December 31 Run/Walk: Meet at Big Dog Coffee, 2717 Sarah Street in the South Side + New Years Day Run on Monday at 7:30 at 61C

This Sunday, let's return to the South Side to Big Dog Coffee. Then a bonus run on Monday for New Years Day at 61C Cafe (or Starbucks if they are closed).

Last Sunday, Christmas Eve, we enjoyed a new location at Redhawk in Sharpsburg.  The Etna Riverfront Park was inviting, as well as the eclectic streets of this charming borough.  Runners went all the way to Camp Guyasuta.

Coffee was festive and endorsements included:

• Movies such as The Holdovers and Feast of the Seven Fishes;
• Shows such as The Bear (on Hulu)
• Mansion:  Not far from Sharpsburg and endorsed is the Bayernhof Museum.  
• Contractor Plumbing Supply
• Distinctly U (kitchen and bathroom home remodeling)

December 24 Run/Walk: Meet at Redhawk Coffee Roasters in Sharpsburg: 1019 N. Canal Street

Hello everyone, just a quick note this week.  

On Sunday, we will check out a new coffee shop in Sharpsburg: Redhawk Coffee Roasters (1019 N. Canal Street Pittsburgh, PA 15215).

Last Sunday we channeled George Clooney and enjoyed delicious Nespresso and tasty treats at Linda's house in Point Breeze.  Thank you for hosting, Linda!

The walkers looked for curmudgeon coffee shop owner in the neighborhood while the runners found a deer bowhunter's treehouse in Frick Park.  Very exciting!

I'm unsure whether 61C will be open on Monday morning for the Christmas run, but if it's not, head over to Shady/Forbes Starbucks.  Remember, Monday will be 7:30 rather than 7:00.

Dec. 17 Run/Walk: Meet at Linda's house, 103 S. Lexington in Pt. Breeze

Thank you to Linda for offering the coffee locale for our next excursion!  We'll meet at her house at 103 S. Lexington in Pt. Breeze (map, and ignore the fact that it says Lincoln Hwy, it's just Penn Ave.)  

Last week, yet again, dark clouds destroyed all chances of experiencing the usual glorious sunrise over the Highland Park reservoir.  However, yet again, the rain ceased just as we set out! We investigated the overhyped refurbished old tunnel, which was about 10 feet long.  But the run was extensive, and the walk was lovely, and we populated the comfy long table at Tazza, so all was copacetic.  (Does anyone say that anymore?)  Much to discuss, but if we leave out the miserable state of the world we end up with:

• The Rancho Gordo bean club (apparently sold out but you can still get the beans.)
• 1970's bran muffins, most likely this recipe from the ancient New York Times Natural Foods Cookbook.  I know I made these. Also, hermits.
• Local farm to your table:  Weatherbury Farm, which is not far from Meadowcroft (19,000 years of history) - revisit your inner hippie.
• Wings TV show (was this good??)
• There is an airport app that tells you the wait at the TSA line.
• Still need a tree?  Hands down best source:  Shadyside Nursery.

December 10 Run/Walk: Meet at the Tazza D'Oro, 1125 N. Highland Ave. for a Highland Park excursion

This Sunday in Highland Park we'll meet at Enrico's Tazza d'Oro and check out the newly restored pedestrian tunnel that evidently has parapet walls and dates to the 19th century.  Infrastructure!  Also let's hope for one of those gorgeous sunrises over the reservoir - should happen at 7:30 am if conditions are right.

