We went to Rio, de Janerio....

Life on Newark-Granville Road has had me singing   Peter Allen's I go to Rio... actually my own versions for weeks, and it will continue....I was going, we were in Rio and now it is...we went to Rio...de Janerio...

We also went to Belo and yes I change the lyrics with the tune..Belo Horizonte...no one goes there- that is what the flight agent told us, but we're glad we went! And by the way Anthony Bourdain went and his episode there was inspiring!!

So why did we go to Brazil? Joe had work and needed to go and is so glad he went. The highlight of the trip was the people, simply amazing new friends for me, stronger working relationships and connections for Joe and for the team there for Aplos! Yay!  And we love exploring new places and traveling together.

Bonus- we flew via Orlando and took some time to see Matthew- yay! I had been in Orlando the week prior for work and had time with Matt, Grace, Karen....yes, yes, yes I know how fortunate I am, 2026's travel has already been remarkable and one for the record books.

Pictures below..capture the sights...but they simply can't tell the full story and share how the senses were all delighted. Our sunny beach day was absolutely incredible- it felt like the most beautiful place I've ever been. I was high on happy and delight- felt like I needed to be pinched.  Part of the beauty for me was true vacation and well deserved vacation. It has been a full Q1 with search, FLC meeting (that could not have gone any better, one of the best yet, love how they build), and the usual work for my role...so rewarding but...it allowed me to savor being "off" and away.  Due to safety warning we left our phones in the safe and really disconnected.  Update- we were never in danger and always safe. Rules to always follow: stay in well lit, tourist areas and be smart.  So I didn't take as many pictures, I was in the moment. But, thank you amazing travel companions Ashley and Ian for taking so many of these- you've got an eye!  Thank you for being great partners!

I also had me time, the gray day on the beach gave me contemplation and ah-ha time.  I've always recognized I see both sides. Sunny beautiful vibrant Rio was amazing, but so was rainy, gray (still warm) Rio- the various shades and degrees created a flip side stunning too. I read and read and read...airport and pool/beach time- ahhhh- also end of afternoon rest time, after being out walking all over Belo time, Joe working time. I swam once in Belo and every day we were in Rio- yes in the rain!

We loved the food- the beer (Brahma) the drinks (Caiprinha-lime and passion fruit), the bubbly wine, the cafe in Rio for breakfast was a dream. The cheesebread and then the cheesebread waffles...yes it was that kind of trip- everything got better and better!

We loved the people- so gracious- very little english- very little- but Google Translate did the trick in so many ways and places! We shoped, we walked and walked, explored, toured the fort with nothing in english..still need to google that history...we traveled, we vacationed, Joe and Ian worked, we supported the work, we talked and rested, we went to Rio and Belo in Brazil..da-da-da-da....

These pics start with Orlando time with Matt, then boarding the plane and bonding with baby Jesus..then Belo- Ashley and I found so many great places and it worked for a team dinner. Lele recommended the best restraurant, connected to the AB episode chef/guide!! we loved our sweet hotel, depsite no pool, we found a way for an afternoon at the pool! The Market was a treat and the park and the museum, and the shops, and the gelato, our church landmark!

RIO!

Please let me know if you have any quetsions. We want to go back, we think our family will love it!

Friday I'm in Love

 FISH FRY FRIDAY...Fish Fry Fridays....if you know us, you know we love this! Back to the post about love and community, that could be this post's title too. Today is Joe and my 27th wedding anniversary. Today we will go to the fish fry with dear friends and then enjoy Denison Bluegrass! You can too- tickets easy, and fish fry- be prepared for a wait tonight- first night is always big.  Part of the fun! All of this brings together great community!

Mercersburg Community is also uniting and I'm reflecting on my Dad as I shared memories of Irvine Memorial Chapel with the school.  The chapel will be 100 in October!  

Chapel and Spirituality - Mercersburg Academy  I just watched the video on this page and found it lovely!   My early memories of the chapel are driving to hear the carillon on Sundays. Always a beautiful drive, the back way via Welsh Run, my Mom's home community, not really a town! Seeing the chapel in the distance a treat. I was fortunate to attend Mercersburg for two years and always wanted to get married in that chapel. It was a beautiful ceremony and day in 1999- cold but wonderful.  Lots of posts about our anniversary, search the blog!  Anyway- Happy Anniversary Joe and Happy Birthday weekend- woo hoo!

