Books for the Year- Discussing Books at CVH launches 19-20

What a delightful, special evening that simply does not disappoint. I'm amazed at how well we know what to do.  Highlights of the evening:

1. I knew when I sent the email describing our process I left something out- the classics, we always pick a classic. How could I forget.  I was reminded and we were laughing about it and a bit worried about one member not having been as regular last year.  We said- what if she doesn't come, who will pick the classic? And as if on queue, she walked in the door!

2. The food! Sally said- is it book club night? I woke up thinking it was and it made my day. I was thinking about those cookies and treats all day. We now share recipes as part of our evening.

3. The friendships. We've been doing this for well over 15 years. Not everyone and we've certainly shifted but a core group and great new group is really bonding and connecting. Such good women unite. Oh it is fun when folks chime in from the past!! Hint hint love to hear from others!!

5. The process- we talk giggle, share honestly and openly and get it done!We track it- we have a spread sheet that lists books back to 2004 reading. We have the assignments for the year and the recommendations.

6. The books- that is what is about, and we do talk books.  No one recommended Where the Crawdad's Sing?  During a break we took a poll- I think everyone had read it.  We should have just discussed it.  A Gentleman in Moscow made it from the recommend list to the assigned list- wow! Every book that is recommended sounds Great- it is going to be a good year.

Life on Newark-Granville Road- I say it every year, this night is special and appreicated and productive!  Want the list? Want to be on the distribution list- just let me know! We are open and welcoming- another special part of this group. It may take some time to get the gist and we may not be for everyone but if you want to give it a try- join us on the 1st Monday of the month.  We go back to Cherry Valley Lodge Oct 7th!

Music to transition the seasons AND holy hospitality feature.

A real weekend- a wonderful, fabulous weekend.  Ahhhhh- two trips to the Farmers Market on Saturday- I felt rushed with Joe, enjoyed going together but I went back to just take my time.  I made gazpacho.  I went to yoga- ahhhh. We went to the lake and enjoyed family time- truly relaxed, even napped!  We swam across the lake.

Okay- another Life on Newark-Granville Best/ Favorite/ Top Pick- we've been doing it for years now- Swim the Lake. And most of the time we are greeted on the other side with incredible hospitality. Often on a Sunday so I'm calling it holy hospitality.  It started when we met at Nutcracker auditions in Newark.  How could it be the person I just met and we both wanted to leave ASAP to get Apple Valley. She had a new lake house directly across the lake from the Westerville Leithauser's home.  So we swam over- search the blog and you'll see more about this. And we've done it over and over and each time we are treated like royalty. Coffee, tea, hot chocolate, towels and snacks!  The kids love it- jumping from the top deck. We catch up with one another- their kids have gone to college and graduated.  We don't stay long, we don't give much notice but we are loved, welcomed and provided the perfect respite.  Then we go back.  Thank you so much Wagners for this awesome summer touchpoint.  I just love it and love how the family loves it too!  Then.....

Club time- beautiful wonderful Moundbuilders Club time.  The place where we've made dear dear friends and enjoyed countless hours as a family.  We love the staff and beautiful beloved surroundings of the mounds, trees and quiet neighborhood.  There is a lot of press out there about the return of the property to the Ohio Connection, the movement for it to be a UNESCO site.  We've been to amazing UNESCO sites and agree Newark has a very special historic place. It is unfortunate things have not progressed in simpler ways.  A new club and location could be exciting and fun.  Joe is part of club leadership. I'm grateful for today's leaders serving our institution.  I've heard the presentations on the history and it is amazing.  Amazing is also where the burial mounds were (Moundbuilders are ceremonial not burial) and what is there now.  Amazing is how the club has preserved the space. Amazing is what preceded the golf course. Amazing are the friendships and safe place the club has been in my life on Newark-Granville Road for 14 years.  We joined when Sally was born.   There is more to the story that was in the Columbus Magazine Sept issue, as always.   Disagree with me- I respect your side, please respect mine and be grateful the land and mounds are there as they are now.  And know MCC is alive and well- great social gatherings planned for the year and know when I golf the beautiful space I'm grateful for those who have gone before us.  As Joe says the space was created for recreation and fellowship- that intent has been and is honored.


Now for the music....I hope I've set the tone- amazing weekend. Now it is Monday evening.  The weekend was filled with friend time, family time, catch-up time, relaxing time.  Monday evening I felt as I believe my girls do leaving camp. Happy for the memories, sad for it to be over.  Summer sigh, summer's ending.  The pool time wasn't as frequent this year- golf filled in, active exercise, so my melancholy may have been a bit of grief. Grief of what has been and what could be as things end. All lovely but changing.  I love when the radio provides the perfect soundtrack- It Must Have Been Love by Roxette was on the radio as I drove home from a Whit's run with the kids in the convertible. Beautiful moon, perfect temps, happy but sad.  Not sure there could have been a more fitting way to launch the summer farewell.

