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.