June 26 Run/Walk: meet in Market Square Downtown

Downtown calls us again, so the meeting place on Sunday is Market Square, and there are 3 Rivers to explore from there.

Frick Park was at its most glorious last Sunday, and everything was sun-dappled and chock full of wildlife.  Also the bridge construction is now using monstrous machines which will mesmerize small boys.  We settled down for coffee, etc. in a custom-made clearing and it was hard to leave.  Endorsed:

• Don't miss Buffalo Rose at South Park amphitheater June 24 7:30 p.m. 
• The Beverly Hillbillies theme song which we ALL KNEW BY HEART
• The thrill of victory and agony of defeat on the Wide World of Sports, then and now.
• Smoothie update:  add chia seeds, almond milk, and ceylon cinnamon to whatever you're using. 
• Watch Tehran but only if you can hold your breath for several minutes at a time.
• La Fermiere yogurt from la belle France is incredibly delicious and comes in the cutest little pots which can be used in many ways.
• The East End Food Co-op - gets better all the time.  Chia seeds and La Fermiere available there.  But the barefoot guy who used to work there has gone. 

 

June 19 Run/Walk: Meet at the parking lot of the Frick Environmental Center, 2005 Beechwood Blvd.

Frick Park is a forest bathing mecca right now, so let's meet at the parking lot of the Environmental Center.  (I wish they had stuck with "Nature Center".)  We can search for the owls!  Also there is an adorable clearing in the woods with tree stumps in a circle, just calling out for the group chat.  I'll bring a thermos of coffee, cups, and some tasty carbohydrates but maybe bring your drink of choice too since my thermos probably serves 4.  Insect repellent is a good idea.  And maybe a chair or pillow if you want something more comfy than a stump. We're not the girl scouts we once were.

Last Sunday we had several exciting run-ins with the Lt. Gov and his family at their customary Sunday morning on the Waterfront.  Not to be too starry-eyed about it, but... he honked his horn and waved at us as he drove by!  We did some strategizing about how to support the upcoming campaign.  Runners visited Homestead.  In other news: we also had some exciting run-ins with goats.

Endorsements:

• How to add calcium to our shrinking bones:  Kukicha Tea, smoothies with kale, add powdered milk to anything, more protein.  Also find ways to build your muscles and your balance. 
• Buy 100 fresh peeled garlic cloves in a jar from friendly people at the Asian market on Forward.  
• Volunteer at the Mission of Mercy which is giving free hearing aids and tests to kids  (along with dental care), Aug. 4-6.  
• August Wilson's Two Trains Running is at the Public Theatre 
• Prayer
• Tree Pittsburgh keeps our city green and also has a delightful event space on the Allegheny.  
• Also you can party at a new public space on Hazelwood Green.  Don't forget the Buffalo Rose band will be there at Solar Fest on Saturday!
• Plus you can read: Harry's Trees by Jon Cohen - sort of a fairy tale for adults.

June 12 Run/Walk: Meet outside of Starbucks at the Waterfront

Back to the Waterfront (meet outside Starbucks but coffee and treats can also come from Panera next door.)  We can explore in many directions, get a view of the Mon, and make use of the excellent bathrooms and outdoor seating. (Not outdoor seating in bathrooms.)  And - maybe have an opportunity to congratulate our very own Lt. Governor and the 2nd Lady on the upcoming Senate candidacy!  Perhaps discuss how we can help.  

Last week we all had a lovely trek through Squirrel Hill, which always reveals something new.  Walkers explored the high rent district.  Did you know that the most elegant streets have their unsightly utility lines buried underground? How nice for them. And that the district contains the home of Michael Chabon's mom, who gave away his crib to be used by the Mormer children?

Our delightful coffee klatch in Sharon's backyard had the added benefit of Nancy B's return and multiple endorsements:

• Watch:  The Beauty Queen of Jerusalem.  Also..... Offspring!
• Bike on the Armstrong Trail. But, warned by Cheryl:  don't speed, and always wear a helmet.  Though good to know that ambulances can reach you there.
• To save your hostas, you don't have to endure the disgusting aroma of the usual deer repellent - it also comes in Mint!
• Match.com.  Really?
• Barred Owls in Frick Park - summer goal: find one.

June 5 Run/Walk: Meet at Sharon's house, 5612 Woodmont

Sharon has invited the group to her delightful backyard (5612 Woodmont) this Sunday so see you there!

Last week we hit Frick park from the Biddle Trail side on a sparkly May morning and what could be more refreshing?  Intrepid investigators scoped out the bridge progress, which is definitely moving along.  After that, the Memorial Day holiday run to Schenley Park (ditto on refreshing) and also later a bike excursion add-on.  In all, a welcome RG togetherness weekend.

Keeping up with a backlog of endorsements:

• For foot/ankle surgery - Dr. with the fantastic name of MaCalus V. Hogan
• But because it's ridiculously hard to get through to any UPMC doctor through normal channels - the next time you see one in the flesh, make sure you get their internal phone #.
• Great experience for any kid: a job in retail.
• Gretchen's heavenly singing daughter Margot and her Buffalo Rose band will be at Solar Fest on Hazelwood Green on June 18.
• Presque Isle State Park on Lake Erie - pretty close and it has a beach - and where you can also visit the Brig Niagara (affectionately AKA the Brig Viagra - go ahead and ask me.)
• Hair, including "faculty hair" is well and reasonably styled by Liz at Studio Booth and Tammy at Puccini's.
  
• Masks - don't forget about them - Aimee reports that one day of no masks at Colfax may have led to an outbreak.
• Prunes - they're delish!