Oct. 12 Run: Meet at Commonplace Coffee for a special run led by Chris Horowitz

Next Sunday (Oct. 12), meet at Commonplace for an unprecedented run led by Chris Horowitz.

Last Sunday, we enjoyed a run around Wilkinsburg led by Aimee's friend, Michael Lefebvre.  We started and ended at the lovely Biddle's Escape and enjoyed the crisp fall morning, which made for perfect running weather.  Because the route was similar to the run he led a year ago, here is the summary from last year:

Borough Councilman and Third Ward resident Michael Lefebvre led the group on a wild and hilly adventure through the streets of Wilkinsburg, that brought us to hope, despair, and hope again!  Running past abandoned, dilapidated structures with broken windows, we also ran past beautifully renovated historic residential and commercial buildings, community gardens, and many, many churches, all glimmers of hope in a borough with a shrinking tax base.  The borough was historically known as "The Holy City," with its unusually high concentration of churches, seceding from the City of Pittsburgh in 1876 to maintain the religious integrity of the community.  http://www.wilkinsburgpa.gov/about/history.aspx
Efforts by the Pittsburgh History and Landmarks Foundation have transformed both residential and commercial buildings in the central part of the borough.  We marveled at the dramatically restoredCrescent Apartments and Wilson House:
http://www.landmarkspreservation.org/work/wilkinsburg/the-crescent/
http://www.landmarkspreservation.org/work/wilson-house/
Scaling a steep hill, we found ourselves admiring the Singer Mansion, which has been continuously occupied since it was built for $75,000 in 1864.  See page 20 for a picture of the mansion. 
  After returning to the Regent Square part of Wilkinsburg, we found a house that was recently featured on the inaugural Wilkinsburg House Tour a few weeks ago.  It was originally purchased for $6,600, fixed up, and resold a year later for $363,000!!!  While the house was purchased through a Free and Clear sale, "flipped" and re-sold, good tax opportunities exist for those who occupy the house for at least 10 years. Here are the details on the borough's TaxBase Expansion Ordinance (which provides a nice tax abatement).

An addition to the route this year was a jaunt along the Linear Park:
http://triblive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/news/pittsburgh/s_35381.html#axzz3Fbd6tQbC

Since I had to log a few extra miles, I didn't stay for coffee.  Here's what Wendy had to say about the coffee discussion:
Endorsements: digital pianos, advantages of being an employee rather than a boss, jewish-hindi funk music, sweating vs. not sweating while running, missing people who are out on injured list, where was Sandy?!, big welcome to Tammy; hoping Molly can join us soon.

October 5 Run: meet at Biddle's Escape coffeehouse at Biddle and South Trenton, Wilkinsburg

Meeting at Biddle's Escape coffeehouse, Wilkinsburg, for a very special run arranged by Aimee.  Wilkinsburg Council Member and fellow runner Mike Lefebvre will lead our group around his neighborhood to show its highlights and new developments.  This is the second chance for anyone who missed this great run the first time (and I'm completely bummed that I'm going to miss it again.)

Speaking of which, I'm a little short on time these days, so will only say about last week's run that it was a gorgeous early fall Frick Park and cemetery run, that it actually may have been somewhere else but we were talking so much I didn't notice, that we delved deeply into existential questions like:  why are the electrical plugs in other lands all different shapes?, and that we were maybe the first to cross the starting line for the Great Race.  Kudos to all of you who both started and finished it!

September 21 Run: Commonplace Coffee in Squirrel Hill- someone will have an idea

Next weekend is up for grabs; nobody called it, so we'll just go with our default location at Commonplace Coffee in Squirrel Hill.  I'll be out of town, so it's up to all of you!

Yesterday we truly did come to grips with summer's end:  autumn mists covering Frick Park and long-sleeved jackets covering us.  We zigzagged around the park trails, coming upon the surprisingly large construction site of the brand new Environmental Center - remembering the time over a decade (!) ago when we came across the old Nature Center the very morning it had burned down - still smoldering at 7:20 a.m. according to the PG.

Just Cheryl, Judy and I at coffee (still delightful) so I'm tacking a few items:

• shout out to Jacquie in Iowa - thanks for posting the photos - we miss you!
• running group librarian tip for classics lovers:  thousands of books published before 1923 have a totally free Kindle version on Amazon, which you can then read with a free Kindle app on any tablet, phone, or PC - i.e. Babbitt, The Forsyte Saga, any Dickens or Trollope, etc. etc.  (I'm also mad at Amazon's monopoly practices, but this isn't sending them any money.)  Brand new e-books similarly for free from CLP of course.

September 14 Run: Blue Slide Park at Beechwood and Nicholson

We'll meet at Blue Slide Park at Beechwood and Nicholson, and possibly find a new route through Frick Park (or not.)  At any rate, we'll surely be surrounded by early signs of autumn.  Already!

If I might say so, last week's run was glorious.  From the brilliant chandeliers inside the William Penn, to the sparkling waters of the Mon, to the glowing gold of Steelers t-shirts for sale every 10 feet, we traversed new bike paths, crossed rivers, circled Heinz Field, visited the Mr. Rogers (bad) and the WWII (good) memorials, attempted to catch a train at the new Allegheny T Station, and viewed the gushing Fountain at the Point from at least 3 different angles.  The weather was perfection.

Back at the William Penn, we were met by several rather festive Steeler-watchers (one posing here with Sarah) and settled down in the Starbucks there, more elegant than most (but why don't they have real cups?) where we covered the following:

• How Pittsburgh has changed in less than a lifetime - 30 changes in 30 years
• Hearing loops
• Rose Garden in McKeesport
• KT Tape 
• Matchmaker Tova Weinberg, who famously said: "If the mother is Jewish, I don't care if the father is the pope."

September 7 Run: Meet at William Penn entrance downtown

Well, since nobody called a run for next week, I get to pick:  where else but dahntahn?  We'll meet at the entrance to my favorite hotel - the William Penn -

on William Penn Place (and have coffee in the resplendent lobby afterwards.)  But mainly - yes, it's that time again - we must run our magic circle around Heinz Field as a charm for the Steelers' opening day! Just call us...

Last week our two runs were East End specials with great back-from-vacation turnouts:  a drizzly but refreshing Frick Park foray and then somewhere around Squirrel Hill (not sure since I just showed up for coffee.)  A few of us on the DL inspired some talk about having a parallel bike ride - starting and ending at the same spot with the runners.  In fact it could be tried this Sunday - if some people want to show up with bikes and ride around on the trails for an hour - could be an interesting development!  RG never stops evolving.

Speaking of which:  a marvelous invitation from Jan - a running group trip to her peaceful forest cabin in the Laurel Highlands the weekend of Sept. 13 - just email her if you're interested - janetrw@hotmail.com.

