2023- To Blog or Not to Blog, What is Going on there?

 That is the question, do I keep this blog going? Is it time to stop? I created my Blog2Print book for 2022- will anyone read those? Will I, do I? Occasionally and when I want it I'm glad I have it.  I firmly stand with one foot in each world- virtual/digital and analog.  Well, the fact that I'm typing here answers the question, I'm blogging in 2023.

Why- it feels like there is another year here. Sally's commencement and Derby party, based on data I know this is a spike for the blog- people do tune in to get the details.  I want to celebrate Sally's high school and now that I think about it- Clare's senior year. Oh the "fair" work of a parent, there is no catching that dog's tail!

I think the simple answer is, I like to share. Like today, I sat down with the Cardthartic Catalog and thought, this is something that should be on my blog.  https://cardthartic.com/  If you are looking for a great card, this is the place!  Great lessons in just reading the messages.

Not everyone is on social media and we certainly don't all see the same things - including my Mom- darn Facebook took her off?  So this is a nesting place for important messages and milestones, things I want to share.

Great Article/Wisdom/Advice from Denison's President Adam Weinberg on the College Search:

https://www.the74million.org/article/focusing-on-the-right-fit-makes-the-college-search-easier-and-more-fun/?utm_source=LIVE%20-%20Denison%20-%20MASTER&utm_campaign=94d5f72b07-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2023_01_09_07_55&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_-94d5f72b07-[LIST_EMAIL_ID]&fbclid=IwAR2jRzuUdyy5Dezbj3t9YVjU52JL2VuULmHSM7sekWeRxzUk1ReCiSpWp6I

That is enough for today- two links and why/what I'm thinking in my life on Newark-Granville Road!

Well then I did a drive by my house and this is what I see, the blog helps keep people updated! The port-a-potty and dumpster are for bathroom renovations- woo hoo! When someone asks I can now say- read the blog!

Vacation Time to Welcome 2023-Puerto Rico!

 What a wonderful way to welcome the new year, get up early, and go on vacation! Okay, getting up early, not so great, we're not morning people in our lives on Newark-Granville Road.  Keeping it real, some of us are not the best travelers, but we did it!  We departed at 3:30 am, parked at the awesome The Parking Spot, and had plenty of time to board the 5:30 am departure for BWI.  At BWI we found an awesome breakfast, had our mimosa/champagne toast, got in some steps, and left on time, thank you Southwest, for San Juan, Puerto Rico.  We were on the beach and in the Atlantic Ocean by 4!

We needed this vacation. As a family of five, we had not taken a just-us trip in years, not counting trips to see family.  As a family of five, we had not sat on the beach, toes in the sand, jumping waves in years- it was time.  And the best time for us- the first week in January- so we needed warm.  Joe and I considered many destinations and I'm grateful we went with "easy" meaning no passports and something that would allow us to explore and experience a new culture, Puerto Rico was that more!

Pictures below and a few highlights to share, I'm getting this up and may add to it, asking the kids to weigh in:

1. Soaking it in:

Beach- the ocean water was the perfect temp, had really great waves, and it was so clean. There were also rocks around the hotel that provided a beautiful landscape and backgrounds to truly relax.

Rain Forest- https://www.spotintours.com/tour/rainforest-yunque-tour  LOVED this- hiking up, once we got to the rock part so we could do the rock/waterfall slide/cliff jump- it was challenging. Kids scampered up, Joe did great, the guide coached me and I did it. Sally asked- did you know it would be this challenging? I don't love heights and don't trust my balance- the guide kept saying- you've got this and I did.  I love being in the water and it was a treat to share that adventure with the family. Lots of little takeaways- embrace the mud- the wetter the better, step on the flat. Adventures provide important life lessons. Also learning about the flora and fauna, the big moss, the colors, the impact, and the adaptation nature has- all beautiful.

2. Home Away from Home:

Place: we were able to secure a suite and that made a difference- everyone had their space and some privacy.  I highly recommend The Condado Vanderbilt, a mix of old and new, beautiful pools and beach access, as well as great restaurants within walking distance.  We did rent a car so we could support our adventures! Joe did great as our driver! I called it my Greenbrier South- casinos nearby - the boys made it an evening adventure!

Table Time:- Cheers to the drinking age, the first thing the kids looked up when we shared our destination. It was fun to be with the kids in a legal way- Sally at 18- had her birthday there- and we were able to sit at the bar and enjoy.  The food was delicious and we soaked in small restaurants, island time delivery providing extended family time around the table!

3. Learning Along the Way:

History- Joe listened to the history of San Juan and updated us all with interesting facts. Spending a day in old San Juan was lovely- walled cities provide a special experience.

