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Wednesday, April 29, 2015

Denison Class of 1990- Reunion Planning! Live Music

http://www.thearkband.com

http://www.wcmfdominica.com

So not only do we have Derby fun in our lives on Newark-Granville Road…we have our Denison 25th Reunion….I'm co chairing the effort with amazing roommate from Denison- Lauren Staniar Haarlow  We've getting help from a great committee- including Joe Leithauser.  One of the fun hightlights I'm working on is the Friday Night Party for our class and the triple 20th reunion group- 1994,1995, 1996! My sister Sarah and her friends are that crew- woo hoo!  I was able to talk to the Ark Band coordinator- Terry yesterday.  He made me happy- his whole spirit through the phone was happy.  Reggae makes me happy and it is so appropriate to have this live music for our reunion!  My Denison days soundtrack includes lots of Reggae.  More later about the reunion…..but in the mean time- visit the Ark Band website and then visit the WCMF Dominica page and vote for the Ark band to participate there….help a man out!  Life on Newark-Granville Road- be happy, feel the love…Class of 1990 Denisonians- come to Reunion!  Register now!! Don't miss the early bird special: http://www.denisoneverywhere.com/controls/email_marketing/admin/email_marketing_email_viewer.aspx?sid=1336&gid=1&eiid=1477&seiid=1394&usearchive=1&puid=17908a91-0aa6-4a98-a07c-63cd299dfd73

And by the way the live music on Saturday night is awesome too- love that living on Newark-Granville Road means I love in our college town!


Derby inspiring the blog today…..hats and decorations...

I do love a good hat and Derby gives such an opportunity to put one on…..I love a great occasion to wear a great hat- weddings, ground breaking's, parties that have themes that connect to hats.  My first hat was a navy blue felt Laura Ashley hat.  This recent Downton Abbey Season took me right back to that look I wore so well in 1984!  The hat of today for this year's Derby party- last year's.  I love it that much- white with the monogram! I may put a new ribbon/scarf on it- come to the party and see! I have a new dress- not new new but not seen at Derby.  I bought it at Keeneland….ahh a visit to Keeneland is another hat wearing opportunity!!  You do not need to wear a dress- it is the look I love, how I am comfy- there have been years I've stood in my closet 45 minutes before the party started and grabbed what I could find….what matched that year's hat.  My favorite was the Amy Hamilton hat I bought at HATSOFF in 2004….the dog ate that hat years ago.  I kept the pieces for awhile thinking I'd make a fascinator out of it.  So I was shopping yesterday and found a BEAUTIFUL hat at Anthropology!  The price is that one should have a number of occasions to wear the hat- not just our Derby party!  I heard a friend say she bought a fascinator- such a great way to do hats. Thank you Princess Kate!  The dog ate mine…I need a new one- fascinator not the dog I do love him.  He doesn't chew much but….  

While doing some work on Pintrest for the Works August 1st Festa Bianco party…I found the Derby Pin Board.  What great ideas. https://www.pinterest.com/brookedatz/kentucky-derby/ Sally is very interested in helping me decorate for the party. I'm happy to say we have no sporting events on Saturday so it will indeed be a family prep day!  We are prepping now- horses placed here and there.  The supplies rescued from the garage, basement flooding moved things.  Shopping lists and to-dos being checked off….we can't wait! Life on Newark-Granville Road loves a party and the Derby party is the queen of the road.

Saturday, April 25, 2015

brother cousin fun on the field

 Sally and Joe's first Lax game (3-4th grade team girls Granville) was today.  Pretty special as they played Joe's brother's  (Scott) team and yes that his his daughter Caroline.  It ended up a 7-7 tie and both of our girls scored 3 goals.  Both teams were great- worked hard, learned the game and toughed it out in the rain all while they had  fun!  Thanks to Aunt Ann for timing, Peter for being a great fan and helper and the great parents on the team.  These cousins love one another and it was great to have them on the field together.  Life on Newark-Granville Road loves family time and this was a good one that deserved a blog post for the memory book.

Friday, April 24, 2015

getting dressed with glass….

Tonight's art exhibit opening at The Works will be very special!  Talented and dear friends have united to showcase the rich historic glass industry and the connection to glass art, studio work. There are some amazing things to see and learn in the gallery and I hope you will join us!! 5-7 pm tonight.  The Work's Artist in Residence also has a glass show in the glass studio and has an installation at the historic jail!

http://www.newarkadvocate.com/story/news/local/2015/04/22/exhibit-works-shows-licking-county-glass/26213999/   I hope you'll click here and read this article and see the photos- well done Newark Advocate!!

