It is May, full and fabulous May 2026

 Work Hard, Rest hard....

Blog inspiration, poof....

Beautiful week, weekend, time in between blog posts...

It is Sunday, it was a magical weekend- Denison Commencement, Denison Regional Baseball, time with Joe and people we consider friends, Denisonians we met four plus years ago, last week...the Inn late night, the baseball field watching an amazing season...continue...https://denisonbigred.com/sports/baseball the magical walk-offs, the energy....it really is where I relax,kind of, but just love the time...and truly love how Denison celebrates Commencement.

Then there is time at the Hirsh Barn- Global Commerce Lunch with senior families, a grad party here, there and the Cidery...working Commencement- oh my shout out to our division for excellent work in prep and execution- calm, cool and staffed so well! What a treat to engage and support and share this milestone, Class of 2026- you will be missed but you are ALWAYS DENISONIANS...our paths will cross and thank you parents that want to remain involved- you inspire!

and reach out to 2030, and even athlete 2031 has started, so comforting this time of year...

Life on Newark-Granville Road, sad, grateful, comforted, celebrated...and then time to golf- 9 holes two Sundays in a row..flower delivery and making dinner with Joe...Sunday ah....the porch is ready, the plants are finally there! Church and honoring high school seniors, working on volunteer projects- Rotary Awards and FPC Nominating...

Life is full and rewarding, emotional and calm and oh so beautiful!

Last weekend's mother day, symphony, dinners downtown I could have blogged so many times but I've been involved and working and away from the blog...but Life on Newark-Granville Road soaks up the time and moment to relax and unwind and be in the moment with Denisonians and friends and us!

A few pics to document the week, weekend, etc...

The Journey to & Derby...2026

Monday- WEDDING planning Zoom Call with Clare, Caroline and Rachel! Interviews, FLC Remote Meeting! Nominating Meeting...I slept well!

Tuesday, interviews, Rotary, and Session

Wednesday- all day retreat, toured Knobel Hall and King Center (WOW!) and RETIREMENT fun- thank you Granville Concierge, Colleen, Amy and MG Team, and the Inn....we honored a dear colleague as he prepares to retire!  

Thursday- all day retreat, welcome Efriam- house guest from London! Nail appointment (wish I had gone to the musical- can't do it all)..Granville KiwanisTENT up!!  thanks!! Eve of Eve!

Friday- Derby Eve: Early Birds Breakfast- Tradition! Prep day, a bit of rewarding work....Jane Heller Art Exhibit opened at Otterbein, Sally home and Shabbat prayers...pick-ups: flowers, baked goods, kegs (Granville Brewing, hello Pinto and Yuengling of course!)

Saturday- Derby Party Day: Senior Day Baseball, Michael Kennedy Art Exhibit opened at Sullivan building, lunch delivery by Sally, Ann and Caroline making their deviled eggs, oh the eggs- fluffy with bacon, with caviar, on beautiful plates with Heisey and roses...so impressive! Cold year..but no rain..Everyone who came, thank you, thank you, thank you!!  We sang happy birthday to Philly Joe! You wore your pretty coats and dressed for the weather! Historic race. Great help: Reuben in from Texas to bartend and produce delicious mint juleps, mint delivered from neighbors, Sam on betting duty, delicious food- procured, picked up and all shared- baked goods, the country ham....Tammy the Whiskey fairy- a new addition- tastings of Highbanks and Joe's stash...BANDS- MUSIC- Millstone Group: a Denison Roots Music group, Austin Finley- so good!! Flowers procured Friday, placed Saturday, and brought in due to frost Saturday night. (oh and Clare ran the Indy Half Marathon that ended on the Speedway- very cool!) So fun to add the "she said yes, newly engaged into the mix...see earlier post!

We loved it, we loved it- thanks for the messages from those missing, we missed you too. 

Lucy Loved It Too- her Godmother lavishing her with love.

Sunday- minor clean-up, debrief, omelettes with country ham and cheddar cheese, frost with the horses!

Pictures share the story...look at this year's flowers, roses that opened as they were purchased for the retirement party, the moment of a first sip of a julep in the grad gift cup, strawberries the real ones, Jammie Dodgers, Brazil, global fun...Susan's Lily dress- designed for her! Another beautiful first Saturday in May in our life on Newark-Granville Road....

She Said Yes, Clare Proposes....

Sweet Clare and Caroline, our dear daugther and future daugther-in-law...

There is so much to share:

-how much we love this dear couple, our daughter and of course and Caroline- see post on her ordination!

-the cute story of the proposal, well done Clare with a surprise, going early and beautiful ring selected!

-plans!!! They'll get married in Indy at their church- Second Pres, are looking into spring dates, with the understanding it will be a full season of milestones and blessings for us: four graduations in the Leithauser Stoner group!  The Monday after the news, the gals and the moms convened to start planning. C&C have great ideas to keep it simple. Rachel, Joe and I are looking forward to supporting this launch of their marriage!

-if you read the Derby Post you read that we added the fun of celebrating the engagement into the party! Just a nod, look to next year's party to encorporate wedding touches!!  We're so grateful C&C made the drive to be with us for the party and allow us to congratulate them in person!! Thank you to all who honored them, lots of bubbles˜!! Cheers to the love on Newark-Granville Road!

Fun pics: