June 20 Run or Walk: Meet at 61C Cafe

Father’s Day run or walk: Meet at 61C Cafe 

Walkers and runners enjoyed the charming streets of Aspinwall and Virginia found her street sign! (see photo)

Endorsements included:

-Cobra Korean bbq karaoke Bloomfield 

-"In the Heights" movie-- see it on the IMAX screen at the Waterfront!

-"Luca," Jesse Andrews wrote the screenplay!!  It's a coming of age, animated movie that is released Friday June 18 on Disney+

-Mandalorian Disney+

-"Mare of Eastown" on HBO Max but even better the SNL sketch is great (but ruins it for watching rest of series) 

-Janet's kids created a podcast for Mother’s Day 

-Paint porch ceiling "haint blue" to protect against evil spirits.  Common in New Orleans and Savannah.

-Massage kale

-Fifth season brand of salad greens (greenhouse grown locally in Braddock)

June 13 Run/Walk: Meet at the Aspinwall Riverfront Park parking lot

We're going back to Aspinwall because the river is glorious and the gardens are even cuter now, and also if you are a frequenter of yard sales, there is a town-wide one starting at 9 am.  Coffee takeout is available nearby, and there are seats on the riverfront.  Let's hope the weather gods oblige.

We had a Squirrel Hill comfort-zone treat on Sunday - the familiar combo of Schenley Park plus the 61C.  Much was discussed and there was also some running/walking.  RG medical personnel dispensed the best advice as always, especially about gardening, pastry and shoes. 

Endorsed:

• birdwatching in 61C patio - we were THIS CLOSE to a mom feeding her chick - too cute!  also Merlin Bird ID.  You can also ask Chris about their respiratory systems, apparently unique to birds and crocodiles.
  
• Prantl's new location in Squirrel Hill and the mini-almond torte
• Three Rivers Arts Festival - who cares if you've never heard of any of the groups - there is an actual festival happening, people!
• Duolingo app - 36 languages, including Klingon, Navajo, and Yiddish - you can waste time on your phone now without really wasting time.
• UPS has notaries but you need to call first.
• Jewish youth organizations (sometimes): BBG, CRUSY and NFTYNEL (not to be confused with NFL)

June 6 Run/Walk: Meet at the Wendy Bennett Trailhead, Overlook Dr. at Greenfield Ave. in Schenley Park

We'll start at our favorite Trailhead, that of Wendy Bennett (map), and explore Schenley Park for a change.  Then head to 61C for a schmoozefest.  

Last Sunday's excursion, designed by Beth (Lainy's daughter,) was spectacular, traversing the Mexican War Streets and then climbing up the Fineview Fitness Trail to a seemingly endless series of those very fine views.  Coffee and convo were at the adorable park outside of Commonplace Coffee, where our escort, Weasley the dog, was finally able to relax (see photo.)  It was a long wait to get coffee at the cafe, and, more urgently, impossible to use the bathroom.  But Wendy and I discovered that the officers at the local police station were kind to Grandma-types in distress. 

Endorsements:

• Randyland, with a sad news alert: poor Randy was subject to a ransomware attack the day after we visited!
• Long ago running group trip to Braddock and coffee at the Fettermans, about which there is documentary evidence (where is it?) - see the 2014 entry for details.
• Watch:  Circus of Books documentary, Wylie Ave. Days documentary, Lupin (oo-la-la)
• Read: The Four Winds
• Dancing in Squirrel Hill on Nov. 7
• Alaska 5-1-1 Liquid Fish Fertilizer
• Atlas Obscura - finds weird and curious places to visit wherever you are, i.e. Randyland

• 
  

 

May 30 Run/Walk: Meet at Commonplace Coffee on the North Side - 1501 Buena Vista St.

We'll start at Commonplace Coffee at the corner of Buena Vista and Jacksonia on the Northside, and traipse through the Mexican War Streets. Apparently the last time we were there was June of 2019, when we discovered afterwards that Gertrude Stein was born a few blocks away, so we can investigate. We'll also head up to Fineview, home of the mystically named corner of Compromise and Hemlock.  Bring a chair in case we sit in the cute park outside Commonplace. 

Last Sunday we neglectfully forgot to take photos, but we did some Squirrel Hill/Shadyside meandering, followed by a delightful comfy coffee klatch in Wendy's blooming garden. Blessed normalcy!

I can barely read my handwriting due to temporary right hand malfunction (typing here is SLOW), but I think we agreed that these are fun to watch:

• Halston - the perfume episode (#3)
• Good Girls, or its Swedish version The Simple Heist
• Occupied
• Thelma & Louise
• Fatal Attraction (note shoulder pads)
• Mary Tyler Moore Show Chuckles Bites the Dust episode - when you need to laugh out loud

Fun travel:

• NYC - Little Island
• North Shore - The Cruisin' Tiki - first launch is at 8 am!

Let's not forget the idea to bring back happy hour at Over Eden

Another idea: pick one of 100 Burgh staircases for another run

May 23 Run: Meet at Beechwood and Wilkins Avenue

May 23 Run: Meet at Beechwood and Wilkins Avenue.  Wendy wants to host coffee in her back patio after the run and walk.