Of course the pelting rain immediately stopped at 7 am on Sunday, and we were able to engage in our customary dahntahn holiday sights tour.  We'll have to come back to have the annual menorah rating (hopefully better than the miserable PVC pipe one of yore) because it's scheduled to go up this Friday.  But both trees and the creche got thumbs up.  I do miss the Steeler Tree (see vintage photo below) however, that only comes when they're in the playoffs (never say never.)  Rock N'Joe Coffee will get a repeat - up in the loft, we endorsed:

• Yuzu Kitchen - delish and handy for pre-event dinners downtown
• Podcasts:  Ear Hustle, Throughline, Death Sex & Money, Heavyweight, Israel Story, the Ezra Klein Show
• Read: The Heaven & Earth Grocery Story (McBride) and Great Expectations (Dickens).
• See:  The Red Dress (and three other spectacular Dresses) at the Frick - free to all.
• Ron Donoughe's new book Ways of Pittsburgh - there was RG presence at the opening.
• You don't have to get car rental insurance - usually already covered by your credit card and/or your own car insurance.  
• AAA has roadside service for bicyclists now!
• "I love a good colonoscopy" not only heard but explained:  involves drugs and cleansing.

December 3 Run/Walk: Meet Downtown at Rock n' Joe Coffee- 514 Penn Avenue

This past Sunday the runners ran around the North Park Lake and Dasch kept Beth company walking on the Rachel Carson Trail.  The morning clouds broke up to reward us at the end with a beautiful sky

reflected on the Lake.  Coffee was at Convive and included the following endorsements:

• Don's Appliances as an antidote to too many choices
• Induction ranges
• Jane Jacobs and The Death and Life of Great American Cities

And the following non-endorsements:

• Biking on the El Camino de Santiago -- is ill-advised
• The housing affordability crisis which keeps getting worse!

Also I am sharing with the group an opportunity tomorrow to see Ron Donoughe's studio in Lawrenceville:

Finally, this photo is included as "another RG adventure."

November 26 Run/Walk: Meet at Spillway Lot at North Park at the corner of Babcock Blvd and Pearce Mill Road (map in message)

Our intrepid Beth is leading our North Park Run on Sunday - we'll meet at the Spillway Lot at the corner of Babcock Blvd. and Pearce Mill Road (map).  And then afterwards, head to coffee at Convive (that map).  This will be worth crossing a river.

On Sunday, Parisi Cafe and Swisshelm Park were adorable as always.  Runners valiantly scaled heights and depths to Duck Hollow and back.  On Thanksgiving, we rounded Squirrel Hill trying to keep up with Max on wheels, and gave thanks for the comfort of each other, especially for listening to our medical (and other) kvetching.

Endorsements:

• Ompractice - a repeat because it's so good
• Priya Parker - teacher of "artful gathering" (maybe we know something about it already?)
• Wabi-sabi explained by Wendy and also here.
• Aldi's Aisle of Shame - we should plan a visit, maybe before:
• Happy Hour - when is our next one??  Also Mitten Workshop - maybe both together!
• Janet once again speaking truth to power.

November 19 Run/Walk: Meet at Parisi Cafe 7107 Harrison Ave. in Swissvale AND Thanksgiving Holiday Run/Walk: meet at 61C at 7:30

We're meeting in front of the charming Parisi Cafe in Swissvale, 7107 Harrison Ave. (map).  Also it's an "Italian market" and "located in Rocco's Tavern", so not our usual hangout.  Routes are available to Swisshelm Park, the still midcentury (last one) Swissvale Center, or the once excitedly anticipated Edgewood Towne Centre (now a bit sad - should have predicted that from the ridiculous spelling.)  And don't forget our own Turkey Trot on T-Day from the default location, 61C, later than usual at 7:30.

On last Sunday, we scrunched into the tiny Redhawk coffee shop (thank you to the graciously nice guy who we elbowed into a corner) after a bracing Oakland excursion.  I don't know what runners did but walkers climbed the equivalent of 21 floors (re my Health app) up beyond the Peterson Center into a monstrous amount of construction. Hail to Pitt! (I always find that a little too close to Heil.)

