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Saturday, December 31, 2016

Farewell 2016, Hello 2017!

As I organize, tidy and make my to-do lists  (I'm not ready to dig into cleaning)....I can't help but reflect on 2016.   A to-do is to post a final 2016 blog entry and I do love to check things off!  We won't wrap Christmas yet as we embrace the full 12 days....so that gives me time to mail a few more cards and write my thank yous.

2016 gave us so much and we're grateful.  A full calender year at Denison for me while juggling amazing things that include travel and living in our wonderful Licking County community. For the family it has meant Peter finishing middle school and starting up high school- important transitions always with a smile. Clare's confident transition in early high school years with the milestone of driving all done the Clare focused way; and Sally transforming to pre-teen before our eyes with compassion and care that pulls us close.  Joe's work transition has been building this year and I'm so pleased he starts 2017 launched at Infoverity.  The beautiful thing in all of this has been sharing it with friends and family.

It has been a banner year for personal and professional travel. I'm so grateful for the chance to connect with family and friends far and wide. We've been fortunate to host a lot of family multiple times and holidays this year. That Easter Bunny and Santa found Louisa Christopher and I'm very grateful.   Being home in our house on Newark-Granville Road is something I don't take for granted.  There are piles and dust bunnies but our guests don't let those get in the way, nor do we.

A fulfilling year in our volunteer activities with The Works- hooray for HATSOFF and the 20th year anniversary. I'm still so grateful to each person that answered the call for wine and auction items and shared the special events at this community gem.  I've walked the shoes of the staff there and hope they all reflect on 2016 with deep satisfaction and pride.  I know our family is grateful for all they do and the volunteers they unite. We had a great visit there this week.

Cheers to the past year and cheers to the new one.  Certainly we've had loss, disappointments and challenges this year. I'm getting older and life indeed gets harder.  But it also gets sweeter as I value and appreciate all that we have.  So please know in my life on Newark-Granville Road I look forward to clinking a glass with you as our paths continue to cross via mail (love the Christmas cards), social media, email, text, phone and in person.


Monday, December 26, 2016

2016 Christmas Card

If you are reading this in response to our Christmas card..thank you!  I hope you'll take a look at past posts to get a sense of what is happening in our lives and catch-up with us!  No longer do I, we, send out long Christmas letters..the blog should do the trick?  Need more scoop- give us a call or email! ssleithauser@gmail.com.  Better yet come visit.....may I suggest the first Saturday in May?

In April we'll share more details about Derby but we do like to get the date on your calendar and reality is one big mailing a year is about all we can do- so Derby invite and holiday card are all one now!  Didn't get a card? We're sorry!  Please mail us real mail and that will be an easy trigger to return the favor. I do love this time of year and all the real mail.  It is second only to the letters from camp sent from the children in July.  This year Peter joined the girls at extended sleep away camp- he became a Greenbrier boy.  The girls love Camp Alleghany.  The West Virginia floods tried to dampen the experience- and only did literally.   We were all impressed that the kids loved their days at camp despite the shortened time and mud.  Even Louisa loved the extra day at mini-camp and we cherished family time in Hagerstown instead of White Sulfur Springs.

Our October trip to India was this year's card's inspiration and details behind the photos can be found on blog post about the trip- there were three in October- keep scrolling!  The one thing Clare really really wanted to do in India was ride an elephant- hooray for Joe for making that happen.  It seemed appropriate to tie that to Derby.  And yes Derby Party 2017 will have India inspiration with decor, food and ???

The Taj Mahal is everything and so much more- truly a wonder of the world.  The gift of Christmas and God's love is a wonder and tied well to the seasonal greeting.  We do love to wander and are lucky to have traveled as a family.   We're so grateful to all that made all the wonderful things happen for us in 2016- family time, travel support, work...work! Joe learned so much at Cardinal and is excited about his new role with Infoverity.  Denison connects me with incredible people- colleagues, parents, grandparents, students and of course alums.  When Denisonians bring their children to visit we're so touched to be part of the fun.

Clare, Peter and Sally are active, happy individuals.  Each their own person with similar interests.  Granville High School has Peter and Clare this year- how did that happen? Sally is in 6th grade which is the Intermediate school in Gville. All three playing basketball, the girls have lacrosse and field hockey and Peter is still devoted to baseball.  They really do travel well and that is the positive reinforcement that keeps us taking to the skies.  Summer swim team, golf and dear friends in our beautiful community keep us all very happy.  We're lucky to have Scott and Ann's family near by and enjoy quality time and traditions- like swimming across the Apple Valley lake!  Stoner time is more planned and happens twice a year with all of us under one roof/around one table as best we can do with 14 of us.  We know we're blessed to have four grandparents enjoying time with their grandkids and embrace the time we can find to get together or have them with us to cheer from the sidelines.

We do hope these greetings find you well and that 2017 brings peace, love and joy! We're thinking of you in our lives on Newark-Granville Road.

Sunday, December 25, 2016

Christmas Eve Greetings......

I hear Santa....no doubt about it he found Louisa Christopher in Granville!  The cousins are all tucked in bed with visions of sugar cereal dancing in their heads!  What a treat to have Louisa here! Louisa is Sarah (my sister) and Greg's daughter.  And of course we love having both of them and Nana and Pap here with us for Christmas.  Matthew (my brother) and his beautiful family arrive on Monday for Stoner Christmas celebration.    It has been quite the month to get us to this place!  Boy, am I glad we are here!  I love this evening and wish it could last...I've savored the day and will continue with some reflection and blogging to keep it in the record books.

