Tapping the Happy

Naming a post can be the inspiration for the word flow or the most challenging part of the exercise in sharing sentiments from life on Newark-Granville Road.

I've had a few ideas for this one, the first being..."Confessions of a repressed Nittany Lion fan". Tapping the Happy feels bettter.  Allow me to unpack and share...

First- we spent the weekend in Happy Valley! What a treat to be invited to attend the OSU v PSU football game.  Dear dear friends the Kranichs reached out and we made the decision to say yes.  The weekend wasn't ideal, we'd miss a festive and important Granville/Denison weekend- BRW.  Then we found out Clare was coming home on Saturday evening, but we've always said when great tickets are offered and you want to go...you say yes!  Joe had never attended a game in Beaver Stadium and it has been on our list of things to share. 

Me, well this was my first college football experince.  We moved to Altoona, PA my junior year in high school.  It felt like moving to the moon at the time and was quite a disruption.  However the people, and expereinces, many orchestrated by my mother, made a lasting impression with lasting relationships. I was very fortunate and I know it.  I remember joining the love of the Nittany, one was attending a Temple/PSU game with Chris, the boyfriend I met at the lake, summer job..the boyfriend that extended through senior year with a long distance relationship...so it probably was 1989 when I first felt the energy of Happy Valley.  I remember returning in the 90s visiting from Michigan for the unbelievable snow bowl- the flight was part of the fun. It became what I compared every college game day experience- Nebraska- Lincoln and away games, OSU...even Notre Dame...all great in their own way...but your first is special!

We love State College, not just for the game day antics, but also the shopping, restraurants and friends. My father designed a hotel there- The Atherton- it is now a Graduate! Joe bought my engagement ring at Kranichs and continues to be a repeat customer.  It was quite the place we'd go as teens wanting the college trends! This return visit was one for the history books and deserves the post and truly made me happy.

Being hosted in someone's home is a marvelous treat.  Sharing it with family all the better! Matthew was with us, just as he should have been. Matthew and I naviaged our high school transition together and it was his class that welcomed me and our group was pretty special. Yes, we reflected on many happy gatherings with those folks over dinner on Saturday night.  Ashley and Charles made us so at home and we're grateful for the care and hospitality. Being in their home having everything orchestrated wiht such excellence made for a very happy weekend!

The game itself was one that didn't go the way I wanted, we wanted (okay although Joe was wearing blue as we were in the helmet stripe section that required it he was cheering for the Buckeyes)..the game kept our attention which is what you really want.  Beaver Stadium is electric. The student section unrivaled in my mind, I was quite impressed.  It made me happy to be there.

The tailgate- again- happy the waking up early, the perfect Mburg mug, the great people and introductions...we met a Granville neighbor...saw ESPN Gameday and FoxFootballNoon show sets, the perfect bloody mary with pickle juice- oh my- the tailgate breakfast items- oh my- stickies on a grill- the energy again, the simple happy energy.  Stepping back to think about all over America people doing this on Saturdays...being happy and festive...it is purely American and it is fun and it made me happy.

After the game, although disappointed, we walked the campus, into town and gathered at another special restaurant and caught up and connected.  A treat to be with the Kranich's daugther (one of the twins that shares a birthday with Peter) and another Camp Alleghany gril...the connections are never ending and it is why it is always good to be together.

We wrapped up the weekend driving home through Altoona, taking a drive by the house and the places that carved the end of highschool and shaped my launch.  It was there I made the decision for Denison to be my home away from home and important relatinoships anchored the decisions and provided the support.  I'm lucky, the reflection to my past, taps my happy.  

Life on Newark-Granville Road, getting away gives perspective and I'm grateful for the invitation Charles and Ashley, the hospitality and the time, this weekend and all the memories that let us jump in and connect to tap the happy.

Moundbuilders Country Club is Moving

 If you read this blog, you know Moundbuilders Country Club is my happy place.  I never thought over 20 years ago I would love a place as much as I love dear ole MCC.  Life on Newark-Granville Road valued the place to teach the kids to swim, have a place to go when I was home with three kids, play tennis, eventually this is where I learned to play golf. It was the go to date night and where we met fantastic friends. We were welcomed and connected to catch-up, share, listen, cry and celebrate. It is where we've lived, a home away from home. We've served to- you get what you put in- Joe is on the board, we've interviewed, oriented, coordinated and planned and refed the swim meets!

