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!

April 7 Run: Start at the front steps of Colfax School, 2332 Beechwood Blvd.

Next run will go from the front of Colfax School, an old favorite which I just discovered (by googling of course) is on the National Register of Historic Places! We will pay homage and then descend into a hopefully Springy Frick Park.  Coffee at 61C.

Too little time this week to fully review last week's events except to recap the recitation of Monty Python's Philosophers' Song by none other than Tom.  There was also the recollection of, years ago one misty morning, running alongside a naked bicyclist. Sadly we have no photos from that era.  

Big Love and Dr. Quinn: Medicine Woman were endorsed.  

Until next time!