Packed a suitcase and took a trip...off the grid!

I have now unpacked the suitcase...and the blog title presented itself....it was a good trip!  It was important to take some vacation time and be "away" and away.  We went to Maryland and Virginia.  We dropped Clare at camp- she is working for the family camping experiences (innovation @ Ghany!) and are now home.  Of course, when Lucy is back from the kennel we'll really be "home".

It was wonderful to have the Stoner family "under one roof" and have catch-up, memory-making time, and be together.  We're still processing Daddy's death so this year it really felt important to be together...even in COVID times.

Part of the importance of vacation for me is disengaging from social media.  A cyber vacation is healthy.  I did check email a bit but that was about it. It is fun to post after we are back to remember the fun.  I also read, read, read....two of the four books I took on vacation- completed.  One was for school- done!  One for work- nope.  The weather prevented large amounts of pool time- oh well.  The weather did not prevent golf time- okay two holes at FHCC.  I achieved an important goal on this journey- resort golf! I've traveled to the Homestead for years now and playing there was on my "to do" list.  I didn't feel ready... this summer I was ready.  What a treat to play with Peter and Joe on the Old Course...even in the rain and sun and standing water.  What a treat to play with Mom and Matthew at beloved FHCC- 9 with them then 7 with Joe and Peter.

We really did make memories- we laughed, cried, shouted, reminisced, planned, brainstormed, and were just together. We ate, drank, toasted, explored, worked, listened, talked, played cards, and were together. Life on Newark-Granville Road enjoys taking a break and that is what I did this week. Thank you Nana/Mom, Sunshine Stoners and Christophers, plus Clare, Peter, Sally, and Joe- I needed that.

7-30: And as promised more photos- some posted on social media this week to honor our time, some behind the scenes.....scroll down.  So grateful for this special full family time- all of us together just does not happen enough and I love how our kids all love one another. I cam home missing Daddy more than ever and that will happen. My minister named it the hole in my heart and it is.  However, love heals and helps, so do talks and hugs and good night's sleep.  Daddy is smiling and was with us- we heard many trains and took the back roads in last week's life on Newark-Granville Road!

vacation 2020- late night traditions.....and FHCC golf- thank you Nana!

Clare needed a COVID test- success in WVA!

Counsin time is highlight! We had to eat in small groups thanks to COVID-19.

Clare drop off to work for a week-CA Family Camping!

Camp drop off- clare to work.

Lucy had fun at camp- All Tails R Wagin- great care!

 

The rest of the story- behind the scenes- kids take care of grown ups!

Summer Lovin- fruit and flowers in the sunshine!

Sharing the good news.....you can pick beautiful blueberries- http://wgfgranville.com  follow them on instagram to get the updates! I had a lovely talk with the owner and we may be picking well into August! oh my- woo hoo.....I was there right when they opened and just made it part of my day- exercise, fresh air and yum!

  Yesterday I went for a drive to find peaches....ended up wanting to support local local and went to http://branstoolorchards.com in Utica. What a delight- not only did I arrived home with delicious fresh-picked fruit but some other goodies- their farm store is sweet!  And u-pick coming soon- check out their website!  This picture shares the goodness of summer in my life on Newark-Granville Road- flowers from Old Truck Flower Farm!  bonus of my yoga class there this week..ahhhhh

Tonight you'll find this kind of happiness at the https://www.canalmarketdistrict.org and tomorrow at the Granville Farmer's Market- at GHS.

Take care everyone reading- find the things that make you happy and keep you healthy. I needed a drive this week and voila- peaches! I needed a bike ride earlier and voila- a smoothie (almost missed an important call- time snuck away from me).  And you know what else made me happy...a biscuit- Snapshots Kitchen and Coffee on Cherry Valley Road- oh my- hot out of the oven strawberry biscuits- wow - with a latte- now you know why I kept driving and was happy in my life on NG Road!

Being together & alone- we need to do both.

Thank you Centenary Methodist Church for your beautiful outdoor worship today.  I needed it last week and I wanted it this week.  I love being outdoors and doing indoor things outdoors...worship is one.  Then add how it isn't really possible right now to worship indoors and I really value this experience.  And then you add a great sermon, fun music and special people- wow- that is the start to the week. Bonus - bike ride location.  Want to experience the sermon yourself?  Good news- it was part of the 10 am on-line service that you can stream here:  https://www.facebook.com/granpres/videos/286784222601719/?v=286784222601719  Note it says July 5 but I am rewatching it and it was the sermon and messages I heard this am- July 12th! Thank you Casey, Ellen, Janice and everyone involved! 

