November 3 Run: Meet at North Park Boathouse parking lot & change your clocks!

Sunday let's venture out to the 'burbs for a nice change of scenery.  Meet at North Park's Boathouse for a loop around the park. Don't forget to make your clocks fall back an hour on Saturday night!

Last week, Virginia and her LED-glowing ankle light brightened up a dark morning, and the rain stopped just in time for the run!  She led us through the Halloween-decked out streets of Regent Square and we saw some really great displays.  Photos to follow.  Coffee by Biddle Street and pastries by Madeleine's rounded out a perfect morning.

October 27 Run: Start at Biddle's Escape for a Wilkinsburg/Regent Square Halloween Run

We'll meet at Biddle's Escape (401 Biddle Ave.) for our annual visit to extravagantly creepy scenes in that neighborhood.  Let's access our inner witches and cast some spells.  Away with toil and trouble!  After this week we'll need that.  All for now - hope to see you on Sunday!

Oct. 20 Run: Meet at Tazza D'Oro at 1125 N. Highland Ave.

We haven't been to Highland Park since May, so it's time to return! Meet at Tazza D'Oro  at 1125 N. Highland (7 am, don't forget) and we'll head somewhere from there.

Last week:  We traversed the quaint back streets of the South Side Flats, coming back on the trail with a view of a glowing sunrise (photo 1) and finished with perfectly made cappuccinos at Big Dog with a view of Lainy's custom dog socks (that's HER dog - photo 2.)
Don't miss:

• Book:  Commander-in-Cheat, How Golf Explains Trump
• Food:  Cranberry Walnut Bread from Costco
• Half-marathon:  Buffalo Creek
• (Almost) free tickets:  SeatStir
• Archive:  The Wayback Machine (OK, I'm a librarian, but you have to try this.) 

October 13 Run: Meet at Big Dog Coffee, 2717 Sarah Street, on the South Side

Wow - this week got away, so just a bulletin here: let's meet at Big Dog Coffee, 2717 Sarah Street, on the South Side.  We can do our own StepTrek up the stairs, or else go back to that new trail to Hazelwood on the other side of the Hot Metal Bridge - or anywhere really.
See you there!

October 6 Run: Wendy Bennett Trailhead

We made no specific plans on Sunday, so we'll head back to the Wendy Bennett Trailhead in Schenley Park (corner of Overlook Drive and Greenfield Ave. - here's a map) and see if we want to head down that dark path into the woods (as in the fairy tales) or over the bridge to Greenfield. 

Last week a few of us who didn't feel great enough for the Great Race headed into Frick Park and then luxuriated in the Pittsburgh-on-the-Seine ambiance of Madeleine's under the trees.  However, I'm leaving out the inspirational Sarah, who truly is greater than the Great Race, as she ran up to join us BEFORE running it afterwards.  See below, with some of our other racers (and offspring!)

Highly recommended:
Books:  The Nickel Boys, The Testaments, and Educated
Movie: Fair Game
TV: Cable Girls, Derry Girls

September 29 Run: Biddle's Escape, 401 Biddle Ave., Wilkinsburg

Sunday is the Great Race, so for those of us who aren't racing, we'll try to avoid the street closings by meeting at old favorite Biddle's Escape, 401 Biddle Ave. in Wilkinsburg.  Run can be in any direction.  Afterwards, if the weather is fine and there are enough seats outside, we may decamp to Madeleine's down the street for the unpronounceable scrumptious Kouign-Amanns. 

Two weeks of great runs displaying the housing improvements, or gentrification (depending on how you look at it) of East Liberty and The Strip.  Either way, change is afoot. See photos below for the gorgeous grunge we visited near Railroad St. (Photo credits to Pam and Virginia.) Also, a very different scene from Carrie and Karen, after the marathon in Bar Harbor.

Pent-up endorsements:

• SO much TV (clearly we need an escape from reality):  Netflix's Unbelievable; Nurse Jackie; Fleabag's 2nd series; new seasons of the Great British Baking Show and Queer Eye, Orange is the New Black (already a classic) inspiring the thought experiment, "if you were in prison, which person would you be?" and the ultimate tranquilizer, Animal Babies.
• If you want your kids to call you, change your Netflix password.
• Fun escape read:  Where did you go, Bernadette?
• Oakland:  The Cathedral of Learning, run up the 36 flights, take the elevator down, and then sink into the consolation of the exquisite Heinz Memorial Chapel.
• Borland Garden - funky treasure discovered in the middle of East Liberty
• Farm Camps - there are a lot of these!
• Western River Expeditions Grand Canyon Tour
• Media surveillance - NOT endorsed - we're being watched endlessly
• The women warriors at Fair Districts PA

Sept. 22 Run: Meet at La Prima on 21st St. on the Strip

Short version today due to a computer meltdown.  Also a memory meltdown (perhaps related) because though I know we are meeting at La Prima on 21st on the Strip, I'm not sure why.

But we'll all see!

Parking probably best on Penn since I don't know if the parking lot off of Liberty and 21st is still legit.

Sept. 15 Run: Meet at The Detective Building, 224 N. Euclid Ave. in East Liberty

On Sunday we're going with Wendy's idea from 2 weeks ago:

How about we meet next week at the recently refurbished Detective Building (a 

few blocks from the Ace Hotel) for a run/walk around East Liberty? Then we can check out 

the coffee and treats at The Bureau, pictured below. 

                                          The Detective Bldg

                                          224 N Euclid Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15206

                                          The Bureau

Last week attracted a great crowd!  Delightful weather and the promise of the ever-better Squirrel Hill Farmer's Market may have helped.  We did the Reverse Bird Run with a dramatic detour into Frick Park to rescue Sunny the Adorable Dog.  Theme: love for our fellow creatures.