First Presbyterian Church of Granville was a beautiful place to celebrate the true meaning of the season.  We welcomed the Christ child and God's fulfilled promise of love with beautiful music, scripture, a thoughtful message surrounded by friends and family.   Both of the services were wonderful and all three of our kids and the choirs sang like angels.  I'm sorry I didn't get to attend the third service or track down a midnight mass.  Christmas Eve isn't complete without a good giggle with my siblings...and Sarah and I couldn't help ourselves.  Laughter with tears is therapeutic and pleasure that is rare. I love Christmas Eve and what each service provides.  I also love the traditions and time at home.  The formal dinner with most of family is quite a special gift.  Mom is a great partner and brought beef bourgouin frozen so it was a quick turn around working side by side with Stoner women.

The tradition of the day starts with ice skating thanks to the wonderful Prophater family.  What a fantastic activity and gathering for this day of anticipation.  Having Sarah, Louisa and Nana with us...and of course our bonus daughter of Charlotte started us all out merry and bright.

Christmas in Granville, right here on Newark-Granville Road brings happy tears.  Thank you for sharing and staying in touch- it is another gift for which I'm grateful.  I wish you all a Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, peace and joy in this magical time of year as the light extends into our lives on Newark-Granville Road and yours.

Thursday, December 22, 2016

Joe's new position, adventure.....

The Christmas cards will be mailing soon- just time to launch the 12 days of Christmas!  I was going to create a Christmas greeting on the blog to serve as the cyber card as we are not able to mail a card to everyone.  Hopefully just keeping it up to date will suffice!  And so that is why I pause now to post the update on Joe's work!  Here is the description in writing to help us all better understand what he does.  Life on Newark-Granville Road is in a good place with this exciting new challenge for Joe  Cardinal was a wonderful chapter and he is looking forward to applying all he experienced there to a broader audience. He looks forward to talking to you about Infoverity!

Infoverity Announces New Next Generation Analytics Practice DUBLIN, OH, December 21, 2016 -- Infoverity, a leading global provider of information management, Master Data Management (MDM) and Product Information (PIM) strategy and implementation services, announced that it has formed a new Next Generation Analytics practice to support the company’s clients worldwide. Joining Infoverity to lead the new practice is Joe Leithauser, who will serve as Director. Joe is a business focused leader with more than 20 years of experience working with clients in the supply chain, sales and finance functional areas. Having served as Director of Data and Analytics at Cardinal Health, and as a Senior Manager at Accenture, Joe has a unique blend of experience in both consulting and delivering analytics solutions that sustain value. Infoverity’s Next Generation Analytics practice will connect business strategy with IT/analytics strategies, architectures, processes and people to improve customer engagement, optimize supply chains and improve productivity. The practice is focused on planning and executing strategies to help companies use both legacy and cloud analytics to reduce cost, improve quality, and increase user satisfaction with analytics. “We’re thrilled to have Joe join the Infoverity team to lead our efforts in meeting customer demand for next generation analytics,” said Matt Wienke, President, Infoverity. “It complements our global solutions to make information easier to use and monetize for our clients. Moreover, his experience delivering solutions that homogenize disparate cloud offerings for reporting and analytics has proven to save clients over half the time and budget required in the past, which is very high impact.” About Infoverity Founded in 2011, Infoverity is a leading global professional services organization focused on solving business problems caused by the proliferation and diversification of data in large enterprises. Infoverity is featured in Gartner’s 2016 Market Guide of MDM External Service Providers and is named among the Best Places to Work in IT in 2016 by IDG’s Computerworld and by Columbus Business First. Infoverity provides Master Data Management (MDM), Product Information Management (PIM) strategy and implementation solutions that help clients in the retail, consumer goods, manufacturing and healthcare sectors to simplify and maximize the value of their information. Partners include Informatica, Priint, Reltio, Riversand, SAP, and Stibo Systems. Infoverity’s global headquarters is in Dublin, Ohio, and additional service and support teams are located in Spain, Germany and Russia. For more information, please visit Infoverity.com and follow @Infoverity on Twitter.

Sunday, December 18, 2016

Christmas is in the air.....

the magic of Christmas has arrived on Newark-Granville Road!  Flowers are blooming, paper whites and the Christmas cactus! Peppermint stick custard is in the freezer and the last Sunday night Whit's run is checked of the list of things to do.  The trip to the mail box is a highlight of the day with stack of holiday cards making their way!  THIS MAY BE A HIGHLIGHT of the HOLIDAY for me- real mail!! Presents are almost all procured and some are even wrapped and under the tree. Not to mention Leithauser Christmas is in the books!

We gathered here yesterday for a new approach-breakfast.  The best time we found to host Joe's family was the morning and so we turned it into a three course meal with gift exchange as a break between the appetizers and the made to order omelets by Joe.  We all fit around the table and enjoyed being together.  The good news about this is Friday night was an early Christmas eve with wrapping, music and decking the halls with the extra touches.  Although the pine did make Sally's allergies reappear.  We've figured out she is not allergic to Frazer Firs but is allergic to the pine of the roping I used for the mantle.  Allegra to the rescue!  I do admit I'm somewhat pleased there is one remains gift to give this set of family.  A traditional themed item didn't arrive on time- hoping it does for our New Years Eve/ Day!!

There is plenty to do this week of Christmas!  The work move went well and we're setting into Beth Eden. The Christmas cards are in the queue- for the record there are 12 Days of Christmas so I'm trying not to stress to much.  We're playing musical computers and photo loading isn't going very well- sigh....this is why you still see Thanksgiving photo on the blog and not the cute pic of a wreath on the car- another sign it is Christmas for the Leithauser's.  Or the kids in front of the tree with our host daughter from India, or a picture from the Chicago girls trip....check out Face book for some of these.

Life on Newark-Granville is embracing the mystery of the season and appreciate the chance to share it with you.

Wednesday, December 14, 2016

Day at home, in the middle of the week, in the middle of this busy month!

