Sunday seems to be post day lately. Thanks for reading and sharing the happenings in my life on Newark-Granville Road. It is time for bed but a few reflections from last week as well as invitations for the upcoming week.
Last Week: Yes, I did get some rest. I had to drive to Crawfordsville, Indiana to do so but I enjoyed going to bed early in a beautiful historic home in the country- thank you Air BnB. Peter's visit to Wabash College went well. More as he progresses on his journey. I always benefit from a college visit and was quite impressed with this historic, Midwestern, liberal arts college. Frequent readers know I love a good road-trip! NPR, chat time with my companion or phone time and just listening to the radio with beautiful scenery a nice break from routine!
Joe and Sally took in the Wooster Black and Gold Weekend- so kind of them to host Denison as the football opponent. Joe loved the bagpipes and band, the DU win was nice too! I was sorry to miss but am looking into a road trip north for my own college plaid game day!! Fun to get Joe's report on how happy Clare is and how much he enjoys her friends. Sunday phone call tradition continued and I loved hearing Clare report on how happy she was with her Dad and sister's visit and update me directly on her fighting Scot updates!
Denison Reunion planning getting real: Denison Class of 1989, 1990, 1991 30th Reunion Page On Facebook- please join and check-in! Also we get a website: https://class.denison.edu/1990/ More in the future. Thanks to our classmates for leading and being involved!! Mark and Lauren- you rock.
And how about those Nats! Future Blog post- how we raised a Nats fan. It really has been great baseball and what really makes it special- Peter and Joe's commentary, knowledge and passion that they share liberally. Mother Nature is delighting us outside, The Works art gallery delights inside and many pieces of art showcase her brilliance. https://attheworks.org/experience-art/ I was able to see this on Thursday when it opened and look forward to going back. Bonus- picked up a new pumpkin from the glass pumpkin patch- one with warts to honor our little patch in the front yard!
This Week: World Series- LETS GO NATS! http://business.granvilleoh.com/events/details/candidate-issues-forum-13925 Candidate Night- Granville!! 6:30 pm
LETS GO ACES- Girls Field Hockey takes on Columbus Academy- 5 pm- CA. On Tuesday of course.
Keep an eye on the house on Wednesday- both Joe and I are out of town.....I'm only in Indy for the day- he is working in North Carolina most of the week.
Construction continues and great progress is being made. I'm reminded over and over why I'm happy not to be building a whole house- those that have done it- bless you.
We're heading into transition time- winter sports meetings- check- basketball for Sally, swimming for Peter. It is good to connect with parents and players and start making plans in our Life on Newark-Granville Road for the rest of October and into November, December...time flies, soaking it in on a Sunday.
Sunday, October 20, 2019
Sunday, October 13, 2019
Blessings, on butterflies and on the blog.
October is in full swing and has filled me with so much happiness in my life on Newark-Granville Road. At FPC https://www.granpres.org we're focusing on our blessings. We're using butterflies to capture the many things we recognize God gives us in our lives. I'll use this platform to share just a few of the blessings in my life since my last post!
Time with Clare. Last Sunday Joe and I went to take in the last fall ball play-date game and that was really fun. It gave us a hint of what is to come- it makes me smile that my first outing to the Wooster stadium was for lax. However, it is fall and I look forward to getting there for a football game! Soon grasshopper, soon. Clare spent her fall break week with us, her friends and the oral surgeon- implant process step by step. She is so happy and we're so grateful she has her home away from home at Wooster. It was so nice to cook for her, catch-up and hear and see her happy and connecting with dear ones.
Time with Joe- absence makes the heart grow fonder. He's back traveling which is great- it means he is engaging in the work he loves- helping clients navigate data- over-simplified but truth. I enjoy picking him up at the airport, sharing the Eisner Opening and BoJack Horseman for the stage!!, a Granville date night with his work friends. Bonus was Buxton basement tavern time and Granville brewing. Even going to the grocery today was nice.
