June 22 Run/Walk: Start at 61C cafe in Squirrel Hill

RG will convene again at the dear old 61C Cafe, in order to re-run the dear old weekday route of yore, that met every Wed/Fri at 5:45 am from the Squirrel Hill Library.  Sometimes it was so dark that you couldn't see your feet (this was before fluorescent shoes).  But we could always see Tom's head.

Last week we took an atmospheric trek through lovely Frick Park, recently hydrated so that Falls Ravine actually had little waterfalls.  Then we then took over a large section of the Biddle's Escape porch. We reflected that many had lived long enough to compare No Kings to Hell No We Won't Go, and the National Guard in LA and at Kent State.  (For those of you who haven't lived that long, see: Vietnam War.) 

• No Kings was declared pretty glorious.  Do look at this.
• Signs we loved:  Don't Worry Melania, I Hate Him Too.  No Kings, Only Drag Queens.  American Pope OK, American King No Way. Elect a Rapist - Expect to Get Fucked (If the New Yorker can say it, so can we.)
• More Vietnam era endorsements:   The Best & The Brightest, The Women, The Post (and hurray for our Virginia!), The Deer Hunter, Apocalypse Now.
• The Post-Gazette evidently is not as reactionary as it has been.
• The US Open provided a relief from politics.
• If you need a public bathroom (i.e. you're at La Prima), there's an app for that.

June 15 Run/Walk: Meet at Biddle's Escape (401 Biddle Ave.) for a Frick Park excursion

Before the news - a reminder to join the NO KINGS demonstrations on Saturday - Pittsburgh offers 2 of more than 1500 planned nationwide - 12:30 at City County Building and 2 pm at Freedom Corner.  We rise up together.

Could it be that we haven't been in Frick Park since January?  Seems impossible but this blog seems to think so.  Anyway, it's gorgeous lately so let's head for the trails, and then sit under the Biddlean porch.  If it rains on Saturday, then Falls Ravine will actually have waterfalls, but you might want to wear your mud shoes.  

Last Sunday we barely averted the Three Rivers Arts Festival's customary downpour (it never rains on the run) but we saluted the booths (which received a professional appraisal from Max) and headed down along the river.  Under the Convention Center, we lamented the spooky darkness (appearing like a descent into Hades) of the once marvelous Riverfront Plaza. Bring back the light!  Runners reached the fountain and crossed the Fort Duquesne bridge.  At La Prima we were blessed with a bounty of almond meles, though a usable bathroom (aren't they required to have one?) would be nice too.  Noted:

• Golden Quill Awards! Mazel Tov to Grant, who got one for his article in Pittsburgh Magazine (and also to Maggie, loyal reader of this blog, who got the one for Service to Journalism.)
• Speaking of Pittsburgh Magazine, we want to re-read that one about unique local pizzas from 2021.
• "You have to be friendly with your doulas."
• A flying chipmunk, seen colliding with Lainy on last week's bike trail.
• The splendor of Pittsburgh's downtown architecture, and quirkiness of its shop windows.
• We compared hand sizes - wild variation.
• Juneteenth will be celebrated with a bike ride from Connellsville.
• Democracy - use it or lose it.

June 8 Run/Walk: Meet at La Prima, 21st and Penn on the Strip

Back to La Prima and the Strip on Sunday - getting there before the 3 Rivers Arts Festival opens at noon.  That will be over at the riverfront so we can scope it out.

Last week's we wandered around the Cemmie (Homewood) and the nearby Greenhouse (Frick, I think), with gardens in bloom everywhere.  The Sunday a.m. line outside of 5 Points looked daunting, but they are supremely efficient and soon we sat down to a table of magnificent treats and the usual witty repartee.  It involved naked men playing pool at the JCC.  I think that's as far as I can go.

June 1 Run/Walk: Meet at Five Points Bakery, 6520 Wilkins Avenue, Pittsburgh 15217

June 1 Run/Walk: Meet at Five Points Bakery, 6520 Wilkins Avenue, Pittsburgh 15217

Last week, we met at 61C on Murray Avenue, and who can complain?  (Well, I did, earlier...)

It's pretty great being able to join the tables and carry the extra chairs and hang out at our old standby.  The big treat was seeing Tom, beloved to the OG RG, and legendary to those of us who are new.

Looking forward to seeing everyone on June 1 and hearing about the Hudson Valley bike trip.