The chapel video took me back to a video Joe and I watched this morning- James Talarico- running for Senate in Texas and a presbyterian seminary friend of Caroline and Clare's.  I appreciated his thoughts on the separation of church and state, and beautiful insights on Christ's call to us, again a reflection on love and community! YG_62419_60014_WO_EN_tch_MRN_Vid_Res_1920x1080  Interested in watching- this is the link!

Okay, time to go to work, soak up the sun today, it is a beautiful day in our lives on Newark-Granville Road and a happy Friday!

PS- Friday I'm in Love

Flowers and Cocktails

 I love fresh flowers!

I bought the wood ones at Trader Joes and they're okay...better than nothing...but oh how happy this single rose makes me.  Two photos to share, Denison red striped Works vase- a desk stand-by.  And then the little Don Julio bottle, brought back from a great girls night roof-top outing!

It is Valentines Week. Valentines Day isn't just for Lovers it is for People you just Love! And things you love, like flowers and a fun cocktail! Yes, Scotch and Soda is my go-to cocktail. I'm a Scotch gal (highlands single malts, Dewars), but I have really enjoyed appreciating different spirits- tequila, rum, bourbon, even the cellos- limoncello!  Noble Cut has played a role in all of this and I can't believe I don't have a post on this before now!!

Noble Cut Distillery  Joe and I have enjoyed watching their growth and evolution. We've enjoyed fun times with friends and learned something new with every visit! We encourage you to go!

We invite you to join us- Saturday, February 21st- reach out for details, but know we get a tour at 5 pm!

And since I mention it, I do have to say the Cellos are so fun! These are all natural, no artificial colors or dyes.  I received the Basil Melon for my birthday- yum- it went so well with the crabs..Again, lots to learn and enjoy from Noble Cut- the DanHatten, the specialty cocktails, the food, the VOhio....so many stories.

Life on Newark-Granville Road, loving the love this February 2026! Cheers.

Love of Community & Family

Granville Rec Community Center Survey  Susan and I believe deeply in the need for a Community Center in Granville. We believe being together to play games and exercise is critical for mental and physical health. Hopefully we can hear as many community voices as we can, and this survey will help. We're also open to talking to you in person to hear your thoughts! I remember coaching Granville Rec basketball at 9:30 pm on Thursday nights! Gym time will not get any easier as we continue to grow.

Our logic: where do we go to see and engage with community- across generations, beyond church? Concert on the Green is one place, 4th of July activities another. We are now empty nesters, we use to have wonderful engagement with our children's sports and we miss it. We hear about no space for middle-schoolers, birthday parties, or places to simply play games. Denison has limited access for sports and exercise and closes when they are not in session at the holidays. The high school team has runners running in hallways vs tracks during these cold days. Fading participation in some sports for girls and yet cuts in others feels connected to our lack of a robust HQ. Office space for our Rec leaders so they are engaging with the activities and citizens.  Communities need intentional places to unite and connect. The library is one place - a place that was part of Granville's heritage. Now it feels the challenge since it is one of the very few places for Granville's kids to gather.

Please take the survey- the questions ask about funding- what are your thoughts public/private partnerships, tax, memberships- lots of information to help community leaders take next steps. Our life on Newark-Granville Road is better when we're moving and together!  We're one big family and families play together.

And family, Newark-Granville Road Family.  As promised in an earlier post, here is the information on Ann Fryman's life and service.  https://www.mcpeekhoekstra.com/obituaries/ann-fryman  The memorial service is on Valentines Day, a day celebrating love. This is the perfect day for a woman and family that loves community and supports community. We are grateful we had Ann in our lives and share this beautiful home to raise family on Newark-Granville Road.

And Happy Birthday sister Sarah- the best Valentine my parents could give us!!

Valentines Day isn't just for lovers, it is for people and places you just LOVE!

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!!