I'll Have Another.....

Derby Party on Newark-Granville Road! As 2012's was lovely if I do say so myself.  For one - the preparation was a joy!  I like this party, Joe likes this party, the kids like this party and our friends and family enjoy it and value it too and that sets us up for success.  We've also been doing it for a while now and so it is relatively easy to execute.  The patterns work, the supplies can be re-used and we know what to expect.  Mother nature was particularly kind this year with temperatures, lack of precipitation and ahead of schedule blossoms!

Joe and I are both process and people people- we value how they work together. This party proves that and we have many PEOPLE to thank that executed processes!  I have to thank my parents for all their past care of grandkids so Joe and I could figure out these various processes.  This year the kids stayed in Ohio and my parents came early and worked with us to execute!  Joe and I have a tradition of going out for breakfast on the Friday before, then doing errands like flower purchasing, final errand running, etc....It was delightful to include my parents in that this year. Mom worked hard on the flower boxes so I could cross other things off the list and was great company for the errands while Joe moved on to other tasks!  My Dad and I have the wager process down and a special part of the party for me is when he and I disappear to determine our lucky winners and their winnings!  This year we took it a bit further and enjoyed analyzing the data on Sunday morning!  One third of party goers placed a wager, 12 won, most put money on more than one horse.  (Side note- thanks to my Dad for going with me to work at The Works- he was a big help for my afternoon's project and it was great to have his company and show him the Canal project!)

And then there are our friends and what they do to make Derby work so well on Newark-Granville Road.  Kim's arrival with her own cleaning supplies three hours before party commencement was something I'll never forget. She values the quality time together and has become a consistent supporter of our gathering.  Kelly- thanks for coming over on Sunday- the extrovert in me gains much from processing about the day prior! Otters and Mattimoes- we appreciated your time on Friday!  The hospitality for my sister and brother in law meant a great deal to all of us - 1234 Newark-Granville Road holds a special place in our hearts and now the Christophers too! The texts, exercise, beverages, parking logistics, conversations and assistance with kids are deeply valued and I thank each of you for your support- you know who you are!  

Hugh Price, Kevin Plaugher and Tim Hoffemeister- Common Thread's music touches my sole and makes the event truly beautiful. You are so kind to share your gifts of music, time and friendship with us.  "That Kind of Love" transcends couples and extends to our community gathering in my mind. I heard the song while talking with dear friends and it was the first time in the day I realized my cheeks hurt from smiling.

Gray Griesse and the wonderful gentleman of "The Last Resort” you started the live music component of Derby party and we're so grateful!!  The band sounded fantastic and we're hearing so many positive things- keep us posted on where you are playing- we need to hear you again before the 1st Saturday in May 2013! 

Denise and Walter- what are we going to do without you.... we truly couldn't ask for better neighbors and you are going to be missed. Thanks for bringing the supplies without even asking- knowing what we need and beyond! Your good taste and generosity is deeply valued.  Jack and John were wonderful co-hosts!! All the neighbors that tolerate the parking, noise and who knows what else please know I'm grateful. I'm so glad some of you were able to attend- my kids love your kids and really enjoyed your stopping by!

I must thank Joe Leithauser.  His manual labor to pull the yard together brings a huge smile to my face.  We enjoyed the fruit of his labor last night by dining alfresco on the patio- heaven!  The mulching and weeding that man does in 48 hours is nothing short of miraculous!!  I'm a big fan of the journey- the journey to Derby party is very special.  The RSVPs, assistance and labor provided great joy this year.  The party itself always tickles and inspires.   You all out do yourself with wonderful food and festive attire and spirit of commardarie and old-fashioned fun!  

I continue to be delighted with the follow-up questions and conversations.  The connections we're hearing about are very satisfying and we hope you'll continue to share them with us!  Today's big smile was the Louisville Stoneware julep cup in the mail box- thank you!!!  I also had one for the 1957 cups that were delivered to me at Work on Thursday!!!

I didn't take photos but it doesn't matter- 2012 will be one of those that remain in my memories. And I'm so happy that life on Newark-Granville Road includes this tradition supported by such happiness and love.  There are way more than ten reasons for this party to return in 2013- please remember- once invited, always invites and we hope to see you next year.

