New Year's Day Run/Walk at 7 - plus the day after that at 7:30: meeting at 61C in Squirrel Hill

Light turnout last weekend, thanks to a holiday and a wind chill that freezes flesh in 15 minutes, so we're making it simple this time and meeting both days at our usual default spot, the 61C cafe in Squirrel Hill.  7 am on Sunday and 7:30 on Monday.  Should be absolutely balmy!

A few endorsements were recorded:  

• Peloton, where you can tour the Hebrides on your bike in company with a very cute guy
• Loehmann's and Marshall's in their heydays - and when will there be another Boden sale?  
• Haflinger slippers
• Vinegar for cleaning your oven and everything else

December 25 Run/Walk: Sunday, meet at 7 am at Starbucks on Forbes/Shady corner; Monday, meet at 7:30 am at the 61C

Yes, Virginia (and thank you Virginia for writing up this message!), there is a run/walk on Christmas Day.  Whoever isn't otherwise occupied can meet at 7 am at the Starbucks at the corner of Forbes and Shady.  Then the next day (the federal holiday) we'll be meeting at good old 61C cafe in Squirrel Hill at 7:30 am.  

After tours of the holiday lights Downtown, we had a nice coffee adventure at Aslin Brewery -- a huge space that opens every day at 6:30 a.m. They don't offer pastries yet, but those will be introduced soon. The biggest challenge of the place was figuring out how to angle park backward, per the design of the parking on Smallman. I've heard people have gotten tickets if they don't back into the spaces.

Discussion: 

• We learned the term: DTR: define the relationship 
  
• Also: Meet cute
• Endorsements for "The Holiday", the charming 2006 movie starring Kate Winslet, Jude Law, Cameron Diaz and Jack Black.
• Another endorsement for the Ultra podcast.
• Several of us also compared notes on the season finale of "White Lotus."
• Also endorsed:  Yumuniverse - gluten free recipes and online cooking courses.

December 18 Run/Walk: Annual Holiday Downtown Run! Meet at the Aslin Beer Company, 1801 Smallman St. in the Strip

Beer at 8 am?  What have we come to?  Actually they have a coffee bar (but go ahead with the beer if you want!)  We meet at Aslin Beer Co., Smallman St at 18th St., and head down to USX tower to see "the world's only authorized replica of the Vatican's St. Peter's Square nativity scene."  We'll check out the usual holiday sites - and decide whether the menorah at the City County Bldg. is still pathetic.

Last week was a Hartwood Acres extravaganza led by Beth which despite the imminent rain (which was negligible and quite atmospheric) and a long drive brought out a record turnout.  There was much to see (the last time most of us had been there was possibly in the last century) and many photos (only a few of which are below).  Three Little Birds cafe was adorable and most obliging.  Could only catch a few endorsements:

• Vintage movie:  Darby O'Gill and the Little People (if once upon a time you were looking for this at Blockbuster in Squirrel Hill and it was out, it was at our house.)
• Warm mini-skirts at REI
• Nice enough for work but comfy Dalia pants at Costco: unbelievable bargain
• Listen to podcast:  Slow Burn:  Roe v. Wade (and all of them are great actually)
• Watch:  The Fabelmans (Spielberg on Spielberg)
• Jello Mold served with Cool Whip.  Have you tried it recently?  Maybe not bad? But do not Google "Funworld Brain Gelatin Mold."

December 11 Run/Walk: Meet at the Hartwood Acres parking lot in Allison Park (map in message)

Special treat:  this Sunday we're crossing a river - maybe even 3 or 4 (except for Beth and Gretchen) - to enjoy a Hartwood Acres run/walk led by Beth.  We'll start at the parking lot, 4100 Middle Rd., Allison Park (map).  Afterwards we'll decamp to the Three Little Birds Cafe (another map) which Beth arranged to open especially for us at 8.  A new frontier!

See below for a veritable gallery of gatherings, including 

• traversing the rarely viewed neighborhood on the river side of the Blvd. of the Allies where Hamlet St. meets Elsinore St. and Ophelia St.  
• our private room at Panera - will need to return
• visit to artist Ron Donoughe's 19th c. (really) studio surrounded by his radiant evocations of our fair city.
• stopping at Glowland giant musical seesaws in Schenley Plaza 
• and an unmissable newly revealed photo of our stay in Smithton off the GAP trail.