I also went to church today to pray and join in the collective effort of prayer.  I'm praying for so many in need and believe in the power of prayer. I'm praying for an important call for our church:
https://www.granpres.org/openinterimposition  I'm praying for transitions for many. God is with you and us.  We're all balancing science and faith- maybe not a faith in a God but faith in one another and energies. 

I'm also doing a lot of yoga to keep myself grounded. Yesterday my mantra was "be open" it started for my body- muscles and joints- be open...by savasana it was- be open to let the light in. Tt wasn't just the light but the grass, trees, sky- the green, the blue and the fresh air.....breeze was pretty nice yesterday.  Yoga outdoors is another summer happy- thank you Granville yoga-https://www.granvilleyoga.com/, Dawes and Flower Truck Farm (trying this this week) for the opportunities.

It was good to catch up with artist- Cathy Tietz Boring today....a little plug for doing art with her- I love this- you make it, she bake's it!  http://www.tietzboring.com/ 

Joe and I finally made it to Ghost Writer for a delicious dinner....probably the last to go but just want to put the reminder out there:  https://ghostwriterph.com/    We felt very safe- spaced out, plexiglass up and outdoor seating too- that burger- oh my...the kids give the chicken sandwhich a big thumbs up..it really is a treat to be served and we're grateful to all those working in public spaces during these COVID times.

Short and sweet today- have a great week- my advice from my life on Newark-Granville Road- find a safe way to meet with someone- be with somone- talk from 6 feet apart outdoors- listen and share- we need one another.

Beautiful Birthday

It was such a wonderful birthday this year.  I'm actually somewhat sad it is is over...but it is not!  Birthday month.....a dear friend made me feel oh so special today- fresh cut flowers from Old Truck Flower Farm!  Check it out......I've been hearing about this place, been encouraged to attend dinners and such and voila flowers for me!  I just signed up for yoga there- ahhhhhhh can't wait. Then yesterday a dear friend delivered Fox in the Snow breakfast to me....at the DMV- BMV....wow! Sally has her permit- woo hoo- an hour of waiting before opening paid off, only 1 1/2 of processing.  Now she is with Nana in Maryland for family time!!

Birthday documentation for the blog, I was spoiled and treated by tradition and special times. It launched with lake time and dear sweet flag cake/jello cake.  A question mark candle was perfect- how old am I? Such a treat to have time at Apple Valley with friends and family and seeing Joe's parents! The actual day started with worship- in person- outside worship! Thank you to all that made that possible- I really needed it, didn't realize how much until I sat there and shed a few happy, relief tears. Part of it was for dear Trip Porch- it was a component of his send-off and why we were in town. The day transitioned to an exceptional meal at a gorgeous table with family, then church family time with a parade,  next nothing like a float in the pool and hang out time with dear friends wrapped up with family dinner and getting to have my Mom here.  Gift opening was fun and I hold off until the end of the day- beautiful gifts wrapped- the anticipation is highlighted by birthday envelope decor on the mantle.   I recognize how blessed and loved I am and my birthday puts a big old sunbeam on it...cheesy I know...maybe the better said it is like a rainbow- the light of love radiates and creates incredible colors that delight and pleases and provides a sense of awe.  The actions dear friends and family take to make me feel special is almost overwhelming and so appreciated.  Special shout out to the friend that knocked on the door at the end of the evening and had Peter place before me- peonies...can you believe it- peonies in July- ahhhhhhh- amazing!  Yes, Life on Newark-Granville Road is like Facebook- not perfect but shines bright for birthdays!  Thank you for reading and sharing my new year launch!

Life is hard right now- I see both sides on so many things.  I want to stay home but it just isn't me. I'm limiting or trying to limit where we go and what we do. When I do go out I do wear my mask and hope my family is too.  (Yes I am enjoying the new approach to masks and love the gingham one I received for my birthday!!) I am supporting and working toward appropriate actions when we gather- book club is still zooming- work is working hard to move forward safely....I was thinking I'd do a whole blog post on happy medium.  Thank you to my friend who helped me think through the guilt I can feel about my beautiful life.  In particular, as we think about race relations and as I study philanthropy and it's purpose.  Did I mention I finished my mid-term early so I could enjoy my birthday weekend!! I'll end with that happy thought- learning, growing, celebrating with good people as I go around the sun- life on NG Road is beautiful.

