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Monday, May 3, 2021

Happiness was....Derby 2021

"Low Key Derby"   "Happy Derby"  every Run for the Roses party on the first Saturday in May at the Granville Leithauser has a theme.  Sometimes just - Derby, but often it has reflected a trip or milestone. Even last year with no race and in the height of the pandemic we toasted Peter's graduation over Zoom and did our best to savor some tradition.  This year the theme retroactively bestowed is Happy Derby.

Everyone was so happy to be there.  We were so happy to host.  We united in the beautiful weather Mother Nature gifted us. The music radiated gratitude and nostalgia and affirmation.  We were happy to enjoy DeFelice Bros Pizza!  http://eatdefelice.com And oh those juleps..Emily- wow! We were thrilled to see so many folks we had not seen in over a year, met new people and be with close friends that helped us navigate the last year.  We're always happy when folks make connections and Saturday had so many, a number of Denison connections at the foundation! We even let Lucy stay for the party and she was happy and behaved. What we really want is people to have fun and be happy together. May 1, 2021 was really fun!

To prepare for the party- I dubbed it the "low key".  We didn't want to have a big blow-out in covid times so I did not share the blog post on social media.  Our paper invites were limited to our holiday card (sent late) with reference...we hope for Derby 2021. We did update with maker scratching "Hope" and substituting "Yes' ' in front of Derby 2021 and distributed to neighbors for a heads-up!  Low key met not having as much food, but wanting to offer something easy. We enjoy supporting new business so Joe arranged for DeFelice to deliver a few times- yum and so enjoyed by party attendees- give them a try- right down the street on Newark-Granville Road: http://eatdefelice.com  I also was a bit more relaxed in my wardrobe and Joe went without the bow tie. 

Special thank you to a few folks who made it extra special:

-Common Thread- you guys sounded incredible. We were honored to have you reunited here. Your music puts exactly the energy we want into the gathering.We cannot say thank you enough- truly- thank you!

-Emily- you and your husband Eric have been making this event so much more special for years. Your magic with the juleps, your care and service allow us to enjoy our guests- we are so grateful.

-Brian and Amanda- the park-like setting makes all the difference and you support and share the weekend prep and wrap-up- oh do we appreciate you dear neighbors.

-Betsy and Jim- the eggs, the chairs, the eggs for the win....thank you thank you thank you!

-Granville Brewing- such a fun tradition to include you all in tradition. That Porter is delish! Of course we love our Yuengling- and I questioned if we should have 2 keys this year...Joe was right- the clean up is easier and the taste of draft beer- ahhh!  Readers- if you have not been to Granville Brewing out 16, near the Hwy Patrol- you are missing out! https://www.granvillebrewing.com  Follow them on facebook for the list of brews and details!! Happy place to sit outside or inside and enjoy!

-DeFelice Family Pizza- one more plug- they are new and we are grateful for the support on Saturday! http://eatdefelice.com 

-Each of our friends that came to the party- low key-spread-out- with flowers and wine and food to share with hugs and smiles and love.  Friends and family that texted and emailed and sent their regrets- we felt your happy energy too- thank you!  The party is only successful when people share the purpose- to unite, connect, enjoy and catch-up...have some fun with tradition in our lives on Newark-Granville Road. We are grateful for happy friends!

-Wanted to be with us, but this wasn't the year- May 7, 2022!  Save the date please! Never miss the party- mark the date- May 7, 2022!

-Oh one last funny story....low key, in the midst of vaccination.....we said outdoor only...but for those wanting to watch the race we went with open windows it will be okay...Joe had all the TVs on and then one went off....one of the other kids turned on the race using our log-in...dear friend alerted Joe and we shifted to 2 tvs only....oh well!  Happy kids at their college- grateful they wanted to watch too!

-And for the record books- during Derby prep we did stop everything at 1 pm to tune in to the Women's NCAC Lax division championship -Wooster vs Denison @ Wooster.  What a game- Wooster came to play and kept up with Denison, tied the game in the last 30 seconds...but a talented DU senior made her way past the defense to score.  Go Big Red but WOO HOO Wooster. So proud of those women- what fun to take a break and watch.

Life on NG Road- never dull and happy, happy on the 1st Saturday in May, 2021!

Pictures finishing the stories....






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