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Monday, July 28, 2014

capturing the beauty of the beach….



Here are the promised photos. I could put more up but I won't- these capture the fun.  Top- our last night- we made it out well past the scheduled time but we did it.  What a great crew to spend a full week together "under one roof"!!  Thank you Stoner and Christophers for great memories.  Middle-look at that ocean- the colors were amazing all week! These were taken the 2nd day- Mother Nature fooled us- the forecast was terrible but only two afternoons we didn't get our beach time. The kids had a blast playing - truly jumping for joy. Bottom- cousin time at our favorite Ocracoke spot- Books to be Red bookstore. The book I bought was my perfect beach/ drive read!!   Life on Newark-Granville Road is happy as I can hear the waves, smell the air, taste the salt and feel the sand- it came home with me in shoes, was in my bed last night?!!

Sunday, July 27, 2014

back from the beach…..

Just home from a wonderful vacation! My parents are all about "under one roof" and the beach is really a great way to achieve this. For many years my whole family has met on the Outer Banks- OBX for these beach get-aways, reunions, vacations.  It started with just the Granville Leithausers and my parents in Nags Head, then we headed south with Sarah and family to Waves and then we all found a wonderful big house that included Matt's Florida crew- 14 of us- oh the fun had, the memories we made. Many chronicled on this blog in earlier posts!  This year we were back to 10 of us. Matt's family explored the West this year and we missed them but understood. The smaller crew took the opportunity to try a new house and oh were we rewarded! Lost Lobsta in Avon was a wonder vacation home for us!!  It really was a wonderful week!

And now I sit typing back on Newark-Granville Road- no pictures to share…yet!! I'm not one to announce- we're going on vacation, leaving the house empty. I also enjoy going off the grid a bit- it helps me relax and really embrace being away, taking a break and I LOVE IT!   Not posting while I'm gone also gives me future blog post input!!  I'm in the sun room now- the house is cold! (YES AC IS BACK!!!!!) I'm missing the humidity of the beach. I love my sun room and grateful for the good work of our house sitter for keeping the plants alive.  This sun room also takes me to Vermont- we set it up that way- another happy vacation memory for me.  Much of the fun of vacation for me is quality time with my parents and good people.  So rarely do we just sit and hang out together. This is the collective we. I use to do it more when the kids were little at the pool- that has happened this summer. It may be why I like going to Peter's baseball games- I like sitting in the stands and talking with good people.  These vacations are so much about being together and talking- in the car, on the beach, on the deck at cocktail hour.  My Dad and I reflect- he asked me what was my favorite of all time vacation….of course that is hard- I've had many. Vermont is at the top of the list though.  Bethany Beach- Sea Colony provided amazing summer opportunities too and it is up there.    As I type and "extrovert" I'm not only grateful for my own vacation but my family's. Clare, Peter and Sally had a wonderful vacation too- theirs continues as they went home to Maryland. Clare with Sarah and the other two in Hagerstown.  Yes I know I'm very fortunate. Joe and I alone on Newark-Granville Road. We seize this- our drive home was a treat in itself…I'll leave that for another blog.

I'm just checking in- letting you know where I've been. Life on Newark-Granville Road is good and filled with sand everywhere!!

Wednesday, July 16, 2014

Blueberry Buckle Time!

I love blueberries and love baking blueberry buckle.  This recipe is from Martha Stewart's Living- I don't have the year and issue- sorry. At least 10 years ago- I made it in Vermont when I was married- I may have been pregnant with Peter.  It was amazing that year and very good every other year.  This year's blueberries from the Gville Farmer's Market produced a pretty great cake.  We love this for bfast, snack or with vanilla ice cream/custard- Whit's for dessert!  Here is the recipe- I love to share things that make my life on Newark-Granville Road so sweet!

1/2 cup butter- 1 stick -plus more for pan.
2 cups all purpose flour, plus more for pan
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup sugar
1 egg
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1/2 cup milk
5 cups wild or cultivated blueberries
1 recipe Streusel Topping- Recipe follows.

Heat oven to 350 degrees. Butter and flour a spring form baking pan, and set aside.
In a medium bowl, stir together the flour, baking power and salt, set aside.
In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream butter and sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy about 3 minutes. Reduce mixer speed to low and add egg and vanilla
When combined, alternate adding reserved flour mixture and milk to mixer, beginning and ending with flour mixture. Remove from mixer, gently fold in berries.
Pour batter into prepared pan, sprinkle topping generously over cake. Bake 60-70 minutes or until cake tester comes out batter free. Remove cake from oven, leave in pan 10 minutes on a cooling rack. Remove from pan and let cool 15 minutes before serving.