Top endorsements from the last 2 weeks:

• Upcoming Festival of Combustion at the Carrie Furnace
• Theater:  August Wilson's Gem of the Ocean, outdoors in the Hill and an all-female Julius Caesar in Pittsburgh's Shakespeare in the Parks.
• TV:  Offspring (again! - those who have seen it say "the all-time best"), Mindhunter - filmed in Pittsburgh, The Great Hack, Reese Witherspoon (in anything but you can watch Legally Blonde forever)
• Food:  Turkish Kebab House, on "restaurant row"
• Make your own yogurt - you can start with EuroCuisine yogurt maker 
• Mahjongg - we need to start our group again!  You can learn it from Dorothy at the Pittsburgh Meetup at Panera- sign up here.

Sept. 8 Run: From 61C Cafe in Squirrel Hill to parts unknown

Just a bulletin today - we're starting and coffee-ing at our old standby, the 61C Cafe in Squirrel Hill.  Maybe we'll head towards Greenfield?  We'll see. 

Last week:  The Rollercoaster Trail:

Sept. 1 Run: meet at entrance to Frick Park at Reynolds and S. Homewood at 7. Labor Day Holiday run at 7:30 at 61C Cafe in Squirrel Hill.

Ready for more forest bathing in Frick Park?  We'll meet at the entrance at Reynolds and S. Homewood at 7.  Coffee location TBD.  The Labor Day Holiday run will be as always at 7:30 at 61C Cafe in Squirrel Hill. 

Summer feels like it's over!  College students are pouring in and the inside of Target looks like a bomb went off.  I came back from the beach with a miserable cold so I can't report on last week's run, but I did manage to drag myself to coffee and of course it was worth it.  I learned:

• We're having another Happy Hour! On Tuesday, Sept. 3 at 5:45 at the Oaklander Hotel in (where else?) Oakland. Meet in the 10th floor bar.  Come even if you have never been to the run. (Actually, that's true for most of the people on this list.)
• The Pittsburgh Ghost Tour is hilarious.  Don't miss the County Mortuary.
• That funny little Greek restaurant that you've passed on 6th St. a million times on your way to the Pirates game is run by a former chef on the Onassis yacht!  And they have created a dessert called "Jackie-o's Cake" which is free if you don't like it.  A must go!  Christos Mediterranean Grille at 130 6th St. 

Aug. 25 Run: Meet at 61C Cafe for a Runner's Choice Run

We have been in so many different neighborhoods for so long, let's meet back at home base for a 61C run, where there are so many different options for routes.  1839 Murray Ave.

Last week, we started at Biddle's Escape and Virginia led us through the leafy Edgewood streets, under and over the Parkway, train tracks, and the busway.   We enjoyed the buttery treats from Madeleine's and were joined by various RG guests, which enhanced the sweetness of the pastries/coffee.

I since received notes from Wendy from the previous week's run/walk that started in Lawrenceville, so I am including them below:

İMi gente!

Yesterday, walkers enjoyed a brisk hike through secret L’ville passages (courtesy Beth) followed by some enthusiastic window shopping along Butler Street (“…like Shadyside, 40 years ago.”) In between, we toured the architecturally fascinating Hatfield Street, including Hatfield Laundry, the home of the Pittsburgh Lettering Club. At the well-attended coffee at Espresso a Mano, runners and walkers tucked into some excellent pastries during their usual Sunday morning gabfest. The discussion ranged from CHoP to Brooklyn to Target; the overall theme: female empowerment.

Stay tuned for a NEW, exciting starting location for a run/walk coming up over the next few weeks.

Aug. 18 Run: Meet at Biddle’s Escape, 401 Biddle Ave

A quick post today as I’m on vacation and forgot to take notes last week.  We had two great groups of runners and walkers starting in Lawrenceville and crisscrossing the river to Washington’s Landing for some great cooler temps and river breezes.  I don’t recall any endorsements, only the usual catching up on each other’s lives and enjoying Espresso a Mano’s great goodies, both of which count as the stuff of life.

Next week let’s keep it simple and start at another favorite spot: Biddle’s Escape.  Hope to see you there!

Aug 11 Run: Meet in Lawrenceville at espresso a mano 3623 Butler Street

Aug. 11 Run: Meet in Lawrenceville at espresso a mano  3623 Butler Street

Next run we can meet in L’ville and explore the riverfront and at least one bridge. And we'll head back to espresso a mano for coffee after.

This week on the run we had a rowdy group as we explored some of the lesser traveled streets of Shadyside and Friendship. Stately homes and urban estates were themes and then we emerged into artsy Garfield and the ever-transitioning East Liberty. Coffee was at the new (rumored to be temporary) Starbucks at Bakery Square where the formerly new apartment buildings are being shadowed by high rise office construction. Oops- there went the view out of those pricey abodes!

At coffee we discussed:

7^th edition of the Wonderland of Nature, now available on Amazon, written by our own Chris Horwitz’s Mum!

Sunday night Soul Line Dancing at Highland Park, 7pm each Sunday in August. Some of us will be there because we love the inimitable Roland Ford. Could you stand to miss this? (can you find some East End Runners in this video?)

Respectfully submitted by Elaine, filing in for Roye.

Aug. 4 Run: Meet at Mellon Park (the Spray side) parking lot, corner Beechwood and Fifth

Next run we can meet and park in the Mellon Park lot - next to the Spray Playground, corner of Beechwood and Fifth.  7 am as always.  But we'll head over to Bakery Square for coffee later at the new Starbucks - and see if by some chance it could be different from a million other Starbucks.  Actually I won't be there so don't forget to find a new blogger for a few weeks.  (Aimee, Wendy, Lainy, and Teri can all post to the blog, but everyone can send out the message.)

Last week on the South Side it was still steamy but bearable as we headed for the river trail.  On the way, we peered at the anonymous local office for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) at 3000 Sidney Street - no identifying sign, except for a flag - but the site of hundreds of heartbreaking stories.  Down on the riverside there is a sudden glut of fancy boats in marinas.  What is Pittsburgh coming to?   We also previewed the big set-up for Open Streets, which later on was a huge fiesta.  And then we experienced our future if Roboburgh has its way.

