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Tuesday, January 27, 2015

#denisonproud x 5

It is #denisonproud week and the reality is I could type for days about all the things I love about Denison.  But I'll limit to five….

1. Family comes first! We're a Denison family- my brother and sister followed me to Denison.  I married a classmate and now have a Denison brother in law.  All five of these amazing alumni make me proud!  They're all doing good work in their professions- solving problems, training others, advancing their organizations. They're all life long learners making a difference in their communities with volunteer leadership activities.  #denison proud of my Denison family!

2.  Denison family goes beyond my blood red connections! My Denison friends impress and wow me all the time!  The Ohio Eta pledge class of 1986 (DU Class of 1990) are strong successful happy women- smart attorneys, educators, entrepreneurs, investors, volunteers, business leaders.  And I can say exactly the same about my college roommates! Lucky for me I keep in touch with all of these fabulous women and thank Denison for the friendships!  #denison proud of my friends!

3.  Denison classmates- what a treat to connect with classmates over the years with reunions and my work on the hill!  A great example of this is with classmate David Howitt '90.  I remember Dave well from our deniddo days.  It was great to see him in Oregon when his wife created and launched Oregon Chai- I was traveling there for work!  He was back recently to talk on campus and share in person sentiments from his book-Heed Your Call!  I read his book and was all the more proud of my friend from the 1990s and what he's been able to accomplish and how he is inspiring and supporting others!  Dave is doing really well and we're all proud of the work he is doing with TedTalks, TVinterviews and seminars to pursue a call! Denison's president- is #denisonproud of David too:  Ohiohttp://m.csmonitor.com/Books/2015/0121/10-university-leaders-share-their-personal-reading-lists/Adam-S.-Weinberg-president-of-Denison-University-in-Granville-Ohio   Allison Bolch Moran was back on campus to show her daughter and a friend our great alma mater! Allison's an amazing executive and volunteer what a treat to meet her daughter and have lunch together at The Inn! Carolyn Edds son is a first year student- we so enjoyed meeting him when he was taking a look and happy to know he is on campus carrying on his family's traditions!!  These are just a few examples of the many classmates doing wonderful things and I look forward to learning more as our 25th Reunion approaches this Spring!  #denisonproud of Denison Class of 1990!

4.  The Works: Ohio Center  for History, Art and Technology (where I work) aligns beautifully with Denison and its liberals arts experience! So it is no surprise Denison interns thrive with us at the museum!  My colleagues always compliment the Denison interns that support the development efforts and what they glean from the experience. This summer's intern did a particularly great job with her end of session presentation.  A student has made her way to us for the spring semester. She is doing an independent study in education-looking into the learning opportunities museums offer- we'll be a great fit for her research!  She is a history major, education minor, senior- it will be a treat to help connect her to the smart and talented people I work with making a difference in children's lives at the museum!  I've had five summers @ The Works and five interns!! #denisonproud of all 5 interns!


5. Denison- fair college on the hill! Denison is an amazing place to visit weekly! It is beautiful and supports this community in incredible ways- too many ways to list here.  A friend took her family to dinner in Curtis last night, Work will be on campus for Kids Tech in a few weeks, our social dinner group hosted a beautiful evening in Curtis Lounge in January, the Mitchell center entertains and delights while keeping healthy numerous "townies" including my family.  The staff and faculty make for fantastic friends and community volunteers and I'm lucky to have Denison in my life so fully! #denisonproud in Granville/Licking County!

I could go on and on about the alums beyond 1990- well beyond- before and after I've met over the years and all of the above topics..but I won't. Life on Newark-Granville Road is indeed shaped and formed thanks to Denison!  It is a fun week in my life on Newark-Granville Road - I'll be in red to show my pride and look forward to attending #DenisonEverywhere with my Denisonian friends!





Monday, January 26, 2015

Blooms in the living room…..

I love cooking from scratch and growing from seed.  Well this post isn't about seed growth but a bulb! The amaryllis that has bloomed in the living room! I bought  this kit late in the Christmas season and what a treat to have these big beautiful blooms in deary January!

If you look around flowers are everywhere in the living room in our life on Newark-Granville Road. The drapes, the pillows, the lamp, the pitcher and teapot on the shelves.  The books and notebooks have botanicals.  Anyone who knows me well knows that I'm a Lilly lover so it isn't a surprise to have the bright decor all around!

