The Journey to & Derby...2026

Monday- WEDDING planning Zoom Call with Clare, Caroline and Rachel! Interviews, FLC Remote Meeting! Nominating Meeting...I slept well!

Tuesday, interviews, Rotary, and Session

Wednesday- all day retreat, toured Knobel Hall and King Center (WOW!) and RETIREMENT fun- thank you Granville Concierge, Colleen, Amy and MG Team, and the Inn....we honored a dear colleague as he prepares to retire!  

Thursday- all day retreat, welcome Efriam- house guest from London! Nail appointment (wish I had gone to the musical- can't do it all)..Granville KiwanisTENT up!!  thanks!! Eve of Eve!

Friday- Derby Eve: Early Birds Breakfast- Tradition! Prep day, a bit of rewarding work....Jane Heller Art Exhibit opened at Otterbein, Sally home and Shabbat prayers...pick-ups: flowers, baked goods, kegs (Granville Brewing, hello Pinto and Yuengling of course!)

Saturday- Derby Party Day: Senior Day Baseball, Michael Kennedy Art Exhibit opened at Sullivan building, lunch delivery by Sally, Ann and Caroline making their deviled eggs, oh the eggs- fluffy with bacon, with caviar, on beautiful plates with Heisey and roses...so impressive! Cold year..but no rain..Everyone who came, thank you, thank you, thank you!!  We sang happy birthday to Philly Joe! You wore your pretty coats and dressed for the weather! Historic race. Great help: Reuben in from Texas to bartend and produce delicious mint juleps, mint delivered from neighbors, Sam on betting duty, delicious food- procured, picked up and all shared- baked goods, the country ham....Tammy the Whiskey fairy- a new addition- tastings of Highbanks and Joe's stash...BANDS- MUSIC- Millstone Group: a Denison Roots Music group, Austin Finley- so good!! Flowers procured Friday, placed Saturday, and brought in due to frost Saturday night. (oh and Clare ran the Indy Half Marathon that ended on the Speedway- very cool!) So fun to add the "she said yes, newly engaged into the mix...see earlier post!

We loved it, we loved it- thanks for the messages from those missing, we missed you too. 

Lucy Loved It Too- her Godmother lavishing her with love.

Sunday- minor clean-up, debrief, omelettes with country ham and cheddar cheese, frost with the horses!

Pictures share the story...look at this year's flowers, roses that opened as they were purchased for the retirement party, the moment of a first sip of a julep in the grad gift cup, strawberries the real ones, Jammie Dodgers, Brazil, global fun...Susan's Lily dress- designed for her! Another beautiful first Saturday in May in our life on Newark-Granville Road....

She Said Yes, Clare Proposes....

Sweet Clare and Caroline, our dear daugther and future daugther-in-law...

There is so much to share:

-how much we love this dear couple, our daughter and of course and Caroline- see post on her ordination!

-the cute story of the proposal, well done Clare with a surprise, going early and beautiful ring selected!

-plans!!! They'll get married in Indy at their church- Second Pres, are looking into spring dates, with the understanding it will be a full season of milestones and blessings for us: four graduations in the Leithauser Stoner group!  The Monday after the news, the gals and the moms convened to start planning. C&C have great ideas to keep it simple. Rachel, Joe and I are looking forward to supporting this launch of their marriage!

-if you read the Derby Post you read that we added the fun of celebrating the engagement into the party! Just a nod, look to next year's party to encorporate wedding touches!!  We're so grateful C&C made the drive to be with us for the party and allow us to congratulate them in person!! Thank you to all who honored them, lots of bubbles˜!! Cheers to the love on Newark-Granville Road!

Fun pics:

Blooms, Friends and Family....April 2026

A post with a variety of happenings and feelings. I posted photos related to the ones here with the commitment to blog about what they represent.

Family- Family time- Clemson, sharing the Ring Ceremony- tradition and a reason to celebrate and a valuable offering by the University. We loved being with Caroline, Scott, Ann and Cate AND the family and families forged in this southern backdrop.  I always love to see a college campus and this was a treat! Plus a southern getaway always delights during a busy work/derby prep time. THANK YOU for the wonderful hospitality!!

