Leithauser 2020 Christmas/Holiday "Letter"

MERRY CHRISTMAS, HAPPY NEW YEAR, and WARMEST WISHES at this time of YEAR!

For now, this is our "2020 Card" and below is the post, hoping those that receive the card or link will follow and catch up with us and receive our holiday message- HAPPY NEW YEAR TO YOU! All the best in 2021- please stay in touch!

Dear Friends,

It certainly has been life on Newark-Granville Road in 2020- we've been here more than usual while living our lives outside of NG Road as well. We have been working here, going to school here, riding out the pandemic here. We're here as a family.  The focus has been to reduce (not eliminate) risk, mitigate, understand the science and the data, and travel and connect safely. So we have been on NG Road more than normal in 2020, we were also able to spend some time away.

Not an easy task to create a Christmas/Holiday card.  So many are about Joy and Ho-Ho-Ho. We have lived the continuum here on Newark-Granville Road. We are still mourning the loss of Daddy/Pap- Mike Stoner. AND we're missing the in-person connections with family, friends, classmates, and colleagues.  It makes the limited safe beer, bourbon, or scotch with neighbors, friends, and family even more special. So yes there is plenty of Joy in our lives. Although not always easy, we've found peace in the downtime. We are comforted in the knowledge that Pap had a beautiful life and left quite the legacy created with his Jeanne. His beautiful architecture and philanthropy inspire and provides Love. Our lives here are filled with HOPE- hope this finds you well, hope to see you and connect and hope to support the world in the ways we choose.

Updates at a Glance:

Clare- sophomore year at the College of Wooster- joined the Field Hockey Team as Lacrosse went really well. She has selected Political Science as a major with Econ as a possible minor. She was able to have a week working at beloved Camp Alleghany! She followed her brother and is employed at Jimmy Johns.

Peter- Wabash College is a great fit and his first year has led to good grades and brotherhood- he pledged Delta Tau Delta and really enjoys his time with his Brothers and rugby. GHS graduation was not quite what we thought it would be but it happened!  We found ways to celebrate Peter and other special grads. Declaring he would find a job- Sally helped him take initiative and he found work at Jimmy Johns in Newark over the summer and on breaks.

Sally- a sophomore at Granville high- field hockey, basketball, and lacrosse. She started school in-person school until recently and now she studies from the attic?!  She will be going back to in-person school next semester and looking forward to it. We thank the Granville school district for providing this safe option. She turns 16 in January and is ready to take her driver's test and be on her own. Nana did a great job with lessons this summer.

Joe- working from home has created new productivity, his practice has doubled in size and expanded to Europe.  We are all learning about data governance and analytics as we can hear his phone calls from all over the house at all times. 7 am- Spain calling. Moundbuilders Country Club has been a healthy retreat. The club had a great year and Joe enjoyed the opportunity to serve on the board.

Susan- Denison's parents are the best, zoom provides lessons and connections galore. We're proud of our alma mater's success with pandemic strategies, finishing strong in 2020 and remaining open the full Fall semester. Susan continues to volunteer with FPC and the Granville Chamber of Commerce. When hearing about other's pandemic projects she pauses about hers and then remembers- graduate work with IUPUI's Lily School of Philanthropy takes her time. She loves all she is learning- the history of philanthropy class in particular.

Lucy the pup- is the darling of the street- hosting friends in the yard to play, snoring and cuddling, happy to have us all here. It certainly has been life on Newark-Granville Road in 2020- we've been here.  

Derby 2021!  We're hopeful we'll be able to host something beyond zoom...every creative approach to unite us with family and friends is important and valued. We'd like to reciprocate! May 1, 2021- Save the Date!

Want to know more- search the blog, give us a call!! Take care and stay well and in-touch please!

Warmly,

Susan and Joe, 12/30/20

The picture was taken in Kiawah- Nov 2020- ahhhh covid gave us quality time on the golf course- MCC and Denison allowing Susan to achieve a dream: resort golf! 

2020 December- almost Christmas Check-In

 At some point I'll post the official 2020 LEITHAUSER CHRISTMAS/ HOLIDAY CARD POST.  I do this every year, well I thought I did. I enjoy the search capacity of this blog site.  I did a quick December search and was treated to walk down memory lane. I am reminded that often I'm not blogging or sharing or sending holiday wishes until much later in the month.  Leithausers embrace the 12 days so well and LOVE to send Happy New Year Greetings. This year will be no different.

Despite the "slow downed pace" of 2020 due to the pandemic...we're not ready and it is okay. Want to know why we are not ready- allow me to share, for the history books and because we keep it real.

1st- we did order holiday cards- early for us- the weekend of Thanksgiving. They are allegedly in Atlanta. USPS clog...can I go volunteer for the USPS?  They do say Merry Christmas and Happy New Year...Joe said- even if we don't get them out on time, they say Happy New Year- it is okay.  And I had the we celebrate all 12 days here on NG Road.  Universe heard that!  The reality is every card that does arrive is gold.  I so appreciate the messages and real mail that arrives.  Some one encouraged me to give up these cards, it adds stress.  The reality is it does not add stress for me. I enjoy sending mail to others and will personalize each one- although it may be just be a signature that you can't read! It also helps to point folks to this blog to get the real scoop on what is happening with us.

