Jan. 1 & 2 Run/Walk: Saturday: New Year's Day Run at 61C at 7:30; Sunday: meet at Starbucks at the Waterfront

Hurray! Another holiday run on a Saturday followed by another the usual Sunday.  New Years Day run: meet at 61C (will they be open?)  Then on Sunday, meet at Starbucks at Waterfront for Homestead run.  A holiday gift:  double RG-time!  This time we'll have to gauge (COVID-wise) whether we're having coffee inside. If we have to go back to constant zoom I may explode.  

But last week we were still in a fairly normal mode, and hung out in the 61C and La Prima with some abandon, after cloudy but merry excursions through Squirrel Hill and the Strip/Herr's Island.  We have notes only from one day but that was quite enough:

• Billie joined us for coffee! At Hillel she became Morah Billie.
• Offspring - the endorsement that never ends.
• Subscribe to socks
• or get serious with Haflinger Felt clogs 
• Read the Squirrel Hill book
• Go to Curative to get a PCR test
• Manischewitz barley vegetable soup tastes the same as it did in the 1960's!  It's the Jewish madeleine.
• Microwavable heated snake from Etsy gets Wendy thru the winter.

Oh, there was so much more but there always is.  Best of all was Lainy's Holiday Ode:

Run/Walk Christmas 2021

 

‘Twas the morning of Christmas, the year ‘21

Of course, we had scheduled a holiday run

 

The weather was chilly, a light rain prevailed

The streets were all quiet, the gifts had been mailed

 

The start time was nearing at 61C

Not knowing which runners and walkers we’d see…

 

And who would appear to run/walk and schmooze?

Turned out to be only the Christmas ‘morn Jews

 

Come Maxine and Wendy, come Roye and Elaine

Who cares that its chilly and pouring down rain?

 

And we weren’t the only ones out and about

Its Christmas on Shabbos, so no one’s left out!

 

The route was on sidewalks, avoiding the mud

Who knew the real threat was a possible flood?!

 

Then, just as we all had really been hopin’

The 61C turned out to be open!

 

And Billie showed up with stories to tell

Mostly about her job at Hillel

 

May your next year be free of a sniffle or cough

Merry Christmas to all and a big Mazel Tov!

Dec. 25 and 26 Run and Walk: Saturday (holiday) at 61C at 7:30, Sunday at La Prima on the strip at 7 per usual

Thanks to Lainy for this info. and to various RG members for the photos (from last 2 weeks):

This Sunday’s run/walk is scheduled for the Strip District and Polish Hill - meet at La Prima Espresso, 205 21st Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15222.  Christmas Holiday run is scheduled for 7:30 am at the 61C, which we’ve been told would be open (but who knows?)

Last Sunday, runners and walkers looped through Lawrenceville’s main streets and back alleys, feeling hip. We climbed a scary staircase off of Butler Street that led us to new heights in Upper Lawrenceville. We peeked in at the renovated Pusadee’s Garden, where we should have happy hour some day. The mural at Spirit (a former Moose Lodge) was a great backdrop for the group, and another possible future happy hour venue.  Coffee at Convive was boisterous, as usual, and the muffins were delicious. They even said we were welcome to come back. Conversation was heavily focused on planning a GAP trail bike trip to Cumberland in October ’22.

December 19 Run or Walk: Meet at Butler and Fisk in Lawrenceville

The place to meet on Sunday is Convive Coffee, 4032 Butler St. for a Lawrenceville run. There is a hope that, after the depressing dearth of Christmas windows downtown last week, there may be some creative spirit surviving on Butler St.  (We did find one great one though - in photo, Beth is contemplating wearing this outfit to a Xmas party.)

We did get to visit the new I-579 Cap Park - aka Frankie Pace Park, a brilliantly creative way to literally bury the highway that famously cut off the Hill from Downtown, and bring Black Pittsburgh into focus.  Also - who knew the Federal Courthouse had a facade?  And what gabion  baskets are? Walkers watched the sun rise over the Mon on the Duquesne U. campus - runners on the Roberto Clemente Bridge saw it over the Allegheny.

Coffee at Market Square Starbucks (jumping at 8 am on a Sunday!) brought up:

• Perla's Appliances for your next dishwasher, etc.
• Everlane clothes
  
  
• Reduce COVID exposure at movie theaters by going at early bird time (i.e. 4 pm at the Waterfront.)  Then watch: Belfast or C'mon C'mon.
• Also watch: Wait for your laugh (Rose Marie documentary.)
• Listen to audiobook: Ron Howard, The Boys
• Or read it, along with the Katie Couric autobiography
• Go ahead, spit in that bottle and find your roots at Ancestry.com or Myheritage.com.  

