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 new RG baby born last week - mazel tov to the Mormers!

                                              

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.  
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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.

July 27 Run/Walk: Meet at the new Ineffable Ca Phe, 7511 Thomas Blvd. Pt. Breeze (off of Braddock)

For post-run sustenance, we'll try out the new location for the Ineffable Vietnamese cafe, now attached to the brand new and wildly abundant Asian superstore called Enson Market in the Rockwell Park development across from the Co-op.  There is a parking lot - address listed at 7511 Thomas Blvd., off of Braddock.  It's a little confusing in there but Google Maps clarifies it here.  The run/walk itself is TBD.  Enson Market itself opens at 10, and is a sight to see - so we might want to stretch out our coffee time.  

Last week we made our trek to Schenley Park to wander around the Grand Prix, though at this point I don't pay much attention to the cars.  They were shiny. The weather was blessedly cool, and of COURSE the rain held off as we nestled into Sharon's green and comfy backyard and downed a multitude of treats.

Things to ponder:

• Go here: Findhorn, Scotland.
• Also, Costco.  Especially now that they have copycat Lululemon pants.  
• Take to the: Open Streets- happening in Lawrenceville after the run on Sunday
• Find a bathroom in Ford City - evidently Volunteer Fire Dept. Station 2 is an option.  "It never hurts to ask" says Gretchen.
• Watch:  The Bear?  Maybe the 7 Fishes episode.
• Learn about: the Whiskey Rebellion, which happened right here circa 1791.  Maybe next year:  the 42nd Annual Whiskey Rebellion 5K in Canonsburg.  I really want that t-shirt.
• Do yoga: in Frick Park (off of Beechwood) with RG favorite Linda Meacci on Tuesdays evenings at 6:30.  Or, in Italy
• Listen to: great music, and support our immigrant community in these perilous times:  at the All Together Now Festival August 7-10. Buffalo Rose will be there!
• Take a stand against tyranny, cruelty, and mayhem - find a time and place here. 

July 20 Run/Walk: Meet at Sharon's house, 5612 Woodmont, for annual Grand Prix run-through

We'll meet at Sharon's and make our yearly visit to the lineup of fancy cars in Schenley Park. En route, we may also visit the wall of international snacks at Vendor Bender (open 24 hrs).  Then a return to Sharon's delightful backyard for coffee and a customary deep analysis of goings-on. 

Last week we toured the leafy fields and spacious yards of McCandless - and were reminded that Beth and Gretchen get up MUCH earlier than we do on Sundays and we are grateful!  Beth's yummy shakshuka and many other delights provided us with the strength needed to face each day in these times.  But at least we can take a break and kibitz:

• Do you want to go bowhunting in the parks and snag a few deer?  Of course not, but evidently it's possible to become a trained archer.  Somebody knows how.
• We loved Beth's beautifully balanced water pitcher - it's from Blenko Glass in WV
• Some of us are trying to get used to back-up cameras and cars that scream at you.
• Many TV shows from the 50's and 60's were endorsed, even by some who were not even born when they came out. Youtube has them all:  check out Peyton Place.
• What's with the Ebisu Japanese Life Store?  
• And don't even think of entering the creepy jewelry store on Forbes in Oakland. "Any sane person would quickly turn around."

July 13 Run/Walk: Meet at Beth's House in McCandless: 9384 Hilliard Road Pittsburgh, PA 15237

Sunday Beth has generously offered to host coffee at her house in McCandless.  Enjoy the beautiful verdant route that she takes you on Sunday.

Last Sunday we ran and walked around Highland Park and enjoyed the treats and camaraderie at Jane's house around the corner from Tazzo.  I don't remember any endorsements, but have since seen recommendations for:

The new Palm Palm restaurant in East Liberty; and 

a music festival/benefit concert with Buffalo Rose to benefit Pittsburgh's immigrant community.

July 4th and 6th Run/Walk: Two Run/Walks: July 4 7:30 am @ 61C; July 6 7:00 am @ Tazza D'Oro

Before I forget:

       1) Friday 7/4 holiday run at 61C. Please note holiday meet time 7:30 am

       2) Sunday 7/6 at Tazzo D'Oro in Highland Park at usual meet time 7:00 am

100% walkers today 6/29; up to the Oakland water tower, followed by 

coffee at the brand spanking new La Gourmandine on Meyran Ave.

Stay cool, stay dry, and have a great week!

W.

June 29 Run/Walk: Meet under the tent at Schenley Plaza

 Just a short note this time, as I’m on vacation and filling in.  

Last week the group did the classic Wednesday/Friday route through Schenley Park, starting from the Library. Sadly, I missed it but heard that Tom joined the group for some good fun times.

Next up, Schenley Plaza under the tent.  Stay cool, everyone!

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