Summer's Light, Summer People

Summer 2024, it isn't over but it is entering the closing chapter. Summer 2024 is this for many things in our lives on Newark-Granville Road.

We've tried to soak in every moment we can at beloved Moundbuilders Country Club.  The "club" will continue as it acquires the Trout Club in Newark, Ohio and moves operations there. The Trout Club is historic, picturesque with much to offer, it will be a good era and Joe and I will be supportive. We'll look forward to it, but now we're here embracing, honoring, remembering and being with the mounds and the trees and the people. Moundbuilders has been our happy place, our escape, our home base to make friends, be with our family, take time for us, grow and learn, compete and be us. Yesterday I golfed with friends, new and old, relaxed by the pool and floated on a hot day- it was a very good day.  Today I may work on my game at the driving range and plan to hang with friends pool side for as much of the day as I can.  Next weekend we'll say our final goodbye to the pool. Club time- meals on the patio, drinks in the 19th hole, celebrations and golf time- we'll savor that into the fall and winter.

Joe's parents are closing a chapter in their lives of independent living, a reality that means they are alive and engaging, meeting great great grandchildren (baby Alden was born in June). Joe was there last week supporting the process so many friends have been and are navigating- it isn't simple or easy- and is prompting more serious conversation between Joe and me. Scott took over and delivered Jim to a 2nd place for recovery and Nadine so we know they are safe and have care. Further transitions coming later as summer comes to a close.

Summer's light is magical and beautiful.  Summer 2024 has taken me all over this incredible country:

Chicago, Boston, DC/Maryland (twice) Jackson Hole, WY, and NY (twice)! 

Joe is in Spain as I type- all of these locations are work travel and because it is summer we've added a day or two for R&R!  I'm still having challenges making photo additions in Blogger, photos coming soon. But highlights to chronicle, images I'll want to share but for now capture here:

1. Chicago- an outdoor/indoor space a lovely location to welcome the Class of 2028 and a launch relationships by region.  Popping in at a new art gallery and seeing Amanda Love's beautiful work as well as other artist on exhbit- pieces that stay with you- ceramics and fabric and Amanda's medium- paper/book/thread!

2. Boston- the happiest doggy host- seeing a student in action being the perfect co-host with his mother. Being welcomed into these homes is such a treat! These two trips were back to back and didn't allow for much time to see friends (in new places Charlotte- but I'll be back) but were special as I do value traveling with co-workers and enjoyed the time doing our work- new work, renewed work- summer welcomes!

3. NY- Ithaca- Cornell- Parent Fundraising Conference- what a privilege to attend, present and be with my people- the people that do what I do and inspire and teach, support and engage in important ways.  The host committee takes on this extra work in service to our industry and one another. What a delight to visit this special community, historic and evolving. College towns are a favorite place and this one did not disapoint- the dairy being a highlight! The drive to MD was bonus time- seeing the PA scary bringing back high school memories of my college tours and summer jobs.

4.DC/Maryland time- work but family time too! We golfed FHCC, we ate crabs twice, we sat on Michael and Mom's porch and at the white table, we took in a Nats game that included a concert- nothing like singing a long with family and friends with thousands of others. Seeing Clare's new home with Caroline a highlight. Again a creative work event to welcome the new families to Denison, a literal ice cream treat at this one!!

5. Jackson Hole, WY and Idaho- we drove the pass, bought Scotch- and checked a state off the list! This trip deserves its own post. Social media photos don't do justice but enough friends have commented about what I shared that it did a bit. The Tetons are magnificent, the grandeur- all with a National Park at its core. Of course what made it special- the trip was stewarded by Denisonians- Lauren and Blair Haarlow's home and hospitality- wow, wow, wow- hiking, paddle boarding, just being in that beauty with the pups, and electrolytes, delictable meals and time together- a summer highlight for sure! The Gunsulus embraced the idea of a Denison event last fall and made sure every detail was attended to- including what side of the plane to secure for landing. Oh my I do love to fly and this was something like no other the approach into the National Park- oooo- ahhhhh- every minute of time in this area is just a gift. Forty-One Denisionians united to catch-up, connect and meet, hearing from Adam Weinberg just how special Denison is now and what makes it so- philanthropy and understanding who we are what we can be. As Adam says so well- there is a DNA in Denisonians- always has been, currently is Oh Class of 2028 you are special. I'm so fortunate to share the transition and launch with you as families. 

6. Back to NY for the last of the welcome parties. I went solo for this from a staffing point of view, providing bonding time with volunteers- student and alumni- the backbone of the college. Again seeing new places always something I value, Bronxville and Yonkers- that Hudson River is something that always gives me pause. Extra special is being invited into a home and a family ritual shared- for us it was watching the olympics- summer 2024 what a delight! This Denison/Denison host couple shared some pretty special Denison items - again an honor to be in their home- and experience the legacy.

7. Back to DC for a personal trip- just over 24 hours to celebrate dear Louisa and her sweet 16! How is our baby at this milestone! We explored new parts of DC- Georgetown and Foggy Bottom the destination. Call it a summer fling- I loved reading, walking and being together to honor our dear girl! Insert perfect picture or even video of the surprise reveal- aunt Susan is here! Family time is always a priority on Newark-Granville Road!

There was also time in Columbus with Denison Welcome and great colleagues. A treat was time with Terry and Mark Morowski- Denison alum alum couple and parents- one grad and one current- their messaging to the new families was spot on and worthy of repeating- oh that is too bad, what are you going to do? The reminder to me and all of us to listen, we're here, we're listening.  Joe was with me on so many of these trips and I'm lucky to have his light and ear, hand to hold.

Yes 2024 was a summer of travel and coming home the best part! Coming up is Portland, Oregon to watch the Big Red take on Linfield in Football! Chicago and Michigan will round out the season in special ways. The pull of wanting to be home and away a constant in this life on Newark-Granville Road. The transition time- back to school and fall sports, vs summer's pace and call- the fuller house and the empty one. I type with Lucy snoozing in the morning sun, the windows and porch all open with cool air and bird chatter- this is summer and it is wonderful on Newark-Granville Road.

I added people into the title of this post, summer provides much light and energy, opportunity and place but it is the people that make it special. The people that host, open homes, welcome, share, reflect and care. It is the people I've spent time with on Newark-Granville Road in July and August that I say thank you for making the light all the brighter.