For the Less-Than-Green-Thumb Endowed

Photo Credit for picture: Credit: FotoHelin/ iStock

Resurrection Plants Can Go Seven Years Without Water

Even for those who have never been able to keep a houseplant alive, Selaginella lepidophylla — also known as a resurrection plant, the Rose of Jericho, or, confusingly, the False Rose of Jericho — is a pretty low lift. They’re native to the Chihuahuan Desert in northern Mexico and parts of Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona, and have an incredible survival strategy for the dry heat. They allow themselves to dry out, and then bounce around as tumbleweeds until they find somewhere damp to settle down. Once hydrated, they spread out their fern-like fronds and turn green. If that area dries out, they just curl back up into a ball and repeat the cycle. Once dormant and dead-looking again, the plant can survive for up to seven years.

Selaginella lepidophylla does not need to be rooted to come back to life, and it only takes a couple of hours to go from dormant to vibrant. As houseplants, they are nearly impossible to kill. Just make sure nobody mistakes them for actually being dead — their biggest household hazard is becoming accidental trash.

Contributed by Joe Bruno

Quotable Quotes . . .

"Nothing spoils a good story like the arrival of an eyewitness."

Contributed by Marianne Bloomfeld

Special Observances, June 26 – July 2

JUNE 26: TROPICAL COCKTAILS DAY

Tropical Cocktails Day, started in 2013 by Jace Shoemaker-Galloway, celebrates the flavorful drinks most associated with tiki bars. More often than not, rum is their starting place. Tropical cocktails became popular after two tiki bars, Don the Beachcomber and Trader Vic's, opened in California in the 1930s. Both claimed to have invented one of the most popular tropical cocktails, the Mai Tai. Since their start, tiki bars have portrayed a romanticized view of what Polynesian drinks and culture are like. After about thirty years however, tiki bars fell out of popularity. But a resurgence in the 1990s — and into the 21st century — means tropical cocktails are once again filling people's glasses. Most well-known are the piña colada, the hurricane cocktail, the daiquiri, the caipirinha, or the good old mojito. And don’t forget the tiny umbrellas!

JUNE 27: NATIONAL ICE CREAM CAKE DAY

National Ice Cream Cake Day brings two favorites together under one delicious treat. Between the classic summer treat, ice cream, and the time-honored celebratory cake, the ice cream cake is one of culinary history’s favorite combinations — the perfect dessert for just about any occasion. The origin of the ice cream cake, however, is a mystery. No one knows for certain who came up with the idea or even when it began.

Ice-cream-cake makers use any flavor — or flavors — of ice cream and shape them into a cake. They can add many different ingredients: cookie crumbs, sponge cake, fudge, fruit, or caramel between the layers. Next step: decorating. They begin by adding frosting, whipped cream, or icing. Just like cakes that come from the oven, ice cream cakes can be decorated to fit any theme or celebration.

JUNE 28: PAUL BUNYAN DAY

One of America’s most famous folklore heroes, Paul Bunyan was brought to life in the 18th century by stories lumberjacks from the Northeastern US and Eastern Canada back. Spread orally, no original written account exists in the world. Logging bunkhouses continued with the tradition of telling Paul Bunyan stories for decades after that, embellishing it with more and more details, making their hero larger than life. Along the way, he gained a companion, a giant blue-colored ox called Babe the Blue Ox, said to be a gift from Paul’s fellow woodsmen, Davy Crockett and Daniel Boone.

Paul Bunyan’s story was first written down by a journalist, James MacGillivray in 1906. However, the mythical woodsman was popularized by freelance writer and adman William Laughead in 1914, when he created an advertising campaign for a logging company using Paul Bunyan stories. Soon, this character’s myth and tales spread far and wide around the US and Canada, and he began to be featured in many other promotional campaigns for products, services, and cities. Today, stories about Paul Bunyan have appeared in more than 1,000 books; and Paul is renowned as one of the most popular and recognizable characters in American folklore. Many north-central US cities claim the title of being Paul Bunyan’s official home. Statues were erected in various places to honor this folktale — a 26-foot-tall animated Paul Bunyan at an amusement park in Minnesota, a 49-foot statue of Bunyan and a 35-foot statue of Babe the Blue Ox in Klamath, California .

