with a family tradition.

Today I became a Rotarian.  The point of this blog is to share the why....why Rotary and why the Newark Rotary.  I've always enjoyed myself when invited to a Rotary meeting- this started when I was young and would get to go with my father to meetings.  I remember attending Exchange Club meetings more than Rotary but similar experience.  I liked and still am drawn to the order, the learning, the service.  I like the singing but most of all I like the people and the example they set.  Marcia Downes. It has always been a good time when she has said- want to come with me to Rotary?  I've rarely said no and always learned something and been inspired by something someone has done.  Marcia is a person that lives Service above Self with all she has done in Licking County and for those in the community.   Pat Jeffries-  I've admired Pat for years but really didn't get to know him very well until we worked together on HATSOFF.  Pat is another person that walks the talk of Service above Self with Rotary playing a key outlet.  I'm honored that these two community leaders were my sponsors.  And then there are my parents.  They've raised me to be who I am.  I enjoy serving the community. I do make it a priority. I married a man that values the same thing and together we make it a part of our family activities setting examples for our children, just as our parents did for us and the communities where we were raised.

I've been thinking about this for some time and things fell into place and the time was right.  When my library board position ended I knew I'd find another way to serve and the Newark Rotary was the organization and the right place and time.  I'm grateful for the opportunity and look forward to serving along side so many good people, following the footsteps of my father and those that set this path. I look forward to attending other Rotary Club meetings with my friends in other communities and supporting their efforts to support the Rotary well with service and commitment.  Life on Newark-Granville Road includes many family traditions and this is one I'm pleased to share.  Big thanks to my parents for being with me today.

Another family tradition....Denison!! My brother, sister (younger- I found it), my brother in law and husband....all Denisonians.  We love our Alma mater and enjoy serving.  We're happy to help tomorrow with Denison Everywhere Event in Granville!  Denison friends in the area- join us please!! 6-8 pm Granville Inn- it will be great to catch-up!  Life on Newark-Granville Road is all the richer down the street from from good ole Den-i-do!

Learning while figure eighting.....

Yes I believe "figure-eighting" is a verb.  Today I had intentional or apparent figure eight experiences.  The first was simply walking in figure eights on the beautiful snow covered Bryn Du Lawn.  I notice when I take Griffey up there to run he sprints in figure eight patterns and it makes me smile.  Today the untouched snow-covered lawn called to me and instead of getting down and making snow angels (another beloved winter activity- sally is our snow angel) I walked in figure eight patterns. The air and space was crisp, clean, fresh.  The activity was lovely.  I didn't solve any world problems. I reflected on some thoughts of the weekend and enjoyed the beautiful moment in my life on Newark-Granville Road.

My second "figure eight" experience was the connection with Camp Alleghany for Girls!  The kids and I had the pleasure to attend a recruiting meeting in Dublin.  This gave Clare a chance to meet some current campers and me the opportunity to see a woman who was a camper and counselor for Allegheny.  We figured out we were not at camp at the same time- different sessions.  I can say we are connected as our positive experiences are aligned and our desire to connect others and our daughters to what camp Allegheny offers.  And of course with the small world of Newark-Granville Road we share a mutual friend.  I also had my brain tickled with memories of those two years on the Greenbrier river.

It was also a delight to see Elizabeth Dawson Shreckhise today.  She is the assistant director of the camp, the grand-daughter of the beloved Cooper Dawson, the director when I was a Ghany Camper.  Elizabeth gave us a tour two summers ago and was lovely. For me it was a chance to go back in time, connect with something that was a good memory and share it with my family.  I thought it would be nice for Clare to attend this camp but didn't put too much energy into the idea.  Clare asked this year to go to this camp and Joe and I agreed to it primarily because our "gut" said it was a good idea.  We didn't over analyse - we felt the opportunity to meet new people, live in this beautiful environment in the summer made sense. I left today's gathering after learning more about "why" Allegheny offers what it does I'm all the more pleased with our decision.  When recapping it with my father (parents visiting!!) I said we'd be sending Clare "away" to camp- he quickly corrected me and said- we were sending her "to" camp.  He couldn't be more right!