4th of July 2020 Musings

First- the midway is open- way to go Scott at Three Tigers in Granville- Boozy Lemon Shake-Ups and other fun foods.  AND proceeds benefit Granville Kiwanis!   Check it out- follow them on FB:
https://www.facebook.com/threetigersbrewing/?__tn__=%2Cd%2CP-R&eid=ARCx7kMopdZ9ipLt26ArdtkdYbqJjG66wOba220wE-kPUN801QC9gfZnqPtb5ngPJuutUxym3F3_-S80

So, it is not our usual 4th but we'll get by....hang on to family and friends and traditions in new ways- like above- innovation is what our country is all about.  I was able to participate in our annual "swim across the lake" at Apple Valley.  It was different- I drove up (and saw the sunrise and fog on fields - ahh) and we had real swimmers with us- guests- adults - so fun! A new chapter and approach.  I loved it as I love to share happiness.  And oh, it felt good - the water is silky, it is a great temp and it was exercise- great sense of accomplishment. Special shout out to Cate and Caroline for representing the kids! Good to sit and catch up with Scott and Ann - Friday morning coffee chat- ahhhh- holiday time!  And for my convertible drive back- cue the song- VACATION by the Go-Gos....ah you might have heard me singing along!

Speaking of not your usual 4th of July....I have a midterm due- no I'm not due at the "midway"- midterm.  I'm learning about stress and planning, reading and studying and learning.  This particular class is really going well- Ethics of Philanthropy. It takes me a bit. I have to re-read and reflect. Talking about it with friends and family and during zoom office hours has been really good for me.  I carved out time and made great progress. Now the finishing touches so I can hit submit and really enjoy the rest of the holiday...and my birthday!

Mom is here and it is so nice to have her.  We'll hit the golf course- we're both working on our game and it is a fun place for quality time. I'm reciprocating when she hosted me at FHCC!  Then we'll continue with family time for the 4th!  Life is figure eights- I found a great picture of her with my kids and our nieces/nephew I'll post out here.  It isn't the same but it is similar. We're called to and from places and people. It is good to look back and smile and be happy with what is here now.

Speaking of family time- FPC has a big day tomorrow for our church family. We say farewell to Tripp Porch.  I'm so excited for his new call in Columbus. He has served us well and we've learned, evolved and grown together.  Join the gatherings:

-9 am outdoor service at Bryn Du with Centenary- lawn chair/blanket, masks and a yard stick or tool to help you social distance!

-10 am streamed service- I just reviewed the order or worship- it will beautiful! https://www.granpres.org/livestream

-1:30 line up for the parade to wish him well. We'll meet at DU Mitchell parking off Pearl and then caravan over to the church for 2 pm send-off.   So much more to say about these components- outside worship- woo hoo or I should say- Amen!

So much more I could share. Life on Newark-Granville Road has been busy- yes I'm working during COVID- this week was a good week to start the wrap-up Denison fiscal year and the Unlocking Campaign.  I also took time for a girl’s trip with my girls- Clare and Sally. We visited one of my happy places. I did some work there- why not work from a beautiful place in the mountains.  Why not take pool time to read the book club book! Why not substitute camp time 2020 with Mother-Daughter time in Greenbrier county?!

I'll wrap up these musings with commentary on growth. I heard a great NPR interview with a professor from Yale sharing America's founding and the reminder we're still growing and evolving.  It was far from perfect in 1776 and that is still true today. We watched Hamilton last night on Disney Plus- ahhhh- amazing for so many reasons. The innovation, excellent storytelling through music, dance, costumes, acting, performing, sharing, creating, presenting, reflecting and retelling. The arts are such a part of the 4th of July and America. I look back to last year and the disappointment of not seeing the MD Symphony at Antietam due to weather- sigh....but we were together with my Dad, enjoying his "recipe". This year we're with my Mom and Joe's family and grateful for what we have and how we're growing in our life on Newark-Granville Road.  We're not perfect and we're in the midst of some really tough stuff. In our life on NGR we're committed to learn and grow together and grateful for the opportunity to do so- Let Freedom Ring!

IA Retirement Celebration- COVID-19 style

End of an era...or really eras....Today we celebrated two incredible people! 

