Search This Blog

Tuesday, December 29, 2015

On the 5th Day of Christmas….

On the fifth day of Christmas my girlfriends gave to me- a five hour lunch…..Okay so it wasn't five hours but it was long and lovely and filled with great conversation, special thoughtful gifts and yummy food! And yes a mid day drinky-poo that is Oh so decadent!  The break from the break project- painting Sally's room, morning work catch-up at the office and family- what a treat! Worth its weight in gold!

Life on Newark-Granville Road today…yes Sally's room is getting painted. We're doing it ourselves and this is not an easy task for us.  Joe and I just are not home-improvement types.  We each have our reasons for not loving the task and I'll leave it at that.  What we are getting is a big old cleaning job, purging exercise and opportunity to delight Sally. She has asked for this for years!  It gets worse before it gets better and I strongly dislike the disruptions, displacement of stuff.  So any excuse to be out of the house- work, lunch, doctors office, hair cuts- I'll take.  I'll be first in line to put it back together and can't wait to get going on the next steps….making it Sally's big girl room.  What desk, which dresser where, what art…The big kids have taken the hint and embraced the chance….toy chests are in the attic, a chair moved down to the basement- minor cleaning and purging is a good thing for all of us.

Life on Newark-Granville Road is getting a face-lift and dust off- it isn't easy and is teaching us lots of lessons. It won't be perfect, but it is a process and we're doing it together in our own ways.  The fifth-day of Christmas is still Christmasy.

Presents from Girlfriends- pretty packages 2016!

Sunday, December 27, 2015

Cheers to Creative, Caring Christmas!

Our hosts started our holiday gathering with a champagne toast!  I know how fortunate we are to have family gathered in a beautiful home together.  Joe's brother and sister in law welcomed my parents to the Christmas celebration with Joe and Scott's parents- how lucky for our three kids to have four grandparents with them on Christmas.  Ann and Scott have a beautiful home and our kids adore being there.  Ann's lasagna and beef were perfect!  Mom and I had fun cooking together to add to the fesast- scalloped potoates, ceaser salad and pecan pie.  Everyone ooohed and ahhhed and was delightfully satisfied by the Christmas meal.

Thoughtful, caring and creative gifts carried the day….we all know one another and enjoy finding ways to celebrate and please one another!  For me it was the Shelbourne Farms Cheese Joe procured. It stayed in the fridge with a do not peak note on it for quite some time…I thought maybe Tennents beer but this is better! It takes me to a place we found off the beaten path that connects to our lives on Newark-Granville Road- design by Frederick Law Olmsted and Sons!  The visits to this part of Vermont were always a delight. The cheese will tantalize my taste buds and take me there for months!  A new bike- needed as my old one was stolen- supporting the Newark bike store and equipping me- yay!  Family memory photos made real- magnet and frames, Derby helpers, magazines, hand made lotion and ornaments, Tshirts just oh so perfect, clothing and jewelry perfect for the recipient. Our givers were indeed thoughtful and careful and brought Christmas joy all around on NG Road.

To surprise or not…that is the question. It is fun to give someone exactly what they want…but having someone identify what would please you, and they know you probably not buy yourself is pretty special.  Wrapping a gift to throw off the recipient can be part of the fun.  The desired monogram driving mocs were just that for me. My brother and sister-in-law wrapped up a flat box in the most beautiful way and I knew it would be a great gift- but I thought perhaps a scarf or blouse- something Lilly. Nope- the shoes were made to fit in the rectangle box and I was oh so happy at the reveal! Merry Merry to me!  Trying to surprise Clare was part of my fun.  She wanted and needed the new phone- we opted for the 6 instead of the 5 as reward for her good word. I wrapped the charger in a decoy box - it didn't work….she blew by it not noticing the subtle change in cord.  At least I was able to draw out her reveal….part of me think we could of just had the phone in her stocking and Christmas would of been complete.  Gifts are for the givers and we had fun making her day.  It helps us too- she is a good partner with coordinating rides and schedules and information.  Of course none of us need all these things.  What we need is love and support, caring and time and we're surrounded by friends and family far and near and that is what we toast this Christmas.

Merry Christmas-On the 2nd Day of Christmas Mama's Living Room came back…...