I'm always happy to find a good blog to read and tonight after a conversation with Elizabeth about blogs, this social media/electronic world (and how camp allows us to step away from that1!) I read Elizabeth's most recent post.  I'm impressed and pleased and hope you'll consider reading this blog entry as well!  It could make for some great conversation that connects to my many roles in my life on Newark-Granville Road.  Elizabeth's Blog is:
http://campalleghanyblog.com/2013/01/changing-dynamics-in-camp-recruiting-part-3/

So here is to the beauty of figure eights and the learning that occurs as we come and go from various places and people on our journeys!  I look forward to sharing more "why" on these subjects and engaging with you.  Thanks for reading.

uses Instagram.....sigh.....

Not me- I'm failing at Twitter and in general my i-pad....I love my iphone, facebook but have a limit to how many social media things I can support.  It is the kids on instagram.  I know this shocks some of you but it is what it is and I'm sharing this as it is my life.  And we know I'm far from perfect and want to share what can happen....

Parenting is the hardest job Joe and I have and the most rewarding.  Keeping up with technology does make it harder.  It isn't much different than the phone rules that use to happen (friend reminded me how she wasn't allowed to call boys before a certain age....hmmmm should I not be letting Clare "follow" or whatever you do on instagram boys...should it be girls only...... For those of you not using social media you won't understand.

So the kids have our old i-phones.  They don't have i-touches, they don't have phones.  We've talked about when we understand why many children our children's ages have them- just not for us yet.  We have one lap top for the kids that they share. We do let them borrow our lap tops. We no longer have a PC station.  I do have an ipad they like to borrow too. We have a kindle with no other option other than reading and some games. They use the iphones with wireless primarily for games..... They became obsessed with instagram accessing via the ipad primarily.  They are competitive and started a contest about getting the most likes.  I was watching and viewing the accounts- pretty innocent stuff but still it didn't feel right.  One day I saw a post by clare that said- kix me, I'm bored.  Well that set me off.  No one should be bored in my house.  (Clare is a good kid- great reviews from teachers, works hard, great grades, really into her sports lately- does double practices with Joe's teams, helps out as needed- do I wish she kept her room cleaner- yes but....) So she explained that kix me is a new texting application/ap so I had to check that out....yes one more thing.  Sigh....Turns out the contest they were in landed them with each over 500 followers.  500!  They don't know 500 people......their accounts were open to the public and random people with no name or "bios" or history were following my kids. YIKES!

So last Friday I deleted all the aps on the ipad and collected the old iphones and limited computer time.  We called a family dinner and sat around the table and deleted accounts and started fresh. It wasn't easy for my kids, it was difficult to actually delete accounts- love my IT techy husband....we've started over. We did give them new instagram accounts so don't be surprised if my child reaches out to your child as I heard in Yoga class yesterday!  I'm happy to know this child tells his mother when people he doesnt' know well ask to follow him.  I was pleased I was able to say to my child I knew she was following this "boy".  They now know the rules and they whys- we talked about stranger danger still being part of the Life on Newark-Granville Road isn't that much different than when the LeFevres or Farris lived here....it is just faster and presented in a different way and still requires all of the support and help from our friends and family.  Thanks for reading!

had a great "day on" on Monday!

