March 9 Run/Walk: Meet at Five Points Artisan Bakeshop, 6524 Wilkins Ave. for a Squirrel Hill outing

Well, it's Daylight Savings time (remember, spring ahead) and we thought about traditionally starting at our old friend, the 61C, but... the cardamom buns.  So it's Five Points.

These are, with much reason, days of lamentations, and our group is full throated in that regard, but as always, practical advice is included:

• Stand UP for Science!  TODAY at 11 at Schenley Plaza.  We love our RG scientists!
• Get your documentation in order.  Real ID's can be processed right there at the Bridgeville DMV (other places have to send it to you by mail)  Check requirements and hours, probably best days to go are Tu - Th, bring a book for the wait but they will get to you. 
• Update your passport now if it's about to expire (before the State Dept. is entirely eviscerated) - and make sure the photo that you use is regulation.  
• If you are trying to escape (even for a little while) check foreign visa requirements - i.e. you now need one for the UK, and probably many more countries, but soon, maybe not for Russia.
• For suggestions on what to do about this nightmare, see Chop Wood Carry Water, 5calls, Robert Reich, the Contrarian, (many others out there too, a good sign!)
• Whisky helps, straight or in cocktail form with ginger syrup.

Almost forgot! Last week we had a cool tour of Sharpsburg - even the back streets were surprising. Redhawk Roasters was delightful, though with some odd edibles (e.g. Jewish Pizza, pretty good actually.)  Other things to lift spirits:

• Jane Fonda at the SAGs
• Beth showing us how to do winter sowing
• The Bayerhof Museum, adorable musical Pittsburgh weirdness
• Save the date:  March 23 at the Pittburgh Winery for a Small Hours concert, starring Margot!
• Same day:  cheer the JCC Indoor Triathlon, and our Triathlete Joanne!
• The Wendy Bennett Trailhead

March 2 Run/Walk: Redhawk Coffee Roasters, 1019 N. Canal Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15215

 March 2 Run/Walk: Redhawk Coffee Roasters, 1019 N. Canal Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15215

It was nice to be back at Tazza D'Oro, where one customer yanked out the power cord from his laptop so we could have room at a long table.  We didn't end up being able to sit there, but found one corner and then another corner, and someone -- who? -- said, "We do our best and then we let it go," which felt like wise advice about absolutely everything.

So much wise advice was shared:

Want to learn a language?  Be willing to humiliate yourself.

Join: a Conversational French group at the JCC

Listen: Gretchen's Pittsburgh Concert Chorale  https://www.pccsing.org

Listen:  Inside Economics

 https://www.moodys.com/web/en/us/about/insights/podcasts/moodys-talks-inside-economics/robert-reich-on-trump.html

Watch:  The Pitt on Max (HBO)

Be safe: Secure your credit rating

Be open:  Elaine explained the usefulness of "lived experience" as an educational term that shines a light on a person's particular experience

Stand up for what's Right

"We hate him too!"

February 23 Run/Walk: Meet at Tazza D'Oro, 1125 Highland Avenue, Pittsburgh 15206

February 23 Run/Walk: Meet at Tazza D'Oro, 1125 Highland Avenue

The rain didn't stop us, and Commonplace in Garfield was an airy, comfortable place to gather.  In another week, of grim news, there was the happy impossibility of Adrian Simancas swallowed, then upchucked by a whale.  In case anyone missed it, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nMKO5NozLeY

From there, this blog-keeper was delighted by the language and culture questions posed by RG members. For instance, what's with those youngsters who say "on accident"?  Is that a Pittsburgh thing?

According to a non-human source, oldsters say "by accident," but those born after 1995, not just in Pittsburgh, say, "on accident."  Maybe this is because it's the opposite of "on purpose"?  Watch out; it might become acceptable.

Couldn't find anything marking when "experience" became "lived experience," but I was gratified to learn that plenty of people have an issue with servers asking, "Done working on that?"  One grump posted that, "It makes me think of a horse with a feed bag on its face."

If you search on line, you'll find reports from many irritable diners complaining about such locutions as:  "Do you need another drink?"  (Do I look like I do?)

AI says it's become "More accepted in casual settings" for men to wear hats indoors.

"On line," instead of "in line" is a regional usage, mostly in the NY area.

And "It's all good" originated in 1994 with a song called, "It's all good," by Hammer, a rap artist.

                                                  A Thanksgiving of turkeys

February 16 Run/Walk: Meet at Commonplace Coffee, 5467 Penn Avenue, Pittsburgh 15206

We met at Mechanic Coffee on Ellsworth Street but after our delightful walk/run through Shadyside determined that something was happening at Mechanic Coffee and that our large and in charge presence was most likely not welcome.  So onward to Arriviste Coffee Roasters.  "Arriviste," which the New Oxford Dictionary defines as "an ambitious or ruthlessly self-seeking person, especially one who has recently acquired wealth or social status."  

Discuss.

We (none among us "ruthlessly self-seeking") had a fine time sharing engagement and marriage stories.  Our stories included pretty down-to-earth engagements: one on the phone, one "because it was about time"; one in front of Margaret Morrison.  These days, though, the knee is a big thing. Down on one knee, you Arriviste!

Endorsements included:

Pearl Nails on  Murray & Hobart Streets

Dishwasher gloves, either from Costco or Whole Foods

PetVet 365

Cochran Auto in Monroeville

And if it isn't too late, the below item is or was on sale from Eddie Bauer.

February 8 Run/Walk: Meet at Mechanic Coffee, 5830 Ellsworth Avenue, Pittsburgh 15232

February 8 Run/Walk: Meet at Mechanic Coffee, 5830 Ellsworth Avenue, Pittsburgh 15232

Ka-Fair Coffee on Chislett Street was a charming little cafe.  We dominated... and were made to feel welcome. 