December 12 Run: Downtown Holiday Run; Meet in Market Square

 On Sunday, let's run our traditional Holiday run downtown.  Let's start in Market Square.  Parking can usually be found on Fourth Avenue near the rink at PPG Place.  After the run or walk, we can meet at the Starbucks in Market Square.

This past Sunday, Gretchen and Beth led the run on a beautiful portion of the Rachel Carson Trail within North Park.  We enjoyed the beautiful sunrise, rolling hills, wildlife, and fresh air.  It was a really nice route!

We had coffee at a nice little spot called Cafe Conmigo that smelled of fresh pine and had very nice gift items!  Endorsements include: 

• Holiday movies such as "The Holiday," "Elf," and a non-holiday, feel-like-you're-on-a-vacation movie "Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar."
• Theatre: The 12 Dates of Christmas
• Shopping: Public Lands in Cranberry for outdoors gear and clothing
• Wearing both a pad and a tampon to be better prepared in life... Is it a metaphor, or just common sense?
• Retreating into different parts of the house if you have a holiday guest that won't stop talking....

December 5 Run/Walk: A new North Park Run with Beth and Gretchen: meet at the Rachel Carson Trailhead (directions in message)

Sunday's plan, with thanks to Beth and Gretchen:

Travel up Rt 19 (Perry Highway) heading north, turn right at Wendy's onto Brooker Drive.  Brooker Drive immediately turns into Conestoga Drive. Park in the gravel parking lot along the edge of the woods.  Here's a map. 

Start of the run - Rachel Carson Trailhead in North Park on Conestoga Drive. The trailhead is roughly located behind Above All Salon and Spa in a strip mall in Wexford. The run/walk will follow the Rachel Carson Trail using the arrows on the brown Allegheny County Park posts. When you reach the McKinney soccer complex turn right and run along McKinney Rd for about 700 ft.  Turn left at a weathered wooden sign and take the path that leads through a wildflower meadow then into the woods of North Park. You can take any number of trails from here, and you may need the map on your phone to navigate back to McKinney Rd.  Getting lost is half the fun! 

Followed by coffee at Cafe Conmigo, 10 North Meadow Drive, off Perry Highway (map)

Last Sunday took us all the way from the Hot Metal Bridge to Hazelwood on the trail - lots of open space, natural landscape, a different view of the Mon, and also of where Pitt and CMU will be cooking up inscrutable futuristic stuff in Hazelwood Green.

And, free coffee (!) and room to lounge around at the Hotel Indigo. 

Speaking of inscrutable, my sketchy endorsement notes this week appear to include nasal strips, Canadian bacon, older dating, naked photos, and JDate. Hope it wasn't recorded.

November 28 Run and Walk: Hazelwood Trail (info. in message) at 7; AND Thanksgiving Morning Holiday Run: 61C at 7:30.

 Two runs this week:  

1. The annual T-day holiday run/walk, meeting Thurs. am at 7:30 at the 61C Cafe on Murray Ave.  
2. Sunday at the usual 7 am, meeting in the parking lot off of Technology Drive (near "Bridgeside Point on this map - you can get there by going down Bates St. and crossing 2nd Ave.  We'll examine what's been happening on the Hazelwood Trail since we last visited it in 2019.  We're planning coffee at the Hotel Indigo but may decide differently en route.

Sunday provided a delightful trek through Aspinwall all the way up to Fox Chapel - adorableness, stone turrets, and a killer hill with a view.  Photos of us: obstructing a window holiday arrangement and having coffee under the eye of Mick Jagger at the Beans 'n Cream hippie haven.  Endorsed:

• Wool& clothes - merino can compete with cashmere
• Dates and the boxes they come in from Rancho Meladuco
• City Bonfires - have s'mores will travel
• No-stress Thanksgiving (by yourself actually sounds pretty great)
  
• Having Dr. Sharon explain effectiveness of vaccination boosters and the latest research here.
• Another North Park run on the other side - stay tuned...
• This is important!
• 

November 21 Run/Walk: Meet at the Aspinwall Riverfront Park

We'll meet at the parking lot of the Aspinwall Riverfront Park, and our local guide Elisa will show us the sights of that adorable neighborhood.  Depending on the weather and our COVID nervousness, we'll either have coffee at Beans & Cream or by the riverside wrapped in blankets.  In case of the latter, bring your preferred warming outfit, a hot drink, and optional treats.  I think the chairs are still there.

Last Sunday we checked out what's happening in East Liberty - a new Whole Foods empire, several living walls, but no sign of life at the Ace Hotel despite promises. Also, at the doorstep to the erstwhile Penn Ave Fashion Hosiery, a vintage tile delight (pictured) that none of us had ever noticed.  (Hard to see but it's a stocking between 2 biting dogs saying "Hard to Tear".) Who remembers stockings? If we do, we're vintage too.

Some of the rather boisterous endorsements:

• Quiet Creek School of Country Living in Brookville for soap making and herbal medicine classes -"Thieves" essential oil smells nice and has some fun folklore associated with it.
• Watch Dopesick (but not if you're having a bad week), Belfast - especially at the Tull Family Theater in Sewickley.
• Passenger rail! Take a ride on the steam engine in York County.  Watch out the window from Jasper to Vancouver or Seattle to Oakland and get served in a real dining car.  And it's going to get better! 
• Model airplanes are flying around and they're jets.
• Pot smoking through an orange.
• Wendy adds:  Karen Carpenter, drumming.
• One more: Text #662# to clock spam calls.  Anything to get rid of them.

November 14 Run or Walk: Meet at the Mellon Park Parking Lot at Beechwood and Fifth

We'll park at the Mellon Park parking lot at Beechwood and Fifth (map), and then head over to explore the new things all around Bakery Square, and have our coffee there (Panera or Starbucks?)  We should also check out what's happening at the replacement for the defunct Ace Hotel (see below.)

Last week was simply luminous in Frick Park as we wandered over the trails (esp. the newish Dinky Bridge Trail).  

Once the leaves are down everywhere, we are encouraged to just leave them there by several of the endorsements expressed at our happy return to the 61B:

• The North Area Environmental Council and its upcoming event on the Lawn to Nature program, Tues. 11/16 at 7 on zoom - email bethdutton2000@yahoo.com for the link
• Wild Ones local chapter - save the world through native plants
• Read: Nature's Best Hope by Doug Tallamy

And a few more:

• Home renovation advice and stuff at Lowe's at the Waterfront 
• Fluvial geomorphology as seen on Nine Mile Run
• Oboz shoes
• Mosaic tilework made by Max
• Rite-Aid on Baum Blvd. for whenever you get a booster shot
• Cedar Creek Park
• New hotel taking over the sadly short-lived Ace Hotel in East Liberty

Nov. 7 Run and Walk: Meet at 61B (the one on Braddock in Regent Square) for an autumn trek through Frick Park

 Thanks to Elaine for this post:

Next week’s run will meet at the 61B Cafe, 1108 S. Braddock, for a fall foliage forage at Frick Park. Don’t forget to change your clocks back (do we still have clocks that require this or do most of our clocks do this themselves?) at 2am on Sunday Nov. 7. Then go back to bed so you can get up at 6 for the run!

The North Side run/walk was splendid, with the usual ceasing of rainfall along the way. Audrey was a main attraction and, as the sun rose, we enjoyed many visual treats:  the beautiful architecture of Allegheny West and the Mexican War Streets, intentional and unintentional spookiness along East Ohio Street, the peaceful paths and fountains of Allegheny Commons, and the lovely new restaurant 40 North and City of Asylum Bookstore at Alphabet City. Coffee at CCAC Starbucks was notable. The running group decibel level remained well below that of the adjacent table of “regulars”… escaping notice of the loudness police.

Endorsements:

• Podcast: Murdaugh Murders: great story, but riddled with an annoying vocal fry.
• The Libby App (probably a repeat) links to the library to download and listen or read audio and ebooks for free. Great for long car rides.
• The most kosher restaurant in Rockland, New York turns out to be at a Walmart…

Oct. 31 Run: on the North Side, meet at the CCAC Starbucks, 808 Ridge Ave.

We haven't been on the North Side since springtime, and never on Halloween, so we can explore how those fancy Mexican War Streets - or Allegheny West - houses have spooked themselves up.  We're meeting at the CCAC Starbucks at 808 Ridge (map) which has a lot of space inside and requires masks (except I suppose while sipping.)  

Last week we trekked around Squirrel Hill, leading to a delightful brunch in Max's garden bower.  Maybe was our last outdoor coffee klatch this year?  Wide range of endorsing:

• The fabulous mosaics that Max has created all around her house.
• Aimee's showstopping glow-in-the-dark wearable lights.
• Co-housing - see this article (not just for parents, though) - sounds like a plan. Especially if we can do it in Maxon Towers.
• Plumber:  Jim Allen (ask Lainy for contact info.)
• Athleta joggers (which can be found only slightly used at Avalon.) Also the running shirts have thumb holes again.
• Native plant gardening - free your lawn!  Get info. from this article, and the Wild Ones organization.
• Immersive Van Gogh - amazing but you may throw up.  
• Read: the History of Love by Nicole Krauss, and (I'm adding this one) Cloud Cuckoo Land by Anthony Doerr.