May 25 Run/Walk: Meet at 61C Cafe,1839 Murray Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15217

Apologies for getting this out on the late side... filling in for Jane and Roye.  Tomorrow let's meet at 61C Cafe for a Squirrel Hill, Point Breeze, or Schenley Park run.

Last week we met at a new place!  And explored a new neighborhood!  

Brighton Heights was a charming neighborhood that many of us were unfamiliar with but completely delighted by.  Runners tried to make it to Riverside Park but got a little lost... thank goodness for Apple Maps directions!  Runners found the new bridge to the park (it's on Davis Ave & Rodney Street) but it wasn't yet suitable to cross (or trespass!).  Turns out Bicycle Heaven and Manchester Craftsmen's Guild are both a bit farther away than we thought as well.

California Coffee Bar was a really special neighborhood cafe with made-to-order breakfast sandwiches and smoothies.  And the coffee and muffins were spectacular as well, I might add.

Lots of book endorsements:

Tartufo, by Kira Jane Buxton

My Brilliant Friend, by Elena Ferrante

The Overstory, by Richard Powers

A People's History of the United States, by Howard Zinn

Cloud Atlas by David Mitchell

Also, a recommendation for a warranty service to efficiently and patiently troubleshoot HP printers as well as all devices in your entire house: Asurian, 1-844-529-2692

May 18 Run/Walk: Meet at California Coffee Bar, 3619 California Ave, Pittsburgh 15212

 May 18 Run/Walk: Meet at California Coffee Bar, 3619 California Ave, Pittsburgh 15212

 California Coffee Bar is near both Bicycle Heaven and Manchester Craftmen's Guild.

Last Sunday, we made our annual Mother's Day walk/run to the Queen of Peace Shrine, aka, Our Lady of the Parkway.  To read a little about the history and lore surrounding the shrine, check out Virginia's story in the April 23, 2023 edition of Pittsburgh Magazine.  https://www.pittsburghmagazine.com/places-we-love-lady-of-the-parkway/

After our pilgrimage, we were able to gather outside the Oakland Starbucks, thanks to the glorious weather, and hang out for as long as we liked. And we hung out, which we liked.

A single endorsement, but one with a ticking clock: Catch the Kara Walker exhibit at the Frick Museum before it closes on May 25.  Kara Walker

And -- Garrison Keillor fans!  Two tickets are available for his May 30th show at the City Winery, 1627 Smallman Street.  The tickets were originally $70 each, but the ticket holder, (Elaine's sister) will sell them for $100 total.  To get more information, email Judithbendersky@gmail.com or 907-230-1935

 

May 11 Run/Walk: Meet at Schenley Plaza, under the tent

May 11 Run/Walk:  Meet at Schenley Plaza, under the tent

Last Sunday, on Pittsburgh Marathon morning, we met on Fifth & Beechwood, where the volunteers were waiting for the race to begin and the cups of waters were in neat rows on the tables.  The runners had good weather -- not too hot, no serious rain -- and so did we.

No one sent photos and the blog-keeper was remiss in her duties, but we really did meet at Panera in Bakery Square, and we really did share some recommendations.  Once again,

The Outrun -- both the book and the movie.

The Four Seasons -- the Netflix reboot of the 1981 film with Tina Fey and Alan Alda.

You have another chance to see Buffalo Rose https://www.thehotelandcantina.com/events-1/small-hours-trio

And if you love goats (and who doesn't) onsider volunteering for Allegheny Goatscape.  The goats, and a miniature donkey, are chomping on brush in Oakland and will soon be at the Waterfront and in Garfield.  https://www.alleghenygoatscape.org

And  Happy Almost birthday to Gretchen and Max!!!!!

May 4 Run/Walk: 7:00 AM. Meet at Mellon Park – Fifth at Beechwood Blvd., Pittsburgh

May 4 Run/Walk:  Meet at Mellon Park -- Fifth at Beechwood Blvd., Pittsburgh
 

From Sharon:  Meet at Mellon Park near the spray park/tennis courts.  The roads will be closed so you will not be able to cross in or out by car.  To stay clear of the race course, park on Beechwood or Reynolds and walk.  Course Map for the full marathon

What a week!  I hope everyone's power is restored by now and the streets are cleared and accessible.  Short storm, so much damage!

