Where is Susan- Kicking Off 2024 with Travel

 NYC twice, Florida three times- with Boston for good measure! I type this in the middle of this travel plan. For the record one of these was personal- and oh it was lovely to take some time with friends in Naples!

With the kids now "out of the house" it makes travel for work all the easier.  And it is true; absence makes the heart grow fonder, even after 25 years, I look forward to the cuddles with Joe and Lucy on my return.

Denison events are special, meetings with Denison's parents and alums even more special.  I am fortunate to have a job that has me developing relationships with these Densionians by meeting in person.

Sure I spent a whole day in the Columbus airport due to delays and had extended time in New Jersey. Unfortunately, I've been on four different airlines so air miles are not adding up fast.  I work from hotel rooms and libraries. I work many evenings and try to squeeze in some me time. I need to get better about exercise but I do pack the sneaks and get in beautiful walks!

Personal time with friends and family really makes it worthwhile- the Bright Line: https://www.gobrightline.com/ was a treat- the high-speed, private train service in Florida! I took it from West Palm Beach to Orlando and flew home from Orlando the next day. This new train has stations that are sleek and modern, trains are clean and new and fast! Customer service needs some work but they'll get there.  I took a Zoom call from the train- such a great option! I am a fan of the option of train service in Ohio- Cleveland-Columbus- Cinci- bring it!  I did this by adding vacation time so I could see my brother's new house and take some time to hang out with him. Bonus lunch with a grad school friend- truly a mentor moment- an important time to reflect and talk about what we learned, how we're applying it, and maintaining the relationship! Thanks, Mary Beth for making time for me!

Life on Newark-Granville Road- keep me posted on where you'll be as I hope we can connect here, there, and everywhere! tomorrow- Denison Everywhere- Boston for me!  https://alumni.denison.edu/denison-everywhere/

Karen Chakoian is Retiring

 After 23 years at First Presbyterian Church, Granville, Oh!  She's always been our pastor. Joe and I moved here shortly after she accepted her call. Of course we are thrilled for this direction in her life. Of course we will miss her, but we understand there are seasons and this is the time for her and our church. We are so fortunate and blessed to have had her for this long.

If you would like to help celebrate and honor Karen- let me know- we are gathering memory cards for a special container for her to take with her. We're having a party and a reception.  Love her sermons- check out https://www.granpres.org/livestream to see the recent ones- they really are fabulous as she reflects and prepares to say farewell. It almost feels like greatest hits, but better. Her last Sunday is January 28th and we'll have a reception after the 10 am service- join us.

More on this later but making sure you know you are invited to celebrate and honor this important milestone not only in our life on Newark-Granville Road but also for FPC and our Granville community!

January 2026 Celebrate and Make Plans

First, we have to celebrate Sally- Happy Birthday to our dear youngest!! Not easy not to be with our kids on their days- we sang to Sally on Christmas....even the half-birthday idea for this epiphany baby doesn't work- she is at camp in the summer! oh well- may all your wishes come true dear SLL!

Upcoming events that really should not be missed:

Friday, January 26th- The Station Granville- follow them on Insta for details, special event dinner Japanese Izakaya five courses, and wine pairings!

Saturday, February 3rd-The Works: Cocktails by the Fire- love the way our community shows up for a theme and The Works does it best!  Joe and I have our tickets- get yours:https://attheworks.org/events_posts/cocktails-by-the-fire/   Back to the Future is the Theme- I love it- it aligns with the Works Mission and creative approach to a good time.

Kiwanis Pancake Breakfast Saturday February 10th 7 am to 2 pm  St. Ed's! This means Fish Fries coming soon!

January will be travel month for me, I'll check in again soon! I hope your 2024 is off to a great start. Thanks to Granville Town and Country we celebrated in style- GranVegas style. We're grateful to our committee, the Inn, and all the vendors- who I will update here- if you need a card trick magician- we have the guy- or a gambling/DJ event vendor. Thank you to our own Hugh Price and his music and Elvis. Each member and guest that came dressed for fun, you made it so.  January 6 was one of those really special days on Newark-Granville Road, one I won't soon forget.

I'm Glad I Blogged @ 2023!

To write the year wrap-up, I glanced back at the posts for 2023.  Early was the contemplation about continuing this blog. I'm glad I did, for the reasons cited then, there were stories to tell in 2023, important milestones to chronicle. Oh my were there! Thanks for sharing the journey of the year and our Life On Newark-Granville Road!

Here is the last post for 2023, this will be the cut-off for the Blog2Print Book, I'll let the pictures tell the story and I'll add a bit as we go. 

Celebrations:  Three graduations in our family within 24 hours- seriously? 

Cate- Miami of Ohio, Grace- University Central Florida- same day, then Alicia the next day Indiana Wesleyan University!  So proud of all of these women and their efforts!

Westerville Leithauser double graduation party!

Traditions- The Night Before the Night Before, all the better with KIDS!

Ice Skating on Christmas Eve Day- just love what the Prophaters-Jump Families started oh so long ago:

I do love to set a table and this year we gathered around it with two families- Love-Fullers for Eve dinner and Westerville Leithausers for actual Christmas Day...we didn't take enough pictures! FPC's Christmas Eve service was lovely as ever, having "alums" sing with the Angel Choir is touching, having Izzi and Esme there- it is a special family holiday.

Then on the 26th a trip to be with Joe's family in Ohio- it was wonderful!

At Thanksgiving - we hatched a plan that came to fruition- sibling NYE....in Delaware! Peter flew to be with Louisa. Joe and I drove Clare with her dear Caroline to DC stopping for dinner with Mike and Mom! It all worked and was just lovely.

Antietam Battlefield Stop on the drive!

If you know you know- Bay Bridge

Nothing better- such a treat! Had Nicobolis two days in a row!

Mom and Mike, stopped by for a hello and Happy New Year, they were in Rehobeth!

The beach at Lewes, DE

lucky me to have these men in my life on NG Road

Thank you 2023, we were not quite what would happen in 2023, but we were together and we're so grateful for the family and friends who shared it and made it all so!  Here we come 2024- like Remmy going after a ball into the ocean!