The poinsettia is on the way out, the geraniums are doing well in the green house and the red amaryllis is in time for #denisonrproud week in Granville.  More on that coming soon…..




The earth laughs in flowers.



Sunday, January 25, 2015

Ask and you shall receive….or don't ask and still good things happen…..

I do believe in putting things in writing to make them happen, and sharing it with God or the universe or both…and today it happened.  I was told that Joe and a friend solved all the worlds problems during a conversation at church fellowship time.  So I asked- when do we have dinner tonight?  With choir practice and Peter's basketball game it wasn't looking good for a time to gather. Said friend was kind and wanted to help- offered to shop, drop off a rotisserie chicken- so nice!  Mid day we received the text- game moved to 6 pm…which meant- 7:15 dinner for the Leithauser- woo hoo!  Thanks be….

It has been a full fun week-you can tell how busy life is on Newark-Granville Road based on blog posts!  I haven't shared our happenings since last Sunday! I'm happy to say all has gone so well- been a lovely week.  Thursday's highlight was a valentine cut-out class.  What a treat to spend midday art time with wonderful women.  Was able to be with a friend I don't see enough and value time with- we needed it and didn't even ask- it worked so well.  Thursday night the lecture and dinner at The Works for the WWI exhibit was wonderful- so great to meet the contributors and learn more about this fascinating war with its technology advancements.  On Friday our Night at the Museum was a blast- over 200 folks came out to enjoy the special opportunity to be in the museum at night.  All sorts of happy memories were made and those in costumer were the best!  Cocktails by the Fire is well on its way with the host committee and signature cocktails determined- join us on Feb 7th- and embracing the military/MASH theme is fun- Joe makes the best Hawkeye!!  Kids basketball has been great- a highlight was Sally on the court at Denison during Women's Bball game and going with the team into the locker room-we didn't ask for the dance party but I smiled so much my cheeks hurt! Thank you Coach Lee!

Peter's team had their first win and Peter played really really well tonight.  The lasagna I made after a great yoga classs- warm, not hot and oh so nice- delighted 4 of the 5 Leithausers living on Newark-Granville Road!  Time at church was good- participating in the call and ordination/installation process of FPC's leadership is a privilege. I'll continue to ask and say thank you and count my blessings on Newark-Granville Road.


Sunday, January 18, 2015

Sunday morning walk…...

No Sunday School for us today, my usual plan to do all the things I want to do has been shelved.  Reality is I usually have two things I want to do at the same time- sleep in and cook breakfast/go to Sunday School is a great example.  Sure enough our evening was later than I anticipated- doing all the things I wanted to do yesterday took time- so we slept in and the kids are still sleeping.  It was a long long week and I want to give them the rest before we gear up for another full fun week on Newark-Granville Road!  I also want to make them breakfast- Nana cakes.  I also want to savor the quiet and not rush today.  I look forward to returning to my Sunday school class soon- not next week- Church Annual Meeting.

So on my walk this morning I thought I didn't have much to post but wanted to share some thoughts and sightings.  Joe is out of town having fun- I'm so glad he takes these annual outings to Vegas with friends.  Friends are important- and quality time with them is challenging at this place in our lives.  Joe loves to use his math brain and Vegas is a good place to do it. I only know this from heresy- I haven't been.  That is a whole other blog topic as I a dear friend shared her activity while visiting the "sin city"- the sites, museums, tours, exhibits, architecture is enticing!  Not to mention the restaurants and pools….some day.  I digress- sorry.  I also love Joe being out of town so I get to walk in his shoes and soak up quality time with the kids.  We've had a great weekend and it will continue today.  Don't get me wrong- I'd never want to be a single parent- those doing it I applaud and respect you.  For 48 plus hours I admit to enjoying the alone time I get- the focus I have to have on all 3 of the kids.

