includes cows!

One of the things we love about living where we live- the cows.  It reminds Joe of his home town which is a small western Ohio community.  The cows remind me of my great uncle and aunt/cousin's farm in Maryland near Funkstown.  So today I walked Griffey down toward the bike path and two cows came to see us.  And then one more, then three more and slowly but surely we had 19 cows at the fence just watching us.  We all just stood and took one another in- I found it interesting.  When we turned to walk home, they followed up, some romping along the way- again interesting.  I'm not going to even attempt to understand or analyse or explain- I'm simply sharing as these are things that happen in my life on Newark-Granville Road.

Pomp and Circomstance..

I posted on Facebook- "It is a beautiful day in the neighborhood"- on Saturday and indeed it was. Not just because the weather was gorgeous, but ceremony, tradition and Sunday best were everywhere to be seen!  It started with the Opening Day Ceremony at the Ball Park in Granville. Granville Recreation District did an awesome job and all the volunteer efforts paid off.  The fields looked beautiful and the kids in their bright new uniforms made it all the more special.  The beauty was just on the surface, the mission of this program was alive in well as each child was enthusiastically introduced. The only time it happens during the season, they were able to run and give the Columbus Clippers Mascot a high five while running over home plate- all ages enjoyed it- the t-ball preschoolers (I sooo remember and loved those days) to the big kids- older than Peter....we're not out of this yet!  It was my first time being able to attend this gathering and I loved seeing friends, the food that was provided- Yay LMH and City BBQ plus the GRD staff.  We'll be spending a lot of time at the ballpark- at least Peter will be his team plays 3 games a week and he is participating in the new Sunday League.....we'll see if I'm as happy and positive in June! he he....

While doing some errands I had the good fortune to catch a glimpse of beautiful brides maids at the UCC church downtown and see their faces as the bride arrived for the photography session. What a sunny fantastic day to get married in Granville.  The next stop was a quick meeting with a friend who was loaning me some items and we decided to meet at St. Ed's Catholic church....again luck was on my side- it was First Communion Sunday....ahhhhh beautiful kids- hopeful and proud of themselves- the Spirit radiating in all directions- the pictures in front of mother Mary, the carriage ride (how smart mom!!) filled with little girls in white with friends and family....even the cutest, most mischievous kids in town were glowing in job as they peaked out the minivan to say hi!  I was feeling blessed indeed.

We wrapped up the night with Town and Country- dressing up ourselves with a time period of the 50s-60s and New York flair.  Joe's white dinner jacket and tennis bow tie were a hit.  He is so dapper and makes my heart pitter patter every time we get to enjoy these date nights! I love a full skirt and high heels- the scarf over my head, applied red lipstick and a ride in the convertible I was transported back in time and feel quite glamorous.  The group honored Pete and Jean Ullman as they led their last first dance- it was bitter sweet time.  My parents treated me to dinner dances like this with The Assembly Club and misc events growing u- ahh Mrs. Burtner's dance class in middle school- what a delight it carries over into my adult world.  I'm grateful for the leadership, commitment and structure that continues to allow old and new friendships to take in this pomp and circumstance and enrich our lives on Newark-Granville Road.  Saturday, April 27th was filled with a reverence to the past and a hope and preparation for the future and it was beautiful.

Run for the Roses Party!

Yes our annual Derby Party is back....our Valentine Card with invite had a typo- argh!  Derby Day is Saturday, May 4th- how is that a week from tomorrow? Wow!  The photo to the right shows our weekend this weekend....needless to say all the of the "before Derby" projects are not going to happen. Oh Well!  We host this party to connect with friends and connect friends to one another and kick-off summer as best we can!  Once invited, always invited....We hope you will sip a julep with us....bonus points if you wear a hat!  Bite size food is a nice to bring- we'll have juleps, Yuengling, and lemonade....some wine of course too. The weather forecast at this point is sunny but cool so dress appropriately.  We have two bands under the tent this year- woo hoo!  How nice is that- people who want to share their talent at this gathering!! Still figuring out details but know we'd love to see you with or without your kids- your call.  Our kids love to host their friends. We will have some sitters to help keep things happy.  Warn your kids  no pony rides this year....stage and tent take that budget item.  Love watching kids bring their lax stix, play with the riding stick horses, etc...

Lots of good work is going on that day to benefit our community and Janet Gregory- thanks to all involved in that and the Great Granville Yard Sale.  We admire your work and look forward to welcoming you to break time and toasting the effort with a beverage!

Derby started well before our life on Newark-Granville Road did!  I started this with Ellen in Omaha, it continued in fun forms in each city. The arrival of children took it to new places and the reality is each year is unique!  Can't wait to see what this year brings...cooler weather in the forecast- one year it snowed...everyone think blue skies and bright sunshine!! Friends and family included, someone new to town- please bring them- we'd love to meet them. Parking is tough consider walking/drop off/bikes...let me know if you have other questions...and again- Saturday, May 4th (not the 2nd darn typo) the 139th Run for the Roses!!  anytime after 4pm!  Have something else come late, we're here until Sunset....

summer is calling.....