Construction- it is getting real, the breakfast nook area is framed and porch coming soon- holes for footers in the back yard. It does mean that piles are everywhere. We're always in motion and actually found a pile of mail from our last clean-up/move things time- Derby! Thank you for the thank yous, invites and oh yes- now we know why the garbage was not picked up- the bill was not paid- eek!
The weekend also allowed me to:
Time with Clare. Last Sunday Joe and I went to take in the last fall ball play-date game and that was really fun. It gave us a hint of what is to come- it makes me smile that my first outing to the Wooster stadium was for lax. However, it is fall and I look forward to getting there for a football game! Soon grasshopper, soon. Clare spent her fall break week with us, her friends and the oral surgeon- implant process step by step. She is so happy and we're so grateful she has her home away from home at Wooster. It was so nice to cook for her, catch-up and hear and see her happy and connecting with dear ones.
Time with Joe- absence makes the heart grow fonder. He's back traveling which is great- it means he is engaging in the work he loves- helping clients navigate data- over-simplified but truth. I enjoy picking him up at the airport, sharing the Eisner Opening and BoJack Horseman for the stage!!, a Granville date night with his work friends. Bonus was Buxton basement tavern time and Granville brewing. Even going to the grocery today was nice.
Construction- it is getting real, the breakfast nook area is framed and porch coming soon- holes for footers in the back yard. It does mean that piles are everywhere. We're always in motion and actually found a pile of mail from our last clean-up/move things time- Derby! Thank you for the thank yous, invites and oh yes- now we know why the garbage was not picked up- the bill was not paid- eek!
 |
| May mail found in October |
- hug a dear friend having a good day in her cancer battle.
- accept a delivered bouquet from a sweet friend's garden with a handwritten note.
- select probably the last of the season's dahlia's at the Granville's Farmers Market. Peonies are one of my favorite welcomers of summer, these tubers usher the season's close so very well.
- I caught up and treated myself at an annual shopping outing in a special friend's home with great folks corralled.
- I cheered for Denison field hockey and football teams all bundled up- bringing out the winter hat a bit early but it works! So many great parents and alums on campus and around this weekend- what a delight to engage and see folks at every turn.
FPC's love shown bright this weekend. The rummage sale allowed me to see true beauty shine- Ellen prepped us to welcome all our neighbors and we did and I was teary. Sally and Peter volunteered in their ways. Our service today was amazing in so many ways and again I shed tears of joy. Our blessings multiple and go into the world making a difference. Giving is expotential- I talked about this at the DU FLC meeting and it is so true for my own life on Newark-Granville Road. Thanks for sharing and making it so with your friendship and support.
Friday, October 4, 2019
Construction or Politics
Which will be easier to blog about this month? That is the question.
Construction- will not go as planned. This is foreign territory for us. This isn't build new, it is remodel, building on to what was here, blending ideas and dreams into reality and affordability with teamwork, partnership and outside expertise and person power. I must focus on the end result and have faith. I must acknowledge the process- daily check-ins and gratitude for creative problem solving. Remember it is an old house and this isn't the first addition. Exciting, stressful, real and needed.
Politics- local. We vote November 5th- here is the page for local issues, candidates and early voting. https://licking.ohioboe.com/election-info/ I'm still figuring it out. Friends are running- thank you. Acquaintences are running- thank you. Friends of friends are running- thank you. Strangers are running- thank you. More women are running- woo hoo! I need to dig deeper. Joe and I met one candidate for the first time- we appreciated his service that makes him a great candidate. Joe and I had coffee with another candidate- we love his enthusiasm, perspective and goals- he too is a great candidate. Here is what I can say on the blog for now- let us all dig deep, lets do what it takes to be informed voters on November 5th or earlier if we vote by absentee or in-person voting downtown Newark- see above link. Lets go to meetings, lets ask questions, lets listen respectfully to others with different points of views. Lets embrace this process, lets honor, respect and create relationships.
Life on Newark-Granville road- real, honest, awesome, not easy but in the big picture it is and always grateful to share it.