So Joe is the dog walker.  I am so grateful. I really now have to let him be as after breaking my ankle the dog will pull me down when he sees other dogs. I know we should work on this with obedience training but add that to the long list.  I think Joe enjoys the quality time and exercise- well at least I have this weekend.  I do change my route depending on walkers, runners and dogs.  But here is what I want to share, I'll stop rambling:
       -the new bridge!! It is gorgeous! Yes bigger than I had imagined but what a welcome site!!
       -the new paths to the bridge
       -the views with the new bridge
       -yes you can tell I'm very excited about the Rotary Bridge to Raccoon Valley Park and the River Road- coffee shop access!!
       -woodpecker- I found him- I heard him first!
       -cows- didn't see them yesterday- were they there, is my memory fading?
       -2,000 plus steps on my fitbit!  Yes the walk with the dog- the little loop gets me a big jump in the day when counting steps!
      -the dogs response to trucks- geeze? Joe has told me but I haven't experienced it first hand.

We live in this amazing community and are lucky to have the bike path and nature at our finger tips.  Life on Newark-Granville Road is filled with so much to see and experience. Slowing down to see it is good for me and good for the kids  The Blessings of a Skinned Knee by Wendy Mogel- a beloved book I'm rereading it talking to me in so many ways.  Blogging today is giving deeper impact and self reminders about slowing down and recognizing all our longing are good when we can keep them and check and recognize what they represent- blessings, blessings in every step I take in my life on Newark-Granville Road.





Wednesday, January 14, 2015

all dressed up and places to go!

1/14/15 6:42: I type in my red formal dress ordered for The Town and Country Big Red Ball.  It arrived late- I knew that was the risk as soon as I hit the "order" button and I received the message my shipment was coming from China.  Oops- didn't read the fine print. I don't do red or better stated, red is a challenging color for me to wear and not my preference or first pick.  I looked everywhere for various red dresses and spent too much time on the Internet.  One night in bed on my lap top I scrolled ebay and found the dress I would actually wear and ordered it.  But the good news is- it arrived, I wasn't sure.  The price was such I could take that risk.

More good news- it fits and I like it! I wasn't sure- again a good enough price to take the risk.  It really isn't "me"- sparkly crystals, red- kind of Miss Americay- but I have that side in me- the dress I wore in High School for the Assembly Club and same dress to the Altoona Prom- had that touch of glitter and glam.  Clare approves, Sally not so much and Peter says yes- we'll see what Joe thinks.  I'm also happy to share I have an upcoming event with a red theme- Valentines Day! Three cheers for the Alfretta Committee choosing this day…although my dress may be too formal…hmmm- don't they say it is better to be overdressed than under? Hmmmm…

So life on Newark-Granville Road enjoys our dress up nights. Joe has more formal ware than suits and another reason I could take the risk of a dress not arriving- I have a few dresses that work for all kinds of events! Dress up nights mean date night and time with friends. If you are at all interested in joining us at a night out like this I hope you'll talk to me in person- we love to share.

Update on Feb 15th- I wore the dress on Valentines Day to the Alfretta party- lovely lovely event for so many reasons.  I felt great in the dress and wasn't the dressiest person there- woo hoo! Lots of fun compliments- old school nod, dress from the 50s movies- woo hoo! High Society, Rear Window- always a look I love! Picture below….and my actions tonight- trying on a bright fun colored dress that has never been worn, purchased because the price was right and I liked it….it may be perfect for TandC springs event theme…look for a future update on what I'm wearing on Newark-Granville Road! As I type tonight- blue tie-dyed exercise pants- yoga tonight- woo hoo!



Monday, January 12, 2015

Fun Plans at The Works with the Farmily!

I love how my family embraces and engages in my work at The Works.  It has always been a family activity supporting The Works so it isn't a surprise when I went to work there it cotinued.  Sally was not expecting to see a Joe Leithauser volunteer name tag in my office. This made me smile- I like the fact Sally now knows Joe has an official role!!

Life on Newark-Granville tonight has me typing while wearing Joe's straw cowboy hat that arrived for his Hawkeye get-up for the MASH themed Cocktails by the Fire on Saturday, February 7th!! On Saturday we had a blast shopping for the outfits at the Army/Navy Surplus store on Rt 16 go way past central Pataskala on the right if heading west.  This really is a fun night and important event for our glass studio-the fire in Cocktails by the Fire is the furnace/glory hold in the glass studio!! Dress up in MASH themed style, a character from the show, or dress in festive wear-I hope you'll join us- get your tickets now- call 740 349 9277! or email me susanleithauser@attheworks.org and I'll get you added to the list.  As a bonus you get a tax deduction to start the new year.  I'm thrilled with our partners supporting this event-Mill Street Distillery in Utica will partnering with us on our speciality cocktails!! www.attheworks.org  will be the way to keep up to speed on details!!