It is Wednesday, December ??, I'm glad to have the day of the week correct.  Even Peter yesterday thought it was Wednesday when it was Tuesday. I thought it was Monday.  There are many reasons for the confusions.  First- it is December and there is so much going on....shopping, hosting, special events- love, love, love it all, but more to keep track of and execute.  Second...I had the treat of a girls weekend in Chicago to shop, catch-up and take a break from who goes where when how!  It was a delightful time with my Omaha roommate- Ellen Wheeler and her dear friend, now my dear friend Manderley Prophater.  It had been eight years and it was overdue!  Mother nature gave me an extra day that I turned into a work day.  Lucky me working in Chicago- great Denisonians, great city!

And third the reason I'm at home- working!  Big fun at Denison- we're moving office locations.  My department is moving to Beth Eden- historic old house on Chapel Walk.  Admissions and Financial Aid are moving to Burton Morgan.  Burton Morgan is a fantastic, modern, easily accessible building. What a great way to welcome visitors to campus!  Admissions is the first step in Denison's who purpose.  Beth Eden has served them well for years.  I love the space as I worked there all four years while I was a student.  I also enjoyed the house setting from my Colwell days of Alumni work.  I've loved the Burton Morgan time as well but am embracing the change.  And embracing the day off while boxes and equipment are swapped. I look forward to unpacking on Friday!  And yes it is an inconveniences, and I didn't do the best job prepping some supplies that are now packed.  BUT we're also cleaning up, purging, rethinking and mixing things up in ways that will be a very good way to welcome 2017!

These reasons summarize why I feel like my life is a snow globe!  We're shaking things up again and there is beauty in the swirls.  Yesterday's snow reminds of the lessons snow storms bring.  Family time was embraced here when basketball was cancelled and today the sun is shine on a picturesque setting.  And now here I am working on December work things and doing a bit of home catch-up that is quite needed.  Thanks for reading and sharing in this festive time in my life on Newark-Granville Road.  Soon it will be time for the Holiday Blog Greeting!

Friday, December 2, 2016

Count Down to Christmas (plural) and finding our way....

Here we go- December 1 was fun! December 2nd is festive....feeling like we started early for us Granville Leithausers. On the Sunday after Thanksgiving our tree was up....now here we are on Dec 2nd and it only has a few ornaments.  Maybe we're waiting to include our Denison International host daughter?!! Yeah, yeah- that's it- she will be here on Sunday, cooking us dinner!  What fun we'll have with her helping us finish this task.  Note some of the decorations are out as well....but then a key piece is missing and the porcelain ornament collection isn't out yet.  sigh....

It really is the month of searching.  Three key things have gone missing....my winter coat, my beloved winter purse and this piece of tree.  I think I may have to acknowledge they're gone, be grateful for the joy/ purpose/service they provided and embrace new...sigh.  I even looked on ebay to buy another purse like the one I can't find.  The reality is they probably donated, and I have to say that is what I hope happened so someone is benefiting, happy with a pretty new coat and a cool purse.

I need to move off the search and into the moment. Into the preparation.  I love this time of year. Deciding what gifts to give for each person. Wrapping, delivering, the time together to exchange and mark the season and all it represents.  This year we'll host the Leithausers the weekend before Christmas and then my family arrives from the 23-26 and leaves the 28-29th...we don't have all the details figured out and we're doing some new things.  The big Stoner Christmas with a turkey dinner will be on the 26th.  Leithauser Christmas is embracing a breakfast/brunch and I'm excited about that....I'm grateful  and looking forward to preparing for Santa. Louisa will be with us in Granvile for Christmas.

I'm finding my way in my work, with our growing and busy teens/preteen, my politics, my volunteer efforts and always my faith.  I'm grateful for this time of year that reminds us to prepare. I am counting down on Newark-Granville Road and I'm going to savor each of the Christmas celebrations I am fortunate to have.  Tomorrow's Walking Tour in Granville.....a very special Granville Christmas.


Friday, November 25, 2016

Thankful for Thanksgiving

I do love Thanksgiving and yesterday did not disappoint. Yes, I missed my family.  I thought I was missing setting the table, basting the turkey en route of Turkey Trot but I loved what the day presented. It was a present, a gift.  Our Thanksgiving on Newark-Granville Road this year was about family and friends, being active in our lives and relaxing with family.

I love the early hours of Tgiving and my simple contributions game me my kitchen zen time.  Ahhh sniping the parsley and sage from the green house and making a stuffing. My mile run/walk/trot and talk was quite delightful.  How lovely to enjoy the most delicious bloody mary and cheer and catch-up on the side of NGR! Ann and Scott's hospitality was lovely and it was so good to gather around the ingenious harvest, beautiful harvest table as Leithausers.  We lingered and relaxed- Clare and Joe even found a nap they were so comfortable.  Our prayer was perfect and I'll try to insert here soon.  Ahh and the food did not disappoint!  The moist turkey even inspired Clare to share that she liked it and who knew the girls would love green bean casserole! But who doesn't like that American comfort food.  Peter filled his plate with everything including the scalloped oysters, making me smile.  The turkey really was delicous and no one could of been disappointed with all the selections! I find it fascinating who cooks what and loves to have what at this special dinner.

We lingered at the table and engaged and talked, caught up and just sat savoring the time together as a family.  It was the highlight of my day.  Four girls and the sister in laws, mothers, daughters, sisters, cousins- quite sweet.  It brought back memories for me with great aunts and reflection on family with my mother.  The evening carried on as we brought a cousin home and watched an old movie to wrap up such a lovely day.  Yes I'm very thankful for Thanksgiving and all it represents.  Which is why it is no surprise I want to keep it going. I'm in no hooray to toss the pumpkins into the brush pile (wishing for a volunteer crop next year) or take down the Fall wreath.  I do love Christmas, Advent and the fun of shopping for loved ones...the perfect gift is a quest!

I appreciate each and every one who made this Thanksgiving so special! The volunteers for making the Turkey Trot happen, trotters for the support our food pantry and making for a festive road.  I appreciate our hosts.  I also thank my dear family for being themselves and growing up but staying connected- it matters.  I loved the texts and calls with my family and friends and the sweet Turkey emojis!  Life on Newark-Granville Road is indeed filled with gratitude and thanks for Thanksgiving.