And then Tuesday am- September by Earth, Wind and Fire pumped me up for the new week and season on its way.  Again in the convertible with perfect temperature, sun shining, roof down.  Life on Newark-Granville Road with music- join me in a sing-along and dance party, feel the beat of what has been and is coming.

Questions this Week.

The pumpkin vine or gourd is taking over....wow!  Front yard, west side- more sun with the tree down? Strong variety deposited there last year?

Why did I get a Preparing for Baby Resource Fair flyer from the hospital?  Why did I even notice? Could it be because I'm missing my "baby girl" at Wooster.  No news is good news- we have not heard much from her.  Joe did get two texts and both involved the need to spend money.

How cold is too cold for the convertible top?  It will be a while until we find out- the heat and seat warmers have been turned on a few times this week.

Why did I wait so long to attend the Millersport Sweet Corn Festival? http://www.sweetcornfest.com  Thank you Betsy and Jim for being fabulous tour leaders. I did pick the right year to attend- beer garden with Yuengling on tap!  Reading this on Saturday- go if you can!

How am I ever going to meet them all?  So many amazing Denison families, so few hours in the day.  I love my job and I think the Sunday after the induction ceremony at the Granville Inn may be a top-three night in Granville for me.  New friends from Chicago and St. Louis joined me for our own Broadway shuffle to the Pub, complete with pizza- Ohio style. We timed it well- thanks Donatos for feeing hungry parents at 11 pm!

When can we do wedges and whiskey Coach?  Denison golf course is really something special and I've played it a few times this summer and do love dear MBCC.  My short game needs a lot of work but I'm trying.

How did we get so lucky?  Last Saturday was one of those quintessential days in Granville- parent breakfast at the Inn- fabulous people- joined the FLC!  Eighteen at the Denison Course with a special foursome (and I had some cool puts, also two double par pick-ups) celebrating 60 with a great family,  cocktails with friends, beautiful Town & Country summer picnic all topped off with convertible rides.    Actually,  yesterday was pretty great too- the week had many moments I just said- ahhhhh.  Honestly, there were some - drat parts of the week too- making the good all the appreciated. And today is shaping up to be another one of those amazing days in my life on Newark-Granville Road.  Who am I to question why, just accept this beautiful day with a grateful sigh.

Back to School on Newark-Granville Road

I live in two worlds. I see both sides- always have, always will I hope.  Sometimes this is seen as conflicted, I see it as balanced.  The debate this week- has summer ended with the arrival of school?

One perspective is- yes, gone are the days of "what will we do today" including being bored!!  And with that the days are getting shorter and mornings are darker.  BUT there are the weekends, sweet weekends.  The temp took a drop this week but it will return.  The Farmers Market bounty is in full swing with late corn and gorgeous flowers.  The calendar gives us an additional month of Summer! I say soak it in take it anyway you can for as long as you can!

Ahhhh School Days, School days, good old golden rule days- reading and writing and arithmetic  As much as I love summer I love school.  The kid's school, Denison school- the routine, the fresh start, the reunions, the familiar sites that just make me happy- bus stops, buses.  It is a lot to keep up with and make happen.  I almost missed curiculum night last night. Thank you Mr. Durst and Mrs. Sharp for the emails.  I didn't want to be there but I'm glad I went.  I am sorry I missed the first Field Hockey game for GHS but school comes first and there will be many games, only one curriculum night.  

GHS is a great place. I met with 7 teachers and heard 7 plans and approaches to help Peter. Joe did the same for Sally and we met at dinner and talked all about it.  The kids sports are important too and they are in fun places- learning, practicing and getting time outside with exercise.  Big years in our house- Peter a senior looking at colleges and Sally a freshmen.  And we think all is well in Wooster Ohio for Clare- a few texts make it feel that way.

Life on Newark- Granville Road is happy this Friday.  We're doing phones downstairs at night- grown ups too.  We're waking up to music with spotify and google home.  We all have a lot on our plates and schedules to keep- just like all of you.   We'll hold on to summer to ease the transition. I've blogged before about transitions being hard but they're also amazing, important and inevitable- we're embracing both sides in life on Newark-Granville Road.

Clare and Wooster! #gladsheisascot #Mcleod&proud

Milestone- Clare delivered to college. Her school- she found it.  All the coaching and help made it an amazing day. So many to thank- it starts with our parents: Jim and Nadine, Mike and Jeanne- they gave Joe and me our amazing liberal arts educations.  The Denison parents and colleagues that coached me to coach Clare.  Clare's teachers, her other parents and coaches, camp leadership, FRIENDS that helped shape her to be who she is right now and so right for Wooster! Cousin Cathy- your role mattered too- thank you for the first visit and today's welcome. Big picture and small details like the beautiful dorm items from Mattimoes and Love/Fullers and packing tips and loans.  Joe is my parenting partner and I'm proud of us too. Clare we're proud of you, so happy for you- grateful for you and how well you've led this transition.

