Sand in my toes Coast to Coast- Naples to Honolulu- Mahalo

 Lucky me, ten days in the sun, ten days with gal pals (one my daugther!), ten days of adventure and beauty. Water water everywhere for swimming, floating and just being in ah...Beaches for soak up the sun time, reading, sunsets and yoga! Being hosted, co-hosting Denison Everywhere, friend time, making memories and ensuring me time! A bit of shopping, strolling, and finding restaurants and meals, and yes drinks- I like Maitais, I really liked the award winning one at Kahala! Tequila was my toasting choice in Florida.  A few pictures to tell the story...not in order- sorry...

Pearl Harbor- Arizona Memorial

Sunset Wakiki

Naples Evening

Perfect morning- coffee watching surf lessons

Naples Rooftop Bar

Naples Sunset

Clare at Work

Surfboards EVERYWHER

Waimea Valley I'm waiving

Uncle Ross Guide/Host

C&C top of Rail Hike

Bottom of Rail Hike!!

Yoga @ Kahula

Last afternoon- rain watch Dolphins

Oops- didn't post the pic of the rainbow....Hawaii is all about the rainbows and we didn't see ours until the cab ride to the airport! I posted the pic on Social Media!! We did have some delays, I guided us to the wrong brewery, it wasn't perfect but boy was it wonderful!

I'm home typing this from cold, snowy Newark-Granville Road. I'm grateful for the hosts, those that made recommendations and coaching for the trip to Hawaii. The full week was something special that will stay with me. Clare and Charlotte's favorite day was our car rental day to explore and go to the north shore! I used Turo and would again- you get local engagement and support- recommendations and support a side hustle! I didn't have a favorite day- I loved it all! We stayed in Waiki during Clare's conference and enjoyed those days. Then we ventured out for Denison Everywhere and stayed there-east side of Honolulu at Kahula and that was so special.

When I go back with Joe I may say lets try for an air bnb- rent the car and go.....public beaaches everywhere make this seem like a fun approch! The Aloha spirit, true meaning of love, peace, compassion and mutual respect, a spirt of connection (per IA generator on safari today) was the theme of my ten days away in both places!

Mahalo to so many that made it possible, starting with Clare. She had a conference and let her Mom tag along! Mahalo to Lori and gal pals for understanding my need to leave early and so I flew from Naples..yes 10 days away- vacation time!! So much to be grateful for on and off Newark-Granville Road, Joe kept the embers/furnace burning at home, the greenhouse still blooming and made it work with points!! Taking vacation, accepting invitations, sharing time and being alone is so important. Flying isn't easy, Hawaii is far....but it was so worth it! I'm happy to be home and happy I went away! Where is your next adventure?!

Check out the Denison Everywhere post for those pics, and of course some fyis/info!!

Dresses in the Closet

 The 2026 project in the Leithauser house is to truly prep an upstairs room as a guest room.  Peter's room wins...why..hmmm easiest to do with Peter in Missouri/Grad School? Clare's room could be it. However it really is my closet and this will take more time to blend guest room closet space. This is our start to be more guest ready!

While  I was away Joe seized the opportunity to empty Peter's room. Now to find a painter! This means all of the clothes in Peter's closet were removed. I sorted through mine and found inspiration for a post!

The Dresses in the Closet are mostly formal wear.  I do love to get dressed up.  In Life On Newark-Granville Road I've shared many of these occasions. You will hear Joe say he wears a tux more than a suit: that says something. A few to highlight that will remain hanging in a closet here:

Plaid Taffeta- flower girl dress and the skirt and top the bridesmaids wore in our wedding. I love the pink, purple, indigo plaid and just feel it is right to hold on to these! They probably won't be worn again but I think there is additional life beyond just my joy in knowing they are there.

50s style dress- costume/themes have presented themselves and this full skirt with crinoline has been fun to don! I did donate a black one- no need for two.

