April 28 Run/Walk: Meet at the James Cafe, 2550 Smallman St. for a foray into the upper (lower?) Strip

So we can visit the Art All Night locale (a yearly pilgrimage), we'll meet at the James Cafe at 2550 Smallman - parking on nearby streets should be fine.  Also possible in the neighborhood:  the view from the 31st St. Bridge.  

Last week we returned to the rarely seen pocket of deep Bloomfield, which has few blooms or fields, but is quirky, somewhat gritty, and never boring.  We located the TRYTRYTRY stairs, found a random chainsaw, explored Iron Eden and peered into the creepy, empty, literally Dickensian (1866) buildings around Iron City Brewing.  Yinz Coffee was super congenial, sunny, and accepting of the yummy Bulgarian delicacies we brought in from Jak's Bakery down the street.  Also endorsed:

• The British Isles, where someone will soon be seeing RG friend Paula the Brit!  So PtB, if you're listening, we miss you and wish you and Iain were here so we could discuss Outlander and whisky endorsements.  
• Also Celtic, how about taking a Goddess Pilgrimage in Ireland?
• Moving on to Denmark, watch:  Borgen, and see a terrific fictional woman head of state and a political system that is not on life support.
• Also watch: Chisholm '72, to see a potential real woman head of state, ditto the system a mess even then.  And another great woman:  the Joan Baez documentary.
• Nippies - come in heart shapes and x's - who knew? 
• Making yogurt in an Instapot.
• Pajama pants = pants?  They are certainly comfy.  But no.

April 21 Run/Walk: Meet at Yinz Coffee, 4525 Liberty Ave., for a Bloomfield excursion

Back to Bloomfield on Sunday, meeting in front of Yinz Coffee, 4525 Liberty - we will see if the TRY-TRY-TRY stairs remain, what's new at Iron Eden, and/or go over the bridge.

Last week we took the path skirting the Mon at the Waterfront, sunrise glinting on the water, a mist of green on the trees.  No sign of the Senator, though, who surely has more weighty things to do, but the springy day had us schmoozing outside at last.  Much sharing of highly valuable info:

• Thread micro-wallets
• Dandy Blend - RG tested  by Beth - alternative to decaf coffee
• Contemporary Concepts store for gifts - next to Trader Joe's
• Read locally:  micro - the Homepage community newspaper, from Hazelwood and macro - Pittsburgh Magazine, everywhere that counts.
• Get help for anything in your house:  contact East End Handyman - but definitely do NOT google "appliance repair" or you will end up spending 2 hours in your kitchen with a hapless leprechaun.
• Vote:  if you still haven't mailed your mail-in ballot, bring it this weekend to the ballot return site this weekend, 9-5 Sat, 11-7 Sun - one of these is the Squirrel Hill Library.  
• Panera's orange scones have the Proustian memory kick of your Easy-Bake oven (which is still available!)
• Watch:  Unsinkable: Titanic Untold - on the big screen in Sewickley through 4/25; or Oppenheimer (when streaming you can split it up for 2 nights.)
• Recycle:  your ratty clothes and other textiles - UPitt Sustainability has 2 locations:  labeled blue bins in the parking lots of the O’Hara Student Center & 7500 Thomas Blvd.

April 14 Run/Walk: Meet at Panera at the Waterfront

Let's meet at Panera at the Waterfront (map), and maybe we'll greet our friend the Senator, visit some Homestead landmarks, or head for the trail and gaze up at the Eagle Cam.  If we hang around long enough, Costco opens at 10.  We may be able to sit outside and engage in Covid nostalgia, a time when we were freezing our butts off out there.

The cherry trees waited for us and were in lovely bloom at North Park on Sunday, petals lightly falling. Someone knew the Japanese word for this: Sakura-fubuki?  Evidently also related to kamikaze aircraft. Conviviality at Convive Coffee:

• Allegheny County Parks Foundation - yay for parks!
• Grape jelly and sliced oranges are food for orioles now
• Not as healthy, but delish, food for us could be the ham bones sold at Honeybaked Ham for $6.99, amazing if you're making bean soup.  They're in the freezer.
• The Wolfshager Hexenbrut Walpurgis dancers gone viral - funky witches!  Also available in Pittsburgh - stay tuned.
• Jane's running story - an inspiration!
• Somewhat less inspiring, the official RG motto:  We start out slow, and we taper off.
• Listen:  James by Percival Everett on audio - though reading is always good too. 
• Vote:  Primary is coming up on April 23 - WESA has a good voter guide,  and you can see the Summer Lee/Bhavini Patel debate here.
• Mahj - it's happening!