Endorsements:

• ¡España Hermosa!  Max reported on the fabulous retreat in southern Spain with Linda Meacci (RG's favorite yoga teacher), and there will be another one in Mexico in February:
•  "Women in the Round" on the beach in Troncones (last year's was loved by Max and Wendy.)  If you're interested, check it out soon because Early pricing ends Dec. 1.
• the Batman movie filmed in Pittsburgh  - all of it, but the scene of Heinz Field imploding is wild.
• Feldenkrais movement therapy, we need everything we can get.

November 12 Run/Walk: Meet in Oakland at Redhawk Coffee Roasters, 120 Meyran Ave. (off of Fifth Ave.)

Oops, just realized this is Friday!  Have spent the week draining my brain and heart reading news, getting depressed (except for election results😊) and have lost track of time.  But here we are - and since I think someone said Oakland last week, we'll visit yet another new coffee locale, Redhawk Coffee - at 120 Meyran, off of Fifth Ave.  Oh, yeah, we'll run/walk too - any direction is possible.

Last week at the delightful Arriviste cafe, we were mistaken for the "Shadyside Celebrity Crowd".  Perhaps they are not so hip as we thought.  Our routes took us to Shadyside's mansions hidden down alleys and dead end streets, and also an apparently adult playground.  Once seated with caffeinated beverages and carbs in such comforting company, it was hard to leave. We learned:

• Post-menopause, every single cell slows down. Great.
• It is unclear in my notes but that datum may have come from Samantha Bee.
• More on that theme:  Moms in perimenopause often coincide with teenage sons in the same house, explosions ensue.
• Noom seems to actually work if you want to lose weight.
• If you don't want to lose weight: Mad Max has a special dinner for 2 at $40, Big Burrito will give you something free on your birthday, and there were votes for new restaurant Lilith.
• Best place for vaccines:  the Hub at Pitt.
• We shared a lot about Israel and the Palestinians. It's unfathomable. But sharing helps.

November 5 Run/Walk: Meet at Arriviste Coffee, 5730 Ellsworth, for a Shadyside excursion

We're going as hipster as we dare this week as we meet at Arriviste Coffee, 5730 Ellsworth in deep Shadyside. (Actually, are hipsters still a thing?  Probably thinking of hip replacements.) 

Halloween-time was delightfully spooky in the drippy dark (but not really raining).  The front yard decorators of Regent Square totally nailed it.  Coffee followed cozily inside with a bunch of endorsements, some here:

• The Mission of Mercy clinic which over 2 days last week provided free dental, hearing and eye care to 1,465 patients! More amazing info. about it here. 💕 to everyone involved - with the many volunteers including several RG regulars.
• Several more saw and heard Jane Fonda last week - marvelous at 86, star of stage and screen, pioneer of the Workout, and devoted climate activist frequently getting arrested.  Hear her inimitable voice on this podcast, interviewed by Julia Louis Dreyfus.
• Can we all try to be part of an Indian wedding?  Virginia provided gorgeous photos.
• The Cupid Shuffle
• The Lox & Bagel Strata (recipe here.)
• If you ever need to kosher your dishes - the Dish Mikvah
• VOTE NEXT TUESDAY, NOV. 7!  Local is as important as national AND there are many state judges to elect (who are keeping our democracy alive these days.)  Election guide here.

October 29 Run/Walk: A tour of Regent Square's spooky side - meet at my house, 1017 Milton St.

Regent Square has lots of fun aspects, one being the fervent embrace of Halloween on display in front yards.  We'll look for them, with maybe a foray into the gorgeous Frick parkland.  Meet at 1017 Milton St.,  where coffee and edibles will be served afterwards, though we're a bit behind on decorations.

