Day six of daily blogging and I'm not sure what to share about my life on Newark-Granville Road today. One thought is to share about my day- nothing overly special- it was a busy day and flew by filled with ups and downs and quality time with the family and good people. There were some challenges and as I left work today I reminded myself of one of my favorite quotes that I found when I returned to work:
"Sit loosely in the saddle of life". Robert Louis Stevenson.
I need to apply this to my life at work, home, with kids, as I watch the election results, etc......
Another thought is to mention how much I'm enjoying other's blogs! Cheri's challenge to blog daily came from another blog as I blogged earlier and I'm benefiting from reading those that she recommended. Here is another blog I want to share- Kristine Michael's- my friend who I'm missing that is living in Senegal with her two children. I so enjoy this blog as I feel I'm traveling across the Atlantic and getting a glimpse into her adventure!!
http://abroadinsenegal.wordpress.com/
And finally I'll share a favorite book and tool that I've pulled out to help me "sit loosely" this evening. Now, Discover Your Strengths Marcus Buckingham and Donald Clifton. Joe introduced this to me years ago when Cardinal Health utilized the study. When I joined The Works- we were guided in this exercise at a staff retreat and we keep benefiting by returning to the analysis and understanding of all the goodness we have to offer our organizations and coworkers.
I could go on and on with other perspectives today, my life is full and rewarding on Newark-Granville Road thanks to the support and good work of so many!!
Tuesday, November 6, 2012
Monday, November 5, 2012
Casting our ballots on Newark-Granville Road....
I love to vote! And if you've read enough of my blogs or spent much time you know that I'm a love the journey kind of person, I'm also a process person and a person who likes her traditions. I also like to know "why" things are the way they are and it also explains why I enjoy sharing my own "why"s my life on Newark-Granville Road is as it is!!
The Voting Process
Since living in Granville - the voting process is pretty special to me. Here are some of the things that I have done and that will help me at the poll when I cast my votes!
Print the Ballot:
http://voterfind.tzo.org/lickingoh/ballotlist.aspx
Joe usually prints this for me and we find time to talk through the issues and candidates. We'll take some time to do the research, ask friends who's opinions we trust and value. We'll do some research on websites like Women's League of Voters, Some Blogs and articles on line.
Discussing more than Books:
Discussing Books at Cherry Valley Lodge Book Club- it usually happens that Monday night book club- 1st Monday of the month- falls on election day eve....so we find ourselves sharing thoughts and opinions. What is impressive is often women are on different sides of issues but we respect the opinion and move on- same goes with book discussion by the way!
When able we'll try to meet and talk with candidates, attend meetings/presentations. We appreciate the televised debates. We did attend one rally earlier in the year as it was on the courthouse square - easy! My parents and kids loved being around the energy and having the opportunity to see in person what all the fuss has been about. In some ways I wish I had the energy to track down a President Obama speech for the kids to experience. We're grateful for all the opportunities Denison has provided us to hear political presentations and the follow up date night conversation that follows!
Make it a Family Affair
The kids say they are voting tomorrow- often it has been a fun issue- but I wonder if they'll make it an electoral college process instead of a popular vote? Often one or all of the kids go with us to the polls. Clare had said she was voting one way, but after a questionaire she completed today she was thinking another way and I love it!
I know I know you're not suppose to talk politics or religion but I value hearing the various sides on issues, often I can see both sides and I need the assistance of extroverted energy to finalize my own decision. At work I try to stay neutral- but I am who I am and can get pulled in despite my best efforts!
I value Works members, friends, book club members on both sides of the aisle. Joe found this article recently and I find it fascinating!!
Why do we vote the way we vote:
http://www.economist.com/node/21564191
Nature or nurture, my upbringing was a split house often. My grandfather a republican on my dad's side, my grandmother on my mother's side a democrat. Sunday dinner discussion could get very heated!! My parents switched parties to support someone they knew well running for Governor. I'm one of three siblings and we've been divided at times. I find it all interesting and would love to discuss and research this further.... however the polls open at 6:30 tomorrow morning and it is time to get a good night's sleep for Voting Day on Newark-Granville Road!
The Voting Process
Since living in Granville - the voting process is pretty special to me. Here are some of the things that I have done and that will help me at the poll when I cast my votes!