Monday, November 21, 2016

enjoying the bounty...harvest from a Blog....

Yesterday was just a lovely day all around and much of it was around food.  Sounds like the perfect way to kick-off Thanksgiving week!  The good news part of the day included coaching for our new (for us) rowing machine!  The time has come to have indoor exercise available and we went with a the rowing option.  No doubt I'll blog about the whys of that...but for now...back to the food!

Licking Eats: http://lickingeats.com  I posted about this last week and I'm back to share some more details and another post from me:  http://lickingeats.com/letseat/10-restaurants/57-burger-paradise-in-downtown-newark-ohio  about my Thursday lunch treat with a walk down memory lane....The Draft House burger is a my taste of paradise!  But Licking Eats provided many other delicious moments....we had a delivery from The Newark Cookie Jar! YUM!  Supporting a working Mom's entreprnural efforts was the spark and I'm glad we did.  BIG delicious, flavorful, really home made cookies were delivered to our door, in cute packaging to boot!  Then last night we took in the kitchen take over at Three Tigers and enjoyed Steamroller Bagels.  Now if I can get back there for brunch it will be a trifecta!  What was the first fecta- the tequila drink Scott made me as we waited for our table at Day Y Noche where I was getting my long awaited Cucumber Margarettia on Friday night!

My bountiful day also included two church services and feeding the hungry- teenagers at church breakfast.  Clare opted for the Jolly Pirate donuts offering that we enhanced with sausage and fruit salad...sing along..yummy-yummy!  Not to mention it was cake Sunday this is what our kids call New Member Sundays as cake is served to welcome the...new members.

The Thanksgiving Farmers Market was a bit chilly but helped make preparing for Thanksgiving week on Newark-Granville all the more fun and festive.  The Brussels Sprout trees are in place...and we're even doing a bit of pre-prep work to get ready for the big C...but our life on NG focus' on the bounty we are so blessed to have and our gratitude.  C will be here soon enough and we'll celebrate but after Thursday.  Have a great week and holiday- I hope to see you trotting down Newark-Granville Road for the Turkey Trot!!

Saturday, November 19, 2016

Celebrating Basketball Chapter and News from Joe.....

Last Friday night we had a celebration dinner on Newark-Granville Road.  I was tired from the west coast work trip but we needed to share some news with the kids. I wanted it to be more than just sharing the news about Joe's new job...I wanted it to be a celebration. And I wanted to celebrate the chapter in our lives where all three made their basketball teams and our families' return to the basketball court in force!  And after the election week we needed to embrace happy news and be reminded of our blessings.  To me the best way to do that is around the table.

So here is the interesting thing....the kids ended up worried, even scared.  They knew something was up - Mom bringing a special dessert, reservations at the club and then Mom letting the kids not "dress" for dinner.  Fascinating how the mind works?!  Clare was the observant one and shared it all- laying what I just mentioned out for her siblings. They quickly agreed and Sally panicked.  It made us chuckle and hurried up the announcements.  We were quite the entertainment for the couple at the table next to us.

I opened the celebration with new water bottles (their favorite Gatorade due to size, shape, material, dispatch of water) for all the basketball players- woo hoo- you made your teams and are working hard- yay!  So happy Granville has a Freshman Boy's Team and Peter has stuck with basketball and I'm grateful for the Mom's carpooling to make it all happen!  Happy Sally is working with a great group of coaches and girls again and stretching herself.  Clare (news today is co-captain) loves the program and has worked hard to be in this place.  I type this for the history and for the kids to see my pride.

The next part of the celebration- a gift for Joe! He opened a big Denison mug as I explained he will be working from home when not traveling as he joins Infoverity-http://www.infoverity.com and returns to consulting work.  He is excited to take what he has learned and what has worked well at Cardinal Health and share it with other companies. He respects and enjoys working with Matt Wienke and his team.  It feels like a great fit and exciting opportunity for Joe.  The timing is good for him and I'm very proud and pleased it has all worked out.  Leaving Cardinal and the fabulous colleagues isn't easy but it is the right time and challenge for Joe.

So the kids smile and rejoice- happy for their Dad, happy to have a favorite new water bottle recognizing the challenge of finding water bottles lately in our house??? and relieved to know they aren't moving.  For some reason Clare put it in her head that the something brewing/ something was up was I was taking a job and a different school and we were moving.  None of the kids wanted that and are all happy for what is happening now and here.  Interesting to think about how brains work, things interpreted, comments turned around. We've joked with Clare when passing through college towns that we might move there- Joe's been doing this to prove the point- she might as well go to Denison.  That is a future blog post but we have time- she is just a sophomore.  I moved when I was about Clare's age- in between sophomore and junior year of high school.  I can reflect and do - it was hard but good for me, really good for me.  I've pondered probably out loud that it would be a good lesson for our family to move.  That is not the news- the news is we're in Granville and celebrating the opportunities that are here.  Life on Newark-Granville Road filled with much to celebrate- thanks for sharing!

Monday, November 14, 2016

Fascinating Times...so much to learn...Election 2016

I have not shared anything post election and the reality is I didn't share much before the election.  This is not like me as I've been one to encourage conversation and not be afraid to share my opinions. Not doing so contributed to the long list of why this was a hard election.  But it also is a fascinating election and time.

I will not share my votes on this page.  I will talk about them in person, when we have time to engage, listen to one another, explore and understand and value each other's thoughts.  I'm fortunate I am surrounded by people I engage with in respectful dialogue- more so after the election. Before the election it was more about how will we decide who to cast our vote for president.  Which is why I'm not overly surprised by the results.  Certainly based on facebook posts I did think it would go a certain way, I was wrong.  I find this fascinating, I find the reactions and continued pronouncements  fascinating.  I appreciate the conversations and posts when they are respectful and kind.

