Finding words. Nature Provides

Words are not easy to find in these times, in these situations. Mother Nature knew I needed these evenings. The end of day warm breezes are comforting, they carry hope and peace that allows me to deeply exhale. The colors of the sky frame the thoughts, memories, and feelings. The sounds soothe. Friday it was cheers and pings of the bats, last night conversation and tonight moos, baas, calls and barks. The salt from the peanuts, the perfect balance of sweetness with a scotch and satisfaction from a healthy comfort food dinner round out the senses embracing me, buoying me. We feel, hear, see and taste the prayers and care. We will carrying them with us to Nadine and Jim, Alicia and others as we celebrate the life of Joe's brother, Jeff on Sunday April 27th.  

https://www.denherderfh.com/obituary/jeff-leithauser

From Alicia, on Facebook:

 My dads celebration of life details are :

Date: Sunday, April 27th starting at 1:00pm

Location: Grover Hill VFW

Please share this to anyone who may want to come and celebrate my dad.

Thank you!— with Nadine Leithauser and

4 others

.

Easter this year was a lovely FPC service complete with brass, choir, flowers, hymns and a message of comfort with the remimder that we are not alone. We made our egg and olive sandwiches, delivered lunch to Nadine and had a visit with Jim. The drive gave us book time and us time. We did our Sunday call in Bryan so Grandma could hear the updates and chatter of Granville Leithausers.

My brother said it well, when we heard the news of Jeff's death it felt surreal. It doesn't seem possible Joe's younger brother is no longer in this world. Mother nature knew and I'm grateful.

We're grateful for the love and care carried in the breeze, in the warm and framed by sunsets and sunrises.

Words are not easy to find in these times, in these situations, but we know we are not alone in our life on Newark-Granville Road and we are grateful.

Updated 4/28/25- a lovely service and celebration of Jeff's life. Gathering family and friends is important and appreciated. Alicia's remarks about her father's support of her and her boys was quite touching. I valued the chance to hear stories of life in Sherwood and I know Joe valued the touch point with people he has not seen in a long time as well as those we wish we saw a bit more often...savor each day and moment.

The Leithauser's Annual Run for the Roses Party- AKA DERBY!

UPDATED: 5/1/28

This party is rain or shine- we have tents, people will find their place in the houses- lower level TV room, living room....I am planning to wear my red duck/rain boots- good thing I planned to wear my red dress......and red fascinator!

 

Life on Newark-Granville Road's secondary purpose is to spread the word and remind folks about our annual Derby party.  We do love to host this gathering and it only works if good folks attend! Thank you for attending in the past and joining us this year.  Some FYIs:

Date: First Saturday in May- this year, 2025 is May 3rd!

This is the 151st Run for the Roses

Time: Bar opens at 4 pm

Entertainment 5pm ish

Post Time is 5:51 pm

Wrap up at dark....

What to expect:

Good people and Lucy our pup!

Good drinks (Mint Juleps, beer on tap- Yuengling and Granville Brewing), Lemonade and what ever else people bring and share!  There will be a table of wine....and an idea is blooming to promote a fun summer event..more soon!

Good Food- we'll have country ham sandwiches, chocolate covered strawberries, Bella's cookies and cupcakes!! And then we're grateful for the pot-luck approach.  Dear friends have brought some amazing things over the years....we prefer appetizer/bite size desserts, shareables....but we'll have things on hand to make just about anything work! Please bring me a taste!!

I don't think any of our children will attend this year, sniff, but we get Nana! My Mother and partner Michael will come west from  Maryland- hooray! 

What to Wear:  Derby attire- hats are encouraged, as is whatever Derby means to you- for Joe it is the launch of summer, for me it is about what is the weather and getting dressed feet up- boots- see above!

What else:

bring singles to place a wager to win.

Parking is tight- bring your walking shoes and park at one of the nearby churches!

More updates the closer we get to the party!

No theme, just Derby fun....check out past posts about Derby, we've been doing this for a long time!

Friends and family included, especially those new to the area!

Once Invited Always invited!

UPDATES!!! Happy to say we have some....

Denison's Hilltoppers will peform around 5 pmish!!

Three TVs for race time- downstairs, kitchen, living room!