Were there endorsements too?  You betcha!  (now that S. Palin is done for we can say that.)  On the off chance that you're not sick of reading this already, here are:

• Dalia pants from Costco - can be ordered online.  Comfy, stylish, a bargain!
• Kuat bike racks
• Foldable kayaks - and also sit-on-top kayaks
• Watch:  Yentl (movie) and Slow Horses (series) and if you have a new TV you don't have to mess with unfathomable streaming devices.  To get to Offspring now you have to get Hulu (just seeing those faces makes me want to watch it again)
• Read:  James Michener - still enchants - especially Hawaii, Alaska, Iberia

December 4 Run/Walk: Meet at the parking lot for Panera at 3401 Blvd. of the Allies (near Magee)

On Sunday we'll meet at the Panera parking lot, at 3401 Blvd. of the Allies, near Magee Womens Hospital.  We are hoping to try out the adult seesaws in Schenley Plaza, and wander around little seen parts of Oakland.

Last week had the luxury of 2 runs, Squirrel Hill and Highland Park, and NO rain despite the forecast, and a raucous return to the Tazza without being shushed.  Plus a star Moth performance by Lainy, the highlight of which was a giant deer eye plastered to her windshield.  A good week!

Endorsements galore:

• Morey's Marinated Wild Salmon, at Costco
  
• Listen to podcast:  Ultra from Rachel Maddow - astoundingly similar sedition history from the 1940's
• Read: Before We Were Yours and Mother Daughter Traitor Spy 
• Watch interactive:  New York Times 12 Notable Keepsakes, esp. the Kindertransport tag
• Watch on TV: White Lotus (new season) esp. Jennifer Coolidge character, also the Westminster Dog Show (well, we missed it but it's on Youtube.)
• Schenley Ice Rink - open for the season
• In-law Invasion Ale:  Happy Holidays!

Nov. 27 Run/Walk: Meet at the Tazza D'Oro in Highland Park (plus the default Holiday Run on Thanksgiving at 61C at 7:30)

It's back!  On Sunday we'll meet at group fave Enrico's Tazza D'Oro (1125 Highland Ave.) which has happily re-opened after closing during the pandemic.  Not that COVID is over, but we are at least allowed to enjoy some indoor space together.  And sunrise will be at 7:20 am, so we can hope for a glorious one over the reservoir.  And on T-Day we will celebrate with the customary holiday run at 61C to expend some calories ahead of an onslaught of carbs.

Last week we had a strip run/walk heading in two directions:  Washington's Landing and Deutschtown, freezing but invigorating!  Followed by delectable hot coffee and warm almond meles at La Prima/Colangelo's. Some random endorsements:

• Traveling with extra outfits after mishaps so bad that all clothing was discarded.
• Aimee's magnificent first aid kit
• The Apple Store Genius Bar: A+ for diversity, and they really do fix your computer problems.
• Chewy and the dogs who love what it brings.
• Frontgate signs for your house.  
• Not endorsed: the brain-exploding UPMC theme song you are forced to listen to while waiting an hour to make a doctor's appointment.

November 20 Run/Walk: Meet at La Prima on 21st St. in the Strip

Just a bulletin today:  

We're meeting at La Prima on 21st St. in the Strip and hope to be ahead of the horde of Thanksgiving food shoppers.  And then we can join them afterwards.  Destinations:  runners to Washington's Landing and walkers to parts unknown.  See you there - bring your mittens and hand/feet warmers!

November 13 Run/Walk: Meet at Soldiers and Sailors in Oakland and Starbucks afterward for Coffee

Happy Veterans' Day! This Sunday, let's honor our veterans and meet at Soldiers and Sailors in Oakland.  It would be a great starting point to tour Schenley Farms, the water tower atop Herron Hill, or other possibly yet undiscovered parts of the city.

Last Sunday, I didn't attend the run in the South Side, but from the pictures shared with me, it looks like everyone had a great time, and the patio at Big Dog Coffee is fabulous.  The group discussed aspirational RG destinations such as Hocking Hills State Park and Wellsboro Grand Canyon in PA.  