Blooms! The bulbs purchased for Valentines Day have bloomed and they're beautiful. So many lessons there- patience, timing, beauty and the gifts of blooms. Bloom where planted, not even planted, created to be able to delight outside of soil, self contained with beautiful wax. Amazing to see how these have evolved. A friend gifted me one for Easter and wowza.  It is like our "insert holiday" cacti..my thanksgiving one is blooming again for Derby? Derby Cactus..could be a thing!

Make New Friends But Keep the Old....can you hear me singing, or the brownie troop singing....I was in Chicago for work (AMAZING events and valued time with families and alums) and added time to see Amanda Love's exhibit at https://thepatriciangallery.com/Patrcian in Wilmette. If in the area, please make time- you'll be so happy you did. It was special to unite a blend of friends- Denison, DePauw, North Shore Country Day,...the common denominator- education...thank you to each person able to connect, that Tuesday afternoon.  Being off of Newark-Granville Road was a delight! Amanda we missed you, Patricia, thank you for hospatality and offering what you do with your beautiful gallery in a special community! This pic of Diana and me...friends in 9th and 10th grade, reconnected many years later when I took on this role and started traveling.  

Surprise- thank you Julie for the pop into the Inn on Friday for a hug while you were in town! I miss you, I'm proud of you and I am grateful for your friendship.  Speaking of that Friday...wow what a wonderful week in Granville and at Denison! Grateful to Lauren- see pic on facebook- for her service on the board. Thank you families meeting with me at the Inn to share and reflect and learn about how to support the college.  Thank you Denison community for the Academic Awards Ceremony....always a treat...the cheers, the music from the organ this year (thank you WO)  Seeing the families- the families these students have forged here in our home on the hill....delightful.  As I reflect on this I think about Clemson's Ring ceremony and the banner presented with the rings...How will you Serve? The ceremony is about celebrating history, connection, belonging and call.

Life on Newark-Granville Road, the blog, our conversations and actions, the happenings I share here are about the same thing.  The Derby Party in a week...it is a call to offer hospitality, connect as community and have fun! The work we both do is a call and of course we love not only our alma mater but the instituions that nuture and support our own family. Our children are blooming beyond this life on Newark-Granville Road and it is beautiful. Our sweet village is blooming too- literally and figuratively. It is always a treat to come home.

Just a few of the pics....

I can't read your writing....

 I have a new favorite person and author. Helen Ellis, her article on the last page of this edition of Garden and Gun, made me swoon. I'm sending the photo of it far and wide and telling everyone to read it.

Go get the magazine, you don't get the magazine you say? Let me know, next gift giving opportunity- guess what! And researching for this blog post, I found more I love about Helen Ellis. An article in, you guessed it G&G 2024....about Thank you Notes! 

https://gardenandgun.com/articles/can-one-text-a-thank-you-note-for-a-wedding-gift/?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=socialmedia&utm_campaign=March2024_facebook&utm_content=thankyoutext&fbclid=IwY2xjawRKcFBleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBicmlkETF6M1V5R09qN0pyYzJuZFlic3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHukyNy7zCdGu-tn1OJhdZ8KtyWKhxpsEyBhZ-SRC8-e4LCA2JpDkDtQaxuWT_aem_nvDcLDNNtmk6Zob3D5CxUQ

This month's article is about illegible hand writing, yes yours truly, so of course I relate to the author. The title is-Illegible Me, Horrific pensmanship won't stop a handwriting fiend! G& G april May 2026 p. 192 Ellis (forgive if order is wrong).

I come by my poor handwriting honestly.  My father's wasn't great. I interned in an adjacent office one summer, people would seek me out to decipher his scribble.  There have been times I've felt badly about this. There are times I type my letters and print to be understood. One time I pushed back, you can't read my writing then I won't send the letter. A hand written thank you letter should be good enough..but of course it isn't. I do want you to know how I feel, how grateful I am and how I'll use the item you've bestowed to me/the organization for which I care. 