But sooner than CBF- on Friday, January 23rd we have the opening of the WWI Exhibit- The Great War Comes Home and our MEMBER only event in the museum. You won't be disappointed- wonderful work in the gallery- we'll all learn something new about our community and this war to end all wars.  Members will be treated to a great night at the museum with Night at the Museum-Battle of the Smithsonian as our inspiration. We'll show a movie, have theme based activities, snacks and even a cool party favor!! Plan now to attend- not a member- please join- great way to support this special institution and get access to incredible museums all over the country- most for free! (Life on Newark-Granville Road in particular loves to visit the Carnegie Science Museum in Pittsburgh!)  The kids are excited for some of the costumes and props arriving to make this event a bit more execking!!  We hope those attending the Member Only Event will dress as their favorite character from the movie or even our museum or come in their PJs!  Also on the 22nd- WWI private opening/dinner with lecture- let me know if you need details susanleithauser@attheworks.org

Life on Newark-Granville Road is happy to have another family night in the living room- snow days, cancelled basketball games, birthdays and football games rally us together! We plan, play, talk, share and cheer together during these special nights.

Thursday, January 8, 2015

Caring Community in so many ways….

What a caring community all around us this week!

 Simple and sweet- Sally requested that instead of gifts she receive cash donations that will be given to a school in the community in need of sporting equipment.  Over $200 was collected at her birthday gathering- wow!  What generous friends we have- thank you!! More details on impact of these gifts coming soon. Sally and her friends were well cared for at the GHS Women's Basketball game- coach, players, devoted sitter Maggie, band, friends and family all around- thank you for honoring our baby doll/pumpkin/ snow angel in this special way. 

A mom who needs help and the community rallies. I've seen first hand this woman care for her friends and now her friends are caring for her. The town and beyond is praying and supporting this family.  Beautiful, friendly, caring Lindsay has been diagnosed with a rare disease- their family will need help with expenses so this funding site was created- the goal was $5000 and quickly that was met and passed - you too can help here:  http://www.gofundme.com/jsw288  Thank you.

Time to help again and plans are being made…..The Minton Family leads a great effort to feed the hungry.  Last year this very network of caring individuals enabled Food Pantry Network (FPN) to serve nearly 300,000 individuals in 2014. Unfortunately, there is still work that needs to be done and this is where you can make a big difference. Here are 4 simple tasks you can choose from to help us “Feed the Dream”.

  1. On Sunday, January 18th from 3:00 until 6:00 we will be presenting the Inspired by the Dream Student Art & Music Exhibit.  Come to the High School with a donation of food or funds and see the hundreds of unique student art pieces inspired by Dr. King.
  2. On Monday January 19th from 9 am until 8 pm, stop by Ross’ Granville Market and drop off a few cans of food or make a donation. Visit our website,www.onedayoneton.org, to see what we need.
  3. For those of you who will not be in Granville, go to our website and make a contribution to FPN. All of the money goes directly into FPN’s account. For as little as $12.25 you can feed a person for an entire week.
  4. Spread the message by forwarding this email, “like” our Facebook page and “share” our posts. In fact, ask your friends to “like” our page as well.Facebook.com/onedayoneton

    Living on Newark-Granville Road is pretty wonderful with all this care for one another in good times and not so good times- thank you.

Tuesday, January 6, 2015

what a beautiful 10 years…..

I started with the title- 10 year anniversary of the ice storm.  I didn't want to name the blog entry with Sally's birthday as the idea starter with that event. Even though it gave many of us refreshed perspectives, new traditions and really good stories to share.  Yes today is Sally's 10th birthday.  Wow! 10 years ago today at this time I was admitted to be induced at Riverside.  It was my 3rd time at that hospital, I had wonderful, happy labors so I was ready.  I walked in with my the gorgeous flowers coworkers gave me. We lucked out with the nurse we had with Peter's delivery. We figured it out discussing the fun dates our kids have for birthdays- Peter is opening day for the Reds and Sally shares my grandmother's birthday- epiphany!