Pink Prom Dress- never worn- feels like a short story or essay. I love this dress. The Young Mens Shop was my go to high school shop. I remember buying it with another one-both for like $100 with no idea when I would wear them. Side story- the white one I wore at least twice! It had sequins, spaghetti straps and a jagged neckline. It was my Hagerstown NYE 1988 Assembly Debutante dress and the Altoona Senior Prom 1991 dress!  This pink one is the perfect color of pink- not too light or too dark, it worked on my skin tone. It is organza like material. The neckline is off the shoulder with the fabric shaped into four roses, there is a soft stripe and a sash. I never had a reason to wear it. It is a miracle it stayed with me, maybe it remained at my parents and was never donated (Mom is not a pack rat) and I eventually brought it home to save? The white dress is not around, no idea it's fate.  I hoped one of the girls would wear this pink dress, but not their style...what goes around comes around and at some point I may donate it to a cause that helps dress those in need for formals. Or maybe Sara will need it for a theater production...we shall see...

Blue and White Polka Dot Pant Suit- not a dress but dressy...loved this find at Ann Taylor in the 90s, wore it over and over and over again...wore it to the first Derby party in Omaha...can't bear to say goodbye. What is a little closet space, until I'm ready!  I did donate a blue and white polka dot dress today...

Green column dress- had to buy it- breast milk during try-on- but I cleaned it and wore it to T&C or Alfretta- it is a classic, maybe someone will want it..similar thought- what is a little closet space for now!

Ice Blue with Black- net/sheer- oriental/asia vibe..found the pic- I wore it to T&C 2008- the theme was Chinese New Year- I loved that party, theme, time in our lives..date nights were so special with three kids under the age of 8 and I wasn't working, but volunteering a lot..also working out a lot...I can't even think about wearing that one again, but it is so pretty- I can't help but think- someone might want to wear it.

The Dress I wore in Sarah&Greg's Wedding! Oh I love that dress..Louisa needs to see it! Maybe someone will wear it to a family occasion! It is two shades of pink, classic style- JCrew! I've worn it here and there but that whole wedding- prep- day and pictures/memories bring/brought joy!!

Black Dress, zipper front, White Colar- bought it at Jacobsons- loved it and wore it again and again- it was the grown up working girl dress for dress up- weddings when appropriate to wear black, dinners. Again it should go- donate or even trash now but...what is a bit of closet space!

These are what I recall from the clean-up time, maybe I'll add more.  Real life happenings in my life on Newark-Granville Road, this cold Sunday!

A Call for a Beautiful Red Headed Child of God

A very special Sunday, a very special happening, call, person and commitment. What an honor to share in the festivities, to witness the love and hear the lessons for Caroline that can touch and help us all. Compassion and love, a call on the heart, a beautiful child of God, nutured by communities and devoted study. Clare with her: supportive partner, proud parents are we. 

Caroline Eader's ordination, a Teaching Elder in the Presbyterian Church! These photos are just a glimpse of the beautiful service and day. Her journey has been quite something.  I'm sorry I don't have a picture of her with family. There were so many tender, sweet, inspiring moments yesterday. We loved learning that Caroline baptized her cat, nine times, as he had nine lives. Served communion to stuffed animals.  We heard bits and pieces and have admired the dedication and commitment. We will continue to do so as she goes forth to serve. The advice and encouragement was beautiful, yes Caroline go home and make pies. Remember your middle name is Grace...give grace to your self, accept a path that can't be perfect and know you are so loved and supported and meant to do this. Thank you for inviting us, thank you to your families for welcoming us and allowing us to share the day, occasion and this life God has called for you, for Clare and for all of us. Yesterday asks us to remember our baptism. We are indeed in our life committed to you, the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Amen.

Denison EVERYWHERE 2026- Destiation Style!

 I love Denison Everywhere!  Steve Crawford (we have such a fun figure eight relationship) launched this in the Alumni office way back when, over 20 years ago...and it has blossomed. Gary Fleisner now leads it and I value his partnership.  I've blogged about it before as I truly find each one amazing- no one better than the other- Licking County (local), Boston, Chicago, two in the Bay Area last year on the same day and of course the year I did two cities thanks to snow and experienced Charlotte for the first time, impromptu and I've been going back to that city for work ever since....this year..HAWAII!

Where will you go Denisonians? Friends, family, alum, admitted student families...it is such an inclusive, special fun event for our fair college on the hill and our lives on Newark-Granville Road!

Matt Stoner is helping again in Orlando- thank you!

