November 23 Run/Walk: Meet at Tous Les Jours cafe, 6226 Penn Ave in East Liberty. ALSO Thanksgiving Holiday Run/Walk from 61C at 7:30 Thursday.

Sunday we returned to the lovely Ka-Fair Cakery on Chislett St. and sampled lots of their treats.  We agreed with Maryann that when it comes to our hair, leaving a stylist is like breaking up with a boyfriend. And if you’ve cheated on your stylist, what then? Will they take you back?

Endorsements:

• Supermarkets:  AARP likes Aldi. Roye votes for Trader Joe's because the ingredients are better. Many questions about the new Giant Eagle in East Liberty, with its weird checkout design and mysterious entrance.
• Amba! Wikipedia tells us it is a tangy condiment made with mango pickle, popularized by Iraqi Jewish merchants in (formerly known as) Bombay, who brought it back to Baghdad. Elaine introduced us to Ruhama’s Amba Chicken and Rice.  You can order Amba from Amazon or Walmart, or you can make a quick version -- different from the above description, but you never know…
• Read:  The Many Lives of Mama Love – a memoir of addiction, etc., by Lara Love Hardin
• Watch:  Death By Lightning – on Netflix, about assassinated US President James A. Garfield;  The Gilded Age – on HBO Max.
• Support:  the White Whale and other indie bookstores, particularly now that B&N has moved in. You can also support local bookshops by ordering books from Bookshop.org.
• RG-approved delicious Winter Retreat in Troncones Mexico with yoga maestra Linda Meacci.

Resistance activity of the week:  from Thanksgiving to Cyber Monday, be part of the "We Ain't Buying It" boycott of Amazon, Home Depot, and Target. Pause on shopping at these major corporations actively enabling the current administration - and buy local instead. Detailed info. here - organized by Indivisible, No Kings, 50501, etc. 

Two upcoming events of note:

• Save the date! The Janes are hosting a Big Book Giveaway for RG members on Sunday, November 30, post-walk/run. RG will meet at the entrance to Baker Hall on Frew Street. Post-run breakfast and free books selected by experts.
• A retirement happy hour, January date TBA to celebrate the last days at work of various happy RG members.

Composed by Jane Bernstein

November 16 Run/Walk: Meet at KaFair Cakery, 806 Chislett St. in Morningside

Okay, there were some complaints about the pastries at 61C, but as Janet said:  “it’s like going to a relative’s house who can’t cook.” It’s our place – "just not all the time."  And the prices are great.

The country of the week was Wales.  Recommendations for Welsh-related films and books include a documentary about Richard Burton.  

• Turns out there are two - Burton: Wild Genius and In from the Cold:  A Portrait of Richard Burton
• How Green was my Valley – can be streamed on Amazon or Apple+
• The Pillars of the Earth  - is also on Amazon Prime or Apple, or you can read the book, by Welsh author Ken Follett.

For those of us wanting to get out of the house, there's Banjo night Wednesdays at the Elks club.  What is the Elks Club?   AI tells us that The Elks, officially the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, are a fraternal, non-profit organization. They're "dedicated to community service through various charitable programs that benefit veterans, youth, and those in need. The organization's core principles are Charity, Justice, Brotherly Love, and Fidelity. The Elks are a “patriotic organization…" To join you have to be over 21, have good moral character and believe in God.”

Endorsements From the Transportation Division: 

• Kindred Cycles  - also sell used bikes and racks.
• Recommendation for bike rack:  Kuat NV 2.0.  And if you’re a member of REI or know a member, deep discounts are available through November 24.

Department of Recycling & Composting:  There are many devoted composters among us.  

• Home pickup and a gallon of their free “tea” is available from the beloved Worm Ladies.
• Zero Waste Wrangler is great for those of us who don’t mind carrying our compost to a site beside East End Food Coop.
• If you're somewhere in the East End, it's easy to drive and deposit compost at Howard's garden.  Contact roye.werner@gmail.com if you want more details.
• City of Pittsburgh now recycles a wider range of materials curbside, including plastic tubs like yogurt and sour cream containers

Division of Sad Truths:  Moving very old people is very hard.

Division of Mixed Opinions:

• Thanksgiving is on Thursday and that’s that.
• Thanksgiving is on Thursday and also on Friday.
• Thanksgiving is on Thursday and on Friday is a kind of Thanksgiving-ish with leftovers.

Resistance activities of the week:

• Got an hour?  Join an Outrage one, every day from 4 to 5pm on the corner of Shady Ave and 5th Ave in Shadyside. Here are details and info about others. Be energized by all the car horns blaring in support.  This is what democracy looks like!