10 years of watching and learning about this sweet child who cares and cries, makes us laugh- she is the 2nd funniest in the house.  She is such a wonderful third child, I pause and can't even fathom what our life would of been without Sally's arrival. My life really changed when Sally arrived.  It did start with the ice storm- the challenge of very pregnant without power for 12 days and the amazing community, friends and family support.  Sally's Godfather is the man that answered the phone when I was in early labor while we were staying in Columbus and didn't have our "plan" for Clare and Peter.  You bond with friends in new ways that open the door to your 3 and 4 year old at 4 am.  I stopped working- prepping to end a job I loved wasn't easy but it was right.  My five years at home with kids was incredible, volunteering, learning new things about myself and this incredible life on Newark-Granville Road.  That all led to work @The Works (attheworks.org) which is so fulfilling and has connected us in so many way.s.

This snow day has me remembering her 1st year and lots of snow.  A wonderful neighbor friend took the older kids often-  to preschool, over for the house for play dates- huge help.  This town is an amazing place to have a baby when you have other kids.  I would nurse and hold Sally watching Clare and Peter sledding across the street- life on Newark-Granville Road beauty.  The first thing they said- after Happy Birthday Sally- and is it really a snow day- when they came down stairs this morning- can we go sledding across the street please?

Ten beautiful years in this life on Newark-Granville Road.  Many shared in blog entries.  Someone posted on FB recently- "I don't know how you keep up with the blog" know that this is good for me- it allows me to capture and relive and "extrovert" important moments in my life.  I probably could blog every day - there are so many good things to capture and share- we'll see if I can get into a regular routine in 2015.  Thanks for sharing- the time has come to celebrate Sally with Sally.  She is awake and ready for Nana-Cakes- I get close to making pancakes (thin and little) as god as my Mom's.  It will be a treat for me too.  We'll wrap up this 12th day of Christmas on Newark-Granville Road together, our wise girl will receive and continue to give us gifts of joy just as she did ten years ago today.

Thursday, January 1, 2015

Starting Off 2015 Productive…..

1st- I know you want to know about the pile at the curb….put it out there, put it writing- it happens! Our first picker arrived, knocked on the door and was pleased to have permission to take some things.  I'm fascinated by her choices- an old door, the from Nadine's Kindergarten room play stove- wet and soft at bottom, but repairable she left the fridge, the drying rack- I hope it goes to good use, gets resold- this is recycling at its best and I'm grateful!!

So I see this movement as part of my productive day on Newark-Granville Road!  I found the dining room table- continued to put the misplaced items from the basement and the holiday pile ups in temporary homes or back to their places- we're still unpacking our clothes- some of us.  I baked birthday cup cakes for a friend and kids dessert, enjoyed a catch-up call with my mom while enjoying a homemade delicious scone and savoring the quiet- everyone else was still asleep.  I made a yummy breakfast for the kids and Joe, exercised with a friend, took a hike with the family.  Boy Sugar Loaf is pretty- the wind and cold was powerfully exthrillerating- a New Day/ First Day hike is a great start to the New Year. I did the good luck dinner and appetizers- sad that the kids don't really enjoy it- will they some day? Sally did like the pork, Peter the black-eyed pea dip - but the sauerkraut- not so much- are they my kids? But they are Midwestern kids - more distant to the Pennsylvania Dutch relatives- but maybe they're just kids. The good news Joe and I love the edible requirments of they day and I loved being in the kitchen.  I did get to see the amazing Michigan State win- perfect game to catch at the end! I love the Winter Classic and enjoyed watching part of that while working out- thank you Maximum Fitness!  Joe cleaned off the computer that was waiting for this task in the basement. We now have awesome pictures we'll bring out for Throw Back Thursdays and such and new music to add to play lists! We also have a kitchen table again!!  So yes a full, fun, productive day and now we prepare to cheer on the Buckeyes!!

I'll wrap up this first blog post of the new year with the quote I posted on FB-with the NG road added!

 Happy New Year, it's time on Newark-Granville Road to unfold new horizons and realize new dreams, to rediscover the strength within you, to rejoice in simple pleasures and gear up for a new challenges.  unknown.