November 12 Run/Walk: Meet in Oakland at Redhawk Coffee Roasters, 120 Meyran Ave. (off of Fifth Ave.)

Oops, just realized this is Friday!  Have spent the week draining my brain and heart reading news, getting depressed (except for election results😊) and have lost track of time.  But here we are - and since I think someone said Oakland last week, we'll visit yet another new coffee locale, Redhawk Coffee - at 120 Meyran, off of Fifth Ave.  Oh, yeah, we'll run/walk too - any direction is possible.

Last week at the delightful Arriviste cafe, we were mistaken for the "Shadyside Celebrity Crowd".  Perhaps they are not so hip as we thought.  Our routes took us to Shadyside's mansions hidden down alleys and dead end streets, and also an apparently adult playground.  Once seated with caffeinated beverages and carbs in such comforting company, it was hard to leave. We learned:

• Post-menopause, every single cell slows down. Great.
• It is unclear in my notes but that datum may have come from Samantha Bee.
• More on that theme:  Moms in perimenopause often coincide with teenage sons in the same house, explosions ensue.
• Noom seems to actually work if you want to lose weight.
• If you don't want to lose weight: Mad Max has a special dinner for 2 at $40, Big Burrito will give you something free on your birthday, and there were votes for new restaurant Lilith.
• Best place for vaccines:  the Hub at Pitt.
• We shared a lot about Israel and the Palestinians. It's unfathomable. But sharing helps.

November 5 Run/Walk: Meet at Arriviste Coffee, 5730 Ellsworth, for a Shadyside excursion

We're going as hipster as we dare this week as we meet at Arriviste Coffee, 5730 Ellsworth in deep Shadyside. (Actually, are hipsters still a thing?  Probably thinking of hip replacements.) 

Halloween-time was delightfully spooky in the drippy dark (but not really raining).  The front yard decorators of Regent Square totally nailed it.  Coffee followed cozily inside with a bunch of endorsements, some here:

• The Mission of Mercy clinic which over 2 days last week provided free dental, hearing and eye care to 1,465 patients! More amazing info. about it here. 💕 to everyone involved - with the many volunteers including several RG regulars.
• Several more saw and heard Jane Fonda last week - marvelous at 86, star of stage and screen, pioneer of the Workout, and devoted climate activist frequently getting arrested.  Hear her inimitable voice on this podcast, interviewed by Julia Louis Dreyfus.
• Can we all try to be part of an Indian wedding?  Virginia provided gorgeous photos.
• The Cupid Shuffle
• The Lox & Bagel Strata (recipe here.)
• If you ever need to kosher your dishes - the Dish Mikvah
• VOTE NEXT TUESDAY, NOV. 7!  Local is as important as national AND there are many state judges to elect (who are keeping our democracy alive these days.)  Election guide here.

October 29 Run/Walk: A tour of Regent Square's spooky side - meet at my house, 1017 Milton St.

Regent Square has lots of fun aspects, one being the fervent embrace of Halloween on display in front yards.  We'll look for them, with maybe a foray into the gorgeous Frick parkland.  Meet at 1017 Milton St.,  where coffee and edibles will be served afterwards, though we're a bit behind on decorations.

Last week we watched pure Fall slowly illuminate, beginning in the dark at our familiar Wendy Bennett Trailhead.  Then retired to another favorite spot - 61C - where Keith the owner thanked us afterwards for always cleaning up so nicely.  That's our hallmark, in addition to trespassing.  I have apparently lost the endorsements this week, but unearthed some random unrecorded ones from some other time:

• Elaine's Badass Award!  Actually that was from the Running Group.  She also was named a Fellow at the American Speech & Hearing Assoc. this summer - Mazel Tov!! 
• Places to shop:  Nouveau Designer Consignment in Aspinwall, Cheeks in Squirrel Hill supposedly has nice sweaters, Ehua Fashion has hip imports from Korea.
• Women's 60+ Biking and Touring Group facebook page - where we are.
• Noble Invention Biking and Touring - where we'd like to be.
• RG Friend and Plein Air Painter Ron Donoughe's book on Pittsburgh alleys is out! 

October 22 Run/Walk: Meet at the Wendy Bennett Trailhead in Schenley Park (map in message)

The PA Fall Foliage report says that the trees get more stunning every day now, so let's savor while we can - this time in Schenley Park from the Wendy Bennett trailhead - here's a map. Then we'll probably head for 61C for coffee.