Composed by Jane Bernstein

November 9 Run/Walk: Meet at the Wendy Bennett Trailhead in Schenley Park

Meet at the Wendy Bennett Trailhead, corner of Greenfield Rd. and Overlook Drive (map).  Coffee locale TBD, though probably Divvy Coffee and Buns, 3714 Forbes Ave.  On our walk/run we can check out the Neill Log House, where later in the day there will be a Harvest Festival to celebrate its restoration.

Many endorsements: 

• To watch: Trumbo on AppleTV or Amazon Prime;  Outrageous, about the Mitford sisters, on BritBox; Downton Abbey (on several sites); Schitts Creek (same); Dark Winds – set on a Navajo reservation (same); Upstairs, Downstairs – “prevented postpartum depression.”
• The fifth novel in the Outlander series, The Fiery Cross, gets a thumbs up. (2, actually.)
• RADPass offers free and discounted tickets to museums, theaters, etc.  To apply, all you need is a library card (also free!)
• The amazing Max will be teaching an introductory pilates class at the JCC, starting next Wed.
• And yoga classes at Yoga Hive are recommended.
• To get some privacy in your car, keep binder clips and a sheet handy.  Because: public urination gets a police record. 

Not endorsed:

• Fake faces
• Gold bathrooms

Resistance Activities of the Week:

• Take courage from election results!
• Stand up for democracy and justice any day of the week, 4-5 pm, on the corner of Shady and 5th: Outrage Hour.  Bring a sign or a flag or just yourself.
• Listen to the What’s the Plan, a weekly one-hour Q&A from Indivisible’s founders, available at any time on Youtube. (Also live on Thursdays at 3.) 

Composed by Jane Bernstein

November 2 Run/Walk: Commonplace Coffee, 7514 Thomas Boulevard

Commonplace Coffee - another entrance is across from the East End Food Coop.

Inspired by Roye, we turned our backs on Starbucks and found the very delightful Divvy.  Plenty of space, worth a return trip. 

 

There was so much serious business to discuss that the Louvre heist felt like comic relief.  We laughed, fretted, were sentimental about old clothes (red shoes, black undies).  Close to home, we endorsed the Squirrel Hill Shoe Repair, run by two buff, ageless shoemakers, and their neighbors at Pearl Nail Salon, a whole lovely family, complete with babies and well-behaved dog. Both are on Murray Avenue. 

 

And now work:  Resistance actions of the week - 

• VOTE next Tuesday, Nov. 4!  In particular, make sure to retain the judges (Supreme Court and all others) who are listed on the back of the ballot.  (Retention elections don’t list party but they are all Democrats.)  Also tell friends and family.
• Spotify is running ads to recruit for ICE.  Indivisible is organizing a boycott (details here). Cancel your subscription to speak out (here’s how). You can always re-up when they hopefully cave, a la Disney/Kimmel.  Boycotts are integral to resistance.

October 26 Run/Walk: Meet at Schenley Plaza, near the tent

 October 26 Run/Walk: Meet at Schenley Plaza, near the tent 

Hi Runners and Walkers -- forgive this stripped-down blog.  I wasn't around last week and don't know where we met or what amazing endorsements we shared.  But we do have some helpful advice for Sunday's run/walk.  The road through Schenley will be closed for buggy practice so come on Forbes/Fifth.  

And in case you missed this: "Elaine has promised that the crows will be around..."  

I hope to see a big group!

October 19 Run/Walk: Meet at Biddle's Escape, 401 Biddle Ave. for a Frick Park excursion

On Sunday. we meet at old favorite, Biddle's, corner of Biddle and S. Trenton (map).  They will have plenty of chairs (unlike last Sunday's locale where we grabbed almost all of them).  Leaves are turning in Frick Park!

Last Sunday, we trekked through a somewhat dowdy but endearing Sharpsburg, and found places to enjoy the view over the Allegheny.  Later at coffee, I gave up on capturing anything from 13 ladies kibitzing nonstop, but did get to taste Redhawk's signature Jewish Pizza (you would think Sharpsburg an unlikely spot to get it). It was good! 

• Resistance action of the week:  PLEASE GO TO the No Kings Rally this Saturday 10/18 - downtown at City County Building at 12:30 - and other locations listed here.  It is SO important for millions to stand up now -  please read why in this David Brooks article in The Atlantic.  
• Finally uncovered, thanks to Bobbi:  on the last Sunday of September 2025, RG celebrated its 32nd birthday 🎂🙌🩷

October 12 Run/Walk: Meet at Redhawk Coffee Roasters, 1019 N. Canal St. in Sharpsburg

We'll see what's doing these days in Sharpsburg starting at Redhawk Roasters, 1019 N. Canal St.  The last time we went there we were wearing mittens.