Even what is deemed the most beautiful handwriting now can be hard to read/understand. We're all so use to text and printing and these future generations can't even read cursive much less write it. My mother's writing can even be hard, but I know how to read it. I was raised reading it and at times trying to copy it. My children had to ask Nana to print when she sent mail to camp, they didn't read cursive. Sigh.

The kindest email came to me today. MY HWTY (hand written thank you) was called out as making a difference and greatly appreciated! Ahhh, yay!

I'm big fan of the "ps" on printed/typed, somewhat form letters, solicitations and acknowledgements. I don't get to do that as much any more.  I love to send a postcard, have slowed down on those...not sure why.

Anyway- Dear Ms. Ellis, I will be reading more of your writing. I'm adding you to summer reading, because a beach trip is in my future!

And guess what my texting isn't great either..oh well at least I can bring a smile- see the positive on Newark-Granville Road and keep writing and reading! Thanks for reading this today.

Leaving Legacies

 https://www.newarkadvocate.com/obituaries/pwoo1448570

This is the link to the obituary for Sarah Davison. Sarah's dedication to girls sports in Granville was like non-other. We're grateful for all Sarah and Tim did to support our girls, all of the teams before, during after our girls played. She set a beautiful example and provided love, care and cookies that mattered and made a difference.  Rest in Peace Sarah.

https://www.hendersonvanatta.com/obituaries/Linda-L-Dimon?obId=48049992

This is the link for Linda Dimon's obituary. Linda had a direct impact on me, by being welcoming and encouraging. She was always happy to see me and made me feel welcome. She encouraged my work at The Works and then beyond. She too set an example for the world, leaving a legacy and the world a better place.  She will be missed.  How can she be gone?  Prayers for those close to her, her family. Steve also always makes me smile...what a gift.

The beautiful sentiment "May Her Memory be a Blessing" comes to mind here for both of these women.

I'm not Jewish, but value and benefit from Jewish lessons and faith- Blessings of Skinned Knee example in our life on Newark-Granville Road...I found this article by Sharrona Pearl to help me apply it today: https://www.tabletmag.com/sections/community/articles/may-their-memory-be-for-a-blessing

Make someone feel seen, loved, affirmed, welcome today to honor these women, I will. And those that do so to me, thank you. Thank you Linda and Sarah for lives well lived. Your memory is a blessing, as was your life on Newark-Granville Road.  Thank you for living your faith and being truly philanthropic. You used the resources you had at your fingertips to make the world a better place (Melinda Gates), it worked!

Thank you Easter Bunny....Bwock Bwoack

 Stoner kid fave- Matt, Sarah, Susan- no suprise it was part of our family Easter text this year.  I sent the video of it to the full family group text as the next generation needed a reminder- so I believe.  I wonder what they think.

No real Easter Bunny to thank this year, new stage and phase and a lovely one! We were invited to church in Indy at Caroline's church- Second Presbyterian on Meridian- such a beautiful place, a big one too! It was a lovely service. Clare and Caroline did a great job with a lovely post church brunch, mimosa, waffle, casserole, fruit salad, Clare's sourdough, treats galore. Harper was such a good pup and we enjoyed time with Caroline's Mom and grandmother, and our Sally!

Drive time- up early and home not too late, podcasts and magazines and catch-up texts with pals and family. A simple and sweet Easter, making new memories in our life on Newark-Granville Road.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oxe7pAeRA3s   And if you need smile here is the commercial! Bock Bock at the end!

Derby Party 2026 Leithauser Annual Run for the Roses Party

It is the eve of the eve.....one band out, another music option "next year", but now we have Denison student bluegrass, The Millstone Project, at 5 pm for an hour set, and then Austin Finley said yes...so two musical groups- woo hooo! What a wonderful community!

Bourbon tastes better in the cold...dress warm....full moon fun too....going to be a great Derby 2026!

It is the Tuesday before Derby Party....woo hoo...updates- weather- dress warm- this party is inside and outside- so certainly you can be inside- but the good food and bar are outside! I will have boots on this year, hopefully and not in the forecast rainboots like last year!

Remind friends and invite new folks to join the party- that is the fun- we love making connections!

EXCITING NEWS- we'll add a little "she said yes"ENGAGEMENT celebration to this year! Clare and Caroline are engaged...and plan to join us for a bit of they party! Oh what fun, we're so happy for them and us! 

