Derby 2024- Reflection

May 5th, 2024- a day of clean up, reflection and savor.  As I say when folks thank us- it is only fun if fun people attend! 2024 - ya'll didn't disappoint!

Reflections:

• each year is unique and special, yet the formula is the same and it works.
• 2024 was the Bourbon year- we consumed six handles, four for the batched juleps, one extra, one for sipping, then we pulled five .75 liter bottles from our stash
• this thrills me to consume from the stash
• our new bartender did a fantastic job- not an easy feat
• our past bartender did a fantastic job prepping and setting a formula, and coaching.
• this truly is multi-generational and kids grow up with this party, not just ours!
• dear friends brought their grandson and he was a delight
• we met new babies, such beauties. I remembered the year many of us were feeding our little ones in an upstairs room- Peter's age?!
• we missed many of our "older" friends- our parents included. Joe's had -photo below is in honor of two of those we miss at a different level.

Clean-Up:

• It feels so much like Thanksgiving. It takes a fair amount of effort- but again, there is a formula so it isn't hard- and then it is gone in a blink! It is wonderful.
• Doesn't take that long- we have our routine- as I type this and the house is just about back together. (Okay I have not gone through the laundry basket that hid the "piles".)
• Few plates and dishes to find owners for this year- ya'll learning- bring disposable and those that don't thank you for follow-up.

Savor:

• We value each person that made it to the party. We love talking about who we engaged with- Joe talked to some and I others. It was fun to have Matthew, my brother, join this ritual. Always fun to say- I didn't know they were here...We also value the new folks- 1st party and those that have been with us almost from the beginning- even know the Omaha event!
• We do miss those unable to be with us that have in the past- part of recap is - oh darn, so and so didn't make it. Oh that is right- graduation weekend! Thanks for checking-in!
• Clean up- I love seeing clues of what has taken place, the chairs pulled up around tables, the sand-cocktail with grass on top, the juleps glass left here and there
• Looking at pictures shared, snapped and posted- thank you!!  By the way we love the photos from the past people were sharing this week as we prepared!
• Each yummy bite we did get to take, and a few extra today!  My office will treated to a few paydays and cookies!! Those deviled eggs- oh my- Mattimoes you are amazing!

For the history books:

• We kicked the Granville Brewing keg, and made a good dent in the Yuengling
• We should get supplies- like bottled water the weekend before- dry good procurement
• Don't need as many sweets/cookies- people bring incredible food- the 4 lbs of ham and 10 doz rolls worked well! Shout out to Ann Leithauser and team for executing assembly with the perfect role to ham ratio. The four containers of strawberries with three dipping containers worked well.
• 200 napkins, also include straws/stirrers!

Here are just a few photos to share the fun of this day and gathering, they tell the rest of the story about this first Saturday in May in our life on Newark-Granville Road.

Keep sharing the connection stories- we just love it! This party theme could be- touch points with the Leithauser- share yours- fun to figure out the overlaps in our lives on Newark-Granville Road!