Derby Party History

Once upon a time a family in Maryland enjoyed hosting Preakness parties. (The Preakness is the 2nd race in the triple crown, held in Baltimore, MD) The eldest daughter grew up and moved away and enjoyed hosting parties too.  When she moved to a far away land she found a roommate who was far away from her home town of Louisville, KY where the Kentucky Derby is held.

The two women decided it would be fun to host a Run for the Races (name for the KY Derby) and had a grand time doing so and had much success with this party.  There are related stories that include a finance, fresh whipped cream but that is for another day....

When the eldest daughter moved to Michigan she started small and hosted a few friends for appetizers to watch the race in her apartment. The next year she was living with a roommate that owned a horse and liked the idea of a Derby party and once again a good time was held on the 1st Saturday in May.  A few years later the hostess moved to Kentucky and she decided this would be the year she would attend the actual Derby!

A wonderful time was had- dressing up, drinking real juleps from the commerative glass, experiencing  The Churchill Downs, and even winning the wager based on the name- Silver Charm!  However it was cool, wet and horses were hard to see let alone an actual race.  General Admission tickets only get you so far....The young woman decided she liked her party better and would go to Keenland in Oct and April for the live racing experience!!  Because she wanted to keep the party tradition going the daughter hosted a triple crown party since Silver Charm was a contender!  This happened to be the weekend after a very special date to the Memorial Golf Tournament with a classmate from Denison.

The Triple Crown party was a great success and much fun to plan and execute.  Flags from all 3 states that hold a triple crown race were aquired and used for decoration.  And as usual guests (including family!) were introduced and connections were made.  It was a special 2nd date for the the two Denisonians and the party was the launch of special relationship.

The next year the young (still in her 20s) woman went to Columbus to visit her boyfriend.  She made apppetizers and mint juleps for her boyfriend, his roommate and friends while they watched the race and it was declared a party.  By the next year the couple was married and hosted the first Leithauser Kentucky DErby party complete with late night bocci and a pizza run!  The party evolved as children were added with pack n plays.  And then the couple moved to Granville and the party took on a different feel with pony rides, play yards, live music and a tent on Newark-Granville Road.

The party continued to grown and the host couple enjoyed the opporuntity to entertain their friends and their families-watching connections happen across relationships.  The party inspire house projects and spring-summer preration.  A fun twist was added when children were delivered to grandparents so parents could prepare.  One year three children were taken to Maryland and the car returned with two Yuengling kegs instead.  The children did return to attend the party with their grandparents!!

The past parties have been successful thanks to the support of family and friends lending their time and talent in a vareity of ways. The attendance is always appreciated and is the heart of the party's purpose. Surprise visitors, wedding party members with their own julep cups and family make for extra special attendees!

In 2011 the not so young woman, although not middle aged, woman took a trip to a far away land- China.  The trip was swaped for the big party.  Although note mint juleps were enjoyed with a handful of friends (the evening included a trip to the emergency room).  This year the party returns. No pony or carriage rides are planned, but we do look forward to live music, festive beverages and the opportunity to catch up with good friends- please join us on the first Saturday in May to add to a happy life  on Newark-Granville Road.

Derby Party 2012

Top Ten Reasons Derby Party is back for 2012…

10. What else would we do on the first Saturday in May?

9. We love to watch the kids pick-up games and activities in the yard.

8. This year’s Yuengling is from OHIO and we need to celebrate this- thank you Matesich’s!

7.  We appreciate-Common Thread and The Last Resort (friends who offer to provide live music ROCK - really). Making plans for bluegrass this year from Denison students!

6. We’re hoping to entice our niece and goddaughter Louisa from Maryland and get her to bring her parents and grandparents!

5. My father was able to produce his Wager Poster before retiring and turning 70!

4. Once invited, always invited so people may arrive with empty julep cups.

3. We’ll get the window boxes and yard in shape faster!

2.  A good friend will soon be launching his brewery in GRANVILLE- you want to meet him!

1. We enjoy taking time to connect with friends and family in a laid back festive way!                 We hope you can join us:

When:    Saturday, May 5, 2012  4 pm start, race is 6ish….we go until sunset…..