Endorsements:

• Wholistic Acupuncture - for heel pain
• Almond flour at PennMac - gluten free baking
• Not using sexually explicit words in online Scrabble with strangers
• Yoga on Youtube - you can get almost any kind of class!  

August 31 Run: entrance to Frick Park at Reynolds and S. Homewood AND Labor Day holiday run at 7:30 from Commonplace

End of summer run!  We'll meet at the gracious stone entrance to Frick Park for a run through the park led by Karen, who always finds the best trails, and who forgives us for inadvertently running off without her last week while she was being a good samaritan.  And of course the holiday run on Monday, meeting at 7:30 at Commonplace Coffee on Forbes, allowing a whole 30 minutes of extra sleep.

A perfect classic Schenley Park run last week - clear skies, leafy paths, lots of gab - just right.  We happened on the two major improvements to the park that are underway:  new separated bike paths around Phipps and new meadows on Bartlett.  And after I lamented the dearth of endorsements last week, the group certainly stepped up to fill the gap this week:

• Quantum Theater's production of Tamara - unorthodox, unforgettable, and somewhat wild theater experience where your running training will come in handy, trust me.  There isn't much time left, though - call soon if you want to go.  Advice:  follow Mario.
• From the sublime to the...   How to deal with bloating:  Beano, peppermint, or charcoal.  (You eat charcoal?)
• For joint pain:  Glucosamine & Chondroitin which needs to also have something called MSM
• Or, a chiropractor!  Preferably one with some kind of knife that she/he pulls over your skin in some way that was described enticingly as "excruciating."  
• Capetown as the most beautiful city anywhere, from another of our global voyagers
• The Renaissance Fair - not tacky, huge fun.  
• Movie:  Boyhood - apparently still at the Waterfront
• This one cannot be spelled out too clearly for fear the appointments will fill up, so it's just:  Lynn, nails, Forward, across from bowling alley.

August 24 Run: Wendy Bennett Trailhead at the bottom of the Schenley Oval for a park run

We will meet at our favorite Wendy Bennett Trailhead, which is located at the beginning of Overlook Drive, intersection with Bartlett St:  map.  The run planned is our classic Schenley Park trek, with coffee to follow at Commonplace.  Something to be said for continuity in this dizzying world.

 Last week we enjoyed another classic, the Three Rivers/Three Bridges run downtown, which never fails to showcase our delightfully picturesque city center.  OK, so it's not the Brooklyn Bridge, but really, just try to get a free parking spot near that one.  The skies were grey, but the rain held off, and the city and its rivers still had a monochromatic beauty which we saw from many vantage points.  Everyone had places to go right after the run, so no coffee chat, hence no endorsements.  Hopefully that will correct itself this Sunday!

(Photo used with Creative Commons license from Flickr.)

August 17 Run: PPG Place downtown for the famous 3-Rivers 3-Bridges run

On Sunday we'll hope for good weather to show off the gorgeous views from 3 bridges - Smithfield St., Fort Duquesne, and West End -  downtown - starting at the fountain at PPG Place.

We certainly had good weather last Sunday as we headed down from the now infamous Blue Slide Park (I mean 22 million views?)  into cool, deep Frick Park.  It wasn't until we reached the very bottom and crossed Commercial St. that I remembered we were aiming for Duck Hollow (which has its own admittedly sparse Facebook page - in this case, 532 views - there is no justice in the social media world) which was as adorable as ever.  Then of course the long, long trek up - passing through the eerily uniform Summerset development, where not a soul was in sight and the gardens look regimented. But it does have a spectacular view. We discussed where we all might want to live after moving out of the family house and looked favorably on the venerable Maxon Towers, which we discovered a) Wendy's Mom wrote a song about, and b) is a NORC.

Later over coffee we endorsed:
Transcendental meditation - may be a road to bliss or at least something different
Tin Front Cafe in Homestead - recently enjoyed
Podcasts:  60 minutes, Story Collider, Freakanomics

August 10 Run: Frick Park's Blue Slide Park at Beechwood Blvd. & Nicholson St.

Next week: Meet at Frick Park's Blue Slide Playground at Beechwood & Nicholson for a Park and Duck Hollow run.

Last week, a small group of us braved the 95% humidity and gloomy, threatening skies to run in Highland Park.  Unfortunately, the trails were too muddy, so we stayed on the roads encircling the reservoir and lake.  We passed the inviting City pool, looping around the park, reservoir, then along a little traversed road with secret City steps.

We enjoyed coffee at delicious Tazzo d'Oro, which never seems to disappoint.

Endorsements:

City Events:
Highland Park's Reservoir of Jazz and Summer Soul Line Dancing Sunday evenings through August
First Fridays at the Frick

Movies: Philomena, The Grand Budapest Hotel
TV: This Old House- Jersey Shore post-Sandy season

August 3 Run: Enrico's Tazza D'Oro on Highland Ave.

Next week:  meeting at Enrico's Tazza D'Oro on Highland Ave. for a (what else?) Highland Park run, and as always we hope Joanne will appear, but if not, Aimee will lead the way.

Last week, after filing through Mellon Park, serenaded by a mysterious young man with a recorder,
Virginia got us to check out the new Bakery Square development.  Apparently there are already some earlybirds living there, waking up to the sounds of earth movers.  We found a new path to Shadyside, revisited the passive house on Walnut Street, the massive houses everywhere else, and pondered the 1-percenters in our town:  who are they and where do they hang out?  We also learned that it is possible to bike to Monroeville from Regent Square in 30 minutes.  Which beats driving on the turnpike at rush hour.

Coffee talk centered on food - surprise!

• Jacquie has been to the Kavsar Uzbek restaurant on Mt. Washington with an intriguing menu listing of meat in jelly, cold soup, ground beef sautéed in omelet with cheese, fried lamb with bones, eggs stuffed with sprats, and pancake bags.  I would go just to order things named Shurpa, Tuzlama, and Holodets.  There is also live entertainment!
• New "artisan bakery" on Wilkins Ave. - awaiting the opening
• Pam endorses Colangelo's polenta almond cream cake from the place next door to La Prima
• We need to stop eating 0% yogurt - it doesn't have the good yogurt germs.  It seems full fat is better for you.  Hurray!
• Speaking of full fat - two cakes have been tested that can be created in your own kitchen and will never be forgotten by their eaters:
• Scott Peacock's chocolate cake
• Amanda Rockman's Basque cake with pastry cream filling

July 20 Run: PPG Place fountain for downtown Open Streets run

We'll start at the PPG Place fountain downtown and take a look at the city without cars during Open Streets Pittsburgh.