Summer is calling to me...what does that mean to you?  For me it means longer days (June 21st is one of my favorite days of the year), warm ground, cooler air in the evenings (hmmm maybe why I LOVED the feel of the Senegal desert), warm dew on your toes, the rich colors- things sparkle- the blues, the reflection of light off water, the deep green of trees, the many shades of green (more so than spring which I love now- the greens are popping!!) it means carefree time, learning something new, relaxation, more friend time, more time to just hang out and have those wonderful conversations that develops friendships.  It means mowing the lawn, the sound of multiple mowers is like a concerto to me. It means floating, exercising more- I prefer to exercise outside, hot pavement, tents- at camp, and for camping.. it means TENNIS...ahhhh....I could go on and on....

Where do these thoughts take place.....the back yard, the lake and on vacation....but for me most happen at MCC. Moundbuilders Country Club.  I'm so happy we met wonderful new friends one evening at The Works HATSOFF Event in like 2004....Craig Baldwin met Joe Leithauser in the courtyard and talked to him about the many wonderful things in Licking County- including MCC. And the rest is history.  The next year for reasons I'm not going to take the time to blog about we joined and I've been grateful ever since.

It isn't perfect.  It isn't the club that I grew up- FHCC is pretty amazing but not perfect either. It isn't the Lakes where Joe's brother's family belongs with highly successful swim team, tennis and social events, not to mention sophisticated and luxurious golfing....but know MCC provides all the things mentioned above and provides a summer home that I adore.  I also enjoy it year round (love being greeted by staff that are friendly, know my name and embrace the kids)  but the nature of my life on Newark-Granville Road is to love it all the more in the summer.  I'm a huge fan of swim team and so grateful it is something that "is still offered"....my home town club had it gone for awhile. Again I could go on and on about the beauty of what summer swim leagues offer but I'll stop.  If you'd like to share a drink or a phone call with me I'll explain more.

I ask you to consider joining MCC.  There is a wonderful promotion happening right now to make it a great time to do join.  I'm happy to give you a tour myself, arrange for someone else to give you a tour. Lets meet for lunch or a drink and give you a taste of our fun.  There is an event on Saturday, May 18th- Spring Fling- non members are welcome to attend and experience the warm, social, happy atmosphere we offer and meet others that enjoy MCC.  We'll tell you the truth, give you the reality but also let you share the joy that calls to me each summer.  We'd love to have you at our table.  If you're not interested in joining, but want your child to have a swim team experience non members may swim-my hope is you'll reconsider and want to join after the first week- but know there is a meeting May 1st in the evening about swim team.

My amazing Tuesday evening reminded me of my happy summer days...thanks Lori and Nan....MCC friend's our time is coming soon!  Interested in learning more or joining- let me know!!  Past blog about communication gives you details on that- you can always call me at The Works- 349 9277 ext 234- I think I forgot to mention that...Lets continue to enjoy Spring and not wish it away...but summer is calling on Newark-Granville Road.

Communication with me....

I was a communication major at Denison and it must explain why I find the way we all communicate today so fascinating.  How many ways can you reach me?  Phone- land line, Phone- cell, Phone- text, Phone/Computer- email- work and home (home indeed has 3 different email addresses that will find me), Phone/Computer-facebook....reality is Twitter and other apps/social sites are not ways I utilize for "communication".....I'm talking you need to ask me something and I need to respond.....oh yes old fashioned mail and of course the tried and true in person conversation.  Work phone and work email are really for work but good in case you really really need me between 8:30 and 5!

So life on Newark-Granville road reality- here is the reality of the effectiveness in communicating with me via these ways:
1. Phone land line.....reality is our land line hard ware is on the way out- we can only use the one speaker phone in the kitchen so actually talking to us is a. a small chance you'll actually talk to us live. b. difficult to hear.  We did manage a nice conversation with my parents Monday night and it was fun to hear Peter tell Pap all about the plays of the weekend's baseball game.
Oh and if a child answers the phone they are suppose to say" Leithauser's residence, this is (name), may I ask who is calling please?  Let us know what you get...they use to be soooo good!!!
2. Phone land line- answering machine.  It may be days until we get the message- hard cold reality.  I did manage to pick up a message today and respond- woo hoo and it inspired this blog entry....
3.Cell phone- no doubt the best way to reach me live and via message...probably the same for Joe- want our cell phone number- leave a message or track me down in one of the ways described here...not going to post here because alas telemarketers now finding their way to that number- arg....
4.Email via phone and computer- I still prefer to read my email on my lap top at home..but having it available on the phone is handy....good way to reach me.
5. Cell phone text- pretty good- but they can slip through the cracks and I'd love help in identifying people who are texting that aren't in my contact list...or are doing it via email and it comes up all funky...Text from 7469181751-want to run tomorrow?  How do I reply-  maybe if I figure out who this is?  Your number isn't identified to me, who is texting please..... Love to know what ya'll are doing....
6. Phone/Computer Facebook- not a bad way really- probably higher odds to reach me this way than land line voice mail... he he.....not always reliable though....
7. Letter- pretty good chance it will make it to us- but no if you send us an invite and we havent' RSVP- good chance it got lost in the papershuffle of our lives on Newark-Granville Road....amazing.  However I do really appreciate the old fashioned letter. I received the most beautiful card yesterday and I'm grateful for sooo many reasons.
8.In person- love these- love these- it is one of the reasons I like to get out and about...I love the person that stops by and we chat....usually I'm on the run but know I value the in person high- the pause to talk via the car window.....
So there you go- I need to get to work- it is a special day- tonight we thank our volunteers- it is National Volunteer Week and I have a lot of people to thank!!
In the meantime keep talking and communicating with me- it is what makes us as humans so special and it is the secret to all success!!!  All these ways will be applied to invite you to our Derby Party on May 4th when we enjoy those in person catch-up and chats!

