Milestones in Maryland

Louisa and the Christophers provided a beautiful day in our lives (off) Newark-Granville Road. Joe and I traveled to Maryland to celebrate Louisa's high school graduation. St. Paul's School for Girls provided a lovely ceremony and Sarah and Greg capped it off with a divine luncheon. We're so proud of our niece and goddaughter!  

Family time enhanced by being in Maryland with Mom and Michael, and of course I always love seeing the pups: Remmy, Birdie and Vanna!  The screened in porch the idea location for work and watching Big Red Baseball!

WOWZA to the Third! Three National Championships Now!

I posted about the special day March 23 was, and so it feels appropriate to share June 4th's fun, joy and inspiration! But truly it isn't about a day, or a team or a season, it is about a program.  This is what Coach Deegan says in this article:

Big Red’s golden year continues with baseball’s first NCAA title | Athletics & Recreation

The win was dramatic, the journey to the championship was dramatic and we watched every pitch we turned in for...we loved sharing all games- in Granville and Cleveland- especially that opening day in the outfield with the Craft Beer Society! And this has been the case for years- since Peter's birthday party and those players were so sweet signing the little boy's baseball party favors! Something changed when Nan Carney-DeBord '80 (AD) hired Mike Deegan. And then we blended into the program too. I was able to support in my small way as a colleague, Joe and kids volunteered during playoffs. You will find many blog posts include Big Red Baseball mentions!! We're grateful.

The baseball families are amazing, the coaches, staff, the alums. It is great to see such success happen this year- they deserve this championship and the fans are grateful we're part of the program!

Bright Spot: Cookie Mom - The Reporting Project - Covering Licking County, Ohio  FYI- my last post inspired me to submit a Bright Spot and ta-da- published!

Google, search, follow on social media- so much amazing coverage- including an interview with Cookie Mom Carol Ann! Enjoy  Hat's off to Coach and the whole program:

Good Things Happening on Newark-Granville Road

Delivery....entrepreneurial Denison alum, young alum, re-establisher of the Wine Society- Tatum- launched a business/ a product.  Something fun and needed. She has shared the journey on social media and I'm all-in! Help me spread the word and support this young woman please!

Delivery on Newark-Granville Road!  https://tatumlouise.   Check it out, and yes spoiler alert- this could be your next gift!  Congrats and well done Tatum and crew, thank you! #Denisonproud

Book Club- I so appreciate our "Discussing Books at CVH"group....last night we affirmed why we read, the discussion allowed me to value the read, our classic Änother Country and I just enjoyed the company, time and setting with lovely women. They also allowed me to tune in to Denison Baseball- it was the last few innings of the 2nd Elimination Round for CWS...and we won! They shared the delight- truly a special night.

Yesterday was one of those magical days, simple day really but each component such quality it is blog worthy....Granville Yoga- oh my Monday morning 6 am- best way to start a day or week- Karen was our sub and is an outstanding instructor- such a gift to experience her class.  Denison Retreat at the Columbus Library- this place is so special, beautiful, providing inspiration, access to so many things beyond books, but oh the books, the wonderful books! They even have a shop- I bought cards and new stickers for my computer!! The Topiary Garden - such a treat to walk through there on my way to our post meeting happy hour- Gemut Biergarden. What a treat to sit outside and soak in the great setting, delicous food and bev- Prost!  

Back to Baseball....what a run...Friday night's loss was sad, we tied the NCAA run streak, but we're still dancing! Saturday, Sunday each had a win and yesterday- Monday- two wins- wowza! We're now 49-2...and in the finals of College World Series DIII! The come back in yesterday's 2nd game was something- the energy...I was watching on devices at the retreat and at book club- sometimes you can't be completely in the moment.  (I did shut my lap top, put down my phone for most conversations/presentations).

What a treat to be in Eastlake Friday, Saturday and Sunday! It all worked. The Tailgate for Fridays game was work- the very rewarding work: meeting families, welcoming alums, catching up...not the outcome we wanted, but that is baseball. As metioned before parents of alums, back and connected, is such a treat of my role! I also squeezed in time to see Amanda Love, working in Cleveland on a special residency! Joe drove up and on our way to the hotel took a stop at one of our foundational relationship places: The Tree House in Treemont! Cheers to us and a stop at the place we felt the spark, the energy that led to the question...do you like golf?! Back to baseball....