I hope you will not make assumptions as to how I've casted my votes.  Don't think because I'm a woman, a daughter of a republican and a democrat/now republican, the signs in my yard (only one this year),  my higher education work place I voted a certain way.  

Note that I do say votes. We had many votes to cast on election day and I took them all seriously.  I did research and had discussions with close friends and family.  I got upset and disappointed, frustrated and pleased.  I voted for friends who I am so grateful are willing to serve.  I recognized I couldn't always come to a clear answer and did my best.

As we process post election results I continue to be fascinated. I'm also reminded of how grateful I am for our church.  Karen's sermon on Sunday was wonderful.  I cried through a great deal of it.  I also cried when I took in the sight of all three of our kids singing in the choirs with one gorgeous moving anthem!  Karen's sermon will be here soon:  http://www.granpres.org/sermons/  I'm also grateful Denison and the support and engagement opportunities provided not just for students, but staff, faculty and community. Tonight we gathered to talk and listen.  There were many take aways and I valued and was...yes...fascinated by all the views and information shared....the one that I hold close is the need for the world to love more, to listen more, to talk one on one...to be in relationship with one another more. This is what we do at Denison and I'm proud to be supporting it with my work and be part of it.  I look forward to listening to you. Life on Newark -Granville Road wants to understand and support all sides and views and hear what fascinates you.

Saturday, November 12, 2016

eating out, bringing it home...a blog to check-out....



http://www.lickingeats.com/letseat/10-restaurants/52-alfies-whole-food-my-healthy-craving-defined

New blog in the county- Licking Eats! So many great perspectives, finds, reports....I personally love the one on local butters!  Butter in coffee...who knew!  I saw the blogger of the butter post today at the indoor farmers market- we won't want to miss her synopsis of the trip!  And a bonus for me- I'm helping out from time to time with blog posts, reports on restaurants!  The link is to the article I did on Alphie's Wholesome Food- my go-to lunch place.  I have a whole bunch of ideas for posts to share..I'll keep you posted.  Please take a look and enjoy this new resource.  A resource I'm really enjoying and I think you will as well. Life on NG Road enjoys eating and loves Licking County so it all makes sense to engage with Licking eats!  http://lickingeats.com  scroll down for the blog part!

Friday, November 11, 2016

November 11.....a day of gratitude...

Thank you Mother Nature...you certainly care for me...giving me warm sunshine days while I visited the San Fransisco Bay Area!  I drove Highway 1 between two visits (Mills Valley- never had been there and Menlo Park) the ocean glistened and sparkled!  Each morning I woke up and walked the marina of Berkeley looking out over the Golden Gate Bridge and SF Skyline- no fog- more sparkles and peaceful warmth.  I soaked in the damp air while watching the sunset over the same dappled horizon- amazing beauty all around out there.   And thank you for a brisk morning filled with sunshine to welcome me home, help me embrace the Fall and the holiday the end of November brings.  I just have not been in much of a fall mode....I think it is finally changing.

Much happened my week away in micro and macro ways in my life on Newark-Granville Road.  I've been an observer for the most part on all fronts. I reflect with gratitude, I know my blessings. More to share later, I'm not quite ready to reflect out loud.  I'm truly fascinated by the election results and benefited from time with NPR in the car yesterday. I appreciated the various perspectives they shared, from Political Science professors and many from liberal arts colleges!  I drove a total of 271 miles between meetings in the Bay.  All worth it- I like to drive and explore and I so value the opportunity I have to engage with parent volunteers and donors.  My in person conversations and engagement around the election were all lovely, respectful, mature.  I understand why some will do away with Facebook and other social media.  I have many mixed feelings about the press as well right now.  I do know I return to Newark-Granville Road all the more committed to the liberal arts education, to what Denison provides the world- I can share that! 

Family time this morning and more tonight- hooray!  Time to catch-up on our transition time with fall/winter sports and being together- family dinner tonight!  Time to head up the hill and see my desk and end the week and prep for what is next.  We also will honor and celebrate and thank Veterans today, in a special way at Denison:  http://denison.edu/events/event/86940  Join me if you would like I'll be there....another opportunity to reflect and be grateful.  I have so many reasons to do so in my life on Newark-Granville Road.  I recognize today I can type this and say this because of those veterans.  Thank you.

Saturday, November 5, 2016

Halloween - Sixteen- didn't take pictures so I'll blog....

Halloween on Newark-Granville Road....somewhat anti-climatic due to trick-or-treat happening on the Thursday before....but that was a lovely night!  I didn't embrace the holiday at work for some reason? I didn't even wear black or gray....I didn't cook a meal that was Halloween themed.  I can't explain it.  Maybe the travel and work schedule just didn't put me in the mood?

Trick or Treat for the kids was Sally with clothing from India- she was an a Princess from India.  A bit of a stretch but she was happy and I appreciated the ease- we put on make-up- still a treat!  Peter wore the Penguin costume we keep on hand to join friends over in Bryn Du.  The night was festive with a visit into town and friends that entertain and a happy Sally with a new friend in town. We enjoyed the chance to pick her up and see their lovely home and meet their neighbors.

We wish Newark-Granville Road received trick-or-treaters....but we don't so it has always been a head out evening....then return home to Chili and homework and some attempt to get a good night's sleep. For this reason I value the Thursday festivities.  A Monday night could be tough.  We enjoyed a lovely gathering over the holiday weekend with a hay ride and scary touches.

The last component of Halloween fun in my life on NGR was Monday Talks.  This was my first outing to this afternoon of learning for the year.  I enjoy this ladies group that focus on presentations. Halloween Monday had a great topic- http://www.tolandherzig.com/_mgxroot/page_10793.php  A presentation from the director of the Famous Endings Museum.  We leaned about the collection of funeral memorabilia of famous, notorious and important people.  I understand it is a great place to visit  and some day we just may venture off of NG Road to visit in Strasburg, Ohio.

