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