April 7 Run/Walk: Meet at the North Park Boathouse parking lot (map in message)

On Sunday we'll head up to North Park, meeting at the parking lot at the OTB Boathouse (map.) It has cherry trees!  And much more to be pointed out by Beth and Gretchen.  Afterwards, coffee at nearby Convive (map) in McCandless.  

Lots of runners/walkers came last week despite the utterly last-minute tiny message - showing that the mind-meld is in force.  Also that at our Squirrel Hill/61C locale, familiarity breeds comfort, and not even contempt for the hefty muffins.  I should also mention the week before: the Stately Manors of Mt. Lebanon were a sight to see, along with the fabulous local breakfast offerings - admittedly, not that far away.  Will try to consolidate 2 weeks of endorsements:

• Mt. Lebanon's Mediterra Cafe - worth crossing a tunnel and a bridge
• Shakshouka for breakfast - at the cafe, or else this recipe 
• which is from Melissa Clark whose recipes and videos at the NYT are easy and delish
• and can often be made on NordicWare sheet pans - the best
• Buffs - an RG standard since 2013 (see photo of Yi!) - can easily be crafted in cashmere too
• Hike:  Harrison Hills Park
• Visit:  Vieques
• Hold it:  Smartish phone cases
• A fully evolved male person

March 31 Run/Walk: Meet at 61C

 That's it!  Meet at 61C - 

March 24 Run/Walk: Meet at Mediterra Cafe, 292 Beverly Road, Mt. Lebanon

We're becoming ladies who brunch (and let's not forget the running/walking) so this time we'll meet at the Mediterra Cafe in Mt. Lebanon (map.)  This will require the navigation of bridges and tunnels, but it should be worth the trip.

Last week we celebrated St. Paddy's Day on the South Side, deliberately avoiding gross conditions outside the E. Carson St. bars. Then a yummy breakfast at the Speckled Egg - watched over by a screen showing the Irish movie we know and love from Blockbuster days of yore:  Darby O'Gill and The Little People (OMG you can see it here.)  Endorsed:

• Eat: the Speckled Egg, also Margaux (from last week)
• Watch:  Oscar winning documentary, The Last Repair Shop (it's all there)
• Read:  History of the Rain
• Listen:  Jazz at the new Greer Cabaret Theatre downtown (courtesy of Cheryl!)
• Upgrade your bijoux: Kenyon Jewelers (also from last week)
• Geraldine Day - we all deserve our own, and if you don't know what it is, you haven't been paying attention.
• West Virginia vacations, the Savage River Lodge, Blackwater Falls, the town of Thomas, the Dolly Sods, Berkeley Springs, etc. etc.
• Yurts available at the above?
• Financial dominatrix evidently is a thing, featured on Law & Order

March 17 Run/Walk: Meet in SouthSide Works, the Speckled Egg, 428 S 27th St.

Upping our usual post-run latte/muffin nosh, we'll face an intriguing menu at the Speckled Egg this week (i.e. Aloha Puddin') deep in the Southside Works.  Prior route could be anywhere:  up to the Steps, across the river to Hazelwood Green, either way along the Mon - whatever feels right on St. Paddy's Day.  (Maybe avoid E. Carson St. though.)

Last week we traversed adorable Aspinwall and checked out the expanding Allegheny RiverTrail Park, which should be a great summer destination (though a bit underwater at the moment.) Does the trail go all the way to Sharpsburg? TBD.  At Beans & Cream, we were watched over by characters from our rock'n roll past.  Speaking of which, we endorsed:

• Inside dope (some literal) at the legendary Fillmore East recounted by Jane; Woodstock; Deadheads; and Billy Joel.  Also:
• Wendy now leads two super-fun Zumba classes at the JCC: Sunday at 4:30 and Monday at 5.
• Tous les Jours, Korean Starbucks (?) in East Liberty.
• The Novo Asian Food Hall on the Strip
• Read blogs from Heather Cox Richardson (many times endorsed, also a podcast) and Kareem Abdul Jabbar
• Watch movies:  The Greatest Night in Pop, Poor Things, and for comfort food, Chocolat 
• Watch French TV:  Call My Agent and Astrid
• Past and future happy hours at Lorelei.