Construction- will not go as planned. This is foreign territory for us. This isn't build new, it is remodel, building on to what was here, blending ideas and dreams into reality and affordability with teamwork, partnership and outside expertise and person power. I must focus on the end result and have faith. I must acknowledge the process- daily check-ins and gratitude for creative problem solving. Remember it is an old house and this isn't the first addition. Exciting, stressful, real and needed.
Politics- local. We vote November 5th- here is the page for local issues, candidates and early voting. https://licking.ohioboe.com/election-info/ I'm still figuring it out. Friends are running- thank you. Acquaintences are running- thank you. Friends of friends are running- thank you. Strangers are running- thank you. More women are running- woo hoo! I need to dig deeper. Joe and I met one candidate for the first time- we appreciated his service that makes him a great candidate. Joe and I had coffee with another candidate- we love his enthusiasm, perspective and goals- he too is a great candidate. Here is what I can say on the blog for now- let us all dig deep, lets do what it takes to be informed voters on November 5th or earlier if we vote by absentee or in-person voting downtown Newark- see above link. Lets go to meetings, lets ask questions, lets listen respectfully to others with different points of views. Lets embrace this process, lets honor, respect and create relationships.
Life on Newark-Granville road- real, honest, awesome, not easy but in the big picture it is and always grateful to share it.
Sunday, September 29, 2019
HOCO,BRW, 🏗
HOCO- Granville Homecoming and as always in my life on Newark-Granville Road it only happens with a little help from our friends......Okay a lot of help! With Denison BRW/FLC meeting the same weekend, I'm grateful for:
-Newkirk Salon and Spa- https://www.newkirksalonspa.com Leslie found room in the schedule and Sally spent the afternoon in hair and make-up with friends doing the same. I stopped on Thursday to pay and Sally took care of the tips that day- I hope. She looked stunning!
-Tara, Paige's Mom- Sally's friend's Mom, Clare's friends Mom and my friend- phew- my hero. She picked Sally up at 10 for nails, lunch, fall treats and getting ready. We were able to simply show up for the pictures- in the nick of time!!
-Belts- friend time, debrief time for grown-ups and Denison break time for me. Post dance party site too-yay!
-Kurtz- pick up late night, sleep over AND church delivery- woo hoo!!
-Roofs- driving the kids to dinner, I believe key to the dinner plans too.
And Sally- she made it all happen, partnered with friends and me. We had fun dress, shoe and jewelry shopping. She knows what she likes and is comfortable in her own skin. It shows- don't you think. One of my favorite pics we snapped at...the Newkirks. How fun to have friends that host pictures and don't have kids in this class or even in the high school!
BRW- which means FLC! Big Red Weekend at Denison is Homecoming and Parents Weekend rolled into one- amazing affinity reunions and reunions with families and new unions! Denison families meet and friendships are born. Denisonians from across the decades with shared interest create new relationships. We fall in love with our campus, town and network all over again- it is a beautiful thing. I love all the roles I play and people I see. This weekend had so many great components and a highlight is FLC- Family Leadership Council. This is philanthropy in action and I'm happy to share more in person. A dear FLC member - parent 19, parent of an alumnus returned on Saturday and we shared the day- what a treat! A student's request thrilled Joe and Denisonians united for a history walk. Sports is key to our Denison experience and time with Nan and Mike always special. The renovated Women's Soccer Team Room made possible by the Berlet family is something I'll not forget. I will share that there was much that I did miss- honors for a swim alum, Varsity D Hall of Fame, musical group performances, open houses, baseball and alums and parents I really really wanted to see not to mention a road trip- I often want to be with the away teams. I listened to my body on Saturday and went to bed "early"- sigh. I woke up refreshed and ready for Sunday to connect with Men's lacrosse- always a treat and I'm grateful to be part of our Denison team of teams. Here is a picture capturing special friendships in my life on Newark-Granville Road
And now time for construction! The landscaping is out, the furniture has been removed- the screened in porch is happening! That means new roof and windows for kitchen/breakfast nook leading to the porch. I've always wanted a porch and the time has arrived! No doubt they'll be updates on the blog. Here are the before pics...I can't wait to post the after and even some of the during here to share the fun of construction in our live on NG Road with you. Thanks for reading. Have a great week.