October 24 Run/Walk: Max is hosting at 1411 Severn Street

Very small turnout on a chilly morning

Just a few endorsements and discussions:

• Suggestions on how Janet can spend the money she is saving from having her kids removed from her Health Plan
• Gretchen in the kind hearted manner that we have all come to appreciate and admire, had us send out a Happy Birthday video to Carol Black
• Virginia's husband to be inducted into his High School Hall of Fame, I think Brentwood, Kudos
• Our app guru, Elaine, suggests Zelle (pronunciation in dispute) and Key Ring Rewards
• Sharon shared a link for Pitt CoVax Vaccination Center.
• Friday Morning runs meet at the corner of Forbes and Murray @ 6:00 am

I will have small heaters on the patio. Let's hope for a dry and relatively warmish Sunday!

With hugs

Max

October 17 Run or Walk: Oakland Crows & Construction: Meet at Starbucks 3618 Forbes, across from Soldiers & Sailors

Last week there was a wonderful surprise appearance by Teri at 61C.

As usual the discussion covered the waterfront, and included:

• Hair: frizzy, curly unmanageable.This lady would know. 
• LED mirrors. Flat side toilets.
• Comfort food: Five Point’s Everything croissant & Max’s Popeye Soup. Look for her recipe next week.
• Women Who Rock Magee-Womens Research Institute and Foundation (MWRIF)  Saturday evening 10/16 benefit concert. Tickets are still available! 

October 10 Run and Walk: meet at 61C in Squirrel Hill

Having so much to share at Beth's house last week, we didn't land on a particular run for this week, so we'll go with the old standby, 61C cafe on Murray Ave. Photos below will tell the tale of Sunday's Adventure in McCandless! It was a total treat - thank you Beth, for getting us across the bridge, showing us the sights and feeding us lavishly. 

Just caught a few endorsements:

• The adorable 1920's Sears Catalog houses in McCandless (like this one)
• Who Cooks for You CSA - as good as Kretschmann's but without the dirt - also comes with recipes like grilled cabbage slices, "crack for Eastern Europeans."
• Bike trails in Ohio (can't recall which but probably one of these.)
• Steve Jobs biography and movie - was he Mephistopheles?

October 3 Run and Walk: Beth is hosting from her home in McCandless (it's not that far!) 9384 Hilliard Rd. 15237

We'll discover autumn in the McCandless woods from Beth's house, which is just 33 minutes from Pt. Breeze (probably less on an early Sunday morning).  Address:  9384 Hilliard Rd. (map). A new frontier!

Sunday was perfect weather and a sizable group took in some unexpected sights of Wilkinsburg, including this home of someone probably called Edwin Drood or Miss Havisham.  (The Inimitable Boz was discussed on the walk, though not ever enough.) 

Almost everyone was called away at 8 and so missed the scintillating talk between Janet and me sitting under the elms (I think?) outside Madeleine's consuming to-die-for croissants. Ha! Just captured a few endorsements:

• Movies:  Judas and the Black Messiah, The Trial of the Chicago 7  (Can we take a minute to marvel at the ability to just watch ANY movie whenever we want?)
• Book: Caste by Isabel Wilkerson 
• Podcast: Throughline episodes on the history of Afghanistan
• TV:  The Morning Show - and you might want to splurge the $4.99 for AppleTV for Ted Lasso, Jon Stewart, Asimov's Foundation, not bad

September 26 Run or Walk: Meet at Biddle's Escape on corner of Biddle and Trenton

Let's meet at Biddle's:  it's out of the way of the Great Race route, is in an adorable neighborhood, and has a comfy outdoor space.  For the Great Racers:  you go, girls, and don't forget Pam has invited all to start out at her house at 2200 Beechwood. 

Last week's weather was fine and some of us did check out the hidden mansions off of Shady.  One of them was discarding on its curb a complete Ethan Allen bed frame in PERFECT condition (estimated new cost $2000!)  AOC is right on.  Also - good idea to check out Highmont Rd. curbs from time to time.