So in my life in Newark-Granville Road I ponder things. When I select what I'm going to wear some days it makes me chuckle. Today I started with glass.  I actually have several pieces of glass in my jewelry collection and wanted to wear something to connect with the show tonight.  I stumbled on this piece from The Works that I love and don't wear.  I also put on the ring my mother game me for my birthday years ago- it has a torch work bead- that is actually changeable!  Often I get dressed shoes up and will so for Derby- rain boots- to ward off the rain!  Today I found the outfit to match the glass in my life on NG Road.


Monday, April 20, 2015

Derby 2015- Run for the Roses Party!!

Derby 2015 FYIs, here is the scoop, updated April 22:
1. If you know us or our kids you are invited, once invited always invited and please bring friends, family, new folks to town!
2. 4:30 start time
3. Bring a finger food dish to share if you like- no worries, they'll be food!
4. Live music is back under the awesome Kiwanis tent- 4:45 start isn…..
5. Wear a hat- baseball, floppy, floral, fascinator or don't.
6. Dress up as much as you like- but know you'll be outside or inside with a full house. Kids can go to basement and do art on the walls (they are coming down soon after…all tied to water main break issues….)
7. Parking is tough- carpool, park at your local church or friends house and walk, drop off and turn around carefully.
8. We'll have Granville Brewing's Stout or a Porter on tap and of course Yuengling!! We'll have some wines and the best drink of all- The Mint Julep! Kids do get root beer, orange soda or lemonade. And yes water!
9. Bring $2.00 (this wasn't on the reminder) to bet on the race. Post time is 6ish…we'll have two TVs…..$2 goes into the basket. You fill out a ticket- your horse you think will win, your name.  Ticket goes in basket.  At the end of the race all those that picked that horse split the money collected! We love to see repeat winners over the years!
10. Kids like to play games outside too- lax stix encouraged.
11. We love to have you join this party that is our family tradition…this is the 23rd party I've hosted…Joe has hosted 14 with me!! Some times it is big, some times small, some have had pack n plays in the yard, some late night bocci….only fun if good people attend!
12. Rain or shine- self select on the weather- we've had snow flurries and perfect sunshine!! I'm visualinzg 70s and sun for 2015!!
13-http://www.newarkfamfest.com   Amazing stuff happening in downtown Newark- put these into your plans as well for Derby weekend!!
14- what questions do you have?
I'll add more as I think of it!!

Update already- amazing bar tending will occur- you will want a julep this year!!!
4/22 Update- Chowdah- live music will continue after 7!  Miss the race, other plans- stop by to see what is going on…come with kids early and then take them home…come back without them- this has been done!!  Band has a member that has attended Derby for years- circle eights- love that he is providing music for us!!

Update today this last day of April- the tent is up, things are being cleaned and readied, and….

the country ham arrived from Maryland- thank you Mom!

We will use this party to celebrate exciting news for me….a new job- over ten years ago I left my wonderful job at Denison to stay home. I had five amazing years at home, while taking time with young kids, I fell in love with The Works.  Lucky me- I went to work there five years ago.  In mid-May I'll return to my volunteer role at The Works and go home to Denison in a job with Advancement, working with parents and family.  Life is figure eights and I love my loops and the people I work with along the way.  Come celebrate with me!

House has her hat…do you have yours?

















Sunday, April 19, 2015

Lilly for Target fun!

No one was surprised we were the first in line at our Heath Target this morning.  I was- when turning the corner from 30th street I was anticipating a full parking lot- lol! Logically I didn't think that would be the case, but the 6 am conversation with Joe put me there!

As soon as I learned about Target for Lilly I was excited. I've loved these campaigns- the Liberty line still being my favorite.  I put the date in our outlook calenders so the woman taking our family photo smiled when she noticed the reminder on Joe's phone at 7:45 am.  As I researched the produce offerings and what I might like I also started developing strategies for our Sunday am shopping.

So here is what happened and why starting with last night….we scoped out the store! Know I love process and I was curious to how they go about setting up such a launch.  We noticed the green flamingos hanging from ceiling and knew they would be Lilly product locations- this was good for coaching Joe and Peter.  I knew we couldn't do girls, women's and home all at once so I recruited Joe and Peter.  Peter knew he was on pillow patrol- it worked- pillows went fast.   We had fun family laughs about me coaching Peter to box out the other shoppers.