Last week - yet another delightful sojourn under the grand chandelier at the William Penn - actually several of them (see photos for our personalized tour of the ballroom - thank you Jeff Diamond, Security Supervisor!)  Also we were among the first to traverse the spanking new Mon Wharf Trail that finally makes a smooth ride/run/walk all along the Mon to the fountain.  (Does anyone recall when we ended up running on the off-ramp from the highway?)  But there was also heartache from the sight of growing homeless encampments on the route.  These are intense times.

Discussion covered:

• Yet more heartache from the news of the passing of Roland Ford - king of line dancing and inspiration to thousands - truly the Best of the Burgh as it says about him here (and scroll to see our representative.)
• Pittsburgh has been known for centuries as the true center of the universe.  Not a joke.
• You can come up with more enlightenments by nature journaling as taught by the Sisters of St. Joseph.
• Our fair city also provided the nation's first EMT service by Black first responders in the Hill, as well as the invention of CPR by Pitt's Dr. Safar.
• Not to mention, Lawrence Welk and his bubble machine, right here in this building:

 

October 15 Run/Walk: Meet downtown at the Omni Wm. Penn Hotel, 530 William Penn Place

We're going to try out the new Stance Coffee place at our old favorite, The William Penn (530 William Penn Place) and also investigate the new Point State Park Connector on the Mon Wharf - supposedly just opened today!  There should be street and garage parking nearby but leave a little time because it's a bit iffy.

Last week in Frick Park and at Biddle's was as usual inspiring.  No more than that because this is unforgivingly late.  See you Sunday!

October 8 Run/Walk: Meet at Biddle's Escape (401 Biddle Ave.) and visit autumnal Frick Park

The leaves are turning in Frick Park, our very own forest, so let's bathe there and follow it with coffee at Biddle's (and maybe a toothsome kouign-amann from Madeleine's if the line isn't too long.)

Last week we climbed up to Hillcrest St. and beyond in Garfield, home of funky urban farms, adorable tiny houses, and a fabulous view.  We'll definitely return to Commonplace on Penn due to its communal table for schmoozing, space for PT exercise demonstrations, and conduciveness to  

¡Espaldarazos! (I just looked up the Spanish word for endorsements)

• Not much time left, so run, don't walk, to go see Billy Strayhorn: Something to Live For at the Public Theater
• Do NOT get shot with an arrow in Frick or Riverside Park, seeing that the deer hunt is underway EVERY DAY BUT SUNDAY basically through JANUARY.  We are told to, ummm, "wear bright colors".  I'm all for deer management, but maybe the signs should not be in tiny print.  
• For more info on the above (and just all-around lovableness) see @pghparkrangers.
• The Montour, Ghost Town and Panhandle Bike Trails (repeats, but worth it.)
• Visiting Sandcastle for the culture shock.
• Spiders are awesome.

October 1 Run/Walk: Meet at Commonplace Coffee, 5467 Penn Ave. (across from the Glass Center)

This is a quick note because I got too relaxed after 2 weeks off.  We're meeting at Commonplace Coffee on Penn Ave. (across from the Pittsburgh Glass Center) because it has a table big enough for the whole group.  Many directions to go in from there.  And the coffee's good too!  

Coffee and space were also delightful last week at the other Commonplace across from the Co-op.  We toured North Pt. Breeze and found a public apiary behind the Taj Mahal for dogs and cats.  Several endorsements:

• Ompractice - get your yoga on
• Or, get hold of the rudder at the American Sailing Academy at Key Largo
• Or, get happy at the Teutonia Happy Hour
• Or, get another of those damn tests at UPMC Passavant

September 24 Run/Walk: Meet at Commonplace Coffee by the Co-op: 7514 Thomas Blvd.

Hi all, because it is Great Race this weekend, let's stay out of the fray and meet at Commonplace Coffee by the Co-op.  

Last week, runners and walkers had a fun time exploring Troy Hill.  Such an interesting neighborhood with surprises around every corner! Rialto Street was formerly an Incline-- but no one wants to be dumped out onto Route 28 so now it's just a scary road, especially for those with manual transmissions!

Points of interest included:

Scratch & Co.- great lunch/brunch place!

St. Anthony's where you can see the relics and bones!

And this house, which seemed like the urban version of Swiss Family Robinson!

Endorsements included: getting married in the White Mountains in New Hampshire.💗

Next time we will have to check out the art museum next to De Fer Coffee called La Hutte Royal.  We completely missed it!  A reason to return here...

September 17 Run/Walk: Meet in Troy Hill, De Fer Coffee & Tea at 1800 Rialto St.