As for last week, many photos (below) tell the tale.  We were way up (see stairs) in Spring Garden and Troy Hill, seeing the actual Spring, the first Croatian Catholic Church in America, and the fence that Bobbi's Mom jumped over to get the phone call saying her Dad was coming home from WW2.  And the views.

• Not endorsed:  ticks.  They are legion.  Cover up, stay on the trails and away from meadows.
• Endorsed:  Meditation.  Really anything that will induce calm.  I'm trying it out, plus whiskey.
• Also endorsed:  Small Hours jazz trio (starring Gretchen's marvelous Margot), at The Hotel in Sewickley this Saturday at 7.
• Resistance activities for the week:
• This is last-minute but Indivisible Regent Square is meeting again tomorrow (Thursday) 7604 Charleston Ave. (off Braddock) at 6:30. Learn what can be done and meet kindred souls.
• (A repeat) Check your voter registration and your whereabouts on Nov. 4 to make SURE you get your vote in to RETAIN the judges on the PA Supreme Court (and others).  Also nag friends and family.

October 5 Run/Walk: Meet at Kinder Being Cafe, 715 East St. (sort of Troy Hill, sort of North Shore - see map below)

We'll return on Sunday (7 am sharpish) to Troy Hill (last seen, June 2024) and, after trekking up the Hill and back, try out a new coffee spot, Kinder Being Cafe (map) found by our Scientist/Cafe Scout, Beth.  A highlight may be crossing the bridge over he parkway.

Last Sunday we penetrated a dense creepy fog surrounding Homestead - we circled its iconic library, and tried out the new, endorsed! Arabica Robusta cafe.  The sun came out in the end, hopefully a metaphor.  Just caught a few more endorsements:

• The Savannah Bananas - a wilder version of our national sport, sold out everywhere, was recently at PNC Park and super fun.  Get your tickets early for next year.
• On that theme, the new Clemente documentary, showing that Pittsburgh's beloved Roberto was a mensch for all time.
• The Johnstown Flood National Memorial - I never understood the historic significance of this astounding event until I went there.  On second thought, this now has a referral to: doi.gov/shutdown, so maybe wait a bit.
• Resistance activity of the week:
• For something that gives you the feeling that you've actually helped, as well as meeting some great people, try one of the Pittsburgh Overpass Project sites.  You can just show up and be part of a team holding a giant banner over the parkway.  Thousands will see it.  It's a national phenomenon.  And it's short.
• For an uber-listing of many things to do, see Alison Huettner's "Upcoming Protests and Events".  It's a smorgasbord so it's easy to pick one.

September 28 Run/Walk: Meet at Arabica Robusta Coffee House, 207 E. 8th Ave, Homestead

Another Sunday, another new coffee house:  we'll discover the new Arabica Robusta (prize for best name) in Homestead (map), and explore that quirky, historic locale, home apparently of the "most famous event in labor history,"  Also a former church that is now a Dragon's Den, and an old bank given over to axe-throwing.

Last Sunday in Oakmont we skirted the Allegheny in the dawn light, and then encountered the most unusual cafe emporium in RG history.  We were not quite prepared for the Oakmont Bakery.  But we decoded the kiosks and responded appropriately when numbers were called.  We found a table away from the melee inside, and managed to accumulate some fine pastries without day-glo frosting.  For some reason, the "expresso drink" list didn't contain an expresso, but the coffee worked its charm anyway. 

• Resistance activities of the week - 
• Protest Citizens Bank (here are ways and more info.) for funding immigrant prisons.  At least sign the petition.
• Put this on your calendar: the next national NO KINGS rally - Oct. 18, 12:30, City-County Bldg.  There are some preliminary ones, too - this one is this Sunday in Oakland. But on Oct. 18, we need everyone in the streets.
• Things to do in DC (besides avoiding masked federal agents): the National Building Museum, the Postal Museum, and Ford's Theater.
• the new VW Electric Camper - it's not at Woodstock anymore
• Chiboust wedding cake - was it fair to assign someone to make this for 70 people?
• Listen to podcasts:  The Rest is History; Throughline
• Our Senator Dave McCormick lives in Squirrel Hill - who knew? His real home has been in CT.
• For RG devotees of the Boden Sample Sale - it's Oct. 4 at the Convention Center.

September 21 Run/Walk: Meet at the Oakmont Bakery, One Sweet Street (really), in Oakmont, naturally

Here's the map for the Oakmont Bakery - much to explore around there!