In the comfort zone of Big Dog Coffee, we discussed Mexico, appliances, cars and bikes, and teenagers:

• Kraynick's Bike Shop - appeared magically in my hour of need and totally rescued a vacation, in 30 minutes.  Plus, should be a Pittsburgh Historic Landmark.
• Books:  The Lacuna by Kingsolver, and any good bio. of Frida Kahlo
• Movies:  more Mexico: Frida - which is fascinating, and Roma - which is brilliant.
• TV - The Great Hack - we are all at risk.
• AirBNB Experiences - things to do while your staying in one! 
• The new kitchen faucet with a spray feature INSIDE.  Find it and a million more things at the Home Improvement Warehouse.
• Don's Appliances!  So much faster and easier than big box stores.  Don't let the showrooms with the high end models put you off - they carry all levels, just find them on the website.  But you have to call it Dawn's.
• Aimee is selling a Subaru - come to the run to talk to her if you're interested
• Teen trajectory:  "First it's the bar mitzvah parties, then finally the driving test."

July 28 Run: Meet at Big Dog Coffee, 2717 Sarah Street, on the South Side

It's Open Streets again, so we'll meet (at 7 am, of course) close to its route at one of our favorites, Big Dog Coffee, 2717 Sarah Street on the South Side. (This is in case anyone wants to bike or hike the Open Streets fiesta when it starts at 9.)   There should be plenty of parking on the street, and since it's outside of the route, no street closings in the way if you arrive via the Hot Metal Bridge.

Last Sunday it was STILL steamy hot, and I must say it was a relief to be one of the walkers.  So I can't speak for the runners, who made it all the way to Herr's Island and back, but they were definitely sweatier.  All evaporated as we lounged in the lovable but grungy sidewalk courtyard of the Original La Prima, (or, La Prima Primera!) downing the incomparable meles from Colangelo's next door.  A shout-out to Bella Notte down the street, for graciously letting us use their bathroom, even before they opened. Women of a certain age are grateful.

What did we talk about? A LOT, but the only things that will be recorded here are:

• Rooftop Happy Hours (we will try one of these before the winter) - Tryp Hotel, The Oaklander.  
• August will soon be here with Line Dancing at Highland Park on Sunday nights with the famous Roland Ford!  (Some of us were recorded for all time here - in the back somewhere.)
• Shakshouka, aka Eggs in Hades - great for brunch.

July 21 Run: Start at La Prima Espresso on the strip - probably best to park on Penn Ave.

It will still be pretty hot, so let's go to a place with few hills and with a river breeze - Herr's Island!  No coffee there, though, so let's start at La Prima, 21st off of Penn Ave.  Though we usually park off of Liberty Ave., the last time I was there I saw some severe NO PARKING signs, so I think we can park on Penn - it will be early enough to find spaces.

Last week we peered at a few honorary consulate residences and then just moseyed around Pt. Breeze and Squirrel Hill, stopping (we love to stop) at Howard Aiken's Sterrett School garden on the way. Highlight: celebrating Bastille Day by snarfing down croissants of various kinds in Wendy's cool bamboo-shaded yard, and heading out carrying beautiful veggies from HER garden.
Endorsements:

• Gardens!
• Kretschmann Farm CSA
• Movie:  Drum Line
• TV:  Big Little Lies (Meryl is amazing) and Aziz Ansari's apologetic Right Now
• Bathroom colors - NOT dark ones, too hard to clean mold
• Elaine's Israeli contractor for home remodeling (ask her for contact)
• David Coulson Hand Lettering and calligraphy - exquisite!

July 14 Run: Meet at 1447 Beechwood Blvd. in Squirrel Hill (off of Wilkins)

Why are we meeting at 1447 Beechwood Blvd. on Sunday?  It's Bastille Day! And that (for a reason we need to investigate) is the address of the French Honorary Consulate in Pittsburgh.  There are some clues in this article by PG columnist Brian O'Neill, who has also written a book called "The Paris of Appalachia: Pittsburgh in the 21st Century" which I think we all have to read.  And afterwards, how about cafe et croissants au chocolat at Five Points Bakery on Wilkins?  We can grab the outdoor tables, or if there's no room, just smuggle them into the 61C.

It must be admitted that, impossibly, we were all rained on in Schenley Park last Sunday.  But only at the end.  We dripped a little bit on the floor of the 61C. 
Endorsements (had some saveur francaise even then)

• Janet's umbrella - acquired at a Placenta Meeting in Paris
• US Women's Soccer!!  They had beaten the French team - then the World Cup!!
• Fall Run Park in Glenshaw - not Niagara but something
• As Bastille Day also brings to mind prisons: Pittsburgh's Lights for Liberty Vigil is Thursday evening, July 12, 7:30 pm in Schenley Plaza in Oakland - to stand with people all over the world against the horrific abuses in US detention camps.  (There is one in Paris too!) 

July 7 Run: Wendy Bennett Trailhead in Schenley Park, at Overlook Drive and Greenfield Ave.

Here's a map to the Wendy Bennett Trailhead, where we are meeting on Sunday.  Beyond that, who knows?  The urban forest beckons, full of mystery.  Coffee to follow at 61C, full of schmoozers.
Happy Fourth!

Here's how we were last week -

June 30 Run: Meet at Market Square downtown - it's Open Streets!

We'll meet at Market Square (map) downtown, at 7 as usual, because...  Open Streets starts at 9 am with Zumba  right in the Square!  But also because downtown is always a treat.  A note about parking: there is no parking on the route, and it's a pain to cross it in a car (only possible at certain points) so be sure to be on the side of Penn Ave. that you want to be.  I think our usual parking spots on Third Ave. will be fine, especially at that hour.