Yes we embrace all 12 days of Christmas starting on the 25th!  This year will be special as we will be here, I have lots of  time "off" and we jumped right in with gifts and giving to ourselves, our home and one another!  Regular readers will recall it was almost exactly a year ago that we arrived home from holiday travel to find our basement filled with six inches of water due to the water main break on the street.  Yesterday thanks to a caring family member it all worked out to borrow a trailer to pick up furniture we found at Granville Mercantile on High Street for the basement.  We moved in and last night watched our family movie there- not in the living room!  We also picked up a coffee table for the living room- a piece I've been in search of for quite some time.  It really helps complete the room's seating areas.  Life on Newark- Granville Road is using more of the whole house again and I am pleased!  Is the furniture what was in my mind?  Nope- but the price was right and function carries the day and it works in the space. We'll see where we evolve and how it all plays out as the rest of the wish list items and as decor is procured!  Yesterday had many many blessings and opportunities for which to give thanks. We are very grateful for the care and time together thanks to the light of the world.

As I reflect on the first day of Christmas sitting by the beautiful tree, that will stay up until at least Jan 6th, I can't help but think about our  break "to-do list" which is pretty ambitious and important- we need the garage back too and the rest of the basement needs attention and Sally is getting an updated room….and we're in Christmas mode with gifts to deliver, cards to address and mail….Putting it in writing is another step to success.  Piles- piles are my personal project on top of the house ones….it is time to take down the piles in my life on Newark-Granville Road!

Lets see what the third day of Christmas holds- I'm not sure we can be as productive as yesterday- what a gift and I believe reflections of the first day of  Christmas deserve their own post…I'll sign off and wish you continued gifts of Christmas as we wrap up 2015 and welcome 2016, thanks for sharing my life on Newark-Granville Road.

Thursday, December 24, 2015

Go to sleep you little babes, go to sleep you little babes….

Your papa has to wrap and Santa needs to come…..the day has been tradition and Spirit filled thanks to friends and family!  We're so close to saying "Merry Christmas" for real.  We said it after the 4:30 and 6:30 pm FPC services and it felt very true…..but we went back into "anticipation" and wait mode with a beautiful dinner.

So I almost got it all done.  We're wrapping just a few things from us and then waiting for Santa to arrive.  There are still some Christmas cards to mail and gifts to deliver to local friends- the 12 days of Christmas will give me that time.  We've savored the day today with family, friend and church in beautiful ways.

Life on Newark-Granville Road gathered around the table after ice skating--what a treat!  I remember well the idea when it was presented and it still holds true- great way to get the energy out of kids- let them skate!  The Prophater-Jump tradition has been around since before Sally! I pushed her on the ice in a stroller!  Now we connect with friends we may only see at this gathering. The day flies with the trip west and includes lunch at Max and Ermas.  A stop at the store to get the last needed items and then home to prepare for church! The beautiful church services had ample engagement by all three kids- Peter the narrator with Rose, Clare as Mary to Jack's Joseph and Sally in the choir and then Clare in the choir, Peter ushering and Sally with us. Nana and Pap appreciated experiencing it all first hand and value the worship and music.  Dinner at the table prepared with love by mother, daughter, grandmother was all we wanted it to be.  The plan set for tomorrow- another day to be celebrated and cherished on Newark-Granville Road!  The question is….when will Santa arrive. When can we put Griffey to bed and put out the cookies- the beer is waiting- Sally's instructions!

Wednesday, December 23, 2015

The night before, the night before…...

Dear friends have turned this day into one of my very favorite days of the year.  My mother's favorite day is tomorrow- Christmas Eve.  The anticipation, stillness, preparation….she always made it special and still does.  This year Mom and Dad are with us for "Leithauser" Christmas and I'm so grateful. They safely arrived today- over the mountains and through the fog…to their daughter's house they came!

We had a good day, a productive and lovely day on Newark-Granville Road. Joe needed to rest so I went to work early and came home early- the work will wait until next week.  Clare and I ran some final errands that were bonus errands- finding lights for the back staircase that is too dark, a swag of green for the back entrance, a gift or two.  We shared fun conversation and laughter- quality mother daughter time, similar to some interactions with my Mom in the past.  Much of our chatter was about expectations and preparation, savoring time and seeing the big picture.  Clare is growing up quite nicely- a gift I'll take this holiday season.  I also found missing objects- a pile that was shifted to an odd location.  Hints of missing mail and a request for a form sent me on the search! What a delight to open a Thanksgiving card, party invite (assumed inability to attend- family event far away) and some great catalogs!

Welcoming my parents to town was a treat and unloading the treats that accompanied them from Maryland was too!  My Mom makes the best Christmas cutout cookies- they are thin and crisp- sand tarts is what we call them and to me they define Christmas.  Christmas isn't Christmas until I have a Nana sand tart.  How wonderful to have them hand-delivered this year!  They made it to enjoy Clare's JV basketball game and Mom joined in on a beautiful holiday party hosted by good friends. I love when Moms meet Moms/parents/parents- it makes sense they get along and connect quickly.