And though, as always, it was a joy  having coffee with the runners/walkers, we (or some of us) were reeling from Trump's announcements and actions.  

For those interested in getting involved at the local level:

Casa San Jose  is looking for volunteers.

The mission of 412 Food Rescue is "preventing perfectly good food from going to waste."  They need donations of food or money.

Ezra Klein's podcast for a sane take on current events.

Outlander to take you away from the present world.

Kimicata Brothers for lawn, garden and outdoor work.

And yet:

Straight out of Being John Malkovich

February 2 Run/Walk Meet at Ka-Fair Coffee & Cakery, 1806 Chislett Street, Pittsburgh 16066

February 2 Run/Walk:  Meet a Ka-Fair Coffee & Cakery, 1806 Chislett Street, Pittsburgh 16066

We got snow-covered trails at Beechwood Nature Reserve and afterward met up at Tu Y Yo Cafe, a special little place with a play area and a case full of Venezuelan treats, savory and sweet.  So many choices!  We ate, discussed the joys of farmers markets and CSAs, and heard about the Worm Ladies and composing. Yay worms.

Endorsements

Worm Return https://wormladies.com

Who Cooks For You Farm  https://www.whocooksforyoufarm.com/

January 26 Run/Walk: Meet at Beechwood Nature Reserve, 614 Dorseyville Rd, Pittsburgh, PA 15238

January 26 Run/Walk: Meet at Beechwood Nature Reserve, 614 Dorseyville Rd, Pittsburgh, PA 15238

If it warms up it might be muddy at Beechwood Farms, so consider wearing or bringing footwear that's good in muck.

But what's a little mud?  "Neither snow nor rain nor heat nor gloom of night... "

"...stays these women from the swift completion of their appointed rounds."  

 When we returned to Biddles, the star of the morning was the Infant of Prague, beloved by some of us and a total stranger to others.  Here he is, freed by Sharon and ready to rule after "five decades in a box."  

Endorsements included a visit to Pittsburgh's first Women's Sports Bar when it opens in February. 

Group Fight at the JCC, where you're supposed to hit the instructor.

Costco's heavy running shirt with thumb holes for only $10.00.

Turtle fur gaiters and hats.

From Beth, our resident water and sewer expert:

        Check your homeowners policy to see if you have optional insurance         for underground utilities.

        In very cold weather, run a drip if your faucet is near an outside wall.

  

And here, in civilian clothes at Con Alma.  Lucky runners!

January 19 Run/Walk: Meet at Biddle's Escape, 4012 Biddle Ave. in Wilkinsburg - and don't forget MLK Day run/walk at 61C at 7:30

On Sunday we'll head back to Biddle's - and this time we'll stay inside - and engage in some wintry forest bathing in Frick Park to clear our heads of what will be happening Monday.  This may actually require burying our heads in snow. Speaking of Monday, we will at least be able to honor the Reverend King as we have our usual holiday run, starting at 7:30 at the 61C.  

Last Sunday, so many murals!  We were all over Upper Lawrenceville and Garfield, down alleys and up hills, and carried the just-out-of-the-oven toothsome pastries from Jak's Bakery over to Yinz Coffee, where we laid them in a straight line on our now customary table, and gleefully partook.  We embarked on a 3-napkin discussion which can only be touched on here:

• Campervans - they are awesome.  There is a terrific VW one called the Californian which is NOT available anywhere in the US.  When they do get here, you can use them to go to Big Pocono State Park and see amazing views.
• You can also drive to Jamestown NY, which has the National Comedy Center, as well as the Lucy & Desi Museum.  If you can't go there, at least watch:  The Long Long Trailer.
• And then of course there is Scrotum, PA, recently visited by Wendy.  It is not recommended.
• Apparently the World's Best Chocolate Chip Cookie is at Nancy B's Bakery in Homestead.
• And the World's Best Pullover is this one
• Joanne started her career on the Ricki and Copper TV Show - maybe this one?
• Concerning ex-husbands, "it's best not to upcycle men."   

 

January 12 Run/Walk: Meet at Trace Brewing 4312 Main Street in Bloomfield

January 12 Run/Walk: Meet at Trace Brewing 4312 Main Street in Bloomfield

And here's a photo from last week's HP run:

(Thanks Joanne!)

January 5 Run/Walk: Meet at the Tazza D'Oro, 1125 N. Highland Ave.

We'll meet in the familiar space of Tazza D'Oro in Highland Park, maybe salute the hallowed ground of Roland Ford's line dancing, maybe see the sunrise over the reservoir, maybe take an alternate foray into Morningside - sigh, wish I could be there this time.

Last week was another twofer, Five Points and Homewood Cemetery (aka The Cemmie) and New Year's Day at 61C.  Rain and snow was predicted but the weather gods sheltered us as always.  Confident of that, 15 of us showed up on Sunday! Or possibly it was the heavenly aromatic baked goods at FP.  Crows were gloriously abundant, as they always are in the winter dawn.  There was talk too boisterous to cover adequately, but a few highlights:

• Delightful wedding accounts and photos raised all spirits.
• There are heated vests!  Now on sale.
• Save the date - the Small Hours Trio (with their remarkable vocalist) will be at Con Alma Jazz Bar on Sunday, Jan. 19, 5 pm.
• Mittens continue to be made.  We are reminded that these evolved from the very same pattern made famous by Bernie Sanders.  Sewing tips on these available from Elaine, Wendy, and Roye.
• There was something about kedgeree and Kate Winslet, not sure if they were related.
• Watch:  Landman, Somebody Somewhere, The Three Body Problem.
• Vieques is luminescent.  And so is the sunrise these days (see photo.)