Where: 1142 Newark-Granville Road, park where able and walk…

What else:  bring friends, family, a dish to share if able- dessert/appetizer and your hat! More info on party on Susan’s Blog:

http://www.lifeonnewark-granvilleroad.blogspot.com/

Hosts: Joe, Susan, Clare, Peter and Sally  (and possibly soon to be named puppy)

RSVP to Susan at 587 0435 ssleithauser@roadrunner.com

What I learned on Spring Break

l love to travel. I love to find an adventure. I love history, science, art, good food and family- and I got to do all of this on Spring Break this year.  I came home and find myself not able to stop talking about our wonderful vacation. Therefore the best way for me to get it out of my system so I can move onto my life on Newark-Granville road is to blog...so here goes!


We went to Charleston, SC to stay/camp/sleep on the USS Yorktown- a retired Aircraft Carrier.  This has always interested me- I'm kind of a Navy Brat- born in Norfolk, VA- my Dad got out when I was born. Good friends did it two years ago and and the praises so that cemented our decision to join in with our boy scout Super Pack 3 effort to attend.

The Ship- USS Yorktown website1. Staying on board the USS Yorktown was amazing.  I HIGHLY recommend this! It isn't for everyone but if you are OK with rustic accommodations it is cool.  They separate boys and girls and the women get the officer quarters which means we have room to roll over and our in smaller rooms- we shared with two other moms.  I'm so pleased with the Boy Scouts who welcome moms and sisters along so often!! Peter and Joe were in a big group-sleeping situation.  What was amazing is we were able to really soak it all in. Peter really was taken by the Kamikazes.  The USS Yorktown was very active in WWII so much of our learning was about that war (thank you veterans) and also naval engineering including aviation.  he wouldn't of gotten the message about the Kamikazes had it not been for the immersion, the repeat references- video, tour, actual plane, movies.  I won't go into too much more detail. Know that if you are in Charleston you should take the time to go aboard but if you have a youth group that is going for an overnight- make your plans!  Who knows maybe you'll see something in the future about me coordinating it for a group....


2. Charleston is beautiful, historic, filled with rich stories and so much to see, explore and enjoy. The Hunley sub story is wonderful. I thank my co-workers for introducing me to the lesson and engaging the kids with it (you can do this too- summer opportunities at The Works!!)Hunley Web Site- Friends of the Hunley  If you are in the area visit this site!  And then just soak in Charleston's southern charm and food and architecture!
3. We also were able to get our spring break baseball in- thank you Citadel for playing South Carolina in town! We are grateful for friends who let us explore Kiawah- kids couldn't stay out of the cold water....my ocean babies make me smile! WE stopped at Davidson on our way down for breakfast and to explore another liberal arts college- one of the best breakfasts ever....We also had a taste of Mayberry in Mt. Airy, NC- thanks to a text from my brother who was also traveling while we were!4. We enjoyed our timing- home late on Wed which allowed us some happy family time and catch up here. Kids and I went to COSI on Saturday and had a grand time. The new WATER exhibit is really wonderful- I learned some really fun things so Columbus friends take it in!! The exhibit on RACE is interesting and I learned some things about my kids in that one.... parenting isn't easy!Thanks for reading, contact me directly for more info I can share about our great spring break!! I hope you had a wonderful time out/escape/break from it all too!!  Of course the final lesson was simply a great reminder- life on Newark-Granville road is pretty darn good, we're blessed to call it home.

Here I go again, getting involved in something new, something I can't wait to share! Here are the reasons I'm encouraging you to take a look at this organization- it may or may not be for you but I hope you'll take a look.  And also if you think of someone else that would like to attend- please let me know and I'll invite them or just pass it along!! Here are my top 10 reasons I'm for this effort:

1. It is inclusive- everyone is invited! All ages, all communities

2. It is all about raising awareness about great philanthropic efforts in the community

3. It is democratic- those involved get to vote- we'll educate one another about need in our community.

4. There is room for all- people can share their vote/spot- I can help you find someone!!

5. It is about the math- 100 x 100- wooo hooo- lots of good things can happen with that donation!! What fun it will be to see the non profits receive that gift!!

6. It is about LICKING COUNTY- local local local dollars staying here- local helping local!! This will make my life on Newark-Granville road better

7. It is a grass roots effort with great structure- it works somewhere else and we're bringing it here! (reading this from outside of Licking County Ohio- check and see if your community has one- probably does!)