Paul Bunyan has an origin story. Seems 5 storks were needed to carry this large newborn. As he grew older, when he clapped his hands and laughed, windows shook and shattered. Another tale has him sawing the wooden legs off of his parents’ bed in the middle of the night when he was only seven months old! Folklore also credits Bunyan with forming the Grand Canyon as he, with Babe walked through, dragging his ax behind. Another myth suggests Bunyan created the Great Lakes so Babe would have a watering hole.

JUNE 29: NATIONAL CAMERA DAY

Say “cheese”! National Camera Day celebrates photography — once so complicated it took a scientist to understand — as part of our everyday lives. The word “photography” is based on two Greek words that, when put together, mean ‘’writing with light.’’ A camera is an irreplaceable tool used to record and replicate memories, events, people, and places. Before the invention of the camera, painting was the only resource to document a vision. Capturing an image of a person or place in a drawing took time and skill. The power of a camera provided many with a simple, inexpensive, and fast solution.

George Eastman, known as “The Father of Photography,” brought the camera to the masses. While he did not invent it, he developed many additions improving the use, ease, and production of the camera. His developments made the camera widely available to homes around the world. The first cameras were large and bulky, but each later design evolved, until some cameras were as small as a pen. Today’s digital cameras have many features and variations, making them appealing to people of all ages for personal and professional use. According to Business Insider, in 2017, Americans took over 1.2 trillion digital photos.

JUNE 30: NATIONAL ORGANIZATION FOR WOMEN DAY

We’re taking a point of personal privilege — and as a salute to Kendal’s own Muriel Fox — by selecting National Organization for Women Day as the special observance for June 30. Founded on June 30, 1966 by a group of activists, including Muriel, it raised awareness to end sex discrimination and has remained a strong group for women’s rights. NOW works to end discrimination and harassment against women, to help women attain economic security, and to empower women to take action in their communities. NOW also educates the public about the issues facing women and works to engage individuals and groups in supporting equality for women. As one of the longest-running and most well-known organizations fighting for women's rights, NOW has been a powerful force in advocating for change, helping make progress on many fronts. Some of the challenges facing NOW include continuing to fight for progress on key issues such as reproductive rights and equal pay, while also working to engage younger generations in the movement. NOW has had a profound impact on the lives of US women and has been a powerful force in the fight for equality. The organization continues to be a vital voice in the movement for women's rights.

JULY 1: INTERNATIONAL CHERRY PIT SPITTING DAY

International Cherry Pit Spitting Day, celebrated on the first Saturday in July, has an important message: more can be done with cherries than just eating them. Now that’s inspiring! This year, ICPSD is celebrated on July 1. Cherry pit spitting is the act of spitting out remains of cherries from one’s mouth to send them as far away as possible. Thousands of people, comprising contestants and spectators around the US, gather at specified venues to participate and witness this exciting holiday.

International Cherry Pit Spitting Day is a day specially created to host cherry pit spitting competitions around the world. The origin of the day is associated with Herb Teichman. The owner of Tree-mendus Fruit Farm, he held a the first cherry pit spitting competition in 1974 at his farm. Unbeknownst to Teichman, his innovation would be elevated to the status of an international event. The international competition, organized in different locations around the US, generally involves standing on a mark and spitting out cherry pits as far as possible. Each contestant is given three tries and the longest shot out of the three is recorded. The contestant with the longest recorded range is declared the winner. Today, the competition is divided into different categories to match people of different age groups and specifications. Cherry pit spitting is also practiced in Australia, France, Germany, Canada. The US states in which they are most popular are Michigan and Utah. The “sport” is popular, although there are no leagues organized. Yet.

The current Guinness World Record for the longest range shot belongs to Brian “Young Gun” Krause, who recorded a cherry pit spitting distance of 93 feet 6.5 inches in 2004.