Lots to discuss and endorse:

• Speaking of advertising slightly-used items, David's hand-lettered yard sale sign was the best ever seen.  Want one? 
• 2nd hand good stuff: Plato's Closet and Kid to Kid.
• The Bob Newhart Comedy Album from 1960
• Custom-made earplugs
• The Renfest!  Pittsburgh Renaissance Festival, better than ever, chomp on a Giant Turkey Leg, watch a Joust, hear the Washing Well Wenches. Game of Thrones in real time.
• Fern Hollow Bicycles and repair shop - you don't have to wait weeks to get it done.  
• Watch The French Dispatch, The Dressmaker

September 19 Run or Walk: Meet at Commonplace Coffee at 6736 Reynolds St. in Pt. Breeze

We were going to have a run starting at the Abbey in Lawrenceville (an old favorite), but it no longer opens at 8 sadly, so we'll make do with Commonplace in Pt. Breeze, which has a big backyard to sit in and the espresso comes with seltzer and a cute little biscuit.  Exploration from there can head to Mellon Park and beyond. Remember Pam's run some years ago when we invaded various cul-de-sacs of the 1% on Beechwood and Shady?  Maybe we can do this sporting versions of AOC's wild "Tax The Rich" outfit at the Met Gala.

Last week we visited sites of Homestead and then lounged outside the Waterfront Starbucks.  As usual, the Lt. Gov. and his family were nearby, and as they were leaving, 2nd Lady of PA Gisele waved to us and said "Hi there running club!" A friend in high places.

Endorsements:

• Onetime RG member and teacher extraordinaire Jan Waldeck has received the 2021 Yale Educator Award - many congrats to you Jan!! 
• Speaking of the Fettermans, you can check out the Twitter feed of their dog, Levi.
• Watch:  Freaky Friday the original movie from 1976, Only Murders in the Building TV series with Steve Martin, Impeachment: American Crime Story, produced by Monica Lewinsky!
• Read: the NYT The Hunt - choosing apartments in the stratosphere
• Hut to hut hiking in Switzerland, or all-inclusive biking tours (umm Death Valley?)
• Under consideration:  flash mobs at weddings. 
• Fit watches Garmin or the lowest level Apple one.
• Yet another shoutout to Roland the King of Line Dancing!  This post is a MUST see.  The summer events are done but there is a promise of winter line dancing to come.
• The Great Race is back!  Pam has invited anyone running the Great Race next week (the 26th) to stop at her house (2200 Beechwood, near the starting point) ahead of the race to hang out, hit the bathroom, etc.

P.S. Last week's message was on the blog but didn't get mailed - sorry, everyone! This may be because I am resistant to any attempt to comprehend our mailing system, Google Groups.  If you'd like to read it, though, it's here - and I'll just hope against hope that this one reaches you.

September 12 Run or Walk: Meet outside the Waterfront Starbucks

Forecast for a beautiful day Sunday! We'll meet outside the Starbucks at the Waterfront, maybe check out what's new in Homestead, and hope to salute our Lieutenant Gov.

Last week we had 2 outings - Sunday dahntahn and Monday at 61C - both delightful, and btw, perfectly free of rain. Once more, oh ye of little faith! Walkers paid homage to our national pastime.  On comparing the double espresso at the Market Square Starbucks with the one at the C: latter, a nice buzz; former, brain on fire.  Does Starbucks inject extra caffeine? And is that a conspiracy theory?  Going to try Panera instead this week.

A few endorsements: 

• Watch:  5 Flights Up with Morgan Freeman and Diane Keaton; On Golden Pond; Grace and Frankie, revealing our demographic.
• Today's cat litter: "better life through chemistry," also revealing our demographic.
• Trying to break free of Amazon.
• High school musicals - may they return in the Spring!

September 5 Run or Walk: Meet at Market Square Downtown

 Reporting from Lainy:

Next Sunday run meet at market Square for a three rivers run/walk. And a holiday run on Labor Day at 7:30 at the 61C

Where have all the walkers gone? There were no walkers at today’s run/walk, but Tom showed up for coffee

August 29 Run or Walk: Meet at our old friend 61C Cafe in Squirrel Hill for a nostalgia run

Meet-up on Sunday will be at the old favorite, 61C cafe in Squirrel Hill, where the outdoor seating is ample, the cute little birds come right up to the table, and the Sunday Morning farmer's market is a block away. I won't be there so don't forget to find someone to write this next week.

Last week we were all over Wilkinsburg, Frick Park, Regent Square, etc.  We are so wise to get out early these steamy days.  We are so wise, period.  Much talk about travel:

• Deckers Creek Trail, in Morgantown - really not that far
• Rehoboth Beach - further but something for everyone
• Columbia River Gorge in Oregon - really far but gorgeous 
• Much loved and not far at all:  Cupples Stadium on the South Side
• Air travel - NOT - the mask situation is insane
• E-bikes and paddleboarding are better ways to get around but admittedly limited.  Also what's up with those Spin scooters?  
• The genius coach that got our lazy kids to play sports:  Mr. Picc at Frick
• Listen to podcast Heavyweight
• Watch Pittsburgh-based Sweet Girl (maybe?) but definitely The Chair
• Watch Paris-based Call My Agent, Dublin-based What If, and Hawaii-based The White Lotus

August 22 Run or Walk: Meet at Biddle's Escape, corner of Trenton and Biddle Aves.