2nd- the December of kitchen woe.  The fridge - the new fridge- the only size fridge for that spot- the one we spent too much money on- the one we received in the summer. That fridge would not stay cold. After months of negotiation- the replacement arrived! Then the dishwasher broke- it was time for a new one. We ordered, were confirmed for arrival/instal the evening before. First thing in them am- nope no washer for you.  One week of hand washing in the time of covid (added bleach spray process) was enough. This about did me in...but we kept going and Joe secured an upgrade.  That dishwasher has been installed and we're thrilled.  And soon after that...the faucet - done.  I had noticed a change in water pressure, mentioned it but....not until it just stopped sharing water- on the day I was cooking to fulfill two meal trains slots.  New faucet is ordered!! (Oh please please Baby Jesus, may that faucet not be en route with anything to do with the USPS.) In the mean time we fill pitchers of water from the bathroom (the tiny bathroom) sink.  We'll see how true it is that we are not to rinse our dishes for this new dishwasher! Feel free to coach. We'll also let you know how effective Joe's training on loading a dishwasher is this go-around! Kids are taking bets on what is next...we all know it is the oven.  Anyway it makes everything take longer.  Update- we move to car care....new shoes for the red car!

3rd- I'm in school and working and volunteering and enjoying the season.  A friend recently said- "oh thanks to being home- I'm more ready than ever".  I had to pause and think- why can't I say that? I'm not going out either....but I was studying, working on a paper, reading and going to MD.  In the middle of a hard hard day- my final grade arrived. Phew- the time and work paid off and I feel great about that work. And regular readers or those that stop me know I love what I am learning- Rosenwald Schools, Harmony, Indiana....Work- no way around it- COVID has made this hard. I miss in person meetings, visits...zoom has been fun, cool, good, productive, but exhausting. THANK YOU to all the support of Denison, and philanthropy in general! Our own philanthropic support at this time of the year is at the top of my to-do list. I made that list yesterday and it felt so good.  (Although all these repairs and replacements are eating into the philanthropy fund- sigh.) I will say we're having great in the moment moments. I'm loving the tree in the house and spending time there- see earlier post and pic. We drove around to see house lights last night- had to check off that tradition.  THANK YOU Granville Chamber of Commerce: Granville House Lights for the Holidays!  Love this new contest you added to the Walking Tour Fun!    I can't recommend Top Golf enough- outdoor time together- we celebrated Aunt Ann's birthday last week that way- so good to be together with our dear family in a safe way.

So I'm behind on the card, the December post and yes gifts. Not sure about you all but this is the year it is harder. I'm a go out and shop girl. I get ideas, soak up the decor. These feels materialistic typing it but it is true.  I love to shop local, museum stores, during my travels...that has not happened this year. I'm really not an on-line shopper. My kids are getting very practical things from us this year. I'll share the reaction when we open....during the 12 days of Christmas. We've all agreed to stretch it out this year...even Leithauser Christmas will happen later. We sure do miss Jim and Nadine and hope we'll be together soon. And Caiden and Alicia....so fun to reflect on Christmas in recent years with a young child. Another 2020 reminder- God or Universe- memories, time together, even a good old fashioned phone call mean so much.  I would say mail a card....but oh my- if a card is mailed but never receives its addressee is it still a card? I've sent a number of thank you notes, how are you doing, thank you for your work cards...have they made it?  Maybe my goal for 2021 will be to call each person that sent me mail to let them know it arrived.

I'll end here...just sharing a bit, documenting this pandemic year.  Trying to focus on the positive, count my blessings that are overflowing and not pull my energy from anger...great sermon yesterday Karen....memories are keeping us warm and we're making new ones and history together in December 2020 in our lives on Newark-Granville Road.

Our Own Wonder Woman- Nana/Mom/Jeanne Makes 80 Look Great!

What a treat to celebrate Mom.  The eightieth birthday was not what she planned or even hoped for, but she rolled with it, and it worked even in COVID time. Thank you dear friends for her support and happy life in Hagerstown.  Her actual birthday was on tennis dinner night so that is what she did.  Sarah and I were able to bring our families and celebrate with an intimate dinner the next day. The pictures tell the story- right!?!  Mom is happy, healthy and makes 80 look great! The social media posts were lovely too- thank you.

The blog's purpose is to document life on Newark-Granville Road and share the behind the scenes happenings.  The top picture is a screen shot from a video Sarah snagged while she opened her gift- Betty Cook earrings.  I feel like Betty Cook attends special Stoner events often. I wore my maid-of-honor necklace from Sarah at the birthday party to keep in theme. The kids were darling and oohed and ahhed adding to the fun.  We missed the sunshine Stoners but will celebrate soon. They sent the gorgeous roses to represent.  We carried them from room to room, meal to meal so they were always with us.

