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.