Time to cook the sausage.....

OAAs..standardized tests.....Joe woke the kids up with "remember the 2nd a is for Awesome!"  He is the one who started the ritual of sausage and coke for breakfast on OAA days....he did this while I was in China....so guess what the kids look forward to this time of year and these rituals.  The sausage is cooking and they're happily bantering in sleepy voices.  It makes think back to exam week at Denison. I loved the change in schedule and pace. The study days and reflection and review of what had been learned and if I got it I loved the chance to test myself.

I hope everyone has some awesome in their day and has some sort of ritual to kick off the day.  And that is a little glimpse into our life today on Newark-Granville Road.

Lets Do it Again.....

What an amazing weekend, so little of it actually planned.  We had the basic structure- Denison event, kids sporting, church but none of the nitty-gritty.  In fact some of the nitty-gritty was mixed up....I had hoped all 3 would be singing in church this morning but it wasn't to be baseball tourney success put Peter back on the ball field and a birthday party slumber party let me be the nice Mom for Clare and it all worked!!

I had quality one on one time with everyone including Joe and even me!
Here are the highlighted take aways:
Sally- we had quality church time.  "Tend my Sheep" was beautifully joyously sung by the InJoy Choir with two flutist, Ryan on the piano- it warmed me from head to toe to see those angels- each and every one of them- not just Sally singing that piece- heaven is on earth and it felt so wonderful.  The whole morning was lovely at FPC but it was singing the piece with Sally leading me in the car on the ride home that will stay with me and I will do over and over again in my mind.
Clare- Lacrosse- she loves it.  She had a good first game- didn't score but made attempts/shots, hustled, ran - you'd never know she was on silly happy girl sleep deprivation.  While I was packing up ready to go so we could depart to do a one car family trip to Peter's game- she ran across the field with an excited anticipation and hope the same in her voice when she asked: Coach wants to know if I can stay to play in the next game?  The answer was "of course" and with that she turned and flew back across the field almost skipping. I settled back in the warm sun and chilly air comfy in my Ugg boots and winter coat and scarf to watch these active strong confident girls put a win on their record with Clare on the team.
Peter- I posted it on facebook and will repeat myself here.  Peter left Saturday morning at 7:45 (OK 7:50 we over slept- eek) for Dresden and baseball, played an afternoon game as well with exciting plays and activities and wins.  Sunday was another early chilled game at 9 am with a return to Muskingam County for a 4 pm game and 6 pm game.  I made it to Peter's 2nd game in the 2nd inning- they lost but rallied and kept spirit and performance up for the 3rd game.  At this point Joe and girls had departed for meetings, homework, week ahead tasks.  I cuddled up and watched him where he loves to be- on the field, with his team, accepting coaching corrections and encouragement.  The 2nd game resulted in a win with a medal and all but the happy moment for Peter was remaining behind to watch the last game of the tournament- the championship game.  He wanted to see the strong team that had beat his team go on to win the whole thing. He watched and cheered with a quiet contentedness and respect that touched me.
Joe- quality time with Joe was a simple dinner out at the Granville Inn on Friday night. Friday night was wonderful as it included the reverent Mitchell Center dedication that put us in touch with Denison pals near and far, old and young. Sitting in the pub savoring the delicious new and special menu items and catching up like we use to do with much more frequency was exactly what we needed and launched a wonderful weekend of quality one on one time.
I capped it off with a little quality Susan time- a warm tub complete with fizzy LUSHbathbomb, fun book and Yuengling in a wineglass.....ahhhh....the weekend wraps up on Newark-Granville Road relaxed and reflectively happy.  There were a great deal of other happy interactions with friends and coworkers and places - the weekend was full but these are the highlights.  There were also some stress moments but the cream rises to the top and these are worth sharing on the blog tonight. Thanks for reading.