Print the Ballot:
http://voterfind.tzo.org/lickingoh/ballotlist.aspx
Joe usually prints this for me and we find time to talk through the issues and candidates. We'll take some time to do the research, ask friends who's opinions we trust and value. We'll do some research on websites like Women's League of Voters, Some Blogs and articles on line.
Discussing more than Books:
Discussing Books at Cherry Valley Lodge Book Club- it usually happens that Monday night book club- 1st Monday of the month- falls on election day eve....so we find ourselves sharing thoughts and opinions. What is impressive is often women are on different sides of issues but we respect the opinion and move on- same goes with book discussion by the way!
When able we'll try to meet and talk with candidates, attend meetings/presentations. We appreciate the televised debates. We did attend one rally earlier in the year as it was on the courthouse square - easy! My parents and kids loved being around the energy and having the opportunity to see in person what all the fuss has been about. In some ways I wish I had the energy to track down a President Obama speech for the kids to experience. We're grateful for all the opportunities Denison has provided us to hear political presentations and the follow up date night conversation that follows!
Make it a Family Affair
The kids say they are voting tomorrow- often it has been a fun issue- but I wonder if they'll make it an electoral college process instead of a popular vote? Often one or all of the kids go with us to the polls. Clare had said she was voting one way, but after a questionaire she completed today she was thinking another way and I love it!
I know I know you're not suppose to talk politics or religion but I value hearing the various sides on issues, often I can see both sides and I need the assistance of extroverted energy to finalize my own decision. At work I try to stay neutral- but I am who I am and can get pulled in despite my best efforts!
I value Works members, friends, book club members on both sides of the aisle. Joe found this article recently and I find it fascinating!!
Why do we vote the way we vote:
http://www.economist.com/node/21564191
Nature or nurture, my upbringing was a split house often. My grandfather a republican on my dad's side, my grandmother on my mother's side a democrat. Sunday dinner discussion could get very heated!! My parents switched parties to support someone they knew well running for Governor. I'm one of three siblings and we've been divided at times. I find it all interesting and would love to discuss and research this further.... however the polls open at 6:30 tomorrow morning and it is time to get a good night's sleep for Voting Day on Newark-Granville Road!
Sunday, November 4, 2012
The Saints in our lives.....
During church today, Rev. Karen asked....who are the saints in your life? We told the kids they'd needed to pay attention to the sermon today as we would be discussing it at family dinner. I'm pretty pleased that when at dinner, hours later, we asked- "what was the sermon about?"- they were able to answer- Saints! They were able to talk to the definition pretty well and engage in conversation with us. When we went around and answered- who are the saints- they immediately gave the answer they thought they should- us, teachers and some others. We explained- we aren't saints for taking care of them- that is our job. We even said the same about teachers, however we then explained that teachers that have gone beyond the call of duty, that have stayed in touch with them, that look out for them when they don't even know it- those are saints. Mrs. Stankunas' name was quickly mentioned. The other names shared around the table: Rev Thom, "remember Ruth- she was the person who made good things happen at church for us"; Rev Karen, Mrs. Miggo, Cannon and Laura, Judge and Mrs. Baldwin, Miss Marcia, the lady that mails us our Halloween cards every year....., Mrs Havill, Mrs. LoRAso, Mrs. Michael- but she moved to Africa but she still thinks about us. The children's dictionary definition of saint "2. A very kind and patient person." The subject was soon changed, I know many more names would of been shared and we could of gone further into the definition but that is life around our table on Newark-Granville road- topics are plenty and paced.
I take the time now to say thanks to those good people that my children know and that know and accept my energetic, individual children and our hurried family bouncing from event to event, showing up late here and there. I am so grateful for those that are in our hearts and cared for Joe and I all our lives. The saints of our community and those communities that are in desperate need of saintly actions. The saints that paved the way, challenged status quo, took their faith to heart and gave us our world we often take for granted.
We're so blessed to have so many people that know our family, assist us, look out for us and model the way to help us all live a more spiritual life because of their care. Life is all the more special because these saints have been and are in our life on Newark-Granville Road.