Halloween wraps up October and we move to welcome November....and what a lovely start to November we've had here on Newark-Granville Road!

Thursday, November 3, 2016

Baseball boy and a world series......

Extra Innings......here we go.....Peter and Mom last two to up to witness history in the making......maybe! It is 11:55 on Nov 2, 2016....game 7 for the Cubs vs Indians in Cleveland World Series game......now on rain delay?  Heavens to Betsy, oh my stars...woo-wee....Peter just asked, will we go to bed tonight?  I'm all about the Cubs, Peter is torn.....what a game!  What a game! Baseball history with my baseball boy (born on THE opening) life on Newark-Granville Road is good and a bit of a nail biter!

Back to the game...phew....And the winner is.....both clubs really are winners but the winner of this game, and the 2016 World Series is.......C...I can't just sit here and wait....game is 8 to 6, two outs, Cubs ahead...it is 12:42 am on Nov 3 now....Peter is turning off the lights....we're poised to wrap this up.....and now with a walk the Indians have a player on first.....and now a 8-7 game.....oh my.....and now another pitching change....

And the Cubs Win! Chicago Cubs win the Series.....yes, yes, yes!  So happy for all those that love the Cubs, BELIEVED in the Cubs....and what fun it is to watch a game at Wrigley..I've been to my fair share, loved watching and sharing this night with Peter on NG Road! Cubs Win, Cubs Win the World Series- 2016!  No more 1908, no more wait til next year....so true!


*** LOVE the commercials- well done Nike and Budweiser!

Wednesday, October 26, 2016

still blogging/ processing/capturing the impact of our LAI (Leithauser Adventure to India)i

I'm still in awe of all of our land and space.  From my earlier blogs I hope you can tell how pleased I was with our adventure, the countries we visited and the result of the effort.  There were times it wasn't easy and it has nothing to do with travel- it is seeing how much we have and other's do not have.  I can reflect now as I extrovert and share thoughts on the trip- how glad I am we went and my feelings.  I hadn't realized the spirtual side that was so present as well.  Much to think about..and as usual the blog helps me do so.

Sally is working on her power point.....she carried her notebook/journal all over India extroverting and planning (wonder where she gets it?) about the format, categories and gathering ideas.  Peter is working on the one page essay we've requested. I love how it flows and gives me insight to his take-aways.  Clare went to school today to collect assignments - thank you to the teacher that gave her a break and simply asked question and her reflection. Yes it was worth the long flight, expense that was more than anticipated and time away from other ventures.

Some of the challenges of the trip were the poverty and pollution. You can't help but go and recognize just how blessed, fortunate, lucky we are.  I knew this going over but the magnitude of the feeling during and after are humbling.  There were moments that I felt bad to be posting and sharing and letting the kids do so.  We do not intend to boast. I hope I'm able to express lessons, share learning and that may be why I blog along with simple social media posts.  I also blog to capture and preserve for our family.  I also blog to process.

I value the world that delivers assistance.  This happened so many times.  One to address my concerns about was this the right trip came in a most unusual way....a Michael Moore film??  "Where Should We Invade Next"- a trip abroad with fascinating insights and good/positive happenings.  There is a point in the film where the person being interviewed says- America- you invented the most powerful tool- the Internet- use it to learn about the world beyond you and then come see us, come meet us and care about our culture, language, history...I now want to go to Tunsia! There are many pearls in the movie.  Yes,  a bonus of a long flight is the movies!  I was worried about the kids consuming too much screen time..I think I was most guilty.  I watched: Finding Dori, Me Before You, A Bollywood movie about a stand-in Prince, Elvis and Nixon, Tango/Foxtrot/, The Wilderpeople and a few more I can't even recall. What a treat and the messages of the film connected and affirmed our adventure.

This trip provided so much wonderful people watching!  I too used a journal and wrote reflections daily. I started while sitting at the airport and took down notes about those waiting with us.  I was drawn to the woman across from me and made my notes.  I must of willed the conversation. Her warm voice delivered a wonderful welcome, her eyes twinkled in delight to hear of our plans and destination. We reading to board the leg to Dubai- when she found out we would be going on to Delhi you could see the delight.  She had been visiting her daughter and two granddaughters- one Sally's age and you could tell she wanted to help. She emitted the energy of a type of fairy godmother. Her first response to us was- be patient with the queues, we are a country of 1 billion people. Then she paused and reflected and said- and please enjoy the cuisine, order vegetarian when you can as we have dishes and approach to vegetarian you just cannot find in the US.  Stating she believes Trader Joe's gets very close! She also was the one to encourage the Bollywood movie on the plane to set the tone!  Our world of today doesn't seem to have as many chatters during travel. Even me the extrovert and people person refrains from befriending the strangers.  Again messages and assistance is when and where you need it, if you are ready to accept it.  I'm glad this woman and I were both ready for one another.

The kids were fascinated by the locals reaction to them.  A picture at the end of yesterday's post shows the kids with a young Asian baby. At the Crocodile exhibit a local family there placed a 6 month old in Peter's arms and took a picture.  At the Taj and other crowded places students on school tours all found Peter and enjoyed learning his name and snapping selfies.  We even found the man in front of us on the shuttle to the Taj doing the same thing. Our white skin made us a minority and delighted many.  The kids rolled with it and even enjoyed it - declaring themselves famous. It was always done in innocent, sweet ways.  A wonderful bonus of this trip was putting us in a minority point of view, putting us in a more real world, a panoramic of colors, accents, languages,  styles, approaches, religions.

Funny happenings related to food....poor Clare being told a long green item was a green bean- wrong- it was a hot pepper- ouch! Not enough water or Naan to quench the flame in her mouth.  My reaction to a green dessert from the Veg unlimited Briani and Kabobs meal.....it was a green pepper mouse.  Hmmm I like my sweets at dessert and my savory before.  No doubt there are more and I may update here as I recall and time allows so they are in our Life on Newark-Granville Road History book.