I love this picture as it shows the movement and energy of the night and includes Peter. This is the picture that made me pause and miss Daddy.  It has been tradition to grab family pics in front of this mantle at FHCC.  The last one we did with the full family was Thanksgiving 2019. I know as I was looking at pics to think about the year, document it for a gift and just reflect.  We miss him, Mom misses him. We're all so proud of how she is doing. We appreciate everyone inquiring about how Mom is doing with her grief. Let the record state- she is our wonder woman.  She remains active with bridge, tennis, and has added golf, yoga and mahjong! She is learning and rolling with on-line engagement with these activities. She goes to the store often, too much in COVID but she has her small pods/paths and is aware of the risks. She continues to cook well and knows how to reach out when lonely. Thank goodness for sweet Birdie dog, Sarah and Greg for being close and the amazing neighbors, friends and family in the area.  I reflect now on the true stress and impact of caring for a sick husband. We all knew Daddy was in a long, slow decline and accepted it. No one better than him.  Mom and Dad had an amazing love and marriage which leads to worry what would happen when one was gone.  It is the AND...Mom was an amazing partner AND she is an awesome woman. She knows how to be alone, independent and happy. She lets us know when she isn't and gets her feelings out.  Sarah and I were talking today- our mother does not wallow.  She walks the talk of lessons for us- pitty-parties can only last so long.  

We are blessed to have our mother and for our children to have their Nana. My parents' love created quite a legacy and we're enjoying and benefitting from it. My father lives on not just in us but in my Mom. This is how we are doing in our life on Newark-Granville Road. We're celebrating life, memories and important milestones as together as we can. Mom makes 80 look great and by the way- she treated us to dinner- thanks Mom!


 

2020 Christmas- Finding the Light and the Tree.

 Hmmm- I'm considering moving my office work space to this location for the rest of December:

  

This wasn't the tree we planned for 2020 but I like the end result. "If You Give a Mouse a Cookie" applies here.  The new porch warranted beautiful big plants, said plants needed to move indoors with appropriate light and this impacts the question- where do we put the tree.  The big, tall, fat tree we get.  There was even conversation about should we get a tree this year? Regular readers will not be surprised that it was Peter who offered the stalwart approach on this tradition- going out and cutting down a tree.   So off we went yesterday to find our tree.  We even were able to decorate it in the same day, according to the kids- we Never do that...a 2020 move I guess!

This year we found our way to Walsh Tree Farm- we wanted a drive and were curious, it had been years since we patronized this local business.  The family dynamics of selecting a tree would be interesting to study! In our benevolent dictatorship model I  (Mom) have the final say.  Sally struggled with my direction to go smaller due to the plant situation from the onset. She was not afraid to say this in the field and in the living room once it was home. She's coming around and embracing the 2020 model of the Granville Leithauser tree now that it is decorated. Back to the story of location.  

The picture above, the back window, is actually where we placed our tree when we had different furniture in the room. I love our home on Newark-Granville road, we've made it ours with our yellow, our porch and our maturing family. The location the past few years has really worked, however the dog's kennel and some big plants occupy that  space currently.  We thought about moving things to place the tree but the reality could not be ignored- the white couch had to go.  Lucy our pup is the most upset about the move of the couch to the curb- literally.  So there is was the perfect spot for our tree in 2020, says me and 80% agree!

Life on Newark-Granville Road in 2020- life for all of us- pandemic course corrections- galore. Yesterday's walking tour evoked a number of emotions and yet there was the most peaceful, spirtual experience I've had in Granville since March. FPC's contribution to Granville's Candlelight Walking Tour was stunning and so meaningful.  I'm called to share the (FPC Candlelight Tour Video) which is beautiful. Last night was so lovely. It was the beautiful glow from the stained glass windows, the advent tree's sparkle, the contrast of dark and light, the action of offering and supporting the effort to present the tour in a COVID safe way.  Thank you to all that participated (Sally!!) and worked very hard to make this happen.  Next Sunday, 12/13/20 6 pm- it will be offered again.  The Candlelight Walking Tour 2020 is midigating risk by reducing offerings and stretching it out over two days, more information here: http://www.visitgranvilleohio.com/candlelight-walking-tour  and yes- the hot chocolate at Alfie's is worth it!

Last night was not what we wanted it to be AND was just what we needed in our Life on Newark-Granville Road.  Thinking of you, wishing you peace, love, hope and joy and the opportunity to see and be light for this world.

Making time for Bluegrass and Bringing Campus Home

The gift in my day on Newark-Granville Road:

Denison Blue Grass - American Roots Radio Show-3

And here is where to hear the other shows: https://soundcloud.com/search?q=Denison%20University%20American%20Roots  I blogged about the first one back in the Spring! Somehow the 2nd show didn't make the blog...it is worth a listen!

So proud of Denison, these students, faculty, staff that were so productive and are helping others. Adam and all- thank you- this was just what I needed this morning!  I may not be working on campus but campus can come to me in my life on NGRoad!