The Club is now moving to the Trout Club. We're in transition and we're helping! We know this beautiful picturesque place will become our new home away from home and we look forward to what this chapter brings. Change and transition isn't easy, it isn't without tears and emotions.  Today we participated in some planning and were rewarded with a rainbow!

Please consider being a member if you are not, or want to return!! Ask me about it- I can get you the details.  If you are a member now I hope you'll continue to be part of our MCC family- what will our new name be- to be determined- again transiton and change!

Dates to know:  

Wednesday 10/30- Transition Celebration at the MCC location 6 pm! Live music and a last gathering!

Sunday, 11/10- 6 pm- Member Open House- tours, food, drink, entertainment!

Life on Newark-Granville Road is so grateful for all the family time at MCC!

Out of order, but taking the time to remember...september!

 September...do you remember..dancin the night away, found the love that we shared....never was a cloudy day....a few stand out lyrics from the Earth, Wind & Fire song that connect to my September!

Highlighting so I don't soon forget:

Sept 1 was Amanda Love's birthday....what fun to gather a great group and walk to Station for coffee and gather to celebrate this special neighbor/friend who makes life on Newark-Granville Road special. Life is better when you are friends with those so close, and I know- we've been lucky before and are happy to be lucky again with the Love-Fullers in our lives.  Amanda loves to celebrate others and unite good people all accompanied by good taste and Joie de Vivre, so it was fun do honor her big birthday.

Then we had:

Labor Day at MCC- Seafood Fest and last pool day...my happy place- savor savor- ahh the memories!

Then went to see Sally, as I had the good fortunate to attend the unveiling of the statue for Senator Richard Lugar, DU alumnus and hear Condoleezza Rice speak! The timing worked out as I was able to hold Sally's while stitches were applied to a field hockey injury- she is okay! Love the love of her pals.

Mike Trigg's book reading at Gramercy was on a Thursday and really is important, poignant and just a lovely evening! The next day I flew to Oregon for a full weekend that included vineyard time, Nike Tour and cheering for the Big Red Football team with dear Denisonians! Breakfast with Kathleen wrapped it up- quality Denisonians!

Book Club- its own post

Chicago time for Amanda's solo exhibit at Patrician Gallery in Wilmette, then Michigan girl time- a float in Lake Michigan

Nnew career shift- Joe on his own- thank you Infoverity (picture is Day Two of truly Work from Home)

Then the final Ladies Golf League Outing at the current club location- lucky me to play with Carol and Susan Litwiller!  This group has taught me so much, I've grown to love this sport all the more and grown in my confidence to play and enjoy it.

Then Family Weekend at DePauw- where Denionians unite...we're so happy Sally is so happy and we do love college town memory making!

Then Martha Hit 300- it's own post!

Then Family Weekend and Denison and FLC! We had BRW early as Joe hosted Steve Fruit and Pete Wintoski for golf...this year BRW is more Homecoming and happening in November, Family Weekend a stand-alone event focused on Families- brilliant Julie and so well executed!

Then Clare had a birthday to launch October....future post about October fun with focus on family!

Life on Newark-Granville Road appreciates, savors and celebrate what keeps us moving and happy!

Cabi and Dresden Commercial Break

Thank you for supporting this!!! Dresden party still open!! Cabi closed but if let me know if you have interest or contact Roanne directly!! (sunday 10-6 update)

 I hosted a Cabi party last night- what is Cabi- Carol Anderson by Invitation- clothing sold in homes- hence the invitation part.  I've been buying Cabi since I arrived in Granville in early 2000s....took a break, then loved the opportunity when hosted by Vicki Sugar and our Cabi consultant was her dear friend Kay, who came from Indy.  Kay retires and Roanne picks up to support our shopping!  These types of sales rely on people opening up their homes.  I like to support these women and I like the clothing.  My house was far from clean last night but I tied up, opened some wine (sent sister in law for Prosecco), and said- let's shop and connect! It was lovely.  If I didn't invite you I'm sorry! Thanks to those who did rally to join! September has been a whirlwind of work with some great travel- Sally/DePauw post later!! I've started a list in my organizer/planner of people who love Cabi- new names!  Side bar- communication- again- how to keep up with text, emails, messanger/social medias...I admit to not doing a great job.  How did I do it when tracking high school kid schedules?

AND BONUS- Beth Ann- dear Dresden rep- has added to our fun. She did it at her Cabi show and it worked, so we tried it last night! Dresden and Company- hooray for the relaunch/reinvent of Longenberger and keeping this special Ohio heritage and work going.  There are many special pieces, great gifts, and delicious food items! Take a look....