Over all it was such a special trip. We were certainly held in God's hand as we leaned, prayed, were kept safe despite numerous near misses.  I wasn't expecting a spiritual backdrop, energy or reflection but I'm most grateful for this part of our journey and adventure.  Thank you for sharing, reading and the affirmation and interest.  I love the quote that made its way to me as I prepared for this post:

Monday, October 24, 2016

Pictures from the Adventure to India.....

delightful welcome to the hotel-Delhi
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Humayun's Tomb- Taj Inspiration


Lots of pics and poses at the Taj!

Qutb Minar

At the Taj

Fatehpur Sikri
Fatehupur Sikri- the architecture!


Elephant Ride at the Amber Fort!



good to be King- City Palace Jaipur
 

Jantar Mantar

 



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Rathembourne Park

Thank  you Parmi!

Selfie at Mylapore


South Indian Dinner- YUM!
 

Koyambedu Market
 

 




 

Thank you Ramish
Dubai Mall?!!


Top of the Burj Kalifha
Ski Slope in the Mall?!


Sunday, October 23, 2016

India Adventure: a bit more why and the facts!

So I shared the why India in the post before we left and now that we're back I can add to it.  It really was about being a family.  Letting our actions with some discussion outline our values- travel to new and different places matters. Learning and exploring together matters and is something we do. Quality family time was so valuable-what would be an hour and half car ride here, was four hours- one way.  We had many days of these situations.   One of the guide books Joe found was coaching about being in India and the repeated advice- slow down, go with the flow, relax, be patient...that alone was a reason to go, as a family.  Seeing what the kids reacted and how was fascinating. I feel I know my kids sooo much better after these ten days.   Know them right now- they grow and change so fast, we're all so busy.  Other vacations are comfortable now and with extended family.   How did they cope with 14 hour flight is one example of this? Two of them were very independent and applied lessons leaned.  On the way home we paid for 5 seats and we took 17 on the way home...the less than full flight allowed us to all spread out- Clare and Peter basically flew solo.  The good news we all flew home well rested having actually slept on the plane.  Adventure is the right way to describe the trip. I also would say it was filled with challenges- fun, happy, sad, exciting, simple, complex, deep challenges.  I'll share more about these but accepting and working through them together was quite a benefit of a family trip like this!

So here are the facts about our trip, the what and the where.  Later I'll share reflections about what we experienced but this feels like the way to go about chronicling and sharing this exciting adventure in my life on Newark-Granville Road!  Know we didn't get to do it all. I love what Andrew Hoover  said- go to a place expecting to return- that way you don't try to do it all.  We knew this was a "taste of India" and yes I do hope to go back someday....there is so much more to see and the people and their care call you to return.  Here are the details on our Granville Leithauser India Adventure:

Travel:   We chose to fly Emirates Air.  Price and reputation with the bonus of time in Dubai was the logic.  We used the same approach we did for Africa- driving to Maryland so my parents could take us to the airport- no parking fee.  They picked us up on our return and we get a day to fill them in on the trip, do laundry and regroup. We flew from Dulles/ DC (a great airport) to Dubai with the first leg going to New Delhi. We flew out on a Wednesday and arrived on a Friday morning In Delhi. We were picked up by our driver and taken to our hotel.  We spent two nights in Delhi then were driven to Agra to see the Taj and then drove the leg to Jaipur all in one day.  We spent three nights in Jaipur.  Our driver kept us safe and made all arrangements for guides- we are so grateful for the care from Joe's colleague, Manoj for helping and being with us via Whats Ap!   From Jaipur we flew Indigo (internal airline) to Chennai. We had three nights with fantastic hospitality in Kay Clarke and Andrew Hoover's home.  We flew from Chennai to Dubai and enjoyed a long lay over exploring the city via metro!  We flew home to the USA/ DC on Saturday am, then drove to Granville on Sunday- today.
We stuck with the Marriott's while in hotels.  The kids loved this treat and Delhi's stay was indeed a treat!  Service in both cities was over the top and a highlight.

Excursions/ Site Seeing.  A highlight was all the history of this ancient country- I admit to not having known much about the Moghul empires, or had much interaction with Hinduism and Islam religions, not the case any more!  Our adventure stops included:
-Qtab Minor- tower built in early 13th center, without cement/mortar, art and science inspiration!
-Humayun's Tomb- inspiration for the Taj Mahal!
-The Red Fort- Forts are more than forts in this part of the world, they hold the palace!
-India Gate
-The Taj Mahal- yes it is amazing and deserves to be a "wonder" of the world. Bonus was the material science and craftsmanship lessons about the marble and gem stones!
-Fatehpur Sikri- we went with the temple site and hope someday to return to the palace.
-Amber Fort- elephant ride up, temple visit complete with blessings! Impressive engineering.
-City Palace in Jaipur- we opted for the tour of the residence- kids really had fun with this component and the view from the top delightful, not to mention the refreshment break when Kings and Queens have entertained.
-Hawa Mahal- the drive by version but still....one to see
-Jantar Mantar- fascinating what a mind will visualize, not what I was expecting when I heard we'd see an observatory!  Truly a must see!
-Albert Hall Museum- another pause in front of to hear the story and local interactions, this one includes bringing sick children, the pigeons will fly away with the child's illness.
-Rathenbourne National Park- we did not see tigers but the hunt to spot was something I'll always remember. The scenery and other animals, the open air jeep and quiet- worth the drive!
-Mahabalipuram-monolithic rock cut temples from the 7th and 8th centuries!! Includes Krishna's Butter Ball.
-Koyambedu Markets- the flowers, the bananas, the cilantro!
-The American International School of Chennai, Andrew and Kay's impressive home away from home.
-Swimming in the Bay of Bengal
-Lots of shopping in cottage industry spots and boutiques recommended by the Hoovers and guides.
-Burj Khalifa- the tallest building in the world located in downtown Dubai, connected to the Dubai Mall.
-Emirates Mall- with SkiDubai- indoor ski slope, complete with penguins!