Streusel Topping
makes enough for 1 ten inch cake or 2 six in cakes

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup packed light-brown sugar
1 cup all purpose flour
6 tablespoons butter, room temperature

In a medium bowl, mix dry ingredients together, cut in the butter using a pastry blender or fork until fine crumbs form.
Using hands, squeeze together most of the mixture to form large clumps. Store, refrigerated, in an airtight container, or sprinkle directly onto cake.


Monday, July 14, 2014

summer highlight- take me out to the swim meet!

We wrapped up the 2014 Summer Swim Team experience tonight.  An away meet against the Pataskala Porpoises. Most of my volunteer participation this year has given me the opportunity to observe and take it all in from my seated officiating experience.  I'm so pleased with what I've seen, I have to share!

Our kids aren't the best swimmers, they hold their own.  They say they like this activity because it is fun.  They have friends at the pool, they are given great attention by young adults- coaches and it is a game.  Joe and I like this activity because- it gives our kids a healthy active outlet that teaches them an important life skill.  We're swimmers at the lake, the beach, the creek and the pool. Water is my happy place and I love sharing this comfortable activity with my family. Seeing the joy and happy experiences they have with water is very rewarding.  We also appreciate the positive role models engaging our children.  The MCC coaches are impressive.  We've enjoyed a few post swim meet meals together and appreciate what these young men and women are contributing to our kids upbringing.  They hold them accountable to hard work and make it fun.  Being on the side lines in my "boot" I've watched the way the guards/coaches interact with the kids at the pool and it is very positive.

Joe and I always enjoy the great families at the meets and enjoy the chance to catch-up and share the swim meet fun!  I'm amazed and grateful for the key volunteers- Carol, Beth, Allison, Jody, Eric and all the timers and other officials that say yes immediately and enjoy being active and engaged during the meets.  Our first meet had me not able to volunteer due to the broken ankle and it was hard! Just sitting and watching just isn't my thing.

It has been particularly fun to watch the 6 and under set! I'm grateful to know some of these little swimmers. The one little boy who swims butterfly but doesn't go anywhere- how brave to swim that stroke at that age. He's always positive and energetic.  The 4 year old swimming on the relay team with the big kids- soooo darn cute.  These swimmers follow their coaches like baby ducklings waddling after Mrs. Mallord!

Life on Newark-Granville Road is all the better in the water and at the pool!!  Interested in learning more about swim team at MCC- just let me know!  I have to say there are few places I'd rather be than at MCC home swimmeet.  Summer evenings with family, friends in a beautiful active seeting. We love to share the fun of life at the pool.

Thursday, July 10, 2014

So you broke your ankle…..life on Newark-Granville Road with a broken bone….

Things I'm glad people shared with me and things I've learned…..

1. Crutches
a. take getting use to and are hard. When given mine at Urgent Care I was instructed how to use them- they do not go under the arm pits- you use them to lift your body weight- so it is your hands/palms and arms carrying the weight.
b. turns out mine were too short- hmmmmm- glad my pal the PT adjusted them the day before I was able to stop using them!!
c. I was loaned a walker and really appreciated it in the beginning. It eventually hurt my palms too but was a nice alternative to the crutches around the house in particular.

2. Surgery site/ incision:
a.  the bruising that appeared in interesting places- bottom of the foot- makes sense, internal blood goes somewhere took a full 3 weeks to go away.
b. We did change dressing after 3 days and then again 2-3 more times until seen by Dr 2 weeks after surgery.
b. I'm putting bio oil on it to help with the scar tissue- we'll see, I'll keep you posted- Vitamin E and other good for the skin items!  Know what Vitamen E is- soybean oil!! I coudl buy vegetable oil- most Vegetable oil is Soybean oil.  My Vit E has lemon oil too- it smells good.
c. It is numb it is tight- friends told me this would be the case so I'm not worried- Dr kept saying it was doing well!

3. When is the Boot Coming off? How long are you in the boot. Is now my least favorite question. Similar to asking a pregnant person- is your nursery done?  The answer is I don't know.  I have a date I hope it comes off. I have a Dr. appointment and he'll tell me if it comes off….here is how it has gone for me and I know I'm lucky with just a break and no soft tissue (muscle/tendon) damage/ repair needed:
-urgent care confirmed no need for emergency surgery and that it was broken- took X-rays, immobilized my leg until I could be seen by Dr.
-Dr visit affirmed next steps of action- we chose surgery due to shift in bone alignment.
-Surgery- outpatient- woke up with boot back on- yay and wrapped. Instruction to keep weight off, care for the incision
-Two weeks after surgery- incision looking good, staples removed and permission to shower, bathe and  swim granted two days later!  Weight permitted on boot with crutches and told time out of the boot a good thing at home.  (I swam at exactly 48 hours after staples removed and showered for the first time standing with my back to the water- heaven- little things make a huge difference!!)
-I go back to the Dr a week before requested- he is on vacation the day I was suppose to go in- I opted for week prior for next appointment instead of week after…we'll see- I'll keep you posted!
-Keeping you posted- xray looked good and I was permitted to take off the boot, walk with a sneaker and be OK with a bit of swelling. Do things slowly and listen to my body.