The highlight for me last week was Aimee's gracious offer to be co-author of this blog/list!  I'm going on vacation on Friday, and who knows when I'll be back?  (Just kidding, Aimee.)  Last week we had hoped to see the fancy cars in Schenley Park, but realized that would have to wait a few weeks, so we just headed over to Greenfield for something different.  We traversed the great new trail that was once most of Pocusset Street, and saw numerous intriguing and even famous landmarks on Greenfield Avenue:  Salon Louis, home of Tom and Wendy's brilliant stylist, also St. Rosalia's church, behind which we have been known to bushwhack up a giant hill, also Kevin's Computer and Photo and Szmidt's Old World Deli (have no idea how it is but what a great name.)  The hills coming back up Schenley Park were killer, but we talked and talked through them of course.

Endorsements:
The pilgrimage walk to Santiago de Compostela in Spain, led by Macs Adventure
Movie: The Way, where Martin Sheen also makes this trip
The new croissants at Starbucks!

July 13 Run: Starbucks at 2345 (lower) Murray Ave for a trip into Schenley Park for opening of Grand Prix

Cheryl reminds me that this weekend is the start of the Grand Prix, so we can go see what's happening there - and maybe we can also change it up by trying out the Starbucks on lower Murray Ave.  There seems to be some news about Starbucks changing its croissant recipe after buying the La Boulange restaurant/bakery, so I'd say we are required to check that out.

I literally can't read anything on my recording napkin except for "bunbo" and "cat acne" and somehow I hesitate to call them endorsements.  But I can report we had 2 delightful runs last week, starting in the same place but covering completely different territories.

Help wanted:  person who can type and run (not necessarily at the same time) to serve as co-contributor to this blog/list.  Reply to: roye.werner@gmail.com.  It's fun - really!

July 4 (7:30 am) AND July 6 (7 am) Runs: Both starting at Commonplace Coffee on Forbes, for simplicity

Hope that title wasn't too confusing - usually the holiday run comes after the regular Sunday run, but not this time.  So, this Friday, July 4 at 7:30 am from Commonplace.  (And possibly also this Friday, July 4 at 5:30 am for the early-bird weekday runners who just pop awake at 5 every Wed. and Fri.)  And, of course the 7 am Sunday run, let's also make it from Commonplace, because this is already a mess and we really don't want to complicate it any further.

Last week was graciously hosted by Aimee and took us through the Squirrel Hill streets and byways that we never see - Parish Lane, Holyrood St., Kipling St., the house that Willa Cather lived in - followed by coffee, etc. at Aimee's beautifully renovated home where we were joined by Larry and Greta, got some excellent home renovation ideas, and of course had the usual informative gabfest and endorsed:

• TSA Pre - get into the special fast lane at the airport!  You can apply or it seems to sometimes happen to some of us now automatically - possibly because middle aged women in pink Mizunos don't fit the terrorist profile
• Cantaloupes from Costco - tasted at Aimee's - perfect!
• HelpX - volunteer work exchange overseas where Jan is heading right now!
• Drinkable Book Project - from Wendy, and I'm embarrassingly late on this one so we missed the fundraising deadline, but still important to know about.
• Books:  

• Cut me loose: sin and salvation after my ultra-Orthodox girlhood by Leah Vincent (from Pittsburgh) - this set off a local firestorm in the Jewish Chronicle when it came out
• Cooked by Michael Pollan - anyone who cooks will love to read how that activity forms the entire basis of civilization

June 29 Run: Aimee's run from her house at 5557 Woodmont, plus coffee and treats!

Next Sunday Aimee invites us to coffee and goodies in her newly renovated kitchen, after a run she's also cooked up starting at her house at 5557 Woodmont in Squirrel Hill.  If you feel like bringing more yummy stuff, it will also be welcome.

My task now is to find some way to cover two action-packed runs and two info-packed group confabs in condensed form, so as not to write forever.  Here goes:

Two Sundays ago:
Route:  Starting and ending at the William Penn Hotel, aka Reid's and my residence until we get kicked out.  (We are in love with staying here, having been prepared for it many years ago by Eloise.) Ran through some festival highlights: giant Renoir dancing couple in PPG Place

; 1000-t-shirts dipping into the water at Point State Park; Liberty Ave lined with rainbow "Be Brave" banners; arrival at the fountain at the moment it was turned on; ditto the start of the Man Up Father's Day 10K.  Congratulated Yi on his first Father's Day!  Also on his post-doc at U. Chicago!  Where we will miss him but he promises he'll be back soon.

Last Sunday:
Route:  Strip to Washington's Landing and back. Carefully observed the 5 minute rule!  Which allowed us to meet up with the valiant run-to-the-runners near the start; then over the river and through the woods to the tip of the island and back along the trail to the 14th St. Bridge - all the way drinking in the shimmering Allegheny in the early summer light, trying not to trip over the multitudes of bunnies that are hopping around everywhere. Rewarded finally with abundant warm almond meles (no sharing this time I noticed) and the discovery of Colangelo's almond polenta cake - also catering.

Combined endorsements - it will take you all summer to get through these -
La Hutte Royal in Troy Hill - amazing secret artist project
Sally Hanson's Insta-Dri Top Coat
But also gel with Lynn from Pearl Nail Salon 
The "share garden" on Wilkins Ave. near Beechwood
Vaseline (wrote this down but not sure why)
Cafe Granita - now at La Prima!
Dona Jo Active Wear - Pittsburgh/Brazilian entrepreneur with very cool pants.  But are they pants or tights? Teen vs. Dad showdown.
Watching the World Cup on Univision - free on your computer and the announcers are wild
Kohinoor Indo-Pak Cuisine - super-recommended
Superior Motors - new Braddock restaurant by Kevin Sousa - about to open
Pittsburgh movies:  Out of This Furnace? Actually Valley of Decision with Gregory Peck, vs. Out of The Furnace with Christian Bale
Cures for plantar fasciitis:  the boot and the sock
The Under-the-Counter Composter that can save your marriage

June 22 Run: strip run starting at 21st and liberty parking lot

(Sorry - have had a distracting week and am writing this on my phone so I have no idea how it will look.)  Run is planned to make a circuit of Washington's Landing but anything is possible.  More news and endorsements next week - also photos (hint:  if you have them please send!)

June 15 Run: Omni William Penn Hotel downtown main entrance

Writing this from the Wm. Penn Hotel lobby under one of the three grand chandeliers, everyone is invited to start the run from my temporary (2 weeks) home here, which is awesome!  We'll start outside the front entrance, visit the newly opened Mellon Square across the street, and then run around the 3 Rivers Arts festival grounds, etc.  Speaking of the latter, let's hope the rain holds off.  Coffee in the lobby and perhaps we'll get to visit with our friend Darrell!

Last week at the WB Trailhead,  I am sorry to say that the 5-minute-waiting rule was sadly ignored!  It took Aimee and me a half hour of wandering the leafy trails to finally pick up a trace of that telltale raucous laughter.  But all is forgiven, especially after the sight of Yi, who came to coffee with his beautiful new baby Luke (Boteng in Chinese), about whom he said, unforgettably, "when you hold him, it's like holding the whole world."