Next time we can explore Frick Park, Wilkinsburg, Point Breeze - many options - starting at Biddle's Escape, corner of Trenton and Biddle Aves., which has outdoor seating with umbrellas, bathrooms, and they are currently highlighting their ginger peach scones.  What's not to like? Be there at 7 am as usual.  (That's for the new folks on the list - hi there!)

Last week, while we missed many of you out traveling the world, a hardy few of us traversed the South Side, finding tons of wildflowers lining the trail, and checking out the Pittsburgh Highline, OK, it's not like NY but there aren't a million people breathing on you, and it's right on the Mon! Also, several thumbs up for Cup-Ka-Joe's, nice urban chic alternative to the Big Dog down the street.

Endorsed:

• Cedar Creek Park, much to do there, not far and right on the Great Allegheny Passage trail
• Fabulous show at the Frick Museum of Women's Sporting Costumes (way better than it sounds - you have to see these up close) and if you go on Th - Sun. midday, the Cafe is open.
• Relaxing things to do:  swimming and grouting
• Keeping out undesirables:  Ace Locksmith on Baum Blvd.
• Finding local professionals:  Thumbtack - evidently most popular in Pgh now are electrical wiring repair and wedding officiants
• Watch on Apple TV (free for one week and then $4.99 a month): Ted Lasso, and The Morning Show.

August 15 Run or Walk: Meet at corner of Sarah St. and 27th St. on the South Side

We'll meet at the corner of Sarah St. and 27th St. on the South Side, and then decide where to have coffee: Cup-Ka-Joe's or Big Dog.  Cup-Ka's has more outdoor seating, but the Dog is a favorite.  We'll vote - democracy! And we'll run or walk somewhere too.

Last week we took a tour of East Liberty's charms, including the Borland Garden and a block of Historic District row houses (pictured) that I cannot now locate on any map (Brigadoon? Hogwarts Express?)  And where did you go, runners?  Are we entering another dimension?

Back on earth we reviewed:

Ohio:  home of Metroparks and Warblers

Yoga: Monday at noon and Saturday at 10 in Schenley Plaza

The Detective Building renovation

Don't ever go:  Chuck E. Cheese, apparently kosher? 

Draw: with Posca acrylic markers (David Coulson's favorite)

Read: Squeeze Me by Carl Hiassen

Love art in the Hudson Valley: Dia Beacon, and many more

Name your kid:  Hadassah

August 8 Run or Walk: Meet at Redstart Roasters Coffee, 224 N. Euclid St. in East Liberty

We'll begin and end at Redstart Roasters, a new-ish coffee place at the Detective Building in East Liberty - 224 N. Euclid St.  Interestingly, it was "originally formed in 2017 as the intersection of a considerable coffee habit and an affinity for birds."  I'm excited to see how this manifests itself.  Cappuccino with feathers?  Nest seating?  Maybe on the run/walk, we can ID some feathered friends with our new Merlin Bird Sound app.  There have been local sightings of a Dickcissel and a Brown Thrasher!  

Last week we trekked through Frick Park from the Blue Slide side and affirmed that it is still blue. It is strangely reassuring that we can still get lost in there.  Lucky for us, Pam and Chris invited us all for a cheery coffee in their aerie-like porch right across the street, complete with adorable grandkids Maya and Nuri.  

Endorsements - so many! 

• The plural of octopus is NOT octopi because it's Greek. It's octopuses.  Good luck with that.  However, DO read The Soul of an Octopus, watch My Octopus Teacher and listen to podcast How Octopuses Upend What We Know About Ourselves and you will be transformed.
• Now trees:  Read and watch The Hidden Life of Trees, and read The Overstory.  
• Now composting: you can do it yourself, or get a service.  
• Now politics (sorry!): Jonathan Chait's column in New York Magazine.
• Now thrifting AND politics: Gisele Fetterman and one of our favorite stores, Thriftique
• Eat: at the new 40 North Restaurant at City of Asylum
• Listen: Buffalo Rose (Gretchen's daughter's band) concerts coming up at Hartwood Acres on 8/15 and Kingfly Spirits on 8/27
• More listening: Podcasts Heavyweight (funny) and Suave (inspiring) and Aack-cast (quirky)
• Biking:  does anyone want a free registration to PedalPGH, coming up last week in August?  If so, email Virginia at virginiaclinn@gmail.com.