Parent and Families are activily involved- thank you! In fact another great destiation approach is Puerto Rico: https://engage.denison.edu/e/denison-everywhere-san-juan-puerto-rico/  Fellow Denisonian and Mercerburgians (??) are hosting in the

Charlotte Mattimoe '23 is joining me as co-host in Honolulu...we're taking vacation and going along with Clare who has a conference!!  https://engage.denison.edu/e/denison-everywhere-honolulu/

Suggestions for our rather short trip to this amazing destiation- please reach out!!Know a Denisonian going to be in Hawaii - encourage them to join us...note there is also one on  Kailua Kona!

Questions, thoughts about Denison Everywhere- let me know as well- it is fun to wear two hats with this important Denison engagement activity in my life on Newark-Granville Road!

Feb 1, 2026 Update:

We did it- yay Gary and Denison team and all the hosts....and participants!! 107 locations around the world!! Woo Hoo...Honolulu's was a blast and I'm glad I took the vacation time in Hawaii..I missed Charlotte, Chicago, San Fran, Boston...Utah...where to go- never easy to decide as DU parents are EVERYWHERE...so this year it was great be an alum and partner with Charlotte! Amy G's advice to vetnure beyond Waikiki was spot on and our location so lovely! We're grateful to each person that made it to ours for a group of 18! Class of 1968, 1976-we toasted his 50th reunion, the connection of Denisonians remeeting from high school with many connections, young alums and guets, great conversation and questions and a great deal of pride in our alma mater- or their kids alma mater!  We loved watching the first DE in Australia, and the other pics post, news from Granville and Joe at the Lot, then ours...the last- okay one of the last another Hawaii Island had an event too!! I loved that Dave and Kara Owens - my era alums and recent parents- surprised me- they were on vacation and joined us!! Woo Hoo- let's launch Denison Everywhere Destination!! I'm thinking next year I'm in Puerto Rico?!! Stay tuned....

Honolulu Hosts- Charlotte '23 and Susan '90

Parents- reconnected- high school!

Honolulu Crew!

Puerto Rico - woo hoo Parents!!

Orlando- hosted by Matt '91

Who is more excited about Sally Turning 21- Mom or Sally!?!

 

We did it- Sally, the baby turned 21! All three kids are adults and we could not be more proud! On her actually birthday- I took myself out for margaritas...cheers to sally and THANK YOU to all that helped raise our kids with us in our lives on Newark-Granville Road.  When reflecting and posting pics of Sally over the years so many great partners were included: grandparents, coaches, neighbors- Kristy Pfau took Peter to pre-school- I didn't have to leave the house much during those early winter days!  Marcia at the Works, Janice and LOGOS TEAM- Sally that bead needs to come out of your nose..Okay...Jennifer Barton, Beth Havill- oh my the plans we had for all the kids - who goes where when how and how do they eat....Who didn't help us..And over the years we've added more friends and neighbors who have supported this dear child who is now a young woman!! THANK YOU and CHEERS to all of us! 

Keep shining and smiling Sally, our epiphany baby!!

12 Days of Christmas..25-26

Keeping Track of the 12 Days of Christmas on Newark-Granville Road....will post as we go....

With 10 days of travel in December I was further behind than ever, even though I'm one of those people that likes to shop and wrap and prep in December.  I do love to buy gifts, send gifts, delight by finding the right gift, but it can bring pressure and hosting and...the ands of December can be tough.  Which is why I truly do embrace the 12 days of Christmas...and this year we...

1st Day 25th- had a nice morning- kids agreed to 10:30 am for stockings and gifts...but they all joined us for breakfast prior...corned beef hash this year in our lives on NG Road! We prepped our contributions and headed north to Apple Valley where Scott and Ann hosted us in their beautiful home base with 2 of their three! We played games and enjoyed a delicious dinner.  We soaked in the fun of Christmas Eve (quite a few ups and down NG road to church- I could not get the time right, beautiful to be around our table with Love-Fullers, missed Esme, ice skating..tradition!!!