Endorsed:
Flu shots, by our infectious disease expert, we are now convinced!
New Squirrel Hill farmers market - Sundays 9-12 in the parking lot between Beacon and Bartlett
The BOB Stroller (I think) tested by Aimee and now Yi
Free or donation yoga classes:

• Tuesdays at 6:30 at Blue Slide Park (Linda)
• Sundays at noon at Schoolhouse Yoga - Strip District location
• Sundays at 9 a.m. at Market Square downtown (LuluLemon)
• Sundays at 9:30 in Highland Park (Yoga Hive)

Namaste everyone!

June 8 Run: Wendy Bennett Trailhead for Schenley Park run

Next Sunday we'll start at the Wendy Bennett Trailhead, at the start of Overlook Drive, foot of the Schenley Oval, and lightfoot it through the leafy trails.  Remember when the road down into the park was pitch dark, forbidding as the entrance to Mordor?  Now it's so bright at 7 it might as well be mid-day.   Tempus fugit, or something.

Anyway, we had a lovely run through CMU, Oakland, and - to tell the truth, I can't recall since there was so much talking.  But whatever it was, it was a success in rounding up the rogue trio that is often missing from the Sunday runs - and now at least some of us know where they go!  Plus we got two pieces of fascinating data on the house across from Tom's:  in 1920 it was mistakenly bombed by anarchists, and today it has two exquisite red Chinese symbols flanking the door expressing double happiness in celebration of a wedding.  Despite trying I cannot think of how to connect those two, but maybe you will.  Other highlights:  we are proud to have a Zumba Instructor, a Professional Cuddler, and a soon-to-be new bride in our midst; our daughters are discovering fascinating things in foreign lands; and never let a new father change a baby's diaper in your kitchen.

Treat coming up at the June 29 run:  Aimee will lead from her house and give us coffee in her new kitchen!  More details forthcoming...

June 1 Run: corner of Aylesboro and Forbes in Squirrel Hill

A bit of nostalgia for olden days leads us to start the run at the foot of Aylesboro near Forbes, where we often began it in the past.  Where did we used to go from there?  There may have been some sketchy scrambling up a hill in Greenfield.  Well, someone will remember something, or else we'll try something completely different.

A holiday weekend means 2 runs, so we obliged, with one classic over three bridges downtown, and one ad hoc through Homewood Cemetery - fresh, green, cool, perfect.
And endorsed:

• Travels through Montana, South Dakota, Idaho
• McCormick & Schmick's (downtown) happy hour - awesome! - an RG HH there now being planned
• Marty's Market food store/restaurant on the strip
• North Park's Bicycle Cafe at The Boathouse
• Pittsburgh Obama School winning the Kelly Award Best Musical for The Wiz!
• Idea to build bike trails along the busways
• Semiannual Boden Sale Saturday May 31 at the Convention Center - think it starts at 9 but it's good to get there early - or else at 3.  Somewhat wild - be warned.

May 25 Run: Market Square downtown for 3B/3R run

Thank you Lainy for the following report and technicolor photo!

Next Sunday let’s meet downtown in Market Square for a 3 Bridges 3 Rivers run.  Monday will meet at Commonplace Coffee at 7:30 for the usual Holiday sleep-in start time.

All of the elements of a classic Pittsburgh run converged on last Sunday’s East End Runners. We had brilliant sunlight along the river trail and two bridges with sweeping views of the river and the city. We experienced the jaw clenching auditory assault of a screeching freight train in one direction, and the high intensity whiz of speeding cars on the Parkway  in the other direction.

May 18 Run: Hot Metal Bridge: start at parking lot at Bates St./2nd Ave.

Next up: Over the Hot Metal to the South Side trails, starting at the parking lot at the foot of Bates St. and 2nd Avenue

This is just a bulletin because I've been knocked out this week by the most miserable respiratory virus ever to inhabit this particular vessel, and am only entering words in between coughs.  But even the nastiest flu meets its end! at which point we'll get back to tales of weddings, travels, jobs, food, houses, books, plumbers, mah jongg, physics, etc. etc.  Can't wait!

May 11 Run: Frick Park from the entrance on Reynolds and S.Homewood

Next week:  Frick Park run from the grand entrance on Reynolds and S. Homewood.  I'm just making this up since we made no decisions, but it seems reasonable, won't interfere with Race for the Cure, and it's the only run that I will run to (from 4 blocks away.)  Someone will come up with a plan, and the park should be in early springtime glory.  Of course, to all you Racers, we're with you in spirit.

Today we covered the Chatham campus, circled around much of Shadyside, and came back up what seemed like endless Hills of the Squirrel.  Theme of this run turned out to be the hip compact passive and super-sustainable houses that are tucked away among the sprawling Edwardian mansions, whose garages are bigger than said houses.  After our heating bills this year, we sort of fell in love with them.

Perhaps it was the happy return of Janet today that inspired us at coffee to go back to one of our favorite topics:  the Pittsburgh Public Schools and our hopes for them.  We sighed over the demise of Schenley (and its fabulous musicals), but were cheered by Sharon's thumbs-up for the Obama IB School.  Another fave subject - wedding locales - also on the docket.  That our group has gone from picking kindergartens to picking mother-of-the-bride outfits is kind of mind-blowing.
Looking forward to reports from Marathoners!

Endorsed:
More reportage on Tiny Houses from none other than Eve Andrews (forgive a doting parent)
New hip bar in East Liberty - from the people behind Bar Marco
Jamie Oliver's (!) Cooking Club at the Obama School  - also related to Bar Marco
Showing up at the County Council voting meeting on Tuesday night (details here) to protest fracking in our parks (thanks Pam and Chris for the alert)

May 4 Run: Back to Commonplace Coffee in Squirrel Hill due to Marathon

Sure doesn't feel like May - what is this, Canada?  Oh, right - if it were, we'd have universal health insurance...

Back to the issue at hand:  since we have numerous Marathon Men and Women in the group, the rest of us  slackers will take off from our default location, Commonplace Coffee on Forbes to parts unknown.

Last week was a Lawrenceville run, led by moi, so I'm fairly biased - but it was awesome.  It included:
a spontaneous visit (suggested by David) to the wild scene of Art All Night in a giant warehouse - admittedly a bit bleary in the morning light despite the sounds of heavy metal in the background
a sylvan trail along the river leading to the requisite bushwhacking across the railroad tracks
rays of sun lighting up the legendary stained glass pictures of Pittsburgh industry in the old bank building on Butler St. (now PNC)
blocks of adorable Victorian row houses, culminating in this mind-blowingly decorated one (see photos)
tour of stunning Allegheny Cemetery with a brand new walkway complete with Bambi and friends
coffee at the super-hip Expresso a Mano where I ran into the chef of E2 getting her morning brew

AND endorsing
the amazingly quick return of Sarah!
documentary Finding Vivian Maier at the Harris
using the rubber bands that supermarkets put on broccoli to exercise your hands and fingers
New York Times tells us yet again that running is the best - this time for your skin
Evolve Mod Hair salon in Lawrenceville

NOT endorsing
edible marijuana
UPMC insurance cutoffs - taking us back to:  Canada!