The eve of the eve party is one we hate to miss and last year's family travel was worth it.  However this year I love being home, in my home, at parties with my friends, at my church.  I've set the table for our Christmas Eve dinner- my Mom is preparing. The meringues are in the oven, a few more minutes and I'll turn them off for their overnight set. They will be served with peppermint stick ice cream for a festive dessert.  A late night door knock was a pleasant surprise- the night is filled with love and friendship all around until the very end of the day.


Tomorrow we wake up and the day will fly with more traditions, fellowship and fun!  In the night we will celebrate the special birth of our King. We don't change our expectations for Him, we are inspired and in awe of the greatness he brings, the Hope and Love he shows, the world that is ready and waiting. Let us savor and be ready indeed.



Saturday, December 19, 2015

Dear Santa….

Dear Santa,

Yes I know the calendar date is the nineteenth, yes the nineteenth of December.  You know I'm one not to do too much holiday until December and being "just in time" is fine with me!  I embrace the twelve days of Christmas starting on the twenty-fifth! So if Mrs. Claus does not receive her Christmas Card/ Derby invite this week- no worries in my mind.  Isn't it fun to have the cards trickle in, even in early January?!!

So here is the list this year!  You do an amazing job with this list and I'm grateful. How can I not put one together when you've delivered "my" perfect boyfriend/husband, beautiful babies, Sebastian the convertible, and all the practical much needed things. I know you are working hard on the world peace on most lists too- thank you.

This year I would appreciate:
-more peace, less war and violence.
-to reach the stretch goal for the Denison Parents Fund- 1 million dollars and increased participation. Denison is doing such good things and the annual fund makes it possible.   Having parents and grandparents of students and alums support the college is important.  I buy into my father's philosophy- do you like to receive the magazine, stay in touch, value what the organization has done for you and the world- send them a check, stay on their list!  Every dollar counts and participation matters!
-Same for the Denison Annual Fund- I would like every Denison alum I know or have met to make a contribution/ participate!  We owe Denison so much and the annual fund- those that went before us!  Our education and experience is what it is thanks to philanthropic donors. Plus it feels good to give!  Participation affects the college rankings- so the more that give, the better we showcase! We deserve to be more highly ranked- Denison prepares students for rich, beautiful lives- everywhere!
-So on that note I'll ask for a Denison Vineyard Vine Polo- size XL- it is darling, love that the on-campus book store caries these!
-I always forget to put it on my list when I respond to my sister in law's email asking what I want…..lambs wool on the bottom flip-flops.  I think Bean makes them….Uggs use to….I've just learned how to wear real flip flops and I can't think of anything more comfortable. I saw a neighbor with them years ago…..Size 8 1/2.
-I need a new bike- want to ride more- so nice to be working in our beautiful town.
-happy, polite children- we're on it but we appreciate and accept help- it matters!
- support and engagement for the organizations we care deeply about- The Works, First Presbyterian Church, even Moundbuilders Country Club and so many more.
-good health and happiness to all those we know and love and you know need an extra dose- this ties to the first point about peace….we all need to have peace in our hearts- it helps.

I'll end with that and wish you a pleasant and happy ride on December 24th. Thank you for your work all year.  We Believe.

Warmly- Susan

Thursday, December 17, 2015

Go Big Red Christmas 2015 Card

Merry Christmas, Happy New Year, Belated Hannucah and Happy December.  We hope this finds you well. We are all about increasing Denison's visibility and I take it to heart!  I returned to work at Denison (I worked there from 1999-2005) in May with an exciting role working with Parent and Family Engagement and Philanthropy.  It made sense to do our holiday greeting photo shoot- at Denison!  This one is on the new turf- love the "go big red" red and field green- very Christmasy.
Since the kids probably won't go to Denison- never say never- we went ahead and let them get a Denison sports shirt that showcases their sport- more photos below.  Here is what is happening with:

Clare:  Currently on the JV basketball team for the Granville Blue Aces! She is loving her freshmen year of high school.  Latin is her new language, other favorites are the Global Studies class and program and yes- Geometry- lots of home work and study time.  She also ran cross country and looks forward to lacrosse in the spring.  She finished a third year at Camp Alleghany this summer and had a good time with nice friends.  You can find her at FPC too these days- confirmation class and choir. Not too much teenage stress in our lives, we're grateful.

Peter:  Currently running winter cross country, in the fall he juggled cross country and took up a new sport that included walking down the street to the now Denison Golf Course (a gift to the college).  Baseball - seems like there is always time for baseball too- playing, watching, talking about it- just like his Dad.  8th grade is a bit more challenging for Peter but he keeps up with it as I try to keep up with his growth.  Always smiling- on the swim team, tennis court, or while running with Griffey- Peter keeps us moving!

