July 2 Run/Walk: Meet on the Strip at the new(ish) La Prima, 1100 Smallman St.

If you haven't heard of Anthrocon, a pretty strange sight awaits.  I think we'll see some of the action on Sunday morning, when we meet at the La Prima near the Convention Center, at 1100 Smallman St., at 11th St. There should be parking on either Smallman or Penn Ave. around there.  Also there is a giant blow-up sculpture thing and the massive demolition of Wholey's old warehouse nearby.  So much to see dahntahn!

Also, though we had thought we had seen everything in Oakland, last Sunday we found it still holds surprises, i.e. the puzzle maze at CMU, and the deeply retrograde motto inscribed in stone on the Margaret Morrison building, describing "woman's high prerogatives" (read it here).  We relaxed under the Schenley Plaza tent where tables and chairs were set out just for us.  Endorsed:

• Watch:  Wonder Boys with Francis McDormand and Michael Douglas, filmed at CMU
• The Wall of Green in refrigerators with all the farmer's market produce
• What to do with it: Linda suggests beet risotto and garlic scape pesto.  
• Wendy gave us the report on Scrotum, PA.  Maybe that one isn't endorsed.

June 25 Run/Walk: Meet at the tent at Schenley Plaza in Oakland

We'll start at the Schenley Plaza tent (map), and then for coffee, take over the chairs and tables - and either BYOBeverage or get something at Starbucks.

We had a Highland Park excursion last Sunday, during which there were no lions or tigers to be heard, but Joanne heard some roars the other day, so maybe next time.  Tazza D' now has delightful outdoor seating - luckily for those inside who want some peace and quiet.  As always, numerous suggestions:

• new excellent word: fetutzed
• watch movies:  Persian Lessons, Big Night, Air, and especially The Immaculate Reception directed by Charlotte (Jane's daughter) who hopefully will join us on Sunday!
• the new and improved Frick Park Market, especially the sandwiches and backyard patio
• after you ride the Path of the Flood trail, see the museum in Johnstown
• a summery treat - ice cream at Page's Dairy Mart
• we believe there is a Scrotum, PA - Wendy will inform us
• get your bikes - another Open Streets on the Strip on Sunday

June 18 Run/Walk: Meet at the Tazza D'Oro, 1125 Highland Ave for a Highland Park Run

Next up:  Highland Park, and we'll meet at the homey Tazza D'Oro.  Too late in the year to see the sunrise over the reservoir (it's at 5:49 a.m.) but just in time to see the garden. My personal goal is to get close enough to the zoo to hear the lions and tigers.

We explored Wilkinsburg and Edgewood, highlights being the Hamnett Station, hidden parks, and unknown swanky streets and homes, especially this one.  Biddle's offered us a real bower to have a coffee and klatch in.  Some highlights:

• Wilkinsburg Community Ministry - a community food bank, run by our new friend Ruth - and would love to have new volunteers.
• The Grilled Polenta breakfast at the Blackberry Meadows farmstand at the Squirrel Hill Farmer's Market
• The Who Cooks for You CSA, which sometimes brings you a giant egg.
• The Path of the Johnstown Flood bike trail
• Do:  One scary thing every day.  Like wake up.

June 11 Run/Walk: Meet at Biddle's Escape, 401 Biddle Ave. in Wilkinsburg

Meeting this Sunday at Biddle's Escape, 401 Biddle Ave., with multiple route choices and the slim chance of a short line to grab an ooh-la-la pastry at Madeleine's Bakery down the street.

Last week, we celebrated Wendy's birthday starting at her namesake Trailhead in Schenley Park, followed by a delish carrot cake baked by Linda at ye old 61C.  Could the parks be more forest-bathing-worthy than they are now?  Major interest in a Mahjong sideline was expressed, though how to find time what with zumba, evening bike rides, soul line dancing, and we haven't even assigned a date for the next happy hour...

Endorsed: 

• The Pocket Sports Bra, with a place for your phone right between your shoulder blades.  This solves the problem of pants falling down while running.
• Return of Roland!! Summer Soul Line Dance with him on Tuesday evenings at 6:30 under the Big Tent at Schenley Plaza.
• Lobster Rolls to die for from Cousins Maine Lobster - we may have to cross a river but we'll get there.
• Hurray for Triathlete Joanne who did it again at the Edinboro Triathlon!
• The fabulous Buffalo Rose concert at the Arts Festival downtown - Gretchen, please tell the amazing Margot to come back soon.