Back to Troy Hill - last seen by us in 2019 (pre-pandemic!) One change since then - opening of a De Fer Cafe at 1800 Rialto (map) where we'll meet.  First part of Rialto is pretty steep, but this is Pittsburgh.  (If you want to go up more gradually, you can go over the 16th St. bridge from the Strip - look at the map for how to do it.)

Last week we went the other way on Penn to see its industrial/wholesale/residential side.  We bemoaned the criminal lack of a bathroom at La Prima, so just stopped by Colangelo's for the meles and enjoyed them with the excellent coffee (who knew?) at the gigantic Aslin Beer Co. at the Terminal.  Discoveries and endorsements:

• The AT&T on Penn Ave. (if that's your internet provider) has no waiting and great service.
• the adorable Dash toaster oven recently on sale at Target
• Salem's Market and Grill, for Middle Eastern lunch, catering, shopping - better all the time.
• So is the long-beloved Ali Baba on Craig St.
• D'Anoia's for Italian
• Cousins Maine Lobster for lobster rolls that a former New Englander might start crying over.
• Coughlin's Law Kitchen & Ale 

(apparently all we think about is food.)

 

September 10 Run/Walk: Meet at La Prima Espresso (the original) - 21st off of Penn on the Strip

Some are longing for the delish almond meles and the grungy outdoor seating at La Prima (map), so we'll start there and see what's new on the Strip (Puttshack?)

Last week was a double dip - Sunday+Monday - and we toured Aspinwall and Squirrel Hill.  Actually make that a triple - an RG biking excursion also happened, as far as Leetonia, Ohio.  These are becoming part of the weekend, but as far as I know, we have not yet combined coffee and biking, and/or beer and biking - the next frontier!

Naturally, endorsements surfaced:

• Discover the Burgh blog - so much to do
• Larpers... did you know what this was?  I didn't either.  But it led to many thumbs up for:
• The RenFair (aka the Pittsburgh Renaissance Festival) going strong after 20 years, "The King and Queen are pleased to welcome you to another glorious season in the village of Morelandshire!"
• Biking on Ohio's Little Beaver Creek Greenway trail, about an 80 min. drive away.

September 3 Run/Walk: Meet at the Allegheny RiverTrail Park on Sunday at 7, and at the 61C on Monday at 7:30 for Labor Day run.

We haven't been to Aspinwall for a while, and since the RiverTrail Park has been in the news (Brilliant Line) lately, so, about time!  RiverTrail Park map is here (there is parking.)  Checking out the local retail is always a plus. Coffee can happen at Beans & Cream across the street - or BYO and we can sit by the river.  Monday will be the usual holiday run a half hour late, at 61C.

Speaking of which, last week was a homey sojourn around Squirrel Hill and 61C - never gets old.  Numerous RG bikers were at Pedal Pittsburgh so we'll get the update this week.  Lots of endorsements:

• Savage River Lodge (has yurts too!) in a state forest in MD
• The Parlor Dim Sum in Lawrenceville
• Cooking Thai at home (Aimee will give us a class one of these days).  
• Young's Oriental Grocery on Forward Ave. good place to get ready for the above.
• Or if you're up for Italian instead - the homemade raviolis you can get only at the Bloomfield Groceria (formerly Groceria Italiana) in Bloomfield.
• Question to be posed at the next run:  Is The Mindy Project a ripoff of Offspring?  We will discuss.

August 27 Run/Walk: Meet at 61C Cafe, 1839 Murray Avenue.

Another quick note this week that we will meet at 61C Cafe on Sunday morning.

Many of our runners/walkers will be participating in Pedal Pittsburgh-- have fun!

August 20 Run/Walk: Meet at Biddle's Escape, 401 Biddle Avenue Wilkinsburg, PA

 Just a quick note this week in Roye's absence (and I missed last week's run at Speckled Egg, so I have no notes). 

Meet at Biddle's Escape, 401 Biddle Avenue, Wilkinsburg, PA 15221.

August 13 Run/Walk: Meet at The Speckled Egg in the Southside Works - 428 S. 27th St.