Feed the Dream recruited volunteers for the Martin Luther King Jr. Day food drive as a "day on" instead of a "day off" and we accepted that notion on Newark-Granville Road!  Joe and I were both working but our wonderful new Nanny spent the day with the kids.  A trip to the Works for learning and play with Sally understanding more about the science of cleaning and having a green home during Girl Scout day activities!!   We wrapped up the day with helping out at the Feed the Dream food drive in the IGA parking lot!  I'm proud of our efforts and thrilled with their results of over 43 tons of food or food buying power!! Woo Hoo!  THANK YOU to all that participated,donated, volunteered, encouraged.  The Minton family leads and an amazing an inspiring effort!! https://www.facebook.com/OneDayOneTon

So what made our hour in the cold so engaging? Of course the opportunity to serve for something worthy, great people to meet and see in action- Dr. Woodyard, Mormon volunteers, the Scholtens, Charlie Hansen of the Granville Library- and the chance to be part of the overall  effort and other volunteers.  However you need to know that the hour was fun too!  The girls loved the tasks that made the hour fly!  They made up boxes and moved them to the St. Vincent De Paul truck- learning about distributing and processing of collected food.  They were given the challenage in competition form- to shop for as many items as possible with $5 to understand the buying power.  Clare and Sally read the instructions, applied lessons from earlier effort (Clare volunteered twice that day) and came out the winner with 24 raman noodles thanks to the $1 donation Clare received when explaining her purpose in the store! We unloaded cars, answered questions for the radio interview, picked up trash the wind blew and helped execute the dream of some very good people who travel Newark-Granville Road and make our lives and community all the richer.

is happy with Leithausers!

Leithauser fun is often on a holiday or at Apple Valley!  I obviously haven't blogged enough about our wonderful relationship and support we get from Joe's side of the family.  Clare is making a video using software and requested a photo of the group.  She has been using this blog to get her photos.....and didn't have one of her Leithauser cousins.  We still need one of Alicia in northwest Ohio, but for now the Westerville Leithausers will meet the need!  I'll try to do a better job of sharing the fun of the Leithauser cousins  (and aunt and uncle, god parents and sister in law) do to enrich our life on Newark-Granville Road.

learning more about good work!

Tonight I was touched by the wonderful women that presented and advocated for the nonprofits they spoke about at the 100 Women that Care Meeting!  Big thanks to The Newark Metropolitan for hosting! Big thanks to Kelly and Amanda for coordinating and all others that helped.... The three organizations we learned more about were:
GSVA- Granville Studio Visual Art- Jeannine Abbott presented
Hope Farm- Equine Therapy- Susan Ginese presented
Granville Sustainability Project- garden!!- Lori Conway presented.

I knew about all three before tonight's meeting. I've experienced them in person and I've seen their direct impact. I'm soooo glad the room full of women tonight now know more too! This blog is for me to say why and so I'll share a bit now about what touched me.  I'm tired so I won't go in to too much detail and will look to share more in the future!!

GSVA- always wonderful to hear a mom share a story about her child.  Piper Tell's work has always impressed me and Jeannine's information about GSVA's work with Piper touched me.  It was also wonderful to hear from a Mom about the way Christ Carlson Foundation and GSVA partner to support this family's needs with their cancer challenges!!

Hope Farm.  I've been inspired by Susan and her work since she started her organization.  It was awesome to hear the story of the child that couldn't ride a bike but thanks to good work with Susan, the darling pony Stormy (purchased at HATSOFF in 2006!!) and others the child now rides a bike! I think of the fun my kids had learning how to ride bikes at the neighbors yard while Mom and I caught up and enjoyed wine....I'm so glad there are people like Susan in this world providing wonderful care- thanks for the details and sharing stories tonight Susan!!

Granville Sustainability Project- the HS Garden!! Woo Hoo- Lori you were wonderful.  The heartfelt explanation of the great work Jim Reding does for our schools, students and community was awesome.  To hear about how the kids harvest the produce and bring it in to the schools to be incorporated into the lunch menu offerings! To hear the students reactions and efforts simply made me so happy.  I too love this effort and admire Jim and all involved- I'm sooo happy so many people know more about this effort- thank you for great presentation!!