Last week we watched pure Fall slowly illuminate, beginning in the dark at our familiar Wendy Bennett Trailhead.  Then retired to another favorite spot - 61C - where Keith the owner thanked us afterwards for always cleaning up so nicely.  That's our hallmark, in addition to trespassing.  I have apparently lost the endorsements this week, but unearthed some random unrecorded ones from some other time:

• Elaine's Badass Award!  Actually that was from the Running Group.  She also was named a Fellow at the American Speech & Hearing Assoc. this summer - Mazel Tov!! 
• Places to shop:  Nouveau Designer Consignment in Aspinwall, Cheeks in Squirrel Hill supposedly has nice sweaters, Ehua Fashion has hip imports from Korea.
• Women's 60+ Biking and Touring Group facebook page - where we are.
• Noble Invention Biking and Touring - where we'd like to be.
• RG Friend and Plein Air Painter Ron Donoughe's book on Pittsburgh alleys is out! 

October 22 Run/Walk: Meet at the Wendy Bennett Trailhead in Schenley Park (map in message)

The PA Fall Foliage report says that the trees get more stunning every day now, so let's savor while we can - this time in Schenley Park from the Wendy Bennett trailhead - here's a map. Then we'll probably head for 61C for coffee.

Last week - yet another delightful sojourn under the grand chandelier at the William Penn - actually several of them (see photos for our personalized tour of the ballroom - thank you Jeff Diamond, Security Supervisor!)  Also we were among the first to traverse the spanking new Mon Wharf Trail that finally makes a smooth ride/run/walk all along the Mon to the fountain.  (Does anyone recall when we ended up running on the off-ramp from the highway?)  But there was also heartache from the sight of growing homeless encampments on the route.  These are intense times.

Discussion covered:

• Yet more heartache from the news of the passing of Roland Ford - king of line dancing and inspiration to thousands - truly the Best of the Burgh as it says about him here (and scroll to see our representative.)
• Pittsburgh has been known for centuries as the true center of the universe.  Not a joke.
• You can come up with more enlightenments by nature journaling as taught by the Sisters of St. Joseph.
• Our fair city also provided the nation's first EMT service by Black first responders in the Hill, as well as the invention of CPR by Pitt's Dr. Safar.
• Not to mention, Lawrence Welk and his bubble machine, right here in this building:

 

October 15 Run/Walk: Meet downtown at the Omni Wm. Penn Hotel, 530 William Penn Place

We're going to try out the new Stance Coffee place at our old favorite, The William Penn (530 William Penn Place) and also investigate the new Point State Park Connector on the Mon Wharf - supposedly just opened today!  There should be street and garage parking nearby but leave a little time because it's a bit iffy.

Last week in Frick Park and at Biddle's was as usual inspiring.  No more than that because this is unforgivingly late.  See you Sunday!

October 8 Run/Walk: Meet at Biddle's Escape (401 Biddle Ave.) and visit autumnal Frick Park

The leaves are turning in Frick Park, our very own forest, so let's bathe there and follow it with coffee at Biddle's (and maybe a toothsome kouign-amann from Madeleine's if the line isn't too long.)

Last week we climbed up to Hillcrest St. and beyond in Garfield, home of funky urban farms, adorable tiny houses, and a fabulous view.  We'll definitely return to Commonplace on Penn due to its communal table for schmoozing, space for PT exercise demonstrations, and conduciveness to  

¡Espaldarazos! (I just looked up the Spanish word for endorsements)

• Not much time left, so run, don't walk, to go see Billy Strayhorn: Something to Live For at the Public Theater
• Do NOT get shot with an arrow in Frick or Riverside Park, seeing that the deer hunt is underway EVERY DAY BUT SUNDAY basically through JANUARY.  We are told to, ummm, "wear bright colors".  I'm all for deer management, but maybe the signs should not be in tiny print.  
• For more info on the above (and just all-around lovableness) see @pghparkrangers.
• The Montour, Ghost Town and Panhandle Bike Trails (repeats, but worth it.)
• Visiting Sandcastle for the culture shock.
• Spiders are awesome.

October 1 Run/Walk: Meet at Commonplace Coffee, 5467 Penn Ave. (across from the Glass Center)

This is a quick note because I got too relaxed after 2 weeks off.  We're meeting at Commonplace Coffee on Penn Ave. (across from the Pittsburgh Glass Center) because it has a table big enough for the whole group.  Many directions to go in from there.  And the coffee's good too!  