Murley Miller- Director of Major Gifts for Denison- my coach, manager, leader, friend, mentor. Murley retires after a long and successful tenure as a development professional. She's done it all, she has been incredibly instructive as she guiding me in my current role. I'm beyond grateful. Murley became a Denisonian immediately when she started with my alma mater just over five years ago. We- the full community of alumni, students, staff, faculty and our community have benefitted so very much. Murley retires to enjoy her family, golf, travel, reading and so much more. My life on Newark-Granville Road will not be the same and is better because she has been part of my life.  And the best thing is she'll remain- she is my coach and has agreed to always serve in that role!  So much more to share but keeping it brief for the blog- you get it. Murley is amazing and created a fantastic team. Fun pic from the morning:

Julie Houpt- Vice President Institutional Advancement- I have Julie to thank for my return to Denison, for support as a working mother, for an incredible platform and community and so much more.  Anyone that knows me or even reads this blog knows my pride for Denison.  Julie has played an instrumental role in so much. She has been a tremendous leader for our fair college on the hill and it was fun to celebrate her retirement today as a division...socially distanced with masks! She isn't finished until June 30. Our current campaign is not finished until June 30- Julie leads by example and will keep going until the 30th. Then she will transition to alumna and volunteer- roles she has maintained. She leaves us better than she found us (I worked for the college when she came on board). Her relationships- the Denison anchor-will remain and continue to make a difference- just as she did before becoming our VP.

Life on Newark-Granville Road is all about supporting and sharing the good.  Murley and Julie are good, have done good and contribute greatly to my life on NG Road.

Business, Stories and a little music: Ways to Give and Father's Day 2020

Business First, important FYIs to share:

Granville has a new emergency notification system sign-up here: https://www.granville.oh.us/  the Granville web page- village and township residents participate.  I signed up today- keep scrolling and enter your preferences phone, text and email.

New to when you give blood- COVID-19 antibody testing is part of the process. Sign up here https://www.redcrossblood.org/    Are you like Joe and think...maybe you had it when you had the icky flu before we even knew about COVID-19?  Like to give blood and  help our world and know there is another way to help.  Thank you to all that are considering this!

And speaking of donations- I hope you will read about Diane's Kidney Quest and consider this type of gift. I'm thinking about it. Diane is a special, kind, active friend, mother, wife, daughter, sister- we need to keep her going! And no doubt there are many in need.  More information here: https://wexnermedical.osu.edu/transplant/living-kidney-donation?fbclid=IwAR1NNkPIoWpxL1ciOxj0-EfbDOoi7gawlnZBSrUCNcdRd_ceRg_hNxwpGZk

Okay, now the fun stuff...the rest of the story about my FB Father's Day post and the backstories of course!  We're always interested in what the kids are up to "these days".  Don't we wish we had invested in netflix when we would say- what are you doing up there? "netflix' was the answer.  Lately, it is "podcasts" and so Joe found a podcast for a car ride and the first one they all loved!  It was about sports which made them sigh...but it pulled them in as it was about 10 cent beer night at an Indian's game.  10 Cent Beer Night- Hall of Shame podcast  When Joe saw Homage had tshirts celebrating the event- bam- ordered!  And so sweet he even planned when he would present these to the kids going away to college.  Homage 10 cent beer Tees    Now....fast forward to a week or so ago....Clare says to me after dinner one night in our life on Newark-Granville Road....hey, I have a great idea for Dad for Father's Day. Let's get him....a 10 cent beer tee-shirt!  I smiled and said that is a great idea- go for it!  Unfortunately, the Homage order did not arrive.  Sally thought hmmm I know I saw a Homage package- maybe that was it.  And she went ahead and opened it.  The night before Father's Day Clare pulled me into her room...Mom, we're so confused. There was this Homage package Sally found but it has two shirts and it was addressed to Dad- this doesn't make any sense.  I smiled again and said- come with me.

The kids all gathered and shared with Joe their plans and he revealed his.  The actual gift was delayed but the sweet sentiments and chuckles in my life on Newark-Granville road made it blog-worthy.

Here is a pick from our breakfast out- our first since COVID-19 launched- a great morning at the Aladdin.

I'm a lucky one- great Dads in my life- my partner Joe, his Dad and my own Dad. Plus so many I enjoy seeing father and help me and my children in fatherly ways. I miss our Pap, my Daddy. I think of him often and grateful for the care that continues to come my way knowing I'm living with grief.  We're talking about it and living his legacy. Enjoy a favorite song that popped into my head while writing this blog. Allison Krauss and Union Station- The Lucky One