April 27 Run: Lawrenceville sights starting at Butler and 37th

Well, at least it's not Friday.

Having been captivated by the streets of Lawrenceville last week, I'll lead a run (4.73 miles for you marathon trainees) which will start (and end!) at the Expresso a Mano coffeehouse at Butler and 37th, essentially running around in circles to see them.  We'll hit the trail by the river and much of the cemetery.  And the outside of the most unusually decorated house ever seen.

I imagine there will be a run-to-the-run - so write in if you're organizing -

Last week was Easter Sunday, and a surprising number of us got up before the Easter bunny to run through Homewood Cemetery - where we lamented the sad news of the demise of the public gardens - and Frick Park.   We then grabbed most of the seats at the Coffee Tree, where there were too many conversations to keep track of, but these endorsements surfaced:

• NPR podcasts - including the TED Radio Hour
• Maple Parsnip Cake for Passover or anytime - and Wendy's astounding news that baking powder is kosher for Passover!  I tell you it has rocked my world.
• City of Asylum in the Mexican War Streets
• And most enthusiastically, the Scratch and Dent at Sears, which I now see can be incorporated into Sunday's run - we'll try!

April 20 Run: Commonplace Coffee on Forbes in Squirrel Hill

(Please fire me from this job:  somehow I turn around and it's Friday!)

So next week, after several adventures, we are having a comforting familiar run from Commonplace Coffee on Forbes in Squirrel Hill - since it's Easter and also the 6th day of Passover, maybe we can involve some ecumenical theme.  Also apparently "Look Alike Day" and the beginning of "Organize Your Files Week" so we can throw that into the mix.  Or maybe just bask in the long-lost 70 degree weather. 

Our adventure last Sunday was to circle around: the 40th St. Bridge (with its adorable painted state seal decorations), the many sights of Millvale, the Millvale Rowing Center (Anne Jane probably in the vicinity), the 3 Rivers Heritage Trail, the 31st. St. Bridge, the warehouses of Penn Ave., the Roberto Clemente museum, and the adorable storefronts of Butler Street in Lawrenceville.   Millvale was especially picturesque, as we visited the church with the Maxo Vanka murals (which we couldn't see, but here they are courtesy of internet magic), numerous hippie-style community gardens, a genuine French Bakery, the astounding furniture store across the street

(this photo does no justice at all to the blindingly shiny acrylic contents), the original Pamela's (at which we still have to commit to a future post-run breakfast), Mr. Small's, etc., etc.  Then back to Squirrel Hill for another coffee from which I had to exit before noting the usual words of wisdom - more next time!

April 13 run: Millvale run starting at Butler and 40th St. RiteAid parking lot in Lawrenceville

Next run was inspired by Aimee and will be around and about Millvale, starting in Lawrenceville at the corner of 40th St. and Butler, RiteAid parking lot.  It turns out that the newest contingent of runners has no recollection of a Millvale run - I thought "how could that be?" until I did a blog search and found out that we did it in... 2008, as described then by Anne Jane:
After a sharp but short uphill we arrived at St. Nicholas Croatian Catholic Church where we stopped for an all too short look at the murals:  We continued through Millvale proper where we took in some of the local sites (Mr Smalls , Jean Marc Chatellier's Bakery and the new Pamela's Diner). Although many of us were "knackered" due to the heat and humidity we agreed it was a special run and made plans for a run that would start (and end at) the diner!
Hey, what an idea!  Apparently opens at 8 - we can decide en route, though we'd have to run back to our cars after loading up on pancakes. Or.. run back to the cars first and just drive over.  Let's see.

Last week we were finally all treated to Michele's full-of-surprises run through Frick Park, Regent Square, Edgewood, up to and almost including the back of the K-Mart Parking Lot (one foot in just to get another RG trespass credit.) Previous attempts had been foiled by icy and glacial conditions, but this third time was the charm, in fact totally charming, as it had the miraculous effect of tying parts of the city together in completely unexpected ways through hidden steps and alleys.
Delightful round-up again at the 61B, endorsing:

• Maintenance of brain functioning - a good idea. How? Who knows, but there was this Nun Study...
• Mah Jongg - might help
• Grey hair - does not help
• Pond's Cold Cream - used by our grandmothers
• Penguins who recognize voices
• Using your French Press plus a microwave and a whisk to froth milk
• The people who give out sample delicacies at Costco
• a FREE HAIRCUT (see below) - which at least takes us somewhat back to brain - or head - functions - am a bit worried about the disconnectedness of this list -

Special offer arriving via Michele (whose own haircuts are super-chic:)  
Days available are Sunday and Monday (Sunday is pretty full but there is lots of room on Monday)
South side Salon - 1700 East Carson.  These are one hour appointments for a full haircut - trims are acceptable.
My hairdresser, Jeffrey, needs 30 "models", which means heads of hair.  It is not a fashion show or competition.  Philip Pelusi has a haircutting philosophy called Volumetrics.  The people that will be doing the haircuts are experienced salon owners and other hairdressers from out of town, who will be demonstrating their knowledge of Volumetrics.  It won't be a sales pitch.  He just needs your head!
If you are interested call Tracy at 412-488-6618.  I think the Monday session is at 11:00 AM.

April 6 Run: Return to Regent Square, 61B Cafe on Braddock

(Sorry about that last blank message - fingers slipped)

This Sunday Michele has offered to introduce some surprise features in this Regent Square run starting at the newly discovered 61B cafe on Braddock.  We can only hope that FINALLY we won't be discouraged by a major ice storm.

Last week, my personal example of RG synchronicity at the downtown run: last minute discovery of no car - caught the 71C bus from Pt. Breeze at 6:50 - got off at Smithfield at 7:20 - headed past the Wm. Penn (saw Darryl) - then a pit stop at the Greyhound Bus Station (nice facilities) - over to the underground pathway at the Convention Center - emerging riverside at the exact moment that the group was passing directly across the river (clearly spotted due to Sandy's dayglo jacket) and met halfway across the 7th St. Bridge.  Enough said.

The usual delightful gabfest at La Prima (though only apricot meles available) with the following endorsements:

• New stuff happening with the Eaglets, involving tasty dead mice and fish - am seeing 2 babies at this moment - though evidently there are 3 - adorable
• "Race" exhibit at the Carnegie - will change the way we look at everyone
• Ability of Lainy to, Mountie-like, get her man: one Israeli audiologist in a sea of 7000.
• Romantic Valentine's Day surprise visits

March 30 Run: Back to the Strip - start at parking lot at Liberty and 21st St.