No time for a recap of last week on the North Side, but 3 pictures are worth a thousand words.  I just learned that we were only blocks away from the house where Gertrude 'Stein was born!  Next time...

June 23 Run: North Side run starting at Commonplace Coffee, 1501 Buena Vista St.

Coming up this week:  back to the North Side, at Commonplace Coffee, 1501 Buena Vista St. in the Mexican War Streets.  I personally am hoping to visit the statue of George Washington, the birds at the Aviary, the scenic steps up to Fineview, the corner of Compromise and Hemlock, Randyland, City of Asylum - please add your own favorites and we'll work them in.

Last week we toured around, over and next to the 3 rivers, and, on the basis of good advice, avoided running across the Parkway.  Refreshment was had on the downwind side of the fountain, and also at the new La Prima, located at yet another shiny new hotel near the Convention Center.  Who is staying at all these hotels?  Are there really tourists here?  Apart from the annual Furries Convention, I mean - which by the way is happening July 4.  We may have to plan on returning for that.

Fascinatingly disjointed conversation topics:

• The earthquake in Cleveland - last week?
• Pornographic potholders
• The Casbah Happy Hour, and its new restaurant in Aspinwall, Altavia
• Mullin's Diner in Deutschtown -- on second thought
• The Farmer's Daughter Flower Shop
• Keeping your photos on Amazon Prime
• The artichoke and lemon taco at Tako downtown
• Research a Veteran at the WW2 Museum 
• Mrs. Dalloway by Virginia Woolf, which Chris claims is about drug-induced states - I disagree! - feel free to weigh in on Sunday. 
• Tree guys - ask Sharon who she decided on

June 16 Run: Meet at the NEW La Prima on the Strip at the AC Marriott,1100 Smallman Street

On Father's Day this Sunday, we're going to try out the new La Prima (map) where you can actually sit down, though we may have to smuggle in some meles, which apparently they have not transferred.  Parking should be available on Penn Ave. or Smallman around 11th or 12th St. - free on Sunday.  Many directions offer themselves, North Shore, Pt. State Park - runners and walkers choice!

Last week was another opportunity for forest bathing in Frick Park, which just keeps staying gorgeously green.  We then had the best of both cafe worlds: world-class baked yumminess from Madeleine's and plentiful outdoor coffee drinking at Biddle's.  All this would put anyone in a good mood - much needed these days. 
So we endorsed:

• Self-care:  
• Pedicures from Eva Szabo, and Kim's on Highland
• EsSpa in Aspinwall
• Wearing compression socks on plane rides
• Buying discount from Poshmark 
• Carrie Furnace - it's kind of breathtaking close up - if you missed the Quantum production onsite, you can still get there at the Rivers of Steel tours 
• Churchview Farms dinners - apparently fabulous but sold out, yikes! You can get on their mailing list for other things, and next year...
• Documentary starring AOC before the election, and may make you love her and forget all the hype that has followed.
• Pam's advice if you're driving to NYC:  stay in Secaucus!  Free parking, inexpensive hotels, and a 15-minute ride on NJ transit to Port Authority in NY, running 24-7.  ($1.55 each way with senior discount.)

June 9 Run: Meet at Biddle's Cafe, 401 Biddle Ave.

Back to Biddle's Escape this time, with maybe an Edgewood or a Wilkinsburg run: let's be surprised.  And we may end up at Madeleine's down the street for coffee and those astonishing Kouign-amann delicacies, which I just read have been called "the fattiest pastry in all of Europe" by the New York Times.  OK, so no eating the rest of the day, they are worth it.

Sharon took charge last Sunday as we broke new ground in Greenfield, following "the run" (aka Ruska Dolina with quite a history involving the Carpathian mountains.) In search of hidden stairs, we depended on human intelligence in the form of a mysterious man sitting on his porch at 7:30 am, next to a human skull.  See photo below, though you'll have to take my word for it about the skull.  Afterwards, another delightful coffee (next photo), and then on Tuesday, a Happy Hour at the Ace to celebrate birthdays for Wendy and Janet (yet another photo.)  (Is this blog getting too much like the dreaded Facebook?)
Endorsements:

• Babies being born: welcome to Baby Mo!
• Pigeon Bagels - finally, after 25 years, decent bagels return to Squirrel Hill.
• Neck pinching from the back - secret technique for photo ops.
• Pittsburgh Pro Bikes is now Pro Bike + Run, and has running shoes.
• Renaissance City Choir at East Liberty Presbyterian Church - keep checking for next concert.
• Boden Sample Sale is on Saturday at the Convention Center.
• Happy Hour at the Ace Hotel
• The 54C Bus - an amazing route
• Anthony Trollope's 47 novels

June 2 Run: Meet at 61C Cafe for Runner's Choice Run

We have a default run location for this Sunday because I don't remember anything else being chosen. We will hope for drier weather...

Last Sunday we had a gorgeous clear morning for a run, making for some great views across the river.  It was a Strip District run that crossed over to the trail and over through Herr's Island.  Keeping it short this week, but will share some great photos below.  This run included only minimal trespassing through a construction site; we did not attempt to bushwhack our way through the truly dangerous closed trail pictured on the right!

May 26 Run: Meet at the Strip parking lot off of Liberty at 21st St.

This Sunday is a Strip run, and afterwards for those who can stay, we'll go to brunch at DeLuca's to celebrate Aimee's 40th birthday!

Last week the forest bathing in the springy green festival of Frick Park was glorious.  As were the baked goods at the EveryDay Cafe, where the coffee can also speak.  Endorsements:

• Events at the EveryDay Cafe
• A beautiful tree with hanging flowers (Yellowwood - thanks, Joanne), 
• Some tiny blue wildflowers (bluets)
• Quantum's King Lear production at the Carrie Furnace - a dynamite pairing - see it if you can, only rush tickets available though.
• Alternatives to knee surgery, discussed with 2 of the RG's resident physicians - with varying degrees of recommendation from NO to could be good - stem cell injections, steroids, synovial fluid, spironolactone, ultrasound, or rooster comb (?)
• "It's comforting that we all have osteoarthritis."
• Nanette  - Hannah Gadsby, Australia comic
• UShake running pack for those of us who are ready to recycle our 1980's fanny packs

May 19 Run: Meet at the entrance to Frick Park at Reynolds and S. Homewood Ave.