Last night we stayed up until midnight hoping for on-line sales.  No luck. I took my computer and credit card to bed with me and woke up often to check- no luck.  6 am ish I was up with Clare at my side- no luck on sizes- one item of interest- good enough.  Joe wakes up and starts paying attention, the blogs and on-line chatter make him join the fun in a serious way.  He reports a NY store had people lined up last night.  He read a shopping strategy blog with the tip to forgo the latte for a better place in line. God love the man- he the told me-get dressed and get to the store- I'll get your coffee and meet you there!  Joe was always in my plan to be there to sprint to the Home section for the umbrella.  I'm glad he found his own way to support our Pink Sunday Shop!

So yes we were the first to arrive.  Charlotte, Clare, Sally and I pulled up to the front row parking. Every time we saw a car the girls dashed for the door for their spot.  Eventually it was easier to put down a blanket since we forgot our lawn chairs.  Coffee arrived and another shopper- nice to meet fellow Lilly lovers! Eventually it was time to get in line and join the girls, meet the others- Denison student from Pittsburgh with her Mom, other school friends and Moms, another mother daughter couple and another full family outing connected to our lives on Newark-Granville Road. Everyone happy and not surprised to see us there.  A woman who works at Vineyard Vines at Easton- she was talking about how nice Shep was- I inquired about the grand opening last week and bragged about Zanesville woodworkers connection!  A wonderful employee came to chat with us, then showed us cute product through the door- we all were getting excited.  She also snapped pictures as we made our way through the doors.

Once inside I was grateful for the small turn out- we all went a little happy.  Girls applied their stately nicely to reward- shorts, top and the dress Clare really wanted.  Sally needed my help and we found her a few things to make her smile and one to make her happy in the future when she grows a bit. We found our niece matching shorts to- bonus!  Flip flops make us all smile and we'll share the size 8 and 9s.  Peter was very proud of his pillow procurement.  He secured one he liked for his own room and TV watching. No umbrella for me- but when I joined Joe in that section I found a Mother's Day gift- lounge chair for Susan.  Look for it at Derby!! Beach towels and some odds and ends…..another walk around the store, chatting with friends- all fun!

We're also turning this into an economics lesson. Clare used a gift card I gave her to buy to resell. She had fun thinking about what to buy, debating product and prints. She is excited to do the research, work on the posts, see what happens.  We'll keep you posted.  Thanks for reading about a silly outing in the big scene of things in our lives in Newark-Granville Road!

Saturday, April 18, 2015

Love and Kisses from NYC….




















So on the first day of our trip into NYC we accomplished many of the desired to dos….including seeing Time Square.  As we found all the fun big screens we were drawn to this one- Kiss Camera.  If you look closely in the middle of the heart is Joe kissing me…then look to the left in the pink coat-Sally with her hands up in giggle state. In the other photo to the left on the blog Clare is taking the photo of the big screen. It was a cute interactive ad!  We love NYC and our trip in our lives on Newark-Granville Road.  xoxoxox

Thursday, April 16, 2015

what is going on…...

busy busy….I know we're all too busy and my to-do pile has bloomed like the blooms on NG Road!! Isn't it wonderful to see the green and now flowers and tree blossoms!  Of course I'm at home at 9 am to change clothes. My spring-summer clothes too chilly for this damp day- going to find my rain boots and get out of the skirt.  I put on strappy wedges today to match my fun outfit at 6 am….glad I have time to adjust!  And do a quick blog update as it has almost been a week!

I posted a fun photo on the blog from NY- I'll do one more update soon to give you the rest of the story of the photo and capture anything else from the trip before I make this site Derby update central!!  Life is good on NG road- I'm savoring the multiple moments this busy wonderful life on Newark-Granville life provides.

Friday, April 10, 2015

watching and waiting for the blooms- musings….

http://allpoetry.com/poem/3932133-Dearest-Spring-by-thelordreigns

Welcome back forsythia!  Can you hear the word- Four- Sith-E-Ah…..a word I heard a lot growing up, was asked to spell…if you have been inside our home on Newark-Granville Road you know we (I) love yellow.  So no wonder I love forsythia. I also love daffodils- love!  And if you are from Granville and I feel like I am now don't you have to love daffodils!  I was happy to see the daffodil show sign up at bryn du!!

So what I'm pondering in my life on Newark-Granville Road, what I'm watching is what is blooming when and where.  And if you follow me on Facebook I am thinking about future snows….3 after the forsythia blooms….flurries count and yes flurries will still happen, in to May. We've had them for Derby.

(Commercial break: Derby party plans are coming together nicely- live music is back this year! May 2nd 4-8ish. Once invited always invited, know us- you are invited! We also hope you'll include Newark's FAMfest with your weekend planning- in particular may I encourage you to attend the Friday night event at the Midland!!  http://www.newarkfamfest.com for details- we're also offering a fun painting project for the kids!!)