Here are the shows- Cabi closes on Friday, maybe Saturday, if you miss it Roanne can still help you, and let me know I can help you too.  It was so fun to Facetime with one pal who missed the show.

Life on Newark-Granville road- kicking off fall by decorating the house and myself! Thank you for sharing the fun and support!

https://www.cabionline.com/collection/clothes/

https://dresdenandcompany.com/order/P8177/?u=bethrower&event=P8177

Ann modeling my coat- woo hoo!

Martha hits 300,000

Martha hit 300,0000 miles- woo hooo!

This car has only been with us since 125,000 but we love her! She took the kids to college, she road triped on vacations then could drive the family and extras around. Love that third row! She is a truck picking up kegs and flowers for Derby. Life on Newark-Granville Road is what it is with Martha!

This is also Martha II- search the blog for that story about Martha I.  It really is a testimony to what a great vehicle the Sequoia is! I'm hearing we should share this with Toyota and will add that as a to-do!

Thanks to Amanda and Brian for being in the right place and the right time when she made the odometer turn- we had fun, we celebrated, we chronicled the milestone!  We drove around the IGA/Granville Market lot so we could see the 299,999 turn to 300,000  Seven Four Zero was open- kind-of- and helped us enjoy a treat on this special day!

Summer's Light, Summer People

Summer 2024, it isn't over but it is entering the closing chapter. Summer 2024 is this for many things in our lives on Newark-Granville Road.

We've tried to soak in every moment we can at beloved Moundbuilders Country Club.  The "club" will continue as it acquires the Trout Club in Newark, Ohio and moves operations there. The Trout Club is historic, picturesque with much to offer, it will be a good era and Joe and I will be supportive. We'll look forward to it, but now we're here embracing, honoring, remembering and being with the mounds and the trees and the people. Moundbuilders has been our happy place, our escape, our home base to make friends, be with our family, take time for us, grow and learn, compete and be us. Yesterday I golfed with friends, new and old, relaxed by the pool and floated on a hot day- it was a very good day.  Today I may work on my game at the driving range and plan to hang with friends pool side for as much of the day as I can.  Next weekend we'll say our final goodbye to the pool. Club time- meals on the patio, drinks in the 19th hole, celebrations and golf time- we'll savor that into the fall and winter.

Joe's parents are closing a chapter in their lives of independent living, a reality that means they are alive and engaging, meeting great great grandchildren (baby Alden was born in June). Joe was there last week supporting the process so many friends have been and are navigating- it isn't simple or easy- and is prompting more serious conversation between Joe and me. Scott took over and delivered Jim to a 2nd place for recovery and Nadine so we know they are safe and have care. Further transitions coming later as summer comes to a close.

Summer's light is magical and beautiful.  Summer 2024 has taken me all over this incredible country:

Chicago, Boston, DC/Maryland (twice) Jackson Hole, WY, and NY (twice)! 

Joe is in Spain as I type- all of these locations are work travel and because it is summer we've added a day or two for R&R!  I'm still having challenges making photo additions in Blogger, photos coming soon. But highlights to chronicle, images I'll want to share but for now capture here:

1. Chicago- an outdoor/indoor space a lovely location to welcome the Class of 2028 and a launch relationships by region.  Popping in at a new art gallery and seeing Amanda Love's beautiful work as well as other artist on exhbit- pieces that stay with you- ceramics and fabric and Amanda's medium- paper/book/thread!

2. Boston- the happiest doggy host- seeing a student in action being the perfect co-host with his mother. Being welcomed into these homes is such a treat! These two trips were back to back and didn't allow for much time to see friends (in new places Charlotte- but I'll be back) but were special as I do value traveling with co-workers and enjoyed the time doing our work- new work, renewed work- summer welcomes!

3. NY- Ithaca- Cornell- Parent Fundraising Conference- what a privilege to attend, present and be with my people- the people that do what I do and inspire and teach, support and engage in important ways.  The host committee takes on this extra work in service to our industry and one another. What a delight to visit this special community, historic and evolving. College towns are a favorite place and this one did not disapoint- the dairy being a highlight! The drive to MD was bonus time- seeing the PA scary bringing back high school memories of my college tours and summer jobs.

4.DC/Maryland time- work but family time too! We golfed FHCC, we ate crabs twice, we sat on Michael and Mom's porch and at the white table, we took in a Nats game that included a concert- nothing like singing a long with family and friends with thousands of others. Seeing Clare's new home with Caroline a highlight. Again a creative work event to welcome the new families to Denison, a literal ice cream treat at this one!!