Last week we moseyed around Allegheny West and Manchester.  We are continually surprised by the myriad lovely/curious/weird vistas hidden away in this town.  Bobbie, who used to live here, gave us the lowdown on local edifices, and Beth, as always, found the garden.

Thumbs up (¡pulgares arriba!) for Colombino Coffee - delish, comfy and friendly - we'll try the one on Butler St. next.  Mainly we talked about what to do in this time of alarm and dismay.  We agreed it would be good to use this forum for sending out ideas - so stay tuned. For today:  

1. Call your congresspersons.  First, listen to AOC here (adorable) and find out why calling works best.  Then use 5calls.org (or any other way) to make your calls.  Important: don't worry about crafting a long message or getting tongue-tied (we all do), it just takes a little practice.
2. Tell everyone you know and love about the upcoming judicial election on Nov. 4.  Are they registered? Need a mail-in ballot? See this.  The judges on the ballot that need to be retained are all Democrats (just vote YES on each retention - there are no party labels) in order to keep their majority and hold on to our voting rights.  More info here and here.

But also there was joy and cheering about the two precious new RG babies born last week - mazel tov to Elaine and to Linda R. and their families!

                                              

Sept. 14 Run/Walk: Meet at Colombino Coffee, 926 Western Ave. on the North Side

Quick note tonight - time flies when you're retired. Sunday we'll tour the North Side from its Allegheny West neighborhood - many directions to explore, as well as a new coffee spot, Colombino Coffee (map.)

Last week on the South Side we skirted the river and found a nice large table and decent coffee, but.... no muffins!  We'll go back to Big Dog next time.  Some endorsements were recorded:

• Black Rooster Baltic Rye bread.  This does sound amazing.  We will ask Linda the baker if we can make it ourselves.
• The Pittsburgh Left, which (I never knew) is "technically illegal."  Love it or leave it, basically.
• The Penguin Lessons - one of those oddly marvelous Argentine films.

        I always feel there is something off about writing this blog as if the world is normal now, which it isn't, so

• Question for next time: what do we do when we see our country, that we thought we knew, dissolving before our eyes?  Let's talk.  
• 
  
  
  
  
  

Sept. 7 Run/Walk: Meet at Big Dog Coffee, 2717 Sarah St. for a South Side excursion

Back to Big Dog (map) on Sunday, where we will try to occupy the large table, around which many dramatic RG tales have been told.  (For anyone new to the group, we meet at 7 am.  Not sharp.)

Last (actually Sunday and Monday make it This) week's locations were Highland Park and Squirrel Hill.  Walkers missed the sunrise over the reservoir, but it was still glorious, and then Jane M. took us to see the hidden hobbit/elf houses.  Next day we did a circuit past the Wendy Bennett Trailhead (where are you WB?) and the Pocusset walkway.  Runners didn't share their routes, and you might ask them why.  

• We are trying to keep spirits up here so won't dwell on the daily horror, but we will include some points of light:  Casa San José's Rapid Response Team, 900+ strong -  Growing attendance at the Shady/Fifth Outrage Hour  - Ditto at the Friday 8 am Interfaith Prayer Vigil at ICE HQ.
• Go see:  Fences, outdoors at the August Wilson house (Saturday is the last day!)
• But you can see the Renfest through Sept. 28 - sword swallowers, jousting, witch trials - Aimee says to go early.
  
• Read:  Foster (and anything else) by Claire Keegan.  Also, the movie.
• Hear: Buffalo Rose (RG fave) at the Oaks on Sept. 19.
• Watch:  Netflix documentary Katrina.
• Description of an unknown man:  "he's like a doodle male."  
• Birthing secrets were revealed in epic detail on... Labor Day.  
• Lainy will soon be staying in a castle in the Cotswalds where she will be surrounded by labrador retrievers:

August 31 Run/Walk: Meet at the Tazza D'Oro, 1125 N Highland Ave. at 7 - then, on Labor Day, Holiday run at 61C at 7:30

Lovely Highland Park and its environs await.  Sunrise is at 6:46 a.m. - maybe we can just catch it over the Reservoir.  

Last Sunday our tripartite group: 

1. Marched through Chatham campus and surrounding streets, noting (with Beth's help) marvels of water infrastructure.
2. Ran all around Frick Park, 4+ miles, going only uphill.
3. Biked to all corners of our fair city with the Pedal Pittsburgh mob. 

Those not on wheels convened in the relaxing outdoor patio of 61C.  Do you think we could slip them a new recipe for scones?  

