January 28 Run/Walk: Meet at 5 Points Bakery, 6524 Wilkins in Squirrel Hill

We're meeting at 5 Points Bakery, at Wilkins and Severn (hello, Teri!) in Squirrel Hill, hoping for a short line at 8 and no rain before 9.  Whatever happens, those pastries are worth it - though so is our company.

Last week happened at the nexus of Wilkinsburg, Edgewood, Swissvale, and Pittsburgh. It was where Jacquie and Tony's wedding took place - highlight of RG history - and we kvelled over some old photos.  Shoutout and hugs to your family in Iowa!

Endorsements:

• Fans of Philip Galanes have noted his recent take on"An Enemy Has Infiltrated My Walking Group".  We can attest that this has not happened here in 25 years, but if it ever does, Lainy says, "grow up and take a walk."
• Smells along the busway that are not there anymore:  Nabisco cookies, Iron City Beer, and Heinz ketchup.  
• Helm on the Allegheny - I think someone went to a party there.  They advertise "co-living".  What the hell is that?
• Catchfly Gardens  - local flower farmers - find them at the Squirrel Hill Farmer's Market, enhancing your event, or get a CSA!
• Macarons - Linda is making them, amazing.
• Watch:  The Bear on Hulu (come on, take the free trial and get it together to cancel on time), and American Fiction, in theatres near you.
• Yiddish words of the day: machatunim.  Just try to say it, or live it (not easy.) Also, schmutz - is any other word so onomatopoeic (had to look that up.)
• Chicago, keep your hands off jagoff (not yiddish), despite what it says here.  (Both jagoff and schmutz are in the OED.)

January 21 Run/Walk: meet at Biddle's Escape, 401 Biddle Ave. in Wilkinsburg

Next up: we'll meet at another fave, Biddle's Escape, 401 Biddle Ave. in Wilkinsburg (map).  We can go from there to Frick Park which may be frozen solid.  Or see the fancy houses in Edgewood.  Or head for parts unknown.

Last week, another twofer:  Day 1, only the brave (not me) made their way over very slippy streets to Trace Brewing.  After they trekked through the snow in Friendship (appropriately named) they were treated to magical Bulgarian pastries. Which they ate with their brewskis (well that was the plan.) Next day was the holiday run in Squirrel Hill, luckily with dry streets, where walkers made the pilgrimage to Wendy's teenage smoking steps (newly renovated) and B'nai Emunoh (only Wendy can pronounce) and runners went I know not where. There was as always much discussion in the warm, familiar 61C.   

• Hotties (for hands and feet) are not as hot as they used to be!  Other types on the market, rated here, are better, this one is tops and RG endorsed: Ignik Resealable Multiple-Use Hand Warmers.
• Guest appearance by the amazing Sarah, mega-marathon runner and fount of endorsement wisdom, i.e. 3ROC locally owned outdoor rec store (has consignment too), Rab jackets, Darn Tough socks (esp. these), and back by popular demand, the Sarah Sports Bra.
• The AAA road crew, ask for Leonard if possible.
• To fix it yourself, you may need to delve into the Suburu Dark Web
• Likar Roofing - or else, Señor Gonzalez (Wendy has his number.)
• Buffalo Rose Concert tomorrow (Friday) at 8 pm, Thunderbird Cafe  - be there!

January 14 Run/Walk: Meet at Trace Brewing, 4312 Main St. in Bloomfield (I think - see the map)

We may be on the precipice of a whole new world:  beer for breakfast.  We'll meet next Sunday at Trace Brewing (map) and see what happens.

Last Sunday saw trips around Homewood and Wilkinsburg and a comfy stay (but pastry-less😢) at Commonplace in the industrial chic of Rockwell Park.  Much to discuss, focus on the past:

• A time when it was impossible to find a women's toilet in the Duquesne Club.  There were consequences.  This may still be true.
• Christmas songs - really are there no new ones?  Maybe by John Rutter, certainly beats Jingle Bell Rock.
• Gold, frankincense, and myrrh were finally explained by Gretchen.
• Baby/Wedding Showers - the 60's vibe carries on with games and funny hats.  Do not wear your sweat pants.
• Culottes
• Big pocketbooks with snaps like the one that Mayor Sophie Masloff would hand off to her aide.  
• Dollar Bank and various credit unions - resist the Financial Industrial Complex
• Aretha at the Kennedy Center 
• Wise women united at Beth's crone power celebration.  Next we're on to the Frigid Bitch.
• "I care so much less about so many things." Except Sunday mornings.

January 7 Run/Walk: Meet in front of the East End Food Co-op, 7516 Meade St. in Pt. Breeze

Next week we'll meet at the Food Co-op (for coffee later at Commonplace across the street.)  