Coffee locale first as usual (a comment on where we are now) - we'll see what the buzz is about at The Speckled Egg in the Southside Works (map).  But before sitting down - a tour of dog parks or the ever-expanding marina?  Up the slopes or down on the trail?  We'll see -

Last week: a visit to the antiquity-packed Allegheny Cemetery, home of an Egyptian Mausoleum (designed by the Jefferson Memorial architect) - also the discovery of Bumblebee Beach (chronicled by Atlas Obscura.) The Ineffable, where you can obtain real Vietnamese-style coffee, was most conducive to gabbing and endorsements:

• There's still time to see Quantum Theatre's Hamlet at the Carrie Furnace - it's wild, trust me.
• Renowned Used Book Sale at Calvary Episcopal
• Vinegar!  Cleans everything (mix with water) and works as weedkiller if you use the superpotent kind.  (Look it up before trying.)
• Watch:  The Bear, especially season 2, and The Imposters
• The omelet from The Bear
• RG fave is back: Summer Soul Line Dancing at Highland Park, Sundays 7-9.

 

August 6 Run/Walk: Meet at the Ineffable Ca Phe, 3920 Penn Ave.

(Hopefully I got the date right this time 😁)

It's been a while since we tasted the special Vietnamese coffee at the Ineffable, so we'll head there, but first explore: Allegheny Cemetery? Polish Hill? Or Beth might once more reveal the ghost story buried deep in the Allegheny County buildings across the street.

Last week we passed up the river views to roam around Homestead, which always turns up something unexpected, i.e. a Buddhist temple, a church turned climbing gym, another Frick Park.  At coffee, best surprise appearance:  our friend Senator Fetterman, who dropped by our table to discuss running shoes (he just got some Hokas.)  Numerous endorsements followed:

• City pools with lap swimming hours, especially Magee and Highland Park.
• Euflexxa injections for your knees (maybe?)
• Menopause is better than migraines.
• Listen to podcasts:  the latest Serial, The Retrievals, Julia Louis-Dreyfus in Wiser than Me 
• Watch:  The Righteous Gemstones
• Read:  What Makes Sammy Run? (1941)
• Play:  Mahjongg (not online) 

July 30 Run/Walk: Meet at Waterfront Panera: 210 W Bridge Street, West Homestead

This Sunday, let's meet at the Panera at the Waterfront.

Brief post about last Sunday. Runners and walkers all headed toward the cars at the Vintage Grand Prix and tested our trespassing limits.  We all tried to cut through the park, but the Prix guards were stricter than usual this year! We at least got to see the race cars lining up for the Sunday races.

Sharon hosted a lovely brunch at her house and we enjoyed the feast on her gorgeous patio.  I didn't take any notes from the coffee, but on the run endorsements included the book Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver, and on the same topic the book (and show) Dopesick. 

July 23 Run/Walk: Meet at Sharon's House, near corner of Woodmont and Wightman Streets, Squirrel Hill

Hi everyone!  Filling in for Roye today.  It's car race weekend, so let's meet at Sharon's house near the corner of Woodmont and Wightman and we can head over to see the Vintage Grand Prix.

Last Sunday, runners and walkers enjoyed the streets of North Point Breeze/Homewood/Larimer and explored the Brilliant Line.  Coffee and conversation were enjoyed at Commonplace by the coop. 

This will be a photo-heavy blog, since I didn't take any notes of endorsements.  Thanks to Michelle and Virginia for sharing the photos!

July 19 Run/Walk: Meet in front of the East End Food Coop, 7516 Meade St. in Pt. Breeze

We'll meet in front of the East End Food Coop (map) with the idea of having coffee later at the new Commonplace Coffee across the street. There should be plenty of on-street parking on Meade St. on a Sunday morning.

Last week in Squirrel Hill included high drama: a mother and baby deer caught by the new barrier in the middle of Forbes Ave., along with some of us trying to save them - somehow made it over! A successful group mind-meld to find Michelle's keys in the middle of Frick Park, ultimately getting to "I know exactly where it is" (Paula the Brain, naturally.) And of course the threat of downpour holding off until we were under the big umbrella at 61C.  OK, Raiders of the Lost Ark it was not, but our standards are pretty low.  However, lots of endorsements:

• FrickParkFriends.org - trying to protect our beloved park by enforcing the zoning regulations - please sign the petition, etc. at this effort to stave off a development in the middle of the forest.  More info. here.
• Dance party In Bed By Ten is back at Spirit
• Mary's Vine Wine Bar
• The Edgewood Town Centre Giant Eagle - for nostalgia shopping
• Stylish rain jacket by Kari Traa
• Watch reality shows: Catfish, Indian Matchmaking, Jewish too.
• Read:  Lessons in Chemistry

July 9 Run/Walk: Meet at old fave 61C in Squirrel Hill

Quick bulletin today:  we'll meet at 61C cafe in Squirrel Hill - see you there!