4. The Boot- Silly me- someone told me they had two boots- and I was wishing they would of offered me one. These are designed for one time use only.  Some people hate theirs, speak of it not positively. I'm grateful for the boot vs a cast and now appreciate the support/protection to rolling, inappropriate movement it provides.
a. I was able to sleep OK with the boot- I did elevate and use sleeping pharmaceutical- Tylenol PM.
b.It does get stinky and athletes foot can sneak in- thanks to the advice of  friend/orthopedic I have used powder, cream and cotton to prevent this. However we're going on week 4 and it is starting to look like Sally's Uggs worn every day.

I'm making great progress and am grateful for support and care.  I drove the convertible today- stick shift!! I woke up today and it was like all the toe pointing/flexing exercises for the past two weeks have paid off- perfect day to drive stick. It was a bit tender on the drive home- full day at work but I did it!

I'll keep you posted- the big issue for me is the tightness of the scar area- it is limiting range of motion but I'll keep doing my exercises and I know I'll be back on the courts soon- Dr said 6-8 weeks!!

Life on Newark-Granville Road has had its challenges but given me great perspective with this broken fibula.  The big lesson is the various ways the kids have reacted supported, interacted.


Sunday, July 6, 2014

the gift of hospitality.

I love hospitality.  I love offering it and love receiving it.  This weekend hospitality was all around and I'm grateful!   Life on Newark-Granville Road is particularly nice around the holidays when we're graciously hosted by the Westerville Leithausers at Apple Valley.  For years now we've been been joining in on 4th of July fun with our extended family.  This year we made the decision to go north to the Westerville Leithausers for the actual 4th.  Yes it meant missing Granville traditions but it felt like the right decision. And it was- the longer extended weekend and time together was lovely.  The Westerville Leithauser's hospitality was simply amazing. 

First- Aunt Ann is a fabulous host!  She completely goes with the flow with our coming and going.  Our arrival schedule and need to leave and return was embraced and welcomed.  We're mixed in with the other guests and made to feel quite at home. Ann cooks, prepares and puts out a spread! When we arrived on Thursday evening dinner was kept warm for us and we were well fed the rest of our stay.  Highlights include- ribs, guacamole, star shaped blueberry/strawberry scones! When my kids like it- its good and the ribs and guacamole receive shrieks of delight.  Everything was so well prepared and presented- she is the hostess with the mostess!

The fourth of July also includes my birthday and I'm always made to feel special at the lake house.  The kids-nieces, nephew and my own- embrace the celebration as well!  I love the way everyone helps with the cakes (two this year one we brought from Whit's- kids' idea and one made by Ann and girls- jello cake- WL birthday tradition!!) They also help sing, light candles and blow out the candles. Some of my favorite birthday photos showcase this shared delight and allow the kids to showcase their own hospitality!

Fireworks at AV include being hosted by dear friends. Their view of fireworks is ideal and the tradition of motoring over in the light, kids playing happily with the group assembled, delicious dinner and drinks galore, oohs and ahhs of colorful patterned explosions and motoring back by star light makes for a lovely night.  We all look forward to this special evening and value the gathering of good people who value a good time.

Another lake tradition has become swimming the lake. And yet again an opportunity for a lovely family to offer hospitality! We've done it enough that it is a tradition and includes the other side of the lake.  I texted that we were on our way and this year we were welcomed with hot coffee, fresh baked cinnamon buns and hot chocolate in a beautiful serving pot with tea cups.  I don't known when I've been happier. It was a cool morning but the temperature perfect and we all engaged- the kids giddy with anticipation for the swim and reception on the other side.

The definition of hospitality according to Oxford dictionary on line is:  

The friendly and generous reception and entertainment of guests, visitors, or strangers.  

This is indeed what the Granville Leithausers received this weekend over and over again and we're grateful.

Tuesday, July 1, 2014

Scenes from Camp Alleghany Delivery…..

Giving you a look into Clare's life at Ghany for the next 3 weeks! We had a great Girls Weekend in WVA! dropping her off. As soon as the tent mate she knew from last arrived, she was done with me! Life on Newark-Granville Road misses Clare but is deeply pleased she chooses this experience! I'm grateful my parents provided two years for me! Life is figure eights and we have a great deal of fun with the comings and goings from Greenbrier County! We were welcomed this year by the couple that hosted the first "get to know" party for me! Their daughter and I went to camp together and now their granddaughter and Clare attend camp together.  Altoona/State College friends' daughters are there too- what fun to connect in this surprising way. And we're making new friends too- Clare's tent mate Mom and I enjoyed making our way back across the river together. I've mailed two letters and and an email…life on Newark-Granville will be all the happier when the first postmark from Lewisburg arrives!