Anticipating the views downtown, the yummy pastries, and maybe a relief from hills, we'll head back to the Strip on Sunday, parking in the usual lot at Liberty and 21st.  Runners-to-the-run: write in to make arrangements.

Last week we returned to our familiar Schenley Park run - still monochromatic which was comforting in a way; next time we're there green things will be starting up all over the place, urging us to get moving already.  Nothing against springtime - but there's something to be said for being allowed to curl up in a blanket a while longer.  Hmmm - that was not really in the runner's spirit - I take it back.

The usual lively chat followed of course with numerous observations/endorsements:

• Joined at the hip - or the hand - or the brain - with our smartphones - reminding me of Philip Pullman's His Dark Materials trilogy and its daemons - an awesome read
• The Smithsonian Channel - free and excellent
• All Things Disney, then and now - how did it get to be so powerful for 50+ years?  Do underground tunnels have anything to do with it?
• Standing desks from Varidesk
• Final episode of Downton - esp. the romance downstairs

March 23 Run: Wendy Bennett Trailhead at Schenley Park (see below for map)

With hopes of spring, an earlier sunrise, and not too much mud, we return to the Wendy Bennett Trailhead and Schenley Park for our next run.

We had a refreshing and comfortable run last week through Regent Square and Frick Park, and will give 2 more thumbs up for the 61B Cafe and its provisions.  Which may have had an intoxicating effect since they inspired napkin scribblings so incoherent that I can only transcribe them:

• cellphone addiction
• prayer rooms
• new jobs
• nightmares
• classics
• immigrants
• Las Vegas, Ventriloquist Terry Fator, the Hoover Dam and Pinball Hall of Fame (this I know comes from Lainy)
• Mini M&M boxes that hold quarters perfectly (Teri figured this out)
• The famous day of the RG Ice Storm and Aimee's heroism
• Woman Caves with nail polish, yoga, cappuccinos, and flowered dishes
• radioactive Fiestaware "not safe but cool" according to Jan
• The idea that we should get continuing ed credits for this

March 16 Run: Dunning's Bar and Grill on Braddock Ave., Regent Square

March 9 Run: Strip run from 21st and Liberty parking lot

The almond meles at Colangelo's are calling us again to the Strip, so we'll start at the 21st and Liberty parking lot and head downtown, cross a few bridges, and return to La Prima and inhale those delightful smells - at least I think that was the plan.  (Someone might want to call ahead to avoid the heartbreak of no pastry.)

We skirted the edge of the snowstorm by getting out early and followed a pretty clear path over the Hot Metal and along the river to where the Eagle Has Landed in Hays - and actually saw him or her take off over our heads.  We were pretty sure we made out the nest, though a hazy reality was trumped by the much clearer photo on Pam's phone.  By the time we reached our cars, everyone's hair was frosted.  Back at Commonplace Coffee we settled into the warm interior as the snow swirled outside - talked books, arts, wildlife, travel - how civilized is that?
Endorsed:

• Alice Hoffman's book Museum of Extraordinary Things - which inspired Pam to call our attention to (I think) the Center for PostNatural History in Garfield, featuring things like "atomic age rodents."
• Pittsburgh Ballet Theater's Ketubah
• Jet lag treatments:  Ambien, melatonin, sour cherries (will report on the latter next week.)

March 2 Run: start at parking lot at Bates St./2nd Ave. near Hot Metal Bridge

We'll start at the parking lot at the foot of Bates St. and go over the Hot Metal Bridge and check out the state of the trails on the other side - that will determine which way we go - though I admit to wanting to visit the eagles nest again (towards Sandcastle) now that they have produced another egg - come on, in this weather - those birds are heroic!  Not sure of coffee location.

Last week with the surfaces finally clear we had a nice run based on the standard weekday route - Squirrel Hill, golf course, CMU, Oakland, back to Commonplace, proving there is no place like home.  Except maybe - Tahiti is sounding good right now.  Conversation turned towards career and job changes - leading to perhaps a super endorsement of the revelatory Women don't ask - read it and don't weep - ask!

Feb. 16 Run: Coffee Tree on Walnut Street in Shadyside

Sent in by Elaine yesterday:

We had a delightful, albeit icy, run this morning. From Biddle’s Escape we took the back roads through Wilkinsburg into Homewood and past some grand homes throughout Point Breeze. Let’s just say that we were not nearly as graceful on the ice as the Olympic Skaters seem to be. Let’s hope for a bit of a melt before we head out next Sunday….when we meet in Shadyside at the Coffee Tree. We’ll do a loop taking in some of the new construction/development projects in East Liberty/Friendship/Bloomfield.

Feb. 9 Run: starts at Biddle's Escape at 401 Biddle Ave. (off of Braddock)

Next Sunday we go back to the adorable Biddle's Escape cafe (map), and will undoubtedly run around the Wilkinsburg-Swissvale-Regent Square area, though exactly how has yet to be determined.  Any ideas will be gratefully entertained.

As I am on the DL for a bit, I can't report on last week's run except to say, there were an amazing number of brave runners willing to endure the miserable freezing drizzle outside, even more than were cozily and chattily gathered in the 61C (pictured) by the time I got there.  Talk of trains, taxis, pets, and the Steel City Road Runners.  A few endorsements:

• Books: In the Shadow of the Banyan; Five Days at Memorial: Life and Death in a Story-Ravaged Hospital
• Our own Roberto Clemente Museum
• Uber taxis
• The concept of the "single-serving friendship" - when you meet someone on a train or plane, and... that's it.
• Late addition (discovered by Reid) - Webcam on the eagle's nest in Hays that we've visited at least twice now. Talk about enduring the freezing drizzle!)

Feb. 2 Run: 61C cafe, corner of Murray and Bartlett, Squirrel Hill

We're fans of the franchise - after two weeks at the 61B, we're heading back to the 61C cafe on Murray and Bartlett (around the corner from Commonplace) and will probably do a variation of the Bird Run, named for some birds who are no longer there.  In this way we are continuing the cherished Pittsburgh tradition of following "things that are not there anymore."

Bravely, last Sunday Virginia and Michele led the same surprise-filled Regent Square run, but due to the cold and snow, there was another small turnout.  So we'll rerun this run in the spring when there will be less weather discouragement.  The cafe is definitely cozy spot and conducive to long juicy chats.  And this time we noticed the luscious-looking range of baked goods.  Wendy offered us  captivating tales of their son's off-the-charts NY/NJ wedding - which we realized was the last in a series for us, to be followed by a baby series - knitters, start your needles!