This past Sunday, we enjoyed a nice South Oakland/Schenley Park run and enjoyed our Dunkin at Schenley Plaza.  Endorsements include Thumbtack for finding contractors/professionals/experts, OnePass as a way to organize passwords, and Microsoft Lens app which is a scanner on your phone!

Have a great weekend, everyone.  Hope to see you Sunday!

May 16 Run: Meet at Schenley Plaza

Hi everyone-- subbing for Roye so another short note with meeting location for Sunday.

Runners and walkers meet at Schenley Plaza for what looks like beautiful warmer weather!

Bring your own coffee or get from Dunkin.  There's a Starbucks too, but I'm not sure about Sunday am hours.

Last Sunday was Mother's Day and due to the threat of rain, it was a small group.   But look at those beautiful faces!

May 9 Run: Meet at Frick Environmental Center, 2005 Beechwood Blvd

A quick note with the meet-up place only, as I'm temporarily subbing for Roye.

On Sunday, meet at the Frick Park Environmental Center at 2005 Beechwood Boulevard for our Mother's Day Run.  

Bring coffee!  There should be enough seating areas there so you may not need your chairs.

May 2nd Run/Walk: Like last week, meet at Biddle's Escape in Wilkinsburg

Last week we sat outside Madeleine's bakery and it was delightful, so the vote is for a repeat, and this time it won't be so chilly.  Coffee is better from Biddle's so let's park and start from there: 401 Biddle Ave.  We'll choose our own adventure.

Not sure where runners went last Sunday but walkers found yet another winding path through Frick Park and later smelled the gorgeous lilacs, and visited some masked monkeys who evidently hadn't heard the latest liberating rules from the CDC.  Are we going to comply, be performative, join the culture war?  What will we do with our enormous mask wardrobe?  As always, stay tuned.

Last week we mulled over the several thousand candidates for the upcoming judicial, etc. elections - it's a baffling ordeal.  We decided not to come up with recommendations - just find your best election guru and listen up.  

But we are recommending:

Watch:  Brittany runs a marathon, The Crown (I think this is in here for the 4th time)

Upholstery:  

Grimes Interiors

Betty's Upholstery (no website, a sort of recommendation in itself, but at 415 Butler St, Etna, PA.) 

Shoes:  Mojo Running and Multisport, in Cranberry

Read: Confessions of a Wall Street Shoeshine Boy

Listen: Stooping turns trash to treasure 

More treasure: Antique mall in Verona

April 25th Run/Walk: Meet at Biddle's Escape in Wilkinsburg - and bring blankets

It might be just warm enough to sit outside at Biddle's - we'll try.  The run/walk will start from there - to who knows where - it's at 401 Biddle Ave.  If the line at Madeleine's isn't too long, we might be able to grab some of their outrageously caloric kouign amanns.  Better make that a long run.

Last week was kind of perfect - so much to examine and critique that's being built on the strip, a spooky gorgeous mist over the river, an actual table in the sun at La Prima - almost normal!   

Endorsements:

• For judge (there will be more of these to come I'm sure) Jill Beck, Sabrina Korbel, Lisa Middleman.
• Houses in the news: Garfield tiny house v. Fox Chapel monster house.
• Quantum Theater's next project: a musical called the Current War about Westinghouse and Edison, which will take place at Westinghouse park. By the screenwriter of the movie of the same name.  His name is Mitnick.  Tesla's in it too.

• 412 Food Rescue! Rescuing people too during the pandemic.
• Arcade Comedy Theater - with outdoor shows starting that night.
• A future return to RG Happy Hour - maybe at the Over Eden rooftop in Lawrenceville - they say "no food, just drinks" - should be fine!

April 18 Run/Walk: Meet at the Strip - Penn and 21st Street - should be enough street parking

This week we'll explore everything that's been happening on the Strip in the last year - a lot!  Meet at Penn and 21st, park on the street.  Coffee either at La Prima if we're feeling yinzer or Atelier de Fer (200 Smallman) if we're feeling chichi.  Bring a chair - who knows where we can sit.  Though it looks like it will be a bit, ah, chilly - maybe bring blankets.

Normality is creeping back!  On Sunday we had a real run, walk, coffee and kibitzing.  We wore shorts and ate pastries.  We climbed a new overlook and found a new cafe (cutesy but not overly Beans 'N Cream!)  Beth, resident scientist, explained the unusual water infrastructure.  There was some bouncing. 

Endorsements:

• Also discovered in Aspinwall: Farmer x Baker, farm to table (now takeout) restaurant in a shipping container on the riverfront.
• Airbnb's where you don't have to deal with the owners.  
• Vintage nut crushers
• La Fermiere yogurt at the co-op - could be dessert and comes with adorable ceramic cups, especially the red ones in February.
• Swimming with the fishes - at lakes in Keystone and Moraine State Parks

April 11 Run/Walk: Aspinwall Riverfront Park, 285 Riverview Ave., along the Allegheny River

Let's meet at the Aspinwall Riverfront Park, 285 River Ave., and get acquainted again with that adorable district. Why a sudden change in our location, which we agreed would be spring-infused Frick Park again?  This is why. Thanks to an alert from our roving correspondent Aimee, I figured we should probably avoid a run-in with a very large snake identified by the Pittsburgh Zoo as a Black Rat Snake, and also described as "massive." Even if they catch it - what if it had babies?  And let's hope that bear hightails it out of Mt. Washington.  