We're meeting at Reynolds and S. Homewood at the entrance to Frick Park, and have our own Green New Deal as it is at it's lushest right now.  There may be mud, but we'll be looking up.  Maybe we'll rediscover the owl nest and the fox den, if anyone can remember where they are.   Coffee: let's try Everyday Cafe again.

Last week we tragically missed our first Zumba opportunity, but Wendy promises another one soon.  It must be admitted that the rain was simply pouring.  However, a surprisingly good showing of intrepid runners and walkers paid no mind, and soaking wet, we later dripped all over the floor of the Tazza D'Oro. Never did a cappuccino taste so good.  So much to talk about (includes last week):

• Nature!  There is a Mushroom Club in Pittsburgh - Birding can be transcendental but evidently some people are overdoing it - Hurray for fly-fishing c/o Beth and her Stream Girls - plus the wildflowers in Boyce Mayview Park.
• Eden Hall is very cool and will soon host the Funky Fly Project and an Earth Wind & Fire night.
• Music - The Pittsburgh Girls' Choir sings about Anne Frank at Rodef Shalom on June 14 - recommended!  Also, Resonance Works has amazing performances but it looks like we've missed the whole season, so I'm signing up for updates.  
• TV:  Game of Thrones!  I know, I know, it's overhyped and super-violent.  But what a show.  Also This is Us (location: Pittsburgh), The Good Fight (helps deal with the current national emergency), and Three Identical Strangers, fascinating documentary about triplets separated at birth.
• Books:  SO MANY free audiobooks from the Carnegie Library - it's worth getting a quick free tutorial from one of their librarians to save the time in figuring out how to use them.
• Hair - recommended stylists: Mary at Classic Hair, Beth at Evolve, Marianne at Denim and Co., Griff at Capristo.  
• Birthdays, notable ones:  Laurie will be celebrated on July 20 with a dance party - save the date - and we'll toast Aimee on May 26 with a Strip run and then head to Deluca's for b'day brunch.  
• Eyeglasses - good ones at Lenscrafters that don't cost a fortune.  Also, Transition sunglasses don't work inside cars - good to know!
• Summer Line Dancing starts May 17.

May 12 Run: Meet at entrance to Highland Park at top of Highland Ave. for a surprise event!

By special request of group members, we have a treat this week courtesy of our Zumba Instructor Extraordinaire, Wendy!  At the garden entrance to Highland Park (location of the famous summer line dancing,) Wendy will teach an authentic, aerobic, and super fun Zumba class - here's a preview!  Then if there's time left over, we can finish with a lovely dawn run around the reservoir.  And then drop down to the Tazza D'Oro for coffee.  What could be better?

There are many things to say about last week, which was fun! but there's no time right now, so we'll keep the endorsements on the burner until next message.  Except that Axe-throwing in the Burgh is a thing.

May 5 Run: Start at Everyday Cafe on S. Homewood Ave. for a Frick Park run

Though it has been our tradition to pre-run some of the Marathon route before the race gets to Shadyside, we're going to change it up this time, and start and end at the Everyday Cafe on 532 N. Homewood as a new way to get to Frick Park, where we will do some springtime forest bathing.  To everyone running in the Marathon, may the force be with you!


Last week we broke new ground over Hazelwood and tried out the new trail, which has a cool post-industrial/nature-preserve vibe. Our new friend Kevin introduced us to the soon-to-be CMU Robotics center, probable home to something equivalent to the dreaded wights swarming through the latest GOT episode (more expounding on that for sure this Sunday.)


The Big Dog just gets better and better, so we lingered there and endorsed:

• Genetics: the mystery of x&y
• the new Jeopardy genius with a rubbery face
• Replacements - when you need to add to your grandmother's china set.  
• Maybe:  the Health App that is a standard feature on iPhones and which keeps tabs on many things you may actually not want it to
• The annual Marathon Health & Fitness Expo this weekend at the convention center, which I have always missed but not this time.
• The Slowskys commercials
• A wallpaper steamer because it will change your life, and fly fishing because you don't have to kill a worm.
• The Pittsburgh Center for Creative REuse - crazy, unique stuff, and doing its part to save the world.
• Teddy Grahams - apparently still exist!

April 28 Run: Meet at Big Dog Coffee on 2717 Sarah St. South Side

We're going to explore the new Hazelwood Trail on Sunday, so be prepared for adventure!  We'll start and end at the always welcome Big Dog Coffee shop on the South Side, 2717 Sarah St., cross back over the Hot Metal, and go from there into the unknown.

Our Squirrel Hill Bird Run proceeded as usual, that is, many things were pointed out that are not there any more, in particular, birds.  Also hills were killer.  Walkers had a similar experience in the other direction.  We were all glad to get back to the familiar comfort of 61C where schmoozing is an art form.
Endorsed:

• Penn Ave. Fish Company - a legit quality fishmonger, a bit pricey but worth it.  Also very fun for a casual dinner.  And I just noticed:  oyster BYOB happy hours!? - let's discuss.
• Pittsburgh Botanic Garden - so new we don't think of it - but in spring glory right now
• Superstitions that work, i.e. turning over a glass and/or praying to St. Anthony to find things
• Velcro bandages (socks?) for plantar fasciitis. RG can diagnose this in a half-minute.
• "Speaking of gels that make you feel better" - particularly CBD gels for arthritis. We corrected the idea that you have to go to Seattle to get it because if you have the permit, it's available at the Solevo Wellness Center.  I discovered that I am the only person in Pittsburgh who didn't know that was a medical marijuana dispensary.  
• TV:  Schitt's Creek, One Day at a Time (Rita Moreno is amazing.)
• The return of the Lobster Door Handles from Poli's

April 21 Run: Meet at 61C Cafe for a Runners' Choice Easter Run

Next Sunday is Easter, so we will default to the 61C Cafe for a Runners' Choice run.