August 1 Run or Walk: Meet at Pam and Chris's house at 2200 Beechwood Blvd.

Pam and multiple offspring (some small and adorable!) will be in town this weekend and she is going to lead the run and have everyone over for coffee afterwards.  So on Sunday we'll meet at 2200 Beechwood Blvd. at our usual 7 am time.

Last Sunday morning was spent in one of our comfort zones: neighborly Squirrel Hill, shiny vintage cars to look at, temp in the 70's, Sharon's shady backyard, delish homemade coffeecake, and sparkling talk which vanished into thin air as I was too lazy to write anything down.  I do recall an extended convo re Cleveland which was astoundingly civilized considering it took place in Pittsburgh.  

Some interim endorsements:

• The famous Roland, King of Line Dancing, on Thursdays at 7 pm at Schenley Plaza and Sundays at 7 pm at the entrance to Highland Park (preceded by a jazz concert from 5-7.)
• The even more famous Wendy, Queen of Zumba, on Friday evenings at 5:30 also at the entrance to Highland Park.
• The Root Slayer shovel for any digging or slaying you have in mind.

For lack of a photo from last week, here's one that I missed from the week before:

P.S. If anyone knows of a nice 2-bedroom apartment for rent in a not-brand-new building - I have a friend in search of one - please let me know.

July 25 Run/Walk: Meet at Sharon's (5612 Woodmont) and we'll revisit the vintage autos in Schenley Park

So what'd I miss?  (referring to Hamilton of course.) Not the American Revolution, though another one may scarily be underway.  Many thanks to Aimee for keeping track of RG lore so we don't miss anything.

On Sunday we'll meet at Sharon's house - 5612 Woodmont - where we'll come back to her lovely backyard space for post-run coffee and clatch.  We'll return to our annual viewing of fancy cars at the Vintage Grand Prix - happening in person!

Last Sunday we also found ourselves back with old favorites, the Strip, La Prima, and Colangelo's almond meles (meles are mentioned in this blog over 35 times - I did a search - this is embarrassing.) 

2 weeks of endorsements:

• FINALLY, after years of waiting, the Wednesday/Friday runs from the Squirrel Hill library will no longer start at the ungodly 5:45 am, but at 6:15.  
• Reminder:  Open Streets is returning this Sunday - this time in Hazelwood.
• Audrey came back to visit! Next time we'll set up a Mah Jongg game too.
• Where to get party dresses for women of a certain age (J. Jill, Boden, can't recall other) - and go to a tailor to make them fit perfectly, i.e. Distilo Tailoring at Shady and Forward.  
• Maybe watch first:  "What Not to Wear" 
• Listen: No Place Like Home on Ruby Slippers, Dolly Parton's America, Smartless esp the one with George Clooney.
• How to recycle in Pittsburgh (but why is it so hard??)
• Fruit:  Costco
• Chicken:  there's a lot of poultry history in Squirrel Hill, ask Max!
• Meat (not):  Beyond Meat better than Impossible Foods?
• No-gift wedding events (if they really mean it)
• Linda Meacci's August yoga retreat now only a drive away, and there are tipis!
• Also this TikTok sent by Tom and Kay with another outlook:

(It is quite impressive that Tom and Kay are familiar with TikTok.)

July 11 Run or Walk: Meet at Starbucks at the Waterfront

On Sunday let's return to an old favorite, the Waterfront.

Last week, Virginia led us on a great route through the South Side Slopes that took us up many, many, many steps until we couldn't go higher.  The higher we got, the better the view.  

Here is the route if anyone who missed it wants to check it out: http://www.southsideslopes.org/steptrek/church-route/

The mosaic steps were stunning.  I skipped coffee so I missed out on endorsements, but Elaine sent me these wonderful photos.  

July 4 Run: Meet at Big Dog Coffee- 2717 Sarah Street for a South Side Run or Walk

This is what we would mostly follow on Sunday for the South Side Church Walk:

From Big Dog Coffee (2717 Sarah) we'll be entering the slopes from 27th Street (instead of 15th Street as indicated on the map) so we can go up the Mosaic steps, but will loop around back to 18th Street and then run back to Big Dog Coffee. 

http://www.southsideslopes.org/steptrek/church-route/

Last week, I didn't write down any endorsements as we were enjoying breakfast/coffee at The Lot at Edgewater as what could be described as a "Caribbean vacation" compared to the week. It was a really enjoyable route through Oakmont, and was the first time we've ever met as a group there. Virginia showed us a house that is listed for $1.1 million in the development closest to the river:https://www.post-gazette.com/life/Buying-Here/2021/06/25/Oakmont-homes-houses-for-sale-real-estate-Pittsburgh-2021-Edgewater-at-Oakmont-2nd-St-Allegheny-River-Buying-Here/stories/202106270014

But now could spend 1/3 of that for an updated older house on the other side of Allegheny River Boulevard.  A bit of a frenzied housing market we have on our hands here!