Welcome new walkers in the group, Mary Ann, Cindy, and Larry!

November 6 Run/Walk: Meet at Big Dog Coffee Shop, 2717 Sarah Street, South Side, and SET YOUR CLOCKS ONE HOUR BACK

On Sunday, let's meet at Big Dog Coffee for a South Side walk or run.  Don't forget to set your clocks back for the end of Daylight Savings Time.  Important!  No one wants to be an hour early.

Last Sunday, the only endorsements I caught in Roye's absence were the Regent Square Halloween decorations and her lovely new house.  The Kennywood house was even entered into a contest.  Virginia can let us know if it won.

Also, the bikers within our group continue to plan weekend excursions.  We keep having November 70-degree weekends, so there seem to be plenty more opportunities for adventures on the trails.  We are becoming a cross-training group.  Huzzah!

October 30 Run/Walk: Meet at 61B -1108 S. Braddock - for a spooky tour of Regent Square

Word has it that Regent Square rules as regards Halloween decor, so our group will explore, starting at the 61B Cafe, 1108 S. Braddock.  I've done some preliminary looking, and skeletons are particularly abundant (seems to be a theme this year, perhaps a comment on where an adverse election will take us?)  It's going to be dark at 7 so viewing will be ideal, and you can wear your twinkly lights.  

Last week we wandered around Friendship - no slouch itself in ghostly ornamentation. Thumbs up for Yinz Coffee, which was yet another fine place for an RG extended convo:

• Squash! Did you know that canned pumpkin is really butternut squash?  Now that's a conspiracy theory we can appreciate.  Also recommended:  roast, don't cut, which can all too easily end in the ER.
• However, for peeling other things, the Oxo vegetable peeler - or the simple Swedish Linden one.
• Nut grinders our Moms used.
• The aroma of marijuana which is wafting over ever more spaces now and brings back memories.
• Eat:  Choolaah Indian fast-food 
• 
  Listen to:  The Dollop podcast

Oct. 23 Run/Walk: Meet at Yinz Coffee, 5607 Baum in Friendship

We're exploring more spots for kibitzing - this time it's Yinz Coffee at 5607 Baum, next to Aldi's in Friendship.  We can visit the Baum Grove Parklet and other friendly sites in the Neighborhood.  

Last week...  actually the last month has been all a blur so I don't even trust my reporting, and there would be just too much to recount.  Suffice it to say:  gorgeous glowing trees and leaves everywhere, a fabulous and historic biking trip on the GAP, another RG-related wedding, election drumbeat in the air, etc. etc.  Multiple photos below.  So much to talk about and endorse:

• Hoo Ha Ride Glide and other Chamois creams elicited some major hysteria but have been tried and they work!
• Padded shorts for biking are a must, but panties underneath a no-no
• Adele's B&B in Smithton (pronounced Smith'in), starring Christine the Mayor, just fabulous!
• The Steel Biking City video - we live in non-car paradise, well, getting there (thank you Max for sharing)
• Watch:  Empress (the series), Queen Latifah's Last Holiday, and Big Night (the movies)
• New-Skin is the answer to the winter plague of dry, split fingertips
• Pascualino's ("Take the Gun, Leave the Cannoli") Restaurant in Penn Hills
• Lolly-gagging v. Dilly-dallying
• Joy Riders takes people with mobility issues on the GAP
• Listen:  Smell the roses and take control of your time with Hidden Brain
• Go to this show: Buffalo Rose is at Thunderbird in Lawrenceville Nov. 18
• Clipless pedals
• Come to the next coffee or you'll "miss a major seizure of mirth"

So many photos!  Only a sample:

October 16 Run or Walk: Meet at 61C Cafe for a look at the Fall Foliage at either Schenley or Frick

This Sunday, the colors will be close to peak, so runners and walkers, enjoy bathing in the foliage of our home parks.  Meet at 61C and decide where to go.

I wasn't present at the run last Sunday, but I was biking on the GAP Trail adventure, and can say that it was truly a magical escape across some beautiful terrain with a wonderful group of people.  I just wish it had lasted longer than 3 days!  There is discussion about doing it again, either in part or in whole, or in extending along the C&O to go to DC.  Fun times ahead!

