June 30 Run/Walk: Meet at KLVN Coffee Lab, 6600 Hamilton Avenue

A quick note for next week, meeting at KLVN Coffee Lab, 6600 Hamilton Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15206.

Last week, runners and walkers explored Swisshelm Park and Duck Hollow:

June 23 Run/Walk: Meet at Parisi Cafe, 7107 Harrison Ave. in Swissvale

On Sunday, meet at the Parisi Cafe, 7107 Harrison Ave. in Swissvale (my new hometown! but sadly I'll have to miss this one.) 

Last Sunday we we made our way to Beth and Gretchen territory, somehow traversing river and highway without incident.  We visited the huge trees, ponds, woods, trails, fairy zones, and adorable 20th c. Sears Roebuck mail order homes that lurk unsuspected behind Interstate 279.  Then on to a particularly memorable coffee klatch in Beth's green shaded porch, starring toast with chocolate sprinkles, while solving the thorny problems of discriminatory homebuying and smelly used car purchasing.  Followed on Wednesday by a special holiday run to honor Juneteenth.

Endorsed:

• Barebones Productions, now playing Animal Kingdom, with Brew Gentlemen brewery nearby 
• Target summer pants, and laundry detergent sheets in cardboard boxes (no plastic!)
• Scratch & Co. restaurant in Troy Hill
• Gourmet chocolate sprinkles .
• Cochran Suburu's Outback Wilderness 
• Musicians of Steel 5K - run or walk to support the PSO musicians with live music en route.
• The Panhandle Bike Trail

June 16 Run/Walk: Meet at Beth's House: 9384 Hilliard Road Pittsburgh, PA 15237

Beth Dutton has offered to host coffee on Sunday 6/16.  We are looking forward to coming to the verdant hills of the North!

This past Sunday in Troy Hill started off with too much excitement-- no, the mishap wasn't related to the scary Rialto Street, but rather a scary pothole on 579 ramp (between Blvd Allies and Veteran's Bridge) on the way to the run.  A tire blowout for me, and a lift up to De Fer in Troy Hill (thanks to Virginia) so I could ignore my flat tire for a couple of hours and enjoy life for a short while....

The run/walk was glorious-- perfect weather and nice sights.  A view around every corner and over every hill.  Unique murals, yummy food (Scratch kitchen) and holy bones/relics at St. Anthony's.  Such a cool neighborhood.

Coffee conversation at the delightful De Fer cafe revolved around:

• Speculation that AAA's largest share of revenue has got to be those who let their memberships lapse and then call for roadside assistance;
• What is scarier/more dangerous: white water rafting or deer leaping over your head while on a bike trail;
• Buffalo Rose is playing on Friday 6/14 at the Original Pittsburgh Winery: Doors open at 7:00pm.  Buy tickets here.
• Buffalo Rose will also be playing at Aspinwall Riverfront Park on August 9 and at Tall Trees Amphitheater in Monroeville on August 11.

Running events coming up from Gretchen: "Here are a couple of 5k run/walks happening next Saturday morning that you could join or support:

• Pittsburgh Cure Sarcoma: my brother, Kurt Weiss, is a sarcoma survivor and very active in this group. The run/walk is at 9 AM starting at the North Park Boathouse. Here's his team: https://runsignup.com/Race/144196/Donate/SiRuxjWz99OQ8XUY   
• Highmark Walk for Vincentian: I've formed a team to support Vincentian's network of senior care/human services, including Schenley Garden in Oakland. The walk starts at Stage AE at 9 AM and ends in the stadium. Here's my team:  http://hcf.convio.net/site/TR/Pittsburgh/HighmarkWalk?team_id=18798&pg=team&fr_id=4720. (The Luddites at Highmark haven't upgraded this to a secure https url yet. If your Chrome blocks it, you could try another browser or your mobile device)"

June 9 Run/Walk: Meet at De Fer Coffee shop in Troy Hill: 1800 Rialto Street

On Sunday, let's climb Rialto and zigzag around Troy Hill.  Meet at De Fer, 1800 Rialto Street.