Coffee and space were also delightful last week at the other Commonplace across from the Co-op.  We toured North Pt. Breeze and found a public apiary behind the Taj Mahal for dogs and cats.  Several endorsements:

• Ompractice - get your yoga on
• Or, get hold of the rudder at the American Sailing Academy at Key Largo
• Or, get happy at the Teutonia Happy Hour
• Or, get another of those damn tests at UPMC Passavant

September 24 Run/Walk: Meet at Commonplace Coffee by the Co-op: 7514 Thomas Blvd.

Hi all, because it is Great Race this weekend, let's stay out of the fray and meet at Commonplace Coffee by the Co-op.  

Last week, runners and walkers had a fun time exploring Troy Hill.  Such an interesting neighborhood with surprises around every corner! Rialto Street was formerly an Incline-- but no one wants to be dumped out onto Route 28 so now it's just a scary road, especially for those with manual transmissions!

Points of interest included:

Scratch & Co.- great lunch/brunch place!

St. Anthony's where you can see the relics and bones!

And this house, which seemed like the urban version of Swiss Family Robinson!

Endorsements included: getting married in the White Mountains in New Hampshire.💗

Next time we will have to check out the art museum next to De Fer Coffee called La Hutte Royal.  We completely missed it!  A reason to return here...

September 17 Run/Walk: Meet in Troy Hill, De Fer Coffee & Tea at 1800 Rialto St.

Back to Troy Hill - last seen by us in 2019 (pre-pandemic!) One change since then - opening of a De Fer Cafe at 1800 Rialto (map) where we'll meet.  First part of Rialto is pretty steep, but this is Pittsburgh.  (If you want to go up more gradually, you can go over the 16th St. bridge from the Strip - look at the map for how to do it.)

Last week we went the other way on Penn to see its industrial/wholesale/residential side.  We bemoaned the criminal lack of a bathroom at La Prima, so just stopped by Colangelo's for the meles and enjoyed them with the excellent coffee (who knew?) at the gigantic Aslin Beer Co. at the Terminal.  Discoveries and endorsements:

• The AT&T on Penn Ave. (if that's your internet provider) has no waiting and great service.
• the adorable Dash toaster oven recently on sale at Target
• Salem's Market and Grill, for Middle Eastern lunch, catering, shopping - better all the time.
• So is the long-beloved Ali Baba on Craig St.
• D'Anoia's for Italian
• Cousins Maine Lobster for lobster rolls that a former New Englander might start crying over.
• Coughlin's Law Kitchen & Ale 

(apparently all we think about is food.)

 

September 10 Run/Walk: Meet at La Prima Espresso (the original) - 21st off of Penn on the Strip

Some are longing for the delish almond meles and the grungy outdoor seating at La Prima (map), so we'll start there and see what's new on the Strip (Puttshack?)

Last week was a double dip - Sunday+Monday - and we toured Aspinwall and Squirrel Hill.  Actually make that a triple - an RG biking excursion also happened, as far as Leetonia, Ohio.  These are becoming part of the weekend, but as far as I know, we have not yet combined coffee and biking, and/or beer and biking - the next frontier!

Naturally, endorsements surfaced:

• Discover the Burgh blog - so much to do
• Larpers... did you know what this was?  I didn't either.  But it led to many thumbs up for:
• The RenFair (aka the Pittsburgh Renaissance Festival) going strong after 20 years, "The King and Queen are pleased to welcome you to another glorious season in the village of Morelandshire!"
• Biking on Ohio's Little Beaver Creek Greenway trail, about an 80 min. drive away.

September 3 Run/Walk: Meet at the Allegheny RiverTrail Park on Sunday at 7, and at the 61C on Monday at 7:30 for Labor Day run.