I take the time now to say thanks to those good people that my children know and that know and accept my energetic, individual children and our hurried family bouncing from event to event, showing up late here and there. I am so grateful for those that are in our hearts and cared for Joe and I all our lives. The saints of our community and those communities that are in desperate need of saintly actions. The saints that paved the way, challenged status quo, took their faith to heart and gave us our world we often take for granted.
We're so blessed to have so many people that know our family, assist us, look out for us and model the way to help us all live a more spiritual life because of their care. Life is all the more special because these saints have been and are in our life on Newark-Granville Road.
Saturday, November 3, 2012
The Little Things
Yes it is the little things that make a BIG difference. Picking up from yesterday's what makes me happy theme on my blog. I actually had the idea of happiness is.... pop into my head yesterday morning when for the 2nd day in a row, I put on a winter coat that has been hanging in the hall closet for almost a year, I put my hand in the pocket and voila- a favorite lipstick was there! I'm not a girl who has to always have her lipstick on- like my mother- however it is the little final touch that does make me feel a bit more "ready to go"- plus my lips are often dry and I like a product that keeps them feeling good! So yes happiness is.....finding something in your pocket that you've been missing!
The little things often aren't little- they take that extra bit of effort that could easily be skipped. This fall I realized that all of my lipsticks/glosses really- had gone missing. Now we know where....a business owner friend actually delivered them to my house, so I wouldn't have to take the time from my day and deal with construction. THANK YOU Gloria at Rejeuvenations for the extra effort that meant so much to me!!
Other little things that mean a lot to me.....Kids are you reading...hmm- I don't think my kids to read my blogs....
1. picking up after yourself. These candy wrappers are driving me nuts.
2. Real Mail- I received two hand written notes addressed to me today!!!
3. Personalized Christmas Cards - just a quick note or signature....I know it isn't the norm and I am so happy to get the card any way (see above)- just a little extra I value.
4. Personalized asks for money.....I try to do this at work and I KNOW it isn't possible and the funds come in without them but I like the personal approach. Patrcia Finkelman-I've shared this with you before but the Women's Fund's Annual Fund campaign is AMAZING and your note inspires me in so many ways!
5. The passing hello and smile...again often not the norm in today's world but I'll just say how much I value it and it pays off! The "Denison" hello is what it was called at one point on the hill- passing on chapel walk you always acknowledged the person passing by....
Life on Newark-Granville road is filled with little things that add up to a very blessed life indeed- thanks for the comment Cheri!
The little things often aren't little- they take that extra bit of effort that could easily be skipped. This fall I realized that all of my lipsticks/glosses really- had gone missing. Now we know where....a business owner friend actually delivered them to my house, so I wouldn't have to take the time from my day and deal with construction. THANK YOU Gloria at Rejeuvenations for the extra effort that meant so much to me!!
Other little things that mean a lot to me.....Kids are you reading...hmm- I don't think my kids to read my blogs....
1. picking up after yourself. These candy wrappers are driving me nuts.
2. Real Mail- I received two hand written notes addressed to me today!!!
3. Personalized Christmas Cards - just a quick note or signature....I know it isn't the norm and I am so happy to get the card any way (see above)- just a little extra I value.
4. Personalized asks for money.....I try to do this at work and I KNOW it isn't possible and the funds come in without them but I like the personal approach. Patrcia Finkelman-I've shared this with you before but the Women's Fund's Annual Fund campaign is AMAZING and your note inspires me in so many ways!
5. The passing hello and smile...again often not the norm in today's world but I'll just say how much I value it and it pays off! The "Denison" hello is what it was called at one point on the hill- passing on chapel walk you always acknowledged the person passing by....
Life on Newark-Granville road is filled with little things that add up to a very blessed life indeed- thanks for the comment Cheri!
Happiness on Newark-Granville Road Is.....
Okay- four minutes to go so I can meet the post every day challenge....however I think I may declare the definition of posting every day as posting before I go to bed, that doesn't put the midnight restriction into my effort.
Actually I am pretty tired and happy to share what made me happy today, which may be inspiration for a future blog this month...or maybe someoneelse's. Big thanks to Cheri and her blog and blog challenge....Napleshttp://naplesgirlblog.com/2012/11/02/fellow-bloggers/ She posted these other bloggers to take a look at, they too will be blogging daily!