Last week, runners and walkers started in the Strip, checked out the Arts Festival Downtown, and runners came back through Washington's Landing.  It was "the best way to see the Arts Festival."

Conversation at the new Bitty and Beau's Coffee (with excellent, moist muffins in our mouths) included:

• Poems returned!  But chatGPT? Let's not think about it...
• Quirky Apple Store geniuses "phoning the Mother Ship" and building bunkers for the apocalypse.
• Endorsed are Chewy.com subscriptions, especially for prescriptions.
• Stick shift experiences-- everyone has a crazy story!

June 2 Run/Walk: Meet at Bitty and Beau's Coffee, 1920 Smallman Street in the Strip District

Last week was a holiday weekend so we had the pleasure of meeting up twice.  On Sunday, we met at a really warm and friendly Thai- and woman-owned coffee shop called K-Fair (the owl has a story!) and ran  through Stanton Heights and Morningside.  Runners saw wild turkeys with affectionate courtship displays.  Janet looked it up: "In early spring, males gather in clearings to perform courtship displays.  They puff up their body feathers, flare their tails into a vertical fan, and strut slowly while giving a characteristic gobbling call."

Endorsements included:

• Tecnu for removing poison ivy oil;
• Nordstrom for special occasion shopping;
• Pretzel Shop in the South Side for delicious treats and pre-pandemic, pre-inflation prices;
• Facebook groups: Great Allegheny Passage/C&O Canal Enthusiasts and Pine Creek Rail Trail 
• Specialized bike shoes that tighten & loosen with the touch of a button
• Pocono Biking for fabulous organized group rides in beautiful locations!

Monday morning we met at 61C Cafe and enjoyed the familiar streets and warm, familiar faces of our lovely group.  More emphasis on the last bullet point endorsement with more stories from Elaine from her Erie Canal trip.

May 26 Run/Walk: Meet at K-Fair Coffee, 1806 Chislett St. in Morningside

Next, we're going deep into Morningside, meeting at the Ka-Fair Coffee & Cakery, 1806 Chislett St. (map).  A memory arises of a run some time ago, heading down Morningside Ave. when we were abruptly joined by some random guy - in pajamas? naked?, something like that - who peeled off later without identifying himself.  Adventure awaits!

Last week we forest-bathed along the leafy Frick Park trails - no naked man in sight but plenty of birds, wildflowers, and other critters.  Under the shady porch at Biddles, we scarfed down buttery treats from Madeleine's a block away and dwelled on nostalgic and other random thoughts:

• the Wah-Wahtusi
• Chinese jumprope, hopscotch, cat's cradle, jacks:  potential game day in the offing
• "my whole hoorah" - excellent multi-use term
• Group Active at the JCC - ask (Lexington) Linda for details
• Search Engine Optimization - ask Gretchen for details.
• Summer Fridays at the Frick, various dates starting June 14, also the Vermeer, Monet, Rembrandt (and more) show going on there until July 14. 

May 19 Run/Walk: Meet at Biddle's Escape, 401 Biddle Ave. in Wilkinsburg

We'll start at one of our faves, Biddle's Escape on the corner of Biddle and S. Trenton, and maybe sashay over to Frick Park to experience its springtime glory.  

Last week we celebrated Mother's Day by basking in the presence of three of RG's Founding Mothers, Elaine, Beth and Susan.  Half of us ran to the Shrine of the Blessed Mother, and the other half walked the historic Bird Run, invented by Susan in the glorious olden days.  (But the Bird, to quote Rick Sebak, is one of the things that aren't there any more.) 

So many people came!  We took up half the space in the 61C patio.  Too much talking to record much but heard the following:

• Best gift for Moms (will have to wait for next year):  the Digital Picture Frame that can be loaded remotely.
• Upscale chocolate sprinkles on buttered toast for breakfast.
• A Speakeasy on the Strip - carrying on Pittsburgh's own name for drinking illegally in cellars, evidently begun in McKeesport.
• You can also visit Savannah, GA and its Prohibition Museum.
• Or, camp out in Keystone State Park (which has open air swimming).
• Or if indoors, take your Peloton to Puerto Rico
• Or, fly to Liverpool and lift a glass (Slàinte!) with Paula the Brit and Iain the Scot, like Wendy did.  (Outlander fans, I can share a recording of Iain saying "Dinna fash, Sassenach").