March 10 Run/Walk: Meet at RiverTrail Park in Aspinwall, off of Freeport Rd.

Set the clocks ahead and drag yourself out of bed an hour earlier (always worth it) for a visit to the RiverTrail Park in Aspinwall. Here's a map - there is parking.  Coffee can be at Beans & Cream across the street on Brilliant.

Last week was comfort week - returning to spots we've been to over and over, the Wendy Bennett Trailhead, Schenley Park, and the 61C.  Delightful, even if (see photo of us eyeing a mysterious large stone) we didn't get transported to 18th c. Scotland and into a castle boudoir with the outrageously hunky Jamie Fraser. (OK, that refers to the obsession-worthy Outlander in case you didn't follow up on the latest endorsements.)  But at a snug table at Murray and Bartlett there were more:

• The Tush Cush for those of us dealing with pains in the ass (or thereabouts)
• Dr. Loren Fishman and 12 yoga poses to counter osteoporosis
• And of course, there is always the Theragun
• The golden years (?) of no bras, no makeup, no leg-shaving.  
• Golden years gone, how about a Sephora Brand eyeliner?  Or ask Beth about making your own lipstick.
• Watch:  One Day, Normal People, Nine Perfect Strangers
• Troncones!  Linda Meacci's yoga retreat on the Pacific was heavenly.  Who's going next year? 
• The 2024 Election - fearsome as it is, we can do something. Some great options are offered by the PaDems Voter Protection Team - ask Virginia or me about the Voter Assistance Hotline.  

March 3 Run/Walk: Meet at the Wendy Bennett Trailhead, corner of Overlook and Greenfield in Schenley Park

 History lesson: first mention of the Wendy Bennett Trailhead - 

Unfortunately, the follow-up was:  Today's run was supposed to start from the WB Trailhead in Schenley Park but it was thundering and rainy. Not sure if anyone showed up.

My hat's off to Anne Jane who posted that at 7:12 a.m.  

So we'll meet there again!  Here's a map.

Last week, we trekked through Allegheny Commons Park (Pittsburgh's oldest!) and environs of the near North Side.  Runners found the birthplace of Gertrude Stein and the Tom Foerster Building (dedicated to illustrious ancestor of Joanne) and all of us saluted George Washington on his horse and the awesome condors at the Aviary.  Discussion ensued:

• Some interest (though not much) was shown in the February Underwear Run.
• More interest was shown in Duo's Taquería, not a counter take-out any more!
• Even more interest in the delectable poppy seed cake made by Linda according to this recipe inspired by Nancy Silverton's cookbook.
• Strong request for RG Happy Hour has been answered (thanks to Wendy) - be at Lorelei in East Liberty on March 13, Wed. at 5.  
• Ezra Klein says Biden is too old.  Oy vey.  Join in (or not) at the podcast.
• Watch:  The Trial of the Chicago 7 and Rustin
• Go to:  The National Aviary - actually it's awesome - get close and personal with the blue-crowned motmot etc. etc. etc.

February 25 Run/Walk: Meet at Commonplace Coffee on the North Side, 1501 Buena Vista St.

Heading for the Mexican War Streets this Sunday - meet at Commonplace Coffee, 1501 Buena Vista St.  Looking at the photo reminds me of a time when RG got coffee there during the dread pandemic (doled out of a window?) We were dealing not only with death and disease, but a fearful scarcity of public toilets, and Wendy and I wandered around desperate until a kindly officer let us into the police station. Memories! 

I showed up at last week's coffee a bit dazed after arriving at Pittsburgh International at midnight, so I can't share about the run/walk or even much afterwards, but luckily Virginia took photos.  There were also votes for:

• Worm Return
• Movie:  American Fiction - terrific

February 18 Run/Walk: Meet at Coffee Village, 801 Liberty Avenue (former Crazy Mocha) for a Downtown Run

A quick message here, filling in for Roye, to let you know that we will meet Downtown at the new Coffee Village (801 Liberty Avenue).