Actually I am pretty tired and happy to share what made me happy today, which may be inspiration for a future blog this month...or maybe someoneelse's. Big thanks to Cheri and her blog and blog challenge....Napleshttp://naplesgirlblog.com/2012/11/02/fellow-bloggers/ She posted these other bloggers to take a look at, they too will be blogging daily!
- The Spectacled Bean - Stop on over and check out Ally’s new post on Color & Clarity and then keep checking back each day to see what new things are happening there.
- My Happy Nest – See why Sara is so thankful these days and find out what November will bring to her already busy schedule
- Lovellie Commentary – Ellie always has some great opinions to share. Check out her latest on the CMA Awards. Good stuff here. Glad you are joining us, Ellie!
- A Simple, Village Undertaker – Although Ray has been a consistent blogger for some time now, he, too, has accepted this challenge. You will love reading his stuff and you will find some new blogs to follow as well.
Anyway back to what made me happy today:
-roasting a marshmallow on a beautiful screened in porch, overlooking the lights of Newark-Granville Road.
-sitting around a round table catching up, laughing, sharing, enjoying good wine and yummy food with friends.
-honoring good work, being part of an event put on by our community hospital.
-engaging with caring co-workers.
-sharing the energy of and with business supporters and growers
-fixing a potential health issue- minor- and seeing innovative technology at work by competent caring professionals.
-feeling the energy of shared passion.
-getting dressed for a day that brought all the fun it had the potential to
bring.
-puppy kisses and hugs.
-cuddling and hugging kids.
-talking with my mom on the phone in the morning.
-smiling at a message from my husband, and the fact he makes me giddy when I think about Friday night date night with him.
Yes I have a very happy life on Newark-Granville Road....
Thursday, November 1, 2012
Daily Posts on Newark-Granvile Road: Welcome to Denison Dr. Weinberg
http://www.denison.edu/theden/2012/11/denisons-next-president/
Cheri- I accept the challenge and will do my best to post a daily blog entry every day in November. I didn't know about the Blog Post but thanks to your blog I do now! http://www.blogher.com/sign-novembers-nablopomo-and-join-blogging-party
So today's big news to comment and share....Denison's new president. We are certainly sad to be saying farewell to President Dr. Dale T. Knobel. My first year working at Denison was traveling with Dale and often Tina to introduce the wonderful alumni clubs across the country to him/them. That was a great job. I so enjoyed the opportunity and seeing Dale in action with the caring, concerned, engaged Denisonians. He became a Denisonian- or reconnected as one- he spent his first year of college at Denison so very well. And that is the great news- he'll remain connected as so many of us do. Dale deserves his retirement and we're thankful for all he's done.
Joe and I are both very pleased about the selection of the new president. The video on the Denison DEN webpage- see link above and please watch the video! Dr. Weinberg shares the things that excite us about Denison and our lives on Newark-Granville road!! We're big fans of our liberal arts education and what it offers our community and future Denisonians. We love how it aligns with our lives and how we're raising our children. It is one of the reasons we are so committed to The Works and our church in many ways as well- we learn at church across disciplines- we don't just worship and life long learning is key to Denison. And The Works- Ohio's Center for Art, History and Technology- need I say more.
Another aspect of Dr. Adam Weinberg's perspective that we admire is his global perspective and experience! We truly value and want to know more about the world beyond Granville, Ohio, the US and we think it is a smart move to have Denison's leadership expanding out beautiful bubble a bit more. Dale's tenure has embraced that and we're grateful for all the portals he's encouraged and inspired- particularly those in Newark. We also value his commitment to the liberal arts experience abroad and now we see how that ties to his successor.
Denison creates leaders. Or better said Denison's education and experiences cultivate, challenge and equip leaders for the world. My father noted this and will tell you it is one of his favorite aspects of Denison. All three of his children benefited from the experience and education in ways I can't even begin to describe tonight. No doubt about it future President Weinberg- you'll be at home on the hill and around Newark-Granville Road and we look forward to welcoming you!