Saturday was the ideal day for baseball- sunshine, more people including sitting with Joe, energy and obviously a commitment to get a W...well done boys of summer, well done! We drove home happy and hit the golf course. Walking 9 with friends in wonderfully bump-in timed way! LSCC is one of those Good Things too-walking nine wiht Joe is always a treat, playing well makes me happy and then stopping in for a drink- good things indeed. Home to cocktail hour on the porch with CHEESE from Mass...thank you Jill!!!....steak dinner with Sally.

YES SALLY IS HOME- she had an amazing trip to Amsterdam with her team, playing in games and clinics, watching and expereriencing this beautiful place and culture- well done DePauw Field Hockey/Athletics, well done! She started her Summer Internship with AEP yesterday...good things, good things!

Back to Baseball...I could not stay away and Sunday I hitched a ride with the amazing assistant coaches from Swim and Dive and took a day trip wtih them! We laughed, sang, shared and got to know one another. We cheered on a great W and met more amazing Denisonians in Eastlake. We enjoyed Nora's outside patio and yummies for a late lunch in Willobough before making the drive home. THANK YOU drivers and Denison friends, thank you.

Yes, not all days are perfect, not all things are perfect. We're thinking about Nadine and her health and not being at home. We're grateful for great care providers. The ups and downs are certainly better with time, talk, walks and cheers...and maybe a few beers...Life on Newark-Granville Road-Play Ball!

Few pics from the good things above:

Sing out loud, Play Ball and eat Cookies!

 Take me out to the Ball Game...we sang during the 7th Inning Stretch at the Super Regionals this year..thank you!  What a magical night in Granville...weather had us watching at 9 am on Friday and 7 pm- under the lights on Saturday! All generations joining the fun and adding to a beautiful spirit- it truly felt like a park setting- kids playing pick up games in the batting cages, the creek bed and townies and grandparents watching with joy. Oh the wins, oh the drama...oh the come backs...Denison baseball continues to CWS- again....read all about it:  Denison baseball hopes historic run ends with NCAA title (May 28, 2026) | University News   So grateful for the families that engage and delight and share these special times.  Cookie Mom, you are the best!

Memorial Day is always special in Granville. The parade- or what should be called a promanade or walk...band, groups with patriotic engagement, and our elected officials/leaders make their way through town to the cemetary. The program is always meaninful and reflective. We sang America the Beautiful, all three versus with meaning that touched me and allows me to reflect on how fortunate we are in this life on Newark-Granville Road to live this life in our country and those that served, fought, sacrificed to make it so.

Summer is trying to arrive- golf, a swim, lake time with family are activities that bring joy. Cleaning the attic on the rainy day- not so much, but important to do too.

Cookie Mule...lucky me...

I answered the phone, when the Denison operator calls, I answer. "Is this Susan I know from the ballgames?: said the voice I recognized immediately- a loyal parent, cookie mom, Carol Ann with the New England accent. Carol Ann was trying to ship cookies for the super-regional games and needed an address. She found me. I immediately agreed and gave her my home address. We didn't want to track down packages or miss a delivery due to summer hours!

The cookies were delayed, so we made the right call. 5 pm- a 5 lb boxes full of homemade cookies were on my porch! Saturday, I found my contact, made the delivery during tailgate time.  7th Inning Stretch tradition continued- homemade cookies in the stands and dugout! 

Thank you Carolanne for baking, caring, shipping and instructing. Thank you Denison parents for all you do- while your students are here and beyond. It is a special family, and it shows- the team's success, the energy at the games from all those in attendance...and cookies make it all the better!

Off to Cleveland/Eastlake tomorrow for more baseball- College World Series- Carol Anne is driving from Boston, the cookies will be there!

It is May, full and fabulous May 2026

 Work Hard, Rest hard....

Blog inspiration, poof....

Beautiful week, weekend, time in between blog posts...

It is Sunday, it was a magical weekend- Denison Commencement, Denison Regional Baseball, time with Joe and people we consider friends, Denisonians we met four plus years ago, last week...the Inn late night, the baseball field watching an amazing season...continue...https://denisonbigred.com/sports/baseball the magical walk-offs, the energy....it really is where I relax,kind of, but just love the time...and truly love how Denison celebrates Commencement.

Then there is time at the Hirsh Barn- Global Commerce Lunch with senior families, a grad party here, there and the Cidery...working Commencement- oh my shout out to our division for excellent work in prep and execution- calm, cool and staffed so well! What a treat to engage and support and share this milestone, Class of 2026- you will be missed but you are ALWAYS DENISONIANS...our paths will cross and thank you parents that want to remain involved- you inspire!

and reach out to 2030, and even athlete 2031 has started, so comforting this time of year...

