April 30 Run/Walk: Meet at the James Cafe (a new one!), 2550 Smallman St. on the Strip

After our memorable visit there last year, we want to catch the 26th Annual Art All Night at the 31st St. Studios, so we'll meet at the nearby James Cafe, another new one for us.  It's at 2550 Smallman and they have "adaptogenic drinks" - OK!  (Also coffee and pastry, no worries.)

Last week we visited the hills, dales, deer, turkeys, and deceased Mellons and Fricks at Homewood Cemetery. Not to mention the haunting Motherless statue.  Also we walked down Woodwell St., the most poetic street in Pittsburgh.  Even more poetic:  the cardamom buns at Five Points, where we endorsed:

• The Dyson hair dryer, a game changer for sure, though only if you win one - see photo below for Teri's unforgettable demo.
• The Merlin bird ID app from Cornell's Ornithology Labs, amazing, free, and this is the time.
• Newest RG Expansion: Thursday Evening Bike Rides!  Starting May 4 at 5:15 at the Greenfield Jail Trail parking lot.  (Correcting the wrong date I gave 2 weeks ago.)  If we keep this going into wintertime we can train to join the Frigid Bitches.
• Quantum Theatre's brilliant forays into uncanny spaces.  The Devil Is a Lie is on until Sunday in the Frick Building lobby.
• Some success in keeping deer out of your hostas with this.
• Best Bar Mitzvah gifts - this one was unique.

April 23 Run/Walk: Meet at Five Points Bakery, 6520 Wilkins in Squirrel Hill

We know about the yummy confections at Five Points, but they also have Espresso a Mano coffee and some seating, so we'll give that a try this week.  It's at 6520 Wilkins, corner of Severn, street parking all around.  We can walk around a neighborhood poetry installation, wander through the famous graves in Homewood Cemetery (including the Princess, my favorite), see the marvelous mosaics made by Max, etc.

Last week we visited the Strip environs once again, and rounded the 3 Rivers, wondering: why they didn't turn on the fountain?!  Or the fabulous water walkway under the Convention Center?!  These were sorely missed,  but at least at La Prima #2 we celebrated the return of Springtime and outdoor convos.  What we learned:

• You can use Maps on your iPhone to locate your car.
• Verona has a great pickleball court.
• Everyone seems to have HOKA running shoes.  Why?
• Buying a new mattress, a baffling ordeal: Saatva? Costco? The Original Mattress Factory? These seem to be worth considering.
• Whom to elect soon as Allegheny County Executive: another baffling ordeal - so watch this recent debate. 
• After you wake up from that, you could also watch Pretty Baby.
• Listen: to the mellifluous Small Hours trio at the Pittsburgh Winery, April 30 at 3:30 pm.  

April 16 Run/Walk: Meet at the Union Station Rotunda (next to the Amtrak station) downtown.

As we lament the state of Pittsburgh's Amtrak Station, which is pathetic, we will at least honor the remains of the historic Union Station next to it and meet under the Grand Rotunda.  Here's a map - it is currently the entrance to the Pennsylvanian Apartments at 1100 Liberty Ave.  Parking may be a little tricky -  but there is a parking garage at Penn and 12th St. a block away, with some parking spaces on Penn too. Coffee to follow at the new La Prima that is 2 blocks away on Smallman (another map.)  

Last Sunday's foray to the Duck Hollow trail and thereabouts featured sunrise on the Mon, and a terrifying underground tunnel that looked like the Mouth of Hell.  We still can't see how to get to the Glenwood Bridge though.  At Panera - topics included husbands and uteri - and multiple endorsements (with a few from last week):

• We are starting Thursday night bike rides on May 1!  Meet at the Greenfield Jail Trail parking lot at 5:15 - be there.
• Watch:  Jews of the Wild West (on Prime Video), Robert Caro documentary (it looks like you can see this on iTunes), and Bob Hope road movies.
• Listen:  Aria Code podcast will open your ears to opera.  Also the future podcast that Elaine is going to make about Duck Hollow.
• Potential day trip to Greensburg on the train
• Magnet fishing which is happening at Duck Hollow and you can get artillery shells.
• There appear to be puzzles for dogs.

April 9 Run/Walk: Meet at the Duck Hollow Parking lot (see message for map)

Two seders and my own general inefficiency are resulting in a short script this week:

On Sunday we're going to investigate Duck Hollow and the Duck Hollow Trail, and then we'll figure out where to have coffee.  Get to the Duck Hollow Trail parking lot using this map. Basically go down Browns Hill Road, pass the IHOP and the CVS to take a left onto Parkview and then a fairly quick right onto Old Browns Hill Road (but don't go into the JAA apartment complex) which you follow down the hill until the end and then take a right at the river - you should see the parking lot there.  

Last week:  Swisshelm Park revisited after 16? years was totally fun and so was the Parisi Cafe.

Happy Easter and Passover and Ramadan and Springtime to all!