Also I checked with this coffee place that is a few blocks from the park and they will be open at 7:30 am on Sunday.  We can get takeout from there, or maybe they have outdoor seating.  At any rate, there should be a place to kibitz at the park.  Maybe bring a chair.

Last week we were worry-free about scary fauna as we navigated the Riverside Trail and are pretty sure that we sighted the faraway windmills of the Laurel Highlands.  We got a little lost which was delightful. 

In non-threatening-wildlife news:

• Shout-out to Erika!
• Prantl’s bakery is coming to Squirrel Hill on Forbes Ave in the building next to the Dollar Bank.  (Who else thinks that the almond torte is seriously overrated?)
• We recalled this awesome article about Max’s Dad at 101.
• Inspiration for Sunday's location - future trails from Aspinwall up to the East End and down to Verona.
• Galit sends this, from a PA doctor (actually this is about threatening wildlife):  If anyone is looking for a covid vaccine(Pfizer), call the Heritage Valley Health System at 724-770-7555.  They have a TON of openings starting next week, and the call center said they are being instructed to be very flexible in their scheduling as to not waste vaccines.  So even if you are not 1A, I recommend you call and ask!  The clinics are in Robinson and Monaca.

April 4 Run/Walk: Trying again: Blue Slide Park entrance (Beechwood at Nicholson in Squirrel Hill)

Repeat due to the rain last week (that actually disappeared from 7-8) - we'll investigate whether one really can see the Laurel Highlands windmills from the Riverview Trail in Frick Park.  We'll start at the Blue Slide itself.  And it will be Easter, and the last day of Passover, and springtime, so just think about that.  Can we breathe yet?

Zoom will follow more or less at 8:15 and the link is  https://pitt.zoom.us/j/97642356094?from=addon.

Last zoom was a needed pickup on a dismal morning with discussions of:

• Iranian New Year virtual group flower arranging
• Dancing on Friday evening in Highland Park has begun!  Besides Wendy and Sky's 6:30 Zumba, check out Bhangra, African, all kinds - how can this not be fun?
• Watch:  Shtisel returns to the small screen, and the group insists that it gets better and better.  I just need to get beyond that cuisine.  
• More on vaccines - evidently a profuse supply at the ACMH Hospital in Kitanning
• New rules on greeting long-missed grandchildren: dry hugging but no slobbering.

March 28 Run/Walk: Meet at Blue Slide Park entrance (Beechwood at Nicholson)

In our last outing, there was serious skepticism expressed about the vaunted claim that you can see the Laurel Highlands windmills from the Riverview Trail.  OK, we are going to investigate.  We'll meet at Blue Slide Park, get on the trail to check it out, and absorb some Frick Park forest bathing in the process. 

Zoom will follow more or less at 8:15 and the link is  https://pitt.zoom.us/j/97642356094?from=addon.

Last Sunday we had the thrill of 9 of us finally together IN PERSON (though still masked, outside, distanced) in Highland Park and witnessing this sunrise happen the whole time.

And, made it back in time for a nice convo on the zoom.  Many endorsements:

• There's a Facebook group that my daughter says has excellent tips for finding vaccines.  If you're  currently boycotting FB (with reason) you might want to temporarily get back just for this. You have to join the group to see the info.
• Sharon also reports that ACHD (Allegheny County Health Department) has LOTS of vaccines for 1A people.
• If you're not 1A, and you have a day to non-medically volunteer at a vaccine site, you can register at the Allegheny County Medical Reserve Corps and they will literally give you a shot and a promise of #2. (No guarantees though - but you'll still have done a mitzvah.)
• Speaking of a mitzvah, Gretchen is running the half marathon to raise funds for the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank - every dollar buys 5 meals - support it here!
• Sacroiliac sufferers (turns out we have several including me) (OMG this is pathetic) the Serola Belt is recommended.  So is ousting the Trump administration.  But if you weren't on the call, you missed that story.  
• Need a good clean bathroom right off the PA highways?  Sheetz!
• Listen: NPR Throughline podcast on the history of facemasks, with attention to bras, which were famously put to this use by Lainy in the pandemic early days.  Please send photo.
• Read:  The Rose Code by Kate Quinn; The Pull of the Stars by Emma Donaghue
• Airplane travel now:  Fly Delta which still limits the number of people on the plane - double mask, don't touch things or eat, get off and on fast.  This does not sound like a vacation.
• But, if you have endured all that and arrived in Massachusetts - visit the Blue Hills Trailside Museum.

P.S. Can anyone recommend a good upholsterer that doesn't cost a fortune?  

March 21 Run/Walk: Meet at Highland Park entrance - and zoom in at 8:15 this time

It looks like it will be frigid again on Sunday morning, but because we're tough, and it will be the 2nd day of Spring, and we are really sick & tired of staying inside - how about if we meet at the entrance to Highland Park on Sunday at 7 - to see the sunrise over the reservoir and other neighborhood treats we have been missing.  Plenty of room to space out, and plenty of reasons to space out too.