October 9 Run/Walk: Meet at the 61C in Squirrel Hill if you're in town

Some in the group are going on a bike trip, so... if you're in town, meet at our dear default, the 61C cafe in Squirrel Hill and choose your adventure.  

Stay tuned for more reporting next week!

Oct. 2 Run/Walk: Meet at Georgie's Corner, corner of Walnut and Maryland in Shadyside

We're always ISO a new coffee locale, so let's try this one which has "responsibly sourced and locally roasted coffee" and "scratch-made pies, pastries and cookies" - what's not to like?  Exploration can happen in many directions from there.

Last week we discovered the new patio at The Abbey which was quite perfect and also designed for people along with their pooches, which excited considerable enthusiasm.  RG is nothing if not pup-friendly.  We did some cemetery wandering and it seems that the urge to build monuments to being dead hasn't come that far from the days of the pyramids.  In fact a bunch of them still ARE pyramids.

Endorsements:

• Cookie Tables!  Word is that Dr. Oz has scoffed at them.
• Black Belts - Max has one!
• Seriously, please watch this NYT opinion video warning us about what democracy-killing plans are being made to undermine the upcoming election.
• Our friend the Lt. Governor.
• Karen and Carrie running the Bar Harbor marathon for decades (see photo below.)

September 25 Run/Walk: Meet at The Abbey in Lawrenceville, 4635 Butler St.

We've always loved The Abbey with its medieval vibe in wintertime, but summertime there hasn't been appealing until now, evidently their garden patio opens at 7 on Sunday - we'll see!  It's on Butler St. near 47th.  Allegheny Cemetery across the street - the Lawrenceville mystique all around - we'll check it out.

Last week dahntahn wasn't being drenched, so we crossed as many bridges as we could, and as we sat by the PPG Fountain, discovered that the water is now a bacteria hazard that you can't splash around in anymore.  We need to get water expert Beth on this case!

My notes from the last 3 weeks are incoherent so I'm just pulling out a few random endorsements and photos:

• The hummingbird hawk moth
• The Shark tombstone in Allegheny Cemetery
• New babies being born that give us hope
• Watch:  Midsummer Night's Dream with Shakespeare in the Park - last chance, this Friday in Schenley Plaza and this weekend in Frick Park at Beechwood.
• Watch:  Taking my parents to Burning Man
• Donate: furniture to the Blessing Board or ReStore/Habitat for Humanity
• Cover your iPhone with Dreem
• Find the Dress at One Brilliant
• Pam's in town and invites anyone doing the Great Race to gather at her house at 2200 Beechwood Blvd.
• Get your Booster!

September 11 Walk/Run: Meet at Market Square Downtown

 Just a bulletin today - see you at Market Square at 7 am on Sunday!

September 4 Run/Walk: Meet at Commonplace Coffee 5467 Penn Ave. at 7 - plus Labor Day Run/Walk: Meet at 61C at 7:30

Quick message today: we have a twofer this weekend, Sunday we'll meet at Commonplace Coffee (formerly Voluto or something like that) at 5467 Penn across from the Glass Center.  Then on Monday, we sleep in! and meet at 7:30 at old fave 61C in Squirrel Hill.

Last week - bikers, runners, walkers - we covered the waterfront.

August 28 Run/Walk: Meet at the Jail Trail Parking lot in Greenfield for a sendoff to RG's bikers

Since a number of us are going to ride the Pedal Pittsburgh route on Sunday, we thought we could all meet at one place to wish them a great ride (especially those going for 40 miles!) The Three Rivers Heritage (aka Jail) Trail parking lot (map here) is off of 2nd Ave. in Greenfield, and at 7 am shouldn't be crowded yet.  Lots of routes available.  Coffee location TBD.

Last week pouring rain, lightning and thunder did not deter runners from their appointed rounds, though the rest of us sheltered the whole time under the Starbucks roof at Bakery Square.  Runners came back not electrified so it was all good.  

Endorsements:

• Professor Lainy and her colleagues explain all about the new OTC hearing aids. The fact that this is top of the list tells you something about RG.  
• The best thing to hear is singing by Gretchen's daughter Margot: Small Hours Trio at Kingfly Spirits this Sun. 2-5.
• More about hearing and NOT endorsed:  your phone is always listening to you if you haven't changed the settings.