We'll need to continue to spread the word about these wonderful organizations and the way they make my life on Newark-Granville road so much better because they make our community better!  Three cheers for Jeanine, Susan and Lori for the wonderful presentations!!  Stay tuned about this great organization and please join the group at the next meeting in April!! http://www.100wwclickingcounty.org/

is always an adventure....

It is always nice to have the message I need presented at church. And I'm fortunate the message is delivered beyond just a good sermon.  Our Sunday school classes help bring the point home, allow me to extrovert, discuss, share with others and this is what I value so very much. The multi-generational perspectives that help me keep things in perspective.

So last week we were challenged to think about the adventure of the magi- the adventure. And it went further, much further with a poem by TS Elliot, the reality of change, life and death...read it for yourself please- http://www.granpres.org/?i=3135&mid=1000&id=404476  Yesterday in Sunday School we discussed it, our feelings, our thoughts and I'm grateful.

I was pleased to be reminded that our adventure to Africa is coming up soon.  And it is going to be much harder than we anticipate and it will change us.  The kids think it is just going to be big fun- they have no idea.  It will fascinating to observe and experience this journey for so many reasons.  Yesterday I was reminded that adventures and the change they bring don't have to require travel. They happen with books, contemplation, jobs and life's great challenges of illness and death and of course life's great joys.

 I also needed the message as I look forward to "http://www.100wwclickingcounty.org/   Tuesday, Jan 15th meeting- this Tuesday at the Metropolitan Hotel in downtown Newark!  this is an amazing group of women led by inspiring women doing good work- spreading the word and funding things in an  exponential way!!  (Join me please!!)  There are so many good causes, what if my name is picked- what do I support and advocate for with the amazing opportunity?  It came to me as I contemplated our discussion from class yesterday.  And know that was one of the shared lessons- time plays such a role in our adventures and what we gain from them.

Last night we lost power, again- life on Newark-Granville is like that...you can have your path and plan laid out and organized and then wham- the lights go out for no easily understood reason. Friends adapt with you and help you figure it out, past experience kicks in to light the way and a mini adventure in your own home is part of the fun.  Wishing you healthy and good adventures- thanks for reading and sharing mine on Newark-Granville Road.

find your color!

So I'm in the camp of....if it is going to be cold- let it snow! I'm also of the opinion if it is January- it should be cold.  I'm a bit sad to see the snow going away today.  I love the white, the bright, the reflection, the shadows.  I know it is messy but if you know me you know I can deal with messy- not all of the time.  So I get it - when the snow is dirty and icky it is time to wash it away. We know another snow will come, the sun will come out- it won't be Ohio Gray forever.

I had to declare no shorts day- no shorts month!  I'd prefer not to send my children to school or be seen in public with my kids and husband who asked too in shorts right now.  Peter was ready to head out the door in shorts yesterday???  Because the forecast was for warmer temperatures.  I said- I'm not raising college kids in this house at this time.    Just a little peak into the nitty gritty in life on Newark-Granville Road.

So as I was driving home home from exercise today- GREAT spinning class at The LC YMCA- thanks Hugh- I was a bit bummed it was going to be an Ohio Gray day.  (Hmmm- that could be a great nail polish.  My friend Megan- have I blogged about her yet- has an awesome new salon in KC area one of her nail colors is Slayter Hall!!) Sorry- tangent.....I sit down to do a quick comment on the blog and my home page is the Denison site and this the front story is the video of Christian Faur's amazing work!! It was just what I needed!! What he does with color and innovation, art, history and science.  I'm ready to go!  Thank you Christian and Denison Den and Communication folks- perfect timing.  I encourage all of you to take a look and learn more about Christian's art!  On the right of my blog there is a link to the Denison Den- click on the "find your color" and watch the video!!  In the mean time life on Newark-Granville road today is about finding the rain boots- will it be the pink or black hounds tooth today?

life long learning in fun ways!