So the forsythia are out- some places. I can't wait for them to bloom on the hill bank to Mt. Parnassus! Daffodils- many are here saying hello! I picked from The LeFevre Courtyard at The Works yesterday. Sally and I took in what bulbs look to have survived from the sewer project last year. I know various variations bloom at different times and I'm grateful for this. We want mother nature to stage our delight. Thank you April showers for greening up our town and waking up blooms, leaves and buds- we're ready and waiting on Newark-Granville Road.

Tuesday, April 7, 2015

more NY tales…..

So what else to share other than what, who and why we saw what we saw in NYC.  I will put in writing that the kids were really good. I'm not saying they were perfect but I really like to travel with my kids.  They've arrived at the age where we do have a vacation.  I use to call them family trips.  This started with Africa and has continued. It is very good positive reinforcement on their behalf- it makes us want to take them places!

They only real whining was connected to hunger and walking. Sarah and Matthew do you remember Dad taking us all over Philly looking for some restaurant..I feel like it was yesterday-we were teenagers.  I guess there was some of that going on the quest for NY pizza on Wednesday afternoon on the descent from Central Park to the hotel.  I joined in some of the frustration with Joe leading us around the American Natural History Museum- we were using his ap to see highlights and the kids were looking for Night at the Museum and it didnt' jive and covered a lot of ground. We were warned it is a big place.

This was also a life lesson for the kids that what you see on TV, the movies, magazines isn't the real thing.  The movie set and story was inspired with lots of close connections but it is different.  Personally the lesson from King and I was the one I cherished from NYC. I read some involved deep analysis- but my take away was the line about a King doing his best, not always understanding and being prepared to do his job, but doing his very best.  And it worked- growth and love found their way not without pain and sacrifice but love carried the day.

I had no problem reaching my fit bit step goals- but a day of not working and sight seeing will do it! One day I doubled by goal and exceeded 20,000 steps- it buzzed twice on my wrist. The pizza really is the best in NYC. I do not fold mine but the kids had fun with those instructions.  Clare does not like the cab rides- the lurching. No one is declaring a need to move there in the future but I hope we'll visit again it was a wonderful family get away with quality bonding time.

come see me at The Works on Thursday…..l

and bring the 6 and under children in your lives.  Don't have any- go find some please! Help us spread the word about the PNC Grow Up Great Mobile Unit that will be here from 10-2 - off of 1st street in Newark at the Canal Par.  It is so much fun. Great activities and fun dress up and photo taking about career dreams.   This is all free! PNC is a great partner with The Works on early education in our community.  Lets show them a bit of appreciation and utilize the gift they're providing all the 6 and under kids and their parents, grandparents, care providers on Thursday!!

Thank you for helping me do what I do @ The Works: Ohio Center for History, Art and Technology- now on Instagram!!

Sunday, April 5, 2015

goes to the big apple!

Sally gets the credit for this spring break trip. Peter was the motivator for Senegal and it was Sally that has wanted a NYC trip since her 8th birthday.  So instead of her special trip- yes we still owe her one-we made it part of Spring Break '15!  And what a great trip it was….thank you Sally!

So here is the basic outline of what was accomplished, visited in the big city and why…because this blog is all about the why, just a bit…future blog entries will give further details and/or insights.

-We went by train from BMI into Penn Station.  Anyone who knows my Dad knows why we went by train.  Pap loves trains and so having him with us on the kids first train experience was pretty special.

-Our family walked across the Brooklyn Bridge.  Joe had done this, Joe and Pap read McCullough's book and it was something I always wanted to do so it was my one thing we had to do.

We asked the kids to give us the one thing they really wanted to do in NYC and we would do our best as we made our plans….

-We rode the subway.

-We went to Time Square- this was Sally's 1 thing to do.

-We checked into our hotel- we walked there from Penn Station- we went with Doubletree and the cookies were a nice treat to welcome us from our fist adventures.

-We regrouped and went to Grand Central Terminal by cab.  Kids roamed for food- Clare got her Magnolia Bakery Cupcake- her 1 thing to do- we talked her into Magnolia vs Sprinkles. They found great NY style pizza. Joe enjoyed catching up with DU friend in the bar overlooking the main concourse while Mom, Dad and I sat at the counter at the Oyster Bar…ahhhhhh and ate oysters!!

-Peter's 1 thing- Madison Square Garden….when we heard this at the dinner table Joe and I looked at one another and sort of shrugged, made frowns…to give Joe credit- he looked into the schedule and tickets but it wasn't to be…until the week prior to departure the NIT popped into our radar and yes, Peter, my Dad, Clare and Joe were able to take in the semi finals- so not one but two games and one of the teams playing- a team Peter loves- Miami Hurricanes.  They had a magical night- really special. This is evidence the universe is a good place and you must name your desires.