Then zoom in at 8:15 this time (to give people time to get back to warm kitchens.)  Link:  https://pitt.zoom.us/j/97642356094?from=addon

From last week there's really no run/walk news, but it was great to see Billie again on zoom (remember, expats, you can join any Sunday!)  Endorsements:

• ZUMBA with Wendy and her nephew Sky!  Highland Park Entrance, tomorrow: Friday, March 13, 5:30 pm. 
• You can see the Laurel Highlands and its windmills from a bench on the Riverview Trail in Frick Park - to be verified on a run soon.
• Gretchen's choir is singing again, masked.
• Bird watching outside the Environmental Center in Frick Park - they have posters with photos for people like me who can only identify robins.
• Jane Fonda - and OMG do you remember this (watch the trailer). Who else did it hundreds of times? Now she's 84 and getting arrested for climate protests. (Also: a shameless plug for my daughter Eve's interview with her last week.)
• Evidently you can rent the whole Penn Hills Cinema for $25 and invite your nearest and dearest and vaccinated.
• Watch:  Will Smith's Amend: the Fight for America
• Read: A Gentleman in Moscow
• Drink:  Lagavulin whiskey, delish! But if it's not available, any whiskey.

March 7 Run/Walk/Schmooze: We're heading out! Meet at Frick Environmental Center Parking Lot

Let's show some love to Frick Park!  It should be OK to run or walk on the trails on Sunday - nighttimes will be below freezing so there is no mud, but all the ice is gone, the light is returning, the paths are solid.  Right now the park has an otherworldly look, with miles of visibility through the naked trees. Atmospheric!  Also many, many birds.  So let's meet at the Frick Environmental Center parking lot and wander around.  Then we'll return to zoom at 8 from home, and reminisce about discovering the big fire at that spot long ago.

Here's the link:  https://pitt.zoom.us/j/97642356094?from=addon

Last week at 6:45 it was pouring and I thought, no way anyone is going to venture out, and went back to bed, but as usual I was wrong - the rain stopped at exactly at 7 and brave Lainy and Janet were out there. The rest of us just logged on as usual.  

Endorsements:

• The Squirrel Hill Market - I didn't even know it was there!
• The Panda Supermarket, also in Squirrel Hill - evidently no need to go to the strip for your miso.
• Making no real change in behavior after your vaccine until the coast is clear - advice from Dr. Sharon which should always be followed.  Really, Texas should just secede.
• Listen:  Barack and Bruce, "archetypally boomer" says the New Yorker. Also Rashida Jones and Bill Gates 
• Watch:  The Sapphires (Netflix), Behind Her Eyes (also Netflix), Little America (Apple TV?)
• Read: James McBride anything.  
• Libby app from Carnegie Library:  audiobooks and e-books. Stop wasting time with that online garbage (note to self.)

Feb. 28 Run/Walk: We'll try Forbes and Murray, that old favorite, at 7, masked of course. And/or see you on zoom at 8

Hi everyone - I wasn't there so no story or endorsements this week.  For Sunday, Lainy suggests a real-life meetup!  Forbes and Murray at 7 if you feel like it.  If not, we'll meet at any rate on zoom at 8.

Here's the link:  https://pitt.zoom.us/j/97642356094?from=addon

Maybe we're on the upswing!                                

Feb. 21 Run/Walk/Do Down Dog: Breathe deeply and meet at 8 on zoom

On Sunday I'm afraid I'll be out again - getting my 2nd vaccine! and prepared to be knocked out for a day or so.  One of you is elected to be next week's chronicler.  No pressure.  

Here's the link for Sunday at 8:  https://pitt.zoom.us/j/97642356094?from=addon

Last week we were planning to venture out finally, but were foiled by icy sheets everywhere - and those of us who recall that fateful ice-covered excursion years ago, when we crawled across Forbes Ave. on hands and knees, were grateful to see Aimee safe at home.

Two weeks of endorsements:

• 
  Frick Park, Winter Wonderland:  
  
• Millvale - on the wish list for whenever we run outside together again.
• Women organizing to get COVID vaccine appointments for others as an act of love.  Women, of course!
• Watch:  
• The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman, featuring the late, great Cicely Tyson
• Call My Agent! on Netflix - Ooh la la! - also Firefly Lane
• Little America - only on Apple TV but they have a free 7-day trial
• Peter Pan, the original with Mary Martin
• Hamilton and Moana (together?)- on Disney
• Listen:  Two great Moth sessions - Amanda Gorman and Mary-Claire King
• Support:  Girty’s Woods Benefit Concert, March 17, 7-9 pm.  Live stream from Mr. Smalls  - will benefit the acquisition and permanent preservation of Girty’s Woods, a 155-acre green space in Reserve Township adjacent to Millvale and Shaler.  Buy tickets here.
• Laurel Ridge cross country skiing
• The Moscow Mule - makes me think:  is it time for Bloody Mary's on a Sunday am?  I mean, Smoothies are great but...

Feb. 14 Run/Walk/Eat Bonbons: just share the love on Sunday at 8 a.m.

Sorry, everyone - I'm on obsessive impeachment watch, so here's the link for Sunday:

https://pitt.zoom.us/j/97642356094?from=addon

and we'll report more next week!

