Bucket List Road Trip, A Day in July @ The Races

 

Hosted by Izzi, Sacha, Amanda and Brian, Phil and Marie...what a special wonderful get away to a place we've always wanted to visit- the races of historic Saratoga Springs! https://www.saratogaracetrack.com/about/history-saratoga-race-course/  We also golfed, walked all over Skidmore, enjoyed delicious meals and soaked in time together with the perfect weather to frame the special getaway! Yaddo was a bonus, music with the roses in a beautiful setting. A place to return, a weekend to remember.

Gifts of Summer-in July

You think there is just one special holiday in July...the 4th and I posted about that wonderful jubilee earlier, but the reality is July is full of celebratory occasions captured here in our lives on Newark-Granville Road.

Christmas in July- we acted on gifts- experiences- not things this year: Clare's- the Fever game in Indy (oh what a treat to see that energy, the full house, and yes Caitlyn Clark! We had a wonderful weekend in Broad Ripple and yes, wedding planning happened!  Peter's it was going to a Nats game- somewhere else and he chose Denver. It worked so wel, Yes there is a Santa Claus, as Joe's beloved Reds played the day before the Nats- two for one and they had a great time.  It happened to be the same weekend- back to back travel for Joe.  By the way Sally's gift was going to Amsterdam with her team (in May) and it was also a magical time.

The PFC- parent fundraising conference is a gift to me. I value meeting with professionals from all over the country that basically do what I do. The Family Philanthropy niche is special and inspiring and this year OSU hosted.  A bit different to attend as a commuter, but the joy of seeing these work friends react to Columbus was wonderful. It also provided opportunity fo rme to engage a bit more with presentations. Thank you Cali for joining me with the donor-volunteer panel and Brenda for making my presentation a treat, and Michele for jumping in to your new role.

Sally's 21st birthday was in January and after the holiday, on a Monday, with the launch of internship and living in Indy and in Granville there is a fun way to celebrate birthdays and the 21st- what is better than a flaming tower of Margaritas.  Life on Newark-Granville Road took us there this month (her half birthdya month) with Aunt Ann, Caroline, Amanda and Eliza giggling and toasting and cathing up with salt-rimmed glasses!

I'm also grateful for a special night at the LSCC where I was spoiled by friends who gathered the Summer birthday gals for our toast and catch-up time.

So much more to add with trips, vacation days, golf, swims, farmers market, picnics and the true gifts of summer in our lives on Newark-Granville Road. 

The month ended with a night at the beach, Beach Haven, LBI with dear friends Tina Wayne Berman and her family and with her mother- Janet- Mrs. Wayne! Oh how wonderful to reconnect and catch-up and take in a beautiful sunset and summer evening with good good people that have been very good to me!