• Mushroom tour of Hays Woods - next one is October 25
• The yART Sale was great but over - try for next year - 
• Of all things, the Univ. of Pittsburgh enables recycling for unusable textiles !  Public drop-off is around 7500 Thomas Blvd. (large blue bin in parking lot past gates, behind building near picnic table and entrance).
• We have GOT to visit the Ebisu Life Store on Forbes for a mind-blowing Sensory Alternative Experience.
• From Paula the Brain (also Farmer) we learned that 90% of gardening is weeding.
• Gretchen left early to travel to the mighty statewide protest against ICE at the Moshannon Valley Processing Center (read: prison).  We were with her in spirit. 

August 24 Run/Walk: Meet at 61C Cafe, 1839 Murray Avenue

This Sunday let's meet at our default location, 61C Cafe.  Pedal Pittsburgh is happening at the same time, and a few of us may be riding through Squirrel Hill and Schenley Park at the same time as the runners/walkers!

Last Sunday I didn't take any notes on endorsements from the coffee at the lovely Redhawk Coffee Cafe in Uptown, but I can share a bit about the run itself.  First, Virginia led us to the artsy Gist Street, full of quirky sculptures and murals created by James Simon, then Gretchen led us over to the August Wilson House.  Finally, Gretchen led us up to the tippy top of the hill at Duquesne University, where we looped around and through the campus, and frolicked through the sprinklers to cool off.  

August 17 Run/Walk: Meet at Redhawk Coffee Roasters in Uptown: 1715 Fifth Avenue Pittsburgh PA 15219

This past Sunday we were treated to the "triple play birthday kids" and got to meet Elaine's siblings while they visited to celebrate their collective birthdays!  A treat, indeed!  I don't have any endorsements because everyone was soaking up the excitement of our visitors.  Some great photos were taken, which is what I will share here.  See you Sunday in Uptown!

August 10 Run/Walk: Meet at Biddle's Escape, 401 Biddle Ave.

Next up:  Meet at Biddle's (map), head to parts unknown.  

Sunday last we met at the Waterfront.  We followed the GAP trail, which unfortunately for us walkers, never quite made it past the parking lots and railroad tracks (next time we'll go in the other direction).  Runners however made it to Homestead and the Bulgarian Macedonian National Cultural Center.  We missed seeing Senator Fetterman in his usual Sunday spot - but were not quite sure of what we would say to him if he surfaced.  The last time we exchanged views on Hokas.

It's always appealing to sit in that space outside Starbucks, even in our winter Covid days, wrapped up in blankets.  Distress and outrage about the current moment were a main topic,  but also some opportunities and distractions:

• Gretchen reported on the Ambridge (and other) ICE attacks on immigrants.  Casa San Jose offers various opportunities to help as a volunteer, notably the Rapid Response Team.  Jane M. also told us about a weekly vigil on Fridays from 8 - 10 a.m. outside the ICE office on the South Side.
• Quantum Theater's production of Seagull is wonderful - ends Aug. 17th.
• One's 70th birthday is tough. 
• Somebody is listening to Miranda July's All Fours on audiobook.  Whoa.

August 3 Run/Walk: Meet at the Costco parking lot in Homestead.

Everyone loves Costco (especially the pants) so let's meet there and head to the GAP trail, to be followed by coffee outside of Starbucks/Panera.  Sadly, the eagles have moved their nest elsewhere - probably sick of the paparazzi, as probably Sen. Fetterman is too, though he may be in the vicinity.  This time we can run, walk or bike - a new feature!

Last week we auditioned the new Ineffable cafe next to the eye-opening Enson Market (apparently briefly to the Health Dept.). There was decent ambiance, good coffee, bad pastry, but excellent company.  We ranged widely around Homewood and Pt. Breeze, featuring Howard's Community Garden (plus available compost bins), Westinghouse Park, the Brilliant Line, Homewood Library, the Bowling Green, and Frick Museum.  All in a sliver of our Fair City!  Much was endorsed:

• The Brillliant Line pedestrian/cycling trail from Aspinwall to Homewood ("and beyond") is underway.
• Read:  books by James McBride, esp. the Heaven and Earth Grocery Store.
• Watch: The Horse Whisperer with Robert Redford (actually ANY movie with Robert Redford) and also Scarlett Johansson at 13.
• The Lawrenceville Art Crawl is this Saturday 1-9 pm.
• We remembered Josie and the Pussycats - movie (2001), TV series (70's) and comic book (60's).  Only a few admitted to recalling that last one.
• Anna Li, amazing young founder of Korion Health, and a daughter of immigrants, who says "Why can't medicine be cute?"
• Howard's Garden, at Sterrett School, a community jewel, deserves a look at its gofundme page.  
• Protest: Nat'l Rage Against the Trump Machine on Saturday at 11 - closest one is Forbes/Braddock.