Feb. 7 Run/Walk/Meditate: find your bliss and then come back to zoom at 8

Does anyone else experience an entire week that seems to last only 2 days?  Shouldn't pandemic-time be the opposite of that?  Let's at least get a good hour in on Sunday at 8.  Here's the link:

https://pitt.zoom.us/j/97642356094?from=addon

Eleven days into a Normal and Benign Presidential Administration, we are back to discussing tights that "stay on and make your butt look good."  It's heavenly.   Endorsements:

• Those tights - Zyia, especially the ones that glow in the dark.
• Cross-country skiing - there is snow! - at Kooser State Park and Laurel Ridge.  
• 
  David's hand-lettered puzzles (photo).  Also Zig Clean Color Real Brushes which are essential.
• Lainy found this:  vaccinatepa.org - best way so far to find a COVID vaccine near you.
• Gmundner one-of-a-kind pottery
• All that fancy old china you may have stuck in cabinets - bring it out and use it.  Throw it in the dishwasher!  YOLO.
• Amateur recipe books. Viz. recipe from the Three Rivers Cookbook I for "Burger Bundles":  1 lb. ground beef, 1/3 can evaporated milk, 1 cp. Pepperidge Farm stuffing, 1 can golden mushroom soup. Mix milk with ground beef.  Mold meat around stuffing to form balls.  Place in an 8x8" pan, add soup, and bake for one hour.  The Three Rivers Cookbook II is for sale for $902.81.
• Fetterman for Senate!  Even though "he has an expression like he just murdered someone."
• Return of Tom!  Even though he looks like Rumpelstiltskin now. We still love him.
• Listen: The Ezra Klein Show podcast
  
• Read: The Education of an Idealist by Samantha Power
• And now a word from our sponsor (me) - there is a Town Hall on Feb. 17 (4 pm) about the new pro-Republican gerrymandering effort about to ramp up in the PA legislature - it's from Fair Districts PA, which has been a valiant warrior on this issue for years. If interested, more info and an RSVP here.

Jan. 31 Run/Walk/Lie around: We're still on pandemic watch: just get on the zoom at 8 and we'll hang out

Here's the link for zooming at 8 on Sunday:   https://pitt.zoom.us/j/97642356094?from=addon

I missed last week's virtual klatch to brave the wilds of Peters Township to get my 65+ vaccine, so there's not much more to tell - you'll just have to join on Sunday for more news!  

Though there is this (more hope)

January 24 Run/Walk/Dance: Do your thing and then join the zoom at 8

Before anything else,  THE RELIEF, THE JOY!!!

And now about Sunday:  wherever you come from, join the zoom at 8!  Here's the link:

https://pitt.zoom.us/j/97642356094?from=addon

(But I'll miss you all because I have a VACCINE appt. (never was I so glad to be an old person) at 8:45 am for which I have to drive to Peters Township, where I have never been, but what the hell - I'll go wherever!)

Zoom lends itself to so many endorsements:

• Joanne, true badass that she is, having delivered the election, is now taking on vaccine distribution in Allegheny County.  In her spare time she is training for her Nth triathlon.  Wonder Woman!
• Meanwhile, Dr. Sharon is giving a seminar in "Development of Vaccines for COVID-19"
• There is a map which shows where vaccines are available in PA (scroll down), which you have to expand until you can see the dots in our area, and then click on the green ones, and then call every one.  Lainy explained it all.  If you do get an appt., dress warmly and bring mittens for the line.
• Smoothies!  Janet and Wendy suggest any frozen or fresh fruit, greek yogurt, some kind of milk or juice, hempseed, kale, coconut water, and/or protein powder.  A glass straw is very desirable, as is a Vitamix.  
• We learned that evolutionary biology - involving some kind of blood barrier - protects the scrotum but not the ovaries - what's up with that?!  Quoted: "Men love their sperm."  
• Podcast Chameleon deserves another mention because it's addictive 
• Peanut butter whiskey - may also be addictive
• Watch movies:  Soul and One Night in Miami 
• Play: the Spelling Bee Crossword
• Make: more mittens from this pattern (this is the one we use) especially now that Bernie has made them famous!

Jan. 17 Run/Walk/Stay-in-bed: But please join the zoom at 8 - link in the message:

It might be snowy, but we can still be out there at 7 on Sunday.  Or not.  

Either way, please check in at 8 right here:

https://pitt.zoom.us/j/97642356094?from=addon

Much valuable information is exchanged in this heady forum!  For instance:

• Another endorsement for Harvie Farms CSA.  Aimee found it, and now I'm a fan too.  They work with all the good farms we buy from at the farmer's markets in the summer.
• Speaking of CSA's, Aimee also found this moving story about how the Kretschmann farm is shutting down after being a major presence in local organic farming since 1979.  I remember Don and Becky at the first farmer's markets I went to in Pittsburgh, just a few years after that.  Oy, does this mean I have to re-subscribe to the PG after the 3rd time I quit in disgust?
• Our pal the Lieut. Gov may be Senator some day
• Watch: video about Fifth Season farm in Braddock, which features Gisele Fetterman and is also one of the farms that Harvie works with so brings this entire segment together.  Ah, Pittsburgh!
• Read 
• historical fiction:  Alice Network and The Huntress by Kate Quinn, Before We Were Yours by Lisa Wingate, All the Light we Cannot See by Anthony Doerr.
• mystery series writers Louise Penny and Jacqueline Winspear.
• A Promised Land by Barack Obama, also read by him in audiobook, where you can hear the voice of reason and humanity.
• A Most Beautiful Thing by Arshay Cooper about an all-Black rowing team
• Clap When You Land by Elizabeth Acevedo
• Born a Crime by Trevor Noah
• Listen to: The Daily: How They Stormed Congress, Chameleon: Hollywood Con Queen, Reply All: Man of the People