-Newkirk Salon and Spa- https://www.newkirksalonspa.com Leslie found room in the schedule and Sally spent the afternoon in hair and make-up with friends doing the same. I stopped on Thursday to pay and Sally took care of the tips that day- I hope. She looked stunning!
-Tara, Paige's Mom- Sally's friend's Mom, Clare's friends Mom and my friend- phew- my hero. She picked Sally up at 10 for nails, lunch, fall treats and getting ready. We were able to simply show up for the pictures- in the nick of time!!
-Belts- friend time, debrief time for grown-ups and Denison break time for me. Post dance party site too-yay!
-Kurtz- pick up late night, sleep over AND church delivery- woo hoo!!
-Roofs- driving the kids to dinner, I believe key to the dinner plans too.
And Sally- she made it all happen, partnered with friends and me. We had fun dress, shoe and jewelry shopping. She knows what she likes and is comfortable in her own skin. It shows- don't you think. One of my favorite pics we snapped at...the Newkirks. How fun to have friends that host pictures and don't have kids in this class or even in the high school!
BRW- which means FLC! Big Red Weekend at Denison is Homecoming and Parents Weekend rolled into one- amazing affinity reunions and reunions with families and new unions! Denison families meet and friendships are born. Denisonians from across the decades with shared interest create new relationships. We fall in love with our campus, town and network all over again- it is a beautiful thing. I love all the roles I play and people I see. This weekend had so many great components and a highlight is FLC- Family Leadership Council. This is philanthropy in action and I'm happy to share more in person. A dear FLC member - parent 19, parent of an alumnus returned on Saturday and we shared the day- what a treat! A student's request thrilled Joe and Denisonians united for a history walk. Sports is key to our Denison experience and time with Nan and Mike always special. The renovated Women's Soccer Team Room made possible by the Berlet family is something I'll not forget. I will share that there was much that I did miss- honors for a swim alum, Varsity D Hall of Fame, musical group performances, open houses, baseball and alums and parents I really really wanted to see not to mention a road trip- I often want to be with the away teams. I listened to my body on Saturday and went to bed "early"- sigh. I woke up refreshed and ready for Sunday to connect with Men's lacrosse- always a treat and I'm grateful to be part of our Denison team of teams. Here is a picture capturing special friendships in my life on Newark-Granville Road
And now time for construction! The landscaping is out, the furniture has been removed- the screened in porch is happening! That means new roof and windows for kitchen/breakfast nook leading to the porch. I've always wanted a porch and the time has arrived! No doubt they'll be updates on the blog. Here are the before pics...I can't wait to post the after and even some of the during here to share the fun of construction in our live on NG Road with you. Thanks for reading. Have a great week.
Tuesday, September 24, 2019
Pumpkins, pumpkins and cilantro
Plethora of pumpkins- I blogged about it on 9-13-19, Pumpkin Patch Take Over, and feel you need the update. 40 pumpkins- bumpy pumpkins- not gourds- actually warty pumpkins or giving credit where credit is due- SuperFreaks. Agriculture lesson for the day- these have been cross-bred to grow like this. Although smooth pumpkins took time to evolve- the pendulum is always swinging! Figure eights are everywhere- learn more about this type of pumpkin: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/vegetables/pumpkin/bumpy-pumpkin-fruit.htm We harvested 40 and now there are more to harvest- we should probably leave some on the vine to see if we can get them bigger. I was worried about them rotting. We have not had much water AND the dear are taking some nibbles. Happy to share some of the fun growing in our life on Newark-Granville Road!
Pumpkins outside, pumpkins inside- glass pumpkins from the Works. With the arrival of Fall (Autumn Equinox was 9-23-19) this year we pulled out the fall decor and put away summer florals. Sniff, sniff- I do love summer. However I love all of the beautiful, amazing glass pumpkins, gourds, acorns and leaves we have. I might even say I have a collection. So many favorites, enhanced around the house with fabric, wax and other materials. You want your own glass pumpkin or to add to your collection? Visit The Works: https://attheworks.org You can even make your own- sign up on line or give a call! It really is fun to see the glass pumpkin patch! Speaking of the Works- HATSOFF planning is starting- ask me about it- such a nice way to make a difference, be creative and meet great people!