Endorsements!
Wild Swans - memoir of 3 generations of Chinese women during the Cultural Revolution
The Bata Shoe Museum in Toronto
An alternative to Spanx (which are dangerous!) - Costco's Tummy-Toning Tanks, which are currently out of stock but Michele will see to it they return soon, along with more hand warmers
AND - send this out to all your friends - the Kosher Love Song from the Bennett/Coulson wedding, lyrics by David, sung by the extremely handsome groom.

Jan. 26 Run: repeat of last week: corner of S. Braddock and Hutchinson in Regent Square

The icy streets, barbarous cold, special events, and who knows what else kept almost everyone away from the run last week, which was so new and clever that we just have to do it again next week so more people can experience it.  So we're meeting in Regent Square at S. Braddock and Hutchinson, and will gather at the new 61B cafe afterwards.

It was just a hardy threesome that made the trek, leaders Virginia and Michele and the intrepid Sarah.  I wimped out myself and made a "run to the coffee" (which has its charms.)  Mum's the word on the run, so it will be a surprise next time.  Ensconced in the cozy new 61B, such is the effervescence of the RG that even the four of us could easily come up with some great endorsements:

• Superior Motors - new community restaurant in Braddock, brainchild of chef Kevin Sousa, to open in 2015, having raised 1/3 million $$ from Kickstarter in 33 days.
• Episode on This American Life about a very special "hold" music, called Opus #1.
• Do NOT miss, if you are not one of the 20+ million people who have listened/watched so far, Pharell Williams' 24 Hours of Happy - so mesmerizing and contagious, you will also dance in the street.

Jan. 19 Run: Regent Square - corner of Braddock Ave. and Hutchinson

Next up:  a Regent Square run,  possibly Edgewood, Swissvale, Frick Park?  Virginia said she would show us something, but I can't remember what so it will be a surprise.  We start at the corner of Braddock and Hutchinson.  New coffee place - 61B in Regent Square!

It's always a little iffy starting off on a run when we don't know where we are going, especially on a day as dreary as this one, but the one on Sunday (with help from Virginia) turned out to be quite perfect - ranging over architecturally captivating territory full of discoveries.  We began with a small gathering on the sidewalk on W. North - right next to another hardy group in front of the Light of Life Mission - then up and down many Mexican War Streets, with their fetching old attached houses looking like a movie set - probably have been several - over to the quainter and grander Allegheny West neighborhood - through the park to quirky Deutschtown - up past Allegheny General to the Fineview Fitness Trail, with another steptrek taking us way above the city, past a hidden mini-labyrinth, and finally to the heartbreakingly named corner of Compromise and Hemlock Sts. and of course the eponymous fine view.

In addition to endorsing the comfy Crazy Mocha cafe where we started out, we liked:
- Optic White toothpaste - really works!
- a tip for drying wet sneakers - stuff them with newspaper
- sneakers? tennies? trainers? running shoes? Keds? Cons?
- more tips from the venerable Hints from Heloise - illustrated by our own David C.
- Sarah's Twitter Tutorial:  we need more but it was a great start
- Breadworks - where we convened after coffee and got an amazing 2-for-1 deal on thrillingly crisp and toothsome fresh-baked walnut raisin loaves
- the fact that we added 2 more neighborhoods to our list: Fineview and California-Kirkbride (am counting the Breadworks side trip.)
- I have to add one more thing - found on the Hints for Heloise website - speaks for itself -

Jan. 12 Run: Mexican War Streets on Northside, starting at Federal and E. North Ave.

Sunday's run starts and ends at the Crazy Mocha coffeehouse on the Northside - a block down from Allegheny General Hospital on the corner of Federal St. and E. North Ave.  There should be parking on the street.  We'll tour the Mexican War Streets, but in our quest to cover all neighborhoods, perhaps we can also sneak into Fineview and California/Kirkbride which may be still untouched.  No plan yet, so if anyone wants to devise one, let us know.  And might I suggest that post-coffee, anyone with a car might want to stop at Breadworks Bakery close by on Brighton Ave. - it opens at 8, and has a giant selection of their famous fabulous breads cheaper than anywhere else.

Two runs to cover last week, New Year's day had a good turnout (perhaps this is an indictment of our partying skills) and the only thing I recall is that we had a surprisingly homey time at Dunkin' Donuts (right.)

Sunday, Karen stepped up and led a delightful Highland Park tour, involving a hidden street with the Hobbit house (left), frozen swimming pools, a stairmaster sequence, a footbridge, and warm scones at Tazza D'oro.  So we have at least double the endorsements:

• Films:
• Run for your life - New York Marathon story
• Veep - Julia Louis Dreyfus one step away from the nuclear button
• Lilyhammer - The Sopranos meet Kristin Lavransdatter
• The Killing - crime drama also related to a Nordic land
• Blackfish - "mesmerizing psychological thriller with a killer whale at its centre" 
• I Sodi restaurant in NYC - found years ago by Teri
• a party card game:  cards against humanity - weirdness with laughing
• the word "bollard" - advancing further in our vocabulary development thanks to PtB
• life in Montana where it's so cold that your ear can snap off (maybe the opposite of endorsed)
• Yiddish - we need more of it in our lives - try the magnetic poetry
• Bear Paw boots - forget those leaky Uggs, these keep you warm

We need those today!  Stay warm everyone -

Jan. 5 Run: Tazza D'oro on Highland Ave., whither we don't know---and don't forget: New Year's Day run, from Starbucks on Forbes, 7:30 a.m.

First runs of 2014!  Jan. 1, a holiday run from Starbucks on Forbes & Shady at 7:30, then Jan. 5,  starting in Highland Park at Tazza D'oro at 7 of course - any inspirational routes or themes will be entertained.

Last week is all a blur - I don't know about you, but my brain is not computing these on-again, off-again holidays - what day is it again?  But we did have a perfectly wintry Christmas run all through Smithfield and Homewood cemeteries where Wendy and David (through the group mind-meld) somehow knew where to find us.  Then on Sunday, dripping and dreary as it was, a trio of us (Lainy ran up in time for coffee) splashed through Oakland's dark ramshackle streets, making our detour into the soaring bright holiday-festooned Cathedral of Learning almost a religious experience.

The whole thing felt quite deliciously Dickensian (PtB may have something to say about that) bringing us to our endorsements:

• (This is mine.) The Royal Shakespeare Company's 8-hour theater production of Dickens' Life and Adventures of Nicholas Nickleby - truly one of the great stage experiences of all time - filmed at the Old Vic to be telecast here in 1983 - is on YouTube.  Broken up in to 8 episodes, but all the same, completely divine.  And you can see it on your TV screen using Roku or AppleTV.  What a world we live in.
• (This is Lainy's.) The Paradise - Victorian TV drama - sounds like the perfect chaser.

Dec. 29 Run: Peet's Coffee on 3619 Forbes Ave. in Oakland and don't forget Xmas holiday run: 7:30 a.m. Commonplace

Next up:  First, Xmas run tomorrow 7:30 a.m. at our default spot, Commonplace Coffee in Squirrel Hill.  And on Sunday:  Oakland area run starting at Peet's Coffee, 3619 Forbes in Oakland, off of Atwood.