Jan. 10 Run/Walk: like Groundhog Day: Your Choice at 7, zoom at 8 - link in message

For Sunday - it's like Groundhog Day:  Your Choice at 7, zoom at 8 - and here's the link: https://pitt.zoom.us/j/97642356094?from=addon

But last week we actually had a real New Year's Day walk! A tonic to clear the mind and heart after a toxic year.  Despite predictions of a scary ice storm, all was clear and Wendy, Gretchen, Max and I had a picturesque speed walk through two cemeteries (2020 is dead to us) visiting the Mellons, Fricks, and other robber barons.

And from the Sunday zoom, multiple endorsements:

• Much needed sustenance from a G&T made from Monkey 47 Gin and Fever Tree Tonic. Will determine where to get them this week.  If this hasn't been a week for getting plastered I don't know one - much to discuss.
• Also a Bourbon Old Fashioned will do
• This comfy bra which you can get at Costco.
• Costco will also deliver (?) 50 roses for $39.99.
  
• Photo of Joanne in Washington Post - from November but more relevant than ever!
  
• Watch:  Return from ISIS, Nailed It documentary about nail salons, Quincy Jones biopic, 40-year-old Version
• Listen: Reply All podcast
• Do all of this while sewing cashmere mittens and using a magnetic pincushion.
• The old clothing stores on Forbes:  Marvin's, London Dock, Newman's.  Now it's all about noodles.

Jan. 3 plus New Year's Day Run/Walk: Sunday: zoom at 8 am; Friday at 7:30 meet outside Squirrel Hill Starbucks and brave the elements

Next runs/walks will take place in 2021 - Hallelujah!! 

Traditional New Year's Day Holiday Run/Walk will start at 7:30 am at Starbucks in Squirrel Hill, head over to the Cemmie (aka Homewood Cemetery), and return to sit outside safely wherever we can.  

Sunday will be Your Choice at 7, zoom at 8 - here's the link: https://pitt.zoom.us/j/97642356094?from=addon

Nothing else to say except TWO WEEKS worth of endorsements from lots of zooming:

• Watching:
• Let Them All Talk (Meryl Streep, Candice Bergen and Dianne Wiest stuck on a boat)
• The Prom
• Ma Rainey's Black Bottom, plus interview with Viola Davis
• Bridgerton (Jane Austen with sex)
• Get On Up (James Brown biopic - best seen directly after the Jane Austen)
• The Comey Rule
• Giving Voice (August Wilson Monologue competition)
• Handmaid's Tale, SNLversion
• Eating:
• The original Moosewood cookbook - and the Silver Palate's famous wild rice dish.
• Cooking holiday meals for your kids to pick up: "I felt like I was running a take-out."
• You can make cake flour by adding cornstarch to regular flour, and oat flour from pulverizing oats
• The disassociated world of Jewish cooking:  A Russian Jew Cooks in Peru, The Book of Jewish Food: An Odyssey from Samarkand to New York.
• Outdoors:
• Beavers have been sighted at 9 mile run (check Next Door.)  Also foxes.
• The Nine Mile Run Watershed Association
• Iron Gate Trail in Frick Park (look out!) or Lowrie's Run Trail in the North Hills
• Cross country skiing on Schenley golf course, also North Park, and somewhere near McKnight Elementary school
• Other:
• Carnegie Library has curbside pickup and book return
• Cashmere muffs. Mink hats. Little lace caps for church. But Vatican II - it changed everything!
• An Advent Calendar for counting days to Jan. 20.
• Tracking packages - shop app will do it but looks too complicated to me
• The late lamented Pussycat
• Target Epiphany - they actually do have everything, and they will bring it out to your car in the parking garage.
• Bernedoodles

Dec. 27 Run/Walk: Nowhere to run, nowhere to hide (thank you Martha) - but let's zoom and talk about it at 8 am

As 2020 FINALLY wraps up, time has become meaningless - that's my excuse.  But let's zoom in and talk about it on Sunday. Hopefully Lainy will read this and agree to let us in.

Link to join is:  https://pitt.zoom.us/j/97642356094?from=addon

Hope to see you all!

P.S. Virginia has created the perfect metaphor in her backyard: 

Dec. 20 Run/Walk: we are still in the COVID universe, so go anywhere and then zoom together at 8

Despite the blessed first appearance of vaccines, we still have a long way to go in the Covidverse, so let's all be safe, maybe jump up and down a few times at 7:45, and then come together to zoomingly kibitz at 8.  Here's the link, thanks to Lainy (same one as last week):  

https://pitt.zoom.us/j/97642356094?from=addon

Still waiting for those expats!