It is April 2, that means one month to Derby!  Here is what you need to know and we want to share! We'll continue to update and add to this! Saturday, May 2nd- always the 1st Saturday in May

1st- Once invited always invited, yes bring a friend or family, let folks new to town they are included.

2nd-4:30 pm start, post time: we do watch the race, some will stay in the yard and not watch, yes we place wagers- see below.  End time- dark-ish- every year it is different.  Read past blogs about the party!

Next:  Reuben is coming back- hooray- we do love the partnership with a bartender, it started with Emily- ahhhh....

Dress- yes we'll have on hats and be festive- sometimes a bow tie or Joe, or a jacket, sometimes not, I'm usually in a sun dress or equivelent...boots to ward off the rain. I have a new fun LILLY dress this year! But anything goes- you get to define Derby attire and for some it means what they wear to muck out a stall, to cheering or playing tball!

Drinks and Eats:  if you have a certain drink you love, bring that in a to go cup, or wine- we'll have some but run out- but we will have two kegs- Granville Brewing YES it continues..go to Rays Rays..Yuengling, and Mint Juleps Reuben style, lemonade and waters.....

Food, we'll have country ham sandwhiches, cookies, chocolate covered strawberries and then we are grateful for those that like to bring something bite size to share. But if you're busy and want to just come that works too- there is always plenty of food.

Entertainment- live music is in the works this year..more soon....

We love hosting this party. We love the people that connect and meet and bringing our community together in this way. We certainly do love living on Newark-Granville Road and this party is a way we say thank you!

History- previous posts have it- it started back in 1992 and has happened in four states, inspiration from my parents preakness parties! Yes I went to the Derby once, and we love Keeneland!

WOWZA HISTORY MADE 3/21/26

Wowza, that was the word that described my Saturday..it was a full and beautiful day. It has been a wonderful journey with all of the wonderful people that make these programs and families what they are!

Denison's 1st National Championship for the Women's Basketball Team- captured in Roanoke/Salem, VA. I was not there but I was tuned in. I watched from my car, then the pool stands in Indy...TMobile for the assist- we were able to stream on my phone for the last few minutes!

Denison's 7th National Title for Men's Swim and Dive, defended title from 2025- Woo Hoo! I do love the smell of chlorine, the pool atmosphere is special- Denison's swim family is something-swim alums from the 70s to last year and their families, current families, local alums of all ages, staff, past coaches and the current students- all unite to cheer each race- formal cheers, great catch-ups and a special event on the Friday night.  Women are an amazing team as well and captured 4th...and of course were the 1st to hoist that trophy and send a championship banner high!

https://www.newarkadvocate.com/story/life/2026/03/15/why-a-second-place-medal-can-be-more-meaningful-abbeys-road/89082767007/  You may have to pay to read this...sorry...it is lovely and timely and connects to valued conversations I had this weekend.

I hope each swimmer relishes their journey and success. Disappointments happen, it is the "agony" of defeat that makes sports sports...but embrace the joy, journey, wins where they are, feelings and family like Abby Roy's daugther has in the article. Like the swim team did with an unexpected DQ- it didn't stop them.  Like the Women's Bball team, lost the NCAC tourny- went on to win the whole NCAA- wowza!

https://www.thereportingproject.org/denison-papers-scranton-in-ncaa-tournament/  Please read this story by Jack Shuler- DU prof, fan, Denisonian- it is wonderful!!

When Joe and I debriefed about this historic win for the WBB team, he said it was emotional. We have followed this program for a long time and our relationship all the strong because of its leaders and coaches: Nan, Sara Lee, Mo and so many more! We love the NCAC connections- Coach Mo is a Keynon alum, so is Gregg Parini! Yes I said Yay Kenyon, I give credit when credit is do and love the true small liberal arts impact!

What a journey... I missed those I've shared it in the past. Change and transition- future post in the works that ties to a late night drive, I listened to two podcasts by Lucy Reynolds '94 (DU) https://www.themurmurationcollective.com/  We do find new ways to connect, seeing Nan, Julie, Julie- courtside made me so happy!