8. Great leaders- Amanda and Kelli are passionate moms who are leading this effort and I'm impressed and supportive!

9. We'll have a great oppertunity to network, connect, support one another at the same time.

10. We can have a bevie while we vote and we are not required to do volunteer hours....unless we want to I bet the organizational rep can share that kind of info too.....

Take a look and let me know your thoughts and questions. Hope to see you on the 17th!

Have you heard of 100+ Women Who Care, Licking County? It’s an organization for women to support various local philanthropic efforts. We kick off with our first meeting on

April 17th (gathering at 6:30

meeting to take place promptly between 7-8:00)

at the 21st Street Grille

We hope that after reading a bit about us and other Women Who Care organizations around the country you will want to join. This is not an “invitation only” event! Whether or not you decide to become a part of the 100+ (and we hope you do!) please pass the word along to others until this reaches all of the women in Licking County, multiple times! Below are answers to just a few commonly asked questions. We invite you to check out our website for the most complete information: www.100wwclickingcounty.org

• Who are we? Women in Licking County with a common goal of saving and enriching lives here locally.
• What are we? A giving circle. Individual donors each giving a small amount in order to have a big impact immediately. We strive to be 100 members strong. Each giving $100 dollars a quarter for a total donation to a given charity /non-profit of $10,000. (Team option also available, click here for details.)
• How does it work? At the meeting we randomly choose three members to pitch their cause. After hearing about the charity/non profit and a short Q & A, we each cast a vote as to which one receives our collective donation. There is no middle person and checks are written directly to the charity chosen. We eagerly await the next meeting when we can hear about the difference our funds made!
• Why? We live here. We work here. We raise our children here. We want this to be the kind of community that lifts members up and extends a hand to a neighbor in need. Maybe we don’t yet know that neighbor. This is our opportunity to meet her and find out how to help.
• Benefits to members: An improved sense of belonging and civic engagement, increased awareness of community needs and those organizations that try to meet those needs, a feeling of “doing good”, ability to give strategically and thoughtfully with relatively small effort while obtaining a large impact.
• Benefits to the community are truly endless. We will enhance associations already helping in the community and enable other opportunities that may need a hand.

It’s about making lives better, in multiples.

Tag! You're It

I WAS TAGGED- I'M NOT GREAT AT THIS BLOGGING THING BUT TRYING TO GET BETTER. I'M ENJOYING MEETING NEW CREATIVE PEOPLE OUT HERE- OR BETER SAID GETTING TO KNOW PEOPLE BETTER. I ADMIRE THE MANY POSTS AND VIEWS, THIS GAME OF TAG IS ONE MORE WAY TO CONNECT SO OF COURSE I LIKE IT......

Tag! You're It

That's right.. in a blog-tag off! I hope others will play along and enjoy a good old fashioned game of Tag.

The Rules:

*Post these rules
*You must post 11 random things about yourself
*Answer the questions set for you in their post
*Create 11 new questions for the people you tag to answer- I made it 8 I like the number 8
*Go to their blog and tell them you’ve tagged them
*No stuff in the tagging section about you are tagged if you are reading this. You legitimately have to tag 8 people!  I'm trying to do 8...like the number and I don't follow 8 blogs...yet!!

11 RANDOM FACTS ABOUT ME:

1. TYPING IN ALL CAPS BOTHER ME

2. I drove a fork lift at one time, I've shared this enough in my life it may not be random anymore

3. I like my cookies crisp and I pick out the crisp french fries

4. I always wanted to be a mother, I loved to baby sit as a teen

5. I look better in dresses

6. I prefer gold to silver

7. I love Lilly of the Valley

8. I wish I had dark hair and blue eyes- not really but I like that look

9. My travel bug is waking up again

10. I have fond memories of peanut butter with fluff, pickles, bacon (not all on one sandwhich)

11. I prefer roast beef on a kaiser roll

11 random factoids about ELLIE:

1. I'm obsessed with Sour Patch Kids, especially the red ones.
2. I only look through magazines that have a crisp cover. It makes me cringe reading a wrinkled one.
3. I offically have the travel bug, especially after traveling to 8 countries in the past 7 months with Zach.
4. I love airports and could sit in them for hours watching people. Ironically, I met my boyfriend on a plane.
5. Flowers are over-rated unless they're out of the blue.
6. I secretly wish I was a professional sand volleyball player, or a newscaster on E! or the Travel Channel.
7. I love anything to do with horoscopes.
8. I started playing basketball when I was 8 years old and played through my sophomore year of college.
9. I want to be the event lead and coordinate the Oscars, Emmys and Espy Award Ceremonies including the after-parties.
10. I want to be on The Today Show (with good/happy news of course)
11. I am not a picky eater and will try anything once.
11a. I LOVE spicy foods/hot sauce.

