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!