Culture- Pork Highway- you must go- and go hungry!  This was the first place we were directed to visit when telling a frequent visitor to this Island Territory:  https://www.discoverpuertorico.com/rutas-del-lechon-puerto-rico  We agree it was worth the drive south of San Juan, we stood in line, talked and ate mouth-watering roasted pork.  This is where I learned how much I love Yuca!  Experiencing the culture is important to us and the Rutas-del-lechon is quite something!

So much more I could say or type, the kids have all said thank you multiple times. Joe and I talk about returning and highly recommend this destination. We're lucky to have this access and opportunity.  I'm grateful for vacation time, me time, do nothing, but relax time.  I don't post much on social media when traveling. I don't check and reply to emails, but once, maybe twice. I leave my phone and spend lots of time reading and walking and being with those I love dearly.  I share for the record books and to encourage you to do the same. I share and post to remind myself of this special way to launch 2023! Happy New Year to all.  I look forward to what 2023 brings!

Kids are in there swimming- furtherest out

Savoring the Sweet to Balance the Blah

The hiccups of the holidays in 2022: the need to drop everything and travel to Maryland a day early due to Mother Nature; the power going out at Mom's new home; the call about Lucy tearing a back leg muscle on the 23rd in the midst of terrible weather for the dog sitter; my poor brother's all day flying adventure...all that negative and blah...but the sweet gifts of the season and time together made it all Okay....Life On Newark-Granville Stoner Christmas 2022 TakeAways:

1. Hooray for Granville Pet Sitting- Jenny Rose- is a saint and took such good care of Lucy. More info on the blog as we navigate this journey.   A surgery consult is scheduled. Lucy is managing on her own and we're teaching her to walk on a leash to prepare.  Mother Nature made Jenny Rose's work extra hard, her devotion to our pup is extraordinary!  Thanks to friends for the assistance so we could continue with important family time.

2. Generators- Mom's partner Michael is a gem.  As if the Stoner get-together wasn't enough to endure- we're a spirited bunch that likes to stay active- the man had to feed the generator gasoline in the wee hours. The power outage gave us time to sit in the dark and watch the sunset, find the local bar (with fabulous seafood food and a free round of drinks?!), and recognize what a hard-working, warm,th and light provider we have in Michael.  Having a generator at home was peace of mind for Lucy and Jenny!

3. Travel plans- oh my goodness- dear Southwest!?!  Matthew spent all day hoping to get on his flight, 3 am arrival was the sweet success- we recognize so many didn't have the same result. The universe knew my Mom needed to hug her doobie, and our family time was long overdue.

Stoner Christmas 2022- Maryland Style- so many sweet moments to savor:

1. Meeting Betty Cooke!  Betty Cooke is a Baltimore Artist. Her Jewelry has been treasured by our family forever.  Last year I had the delight to see the BC Exhibit at the Walters Museum. https://thewalters.org/exhibitions/betty-cooke/  Then this year, while visiting Store Limited, I met her!  Yes, it was a brush-with-greatness moment for me. We had a nice talk and then she said- have you seen our socks? I said, no, and she took me to the sock department. Now background- this was the Christmas of the sock. I bought socks for each family member but did not buy socks for myself.  Betty showed me these delightful socks with her image and I had to give myself a gift- it was meant to be!

2. Longwood Garden Trip- as beautiful as everyone said it would be and so much more! It was the day to be outside, stretch our legs, and explore with delight.  I'll post a bunch of pics on my social media- they don't do any of it justice but what a treat!  The icing on the cake- dinner out and having dear long-time friend Tina Berman with her guys join us, and then Denison pal Paul- such a joy to mix family and friend time at the holidays!  I know so many others I should of reached out to that live in the area..I'm sorry...juggling family time. I hope to return.

3. Time to just be: in the back seat of a car, at the kitchen window watching the amazing birds, sitting by the fire, cocktail hours, and Top Golf- we managed through that hiccup too- fire alarms are not relaxing!  Louisa is really growing up and the cousin time is something we all savor.

4. Sharing a service that truly delights. We missed being at dear Granville FPC, what a treat to return to Redeemer with Sarah and the family. Mom and Michael didn't make it but did make it to their church's 9 pm service.  

We really rolled and flexed, pivoted as needed this trip- lessons of the ice storm or covid, Sara? Life on Newark-Granville Road is full of them. My faith helps me in this life and Christmas is about spreading joy, and sharing the message of comfort and peace...this life isn't easy and has its challenges but oh the sweetness love provides is everlasting and a true treat to be savored.