A large group of runners and walkers took to the streets of the Strip early last Sunday morning, and enjoyed the welcoming coffee and meles at La Prima/Colangelo's.  Such a comfort for a cold winter's morning.  

Good luck to all the bikers tomorrow morning at the 11th Annual Frigid Bitch ride!  Hopefully this surprise snow doesn't put a wrench into the fun but rather adds a layer of adventure.

February 11 Run/Walk: Meet at La Prima, 205 21st St. on the Strip

Back to the Strip this week - don't we all need to stock up on Steelers gear? Is there another city where the actual residents support entire blocks of local sports paraphernalia emporia? Evidently there are Steelers flamingo lawn ornaments.  So head for La Prima, 21st St., usually there is parking on Penn.

Last week we visited Highland Park, reservoir and surroundings, on a clear, cold morning, finally a visible sunrise!  Also a display of famous cashmere mittens and a pretty funny video.  We clearly have shpilkes as travel was a main topic:

• Plan for a bike trip to the PA Grand Canyon around Wellsboro in the fall.  Organizer Supreme Joanne is on the case.
• Getting ready for the Frigid Bitch - soon!
• Not frigid:  the Seagate Hotel in Vieques
• See the Raptor Migration at Hawk Mountain 
• Read: North Woods and This Other Eden
• Aretha Franklin's purses
• Normally we don't endorse Tiktok viral videos but anything that gets these laughs is OK (the ladies involved are laughing about it too.)

• 

February 4 Run/Walk: Meet at the Tazza D'Oro, 1125 N. Highland Ave. for a Highland Park excursion

We'll return to old favorite Tazza D'Oro and environs on Sunday.  Since the Pittsburgh cloud cover seems to be permanent, it's too much to expect that we will finally see sunrise (it's at 7:26) over the reservoir, but hope does spring eternal.

Our treks last Sunday in Squirrel Hill made the most of that neighborhood to wander by the current and former homes of RG members within trekking distance.  Of course there was no rain.  There were however mouth-watering pastries at Five Points, which I'm very glad I consumed before getting the results of my cholesterol test.  There were so many of us that several conversations were happening at once, but some endorsements were noted:

• Geraldine Day - a family event on the (never-to-be-forgotten) TV series Offspring providing a day on which a woman of a certain age gets everything she wants.  We feel this should be a national holiday.
• Canadians!
• Fern Hollow Bicycles - convenient, fast and adorable bike repair
• Watch the movie:  Past Lives - in theaters
• Watch the TV series: Outlander - has graphic sex and violence but what the hell
• Mahjong - no problem with sex and violence
• High heels - well, they were good, until they were not

January 28 Run/Walk: Meet at 5 Points Bakery, 6524 Wilkins in Squirrel Hill

We're meeting at 5 Points Bakery, at Wilkins and Severn (hello, Teri!) in Squirrel Hill, hoping for a short line at 8 and no rain before 9.  Whatever happens, those pastries are worth it - though so is our company.

Last week happened at the nexus of Wilkinsburg, Edgewood, Swissvale, and Pittsburgh. It was where Jacquie and Tony's wedding took place - highlight of RG history - and we kvelled over some old photos.  Shoutout and hugs to your family in Iowa!

Endorsements:

• Fans of Philip Galanes have noted his recent take on"An Enemy Has Infiltrated My Walking Group".  We can attest that this has not happened here in 25 years, but if it ever does, Lainy says, "grow up and take a walk."
• Smells along the busway that are not there anymore:  Nabisco cookies, Iron City Beer, and Heinz ketchup.  
• Helm on the Allegheny - I think someone went to a party there.  They advertise "co-living".  What the hell is that?
• Catchfly Gardens  - local flower farmers - find them at the Squirrel Hill Farmer's Market, enhancing your event, or get a CSA!
• Macarons - Linda is making them, amazing.
• Watch:  The Bear on Hulu (come on, take the free trial and get it together to cancel on time), and American Fiction, in theatres near you.
• Yiddish words of the day: machatunim.  Just try to say it, or live it (not easy.) Also, schmutz - is any other word so onomatopoeic (had to look that up.)
• Chicago, keep your hands off jagoff (not yiddish), despite what it says here.  (Both jagoff and schmutz are in the OED.)