11 Questions from Ellie:

1.what’s your biggest pet peeve? people not saying hello
2.who’s your favorite author?  Hmmm- lately I really like Ann Patchett
3.where’s the next vacation/trip you’re taking? Charleston- Spring Break baby!!
4.who will win the super bowl – 2013- go Ravens!
5.what’s your dessert of choice? something with crunchy meringue
6.if you could have a superhero power, what would it be? if you could have one: super endurance
7.what’s the best thing about blogging: an outlet, opporutnity to share and extrover- gets my mind going
8.would you rather drive in rain or snow? snow
9.what kind of car do you drive? Toyota Sequoia so I can fit each child and a friend/cousin
10.how do you spend your free time? free time? lately in bed watcing Downton Abbey on my macbook
11.if you could meet a celebrity, who & why? Tom Hanks- I've always liked him and he does amazing work

11 questions for the lucky ones I tagged:

1. What is your dream car: convertible bmw or BMW station wagon- actually both not or
2. Dress/Skirts or pants/shorts and why: dress- I've never grown up and probably because my mother said so
3. Favorite movie: Rear Window
4. Favorite Columbus restaurant: The Flat Iron
5. Math or English: English
6. If you could live in one country, where would it be and why?  Scotland- It spoke to me
7. Spicy or Sweet: sweet
8. Would you rather go back in the past to make something better or live in the future? Past
9. How do you like your coffee: black
10. Homebody or social butterfly: social butterfly
11. what invention do you wish was your idea:  standup mixers

8 questions for my tagged folks:

1. Hometown: Granville, OH

2. Where were you born: Virginia

3. How many pillows do you sleep with: 2 3 if you count the bolster

4. Can you wear flip flops- no- not real ones with the thing between the toes

5. favorite appetizer: cheese and crackers6. plaid or polka dot: plait

6 what do you want to be when you grow up: something to do with travel

7, first dog/pet: boaz-bassett hound

8. a sound that makes you smile: quacking ducks- many of them together

Now time to tag 8 others... 

Smell the flowers!  February is a great month to stop and smell the roses.  Funny that I ended up with this vase at this point in the year.  I LOVE this for many reasons including:

• I love where this vase came from (Enzo- fabulous tea house for so many reasons- the owner, the food, the setting, the great conversations I've had there)
• I love the blue and white, the cut out art work, how it goes with my new decor!!
• I love that it was on sale!!
• But most of all I love the sentiment- please smell us....

The sentiment of "taking time to smell the roses"isn't just about appreciating where you are in the moment it is about using all your sense- don't just look, smell- breath deep and this fits into so much of my life's philosophy of the world across disciplines- the liberal arts, working at a center for art, history and science!  It ties to the fact that I am a "jack of all trades and master of none" but I'll save this for another blog some other time!  Back to February....

Lots of great flowers to stop and smell this month!  First and foremost Sarah's 40th birthday! Last week we toast her wonderful milestone- a few years ago we were not sure we'd all get to that point.  I was able to travel to Maryland to be with her beautiful family, have lunch with my parents and breathe in the happiness and joy that surrounds them! We also tasted some amazing flavors too!!

Second, Joe and I celebrate 13 years of marriage- boy has it gone fast!  I'm so lucky to have my this man and all he is and does and creates with me.  I'm grateful for our marriage and all that entails. He truly makes me far better than I am and the past 13 years are truly the best I've had on this journey of life.

And there is so much more- the kids, the friends and other family members, the job, the town, the projects, the sports, the arts, the opportunities, the learning.  My life on Newark-Granville road is a beautiful garden and I love to pick the flowers and savor all they bring!! Thanks for taking in their beautiful scents, sites and what they represent to me.