We haven't been to Aspinwall for a while, and since the RiverTrail Park has been in the news (Brilliant Line) lately, so, about time!  RiverTrail Park map is here (there is parking.)  Checking out the local retail is always a plus. Coffee can happen at Beans & Cream across the street - or BYO and we can sit by the river.  Monday will be the usual holiday run a half hour late, at 61C.

Speaking of which, last week was a homey sojourn around Squirrel Hill and 61C - never gets old.  Numerous RG bikers were at Pedal Pittsburgh so we'll get the update this week.  Lots of endorsements:

• Savage River Lodge (has yurts too!) in a state forest in MD
• The Parlor Dim Sum in Lawrenceville
• Cooking Thai at home (Aimee will give us a class one of these days).  
• Young's Oriental Grocery on Forward Ave. good place to get ready for the above.
• Or if you're up for Italian instead - the homemade raviolis you can get only at the Bloomfield Groceria (formerly Groceria Italiana) in Bloomfield.
• Question to be posed at the next run:  Is The Mindy Project a ripoff of Offspring?  We will discuss.

August 27 Run/Walk: Meet at 61C Cafe, 1839 Murray Avenue.

Another quick note this week that we will meet at 61C Cafe on Sunday morning.

Many of our runners/walkers will be participating in Pedal Pittsburgh-- have fun!

August 20 Run/Walk: Meet at Biddle's Escape, 401 Biddle Avenue Wilkinsburg, PA

 Just a quick note this week in Roye's absence (and I missed last week's run at Speckled Egg, so I have no notes). 

Meet at Biddle's Escape, 401 Biddle Avenue, Wilkinsburg, PA 15221.

August 13 Run/Walk: Meet at The Speckled Egg in the Southside Works - 428 S. 27th St.

Coffee locale first as usual (a comment on where we are now) - we'll see what the buzz is about at The Speckled Egg in the Southside Works (map).  But before sitting down - a tour of dog parks or the ever-expanding marina?  Up the slopes or down on the trail?  We'll see -

Last week: a visit to the antiquity-packed Allegheny Cemetery, home of an Egyptian Mausoleum (designed by the Jefferson Memorial architect) - also the discovery of Bumblebee Beach (chronicled by Atlas Obscura.) The Ineffable, where you can obtain real Vietnamese-style coffee, was most conducive to gabbing and endorsements:

• There's still time to see Quantum Theatre's Hamlet at the Carrie Furnace - it's wild, trust me.
• Renowned Used Book Sale at Calvary Episcopal
• Vinegar!  Cleans everything (mix with water) and works as weedkiller if you use the superpotent kind.  (Look it up before trying.)
• Watch:  The Bear, especially season 2, and The Imposters
• The omelet from The Bear
• RG fave is back: Summer Soul Line Dancing at Highland Park, Sundays 7-9.

 

August 6 Run/Walk: Meet at the Ineffable Ca Phe, 3920 Penn Ave.

(Hopefully I got the date right this time 😁)

It's been a while since we tasted the special Vietnamese coffee at the Ineffable, so we'll head there, but first explore: Allegheny Cemetery? Polish Hill? Or Beth might once more reveal the ghost story buried deep in the Allegheny County buildings across the street.

Last week we passed up the river views to roam around Homestead, which always turns up something unexpected, i.e. a Buddhist temple, a church turned climbing gym, another Frick Park.  At coffee, best surprise appearance:  our friend Senator Fetterman, who dropped by our table to discuss running shoes (he just got some Hokas.)  Numerous endorsements followed:

• City pools with lap swimming hours, especially Magee and Highland Park.
• Euflexxa injections for your knees (maybe?)
• Menopause is better than migraines.
• Listen to podcasts:  the latest Serial, The Retrievals, Julia Louis-Dreyfus in Wiser than Me 
• Watch:  The Righteous Gemstones
• Read:  What Makes Sammy Run? (1941)
• Play:  Mahjongg (not online)