JULY 2: WORLD UFO DAY

UFOs have been the stuff of legend for centuries, but it wasn’t until the 1950s that freaky flying saucers grabbed national and international mainstream attention. Since then, UFOs have captured the minds of old and young alike, and witness’ stories have proliferated around the world. World UFO Day serves as a way for everyone to come together and watch the skies on the same night in search of UFOs, but that’s not its only purpose. Many see the holiday as a way to spread knowledge and awareness of UFOs, making a case for their existence, and hoping to make disciples out of the dubious. Why July 2? For many enthusiasts this date represents the anniversary of the famed and all-but-confirmed-but-not-quite 1947 incident in Roswell, New Mexico. Believers claim a UFO crash landed here, deep in the American southwest, but that the government has been covering it up ever since. [Cue Twilight Zone music.] What do you believe?

Art by Hart

With his GPS in the other jacket, Kerwin was reluctant to alight

Moulton had always been an ardent birdwatcher

It was the day Noah said, If you guys aren't on the ark in 10 minutes, we're leaving without you

Walden was a sought-after therapy pet, even though his feathers tickled

Having always wanted a brother, Ruth-Ann finally knitted one with hypoallergenic wool

Art and photos by Jane Hart

Epiphany, Poetry and Art, by Sheila Benedis

                 Epiphany

             asemic writing

  no specific semantic content

 

        calligraphic language  

            sinuous shapes

 

 a poem repeated compulsively

 renders itself partially illegible

 

         bypasses meaning

unlocks the power of the illegible

 

           viewer fills in

     his own interpretation

 

          words of a poem

                crawl in

 

               crawl out

        go round and round

 

    inside becomes outside

turning twisting road of life

 

    movement of words

       transformation                                                                     

            suddenly

 a lively gestural scrawl

 

    an aesthetic impulse

    becomes an intuition

 

         a form of art

an engine of quiet wonder 

 

         an epiphany

Epiphany Artist Book

In and Around Kendal

Spring Eve on the Hudson, by Edward Kasinec

In Nearby Nyack

Small town street

The Hopper House

Photos of Nyack by Marianne Bloomfeld

Strawberry Festival of the Historical Society of the Tarrytowns

Liz Laite, the Whipped Cream Queen of the Festival

From across the street of the Festival. Is he waiting to pick up the scraps?

Photos by Cynthia Ferguson

Do You See What I See? By Jane Hart

A weary lady resting in a podiatrist’s waiting room

Ursula Hahn’s Green Thumb

Photo—and orchid—by Ursula Hahn

The Latest from Clermont Puzzlers

Photo by Cynthia Ferguson

Our Newest US Holiday

Our Newest National Holiday: Juneteenth 

“In 2022, the US celebrated a new national holiday: Juneteenth. Some people know a lot about Juneteenth. Some know a little about Juneteenth. Some know not a thing about it. Here’s what the Smithsonian says:

“On ‘Freedom’s Eve,’ or the eve of January 1, 1863, the first Watch Night services took place. On that night, enslaved and free African Americans gathered in churches and private homes all across the country awaiting news that the Emancipation Proclamation had taken effect. At the stroke of midnight, prayers were answered as all enslaved people in Confederate States were declared legally free. Union soldiers, many of whom were black, marched onto plantations and across cities in the south reading small copies of the Emancipation Proclamation spreading the news of freedom in Confederate States. Only through the Thirteenth Amendment did emancipation end slavery throughout the United States.

But not everyone in Confederate territory would immediately be free. Even though the Emancipation Proclamation was made effective in 1863, it could not be implemented in places still under Confederate control. As a result, in the westernmost Confederate state of Texas, enslaved people would not be free until much later. Freedom finally came on June 19, 1865, when some 2,000 Union troops arrived in Galveston Bay, Texas. The army announced that the more than 250,000 enslaved black people in the state, were free by executive decree. This day came to be known as "Juneteenth," by the newly freed people in Texas.

Juneteenth marks our country’s second Independence Day. Although it has long celebrated in the African American community, this monumental event remains largely unknown to most Americans.”

* * * * *

So, in honor of Juneteenth on Monday, June 19, we celebrate three monuments of different kinds in our area that remind us of our history of enslavement and rejoice in its end:

1) The Enslaved African Rain Garden, in Yonkers

2) The commemoration of the end of slavery, celebrated this past June X in Irvington

3) Philipseburg Manor, which offers insight into the use of enslaved labor in our area

THE ENSLAVED AFRICANS RAIN GARDEN, YONKERS, NY

On June 1, Kendal residents visited The Enslaved Africans Rain Garden in Yonkers. It stands across from the Philipse Manor Hall. The life-size sculptures, by sculptor Vinnie Bagwell, honor the enslaved Africans who lived and worked at the Hall. More information can be found by clicking here.