Cilantro- Joe made his Butter Chicken this week and the bunch of cilantro he brought home was bountiful. He has become an amazing cook with his Instapot and his butter chicken gets better and better. Adding more cilantro makes it even better in my book. He inspired me and I added cilantro to my stuffed peppers. The peppers are always different- we went back to rice and cheese for this batch. Why because it was there. Cilantro in the freezer now, some fun recipes in the queue!
Life on Newark-Granville Road- loving the weather, the end and start of the seasons and time together. Getting ready for BIG RED WEEKEND- Denison Parent's Weekend and Homecoming mixed into one AND we host our Family Leadership Council Meeting on Friday. Welcome back and welcome to new members- philanthropy in action.
Pumpkins outside, pumpkins inside- glass pumpkins from the Works. With the arrival of Fall (Autumn Equinox was 9-23-19) this year we pulled out the fall decor and put away summer florals. Sniff, sniff- I do love summer. However I love all of the beautiful, amazing glass pumpkins, gourds, acorns and leaves we have. I might even say I have a collection. So many favorites, enhanced around the house with fabric, wax and other materials. You want your own glass pumpkin or to add to your collection? Visit The Works: https://attheworks.org You can even make your own- sign up on line or give a call! It really is fun to see the glass pumpkin patch! Speaking of the Works- HATSOFF planning is starting- ask me about it- such a nice way to make a difference, be creative and meet great people!
Cilantro- Joe made his Butter Chicken this week and the bunch of cilantro he brought home was bountiful. He has become an amazing cook with his Instapot and his butter chicken gets better and better. Adding more cilantro makes it even better in my book. He inspired me and I added cilantro to my stuffed peppers. The peppers are always different- we went back to rice and cheese for this batch. Why because it was there. Cilantro in the freezer now, some fun recipes in the queue!
Life on Newark-Granville Road- loving the weather, the end and start of the seasons and time together. Getting ready for BIG RED WEEKEND- Denison Parent's Weekend and Homecoming mixed into one AND we host our Family Leadership Council Meeting on Friday. Welcome back and welcome to new members- philanthropy in action.
Wednesday, September 18, 2019
Two Nights with Jane
Jane Heller is one of my heroes. She is an artist, an entrepreneur, a mother, a wife, a friend, a leader, a teacher, a philanthropist, a devoted community member, an all-around good person and yes a Denisonian! I first heard about Jane when I worked at Denison the 1st time- she was the Grandparent Chair for the Annual Fund. During my time getting to know our community deeper, when I was not working my relationship with Jane blossomed. I met her through numerous people and places. When I went to The Works I experienced her art and had the privilege to see her in action. In 2012 Denison awarded her the Alumni Citation- such a special day, I remember it fondly- I was proud to call her my friend and celebrate with her:
https://alumni.denison.edu/citations/jane-carstensen-heller/ I've blogged about Jane and her art in my world many times- when you search this blog you'll find her referenced in 2011, 13,14, 17 and June of 19. I guess that makes this a figure-eight post, round and round!
Lucky for me I've had two nights in a row with Jane. Last night Kendall honored her by naming the art gallery for her. It was a lovely reception that gathered good people. Jane does that- she unites special people together with art as core to the experience. These photos share my sentiments- look closely at the expressions. Thank you to all those that made last night happen. Thank you Jane for being you- your remarks were beautiful, inspirational. You included your friends, you told the stories, you recognized those that share your journey and appreciation- oh Jane you make the world so
beautiful.
Tonight we attended an event as Denisonians. What a treat to be at the Columbus Museum of Art for the Denison Beck Series in partnership with Thurber House as author Tayari Jones reflected on her writing and book- An American Marriage. Jane goes where the art is and today's was amazing. Tayari is a storyteller with fabulous stories. Lucky us, all of us there- dear friends and Denisonians together meeting and engaging with Tayari! My fellow bookclubers know I love to learn the how and process an author has with writing- Tayari did not disappoint! What a treat to share the evening with you Jane.