Glad tidings!  As a very special treat for the season, the report on last week comes courtesy of Lainy, our bard in residence: 

T’was the run before Christmas and all through the town

The runners were waking to rain coming down

With temperatures rising alongside the sun

The rainfall was heavy and dampened the fun

The plan was a flat one, on Walnut to meet

Outside of the Coffee Tree… patter of feet

First Sarah and Lainy, then Sandy and Yi 

But soon it was clear they were all there would be.

No Wendy or Paulas, no Karen nor Roye,

Just FOUR East End Runners, all ready for joy.

They loitered, they waited, for hopes there’d be more

By 10 after seven, they wondered “what for?”

On Walnut they headed toward mansions on Fifth,

To gaze at a manor all wrapped like a gift!

Then down Panther Hollow, more modest abodes

And up a steep staircase to Oakland’s back roads.

Now Tom should not read this, of this I must WARN

For then…a spontaneous route change was born

See, Sandy, it turns out, had yet to discover

The most beloved Shrine of the Sweet Blessed Mother.

So onward the foursome did head in a line

To take in the Queen of the Parkway Shrine

As always, a treat full of awe and some wonder

The sky remained grey with some rain, but no thunder.

Now back into Oakland and towards the Cathedral

(And now comes the trespass that wasn’t quite legal)

Though fire alarms flashed and speakers spewed warnings,

We’re used to the Cathedral being open most mornings

Now, back at the Coffee Tree others arrived

And into the ritual chatter we dived

We spoke of good movies, and holiday treats

And next week the run starts in Oakland at PEET’s!

In keeping with Christmas Day rituals and rites

We’ll meet at the Starbucks, in jackets and tights

Not ‘til 7:30 (you get to sleep in)

Then promptly the Christmas Day Run will begin.

But meanwhile we hope that the week will bring fun,

Merry Christmas to all and to all a good RUN!

Dec. 22 Run: Shadyside run starting at Coffee Tree on Walnut St.

Next run by popular demand will stay away from hills (not easy) by running through Shadyside - starting at the Coffee Tree on Walnut St. - visiting shop windows and upscale holiday decorations, especially the Giant Bow on the Mansion on Fifth.  

Our last run was quite a story - in fact many of them - told to us with panache by Bellman and Jazzman Par Excellence, Darryl Cann, who not only knows everything that's happened in the Omni William Penn Hotel during its long, celebrity-filled history, but has riveting tales to tell about them, and in fact is a local celeb himself.  Of course Lainy recruited him for The Moth - where he would undoubtedly carry the day.  Highlight:  fabulous outdoor jazz serenade - pictured.  

That all took place inside and out of the glorious hotel lobby - all gold and glitter for the holidays - which was the start and end of our run (well, with a number of stops) visiting many Christmas trees - giant (City-County Building), historical (corner of the old Horne's, now Highmark), and really weird (The Fairmont)  - and of course the magnificent life-size creche, where we briefly considered posing on the steps, but thought that we'd better not add sacrilege to trespass - and many cute shop windows - and, miracle of miracles, the Sound Sculpture on Strawberry Way, which is making sounds again!  For a while we melded with the Fleet Feet Runners, who once again showed up in our route - are they reading our blog?

Coffee of course in that sumptuous lobby - with the knowledge (learned earlier) that on one of the upper floors, the entire Steelers team was probably still asleep:  Troy was in the house!  What a morning.  Maybe next Sunday we will actually do some running.

Endorsements:

• Darryl Cann, of course, who also hosts and plays jazz at events: canndarryl@yahoo.com
• New running shoe store:  Up 'N Running, out by Rte. 8
• The Speakeasy - reopened after decades hiding out in the Wm. Penn basement
• Etsy and Ravelry - who knew there were so many creative people out there?
• AND - one more chance!  Max is having another jewelry and craft sale by local artisans (and herself) at her home at 1411 Severn St., Squirrel Hill this FRIDAY DECEMBER 20TH 4-8pm.

Dec. 15 Run: Omni William Penn entrance on Wm. Penn Place for annual Dahntahn holiday run

Ho ho ho! Time for the annual downtown holiday run to visit the festive decorations, and since I just had an inspiration for the most elegant coffee venue ever - the Starbucks adjoining the Omni William Penn lobby - not to mention the most opulent public bathroom - let's meet at the entrance on Wm. Penn Place.  There should be plenty of on street parking thereabouts.  Unfortunately after yesterday the celebratory black & gold will be minimal :-( but as always there will be much to gaze at: at least 8 trees, and maybe since Hanukah is over we will be spared those truly tacky menorahs (get it together, Chabad!)

On Sunday, after peering into an icy Frick Park and thinking better of it, our cohort of 17 (!) headed out to the streets - first stop: the adorable lighted star decorations around the house at Hastings and Selwyn, where they soon went dark probably as a result of our raucousness. We promise not to do it again, nice artistic people!  Later: the dawn view of more twinkling city lights from the heights of the Chatham campus - luckily nobody there to wake up.

Back at Commonplace, we endorsed:

• Wendy's hair
• Jan's dog
• The Moth - this Tuesday night at 8!
• JFGI (this acronym contains explicit language)
• A trip to Chicago
• A trip to Marblehead
• Mysteries later to be revealed by group members
• The West Wing
• Apple TV
• adorable baby Greta - now on her feet!  Soon to be running!
• return of the Buffs - do you know of any other headgear referred to as "endless fun"? Our very own version coming soon...

How do I remember all this?

Dec. 8 Run: Frick Park entrance at Reynolds and S. Homewood

On Sunday, Karen has offered to lead through the late fall scenery of Frick Park at dawn - grey, melancholy, quiet - until we get there in our dayglo shoes and start talking.  Meet at the stone entrance next to the rotary at Reynolds and S. Homewood.

Our last run took us through the concrete jungle of Waterfront parking lots and railroad tracks, until we finally reached the bike trail site of Pittsburgh famous eagles' nest.  No eagles spotted, but Lainy did scope out an exit from the Glenwood Bridge which we can use another day.  We are here (photo by Pam) taking note of our quick sojourn in the neighborhood of Hays, and have at least a hopeful intention to record all of them, like the artist Virginia told us about.  Ummm, looking at that list, this may require several generations.  But it's good to have a goal.

Enjoyed a cozy coffee hour tucked into a corner of the Waterfront Starbucks, where we pondered how everything old is new again (i.e cloth diapers, yoga) and endorsed:

• The Barnes Foundation in Phila.
• Women taking a break from family on a solo vacation (like they reportedly do regularly in Norway?)
• Norway
• Free online Harvard course on Science & Cooking (who wants to do this together?)