Skrit details

Photos by Harry Bloomfeld

ENSLAVED AFRICANS IN IRVINGTON, NY

On June 10, the Village of Irvington unveiled and dedicated a plaque commemorating enslaved Africans in the village. After speeches by local residents and politicians, the artist Vinnie Bagwell unveiled the plaque.

Vinnie Bagwell is the same artist who created the sculptures in Yonkers.

Artist Vinnie Bagwell

Photos by Harry Bloomfeld

PHILIPSBURG MANOR, UPPER MILLS, SLEEPY HOLLOW, NY: A HERITAGE SITE OF SLAVERY

From the Philipsburg Manor website:

“At Philipsburg Manor, the story of slavery in the colonial north is given not only a full interpretive treatment, but a face: 23 of them, to be exact. Visitors learn about the lives of Caesar, Susan, Dimond, Betty, and the other enslaved Africans who lived at the Upper Mills in 1750. All were listed on an inventory of Adolph Philipse’s property drawn up after his death that year.

Visitors to Philipsburg Manor learn how this group of enslaved Africans came to be there, the important role they played in a commerce network that stretched around the world, and the human tragedy that unfolded as the estate was sold and divided up. It is a compelling story made even more powerful because it is told in the very spot where the events played out.

In an excellent blog post, history professor Ana Lucia Araujo of Howard University examines the troubling absence of public awareness about slavery in the northern states. She talks about Philipsburg Manor’s critical role as “an important heritage site of slavery” and its importance to scholars and others “studying history, heritage, and the memory of slavery.” Click here to read the post.”

Photos by Harry Bloomfeld

For Your Funny Bone . . .

In the land of Great Funny Bones Laugh Alike, contributed by both Bobbi Roggemann and Maria Harris

Contributed by Barbara Bruno

Contributed by Barbara Bruno

Contributed by Sally Kellock

Contributed by Barbara Bruno

Quotable Quotes

On Sleepy Hollow, NY:

“If ever I should wish for a retreat whither I might steal from the world and its distractions, and dream quietly away the remnant of a troubled life, I know of none more promising than this little valley.” 
― Washington Irving

Little Green . . . Containers

Remember back when we begged Fred for them? We swore we would return them immediately after first use.

Time to empty out the change you dump in them, the seedlings you germinate in them, the gold fish you breed in them (okay, maybe not that last one), and return the green, recyclable containers to the ATM room next to the lounge.

We are inspired to poetry:

Little Green Containers

They are in very short supply!

And so expensive more to buy!

And so, that, my friend, is simply why . . .

“Return them,” is the call we cry!

 

And if you don’t, we might just have to write some more poetry . . .

Special Observances, June 19 - 25

JUNE 19: WORLD SAUNTERING DAY

Saunter: to walk in a slow, relaxed manner, without hurry or effort. Every year, World Sauntering Day, sometimes also known as International Sauntering Day, celebrates this manner of mobility. Its purpose is to remind people to slow down and enjoy life rather than rush through it.  

Slow down. In fact, try moseying. Stroll. Amble. Meander. Those who saunter don’t hurry. They absorb the wonders of nature and contemplate the weather. Destination: we’ll see when we get there. Time? There’s no schedule. And what better place to saunter than Rockwood Park or the Rockefeller Preserve? Saunter Central.

W.T. Rabe created World Sauntering Day in 1979, inspired in opposition to the growing popularity of jogging. The idea behind the day was to encourage people to slow down and appreciate the world around them.