Because I have waited so long (Is it Friday already???) and there is a long list of endorsements from our last rendezvous, I'll just list them and forget the clever repartee.

• Harvie Farms CSA  (this looked so good I signed up after I found the link) 
  
  
  
• Bananas and their history podcast - which brought us to Bananas, the movie.  Woody Allen is awful, but can we go back just sometimes to the innocent days?  Also, Banana Republic, also not acceptable!  But maybe the clothes were OK?
• Bad inflatables (see photo)
• the Hip Hop Nutcracker
• The Crown - and all the things that aren't true in it
• Watch:  Movies with Helena Bonham Carter:  The King's Speech, Harry Potter, Les Mis, Room with a View
• Doulas - where were they in 1982?
• Rachel Carson Trail
• the Nine Allegheny County Parks - esp. Harrison Hills
• Vaccines again!  Dr. Pam will be the first of us to get one.  Dr. Sharon says there are at least 6 major ones and we will need them all.
• Firepits - wood? propane?
• Kamala and Fauci mugs available at Center for Contemporary Craft
• Sending postcards to Georgia voters
• Costco - everything but esp. the website where you can make photo gifts
• Sockclub.com subscription
• Xmas tree delivery from Shadyside Nursery
• The time for cashmere mittens is back!

Dec. 13 Run/Walk/Whatever: Back to COVID schedule - find some way to exercise and then meet up on Zoom at 8

On Sunday, you can take a run, do jumping jacks, practice breathing - and then find us on Zoom - here's the link, courtesy of Lainy:

https://pitt.zoom.us/j/97642356094?from=addon

One advantage of Zoom - you can join from Boston, or anywhere.  Hey, expats!

Last week was the same - and I was late so have no information on where anyone went. The convo was intense:  we shared some quarantine experiences - really no fun.  In terms of stress and fear, as the (real) Queen famously said in the 90's, we are having an Annus Horribilis.  But we have each other!

Related endorsements:

• Finding testing - complicated!  I know someone who has been several times to the Squirrel Hill Health Center clinic and says its pretty easy and you can go without a reservation (you can register on your phone when in line.)  A lot of people go to McKeesport.  Curative.com is good for registering ahead of time.  
• Find where you stand in the line for vaccines - from the NYT

Lighter topics:

• Curlers!  Used to great effect by Kamala, and Wendy.  Also, memories of orange-juice-can rollers - for those of us who can recall what orange juice cans were - but now much improved.  
• Pond's Face Cream - used by Elizabeth Warren, also to great effect.  Yay! for women who have the courage to talk about life's vital details.
• the BBQ Beer guy - characterizing at least one common feature of the election season - and also the profound cool of election officials.
• Get food in peace and quiet at the Bryant Street Market in Highland Park
• Lettuce (and other fresh things) delivered from Fifth Season
• Trader Joe's at 8 am - get in and out quickly - clean and efficient
• Read:  Ta-Nehisi Coates Between the World and Me and anything else.
• Watch: The Tunnel
• No photos, so...

Dec. 6 Run/Walk: NEW PLAN: everyone do your own thing and then we meet online at 8 - zoom link below

NEWS FLASH: 

A few RG members are quarantining (though all are OK!) - and because we want to take all precautions right now, for tomorrow and beyond, we're going to go back to our COVID origins and do our runs/walks solo at 7 and then meet for a group zoom at 8. 

A sad time but we have each other!  And.... a new president to look forward to!

We'll discuss - 

Lainy set up the meeting and here is the link:

Join Zoom Meeting
https://pitt.zoom.us/j/97642356094?from=addon

See you there!

Prudently but looking ahead,

Roye

PREVIOUSLY:

We're returning to the yard outside Waterfront Starbucks - perhaps we're stalking the Lt. Gov. (whose van was sighted!) but it's also pretty handy re sunny space, nearby coffee, and the pièce de résistance, a perfect bathroom.  Do bring a chair (though some were there) and a blanket.  Last Sunday walkers took the trail by the river, and runners discovered a staircase into Hays Woods.  

• 
  WindStax (photo at right) - witnessed near the labyrinth - what is it?  A vertical wind turbine!  (from a Pittsburgh company)
• the Mediterranean Grill, still available for takeout: Moussaka and the Creamy Garlic Dressing.  Missing the belly dancers though.
• What to get for presents?  a socks subscription!  Shop at Black-owned businesses! The Handmade Arcade, now virtual!
• And here is a shameless promotion of my advice-columnist daughter's article with 79 sustainable gifts.
• Three of us know how to pose for photos (hint: bent knees, below)
• The magnificently eerie Carrie Furnace (also below)
• The Great British Baking Show (often endorsed) is melting!
  
• Watch:  Rick Steve's Europe, Season 2, The Alps
• When your phone battery lasts for 8 days, it's Phonakkah.

Nov. 29 Run/Walk: meet outside the Waterfront Starbucks --- and Thanksgiving Holiday run (tomorrow at 7:30 am) at the 61C Cafe in Squirrel Hill

Getting this out in the nick of time to remind everyone of the Annual Thanksgiving Holiday Run tomorrow at 7:30 am at the 61C Cafe on Murray in Squirrel Hill.

