Search This Blog

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!