JUNE 20: NATIONAL VANILLA MILKSHAKE DAY

Though National Vanilla Milkshake Day celebrates the frothy beverage made with vanilla ice cream, vanilla, and milk, it wasn’t always that way. The word “milkshake” first showed up in 1885 as a drink for grown-ups: a mixture of cream, eggs, and whiskey. Almost a generation later, milkshakes had become “wholesome drinks made with chocolate, strawberry or vanilla syrups.” But no ice cream anywhere in the recipe. And no blenders—the drink mixer didn’t come along until 1911. Want a milkshake, shake it yourself! In the early 1900s, a scoop of ice cream became a standard request, and by the 1930s, the milkshake as we know it had spread countrywide.

Stephen Poplawski invented the electric blender in 1922, for the direct purpose of mixing beverages like malts and milkshakes. Milkshake migrated from soda fountain to the home and more and more restaurants added milkshakes to their menus. Today, the milkshake is a staple at many restaurants and ice cream parlors. It all started with vanilla, but has expanded to a range of flavors. Vanilla, however, is still the classic choice.

JUNE 21: INTERNATIONAL T-SHIRT DAY

Every year on the first day of summer, International T-Shirt Day celebrates, well, that should be rather obvious. The theme of the day: Wear their favorite t-shirt. Popular all around the world, the t-shirt dates back to 1898. Laborers would cut their union suits in half to stay cool during the heat of the summer.  The US Navy made it official in 1913 by issuing the t-shirt as an undershirt. 1920: F. Scott Fitzgerald coins the term t-shirt by including it as a piece of wardrobe in This Side of Paradise. Still, it remained a hidden piece of apparel until Marlon Brando and James Dean came along. Suddenly, the t-shirt was a fashion statement. Even then, many people considered wearing a t-shirt as wild and rebellious. In the 1950s, slogans and Disney characters helped create the graphic t-shirt. In the 1970s, t-shirts with slogans were worn as a statement, especially for protesting the Vietnam War.

Today t-shirts are worn for a slew of reasons: sheer comfort, versatility, and — as custom t-shirts — to show unity or advertise a cause. They can also be bought at concerts and sporting events. Some of the best-selling designs include INY, Superman, Rolling Stones, and Hard Rock Café.

JUNE 22: NATIONAL ONION RINGS DAY

Have a craving for all things deep-fried? National Onion Ring Day is the holiday for you! It’s unclear when onion rings first came about, but an onion ring-like recipe appeared in an 1802 cookbook, and another surfaced in a New York newspaper in 1910. Texas-based restaurant chain Kirbys Pig Stand claims a big part in onion rings’ creation, and fast food restaurant A&W helped them reach widespread popularity. There is still an ongoing debate over who deserves credit for the snack’s creation, and cooks also still argue about how to best prepare and serve onion rings for the most flavorful results. Some onion rings are even made from an onion paste, as opposed to an onion ring itself! This style of preparation can make it easier to eat the rings without accidentally yanking the onion out of the fried batter. However onion rings first came to be — and however you prefer yours prepared — they’re now a beloved snack across the US, the UK, Canada, Australia, Ireland, South Africa, some regions of Asia, and other corners of the world. They’ve also inspired countless spin-off snacks, like blooming onions and Funyun chips. So, no matter how you like them, grab a fried onion snack for National Onion Rings Day!

JUNE 23: PINK FLAMINGO DAY

Pink Flamingo Day is a fun way to appreciate the pink flamingos used as garden decor. They are a staple icon in pop culture and are popular among working-class homeowners. The pink flamingo was designed in 1957 by Don Featherstone from photos in “National Geographic.” It was one of the first projects he worked on at Union Products in Leominster, Massachusetts. He was a sculptor fresh out of art school hired by the company to create 3D plastic lawn and garden ornaments. He named the first pink flamingo Diego, and his design won him the Ig Nobel Prize for Art in 1996. He died at 79, only a few hours before Pink Flamingo Day.

The meaning of the pink flamingo has changed somewhat over the years. It was considered at one time a symbol of bad taste. In 1972, a director called John Waters released the movie entitled “Pink Flamingos.” It became infamous for its outrageousness featuring a drag queen and carrying the tagline “An exercise in poor taste.” By 1980, avant-garde galleries seized on the concept and started to display flamingo-themed installations. Baby boomers could be seen carrying pink flamingos across Europe in their backpacks. They also kayaked with them through the wilderness.

