Sand in my toes Coast to Coast- Naples to Honolulu- Mahalo

 Lucky me, ten days in the sun, ten days with gal pals (one my daugther!), ten days of adventure and beauty. Water water everywhere for swimming, floating and just being in ah...Beaches for soak up the sun time, reading, sunsets and yoga! Being hosted, co-hosting Denison Everywhere, friend time, making memories and ensuring me time! A bit of shopping, strolling, and finding restaurants and meals, and yes drinks- I like Maitais, I really liked the award winning one at Kahala! Tequila was my toasting choice in Florida.  A few pictures to tell the story...not in order- sorry...

Pearl Harbor- Arizona Memorial

Sunset Wakiki

Naples Evening

Perfect morning- coffee watching surf lessons

Naples Rooftop Bar

Naples Sunset

Clare at Work

Surfboards EVERYWHER

Waimea Valley I'm waiving

Uncle Ross Guide/Host

C&C top of Rail Hike

Bottom of Rail Hike!!

Yoga @ Kahula

Last afternoon- rain watch Dolphins

Oops- didn't post the pic of the rainbow....Hawaii is all about the rainbows and we didn't see ours until the cab ride to the airport! I posted the pic on Social Media!! We did have some delays, I guided us to the wrong brewery, it wasn't perfect but boy was it wonderful!

I'm home typing this from cold, snowy Newark-Granville Road. I'm grateful for the hosts, those that made recommendations and coaching for the trip to Hawaii. The full week was something special that will stay with me. Clare and Charlotte's favorite day was our car rental day to explore and go to the north shore! I used Turo and would again- you get local engagement and support- recommendations and support a side hustle! I didn't have a favorite day- I loved it all! We stayed in Waiki during Clare's conference and enjoyed those days. Then we ventured out for Denison Everywhere and stayed there-east side of Honolulu at Kahula and that was so special.

When I go back with Joe I may say lets try for an air bnb- rent the car and go.....public beaaches everywhere make this seem like a fun approch! The Aloha spirit, true meaning of love, peace, compassion and mutual respect, a spirt of connection (per IA generator on safari today) was the theme of my ten days away in both places!

Mahalo to so many that made it possible, starting with Clare. She had a conference and let her Mom tag along! Mahalo to Lori and gal pals for understanding my need to leave early and so I flew from Naples..yes 10 days away- vacation time!! So much to be grateful for on and off Newark-Granville Road, Joe kept the embers/furnace burning at home, the greenhouse still blooming and made it work with points!! Taking vacation, accepting invitations, sharing time and being alone is so important. Flying isn't easy, Hawaii is far....but it was so worth it! I'm happy to be home and happy I went away! Where is your next adventure?!

Check out the Denison Everywhere post for those pics, and of course some fyis/info!!

Dresses in the Closet

 The 2026 project in the Leithauser house is to truly prep an upstairs room as a guest room.  Peter's room wins...why..hmmm easiest to do with Peter in Missouri/Grad School? Clare's room could be it. However it really is my closet and this will take more time to blend guest room closet space. This is our start to be more guest ready!

While  I was away Joe seized the opportunity to empty Peter's room. Now to find a painter! This means all of the clothes in Peter's closet were removed. I sorted through mine and found inspiration for a post!

The Dresses in the Closet are mostly formal wear.  I do love to get dressed up.  In Life On Newark-Granville Road I've shared many of these occasions. You will hear Joe say he wears a tux more than a suit: that says something. A few to highlight that will remain hanging in a closet here:

Plaid Taffeta- flower girl dress and the skirt and top the bridesmaids wore in our wedding. I love the pink, purple, indigo plaid and just feel it is right to hold on to these! They probably won't be worn again but I think there is additional life beyond just my joy in knowing they are there.

50s style dress- costume/themes have presented themselves and this full skirt with crinoline has been fun to don! I did donate a black one- no need for two.

Pink Prom Dress- never worn- feels like a short story or essay. I love this dress. The Young Mens Shop was my go to high school shop. I remember buying it with another one-both for like $100 with no idea when I would wear them. Side story- the white one I wore at least twice! It had sequins, spaghetti straps and a jagged neckline. It was my Hagerstown NYE 1988 Assembly Debutante dress and the Altoona Senior Prom 1991 dress!  This pink one is the perfect color of pink- not too light or too dark, it worked on my skin tone. It is organza like material. The neckline is off the shoulder with the fabric shaped into four roses, there is a soft stripe and a sash. I never had a reason to wear it. It is a miracle it stayed with me, maybe it remained at my parents and was never donated (Mom is not a pack rat) and I eventually brought it home to save? The white dress is not around, no idea it's fate.  I hoped one of the girls would wear this pink dress, but not their style...what goes around comes around and at some point I may donate it to a cause that helps dress those in need for formals. Or maybe Sara will need it for a theater production...we shall see...

Blue and White Polka Dot Pant Suit- not a dress but dressy...loved this find at Ann Taylor in the 90s, wore it over and over and over again...wore it to the first Derby party in Omaha...can't bear to say goodbye. What is a little closet space, until I'm ready!  I did donate a blue and white polka dot dress today...

Green column dress- had to buy it- breast milk during try-on- but I cleaned it and wore it to T&C or Alfretta- it is a classic, maybe someone will want it..similar thought- what is a little closet space for now!

Ice Blue with Black- net/sheer- oriental/asia vibe..found the pic- I wore it to T&C 2008- the theme was Chinese New Year- I loved that party, theme, time in our lives..date nights were so special with three kids under the age of 8 and I wasn't working, but volunteering a lot..also working out a lot...I can't even think about wearing that one again, but it is so pretty- I can't help but think- someone might want to wear it.

The Dress I wore in Sarah&Greg's Wedding! Oh I love that dress..Louisa needs to see it! Maybe someone will wear it to a family occasion! It is two shades of pink, classic style- JCrew! I've worn it here and there but that whole wedding- prep- day and pictures/memories bring/brought joy!!

Black Dress, zipper front, White Colar- bought it at Jacobsons- loved it and wore it again and again- it was the grown up working girl dress for dress up- weddings when appropriate to wear black, dinners. Again it should go- donate or even trash now but...what is a bit of closet space!

These are what I recall from the clean-up time, maybe I'll add more.  Real life happenings in my life on Newark-Granville Road, this cold Sunday!