This past Sunday we had a small group of runners and walkers, and the rain held off until we were safely at coffee.

The theme of the run was Teardowns, as there was a hotly debated issue on the NextDoor app prompting a visit past a home demolition.  We began at 61C and ran up Murray past said house, then checked the status of the soon-to-be demolished house on Woodland Road.  We ran through Chatham, where Joanne gave us a tour through the center of campus as well as the top of campus with the views.  The foot of Wilkins where we headed back up to Squirrel Hill revealed a recent teardown and active construction site.  To bring the run full circle (and uphill), we saw a brand new home on Aylesboro that had replaced an older home.

I did not take notes at coffee, but I will share that the ratio of pastries to people was 1:1, which I believe is unprecedented and a sign of a great run or walk and healthy appetite!

April 14 Run: Start at 61C Cafe on Murray heading to parts unknown.

On Sunday we'll start and end at the 61C Cafe in Squirrel Hill - what happens in between is up for grabs.  I won't be there so hopefully someone else will take over this blog for next week.

We did enjoy the promised Springy Frick Park last Sunday - with added attractions of real owl nests, pointed out by Lainy, and a dramatic dawn on the Rollercoaster Trail.  Later, endorsements:

• Food - The Impossible Burger, a veggie-burger that evidently can fool the most devout meat lover.
• Books:  Warlight by Michael Ondaatje, Unsheltered by Barbara Kingsolver, and Evicted by Matthew Desmond.  Excellent, but all so sad!  So, to counteract:
• Comedy:  Improv at the Waterfront, Tracy Morgan, Leslie Jones
• Upcoming run plans include the brand new Hazelwood Trail  and a visit to Oakmont!

April 7 Run: Start at the front steps of Colfax School, 2332 Beechwood Blvd.

Next run will go from the front of Colfax School, an old favorite which I just discovered (by googling of course) is on the National Register of Historic Places! We will pay homage and then descend into a hopefully Springy Frick Park.  Coffee at 61C.

Too little time this week to fully review last week's events except to recap the recitation of Monty Python's Philosophers' Song by none other than Tom.  There was also the recollection of, years ago one misty morning, running alongside a naked bicyclist. Sadly we have no photos from that era.  

Big Love and Dr. Quinn: Medicine Woman were endorsed.  

Until next time!

March 31 Run: Wendy Bennett Trailhead (map in message) and Schenley Park

There may be some evidence of Spring by Sunday, so we'll search for shoots of green in Schenley Park, starting at the famous Wendy Bennett Trailhead (map.)  Don't forget - we have both runners and walkers!  Coffee probably at 61C afterwards.

Last week we trekked over the blessedly flat streets of Shadyside and East Liberty.  Unaccountably, no photos this time!  Pastries at Coffee Tree at Bakery Square seem to be getting better, so we made the most of that.  I also love the cute little seltzer water they give you with espresso.

Much to recommend though:

• Being early for flights!  Otherwise, nightmares can ensue.
• While on that flight, thinking about where you would disappear, assuming that you want to do that for a short or long time.  (Not related to the witness protection program.)

• A place that will not be mentioned so that one of us will not be found
• The Arizona Biltmore
• Diamondhead in Honolulu
• Anywhere in Vermont
• Yosemite
• A mountain lodge in Banff
• Somewhere on a train in Canada, going from one gorgeous railroad hotel to another
• Or in the US, sleeping on the train, as in this delicious NYT article sent in by Wendy
• Burping and other bodily noises, which seem to be proliferating - maybe this is not an endorsement.  But may we heed the Yiddish proverb: "Burp and be healthy!" (I looked this up and couldn't find it, so it's possible Lainy made it up.)
• Book: The Art of Racing in the Rain, about dogs
• Dogs:  "everything now is some kind of doodle" - especially the Burnedoodle
• Finance: following enthusiastic endorsements for Sharon Reese as a financial planner - who was at the next table!  You can contact her at 412-883-6271.
• Mortality: RG's own Karen will lead a conversation called "Emotionality, Familiality, Terminality" on Thursday, April 4, 7-9 pm at Point Breezeway, 7113 Reynolds St.  With light refreshments and vino, and "will include the effects of unresolved family conflict on end of life experiences." Please come and share - and RSVP to karenengro@hotmail.com 
• History: if you want to know everything about our recently visited Westinghouse Park and excavating the mysterious buried remains of the George Westinghouse estate - here you go!  

March 17 Run: Meet at parking lot at 21st St. and Liberty Ave. for St. Patrick's Day Strip Run

Top o' the mornin' run next Sunday on the Strip, meeting at the parking lot off of Liberty Ave. at 21st. St.  (I won't be there so don't forget to tag someone to send next week's message.)

Last week gave us both the Happy Hour midweek and the 3R/3B (rivers/bridges) Run on Sunday - see pictures at the bottom that tell it all.  We were under those chandeliers a lot!
Endorsements:

• Running lights used by Lainy with awesome customer service.
• Books:  the vast archive of children's books we gratefully have access to here, i.e. the whole Nancy Drew series, Little Women and its sequels, really too many to list.  Also (not for children, and only if you want to stay up all night) All the birds singing. 
• Podcasts: First let it be known that this powerful story originated with the Post-Gazette!  Then appropriated via the Washington Post to PBS Frontline Dispatch, and called "I don't want to shoot you, brother."  Also "Last seen" about the amazing heist, still unsolved, at the Gardner Museum in Boston.  Also Finding Cleo - the appalling tragedy of indigenous children taken from their homes in Canada.  Also (sigh) Offspring has another convert.  
• Movies:  Alan Arkin - esp. in Love the Coopers (lots of Pittsburgh scenes) and Pierce Brosnan in the Thomas Crown Affair.
• Kaufmann's Historic Murals - did we actually talk about these?  I have something in my notes, so I followed it up and just lost the last half hour, but it was interesting! In addition to murals (long gone), they also had pink vinyl chairs in the hair salon, and Laurie got one at their auction.