Cheri- I accept the challenge and will do my best to post a daily blog entry every day in November. I didn't know about the Blog Post but thanks to your blog I do now! http://www.blogher.com/sign-novembers-nablopomo-and-join-blogging-party
So today's big news to comment and share....Denison's new president. We are certainly sad to be saying farewell to President Dr. Dale T. Knobel. My first year working at Denison was traveling with Dale and often Tina to introduce the wonderful alumni clubs across the country to him/them. That was a great job. I so enjoyed the opportunity and seeing Dale in action with the caring, concerned, engaged Denisonians. He became a Denisonian- or reconnected as one- he spent his first year of college at Denison so very well. And that is the great news- he'll remain connected as so many of us do. Dale deserves his retirement and we're thankful for all he's done.
Joe and I are both very pleased about the selection of the new president. The video on the Denison DEN webpage- see link above and please watch the video! Dr. Weinberg shares the things that excite us about Denison and our lives on Newark-Granville road!! We're big fans of our liberal arts education and what it offers our community and future Denisonians. We love how it aligns with our lives and how we're raising our children. It is one of the reasons we are so committed to The Works and our church in many ways as well- we learn at church across disciplines- we don't just worship and life long learning is key to Denison. And The Works- Ohio's Center for Art, History and Technology- need I say more.
Another aspect of Dr. Adam Weinberg's perspective that we admire is his global perspective and experience! We truly value and want to know more about the world beyond Granville, Ohio, the US and we think it is a smart move to have Denison's leadership expanding out beautiful bubble a bit more. Dale's tenure has embraced that and we're grateful for all the portals he's encouraged and inspired- particularly those in Newark. We also value his commitment to the liberal arts experience abroad and now we see how that ties to his successor.
Denison creates leaders. Or better said Denison's education and experiences cultivate, challenge and equip leaders for the world. My father noted this and will tell you it is one of his favorite aspects of Denison. All three of his children benefited from the experience and education in ways I can't even begin to describe tonight. No doubt about it future President Weinberg- you'll be at home on the hill and around Newark-Granville Road and we look forward to welcoming you!
Tuesday, October 23, 2012
Joe and Susan's Cuban Adventure
What to call this time away from Newark-Granville Road? A vacation- in some ways yes, it was so much more than a trip, our travel south was truly an adventure far away from life on Newark-Granville Road. Joe and I had the privilege to book with the Licking County Chamber of Commerce a "people to people tour" to Cuba. We are grateful for opportunity to access to this beautiful island Joe had always wanted to visit. The experience was so much more than what I anticipated.
We were there for 8 days and 7 nights. We were able to enjoy the afternoon before we departed Miami in South Beach. Our getaway had some amazing perks that could put it in the vacation category- like swimming in the Atlantic Ocean- sooooo warm and beautiful shades of blues from indigo to midnight, cool white sand with tiny shells; no kids, no reservations to make, our own driver and tour guide and most of all no access to cell, Internet- we both relaxed and slept so well! However the amount of learning and exploring we did (most with limited access to English- the tour guide did a great job with translation and explanations, however very little written English anywhere. Even the book we bought on Cuba was in Spanish- oops. Know Joe did so well- we even ventured off on our own many nights and engaged in rewarding and special conversations with those that wanted to practice some English and were pleased to help Joe with his Spanish!) it was really more of a learning opportunity.
Learning about so much more than a place. We have a better understanding of political relations and the economic environment there - it weighed on me while we were there and still is to be honest. It was hard to enjoy the glutenous buffets while seeing the lack of food available to most of the population. Our accommodations were fine, nice by some definitions if you could look beyond the mold on the bathroom door or shower issues; but compared to the thousands of homes we looked into on streets and alleys and in the countryside we had high end luxury. Know that we felt extremely safe as we walked dark streets- empty and crowded both in the evenings. Know that the people were thrilled to talk with us and were happy to engage and host us- there is great pride on this beautiful island.