May 5 Run/Walk: Meet at the Frick Park Bowling Greens (Reynolds and S. Lexington in Pt. Breeze)

Meet at the stone circle next to Frick Park Bowling Greens (map) in Pt. Breeze.  Best parking is on Reynolds at S. Lexington.  You'll need to figure out the best way to arrive considering the marathon road closures.  Then after the run, coffee at Jane's house (a few blocks away)!

Last week covered the Strip on the Lawrenceville end, but centered on Art All Night, which was as always quirky and weirdly fascinating - Pittsburgh to the core.  Our second time at the local James Cafe found us in a delightfully cozy room to ourselves, with sunny windows, decent coffee, but so-so scones.  Also the best schmooze and endorsements:

• Scone-wise, the fondly recalled Panera's orange ones, which are apparently easy to duplicate at home. 
• Jak's Bakery in Bloomfield - also formerly endorsed - has an outlet in the venerable year-round Saturday morning East Liberty Farmer's Market.  
• Pino's Restaurant in Pt. Breeze, no longer the sad place you go when you can't get into Point Brugge.  Especially with the new back patio.
• Kimicata Brothers landscaping (but what's their attitude towards leafblowers?)
• The bluets , now happening in May.
• Also in May - weekend RG bike rides have begun - stay tuned!
• Jazz at the Pittsburgh Winery.
• Though we love to jointly plan and kvell about weddings and their accoutrements, there is something to be said for the courthouse. 

April 28 Run/Walk: Meet at the James Cafe, 2550 Smallman St. for a foray into the upper (lower?) Strip

So we can visit the Art All Night locale (a yearly pilgrimage), we'll meet at the James Cafe at 2550 Smallman - parking on nearby streets should be fine.  Also possible in the neighborhood:  the view from the 31st St. Bridge.  

Last week we returned to the rarely seen pocket of deep Bloomfield, which has few blooms or fields, but is quirky, somewhat gritty, and never boring.  We located the TRYTRYTRY stairs, found a random chainsaw, explored Iron Eden and peered into the creepy, empty, literally Dickensian (1866) buildings around Iron City Brewing.  Yinz Coffee was super congenial, sunny, and accepting of the yummy Bulgarian delicacies we brought in from Jak's Bakery down the street.  Also endorsed:

• The British Isles, where someone will soon be seeing RG friend Paula the Brit!  So PtB, if you're listening, we miss you and wish you and Iain were here so we could discuss Outlander and whisky endorsements.  
• Also Celtic, how about taking a Goddess Pilgrimage in Ireland?
• Moving on to Denmark, watch:  Borgen, and see a terrific fictional woman head of state and a political system that is not on life support.
• Also watch: Chisholm '72, to see a potential real woman head of state, ditto the system a mess even then.  And another great woman:  the Joan Baez documentary.
• Nippies - come in heart shapes and x's - who knew? 
• Making yogurt in an Instapot.
• Pajama pants = pants?  They are certainly comfy.  But no.

April 21 Run/Walk: Meet at Yinz Coffee, 4525 Liberty Ave., for a Bloomfield excursion

Back to Bloomfield on Sunday, meeting in front of Yinz Coffee, 4525 Liberty - we will see if the TRY-TRY-TRY stairs remain, what's new at Iron Eden, and/or go over the bridge.

Last week we took the path skirting the Mon at the Waterfront, sunrise glinting on the water, a mist of green on the trees.  No sign of the Senator, though, who surely has more weighty things to do, but the springy day had us schmoozing outside at last.  Much sharing of highly valuable info:

• Thread micro-wallets
• Dandy Blend - RG tested  by Beth - alternative to decaf coffee
• Contemporary Concepts store for gifts - next to Trader Joe's
• Read locally:  micro - the Homepage community newspaper, from Hazelwood and macro - Pittsburgh Magazine, everywhere that counts.
• Get help for anything in your house:  contact East End Handyman - but definitely do NOT google "appliance repair" or you will end up spending 2 hours in your kitchen with a hapless leprechaun.
• Vote:  if you still haven't mailed your mail-in ballot, bring it this weekend to the ballot return site this weekend, 9-5 Sat, 11-7 Sun - one of these is the Squirrel Hill Library.  
• Panera's orange scones have the Proustian memory kick of your Easy-Bake oven (which is still available!)
• Watch:  Unsinkable: Titanic Untold - on the big screen in Sewickley through 4/25; or Oppenheimer (when streaming you can split it up for 2 nights.)
• Recycle:  your ratty clothes and other textiles - UPitt Sustainability has 2 locations:  labeled blue bins in the parking lots of the O’Hara Student Center & 7500 Thomas Blvd.

April 14 Run/Walk: Meet at Panera at the Waterfront

Let's meet at Panera at the Waterfront (map), and maybe we'll greet our friend the Senator, visit some Homestead landmarks, or head for the trail and gaze up at the Eagle Cam.  If we hang around long enough, Costco opens at 10.  We may be able to sit outside and engage in Covid nostalgia, a time when we were freezing our butts off out there.

The cherry trees waited for us and were in lovely bloom at North Park on Sunday, petals lightly falling. Someone knew the Japanese word for this: Sakura-fubuki?  Evidently also related to kamikaze aircraft. Conviviality at Convive Coffee:

• Allegheny County Parks Foundation - yay for parks!
• Grape jelly and sliced oranges are food for orioles now
• Not as healthy, but delish, food for us could be the ham bones sold at Honeybaked Ham for $6.99, amazing if you're making bean soup.  They're in the freezer.
• The Wolfshager Hexenbrut Walpurgis dancers gone viral - funky witches!  Also available in Pittsburgh - stay tuned.
• Jane's running story - an inspiration!
• Somewhat less inspiring, the official RG motto:  We start out slow, and we taper off.
• Listen:  James by Percival Everett on audio - though reading is always good too. 
• Vote:  Primary is coming up on April 23 - WESA has a good voter guide,  and you can see the Summer Lee/Bhavini Patel debate here.
• Mahj - it's happening!

April 7 Run/Walk: Meet at the North Park Boathouse parking lot (map in message)

On Sunday we'll head up to North Park, meeting at the parking lot at the OTB Boathouse (map.) It has cherry trees!  And much more to be pointed out by Beth and Gretchen.  Afterwards, coffee at nearby Convive (map) in McCandless.  

Lots of runners/walkers came last week despite the utterly last-minute tiny message - showing that the mind-meld is in force.  Also that at our Squirrel Hill/61C locale, familiarity breeds comfort, and not even contempt for the hefty muffins.  I should also mention the week before: the Stately Manors of Mt. Lebanon were a sight to see, along with the fabulous local breakfast offerings - admittedly, not that far away.  Will try to consolidate 2 weeks of endorsements:

• Mt. Lebanon's Mediterra Cafe - worth crossing a tunnel and a bridge
• Shakshouka for breakfast - at the cafe, or else this recipe 
• which is from Melissa Clark whose recipes and videos at the NYT are easy and delish
• and can often be made on NordicWare sheet pans - the best
• Buffs - an RG standard since 2013 (see photo of Yi!) - can easily be crafted in cashmere too
• Hike:  Harrison Hills Park
• Visit:  Vieques
• Hold it:  Smartish phone cases
• A fully evolved male person

March 31 Run/Walk: Meet at 61C

 That's it!  Meet at 61C - 

March 24 Run/Walk: Meet at Mediterra Cafe, 292 Beverly Road, Mt. Lebanon

We're becoming ladies who brunch (and let's not forget the running/walking) so this time we'll meet at the Mediterra Cafe in Mt. Lebanon (map.)  This will require the navigation of bridges and tunnels, but it should be worth the trip.

