I can't read your writing....

 I have a new favorite person and author. Helen Ellis, her article on the last page of this edition of Garden and Gun, made me swoon. I'm sending the photo of it far and wide and telling everyone to read it.

Go get the magazine, you don't get the magazine you say? Let me know, next gift giving opportunity- guess what! And researching for this blog post, I found more I love about Helen Ellis. An article in, you guessed it G&G 2024....about Thank you Notes! 

https://gardenandgun.com/articles/can-one-text-a-thank-you-note-for-a-wedding-gift/?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=socialmedia&utm_campaign=March2024_facebook&utm_content=thankyoutext&fbclid=IwY2xjawRKcFBleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBicmlkETF6M1V5R09qN0pyYzJuZFlic3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHukyNy7zCdGu-tn1OJhdZ8KtyWKhxpsEyBhZ-SRC8-e4LCA2JpDkDtQaxuWT_aem_nvDcLDNNtmk6Zob3D5CxUQ

This month's article is about illegible hand writing, yes yours truly, so of course I relate to the author. The title is-Illegible Me, Horrific pensmanship won't stop a handwriting fiend! G& G april May 2026 p. 192 Ellis (forgive if order is wrong).

I come by my poor handwriting honestly.  My father's wasn't great. I interned in an adjacent office one summer, people would seek me out to decipher his scribble.  There have been times I've felt badly about this. There are times I type my letters and print to be understood. One time I pushed back, you can't read my writing then I won't send the letter. A hand written thank you letter should be good enough..but of course it isn't. I do want you to know how I feel, how grateful I am and how I'll use the item you've bestowed to me/the organization for which I care. 

Even what is deemed the most beautiful handwriting now can be hard to read/understand. We're all so use to text and printing and these future generations can't even read cursive much less write it. My mother's writing can even be hard, but I know how to read it. I was raised reading it and at times trying to copy it. My children had to ask Nana to print when she sent mail to camp, they didn't read cursive. Sigh.

The kindest email came to me today. MY HWTY (hand written thank you) was called out as making a difference and greatly appreciated! Ahhh, yay!

I'm big fan of the "ps" on printed/typed, somewhat form letters, solicitations and acknowledgements. I don't get to do that as much any more.  I love to send a postcard, have slowed down on those...not sure why.

Anyway- Dear Ms. Ellis, I will be reading more of your writing. I'm adding you to summer reading, because a beach trip is in my future!

And guess what my texting isn't great either..oh well at least I can bring a smile- see the positive on Newark-Granville Road and keep writing and reading! Thanks for reading this today.

Leaving Legacies

 https://www.newarkadvocate.com/obituaries/pwoo1448570

This is the link to the obituary for Sarah Davison. Sarah's dedication to girls sports in Granville was like non-other. We're grateful for all Sarah and Tim did to support our girls, all of the teams before, during after our girls played. She set a beautiful example and provided love, care and cookies that mattered and made a difference.  Rest in Peace Sarah.

https://www.hendersonvanatta.com/obituaries/Linda-L-Dimon?obId=48049992

This is the link for Linda Dimon's obituary. Linda had a direct impact on me, by being welcoming and encouraging. She was always happy to see me and made me feel welcome. She encouraged my work at The Works and then beyond. She too set an example for the world, leaving a legacy and the world a better place.  She will be missed.  How can she be gone?  Prayers for those close to her, her family. Steve also always makes me smile...what a gift.

The beautiful sentiment "May Her Memory be a Blessing" comes to mind here for both of these women.

I'm not Jewish, but value and benefit from Jewish lessons and faith- Blessings of Skinned Knee example in our life on Newark-Granville Road...I found this article by Sharrona Pearl to help me apply it today: https://www.tabletmag.com/sections/community/articles/may-their-memory-be-for-a-blessing

Make someone feel seen, loved, affirmed, welcome today to honor these women, I will. And those that do so to me, thank you. Thank you Linda and Sarah for lives well lived. Your memory is a blessing, as was your life on Newark-Granville Road.  Thank you for living your faith and being truly philanthropic. You used the resources you had at your fingertips to make the world a better place (Melinda Gates), it worked!

Thank you Easter Bunny....Bwock Bwoack

 Stoner kid fave- Matt, Sarah, Susan- no suprise it was part of our family Easter text this year.  I sent the video of it to the full family group text as the next generation needed a reminder- so I believe.  I wonder what they think.

No real Easter Bunny to thank this year, new stage and phase and a lovely one! We were invited to church in Indy at Caroline's church- Second Presbyterian on Meridian- such a beautiful place, a big one too! It was a lovely service. Clare and Caroline did a great job with a lovely post church brunch, mimosa, waffle, casserole, fruit salad, Clare's sourdough, treats galore. Harper was such a good pup and we enjoyed time with Caroline's Mom and grandmother, and our Sally!

Drive time- up early and home not too late, podcasts and magazines and catch-up texts with pals and family. A simple and sweet Easter, making new memories in our life on Newark-Granville Road.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oxe7pAeRA3s   And if you need smile here is the commercial! Bock Bock at the end!

Derby Party 2026 Leithauser Annual Run for the Roses Party

 It is April 2, that means one month to Derby!  Here is what you need to know and we want to share! We'll continue to update and add to this! Saturday, May 2nd- always the 1st Saturday in May

1st- Once invited always invited, yes bring a friend or family, let folks new to town they are included.

2nd-4:30 pm start, post time: we do watch the race, some will stay in the yard and not watch, yes we place wagers- see below.  End time- dark-ish- every year it is different.  Read past blogs about the party!

Next:  Reuben is coming back- hooray- we do love the partnership with a bartender, it started with Emily- ahhhh....

Dress- yes we'll have on hats and be festive- sometimes a bow tie or Joe, or a jacket, sometimes not, I'm usually in a sun dress or equivelent...boots to ward off the rain. I have a new fun LILLY dress this year! But anything goes- you get to define Derby attire and for some it means what they wear to muck out a stall, to cheering or playing tball!

Drinks and Eats:  if you have a certain drink you love, bring that in a to go cup, or wine- we'll have some but run out- but we will have two kegs- Granville Brewing YES it continues..go to Rays Rays..Yuengling, and Mint Juleps Reuben style, lemonade and waters.....

Food, we'll have country ham sandwhiches, cookies, chocolate covered strawberries and then we are grateful for those that like to bring something bite size to share. But if you're busy and want to just come that works too- there is always plenty of food.

Entertainment- live music is in the works this year..more soon....

We love hosting this party. We love the people that connect and meet and bringing our community together in this way. We certainly do love living on Newark-Granville Road and this party is a way we say thank you!

History- previous posts have it- it started back in 1992 and has happened in four states, inspiration from my parents preakness parties! Yes I went to the Derby once, and we love Keeneland!