2nd Day 26th- Leithauser Christmas continued...we prepped our contribution and headed northwest to Definance and Archbold! We stopped to see Jim's grave and say our prayers of thanksgiving and soaked in the peace of his resting place. Photos added on the blog post about Jim 10/8/25. Then well over 30 Gisels assembled for games and the wonderful meal of ham, cheesey potatoes, and so many other great homemade yummies...Caroline's mac n cheese- two days in a row- bonus- strawberry pretzel delight...yum!  We stopped at the G&R tavern...kids do not remember being there, I remember a tight diaper change in the restroom!

3rd Day 27th we stayed home, rested, read, addressed cards, wrote thank you notes..watched Netflix....looked at pics, made Mom's calendar....

4th Day 28th - westward ho....Indy for Butler/UConn game at Hinkle Fieldhouse, dinner out with Peter, a hello to his Indy family, a visit with Clare and Caroline's Harper, an overnight at Bottleworks Hotel- wowza.

5th Day- 29- tour of Sally's semester apartment, soaking in time with Clare and Caroline...drive home, focused time on procuring bed! News of dear Don Haven's passing: https://www.hoskinsonfuneral.com/obituaries/don-haven  Such a legacy, a life, inspiration, and dear friend to us in our lives on Newark-Granville Road.

6th Day-30- woke up sad, missing Peter, time with a full house, Don's death and other sad things- grief in cycles, figure eights....so Sally and I went and donated blood!   but, I had my first reaction and just didn't feel great...my fault didn't eat breakfast, travel....spend the rest of day resting, taking it easy- so much for house projects!

 7th Day- 31 NEW YEARS EVE- YOGA- ahhhhh quite a bit of yoga with Karen this holiday...ahhhh  Last minute giving....and a fun time with friends cheering for the Buckeyes, ringing in 2026 and sharing Amy's birthday- for a bit....lovely way to wrap 2025!

8th Day January 1- NEW YEARS DAY- pork and sauerkraut, and black-eyed pea dip, and pickled herring...and Amanda brought delicious collard greens...add peas, some cheddar cheese and crackers..and topped it off with ice cream cake to honor Sally's 21st birthday at home....a lovely day of setting the table, organizing a bit, reading, relaxing...and ending it around the table- traditions. Oh yes, we toasted this special milestone with champagne, good champagne...recognizing the important mantra- open the bottle, share the bottle- cheers to Sally, 2025, thoese we lost, friendship and 2026!

9th Day- January 2 Sally move-in- early departure to unload two full cars with the frieght elevator, Clare's help and Lucy joining us! The bed we ordered did not arrive for pick-up, so off to Ikea! Joe had only been once for a pick-up. I had gone with Clare, Sally had never been...Clare was our guide. We were successful and came back to the apartment ready to set up a cozy bedroom for our girl. Joe did get lost and we giggled many times..making memories in Indy!  Lucy a trooper, taking on her first elevator ride, city walk and cross state transportation since she arrived in Granville seven years ago.  We made it home making it about a 12 hour productive day...off Newark-Granville Road.

Sadly while on the drive news of another important passing, Ann Fryman. More on Ann's legacy and hospitality and support of us....I truly feel like heaven opens up, energies pass and change, evolve with Don's going and Ann's I'm feeling that energy is in play here.  https://www.newarkadvocate.com/obituaries/pwoo1373770

10th Day- January 3rd  Yoga ahhh and then focus to support Don Haven's funeral which was wonderful.

Don planned his service and Wallace and family executed it beautifully. The speakers shared important, special stories, reflections and themes of Don's life recognizing he will be missed, he left a legacy and my take away is the funeral assisted us in understanding, feeling this.  Nadia answered the question, how can we help, what can we do...which we all offer as an act of comfort...and she said- we can't do what she truly wants- her Dad back. Her call to us was to serve, as Don did. He showed up, he shared his love with action and valued family, community, country, education, church, faith and friendship. We laughed, many of us cried, we nodded in agreement and thought about Don's life and all he meant to us and the world. He also recomended financial gifts to The Don James Award- GHS Scholarship and First Presbyterian Church of Granville- links in the obit!  I also wanted to include one of Don's articles and since it is book club tomorrow, this one felt like a good one:

https://www.newarkadvocate.com/story/news/local/granville/2024/04/25/you-know-im-right-the-joys-of-reading/73363736007/?gnt-cfr=1&gca-cat=p&gca-uir=true&gca-epti=z113201d00----v113201d--32--b--32--&gca-ft=153&gca-ds=sophi

Thank you to all that attended, we greeted and it was so good to see you. Thank you to Don for asking us to be engaged, connecting back to how our relationship blossomed, as Elders, in service. Life on Newark-Granville Road is better and inspired by Don and his family and his friends and his service. We know you were right Don!