Despite Cuba's poor run down appearance- so much has been left to just fade to nothing and deteriorate. The island is filled with riches- items we could not return with I'm afraid- items from the "blockade" as they call the embargo. Rum, sipping rum- didn't even need much lime or mint- although the original daiquiri and mojito are lovely!! Cigars- yes Joe smoked one most evenings- we found the perfect spot at the National Hotel's veranda nothing like what it must of been in the 50s and far from today's Greenbrier - but lovely in its own way. The visit to the cigar factory, tobacco farm (a small 3 acre homestead with coffee tree, cacao/chocolate tree, peach tree, banana tree) to see the drying barn and smoke a cigar rolled from the tobacco grown and cured there. And the coffee- every morning, every meal the espresso was full and mellow, dark and strong. Also know the food was really very very good! We dined mostly at state renovated and owned/operated restaurants. Most in historic buildings and always at well set tables with a welcome rum cocktail, vegetable salad (cabbage, cucumbers and something else), bread with butter (first couple butters a bit off and the dairy farmer from Norway whom we sat with at breakfast one day agreed the milk just tasted different.) The Spanish influence is everywhere in Cuba - feel of the cities, food tastes- much more European than island or Mexican-South American. We loved the Creole food that was provided a few times- roasted chicken, black beans and rice. This month's Food and Wine magazine has an article "Havana Homecoming" that summarizes our visit wtih food very very well! We had a great deal of seafood-warm water lobsters, shrimp, delicious meaty filets. The beef was always yummy and often had a sauce that accompanied the meal with perfect balance. I even was treated to soft boiled eggs most mornings on the breakfast buffet!
We traveled to Havana, Santa Clara, Cienfuegos- our favorite and in the best shape as far as we could tell, Pinar del Rio- breathtaking valley! We toured factories, learned a whole lot about the Revelution and Che Guevara- who is everywhere there, much more so than Castro. There was music at every turn and every meal and quite quite good! Our hotel- the Havana Libre was the Havana Hilton and played a key role during the revolution- Castro and group taking over several floors. Russian embassay setting up base there too at one point. Our other hotel was an all inclusive resort that gave us a sample of what we've heard the Europeans enjoy taking in- not our thing but we found ways to enjoy it- primarily the opportunity to get to know our fellow travelers and tour guides, take in the amazing night skies filled with stars. I was able to be the conductor on a steam locomotive- my cheeks hurt from smiling the whole way and yes I did sing "casey jones" both versions Cash and Dead. The art was wonderful- local/nieve and the National Museum of Fine Arts- opened in 1954- Omar the tour guide was a highlight and treat!! Joe was the one who danced with the locals this trip (I LOVED my dance in china) and that happened at one of my favorite stops- the older folks in a community group called- joy of life- shared with us their activities, crafts and way of life in Cuba of today. Positive attitudes are inspiring in a place like Cuba!! At the beautiful cemetery- almost nicest place we visited - I learned about recycling of coffins and burial processes. Hemingway's farm was an inspiration and beautiful change of pace.
I can't give you all the nitty gritty details of this trip but am happy to answer questions and I encourage you to read our leader's blog:
http://naplesgirl.files.wordpress.com/2012/10/cuba-2012-048.jpg Cheri is doing an outstanding job sharing her perspective from the adventure!
We didn't get to see baseball directly. We almost did and that will be a story for another day.....know that we loved this adventure, loved being together and would love to answer your questions and discuss this fascinating and beautiful place with you...preferably with rum and a cigar!! I also must say that more than ever I'm grateful for our freedom- that freedom that is protected daily by our military and government. Life on Newark-Granville road is beautiful and I take way too much for granted. The balance between our public and private sectors have to allow for opportunity and growth amaze, inspire and fuel me more than ever after this Cuban adventure.
Photos can be found on our photo site: http://granvilleleithausers.shutterfly.com/ or email me and I can send you them- ssleithauser@gmail.com
We were there for 8 days and 7 nights. We were able to enjoy the afternoon before we departed Miami in South Beach. Our getaway had some amazing perks that could put it in the vacation category- like swimming in the Atlantic Ocean- sooooo warm and beautiful shades of blues from indigo to midnight, cool white sand with tiny shells; no kids, no reservations to make, our own driver and tour guide and most of all no access to cell, Internet- we both relaxed and slept so well! However the amount of learning and exploring we did (most with limited access to English- the tour guide did a great job with translation and explanations, however very little written English anywhere. Even the book we bought on Cuba was in Spanish- oops. Know Joe did so well- we even ventured off on our own many nights and engaged in rewarding and special conversations with those that wanted to practice some English and were pleased to help Joe with his Spanish!) it was really more of a learning opportunity.