Last week we celebrated St. Paddy's Day on the South Side, deliberately avoiding gross conditions outside the E. Carson St. bars. Then a yummy breakfast at the Speckled Egg - watched over by a screen showing the Irish movie we know and love from Blockbuster days of yore:  Darby O'Gill and The Little People (OMG you can see it here.)  Endorsed:

• Eat: the Speckled Egg, also Margaux (from last week)
• Watch:  Oscar winning documentary, The Last Repair Shop (it's all there)
• Read:  History of the Rain
• Listen:  Jazz at the new Greer Cabaret Theatre downtown (courtesy of Cheryl!)
• Upgrade your bijoux: Kenyon Jewelers (also from last week)
• Geraldine Day - we all deserve our own, and if you don't know what it is, you haven't been paying attention.
• West Virginia vacations, the Savage River Lodge, Blackwater Falls, the town of Thomas, the Dolly Sods, Berkeley Springs, etc. etc.
• Yurts available at the above?
• Financial dominatrix evidently is a thing, featured on Law & Order

March 17 Run/Walk: Meet in SouthSide Works, the Speckled Egg, 428 S 27th St.

Upping our usual post-run latte/muffin nosh, we'll face an intriguing menu at the Speckled Egg this week (i.e. Aloha Puddin') deep in the Southside Works.  Prior route could be anywhere:  up to the Steps, across the river to Hazelwood Green, either way along the Mon - whatever feels right on St. Paddy's Day.  (Maybe avoid E. Carson St. though.)

Last week we traversed adorable Aspinwall and checked out the expanding Allegheny RiverTrail Park, which should be a great summer destination (though a bit underwater at the moment.) Does the trail go all the way to Sharpsburg? TBD.  At Beans & Cream, we were watched over by characters from our rock'n roll past.  Speaking of which, we endorsed:

• Inside dope (some literal) at the legendary Fillmore East recounted by Jane; Woodstock; Deadheads; and Billy Joel.  Also:
• Wendy now leads two super-fun Zumba classes at the JCC: Sunday at 4:30 and Monday at 5.
• Tous les Jours, Korean Starbucks (?) in East Liberty.
• The Novo Asian Food Hall on the Strip
• Read blogs from Heather Cox Richardson (many times endorsed, also a podcast) and Kareem Abdul Jabbar
• Watch movies:  The Greatest Night in Pop, Poor Things, and for comfort food, Chocolat 
• Watch French TV:  Call My Agent and Astrid
• Past and future happy hours at Lorelei.

March 10 Run/Walk: Meet at RiverTrail Park in Aspinwall, off of Freeport Rd.

Set the clocks ahead and drag yourself out of bed an hour earlier (always worth it) for a visit to the RiverTrail Park in Aspinwall. Here's a map - there is parking.  Coffee can be at Beans & Cream across the street on Brilliant.

Last week was comfort week - returning to spots we've been to over and over, the Wendy Bennett Trailhead, Schenley Park, and the 61C.  Delightful, even if (see photo of us eyeing a mysterious large stone) we didn't get transported to 18th c. Scotland and into a castle boudoir with the outrageously hunky Jamie Fraser. (OK, that refers to the obsession-worthy Outlander in case you didn't follow up on the latest endorsements.)  But at a snug table at Murray and Bartlett there were more:

• The Tush Cush for those of us dealing with pains in the ass (or thereabouts)
• Dr. Loren Fishman and 12 yoga poses to counter osteoporosis
• And of course, there is always the Theragun
• The golden years (?) of no bras, no makeup, no leg-shaving.  
• Golden years gone, how about a Sephora Brand eyeliner?  Or ask Beth about making your own lipstick.
• Watch:  One Day, Normal People, Nine Perfect Strangers
• Troncones!  Linda Meacci's yoga retreat on the Pacific was heavenly.  Who's going next year? 
• The 2024 Election - fearsome as it is, we can do something. Some great options are offered by the PaDems Voter Protection Team - ask Virginia or me about the Voter Assistance Hotline.  