http://www.ohio.com/blogs/the-beer-blog

A fun blog to read!! You all know I enjoy beer, entrepreneurship, regional favorites, history, innovation....so this year's Cocktails by the Fire theme is making me very happy!!! I'll blog more about it as we get closer but I'm so excited about the support and involvement- it was a good day!! Please visit the Works webstie www.attheworks.org   to get more info on the Feb 2nd event!! But please know exciting news is being shared about the Granville Brewing Company on the Blog at the top of this page! I'm excited for these entrepreneurs and I'm excited for you all to get to enjoy this yummy product! Congratulations Jay and Ross!!! Thanks for the partnership.  I also have to thank Matesich for their help and support too, plus Robert and Jeannine, our other host couples...OK I'll stop!!

While I'm at it and talking about work @ The Works....also check out STEMfest- it isn't too late to get  a team together- middle school and high school- but you do need to register soon!  And Science Fair- all 3 of our kids are participating this year- check out this great opportunity presented by The Works big thanks to Sandra Doty and Rori!!

Life on Newark-Granville Road is indeed all about life long learning we hope to share these fun opportunities with you!!

with a family of five!

So my favorite line so far from the day- Sally's birthday- is her sharing with several people - "this is the day we became a family of five!" Sally knows we're a family of five not just because she can count.  We honored it- or Joe did- with my "sally ring".  I'm a lucky gal and I know it.  Joe is the best date, husband, dad, friend, partner I could have.  I'm posting a photo of us instead of Sally as we're big believers in our marriage being a key part to the success of our kids happiness and upbringing. We love our date nights and making sure we make our time a priority.  It has to all be kept in balance and can't be all us- kids need their time- but so does our marraige! This is the way we started when we had Clare and I think we've done a good job 12 years later maintaining that commitment.  We know our marriage is far from perfect and I'm really far from the perfect wife and as good as he is he isn't perfect either- but it is good.

So my Sally ring!  I have to say he was inspired by Dad- another great partner, husband, father, friend to my Mom.  One of my Dad's best lines he would share often while hugging and giving my mom a big kiss is "The best gift a father can give his kids, is to love their mother."  It was a model I liked and am happy to say I've found in my own life.  My Dad gave my mom a ring for each baby.  My ring- the Susan ring is gold leaves/pedals with a polished green stone- very 60-70s and very cool.  Mom wears it a good bit and it makes me happy.  Joe did this with all 3 of our kids and I LOVE IT!  The kids all know their rings and love them too.  Each ring has it's own fun story and Sally's is the sterling silver rolling ring of 5 bands- because "we became a family of five".

As we celebrate Sally and her birth day today- I'm proud and pleased because she truly does love her family.  The third child is a special one.  Neither Joe nor I are the third (we're from 3 but not third) and we talk about how to raise the third one well.  What I love is how Sally wants to include her sibling in her birthday experiences and how she honors the day for our family, not just herself!

Life on Newark-Granville Road is particularly happy today as we celebrate this special birthday- 8! Lots of other good things have happened, it has been full.  It is ephiphany, church was fullfilling and supportive, the Works and friends/family gave us a good outing with lessons for our girls (thank you Mary Helen) I love the number 8 and the simple of infinity and the motion of figure eights.  Life on Newark GRanville Road is exactly that- the figure eight of things coming and going, circling and returning, being in a pattern and motion and it is good and what we need!

Saying No.....

Watched a father in action in December -a wise man.  His DARLING daughter was in the gear shop @ The Works asking for most things she saw.  He explained she was just trying to accumulate and hadn't learned how to just ask for what she wanted. He provided her with an example- earlier in the week she asked for a smoothie- she didn't like it and didn't drink it.

My own real life example was Sally.  She too often asks for many things when visiting what I believe may be the best place to shop in Licking County next to the local book store- and may be the best gift shops we have something for EVERYONE and it is made locally and supports a great education/community cause- the store is the same above- The Works' Gear Shop.

