August 1 Run or Walk: Meet at Pam and Chris's house at 2200 Beechwood Blvd.

Pam and multiple offspring (some small and adorable!) will be in town this weekend and she is going to lead the run and have everyone over for coffee afterwards.  So on Sunday we'll meet at 2200 Beechwood Blvd. at our usual 7 am time.

Last Sunday morning was spent in one of our comfort zones: neighborly Squirrel Hill, shiny vintage cars to look at, temp in the 70's, Sharon's shady backyard, delish homemade coffeecake, and sparkling talk which vanished into thin air as I was too lazy to write anything down.  I do recall an extended convo re Cleveland which was astoundingly civilized considering it took place in Pittsburgh.  

Some interim endorsements:

• The famous Roland, King of Line Dancing, on Thursdays at 7 pm at Schenley Plaza and Sundays at 7 pm at the entrance to Highland Park (preceded by a jazz concert from 5-7.)
• The even more famous Wendy, Queen of Zumba, on Friday evenings at 5:30 also at the entrance to Highland Park.
• The Root Slayer shovel for any digging or slaying you have in mind.

For lack of a photo from last week, here's one that I missed from the week before:

P.S. If anyone knows of a nice 2-bedroom apartment for rent in a not-brand-new building - I have a friend in search of one - please let me know.

July 25 Run/Walk: Meet at Sharon's (5612 Woodmont) and we'll revisit the vintage autos in Schenley Park

So what'd I miss?  (referring to Hamilton of course.) Not the American Revolution, though another one may scarily be underway.  Many thanks to Aimee for keeping track of RG lore so we don't miss anything.

On Sunday we'll meet at Sharon's house - 5612 Woodmont - where we'll come back to her lovely backyard space for post-run coffee and clatch.  We'll return to our annual viewing of fancy cars at the Vintage Grand Prix - happening in person!

Last Sunday we also found ourselves back with old favorites, the Strip, La Prima, and Colangelo's almond meles (meles are mentioned in this blog over 35 times - I did a search - this is embarrassing.) 

2 weeks of endorsements:

• FINALLY, after years of waiting, the Wednesday/Friday runs from the Squirrel Hill library will no longer start at the ungodly 5:45 am, but at 6:15.  
• Reminder:  Open Streets is returning this Sunday - this time in Hazelwood.
• Audrey came back to visit! Next time we'll set up a Mah Jongg game too.
• Where to get party dresses for women of a certain age (J. Jill, Boden, can't recall other) - and go to a tailor to make them fit perfectly, i.e. Distilo Tailoring at Shady and Forward.  
• Maybe watch first:  "What Not to Wear" 
• Listen: No Place Like Home on Ruby Slippers, Dolly Parton's America, Smartless esp the one with George Clooney.
• How to recycle in Pittsburgh (but why is it so hard??)
• Fruit:  Costco
• Chicken:  there's a lot of poultry history in Squirrel Hill, ask Max!
• Meat (not):  Beyond Meat better than Impossible Foods?
• No-gift wedding events (if they really mean it)
• Linda Meacci's August yoga retreat now only a drive away, and there are tipis!
• Also this TikTok sent by Tom and Kay with another outlook:

(It is quite impressive that Tom and Kay are familiar with TikTok.)

July 11 Run or Walk: Meet at Starbucks at the Waterfront

On Sunday let's return to an old favorite, the Waterfront.

Last week, Virginia led us on a great route through the South Side Slopes that took us up many, many, many steps until we couldn't go higher.  The higher we got, the better the view.  

Here is the route if anyone who missed it wants to check it out: http://www.southsideslopes.org/steptrek/church-route/

The mosaic steps were stunning.  I skipped coffee so I missed out on endorsements, but Elaine sent me these wonderful photos.  

July 4 Run: Meet at Big Dog Coffee- 2717 Sarah Street for a South Side Run or Walk

This is what we would mostly follow on Sunday for the South Side Church Walk:

From Big Dog Coffee (2717 Sarah) we'll be entering the slopes from 27th Street (instead of 15th Street as indicated on the map) so we can go up the Mosaic steps, but will loop around back to 18th Street and then run back to Big Dog Coffee. 

http://www.southsideslopes.org/steptrek/church-route/

Last week, I didn't write down any endorsements as we were enjoying breakfast/coffee at The Lot at Edgewater as what could be described as a "Caribbean vacation" compared to the week. It was a really enjoyable route through Oakmont, and was the first time we've ever met as a group there. Virginia showed us a house that is listed for $1.1 million in the development closest to the river:https://www.post-gazette.com/life/Buying-Here/2021/06/25/Oakmont-homes-houses-for-sale-real-estate-Pittsburgh-2021-Edgewater-at-Oakmont-2nd-St-Allegheny-River-Buying-Here/stories/202106270014

But now could spend 1/3 of that for an updated older house on the other side of Allegheny River Boulevard.  A bit of a frenzied housing market we have on our hands here!

June 27 Run/Walk: Oakmont green space at 201 2nd St., Oakmont, PA 15139

There really were no new endorsements from last Sunday; mostly more discussion on "Mare of Easttown," and "Luca."

This coming Sunday's run will be around the new riverfront development in Oakmont. Meet at the green space on College Avenue in the complex (put 201 2nd St., Oakmont, PA 15139 in your GPS and you'll come right to the green space.)

From Allegheny River Boulevard, it will be your first left on College Avenue once you enter Oakmont. Go three blocks to the corner of 2nd and College. You'll see a big flat green field with plenty of parking around it.

We could do coffee at either The Lot at Edgewater (which opens at 8 a.m. and is two blocks away) or drive up to the Oakmont Bakery, which opens at 6 a.m.

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.)