Around the 1990s, the plastic pink version became popular as housewarming gifts. The pink flamingo has different meanings to different people. It represents an influential part of popular culture. It has become a symbol for showing a sense of humor, crossing boundaries, and for those daring to be different.

JUNE 24: INTERNATIONAL FAIRY DAY

Fantasy, imagination, and a little bit of pixie dust come together in honor of International Fairy Day. These tiny supernatural creatures have captivated myth and legend for generations.  Today the wee folks’ stories perpetuate animated stories, miniature garden displays, and children’s books. The idea behind International Fairy Day is to celebrate mythical creatures such as fairies, and to use their tales to teach valuable lessons to the children.

Fairies are mythical creatures said to possess magical powers. Having different origin stories from different parts of the world, there are different versions hailing from different places to describe the existence of fairies. Some call them the children of Eve, some call them fallen angels, and some consider them the sisters of elves. As far as Peter Pan goes, legend has it that the first laugh of a baby broke into several pieces and became the source of the existence of fairies and demons.

JUNE 25: COLOR TV DAY

Color TV Day marks the birth of color television and its role in our culture since its inception. It will come as no shock to Kendalites that, though most of us take color television for granted these days, this wasn’t always the case. Black-and-white TV was the first and only television programs until the middle of the 20th century, when color television began.  

The first successful experiments with color TV were conducted in 1928 by Scottish inventor John Logie Baird. It wasn't until mid-century that commercial broadcasts began in America. Following the tremendous success of black-and-white broadcasting in the US, CBS researchers, under the direction of Peter Goldmark, approved a heavy and massive mechanical television system in 1950, with the first color transmission taking place in June of the following year. From then on, watching movies and shows has never been more vivid or entertaining!

Because of the expense of color television sets and the limited quantity of color television material available, black and white television sets remained popular until the mid-1960s. Color television quickly gained popularity in the US and eventually expanded around the globe. Europeans awaited the solidification of American standards, then introduced the color format in 1967, which was eventually adopted worldwide. In 1972, sales of color television sets in the US overtook black-and-white sets for the first time.

Art by Hart

At MOMA this morning, I met a starving artist

Lambert wanted to impress the new lady dentist

There was a lot that Allred was told to keep under his hat

Missy's golden doodle-caterpillar mix was a leaper and a climber

The zoo had to downsize during renovations, but the animals didn't seem to mind

Everyone adored the new witch doctor

Art and photos by Jane Hart

In and Around Kendal: the People of Kendal

Usually at this point we focus on the beauties of the landscape and riverscape of Kendal. Today, we focus on what makes Kendal tick, tock, blossom, and bloom: our Kendal people — residents of our tiny village, their adventures (mild and wild), and their families.

A Kendal Birthday

Because she takes off for the summer, Cynthia Ferguson and friends celebrated #85 a wee bit early.

Photo by Bobbi Roggemann

A New Kendal Arrival

A newcomer to Kendal, we welcome Donald Butt, who has retired as organist and choirmaster at Church of St. Barnabas after 55 years of service. 

Chris Mitchell, as a member of the choir, extolled Donald’s service.

A very appropriate retirement cake for the Organ Master.

Quincy, Hildegarde Gray’s Grandson, Discovers the Goats of Rockwood Park

Photo by Hildegarde Gray

Gabrielle Hill Demonstrates the Kendal Art of Relaxation

Photo by Maria Harris

Awards Night for Young (and Old) at Sleepy Hollow High School

Jane Hart went to Awards Night as Sleepy Hollow High School begins to tie up the academic year. She was proud to applaud her niece, Luthi Mjeweni, a graduating senior, for her awards achieved. And, to Jane’s delight, she saw that the KOH Music Committee had donated a prize and that there was a KOH-donated award to a future nurse, as well. Topping off the night was a Rotary-donated prize in honor of Aubrey Hawes and his years of philanthropy in Sleepy Hollow and Tarrytown. Talk about your win-win evening!

Photo by Jane Hart (the proud aunt)

Pachyderm Poses

Is Downward Facing Dog your thing? Do you thrill to Salute the Sun? If yoga is your go-to passion, consider the elephant. The yoga-trained elephant. Seems zoos across the nation have concerns about the deleterious effort of no exercise on their elephants’ health, and are turning to yoga to improve both health and longevity.