Learning about so much more than a place. We have a better understanding of political relations and the economic environment there - it weighed on me while we were there and still is to be honest. It was hard to enjoy the glutenous buffets while seeing the lack of food available to most of the population. Our accommodations were fine, nice by some definitions if you could look beyond the mold on the bathroom door or shower issues; but compared to the thousands of homes we looked into on streets and alleys and in the countryside we had high end luxury. Know that we felt extremely safe as we walked dark streets- empty and crowded both in the evenings. Know that the people were thrilled to talk with us and were happy to engage and host us- there is great pride on this beautiful island.
Despite Cuba's poor run down appearance- so much has been left to just fade to nothing and deteriorate. The island is filled with riches- items we could not return with I'm afraid- items from the "blockade" as they call the embargo. Rum, sipping rum- didn't even need much lime or mint- although the original daiquiri and mojito are lovely!! Cigars- yes Joe smoked one most evenings- we found the perfect spot at the National Hotel's veranda nothing like what it must of been in the 50s and far from today's Greenbrier - but lovely in its own way. The visit to the cigar factory, tobacco farm (a small 3 acre homestead with coffee tree, cacao/chocolate tree, peach tree, banana tree) to see the drying barn and smoke a cigar rolled from the tobacco grown and cured there. And the coffee- every morning, every meal the espresso was full and mellow, dark and strong. Also know the food was really very very good! We dined mostly at state renovated and owned/operated restaurants. Most in historic buildings and always at well set tables with a welcome rum cocktail, vegetable salad (cabbage, cucumbers and something else), bread with butter (first couple butters a bit off and the dairy farmer from Norway whom we sat with at breakfast one day agreed the milk just tasted different.) The Spanish influence is everywhere in Cuba - feel of the cities, food tastes- much more European than island or Mexican-South American. We loved the Creole food that was provided a few times- roasted chicken, black beans and rice. This month's Food and Wine magazine has an article "Havana Homecoming" that summarizes our visit wtih food very very well! We had a great deal of seafood-warm water lobsters, shrimp, delicious meaty filets. The beef was always yummy and often had a sauce that accompanied the meal with perfect balance. I even was treated to soft boiled eggs most mornings on the breakfast buffet!
We traveled to Havana, Santa Clara, Cienfuegos- our favorite and in the best shape as far as we could tell, Pinar del Rio- breathtaking valley! We toured factories, learned a whole lot about the Revelution and Che Guevara- who is everywhere there, much more so than Castro. There was music at every turn and every meal and quite quite good! Our hotel- the Havana Libre was the Havana Hilton and played a key role during the revolution- Castro and group taking over several floors. Russian embassay setting up base there too at one point. Our other hotel was an all inclusive resort that gave us a sample of what we've heard the Europeans enjoy taking in- not our thing but we found ways to enjoy it- primarily the opportunity to get to know our fellow travelers and tour guides, take in the amazing night skies filled with stars. I was able to be the conductor on a steam locomotive- my cheeks hurt from smiling the whole way and yes I did sing "casey jones" both versions Cash and Dead. The art was wonderful- local/nieve and the National Museum of Fine Arts- opened in 1954- Omar the tour guide was a highlight and treat!! Joe was the one who danced with the locals this trip (I LOVED my dance in china) and that happened at one of my favorite stops- the older folks in a community group called- joy of life- shared with us their activities, crafts and way of life in Cuba of today. Positive attitudes are inspiring in a place like Cuba!! At the beautiful cemetery- almost nicest place we visited - I learned about recycling of coffins and burial processes. Hemingway's farm was an inspiration and beautiful change of pace.
I can't give you all the nitty gritty details of this trip but am happy to answer questions and I encourage you to read our leader's blog:
http://naplesgirl.files.wordpress.com/2012/10/cuba-2012-048.jpg Cheri is doing an outstanding job sharing her perspective from the adventure!
We didn't get to see baseball directly. We almost did and that will be a story for another day.....know that we loved this adventure, loved being together and would love to answer your questions and discuss this fascinating and beautiful place with you...preferably with rum and a cigar!! I also must say that more than ever I'm grateful for our freedom- that freedom that is protected daily by our military and government. Life on Newark-Granville road is beautiful and I take way too much for granted. The balance between our public and private sectors have to allow for opportunity and growth amaze, inspire and fuel me more than ever after this Cuban adventure.
Photos can be found on our photo site: http://granvilleleithausers.shutterfly.com/ or email me and I can send you them- ssleithauser@gmail.com
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