Last week, after Art All Night, we lined up at Wise County Biscuits.  It was pretty great, but busy, so we had to sit in two separate areas.   This blogger was in the annex, rather than the main seating areas, and no doubt missed much valualbe news and many endorsements.  Still, here's what I know:

It's not too late to shred your documents!The Shredding events continue!

We all know Costco has great athletic clothing at reasonable prices.  The bread has been endorsed too!  And Costco for treating their workers well.

Linda M's upcoming yoga retreats will be in Mexico and in Italy.

And congratulations to Janet's son, who just got his Ph.D in economics!

April 27 Run.Walk: Meet at Wise County Biscuits, 911 Galveston Avenue, Pittsburgh

 April 27 Run.Walk: Meet at Wise County Biscuits, 911 Galveston Avenue, Pittsburgh

Before the biscuits we'll have a chance to check out the work of some local artists at  https://www.artallnight.org

On Easter Sunday, we met at 61 C on Murray Avenue -- everyone's old fave.  Or almost everyone.  Pastries not so great, but it's homey and there's room to spread out, and we did. 

Gender was a topic of interest at table, after we'd worked through the reality of someone actually having a gnome with a gun.  A gnome, usually a benign little garden decoration, only this time... with a gun.

But! We were educated.  Janet reminded us how important it was to not to delete women when speaking of pregnancy.  (Or speaking of women's health issues.)  That one way to be inclusive in this present world might be to say, women and other pregnant people.  

In case you didn't know:  a nibling is a nonbinary niece or nephew or an unborn child.

Great trans stories:

To watch:  Will and Harper (Netflix) 

To read She's Not There: a Life in Two Genders -- Jennifer Finney Boylan

Gretchen, our Northside correspondent has recommended these events: 

From our w

onderful Saturday Bike trip in Cecil, PA

April 20 Run/Walk: Meet at 61C on Murray Avenue, Pittsburgh

 April 20 Run/Walk:  Meet at 61C on Murray Avenue, Pittsburgh

Thank you Mary Ann for a lovely post-run feast & chat.  And what a feast -- smoked salmon, muffins, quiche, fruit, Elaine's chocolate-covered matzoh -- and more.

And did anyone notice we actually didn't talk about the malign King?

Max did warn us all not to put checks in the mail, since "skimmers" are out there.  (New word for me. )   And Roye reminded us that pretty much any cashmere sweater is worth saving.  

April 13 Run/Walk: Meet at Mary Ann's, 239 Carron St. in Shadyside

Mary Ann has graciously offered to host our coffee hour, so we'll meet at her house and find some exciting new routes through Shadyside.

Last Sunday we refused to be daunted by water coming down from the sky.  In fact, runners were inspired, covering 5.6 miles up and down the hills and glowing at the end.  Walkers went on a good trek, but I do miss those running endorphins.  However, after swallowing some 61C java we all got energized and gabby, with the usual range:

• Our own reports on Hands Off rallies were upbeat and encouraging. Though we need more than that at the moment. The heartrending appeal of Canada was discussed.
• Listen to:  Sen. Amy Klobuchar's speech at the St. Paul rally (25,000 people) 
• For solid sober economic analysis:  Insider Economics from Moody's
• Fabulous Ladies UPF Sun Protection shirts on sale at Costco (link says out of stock but the store evidently has them.)
• Watch: Adolescence on Netflix, spoiler alert:  it's really upsetting;  Anne with an E - not upsetting at all; The Residence, funny but tragically takes place inside a once normal White House.  
• Read: A Council of Dolls.
• Upcoming with our own Paula:  Another Sky: A Choral Concert by Women of Song, Saturday 4/26, 7 pm at St. Andrews Episcopal Church.
• Some of us didn't know about Bicycle Heaven, a wild and crazy place - go there soon!  Also, stay tuned for upcoming run/walk in Manchester.

April 6 Run/Walk: Meet at 61C Cafe in Squirrel Hill

First things first:  this Saturday 4/5, HandsOff demonstrations will happen here and everywhere.  PLEASE go! In the Burgh: 12:30, City/County Bldg. downtown, or 5 pm corner of Shady and Fifth.  Elsewhere in the US or World: find one here.  But Sunday will see us at the 61C, where the run/walk will happen and a delicious discussion will follow.  

