steam rooms (not saunas)
• ASMR - actually pick the Jennifer Garner one - weird shushing sounds that are therapeutic, or maybe just weird.  Equally bizarre, Trump's recent sniffling has been tapped as part of this.  Don't under any circumstances listen to those.
• FitBits can monitor your sleep!  We don't know if that's good or bad.
• Roscas - I didn't actually get to eat any, but they are impressive!