Last week we had two treats: celebrating Beth's birthday at the Sunday run on the South Side, and celebrating New Year's Day on our default holiday run.  South Side travels are always full of interest, but best was a long languishing coffee, resulting in... too many endorsements?

• Jane's shoulder bag from Ori 
• Lainy's Dalia pants from Costco are back!  (Nonmembers can order online with a 5% surcharge, 90 cents in this case.)
• Hoopla access to thousands of things at Carnegie Library
• Watch Somebody Somewhere on HBO Max, and Spiderman across the Spiderverse on Netflix.
• Read Prequel by Rachel Maddow (expanded version of recently endorsed Ultra podcast.) We are never far from Fascism in America.
• Listen to Tom Lake audiobook read by Meryl Streep
• Play Mahjong - interest is percolating!  My sister-in-law's 95-year-old mother Helen plays twice a week, a model for us all.
• Purge your old electronic junk at Staples
• Quote: "reminiscent of one of my former marriages" (not necessarily related to the above.)
• The Hamsa - the hand of Fatima says that Muslim/Jewish peace could happen - let it be!

December 31 Run/Walk: Meet at Big Dog Coffee, 2717 Sarah Street in the South Side + New Years Day Run on Monday at 7:30 at 61C

This Sunday, let's return to the South Side to Big Dog Coffee. Then a bonus run on Monday for New Years Day at 61C Cafe (or Starbucks if they are closed).

Last Sunday, Christmas Eve, we enjoyed a new location at Redhawk in Sharpsburg.  The Etna Riverfront Park was inviting, as well as the eclectic streets of this charming borough.  Runners went all the way to Camp Guyasuta.

Coffee was festive and endorsements included:

• Movies such as The Holdovers and Feast of the Seven Fishes;
• Shows such as The Bear (on Hulu)
• Mansion:  Not far from Sharpsburg and endorsed is the Bayernhof Museum.  
• Contractor Plumbing Supply
• Distinctly U (kitchen and bathroom home remodeling)

December 24 Run/Walk: Meet at Redhawk Coffee Roasters in Sharpsburg: 1019 N. Canal Street

Hello everyone, just a quick note this week.  

On Sunday, we will check out a new coffee shop in Sharpsburg: Redhawk Coffee Roasters (1019 N. Canal Street Pittsburgh, PA 15215).

Last Sunday we channeled George Clooney and enjoyed delicious Nespresso and tasty treats at Linda's house in Point Breeze.  Thank you for hosting, Linda!

The walkers looked for curmudgeon coffee shop owner in the neighborhood while the runners found a deer bowhunter's treehouse in Frick Park.  Very exciting!

I'm unsure whether 61C will be open on Monday morning for the Christmas run, but if it's not, head over to Shady/Forbes Starbucks.  Remember, Monday will be 7:30 rather than 7:00.

Dec. 17 Run/Walk: Meet at Linda's house, 103 S. Lexington in Pt. Breeze

Thank you to Linda for offering the coffee locale for our next excursion!  We'll meet at her house at 103 S. Lexington in Pt. Breeze (map, and ignore the fact that it says Lincoln Hwy, it's just Penn Ave.)  

Last week, yet again, dark clouds destroyed all chances of experiencing the usual glorious sunrise over the Highland Park reservoir.  However, yet again, the rain ceased just as we set out! We investigated the overhyped refurbished old tunnel, which was about 10 feet long.  But the run was extensive, and the walk was lovely, and we populated the comfy long table at Tazza, so all was copacetic.  (Does anyone say that anymore?)  Much to discuss, but if we leave out the miserable state of the world we end up with:

• The Rancho Gordo bean club (apparently sold out but you can still get the beans.)
• 1970's bran muffins, most likely this recipe from the ancient New York Times Natural Foods Cookbook.  I know I made these. Also, hermits.
• Local farm to your table:  Weatherbury Farm, which is not far from Meadowcroft (19,000 years of history) - revisit your inner hippie.
• Wings TV show (was this good??)
• There is an airport app that tells you the wait at the TSA line.
• Still need a tree?  Hands down best source:  Shadyside Nursery.

December 10 Run/Walk: Meet at the Tazza D'Oro, 1125 N. Highland Ave. for a Highland Park excursion

This Sunday in Highland Park we'll meet at Enrico's Tazza d'Oro and check out the newly restored pedestrian tunnel that evidently has parapet walls and dates to the 19th century.  Infrastructure!  Also let's hope for one of those gorgeous sunrises over the reservoir - should happen at 7:30 am if conditions are right.