August 21 Run/Walk: Meet at Bakery Square (best parking is Mellon Park lot off of Fifth at Beechwood)

We'll meet at Bakery Square, with several route, coffee, and outside sitting options, and we'll discover if they still show sports on the giant screen at 8 am.   If you park in the Mellon Park lot, just walk across the baseball field to the crosswalk over Penn to Bakery Square.  It briefly occurred to me that we could get coffee at the new Amazon - I mean Whole - Foods instead, but on recent investigation, that place feels like a huge boondoggle.  Let's discuss.

Our visit to Downtown and the Hill was inspiring!  Charming new homes, expansive views, the renovated August Wilson House, the site of Max's Dad's childhood home, The CAP I-579 park where Beth explained the water flow designs, etc.  Other topics:

• The Art Commission is meeting about designs for the Fern Hollow Bridge/Trail on Wed. Aug 24 in the afternoon - zoom link and timing here if you're interested.
• Find out how to make a pollinator garden on 8/27 at 7 pm in North Park.
• Word on Pittsburgh basements: "if they don't have odor control, they smell bad."
• Word on panhandlers: how to respond with kindness and good sense? The Pope has an idea.

August 14 Run/Walk: Meet at the entrance to the Omni Wm. Penn Hotel on Wm. Penn Place

Lots to visit downtown, so we'll meet at the entrance to the Wm. Penn Hotel (dear to RG) and find parking on the streets nearby, which is usually easy on Sunday mornings.  There's also a parking garage across the street.  We can see the new-ish Frankie Pace Park, aka CAP because it's high above I-579, and the August Wilson house, which opens to the public this weekend, and a NEW TARGET in what once was Kaufmann's (sic transit gloria mundi.)  And, though there is no longer a Starbucks inside the Wm. Penn, there is a Bruegger's right outside, and a park across the street.  Maybe bring a chair just in case.  

The Northside was on view last week, and we visited its many features:  Aviary, Randyland, Mexican War Streets, the 2.5 million Northeast Fountain, George Washington, the Dream Site - always a treat.  So was Adda Coffee & Tea and its outside patio and great service - a new find!  So we endorsed:

• 
  the Mission of Mercy yearly free dental clinic last weekend, which also offered free hearing tests (Lainy was on the scene) and hearing aids, and eye exams and glasses.  Not endorsed:  the fact that so many people can't get care and needed this.
• How to get a nurse to call you back at UPMC - send a portal message saying you have abdominal pain.
• 
  Podcasts:  This is Critical with Virginia Heffernan of Trumpcast fame.  Also the 1619 Project.
• The wooden folding chairs leftover from Pittsburgh WW2 Air Raid wardens.
• Highland Park Reservoir of Jazz on Sunday nights.  Followed by Roland!
• The Cleveland Public Library - awesome.
• A fulfilling way to volunteer this election:  answering the PADems Voter Hotline. Virginia and I have done this; easy to do from home on your own schedule - and it actually makes a difference!  Next zoom training is Thurs. 8/18 at 6 pm - info. here.

August 7 Run/Walk: Meet at Adda Coffee and Tea, 926 Western Ave. for a visit to the Northside

Let's revisit Allegheny Commons and/or Mexican War Streets to see what's new, and try out having our kaffeeklatsch (thanks Gretchen!) at Adda Coffee and Tea, 926 Western Ave., which looks intriguing and has a patio outside.

Last week we explored Frick Park on the Regent Square side.  Judy revealed the spot where the barred owls roam, and runners somehow got under the new bridge.  Under the shaded porch at Biddle's we discussed how not to be the lady on the plane pathetically looking for help to get her carry-on into the overhead bin. Or trying and having it crash into someone's head. This may be unavoidable. But anyway we endorsed:

• The personal trainers at the JCC, esp. Will and Peer?
• Joanne's Triathlon group - the Mighty Tri Girls.
• Lap swimming at the Highland Park pool at 7 pm.
• Bike-a-thons: Pedal PGH, Tour the Montour, EQT 10-mile.
• Kayaking - particularly the sit-on-top kind which may look bogus but are awesome.