January 21 Run/Walk: meet at Biddle's Escape, 401 Biddle Ave. in Wilkinsburg

Next up: we'll meet at another fave, Biddle's Escape, 401 Biddle Ave. in Wilkinsburg (map).  We can go from there to Frick Park which may be frozen solid.  Or see the fancy houses in Edgewood.  Or head for parts unknown.

Last week, another twofer:  Day 1, only the brave (not me) made their way over very slippy streets to Trace Brewing.  After they trekked through the snow in Friendship (appropriately named) they were treated to magical Bulgarian pastries. Which they ate with their brewskis (well that was the plan.) Next day was the holiday run in Squirrel Hill, luckily with dry streets, where walkers made the pilgrimage to Wendy's teenage smoking steps (newly renovated) and B'nai Emunoh (only Wendy can pronounce) and runners went I know not where. There was as always much discussion in the warm, familiar 61C.   

• Hotties (for hands and feet) are not as hot as they used to be!  Other types on the market, rated here, are better, this one is tops and RG endorsed: Ignik Resealable Multiple-Use Hand Warmers.
• Guest appearance by the amazing Sarah, mega-marathon runner and fount of endorsement wisdom, i.e. 3ROC locally owned outdoor rec store (has consignment too), Rab jackets, Darn Tough socks (esp. these), and back by popular demand, the Sarah Sports Bra.
• The AAA road crew, ask for Leonard if possible.
• To fix it yourself, you may need to delve into the Suburu Dark Web
• Likar Roofing - or else, Señor Gonzalez (Wendy has his number.)
• Buffalo Rose Concert tomorrow (Friday) at 8 pm, Thunderbird Cafe  - be there!

January 14 Run/Walk: Meet at Trace Brewing, 4312 Main St. in Bloomfield (I think - see the map)

We may be on the precipice of a whole new world:  beer for breakfast.  We'll meet next Sunday at Trace Brewing (map) and see what happens.

Last Sunday saw trips around Homewood and Wilkinsburg and a comfy stay (but pastry-less😢) at Commonplace in the industrial chic of Rockwell Park.  Much to discuss, focus on the past:

• A time when it was impossible to find a women's toilet in the Duquesne Club.  There were consequences.  This may still be true.
• Christmas songs - really are there no new ones?  Maybe by John Rutter, certainly beats Jingle Bell Rock.
• Gold, frankincense, and myrrh were finally explained by Gretchen.
• Baby/Wedding Showers - the 60's vibe carries on with games and funny hats.  Do not wear your sweat pants.
• Culottes
• Big pocketbooks with snaps like the one that Mayor Sophie Masloff would hand off to her aide.  
• Dollar Bank and various credit unions - resist the Financial Industrial Complex
• Aretha at the Kennedy Center 
• Wise women united at Beth's crone power celebration.  Next we're on to the Frigid Bitch.
• "I care so much less about so many things." Except Sunday mornings.

January 7 Run/Walk: Meet in front of the East End Food Co-op, 7516 Meade St. in Pt. Breeze

Next week we'll meet at the Food Co-op (for coffee later at Commonplace across the street.)  

Last week we had two treats: celebrating Beth's birthday at the Sunday run on the South Side, and celebrating New Year's Day on our default holiday run.  South Side travels are always full of interest, but best was a long languishing coffee, resulting in... too many endorsements?

• Jane's shoulder bag from Ori 
• Lainy's Dalia pants from Costco are back!  (Nonmembers can order online with a 5% surcharge, 90 cents in this case.)
• Hoopla access to thousands of things at Carnegie Library
• Watch Somebody Somewhere on HBO Max, and Spiderman across the Spiderverse on Netflix.
• Read Prequel by Rachel Maddow (expanded version of recently endorsed Ultra podcast.) We are never far from Fascism in America.
• Listen to Tom Lake audiobook read by Meryl Streep
• Play Mahjong - interest is percolating!  My sister-in-law's 95-year-old mother Helen plays twice a week, a model for us all.
• Purge your old electronic junk at Staples
• Quote: "reminiscent of one of my former marriages" (not necessarily related to the above.)
• The Hamsa - the hand of Fatima says that Muslim/Jewish peace could happen - let it be!