-Meanwhile Mom, Sally and I headed to Ellen's Stardust Diner to hear the singing wait staff. We waited in line in the rain for an hour- nice tourist shared an umbrella and once seated on the rail we enjoyed an Irish coffee!! Sally had hot chocolate!  The singing really was worth it and put us in a NY state of mind.

This was just our first day- pretty good, all 3 of the kids NY to dos- check!

Day 2- Bagels- NY bagel's didn't disappoint!  A few blocks south landed us in a yummy shop- the cream cheese is something not talked enough about…wow! We then headed north on the subway to the American Natural History Museum.  We checked out the Night at the Museum features and other highlights. It is a big space and we covered a lot of ground.  Keeping with that theme we left the museum and headed to Central park.  Belvedeer Castle was open so we climbed to the top for lovely views.  A casual walk south was fun with the sun shining. We landed at FAO Schwartz and The Plaza. The afternoon wrapped up with a long walk down 6th and back to Time Square, pizza for lunch and the opportunity to dress for dinner.

Another highlight of the trip was connecting with one of our Denison sitter's. Callie babysat all four of her years with us.  She met us for a drink at 5 and it was really fun catching up and learning about her life in the city.  Spending Peter and Pap/Dad's birthday in the city was great!  We had bought our musical theater tickets when we were all together at Tgiving.  Happily the King and I was opening in March and we took opportunity to make it the birthday celebration.  A good friend's daughters (also born on April 1) gave the recommendation for China Grill! Low and behold it is where I celebrated a dear friend's 50th birthday during my last NYC visit.  The restaurant worked well and all were pleased. Drunken chicken and the caramel souffle were highly regarded and we'd all recommend.

Some of us cabbed and some of us walked to the Lincoln Center for the classic show- the weather was lovely for a brisk walk- getting warmer and warmer.  Broadway is Broadway for a reason and it didn't disappoint. This beautiful production captured every one's attention and heart. Kelli O Hara was something to experience- what a voice.  The sets are really gorgeous and the story so beautiful.  Life lessons all around.  I'll never forget looking over at the expressions on every one's face. Even Joe who thought he and Peter should be at MSG considered the show a highlight of the trip.  more details- http://www.lct.org/shows/king-and-i/

We slept well again and prepared for day 3 in the citee….

-Ellis Island- waved and got great photos of the Statue of Liberty.
-Audio tour of EI- kids enjoyed and liked it more than they thought they would.  The architecture alone is worth the effort- getting an early start is so important!!
-Wall Street and the Finacial District Bull! We found pizza as I had yet to enjoy!!
-Freedom Tour-World Trade Center Memorials- beautiful, sacred spaces- really a must see. We didn't make it to the museum this trip but will return.
-A walk through Chelsea Market and then a walk north on the high line-http://www.thehighline.org  I think everyone should do this  My parents did it a few hours ahead of us and would agree!  Next trip- lunch at Chelsea Market as part of High Line experience.
-back to hotel- catch-up time with Nana and Pap outside of the hotel.  Lovely lovely spring day!
-walked up Broadway- trip through big Macy's bonus- flower show - and lots of people watching. Kids don't get what I consider real department store visits and Macy's does it best!
-Dinner reservations with friends we haven't seen in years, before we settled in to the restaurant we took in Time Square and more landmark visits. Not to mention giggles and people watching.
-Family style Italian yumminess with good people was the ideal way to end this great trip!  Carmine's delighted us all.
-But wait-the night wasn't over in the city that doesn't sleep….the NIT final game at Madison Square Garden was on our walk home….9 pm game-we secured tickets easily!  Miami vs Stanford in the infamous sporting arena- yay Peter, yay Joe.  Clare and Peter ended up with seats few rows up from the bench and us across the way in the lower bowl- so fun to watch them enjoy the really good, really close into OT battle! Stanford won and we headed home for another good night's sleep.

The train was full on the way home but we paired up well- Daddy and I sat together- I helped a bit with his cross word puzzle. Nana, Sally and Clare found seats all nearby and Peter and Joe were united.  We saw the scenery again- Philadelphia zoo when traveling north is worth paying attention to after the station.  We recapped, read and rested and called the travels a wrap.

Our time in Maryland was lovely on both ends- Sarah and family were part of our start-up- giggles, and cousin bonding time that only happens in person.  Quality time with Mom and Dad caring for us and vice versa- I cherish each moment.  Life on Newark-Granville Road had a full fabulous week on the east coast and in the city, NYC!