Anyway- I say no a good bit when Sally is in there.  Sally was with me while I was working and was paid to do a small task.  She took her $3 compensation immediately to the gift shop on her own- she came back VERY pleased with her purchase!! It was indeed one of the items she asked me for earlier in the week.  I asked her if she also bought the candy she had been wanting- she said no- she wanted to save the remaining dollar.  Proud mother moment for sure!  We have to say no to our kids- it is our job as parents and I'm grateful for the wise father who helped me remember why and how it is fun to say yes and how meaningful it can be!  I said yes- you may go shop and Sally taught me a lesson!!!

I had a similar conversation with some friends- about self discipline, how to raise children with discipline- not an easy task in this world!! I appreciate and value the friends- like the father above and family that help one another to make our life on Newark-Granville road worthwhile.  Wishing you a Happy New Year filed with understanding and reward of getting what you really need and deserve and that brings you happiness.

Happy New Year in deed!

Our new year is off to a great start and I hope yours is as well!   This year felt a bit like the way we welcomed 1999- the year we were married (February 20th will be 14 years!).  December 31, 1998 we worked on Joe's darling house in Granview- getting it ready for me to move in and making it more homey than bachelor paddy.  ( Imagine the three  mix matched couches (one a futon), scratched wall paper, green felt on the dining room table, oh yes the living room had a pool table too!)  Joe took down wallpaper that was very frustrating, I cooked food I had never made before and took some time and  eventually we had a great late dinner!

This year I took girls to a fun overnight experience with cousins in Columbus, taking a break from the task of taking down bathroom wallpaper!  Joe and Peter finished up and when I came home I put together the menu I selected from my new cook book- Julia Child, Louisette Berthole and Simone Beck's Mastering the Art of French Cooking!!  I have a great JC cook book from my mother- this is going to be a great one for my collection.  So here was the menu:



-Beef au Poivre- Joe's favorite, he calls it his "death row last meal"  You can find the recipe in here.  I make it the way my mother make it and she has a very french was of cooking.  Sure enough it is just like it is described in this cookbook! FYI- we used fillets last night as I wanted that look on my plate and portion. It is better with a bone in steak- usually I'll do Rib Eye- Joe's favorite or Porterhouse- mine!  Also last time I did it I didn't do the pepper prep ahead of time- it does make a difference. I added the artichoke bottoms this time to the presentation and it was a good touch- learned that from Mastering the Art of French Cooking.  Please don't be intimated by this title- I find cooking from JC cookbooks "easy" and fun- she gives lots of tips and "why" you do things and the steps are laid out well!  I also love how she gives ways to correct things at the end of the recipe.

- Potato Gratin- with Anchoiveis and Onions- page 154!  We all loved this- it was relative simple- a new way to enjoy the flavor of anchovy in subtle way- Peter ate several servings!!

-Asparagus- prepared the bundled and peeled way as described in both JC cook books I have.

Our dessert was simple Whit's chocolate custard with yummy cherries from the gift of Cherry Bounce (bourbon) and cookies.  Appetizer was crackers with my favorite cheese spread from Gordon's Grocery- Hagerstown store I adore!!

We set a pretty table- putting it by the tree, bringing out the silver and china and enjoyed the time together.


So New Years Day is here and it is another day that begs the question- what do you eat?  I grew up having to have pickled herring and pork and sauerkraut.  I've found all sorts of ways to prepare the pork- brats with sauerkraut is easy and good.  I love a good roast.  This year we were able to join a fun annual party and loved the slow cooked recipe that has been in the family for years!  I also added Black Eyed Peas - the southern tradition years ago and it has stuck!  I found a good dip that is a favorite- black eyed peas, white cheddar cheese, green chillies- or a hot pepper optional.  I serve this with corn chips.

So we're ready for this exciting new year.  2012 had all sorts of fun and learning and growing for us- we hope the same is true for 2013!!  I look forward to sharing it with you here on my blog as I experience Life on Newark-Granville Road.