June 27 Run/Walk: Oakmont green space at 201 2nd St., Oakmont, PA 15139

There really were no new endorsements from last Sunday; mostly more discussion on "Mare of Easttown," and "Luca."

This coming Sunday's run will be around the new riverfront development in Oakmont. Meet at the green space on College Avenue in the complex (put 201 2nd St., Oakmont, PA 15139 in your GPS and you'll come right to the green space.)

From Allegheny River Boulevard, it will be your first left on College Avenue once you enter Oakmont. Go three blocks to the corner of 2nd and College. You'll see a big flat green field with plenty of parking around it.

We could do coffee at either The Lot at Edgewater (which opens at 8 a.m. and is two blocks away) or drive up to the Oakmont Bakery, which opens at 6 a.m.

June 20 Run or Walk: Meet at 61C Cafe

Father’s Day run or walk: Meet at 61C Cafe 

Walkers and runners enjoyed the charming streets of Aspinwall and Virginia found her street sign! (see photo)

Endorsements included:

-Cobra Korean bbq karaoke Bloomfield 

-"In the Heights" movie-- see it on the IMAX screen at the Waterfront!

-"Luca," Jesse Andrews wrote the screenplay!!  It's a coming of age, animated movie that is released Friday June 18 on Disney+

-Mandalorian Disney+

-"Mare of Eastown" on HBO Max but even better the SNL sketch is great (but ruins it for watching rest of series) 

-Janet's kids created a podcast for Mother’s Day 

-Paint porch ceiling "haint blue" to protect against evil spirits.  Common in New Orleans and Savannah.

-Massage kale

-Fifth season brand of salad greens (greenhouse grown locally in Braddock)

June 13 Run/Walk: Meet at the Aspinwall Riverfront Park parking lot

We're going back to Aspinwall because the river is glorious and the gardens are even cuter now, and also if you are a frequenter of yard sales, there is a town-wide one starting at 9 am.  Coffee takeout is available nearby, and there are seats on the riverfront.  Let's hope the weather gods oblige.

We had a Squirrel Hill comfort-zone treat on Sunday - the familiar combo of Schenley Park plus the 61C.  Much was discussed and there was also some running/walking.  RG medical personnel dispensed the best advice as always, especially about gardening, pastry and shoes. 

Endorsed:

• birdwatching in 61C patio - we were THIS CLOSE to a mom feeding her chick - too cute!  also Merlin Bird ID.  You can also ask Chris about their respiratory systems, apparently unique to birds and crocodiles.
  
• Prantl's new location in Squirrel Hill and the mini-almond torte
• Three Rivers Arts Festival - who cares if you've never heard of any of the groups - there is an actual festival happening, people!
• Duolingo app - 36 languages, including Klingon, Navajo, and Yiddish - you can waste time on your phone now without really wasting time.
• UPS has notaries but you need to call first.
• Jewish youth organizations (sometimes): BBG, CRUSY and NFTYNEL (not to be confused with NFL)

June 6 Run/Walk: Meet at the Wendy Bennett Trailhead, Overlook Dr. at Greenfield Ave. in Schenley Park

We'll start at our favorite Trailhead, that of Wendy Bennett (map), and explore Schenley Park for a change.  Then head to 61C for a schmoozefest.  

Last Sunday's excursion, designed by Beth (Lainy's daughter,) was spectacular, traversing the Mexican War Streets and then climbing up the Fineview Fitness Trail to a seemingly endless series of those very fine views.  Coffee and convo were at the adorable park outside of Commonplace Coffee, where our escort, Weasley the dog, was finally able to relax (see photo.)  It was a long wait to get coffee at the cafe, and, more urgently, impossible to use the bathroom.  But Wendy and I discovered that the officers at the local police station were kind to Grandma-types in distress. 

Endorsements:

• Randyland, with a sad news alert: poor Randy was subject to a ransomware attack the day after we visited!
• Long ago running group trip to Braddock and coffee at the Fettermans, about which there is documentary evidence (where is it?) - see the 2014 entry for details.
• Watch:  Circus of Books documentary, Wylie Ave. Days documentary, Lupin (oo-la-la)
• Read: The Four Winds
• Dancing in Squirrel Hill on Nov. 7
• Alaska 5-1-1 Liquid Fish Fertilizer
• Atlas Obscura - finds weird and curious places to visit wherever you are, i.e. Randyland

•