And in plenty of time (for once) for the Sunday run - which will return to the Waterfront Starbucks at 7 am as usual, with hopes for a sighting of our friend the Lt. Governor, who is now world famous, and his family.  Though it's unlikely they are spending the morning outside on a gloomy November morning.  Unlike us!  Bringing a chair would be a good idea.

Last Sunday walkers and runners headed off in opposite directions, to ascend to the picturesque heights of Herron Hill Park and The Shrine of the Blessed Mother, respectively (views below.)  Then we availed ourselves of the unlikely open space in front of Fuel & Fuddle smack in the middle of Oakland to eat Munchkins and schmooze awhile.  

Vaccines!  Dr. Sharon, infectious disease specialist and bringer of hope, telling us that the report on vaccines is Great News, "the antibody to spike protein is protective!" (I hope I got that right.)  As promised, she answered a million questions.

Also endorsed:

• Steri-strips, or as CVS calls them, Wound Closure Strips (thanks Wendy!) for those who, like me, cannot be near a knife without slicing fingers. 
• Dolly Parton's new Christmas album, her help in bringing on those vaccines, and just being herself!
• Live captioning on Zoom through Microsoft Office (not sure how this works, ask Lainy)
• COVID Alert PA - app which alerts you when you are exposed to the virus - yikes!
• Do you want to be in the vaccine clinical trial?  Register here (more information here.)

Nov. 22 Run/Walk: Meet at Oakland Ave. between Sennot and Forbes - bring a chair!

We'll convene in Oakland in front of the mysteriously named Fuel and Fuddle (212 Oakland) which I can't help but notice is cheerily open indoors, luring undergrads in the midst of our plague emergency. But we'll be outdoors, so bring your chair.  This is getting exhausting. 

Last Sunday walkers enjoyed the Chatham campus and surrounding mansions - including one Modernist glass house buried in leaves with a long view to the chapel tower - though we were not exactly invited over.  Perfect post-exercise confab at Wendy's: here we are toasting our hero Joanne after she answered our million questions about electoral news and ballot counting under the eye of 39 surveillance cameras.

Also endorsed:

• The Girl Scouts - made Joanne who she is today
• Vertical farming in Braddock
• Kamala Harris in curlers
• Watch: Cory Booker's mayoral race documentary "Street Fight"
• Bidenfreude
• Governors
• Vaccines! Sharon, we have another million questions for you.

Nov 15 Run/Walk: Meet at Wendy's House, corner of Wilkins and Beechwood (park on Beechwood.)

Wendy has invited us to meet before and afterwards in her back yard, 6425 Wilkins - delightful!!  And, across the street from 5 Points!  Bring chairs just in case.  Many routes possible - we'll go with the most inventive.  Or the fewest hills.

Last week was characteristically November-y in Frick Park, some yellow leaves still hanging on, lots of crunchy ones underfoot.  Goats are still under contract.  What would we do without the Pittsburgh Parks?  And then it was a treat to gather everyone outside in the backyard after a week of nail-biting, breath-holding, and ultimately cathartically, joyfully exhaling.  Can we please return to no-drama?  Answer: we now have hope.

Here are some tidbits:

• Joanne!  We are thinking of you but you probably have NO TIME to read this email - still please take care and then take the best vacation ever!! 
• Related:  "How Allegheny County delivered PA to Biden"
• Watch:  Recount (the hanging chads of 2000), Class Action Park (documentary about the theme park you never want to go to), The Queen's Gambit on Netflix, and especially Emily in Paris, that has just been renewed for another season!
• Our friend John Fetterman is a star:  Gov. Wolf buys him a tie; he has a new nickname, and his tweets are awesome.
• The Four Seasons Total Landscaping story - 
• La Fermiere Yogurt - available at the East End Food Coop - comes in adorable blue ceramic cups
• Leaves - we love them!  Leaf blowers - we hate them!
• Interview with Evan Osnos of the New Yorker about Joe Biden's enlightening history
• Recipe for Baked Apple Cider Doughnuts that can also be Munchkins.  Secret: melted butter/cinnamon sugar finish.

Nov. 8 Run: Meet at the entrance to Frick Park, S. Homewood and Reynolds in Pt. Breeze.

On Sunday we will watch the last of the leaves float down in ravishing autumnal Frick Park, meeting at the entrance at Reynolds and S. Homewood.  Afterwards, all are invited to hang out in my leaf-strewn and messy backyard (305 S. Lang Ave.)  Coffee and baked treats will be provided and we will hope that the cursed leaf-blowers will hold off until 10.  Also, a bathroom!  I have some chairs and if some of you bring them too we'll be fine.

First of all, we are all sending our ❤️❤️❤️love❤️❤️❤️ to Joanne! who at this very moment is handling the vote count in Allegheny County, in a situation more challenging than I can even imagine. Here she is explaining the most important thing in the world right now.  

Last week we had numerous walkers traversing Frick Park and visiting the goats and Hobo the Donkey who are residing there.  Numerous runners, on the other hand, checked out what's happening in Wilkinsburg.  Madeleine's was a lovely place to kibitz, but such a long line! I think there were lots of endorsements but I only noted:

    Watch:  Trial of the Chicago Seven, and the new Borat, and Sarah Cooper's Everything's Fine.

In the meantime, as Janet promised, we are living "in the shine of hope."