Leaving Legacies

 https://www.newarkadvocate.com/obituaries/pwoo1448570

This is the link to the obituary for Sarah Davison. Sarah's dedication to girls sports in Granville was like non-other. We're grateful for all Sarah and Tim did to support our girls, all of the teams before, during after our girls played. She set a beautiful example and provided love, care and cookies that mattered and made a difference.  Rest in Peace Sarah.

https://www.hendersonvanatta.com/obituaries/Linda-L-Dimon?obId=48049992

This is the link for Linda Dimon's obituary. Linda had a direct impact on me, by being welcoming and encouraging. She was always happy to see me and made me feel welcome. She encouraged my work at The Works and then beyond. She too set an example for the world, leaving a legacy and the world a better place.  She will be missed.  How can she be gone?  Prayers for those close to her, her family. Steve also always makes me smile...what a gift.

The beautiful sentiment "May Her Memory be a Blessing" comes to mind here for both of these women.

I'm not Jewish, but value and benefit from Jewish lessons and faith- Blessings of Skinned Knee example in our life on Newark-Granville Road...I found this article by Sharrona Pearl to help me apply it today: https://www.tabletmag.com/sections/community/articles/may-their-memory-be-for-a-blessing

Make someone feel seen, loved, affirmed, welcome today to honor these women, I will. And those that do so to me, thank you. Thank you Linda and Sarah for lives well lived. Your memory is a blessing, as was your life on Newark-Granville Road.  Thank you for living your faith and being truly philanthropic. You used the resources you had at your fingertips to make the world a better place (Melinda Gates), it worked!

Thank you Easter Bunny....Bwock Bwoack

 Stoner kid fave- Matt, Sarah, Susan- no suprise it was part of our family Easter text this year.  I sent the video of it to the full family group text as the next generation needed a reminder- so I believe.  I wonder what they think.

No real Easter Bunny to thank this year, new stage and phase and a lovely one! We were invited to church in Indy at Caroline's church- Second Presbyterian on Meridian- such a beautiful place, a big one too! It was a lovely service. Clare and Caroline did a great job with a lovely post church brunch, mimosa, waffle, casserole, fruit salad, Clare's sourdough, treats galore. Harper was such a good pup and we enjoyed time with Caroline's Mom and grandmother, and our Sally!

Drive time- up early and home not too late, podcasts and magazines and catch-up texts with pals and family. A simple and sweet Easter, making new memories in our life on Newark-Granville Road.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oxe7pAeRA3s   And if you need smile here is the commercial! Bock Bock at the end!

Derby Party 2026 Leithauser Annual Run for the Roses Party

 It is April 2, that means one month to Derby!  Here is what you need to know and we want to share! We'll continue to update and add to this! Saturday, May 2nd- always the 1st Saturday in May

1st- Once invited always invited, yes bring a friend or family, let folks new to town they are included.

2nd-4:30 pm start, post time: we do watch the race, some will stay in the yard and not watch, yes we place wagers- see below.  End time- dark-ish- every year it is different.  Read past blogs about the party!

Next:  Reuben is coming back- hooray- we do love the partnership with a bartender, it started with Emily- ahhhh....

Dress- yes we'll have on hats and be festive- sometimes a bow tie or Joe, or a jacket, sometimes not, I'm usually in a sun dress or equivelent...boots to ward off the rain. I have a new fun LILLY dress this year! But anything goes- you get to define Derby attire and for some it means what they wear to muck out a stall, to cheering or playing tball!

Drinks and Eats:  if you have a certain drink you love, bring that in a to go cup, or wine- we'll have some but run out- but we will have two kegs- Granville Brewing YES it continues..go to Rays Rays..Yuengling, and Mint Juleps Reuben style, lemonade and waters.....

Food, we'll have country ham sandwhiches, cookies, chocolate covered strawberries and then we are grateful for those that like to bring something bite size to share. But if you're busy and want to just come that works too- there is always plenty of food.

Entertainment- live music is in the works this year..more soon....

We love hosting this party. We love the people that connect and meet and bringing our community together in this way. We certainly do love living on Newark-Granville Road and this party is a way we say thank you!

History- previous posts have it- it started back in 1992 and has happened in four states, inspiration from my parents preakness parties! Yes I went to the Derby once, and we love Keeneland!

WOWZA HISTORY MADE 3/21/26

Wowza, that was the word that described my Saturday..it was a full and beautiful day. It has been a wonderful journey with all of the wonderful people that make these programs and families what they are!

Denison's 1st National Championship for the Women's Basketball Team- captured in Roanoke/Salem, VA. I was not there but I was tuned in. I watched from my car, then the pool stands in Indy...TMobile for the assist- we were able to stream on my phone for the last few minutes!

Denison's 7th National Title for Men's Swim and Dive, defended title from 2025- Woo Hoo! I do love the smell of chlorine, the pool atmosphere is special- Denison's swim family is something-swim alums from the 70s to last year and their families, current families, local alums of all ages, staff, past coaches and the current students- all unite to cheer each race- formal cheers, great catch-ups and a special event on the Friday night.  Women are an amazing team as well and captured 4th...and of course were the 1st to hoist that trophy and send a championship banner high!

https://www.newarkadvocate.com/story/life/2026/03/15/why-a-second-place-medal-can-be-more-meaningful-abbeys-road/89082767007/  You may have to pay to read this...sorry...it is lovely and timely and connects to valued conversations I had this weekend.

I hope each swimmer relishes their journey and success. Disappointments happen, it is the "agony" of defeat that makes sports sports...but embrace the joy, journey, wins where they are, feelings and family like Abby Roy's daugther has in the article. Like the swim team did with an unexpected DQ- it didn't stop them.  Like the Women's Bball team, lost the NCAC tourny- went on to win the whole NCAA- wowza!

https://www.thereportingproject.org/denison-papers-scranton-in-ncaa-tournament/  Please read this story by Jack Shuler- DU prof, fan, Denisonian- it is wonderful!!

When Joe and I debriefed about this historic win for the WBB team, he said it was emotional. We have followed this program for a long time and our relationship all the strong because of its leaders and coaches: Nan, Sara Lee, Mo and so many more! We love the NCAC connections- Coach Mo is a Keynon alum, so is Gregg Parini! Yes I said Yay Kenyon, I give credit when credit is do and love the true small liberal arts impact!

What a journey... I missed those I've shared it in the past. Change and transition- future post in the works that ties to a late night drive, I listened to two podcasts by Lucy Reynolds '94 (DU) https://www.themurmurationcollective.com/  We do find new ways to connect, seeing Nan, Julie, Julie- courtside made me so happy!

And my own family time- bonus for me to see Clare and Sally while visiting Indy, they joined us for the reception and loved the NCAA Hall of Champions, Sally came to Saturday's game to cheer on a podium placing mile swimmer from DePauw and understands and respects the Denison energy, impact, experience! It was great to talk about it and share it.  

Taking time out for lunch with Clare in Broad Ripple was a delight, so lucky to have both girls in one place. I love their season where they both are and value the opportunity to be in person with them yesterday.

Life on Newark-Granville Road is a journey, filled with many beautiful chapters and history is made every day. 3/21/26 was historic, and truly a Wowza day!

Way too many pics to post- go out on social media and take it all in and know the fun continues! It is going to be a week and year filled with continued Wowza moments! Welcoming the team home yesterday was a beautiful touch point for me- the next generation of Denisonians cheers - the people and relationships in this life on Newark-Granville Road- Wowza!

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.