Sally- Our 5th grade girl is growing up too!  She loves lacrosse in the spring! Basketball is her winter sport with a great group of girls that also enjoy the soccer fields in the fall. Sally joined Clare as a Camp Alleghany Girl this year and loved it!  Water in the river was high so parents didn't go over on the barge to set up the tents- Clare was a big help and Sally the trooper!  Sally sings at FPC as well and enjoys being a girl scout- let us know if you need cookies!!

2015 had all sorts of fun with our family- celebrating 50th anniversaries- congratulations Nadine and Jim (were at Apple Valley Lake with Scott and Ann's family) and to Jeanne and Mike  (the Virginia Creeper Bike Path and Martha Washington Inn).  NYC for spring break and Thanksgiving in Maryland. The Greenbrier/Lewisburg, WVA with camp fun and the beach at OBX with the Stoner  "under one roof" tradition.  Joe is challenged and happy at Cardinal Health with data/IT work.  He  keeps things moving as I travel for this new role.  The family enjoys attending Denison activities and you can join us: check out the website http://denison.edu/events-calendar  many events are open to the public and so are the dining halls!  Also know our 25th Reunion at Denison was a stand-out 2015 memory- thank you to all those that traveled and were part of it. Those unable- you were missed- I blogged about that here…..http://lifeonnewark-granvilleroad.blogspot.com/2015/05/our-25th-denison-reunion.html

I could go on and on about the dog, work travel and dear friends I have loved reconnecting with this year and the wonderful support and good times we have here in our lives on Newark-Granville Road! Also know we still support and volunteer for The Works: Ohio Center for History, Art and Technology and encourage you to engage with us there! Instead of more typing for me I encourage you to scroll down and check out the blog entries and come back to stay-up on our happenings!!  Derby Details will be posted here in April- once invited, always invited, bring friends and those new to town on the first Saturday in May! Also bring your high school students to look at Denison and tell your friends, coworkers, neighbors! THEN let Susan know- leithauser@denison.edu! We're counting our blessings and thankful for the wonderful helpers, coachers, sitters, drivers, friends and family- all the supporters and those that share this beautiful life on Newark-Granville Road with us!  Pictures tell a fun story…here you go- Go Big Red-Denison holiday greeting photo shoot!  

 

 Joe did not attend the photo shoot- he never likes this activity- but this year it went well. Joe was cheering on the Big Red Basketball game instead. So here is a fun photo of Joe at Keeneland- we're always preparing for Derby and doing math on in our lives on Newark-Granville Road!   Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and Woo-Hoo to 2016! Thank you for staying in touch.  Warmly- Joe, Susan, Clare, Peter and Sally

Sunday, December 13, 2015

Tree- traditions and change, updates and memories!


  Our December Newark-Granville  life now has a Christmas tree- ahhhh! Another successful trip to Messerall's Tree Farm! We've been going there since Sally was a baby and Peter saved Christmas- story blogged in past posts- many!  We had fun retelling the story to Mrs. Messerall this year.  So the tree that called to us is a fir not the spruce we've done in the past.  It required a new stand as the trunk is much smaller.  It is nice to touch this tree and not itch or be feel the prickliness.  It fit well and was easy to carry in the house.  Decorating went well today, although not every ornament found a home on this tree and it took some rearranging as these branches don't hold heavy ornaments without reshaping the tree!  I kept my patience most of the time and embraced the kids approach.  Only one small tweak to placement.   Joe now puts the angel "Ga-Ga" on top- kids are not quite tall enough and can't be lifted…now fighting over that decision either- yay! We also are throwing away, pitching some ornaments that are broken or no longer what they need to be.  Lake Tahoe- the water inside turned brown- ick.  It was a great trip and I'm grateful for the Denisonians and Ann Leithauser that made it a special event.  The Clara ornament from the Nutcracker- lost her foot- ouch. Not sure if that was Clare or Sally's…other nutcracker ornaments remind us of those special years with COYB!  The childhood Mickey, Lucy and Santa Mouse…..thank you for years of happy Decembers on bows of the evergreens.  Good memories made today and we're just a bit more in the Christmas Spirit!

Saturday, December 12, 2015

Light and Love- Happy

Thank you to the Temple Beth Shalom- you welcomed us last night to an evening of learning, light and love.  As part of the confirmation classes at FPC- we're visiting other church/religions to better understand our own.  A car load visited this Reform temple in New Albany for a lovely evening.