Life on Newark-Granville road loves every day when I get to spend time with Jane. Thank you Kendal for honoring dear Jane. Jane thank you for being you- inspiring us, uniting us, appreciating so many.
PS- An American Marriage is worth the read AND after talking with colleagues and haring from the author- Silver Sparrow is now on my list to read.
https://alumni.denison.edu/citations/jane-carstensen-heller/ I've blogged about Jane and her art in my world many times- when you search this blog you'll find her referenced in 2011, 13,14, 17 and June of 19. I guess that makes this a figure-eight post, round and round!
Lucky for me I've had two nights in a row with Jane. Last night Kendall honored her by naming the art gallery for her. It was a lovely reception that gathered good people. Jane does that- she unites special people together with art as core to the experience. These photos share my sentiments- look closely at the expressions. Thank you to all those that made last night happen. Thank you Jane for being you- your remarks were beautiful, inspirational. You included your friends, you told the stories, you recognized those that share your journey and appreciation- oh Jane you make the world so
beautiful.
Tonight we attended an event as Denisonians. What a treat to be at the Columbus Museum of Art for the Denison Beck Series in partnership with Thurber House as author Tayari Jones reflected on her writing and book- An American Marriage. Jane goes where the art is and today's was amazing. Tayari is a storyteller with fabulous stories. Lucky us, all of us there- dear friends and Denisonians together meeting and engaging with Tayari! My fellow bookclubers know I love to learn the how and process an author has with writing- Tayari did not disappoint! What a treat to share the evening with you Jane.
Life on Newark-Granville road loves every day when I get to spend time with Jane. Thank you Kendal for honoring dear Jane. Jane thank you for being you- inspiring us, uniting us, appreciating so many.
Friday, September 13, 2019
Pumpkin Patch Take Over
When I've answered the question- what is that growing in your front yard- multiple times, it is time to blog about it. The answer is- pumpkins or maybe gourds! Years ago I chronicled in pictures our first volunteer pumpkin.
We love to decorate the steps of our house in our life on Newark-Granville Road with pumpkins to signal- fall is here. When we're done- we deposit them in various beds for the deer. The first place they started to propagate was the back yard, the vine starting under the pine tree and reaching for the sunlight. Recently it has been the front yard- under the big tree (that fell this year) near the street. The leaf pile nutrients must be good for pumpkins! Sunlight - now that the tree is gone- must be good for pumpkins. We've never had such a full/robust patch and people are noticing and asking.
Today I went into the patch and was able to harvest/pick two bumpy/ugly pumpkins. They may be more gourd than pumpkin- I'm not sure. They're pictured here and on the front porch. Let the fall decorating commence! It feels a bit early but this season has been a strange one- late corn/early pumpkins? We'll see what the Farmers Market has tomorrow. I'll update this post with more information about our front yard patch. In the past we've had a mix of pumpkins and gourds- we'll see what happens this year in our life on Newark-Granville.
We love to decorate the steps of our house in our life on Newark-Granville Road with pumpkins to signal- fall is here. When we're done- we deposit them in various beds for the deer. The first place they started to propagate was the back yard, the vine starting under the pine tree and reaching for the sunlight. Recently it has been the front yard- under the big tree (that fell this year) near the street. The leaf pile nutrients must be good for pumpkins! Sunlight - now that the tree is gone- must be good for pumpkins. We've never had such a full/robust patch and people are noticing and asking.
Today I went into the patch and was able to harvest/pick two bumpy/ugly pumpkins. They may be more gourd than pumpkin- I'm not sure. They're pictured here and on the front porch. Let the fall decorating commence! It feels a bit early but this season has been a strange one- late corn/early pumpkins? We'll see what the Farmers Market has tomorrow. I'll update this post with more information about our front yard patch. In the past we've had a mix of pumpkins and gourds- we'll see what happens this year in our life on Newark-Granville.
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