March 10 Run: Meet in the William Penn lobby downtown for the famous Three Bridges Three Rivers Run! (Also March 5 Happy Hour, same place.)

This favorite run, created by Lainy, has river views from every angle! We start and end downtown at the William Penn hotel lobby, and, as advertised, cross 3 bridges and 3 rivers.  It takes a little more than an hour so be prepared.  Then we sink into the deep cushions of the hotel sofas and kibitz.  It's ideal.

Meanwhile - also in the aforesaid William Penn lobby - Happy Hour will happen tomorrow, Tuesday, March 5, at 5:30 pm.  Come, even if you've never run or walked with the group.  We still miss the lovely person who came to lunch with us once many years ago in the Carnegie Museum cafe: where are you?

Also:  Save the date!
Paula (aka PtB) and Iain are leaving their beloved Pittsburgh to return to their also beloved British Isles so they can straighten out that Brexit thing. Come raise a glass and bid farewell!
Date: Tuesday, March 12, 5:15 - 7:00 pm
Place: The Squirrel Hill Cafe; 5802 Forbes at Murray Ave

So about the latest run/walk, first let's say Three Thumbs Up for EveryDay Cafe!  Totally delightful, with perhaps the best muffin (lemon cranberry but somehow more than that) ever.  Also the best music.  We'll be back.  Much to see on our trek: street art, the elegant Homewood Library, the Busway from above, the Trash Raccoon (again), historic George Westinghouse Park, Black Radish Kitchen, and Chris' ElectroGrip factory that makes mysterious things like Electrostatic Chucks.
Endorsements:

• Food Glorious Food on Bryant Street.  Everyone in the world is cutting out gluten and carbs, and yet the lines out the bakeries are ridiculous.
• TV - nobody can understand the accents, but you can turn on subtitles!  Perhaps a case in point is (here it is again) Offspring (from Australia).  Also Anne with an E (Canada.)
• LARC - Long-acting reversible contraception - I was wondering how we made that transition but then it became clear:  Offspring! (Not really.)
• How to stop sitting still: standing desks. (But then the high chairs that you have to get to sit at them.) They also work well for fidgety school kids.  Also, sitting on a giant ball.  Which can also be used when you are in labor.  If you're not in labor, you can dance around while sitting on them.  However, if you do that, they have been known to explode.
• Spiritual Midwifery, and The Farm in Kentucky where it was, ahem, born. 
• Boots from La Canadienne and hiking shoes from Keen.  They are from Costa-Plenty, as my husband likes to say, but you can also type whatever into Ebay and find a bargain.  But may I add, I was just at Little's (also often endorsed) where terrific boots are on incredible sale RIGHT NOW.
• Fun and uplifting: volunteering at "Project Prom" which provides free prom gowns, shoes and accessories to eligible teens, and happens at Thriftique - Wendy recommends highly!  It's coming up soon - if you can sew, bring your machine, but plenty to do if you can't.

March 3 Run: Meet at the Everyday Cafe, 532 N. Homewood Ave.

We'll meet on Sunday at the Everyday Cafe at 532 N. Homewood Ave.  in Homewood near the busway stop.  It's our second try, and this time they promise us they will be open!  Bring your credit card because it's no-cash, and I don't know if they take bitcoin, which naturally everyone has. Lainy will show us the Pitt Community Engagement Center, and I am trying to recruit David Bear who is working on the secret history of Westinghouse Park, which included tunnels and a giant gas well that shot flames 100 feet into the air.

Last week we had perfect running weather and, well, you'll have to guess about he run from the pictures, because Linda and I had a perfect bracing Highland Park walk with inspiring views over the river and the reservoir.

Of course we always join forces for coffee, chat, and endorsements:

• The exquisite Lavender Latte at Tazza D'Oro, especially the one pictured.
• Rob Rogers - we miss him!  (He has a book signing on Friday, March 1, tomorrow.)
• Speaking of which, newspapers!  May the force be with them.
• Continuation of our sustainable anti-plastic efforts:  Beth sent in the recipe she uses to make homemade laundry soap - no more giant plastic laundry jugs!  
• Cabaret - too late, you missed it, and so did I.  I have to remember that the musicals at CMU always sell out early.  Gretchen said it was terrific.
• Movie:  The Favourite - it's wild.
• Do you remember that window of time when long-sleeve running shirts had those handy little thumbholes?  Where are they now?

Feb. 24 Run: Highland Park from Tazza D'Oro, 1125 N Highland Ave.

Back to Highland Park (thank you, Joanne!) home of the brilliant sunrise over the reservoir and the ever-evolving Tazza D'oro - what will we find this time?  I hope at least the apple dumplings.

Last week we revisited the adorable and quirky Staghorn Home & Garden Cafe which, as we suspected from this photo is a bit David Lynch-esque.  We also did a backwards run through Schenley Park which looked spookily different and added to the Twin Peaks vibe.  But the scones were definitely worthy of the BRITISH BAKING SHOW which must now be included in every post.  We endorsed:

• New dates for the RG Happy Hours at the Wm Penn Hotel downtown:  now the first Tuesday of every month, the next being MARCH 5 at 5:30 - everyone come!
• Wendy's Zumba class on Thursdays at 5:45 at LA Fitness! Just email her if you want to drop in.
• Weddings!  Much better when they are someone else's.  Even though you can marry yourselves in PA. But can you marry yourself?
• Related to that - vows.  Not necessarily the one someone recalled that "promised a life of struggle."  
• Also related - here's a shoutout to Jacquie!  Now in faraway Iowa, we fondly recalled her time with the group, her marvelous wedding at Sandy's house, and her visit with husband and new baby.
• Game of Thrones - just the whole thing, it's fascinating.  This article in the New Yorker from 2011 tells how George R R Martin was almost killed by his fans.
• TV - Schitt's Creek on Netflix.  Also for foreign language shows - use dubbing so you can cut out your mittens while watching.
  