Life on Newark-Granville Road, sad, grateful, comforted, celebrated...and then time to golf- 9 holes two Sundays in a row..flower delivery and making dinner with Joe...Sunday ah....the porch is ready, the plants are finally there! Church and honoring high school seniors, working on volunteer projects- Rotary Awards and FPC Nominating...

Life is full and rewarding, emotional and calm and oh so beautiful!

Last weekend's mother day, symphony, dinners downtown I could have blogged so many times but I've been involved and working and away from the blog...but Life on Newark-Granville Road soaks up the time and moment to relax and unwind and be in the moment with Denisonians and friends and us!

A few pics to document the week, weekend, etc...

The Journey to & Derby...2026

Monday- WEDDING planning Zoom Call with Clare, Caroline and Rachel! Interviews, FLC Remote Meeting! Nominating Meeting...I slept well!

Tuesday, interviews, Rotary, and Session

Wednesday- all day retreat, toured Knobel Hall and King Center (WOW!) and RETIREMENT fun- thank you Granville Concierge, Colleen, Amy and MG Team, and the Inn....we honored a dear colleague as he prepares to retire!  

Thursday- all day retreat, welcome Efriam- house guest from London! Nail appointment (wish I had gone to the musical- can't do it all)..Granville KiwanisTENT up!!  thanks!! Eve of Eve!

Friday- Derby Eve: Early Birds Breakfast- Tradition! Prep day, a bit of rewarding work....Jane Heller Art Exhibit opened at Otterbein, Sally home and Shabbat prayers...pick-ups: flowers, baked goods, kegs (Granville Brewing, hello Pinto and Yuengling of course!)

Saturday- Derby Party Day: Senior Day Baseball, Michael Kennedy Art Exhibit opened at Sullivan building, lunch delivery by Sally, Ann and Caroline making their deviled eggs, oh the eggs- fluffy with bacon, with caviar, on beautiful plates with Heisey and roses...so impressive! Cold year..but no rain..Everyone who came, thank you, thank you, thank you!!  We sang happy birthday to Philly Joe! You wore your pretty coats and dressed for the weather! Historic race. Great help: Reuben in from Texas to bartend and produce delicious mint juleps, mint delivered from neighbors, Sam on betting duty, delicious food- procured, picked up and all shared- baked goods, the country ham....Tammy the Whiskey fairy- a new addition- tastings of Highbanks and Joe's stash...BANDS- MUSIC- Millstone Group: a Denison Roots Music group, Austin Finley- so good!! Flowers procured Friday, placed Saturday, and brought in due to frost Saturday night. (oh and Clare ran the Indy Half Marathon that ended on the Speedway- very cool!) So fun to add the "she said yes, newly engaged into the mix...see earlier post!

We loved it, we loved it- thanks for the messages from those missing, we missed you too. 

Lucy Loved It Too- her Godmother lavishing her with love.

Sunday- minor clean-up, debrief, omelettes with country ham and cheddar cheese, frost with the horses!

Pictures share the story...look at this year's flowers, roses that opened as they were purchased for the retirement party, the moment of a first sip of a julep in the grad gift cup, strawberries the real ones, Jammie Dodgers, Brazil, global fun...Susan's Lily dress- designed for her! Another beautiful first Saturday in May in our life on Newark-Granville Road....

She Said Yes, Clare Proposes....and Caroline Proposed...and She Said YES!

Sweet Clare and Caroline, our dear daugther and future daugther-in-law...

There is so much to share:

-how much we love this dear couple, our daughter and of course and Caroline- see post on her ordination!

-the cute story of the proposal, well done Clare with a surprise, going early and beautiful ring selected!

-plans!!! They'll get married in Indy at their church- Second Pres, are looking into spring dates, with the understanding it will be a full season of milestones and blessings for us: four graduations in the Leithauser Stoner group!  The Monday after the news, the gals and the moms convened to start planning. C&C have great ideas to keep it simple. Rachel, Joe and I are looking forward to supporting this launch of their marriage!

-if you read the Derby Post you read that we added the fun of celebrating the engagement into the party! Just a nod, look to next year's party to encorporate wedding touches!!  We're so grateful C&C made the drive to be with us for the party and allow us to congratulate them in person!! Thank you to all who honored them, lots of bubbles˜!! Cheers to the love on Newark-Granville Road!

Update- Caroline Proposed and Clare said yes...more soon...I can't wait to see her ring!! Harper was with them!!

Fun pics:

More fun pics- Clare said yes....