11th  Day-January 4th  Church, prep for return to work and a busy month...Christmas...time to get the gifts out from under the tree and put some things away....

12th Day- January 5th- Sally's first day, back to work for us, Bookclub- wonderful book club! We dicussed Margot Singer's Secret Agent Man- Essays- "braided"together- her word from a talk in September with Amy Butcher about this book.  We all loved it, are glad we read it. We're inspired by her courage, wit, intelligance- lucky to have her in the community, at Denison. It was a nice discussion and then catch-up with dear friends.

January 6th- Epiphany and Sally's birthday- extra special one this year!! Twenty-one, how can this be...

That is a wrap- when will the tree come down...hmmmm

At book club we talked about how people use to journal, record all the comings and goings in notebooks. I use my photo collection to remember who was where, where was I, happenings...and this blog.  Thanks for reading.

12 Days of Christmas, of reflection, of documenting...living- lucky me to be living and sharing it with so many people. It has been  a lovely wrap and start to the year- 2025, 2026- wow..I remember 2005, 2000, 1986, 1990, even 1972 Februrary- my first memory...and I know that isn't guaranteed either- it is a gift to make the memories and to remember them, but it is truly important to make them.  Life on Newark-Granville Road lives in the light of Ephiphany, welcomes all that come, join and share, thanks for reading.

Leithauser 25-26 Holiday Card- HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Designed by 
Brenda Yingling!

Leithauser Holiday New Year's Greeting Card 2025, Welcome 2026!

Happiest of Holidays to all of you and a Wonderful New Year! 

Updates on the kids, they’ve been on the move!

Clare:

Moved to Indianapolis with her partner Caroline! They’re living in Broad Ripple and doing all the grown-up things: buying a car and associated insurance, adopting a dog (welcome Harper)! 

Clare still works for SEIA (Solar Energy Industry Association) traveling the country!

Peter:

Peter- Moved to Cape Girardeau, MO. He is a Graduate Assistant, studying for his Master's in Higher Education Administration and working in Sports information for SEMO.

Peter enjoys spending time with his Wabash buddies and stays in touch with them via fantasy football leagues, video games, and occasional visits.

Sally:

Kappa Alpha Theta House at DePauw was her home 1st semester, 2nd she will be in Indy! She loves DePauw, the field hockey team, and her friends.

She will have an internship as part of her Management Fellows program in the Human Resources department of Kite Reality.

Susan and Joe remain happy in Granville as their home base and enjoy traveling to see the kids and friends in special places. We have enjoyed playing golf together and with others - either at Licking Springs Country Club, Denison Golf Course or while traveling! 

Joe had a very good first year building Aplos Innovation with his partners. Next year is shaping up to be even better! Joe finished his second year on Granville Village council. He continues to enjoy his time with his fellow members as they wrestle with the challenges that growth brings.

Denison has Susan on the road meeting with fantastic families and cheering on students on the stage, field, pool. GO BIG RED! She enjoys serving FPC as an Elder and attending Newark Rotary.

Lucy is hanging in there and is looking forward to hosting her two and four legged friends for save the date…Derby 2026- Party- 4:30 start May 2, 2026!

Life on Newark-Granville Road has had ups and downs, we share the real on the blog. We will visit Jim's grave over the holiday with the kids and share a prayer of gratitude for such a beautiful life and legacy.  We'll visit the Archibold Christmas activities, a gift made there in honor of Jeff.  His smile was a delight, and he lives on in his children and grandchildren. Grandma Shirley and others highlighted in the blog or that are in your heart remind us to be grateful for the grandmothers, aunts, uncles, cousins, friends and our time together. Read all about it in earlier posts.

Take time today to smile, visit family and friends and soak up the joy of 2025 and look forward to 2026, we hope to see you!  Thank you for visiting the Blog!