  
  
  

Feb. 17 Run: Meet at Staghorn Garden Cafe on 517 Greenfield Ave.

It will be worth having the run start at The Staghorn Home and Garden Cafe to figure out what this photo means.  We may be having coffee in Twin Peaks.  Anyway we're starting there - 517 Greenfield Ave. - to explore the neighborhood crannies, cross the bridge ("The New Greenfield Bridge makes me so happy!") and see if Schenley Park looks different when you enter it from the other side.

Last Sunday Aimee took us on a sparkling excursion all around Observatory Hill in Riverview Park, where the pink winter dawn lit up the iciness all around, though the road was clear. The woods had a fairytale Hansel-and-Gretel-y quality, possibly requiring breadcrumbs, and we saw a few venerable ruins.  We then headed back to the perfectly comfy CCAC Starbucks (though next time we're in the North, let's remember the cuter Commonplace Coffee on Buena Vista.)  Toes gradually defrosted as we endorsed:

• RG Happy Hour - hoping for regular First Wednesdays downtown at the Wm. Penn lobby, 5:30 pm, next one:  March 6.
• Implosions - the Old Greenfield Bridge and of course, Three Rivers Stadium (alava shalom) RG just made it to the 8 am viewing.
• Theater! 
• PICT's Run the Rabbit Path at the Fred Rogers Theater at WQED
• Split Stage Productions - Bonnie and Clyde, the Musical at the Lamp Theater in Irwin
• CMU's Cabaret
• Quantum Theatre's Gun Show
• Speaking of which - who has shot a gun? Surprises ensued.
• Shtiseling - the art of discussing Shtisel, preferably with total strangers.

Feb. 10 Run: Meet at entrance to Riverview Park - Riverview Ave. right off of Perrysville Ave. (see message for detail)

It's the long-awaited visit to Riverview Park, the third of Pittsburgh's ineffable (terrific word) city parks - last described in the blog in November 2014, led by Aimee. 
Instructions:
"There’s a clear entrance to the park.  Riverview Avenue off Perrysville Ave.  Tell people to park on either side of Riverview Ave.  If they want to plug something into their gps, say 159 Riverview Avenue Pgh PA 15214.  Not sure where we should do coffee.  3 possibilities: Crazy Mocha (North Ave & Federal), Starbucks at the CCAC, or Lindo’s (Western Avenue).  Lindos is good if people are hungry—it’s more like a diner and delicious.  We could also see if people want to organize carpools up there, although it’s really a 15- minute drive from the East End and not too far."
And here's a map.

We had a memorable run and walk last week all around Lawrenceville, mainly away from the Butler Street cuteness.  We saw the giant CMU Robotics Center (scarier all the time) and the mystifyingly named 43 1/2 Street (shades of Harry Potter.)  We traversed the riverside trail and made a quick trip down to the ice-lined Allegheny.  We traced a secret munitions tunnel from the Civil War era, Beth gave a tour of the seriously haunted and historic Frank B. Clack County Health Center, and Pam revealed a hidden cider garden.  All followed by a wide-ranging convo at the Ineffable. (Just love saying that.) Delightful but if you order the Vietnamese coffee, which is yummy, be prepared to stay awhile.  This week we liked a lot of things:

• Ways to avoid using plastic - i.e. reusable big grocery bags, smaller mesh bags for buying produce, milk in glass bottles. 
• Make your own laundry detergent!  Beth, please send recipe.
• Keto diet - no dessert but lots of liquor.  Result: "The majority of my plastic bags are beige ones from the liquor store."
• Sfogliatelle (not on the Keto diet) from Labriola's in Aspinwall, where you can also get cannoli shells and the filling separately (best practice) 
• Coconut oil instead of cream in coffee
• Staving off dementia:  our neurology expert counsels exercise, coffee, fruits and vegetables - first two happening every Sunday!
• There is such a thing as a urine chart.  
• Plumber:  Matt Mertz, what a great name.
• New toy:  unicorn with babies inside?
• New Orleans cold brew coffee 
• British Baking Show - this happens so often that I think we should rename this group

Feb. 3 Run: One more time: meet at Ineffable Ca Phe, 3920 Penn Ave.

Call it laziness, call it lack of imagination, or call it crazy, but this Sunday let's go back one more time to the Ineffable at 3920 Penn Ave., near corner of 39th.  We loved it so much last week that, failing any other plan for this Sunday, we'll just go with that - and there are any number of terrific runs/walks we can take from there. Also some of us didn't get to try the Vietnamese coffee.

Low on time, so just a quick catalog of endorsements:

• Hen & Chicks - florist and event planning - imaginative!
• Signing up for your Giant Eagle Advantage Card - if you lose something there, Sarah might call you to come get it.
• Inside Trader Joe's podcast (really?) 
• Kombucha: the sourdough of tea (is this an endorsement?)
• Martinis - this IS an endorsement
• TV: The Kominsky Method - alte kokers par excellence, Alan Arkin is amazing - and finding that link showed me that there is also a Law & Order alte kokers episode (?)
• TV:  Shtisel again.  Oy.
• Singer sewing machines
• The Whole 30 Diet - wow there is a lot written about this - Joanne says thumbs up.
• vs. Cheesecake.  Just cheesecake.  More thumbs up.

Notice:  the Wednesday RG Happy Hour at the William Penn on Feb. 6 has been postponed:  stay tuned.