At the Houston Zoo, for example, Elephant Supervisor Kristin Windle can assess the flexibility, energy, and skin condition of the 12 Asian elephants in her care through yoga moves. Her charges start young—about four months. With each successful move, treats are provided: bananas, bread, raisins, sweet potatoes, cantaloupe. By the time the elephants are 2-years-old, they can do the elephant version of yoga poses just on voice cues and pointing. Yoga sessions are conducted 3 times a day, lasting from 30 seconds to 5 minutes. If an elephant is not in the mood, just like at Kendal, he or she can just walk away. Usually, however, they’re enthusiastic yoga practitioners.

Curious about elephant yoga? Click the button below for a training taste of it.

Contributed by Steve Price via Jane Hart

Kendalites Further Afield

Jeff O’Donnell sent in the garden picture below, taken from the “Big House” at Oak Alley Plantation, a National Historic Landmark on the west bank of the Mississippi outside New Orleans. Oak Alley, a sugar plantation was built by and relied on enslaved men, women and children. One of the Conversation Series (in which the staff offers a variety of talks on all things Oak Alley) focuses on some of the individuals who were owned and kept on the plantation, their lives and living conditions. It also includes a look into life after emancipation, as laborers continued to live in the increasingly squalid housing until the 20th century.

Photo by Jeff O’Donnell

Special Observances, June 12-18

JUNE 12: NATIONAL RED ROSE DAY

Each year National Red Rose Day, honors the flower that is a symbol of love, romance, and beauty: the red rose, also the June birth flower. This special day, around since the early 2000s, is celebrated worldwide. Red roses were used in many early cultures for wedding decorations attire. Giving red roses is a traditional message of love still practiced today. They are also known for their fragrance and are cultivated for perfumes as well as brewing healing teas. Furthermore, roses come in a wide variety. From low-growing shrubs with dainty blossoms to long-stemmed robust plants, roses offer deep scarlets and bright berry-colored reds.

In June, red roses are in bloom in flower gardens across the US. Their beauty and sweet scent fill the air with happiness. Whether red, white, pink, yellow, or variations thereof, we have a splendid rose garden in our vicinity at Lyndhurst in Tarrytown: https://lyndhurst.org

JUNE 13: NATIONAL KITCHEN KLUTZES OF AMERICA DAY

June 13 honors those of us who would like to cooK, but just can’t seem to get the knack. It is National Kitchen Klutzes of America Day. Kitchen Klutzes are the people who set out with the intention of being like Julia Child. Reality quickly sets in dreams go up in the smoke that billows from the oven, knife cuts turn bloody, and cookies and fingers are burnt. The Kitchen Klutz has struck. It may be necessary to keep a first aid kit and fire extinguisher handy when Kitchen Klutzes are around.

There’s no record of the origin or even the purpose of the day, but that hasn’t kept us from celebrating it. The day reminds us that, in the kitchen or elsewhere, problems and accidents happen to us all. Be prepared to call 911 and have your favorite take-out ready as a backup.

 JUNE 14: FAMILY HISTORY DAY

Family History brings the past to life and makes it relevant. When young people begin researching their roots, they turn into detectives, treasure hunters, and historians on the quest to ferret out their “missing” family members. Along the way, they learn about the sacrifices, triumphs, determination, and quiet existence of people who helped make them who they are today. When less-than-young people do the same, the aha moments abound.

Knowing about our ancestors helps us keep things in perspective: Every family has people who have done well, done badly, lived through unimaginable tragedies, fought on the wrong side, sacrificed, struggled, and succeeded. Whether your family is crafty, digitally minded, exploration driven or a combination of all three, you will find something to kick start the re-discovery of your extended family. Enjoy!