Of course the pelting rain immediately stopped at 7 am on Sunday, and we were able to engage in our customary dahntahn holiday sights tour.  We'll have to come back to have the annual menorah rating (hopefully better than the miserable PVC pipe one of yore) because it's scheduled to go up this Friday.  But both trees and the creche got thumbs up.  I do miss the Steeler Tree (see vintage photo below) however, that only comes when they're in the playoffs (never say never.)  Rock N'Joe Coffee will get a repeat - up in the loft, we endorsed:

• Yuzu Kitchen - delish and handy for pre-event dinners downtown
• Podcasts:  Ear Hustle, Throughline, Death Sex & Money, Heavyweight, Israel Story, the Ezra Klein Show
• Read: The Heaven & Earth Grocery Story (McBride) and Great Expectations (Dickens).
• See:  The Red Dress (and three other spectacular Dresses) at the Frick - free to all.
• Ron Donoughe's new book Ways of Pittsburgh - there was RG presence at the opening.
• You don't have to get car rental insurance - usually already covered by your credit card and/or your own car insurance.  
• AAA has roadside service for bicyclists now!
• "I love a good colonoscopy" not only heard but explained:  involves drugs and cleansing.

December 3 Run/Walk: Meet Downtown at Rock n' Joe Coffee- 514 Penn Avenue

This past Sunday the runners ran around the North Park Lake and Dasch kept Beth company walking on the Rachel Carson Trail.  The morning clouds broke up to reward us at the end with a beautiful sky

reflected on the Lake.  Coffee was at Convive and included the following endorsements:

• Don's Appliances as an antidote to too many choices
• Induction ranges
• Jane Jacobs and The Death and Life of Great American Cities

And the following non-endorsements:

• Biking on the El Camino de Santiago -- is ill-advised
• The housing affordability crisis which keeps getting worse!

Also I am sharing with the group an opportunity tomorrow to see Ron Donoughe's studio in Lawrenceville:

Finally, this photo is included as "another RG adventure."

November 26 Run/Walk: Meet at Spillway Lot at North Park at the corner of Babcock Blvd and Pearce Mill Road (map in message)

Our intrepid Beth is leading our North Park Run on Sunday - we'll meet at the Spillway Lot at the corner of Babcock Blvd. and Pearce Mill Road (map).  And then afterwards, head to coffee at Convive (that map).  This will be worth crossing a river.

On Sunday, Parisi Cafe and Swisshelm Park were adorable as always.  Runners valiantly scaled heights and depths to Duck Hollow and back.  On Thanksgiving, we rounded Squirrel Hill trying to keep up with Max on wheels, and gave thanks for the comfort of each other, especially for listening to our medical (and other) kvetching.

Endorsements:

• Ompractice - a repeat because it's so good
• Priya Parker - teacher of "artful gathering" (maybe we know something about it already?)
• Wabi-sabi explained by Wendy and also here.
• Aldi's Aisle of Shame - we should plan a visit, maybe before:
• Happy Hour - when is our next one??  Also Mitten Workshop - maybe both together!
• Janet once again speaking truth to power.

November 19 Run/Walk: Meet at Parisi Cafe 7107 Harrison Ave. in Swissvale AND Thanksgiving Holiday Run/Walk: meet at 61C at 7:30

We're meeting in front of the charming Parisi Cafe in Swissvale, 7107 Harrison Ave. (map).  Also it's an "Italian market" and "located in Rocco's Tavern", so not our usual hangout.  Routes are available to Swisshelm Park, the still midcentury (last one) Swissvale Center, or the once excitedly anticipated Edgewood Towne Centre (now a bit sad - should have predicted that from the ridiculous spelling.)  And don't forget our own Turkey Trot on T-Day from the default location, 61C, later than usual at 7:30.

On last Sunday, we scrunched into the tiny Redhawk coffee shop (thank you to the graciously nice guy who we elbowed into a corner) after a bracing Oakland excursion.  I don't know what runners did but walkers climbed the equivalent of 21 floors (re my Health app) up beyond the Peterson Center into a monstrous amount of construction. Hail to Pitt! (I always find that a little too close to Heil.)

Endorsements:

• ¡España Hermosa!  Max reported on the fabulous retreat in southern Spain with Linda Meacci (RG's favorite yoga teacher), and there will be another one in Mexico in February:
•  "Women in the Round" on the beach in Troncones (last year's was loved by Max and Wendy.)  If you're interested, check it out soon because Early pricing ends Dec. 1.
• the Batman movie filmed in Pittsburgh  - all of it, but the scene of Heinz Field imploding is wild.
• Feldenkrais movement therapy, we need everything we can get.

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...