And my own family time- bonus for me to see Clare and Sally while visiting Indy, they joined us for the reception and loved the NCAA Hall of Champions, Sally came to Saturday's game to cheer on a podium placing mile swimmer from DePauw and understands and respects the Denison energy, impact, experience! It was great to talk about it and share it.  

Taking time out for lunch with Clare in Broad Ripple was a delight, so lucky to have both girls in one place. I love their season where they both are and value the opportunity to be in person with them yesterday.

Life on Newark-Granville Road is a journey, filled with many beautiful chapters and history is made every day. 3/21/26 was historic, and truly a Wowza day!

Way too many pics to post- go out on social media and take it all in and know the fun continues! It is going to be a week and year filled with continued Wowza moments! Welcoming the team home yesterday was a beautiful touch point for me- the next generation of Denisonians cheers - the people and relationships in this life on Newark-Granville Road- Wowza!

We went to Rio, de Janerio....

Life on Newark-Granville Road has had me singing   Peter Allen's I go to Rio... actually my own versions for weeks, and it will continue....I was going, we were in Rio and now it is...we went to Rio...de Janerio...

We also went to Belo and yes I change the lyrics with the tune..Belo Horizonte...no one goes there- that is what the flight agent told us, but we're glad we went! And by the way Anthony Bourdain went and his episode there was inspiring!!

So why did we go to Brazil? Joe had work and needed to go and is so glad he went. The highlight of the trip was the people, simply amazing new friends for me, stronger working relationships and connections for Joe and for the team there for Aplos! Yay!  And we love exploring new places and traveling together.

Bonus- we flew via Orlando and took some time to see Matthew- yay! I had been in Orlando the week prior for work and had time with Matt, Grace, Karen....yes, yes, yes I know how fortunate I am, 2026's travel has already been remarkable and one for the record books.

Pictures below..capture the sights...but they simply can't tell the full story and share how the senses were all delighted. Our sunny beach day was absolutely incredible- it felt like the most beautiful place I've ever been. I was high on happy and delight- felt like I needed to be pinched.  Part of the beauty for me was true vacation and well deserved vacation. It has been a full Q1 with search, FLC meeting (that could not have gone any better, one of the best yet, love how they build), and the usual work for my role...so rewarding but...it allowed me to savor being "off" and away.  Due to safety warning we left our phones in the safe and really disconnected.  Update- we were never in danger and always safe. Rules to always follow: stay in well lit, tourist areas and be smart.  So I didn't take as many pictures, I was in the moment. But, thank you amazing travel companions Ashley and Ian for taking so many of these- you've got an eye!  Thank you for being great partners!

I also had me time, the gray day on the beach gave me contemplation and ah-ha time.  I've always recognized I see both sides. Sunny beautiful vibrant Rio was amazing, but so was rainy, gray (still warm) Rio- the various shades and degrees created a flip side stunning too. I read and read and read...airport and pool/beach time- ahhhh- also end of afternoon rest time, after being out walking all over Belo time, Joe working time. I swam once in Belo and every day we were in Rio- yes in the rain!

We loved the food- the beer (Brahma) the drinks (Caiprinha-lime and passion fruit), the bubbly wine, the cafe in Rio for breakfast was a dream. The cheesebread and then the cheesebread waffles...yes it was that kind of trip- everything got better and better!

We loved the people- so gracious- very little english- very little- but Google Translate did the trick in so many ways and places! We shoped, we walked and walked, explored, toured the fort with nothing in english..still need to google that history...we traveled, we vacationed, Joe and Ian worked, we supported the work, we talked and rested, we went to Rio and Belo in Brazil..da-da-da-da....

These pics start with Orlando time with Matt, then boarding the plane and bonding with baby Jesus..then Belo- Ashley and I found so many great places and it worked for a team dinner. Lele recommended the best restraurant, connected to the AB episode chef/guide!! we loved our sweet hotel, depsite no pool, we found a way for an afternoon at the pool! The Market was a treat and the park and the museum, and the shops, and the gelato, our church landmark!

RIO!

Please let me know if you have any quetsions. We want to go back, we think our family will love it!