5. Jackson Hole, WY and Idaho- we drove the pass, bought Scotch- and checked a state off the list! This trip deserves its own post. Social media photos don't do justice but enough friends have commented about what I shared that it did a bit. The Tetons are magnificent, the grandeur- all with a National Park at its core. Of course what made it special- the trip was stewarded by Denisonians- Lauren and Blair Haarlow's home and hospitality- wow, wow, wow- hiking, paddle boarding, just being in that beauty with the pups, and electrolytes, delictable meals and time together- a summer highlight for sure! The Gunsulus embraced the idea of a Denison event last fall and made sure every detail was attended to- including what side of the plane to secure for landing. Oh my I do love to fly and this was something like no other the approach into the National Park- oooo- ahhhhh- every minute of time in this area is just a gift. Forty-One Denisionians united to catch-up, connect and meet, hearing from Adam Weinberg just how special Denison is now and what makes it so- philanthropy and understanding who we are what we can be. As Adam says so well- there is a DNA in Denisonians- always has been, currently is Oh Class of 2028 you are special. I'm so fortunate to share the transition and launch with you as families. 

6. Back to NY for the last of the welcome parties. I went solo for this from a staffing point of view, providing bonding time with volunteers- student and alumni- the backbone of the college. Again seeing new places always something I value, Bronxville and Yonkers- that Hudson River is something that always gives me pause. Extra special is being invited into a home and a family ritual shared- for us it was watching the olympics- summer 2024 what a delight! This Denison/Denison host couple shared some pretty special Denison items - again an honor to be in their home- and experience the legacy.

7. Back to DC for a personal trip- just over 24 hours to celebrate dear Louisa and her sweet 16! How is our baby at this milestone! We explored new parts of DC- Georgetown and Foggy Bottom the destination. Call it a summer fling- I loved reading, walking and being together to honor our dear girl! Insert perfect picture or even video of the surprise reveal- aunt Susan is here! Family time is always a priority on Newark-Granville Road!

There was also time in Columbus with Denison Welcome and great colleagues. A treat was time with Terry and Mark Morowski- Denison alum alum couple and parents- one grad and one current- their messaging to the new families was spot on and worthy of repeating- oh that is too bad, what are you going to do? The reminder to me and all of us to listen, we're here, we're listening.  Joe was with me on so many of these trips and I'm lucky to have his light and ear, hand to hold.

Yes 2024 was a summer of travel and coming home the best part! Coming up is Portland, Oregon to watch the Big Red take on Linfield in Football! Chicago and Michigan will round out the season in special ways. The pull of wanting to be home and away a constant in this life on Newark-Granville Road. The transition time- back to school and fall sports, vs summer's pace and call- the fuller house and the empty one. I type with Lucy snoozing in the morning sun, the windows and porch all open with cool air and bird chatter- this is summer and it is wonderful on Newark-Granville Road.

I added people into the title of this post, summer provides much light and energy, opportunity and place but it is the people that make it special. The people that host, open homes, welcome, share, reflect and care. It is the people I've spent time with on Newark-Granville Road in July and August that I say thank you for making the light all the brighter.

Continuum of Feelings Today- Peter Launched

 August 3, 2024- historic day- the day Peter left home for his full time work.  Peter is driving to Indy to see friends and then tomorrow checks-in for a year long commitment to work in Sports Information at Central College in Pella, IA.  We're proud of him for discovering the role, being hired and navigating this exciting time.  He will be compensated with a stipend, free housing and meal swipes - it feels like a great way to tranison into the "real world"!  One might say he is "adulting" however I don't really like that term- the activities associated wtih this term are just responsiblities we all must accept as we age.

And age we all do, or hope to do as this is living and life is full of beautiful wonderful things that improve as we age!  As sad as I am to say farewell to Peter, I had a good cry on the evening of our last golf game at Mounduilders together, I am also thrilled for him, and excited for these new stages for all of us. The power of And in play, the continuum in action- happy and sad at the same time- but the overall feeling is great peace knowing we're where we are all suppose to be.

Typing this entry helps me process. Sally's arrival home from camp is a happy cure for the glumness connected to sharing goodbye.  I'll be motivated to plan the trip to see Peter in his new surroundings.  Visiting college towns is always a delight and 'Pella feels like a great destination.

**Sally is indeed home safely and had a wonderful summer at Camp. I'm proud of her too- good day to be a mamma on Newark-Granville Road. Pictures on social media- having some tech issues with Blogger.