What did we eat and drink?
We loved it all!  We ate both Veg and Non Veg.  North and South and regional delights. The best two meals were in homes. How lovely to be hosted for lunch by Sheila and Ravi in Chennai.  Kay took us through dinner prepared locally - we ate on banana leaves with our hands- all veg and delicious!  At the hotels staff presented us with domas- a breakfast treat- it became one of my favorites.  We also had eggs cooked to order (on breakfast Peter had 4 hard boiled eggs) I had my own, they peeled it for me and it was delicious! The kids found the Japanese noodles and thought that was amazing. We also found pizza- fun story the kids had in making a delivery happen.  The tea was wonderful and I was so happy to have "chai" served in a glass.  We avoided the water and fresh veggies until we were in Chennai.  Happy to say no one experienced "Delhi Belly"! Clare also had her "chain" experience- it was Baskin Robins and Papa Johns!  I had my first Burger Shack in Dubai of all places!

What else did we take-in?
Yes trash, yes poverty, yes noise- the beeping/honking, pollution, yes many many many people. It wasn't as bad as I had been told, but there were moments.

I think that gives you the basics. I'll share some stories and thoughts on my next post.  I'm so grateful for the trip, the adventure, the opportunity and all the interactions with our drivers, servers, hosts and my family.  Joe is the one who deserves big kudos for leading the effort- life on Newark-Granville Road is so much better sharing it with him.  I remember when dating friends would talk about how a trip with a significant other can make or break relationships. I'm lucky Joe and I have always traveled well together.


Tuesday, October 11, 2016

We're going on a trip....

in our Martha/ Emerites rocket ships...flying all the way to In-dee-ah!  Yes the time has arrived, we're off to India!  Many know about this and then gosh someone doesn't know. So here it is!

Why India.  It started with the trip to Africa! Wow- yes Africa.  Clare figured out the immunizations were good for ten years and she said-where next?  A seed was planted.  Then Clare took to the Global Scholar program.  Wrote a paper comparing the economies of India and Brazil and she liked the subjects.  Then she wanted to go on one of the trips related to the program and we didn't want to just send her. Part financial decision, part selfish- we wanted to share the adventures and ah-ha moments.  So we said no to that trip but yes to a family trip.  We had family discussion and even a vote.  Usually life on Newark-Granville Road is ruled by benevolent dictatorship- a bit of democracy made its way.  Four of five of us voted for India.  Joe (the nay vote) vetoed Europe- it will be there.  He would of preferred something in South America- oh well.  He avoided India for work and now we're going on our dime. We both could of added work but made the focus about family.  Note we'll travel as Denison alums and have Denison field hockey shirt for our driver!

So there you go....we've had fun preparing. My first pow-wow was with Sarah Levell! What a lovely visit that was with so much information and built the excitment I needed to assist Joe. He has had many many colleagues at work weighing in, even actually planning the trip on our behalf.  A Denison parent gave key advice on the flight. More colleagues and our hosts in Chennai (2nd cousin Andrew Hoover and his wife, Granville native, Kay Clarke) met us in Granville with their kids to provide reassurance, help anticipate on the ground tactics. This was most helpful for the kids.  It is all coming together.  We have the guide books, the itinerary, inoculations (we needed a booster- Sally had 3 shots to prep), new cell phones that will work in India, electronics that can be stolen (or better said if they are it won't be heart breaking) and a wonderful house sitter.  We have protien bars so no one starves, books on the kindel, music, movies all downloaded and plans for making up the homework- teachers/schools have been sooo supportive!  I think we're ready to go!

To post or not to post....I was all about going Cuba style- no communications...but the kids really want to share, document, chronicle and I want them too...so we will do some of it at times.  I'll be limited without my phone.  Part of this next two weeks for me is about being in the kids moment. Taking a vacation from work and a trip with my family.  And what a trip it will be off of NG Road and around the world to India!  I look forward to what I will have to share on the blog later in October.

Sunday, October 9, 2016

Sunday Start-Up

It is going to be a great week!  What a lovely lovely Sunday to start off the week.  Here are the whys it was great:

Trip's Sermon- what a wonderful message for our world.  Straight from scripture with real life examples showcasing the lesson.  http://www.granpres.org/sermons/   I hope it shows up on this link soon!! I'll encourage Trip, here is the link to the Ted talk he used:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8s3bdVxuFBs about trading up the red paperclip!  Bottom line- transfer God's gifts, make the world better, our community, your family, your job, your church, don't be afraid to share and grow.

I was in such a happy place as I heard the sermon thanks to the beautiful anthem by the Children's Choir.  Well done Carol and all the incredible youth- Child of God- yes, yes we are Children of God and you made sure we were reminded. It was a beautiful piece that brought me to tears.  My family loves to chuckle when they look over and the tears of joy flow.  I find such peace and assure with these children's messages.

Sunday School- once again I am humbled and honored to gather with wonderful parents in our community committed to helping one another raise our families.  Encouraging, honest, scary, real conversation.  And again I am thankful for those adults leading our children's Sunday School classes. Half of what we need to do with our kids- is be there.  Showing up, making them breakfast, listening, sharing the word, as we talked this morning in the grown-up room- sharing values and the moral compass is sooooo important and doing it over and over and over again.  We must model the way and I'm grateful for a church filled with love and supporting all of us as Children of God.

Kitchen time!! Cooking for family and friends, celebrating birthdays, setting a table, embracing the transition time- summer's bounty and warmth with fall's touches- it made for a great night and end to the day.  I didn't watch much of the debate- a bit with Peter as I cleaned the dishes but I'm ready to wrap up this lovely day and roll-out this week.  It is going to be an exciting one...more details on the blog.  For now know that Sunday started us out right on Newark-Granville Road.