Great timing- Hanukkah!  Happy Hanukkah to all Jewish friends and readers- the comfirmands were able to help light the beautiful menorahs - I was struck by the variety and artistic approach to many of these.  The evening was filled with beautiful songs, chants, blessings, prayers, honors, sharing, a story, community, acceptance and love.  Reflecting with the students I understand how it can be a bit "awkward" if this is your first exposure to Hebrew. I'm grateful for the many trips to the syn agog in my hometowns growing up and send gratitude to those families that took me, invited me to share in the ceremony.  Also sitting at the meals and hearing Friday night blessings and partaking in rituals.  Seeing Barukh atah Adonai is nice, but hearing it is a comfort to me.

My life on Newark-Granville Road will return me to a service at this lovely temple:  http://www.tbsohio.org  Clare was not with us last night- I was fortunate to be there as a mentor.  We loved attending a friends' Bar Mitzvah there not too long ago as a family with other families.  Family outings and adventures, traditions and experiences are key to this wonderful life on Newark-Granville Road!  With that…time to get a Christmas Tree!

Sunday, December 6, 2015

Figure Eight Relationships- Hour of Code with Denison and The Works!

Worlds unite- another form of figure eights….the sweet spot the middle where they unite.  The Works and Denison unite on Monday with Hour of Code- woo hoo!! Sally will be there with me- can't wait!  Last week there was all sorts of special moments like this- the Business and Industry Breakfast, the Explore Licking County Impact Awards…I could go on and on….but I know my life on Newark-Granville Road is as good as it is because of these connections, overlaps and new loops that overlap making wonderful figure eights in all sorts of ways.  At the base of it- people and relationships- reconnecting, supporting, engaging with one another- thanks for reading. Tune into Twitter on Monday we'll tweat about Denison's Hour of Code with The Works: Ohio Center for History, Art and Tecnology.

Saturday, December 5, 2015

Welcome December with Peace in my heart

Good December morning…..for whatever reasons I have snippets of songs in my head as I think of post phrases.  Right now- Fum-Fum-Fum…instead of "on this Joyous Christmas Day" I have
Good December- Moooo-or-ning, sing fum fum fum…..
Good December Moooo-or-ning, sing fum fum fum….

For a Day and Seaon of Peace- Prayers that all fighting might cease
For rest and quiet today, understanding and love always
Sing Fum Fum Fum

Maybe that is all I need for today's blog.  It is December 5th- the shopping has started, we'll ease into decorating.  There feels like a lot to do, but I type here with a sense of peace knowing it will happen.  I type grateful for the morning we've taken to just breath, sleep, organize a bit…I have not unpacked shopping from last weekend.  Good news on a friend's health and awareness that others struggle and are sad at this time.  I light a candle, savor my coffee and pause for prayer and think of my friends and those in need, but aren't we all in need- some more than others depending on the day and circumstsance- and share some more…...

Peace inspiration- "the rest of the story" behind the scenes, the why…. a funny happened in our home this week and I so value the response.  The person that helps us keep our house clean- I'm so grateful and value her partnership.  Walked in the door needing to use the rest-room and put her things down.  She pulled the door shut as she sat down (this is the closet like power room off the hallway) (and shut the door because the dog was following with his big old sniffer going) and the door knob (interior) promptly fell off.   She was there for three hours!

She started to wheeze and told herself, no- calm down.  She mediated. She started to sweat, she said no- don't do this.  She found a paperclip in the trash and tried to fiddle her way out….she removed the artwork that cover the access to the washer drier- that gives gave her air and light…..she turned off the light and took in the quiet. The dog stayed close- unless someone was walking buy…she wishes she could of stretched her legs a bit more…..she took in the peace of the time.  Barbara let her out when she arrived to walk the dog, help with the kids and house- phew!  When I came home and heard this news Barbara said she was fine with being locked-in and it was OK.  I called to apologize and ended up at home the next day to say I'm sorry in person.  How wonderful she came back the next day to do the work she committed to- she easily could of said- my day with you was spent in a bathroom- see you next week! Nope she came back and in person told me it was OK. But it was reading the note she left that let it sink in- she found peace.  She goes from house to house, is busy, juggling, lots going on with her and her husband….she took time to sit and reflect, think, rest and accepted the gift.  Ahhhh- Peace. She also told me that at Wendy's the clerk reminded her the day was hers to make. This came when the response of "how are you today" was "OK with a not so energetic tone"- Our house helper heard that loud and clear- we have the attitudes and approaches and control to make our days better than OK- they can be great and filled with wonder and joy, peace and acceptance and most of all love.

Thank you for lessons, for the care of our home and commitment. Thank you for helping me find peace in this busy, special season in my life on Newark-Granville Road.