March 3 Run/Walk: Meet at the Wendy Bennett Trailhead, corner of Overlook and Greenfield in Schenley Park

 History lesson: first mention of the Wendy Bennett Trailhead - 

Unfortunately, the follow-up was:  Today's run was supposed to start from the WB Trailhead in Schenley Park but it was thundering and rainy. Not sure if anyone showed up.

My hat's off to Anne Jane who posted that at 7:12 a.m.  

So we'll meet there again!  Here's a map.

Last week, we trekked through Allegheny Commons Park (Pittsburgh's oldest!) and environs of the near North Side.  Runners found the birthplace of Gertrude Stein and the Tom Foerster Building (dedicated to illustrious ancestor of Joanne) and all of us saluted George Washington on his horse and the awesome condors at the Aviary.  Discussion ensued:

• Some interest (though not much) was shown in the February Underwear Run.
• More interest was shown in Duo's Taquería, not a counter take-out any more!
• Even more interest in the delectable poppy seed cake made by Linda according to this recipe inspired by Nancy Silverton's cookbook.
• Strong request for RG Happy Hour has been answered (thanks to Wendy) - be at Lorelei in East Liberty on March 13, Wed. at 5.  
• Ezra Klein says Biden is too old.  Oy vey.  Join in (or not) at the podcast.
• Watch:  The Trial of the Chicago 7 and Rustin
• Go to:  The National Aviary - actually it's awesome - get close and personal with the blue-crowned motmot etc. etc. etc.

February 25 Run/Walk: Meet at Commonplace Coffee on the North Side, 1501 Buena Vista St.

Heading for the Mexican War Streets this Sunday - meet at Commonplace Coffee, 1501 Buena Vista St.  Looking at the photo reminds me of a time when RG got coffee there during the dread pandemic (doled out of a window?) We were dealing not only with death and disease, but a fearful scarcity of public toilets, and Wendy and I wandered around desperate until a kindly officer let us into the police station. Memories! 

I showed up at last week's coffee a bit dazed after arriving at Pittsburgh International at midnight, so I can't share about the run/walk or even much afterwards, but luckily Virginia took photos.  There were also votes for:

• Worm Return
• Movie:  American Fiction - terrific

February 18 Run/Walk: Meet at Coffee Village, 801 Liberty Avenue (former Crazy Mocha) for a Downtown Run

A quick message here, filling in for Roye, to let you know that we will meet Downtown at the new Coffee Village (801 Liberty Avenue).

A large group of runners and walkers took to the streets of the Strip early last Sunday morning, and enjoyed the welcoming coffee and meles at La Prima/Colangelo's.  Such a comfort for a cold winter's morning.  

Good luck to all the bikers tomorrow morning at the 11th Annual Frigid Bitch ride!  Hopefully this surprise snow doesn't put a wrench into the fun but rather adds a layer of adventure.

February 11 Run/Walk: Meet at La Prima, 205 21st St. on the Strip

Back to the Strip this week - don't we all need to stock up on Steelers gear? Is there another city where the actual residents support entire blocks of local sports paraphernalia emporia? Evidently there are Steelers flamingo lawn ornaments.  So head for La Prima, 21st St., usually there is parking on Penn.

Last week we visited Highland Park, reservoir and surroundings, on a clear, cold morning, finally a visible sunrise!  Also a display of famous cashmere mittens and a pretty funny video.  We clearly have shpilkes as travel was a main topic:

• Plan for a bike trip to the PA Grand Canyon around Wellsboro in the fall.  Organizer Supreme Joanne is on the case.
• Getting ready for the Frigid Bitch - soon!
• Not frigid:  the Seagate Hotel in Vieques
• See the Raptor Migration at Hawk Mountain 
• Read: North Woods and This Other Eden
• Aretha Franklin's purses
• Normally we don't endorse Tiktok viral videos but anything that gets these laughs is OK (the ladies involved are laughing about it too.)

•