Last week's excursions took us to Chatham campus and environs, with spring just starting to do its gorgeous thing.  Following that, a superfun bounteous brunch at Wendy's with added clothes-swap feature (inspired by NB) resulting in high and low fashion hilarity.  Many garments got a brand new life! 

While trying on, we endorsed:

• Taking a bike trip in Scotland 
• And another one in... Erie - we're planning it, stay tuned
• The KUAT bike rack - big bucks but worth it
• Wendy's pickles and the Tsukemono Pickle Press she uses
• Teri's Brunsli cookies (recipe from Ottolenghi) 
• Medical help for your eyes: go to the brand new ER at Mercy Hospital
• Read:  Gladys Taber's books, also Daniel Mason's, and Philip Pullman's His Dark Materials.
• Standing up against fascism.

March 30 Run/Walk: Wendy Bennett's, 6425 Wilkins Ave at Beechwood Blvd.

March 30 Run/Walk:  Wendy Bennett's house, 6425 Wilkins Ave at Beechwood Blvd.

Last Sunday, our hilly walk/run brought us through several neighborhoods, which some of us could name.  then we fit nicely onto the sofa and stools at Redstart Roasters.  

Why not start with the serious stuff?  For information on the local and Washington, DC demonstrations on April 5th check the Indivisible website -- Indivisible

How to think (and Act) Like a Dissident Movement in The Bulwark

To enjoy yourself in the meantime, Pasta Grannies

On Apple TV there's Drops of God

Or you can stream Will & Harper

Lovers of (live) chickens can read Susan Orleans' New Yorker stories, including "Chicken Chores," or see her and her barn on youtube Susan Orlean

Roye has reminded us that the old British comedies and sagas can still be seen on  PBS Passport, among them, Astrid, Forsyth Saga, and Upstairs, Downstairs.

Looking ahead, there's a 3-Day Bike Fest on Lake Erie  3-Day Bike Fest

And on Sunday -- check out Wendy's fabulous bathroom wallpaper.

March 23 Run/Walk: Redstart Roasters, 7:00 AM, 224 N. Euclid Ave, Pittsburgh 15206

March 23 Run/Walk: Redstart Roasters, 7:00 AM, 224 N. Euclid Ave, Pittsburgh 15206

While we sat at our long table at The Lot, a serious breakfast establishment in Oakmont, a lot of laughter cut through the despair.  Also, many recommendations for more laughter.  In Jamestown, NY, you can visit  The National Comedy Center and the Lucy and Desi Museum.

Other recs include:  Late Night Catechism, Michael McIntyre, on Instagram and live Michael McIntyre.  Also Nate Bargatze and those old faves -- Jimmy Kimmel and Seth Meyers.  

To continue to boost our spirits, there was the recommendation for a regular Happy Hour at either Lorelei or Margaux, both in East Liberty, or Over Eden, the rooftop bar at the Tryp Hotel in Lawrenceville.

A different way to boost one's spirits -- sacred music at  Heinz Chapel

And for body & soul:

Sir Pizza

Why Walking Helps Us Think

Happy birthday, forever young Virginia.  

 

March 16 Run/Walk: Heading for Oakmont - meet at The Lot, 145 Allegheny Ave.

On Sunday, we'll tool around Oakmont before settling down to a real breakfast at The Lot.  Last time we were there was July of 2021 -  light-years away!  Well only 4, but it seems like forever.

Last week saw the runners discover three hidden pathways around Chatham, and walkers in Homewood Cemmie visited the grave of Princess Farid-es-Sultaneh, the Motherless statue, and peered into various mausoleums to view examples of (possibly) Tiffany stained glass.

The cardamom buns, etc. at 5 Points were delectable as always, as was the schmooze. We've totally forgotten about the mice.  We started with recommendations for:

• Costco Lactation Muffins (aka Aussie Bites) - but then took a turn towards
• Cocktails:  serve them and your kids will come
• Monkey 47 Gin
  
• An envisioned monthly happy hour, possibly at Urban Tap or Margaux
• the Whiskey Rebellion Tour - but why pay $195, we could do this ourselves
• (you see where this was going...but then headed for movies/series)
• Our own Oscars - Anora, no; Emilia Perez, pretty good; A complete unknown, great; Conclave, yes
• Watch - Legally Blonde (many times!), Enlightened (surprise gem), The Empress, The Pitt, Landsman.  Dubbing, yes and no.
• Some escape is required right now.

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