Last week's visuals:

July 2 Run/Walk: Meet on the Strip at the new(ish) La Prima, 1100 Smallman St.

If you haven't heard of Anthrocon, a pretty strange sight awaits.  I think we'll see some of the action on Sunday morning, when we meet at the La Prima near the Convention Center, at 1100 Smallman St., at 11th St. There should be parking on either Smallman or Penn Ave. around there.  Also there is a giant blow-up sculpture thing and the massive demolition of Wholey's old warehouse nearby.  So much to see dahntahn!

Also, though we had thought we had seen everything in Oakland, last Sunday we found it still holds surprises, i.e. the puzzle maze at CMU, and the deeply retrograde motto inscribed in stone on the Margaret Morrison building, describing "woman's high prerogatives" (read it here).  We relaxed under the Schenley Plaza tent where tables and chairs were set out just for us.  Endorsed:

• Watch:  Wonder Boys with Francis McDormand and Michael Douglas, filmed at CMU
• The Wall of Green in refrigerators with all the farmer's market produce
• What to do with it: Linda suggests beet risotto and garlic scape pesto.  
• Wendy gave us the report on Scrotum, PA.  Maybe that one isn't endorsed.

June 25 Run/Walk: Meet at the tent at Schenley Plaza in Oakland

We'll start at the Schenley Plaza tent (map), and then for coffee, take over the chairs and tables - and either BYOBeverage or get something at Starbucks.

We had a Highland Park excursion last Sunday, during which there were no lions or tigers to be heard, but Joanne heard some roars the other day, so maybe next time.  Tazza D' now has delightful outdoor seating - luckily for those inside who want some peace and quiet.  As always, numerous suggestions:

• new excellent word: fetutzed
• watch movies:  Persian Lessons, Big Night, Air, and especially The Immaculate Reception directed by Charlotte (Jane's daughter) who hopefully will join us on Sunday!
• the new and improved Frick Park Market, especially the sandwiches and backyard patio
• after you ride the Path of the Flood trail, see the museum in Johnstown
• a summery treat - ice cream at Page's Dairy Mart
• we believe there is a Scrotum, PA - Wendy will inform us
• get your bikes - another Open Streets on the Strip on Sunday

June 18 Run/Walk: Meet at the Tazza D'Oro, 1125 Highland Ave for a Highland Park Run

Next up:  Highland Park, and we'll meet at the homey Tazza D'Oro.  Too late in the year to see the sunrise over the reservoir (it's at 5:49 a.m.) but just in time to see the garden. My personal goal is to get close enough to the zoo to hear the lions and tigers.

We explored Wilkinsburg and Edgewood, highlights being the Hamnett Station, hidden parks, and unknown swanky streets and homes, especially this one.  Biddle's offered us a real bower to have a coffee and klatch in.  Some highlights:

• Wilkinsburg Community Ministry - a community food bank, run by our new friend Ruth - and would love to have new volunteers.
• The Grilled Polenta breakfast at the Blackberry Meadows farmstand at the Squirrel Hill Farmer's Market
• The Who Cooks for You CSA, which sometimes brings you a giant egg.
• The Path of the Johnstown Flood bike trail
• Do:  One scary thing every day.  Like wake up.

June 11 Run/Walk: Meet at Biddle's Escape, 401 Biddle Ave. in Wilkinsburg

Meeting this Sunday at Biddle's Escape, 401 Biddle Ave., with multiple route choices and the slim chance of a short line to grab an ooh-la-la pastry at Madeleine's Bakery down the street.

Last week, we celebrated Wendy's birthday starting at her namesake Trailhead in Schenley Park, followed by a delish carrot cake baked by Linda at ye old 61C.  Could the parks be more forest-bathing-worthy than they are now?  Major interest in a Mahjong sideline was expressed, though how to find time what with zumba, evening bike rides, soul line dancing, and we haven't even assigned a date for the next happy hour...

Endorsed: 

• The Pocket Sports Bra, with a place for your phone right between your shoulder blades.  This solves the problem of pants falling down while running.
• Return of Roland!! Summer Soul Line Dance with him on Tuesday evenings at 6:30 under the Big Tent at Schenley Plaza.
• Lobster Rolls to die for from Cousins Maine Lobster - we may have to cross a river but we'll get there.
• Hurray for Triathlete Joanne who did it again at the Edinboro Triathlon!
• The fabulous Buffalo Rose concert at the Arts Festival downtown - Gretchen, please tell the amazing Margot to come back soon.