So it was a great day. Clare had it all organized- she watched and took advice from others.  Granted camp packing and unpacking played a role in her preparedness-mentally and physically.  We packed last night and this am.  Peter saw Clare off but stayed home with Lucy.  Cathy coached us and we arrived early to beat "line-up".  Part of the fun of Wooster will be exploring a beautiful new area- we commenced that today with Amish Country breakfast and happy to say we passed a horse and buggy. Wooster had it all organized with great help and fun welcome touches.  Her roommate is sweet, from Chicago- feels like a nice fit.  Clare's visits and team engagement with lax had her reconnecting with a number of folks.  Family matters and makes a difference. Joe's 1st cousin Cathy works in Admission and has been such a help. Her daughter Sara was great for Sally and really helped  Clare too with room set-up!

The school's traditions resonate with us- the arch walk, the McLeod plaid, the kilt, the Scot theme but it goes much deeper. The welcome in the chapel was amazing- so well done. I'm pretty impressed.  The kids like to make fun of how in our life on Newark-Granville Road we think Denison is the end all be all. Of course, we love Denison and are proud of our Alma mater. I can't say it enough- Wooster is fabulous- today we joined the family and we're really pleased Clare will call it home.

Life on Newark-Granville Road will be different without our Clare.  Immediate observations- the time has come- time to add Wooster magnet/decals to the cars!  Which goes where? I love the options- well done Wooster book store!  Sally will move into Clare's room- future project.  Sally has scanned Clare's left-behinds and is loving a pair of Lululemon leggings. She says Clare said- whatever is left you can have? Hmmm?

I type this so happy, so at peace, so content with this phase, chapter, journey.  We golfed in front of Clare's Kindergarten teacher yesterday. The memories have been around each corner-and a treat for the weekend's family meals. What a beautiful 18 years to get to this point.  Teary at times- not your typical times.  I didn't cry leaving the town of Wooster or hugging her goodbye.  I welled up during the amazing welcome presentation showcasing the awesome global representation at her school.  I realized when I left my breakfast drink on the counter and have nibbled my fingernails lower than ever I've had some anxiety over this day.  I'm supposed to- I'm her Mom. I think we all kept it in check so the day came and was a dream. Well done Clare- we're very proud, pleased and grateful.   Enjoy, soak it in and love it- you are ready, you chose well.

 
 

Lucy's Life on Newark-Granville Road

Real-life happenings in life on Newark-Granville Road.  I'm fascinated by Lucy.  Some times I drive by and she is chatting with dogs walking by and the dog's owner- okay not chatting but happily engaging.  A friend can bring her dog over for a great play date in our back yard.  Some delivery folks and others going by across the street cause fierce barking.  Bus stop hang-out- bark-bark-bark- if I'm home getting ready I know when it is 7:55 am.

For the record, this dog is a lover.  She is just what we needed, sweet, gentle, kind. She cuddles, goes to her crate and hangs with her peeps.  The electric fence was the turning point to our stress- no more run-away dog. Less concern about our busy corner.  She isn't perfect- see above- but she is doing what she thinks best for her pack- us.  Protecting us, sharing our lives on Newark-Granville Road

must be August!

Last night I was at school- required sports parents meetings. Felt like we were just on the lacrosse fields.  Sally is playing field hockey- as a 9th grade- yay JV and the great big group of girls and their coaches. Peter will be manager/alternate for Boys golf- glad he'll keep working on his game, support the program and be with good friends.  I appreciated the presentation on Granville athletic goals- whole person development- team focus- life skills. Health and wellness up there too- we like a schedule in our lives on Newark-Granville Road.  Welcome August.

Who goes where when how is a bit easier with Clare home to help- two drivers!  Practices and day-time to-dos manageable- thanks to all.  Summer reading crunch- thank you Barbara our helper! And I'm focused on following up with incoming families at Denison- work crunch.  I really do love August.  Looking for any chance to squeeze in a trip to the pool, golf course, drive the convertible- must be August.

Lately when I hear 'What is for Dinner?" it actually makes me happy! This morning I popped out of bed to prep dinner for tonight- Clare's request- Spinach Chicken.  Thinking how to fit in other meals before she heads to college.    The washer is non-stop and we're moving cars around to get to above-mentioned commitments.  I'm soaking it in as our new normal with Clare, not in full-time residence in our lives on NG Road will be here soon.  She had a great summer as a camp counselor- Thank you Camp Alleghany!  Our summer travels were amazing. Joe still traveling for work, mine will take a pause as I focus on campus.  The Hamptons event was wonderful and I loved exploring a new shoreline, beach towns and being with great Denisonians.  I did miss my family but coming home was all the sweeter to the full house on Newark-Granville Road!  August means transition, the warm weather and family/friend events make it special.