JUNE 15: FLY A KITE DAY

Legend has it that Benjamin Franklin discovered electricity on June 15, 1752. Thanks to him, it’s Fly a Kite Day! Franklin first began conducting electricity experiments in 1747 and continued on for almost a decade. Thankfully, he documented his work and ideas in letters, which is why we know that 1749 was a big year. That’s when he first documented what he believed were similarities between electricity and lightning: the light’s color, crooked direction, crackling noise, and other things. He suspected lightning was electrical in nature, and wanted to prove it, knowing he could if the lightning passed through metal: i.e., a kite and a key. He knew the kite could get close to storm clouds, and he knew a metal key would attract the charge. And he was right! His discovery led to his invention of the lightning rod, which protects people, buildings, and ships to this day. Franklin’s also credited with coining electricity-related terms we still use today, including electrician, conductor, condenser, charge, discharge, uncharged, negative, minus, plus, electric shock, and battery.

Fly a kite to celebrate! Better yet, give your grandchild, niece or nephew a kite to celebrate, and cheer on the flight! But also take the time to appreciate Benjamin Franklin and his passion for science.

JUNE 16: NATIONAL FUDGE DAY

The dense candy-like treat known as fudge is believed to have been a mistake. According to legend, a confectioner flubbed while trying to make caramel, but ended up creating something just as tasty. We celebrate this happy accident on National Fudge Day. Fudge also has historical ties to female scholars. In the late 19th and early 20th century, fudge recipes spread like wildfire among students at women’s colleges such as Vassar, Wellesley, and Smith. One student made 30 pounds of the stuff for the Vassar Senior Auction in 1890!

National Fudge Day comes around each year, allowing aficionados to indulge in their favorite flavor of the delicious treat. Some of the most familiar flavors are chocolate, chocolate nut, peanut butter, maple, and maple nut. Fudge flavors lend themselves to experimentation, however. Blending favorites or even a moment of inspiration will create a new delicious kind of fudge.

JUNE 17: WORLD JUGGLING DAY

World Juggling Day encourages jugglers to unite and celebrate the joy of juggling. The day also encourages people to learn how to juggle. Estimates suggest only about 21% of the public can juggle. Want to learn? Experts say start with scarves—first two, then move to three. Don’t have scarves? Juggle plastic bags from the grocery store. Then move on to balls, rings, or beanbags. Many expert jugglers also use knives, flaming torches, and even chainsaws. Don’t start with those.

Historians believe juggling dates back to 2000 BC in ancient Egypt. It can also be traced back to the Aztec Empire. Also probably in Greek and Roman cultures. During the Middle Ages, jugglers were sometimes thought to be witches. In the Renaissance, juggling became a way to please royalty., but also entertained common folk throughout Europe. In fact, the word juggler comes from the word “jogelen,” which means “to entertain.” In 1793, juggling came to the US with the circus. Vaudeville included jugglers as well. Through-out the years, juggling has maintained its popularity for both amateurs and professionals. People can get into juggling at any age. The only prerequisite is passion.

World Juggling Day began in 1995 with the International Juggling Association (I.J.A.). Initially, it was commemorated as National Juggling Day. However, seeing its worldwide appeal, the I.J.A. renamed it World Juggling Day.

JUNE 18: INTERNATIONAL PICNIC DAY

International Picnic Day is easy to celebrate — with a picnic! Picnics have been a staple of most cultures. However, the picnic, as we know it today, didn’t exist until the French Revolution when public parks finally became available to the masses (that’s us). It was then, and is today, a great way to bring people together for an enjoyable day. Worldwide, picnics are a relaxing change of pace from daily lives.

Although the French are credited with the creation of modern picnics, globalization and individual cultures are responsible for their grand popularity. In 2018, 55% of young Americans said a picnic was their favorite warm-weather activity. And there are very few, if any, cultures around the world that do not engage in picnicking in their own way. Picnics are a wonderful way to get outside and enjoy what your town has to offer you. Kingsland Point Park by the Hudson has picnic tables galore. Or just take a lunch or dinner down to our own Terrace!

The Gift: Poem and Artist Book, by Sheila Benedis

THE GIFT            

                    introducing our son

                  to mountain climbing

                 step by step over rocks

    ascending mountains by the age of four

                           happily hiking

 

       becoming a serious hiker as an adult

         climbing all four thousand footers

                   in the White Mountains           

              drawing his full concentration

    preferring the historic mountains of Europe

to the wide open spaces of American mountains

 

           sharing hiking with his children

                 nourishing their bodies

                   soothing their minds

           sharing a special experience

                               a gift

 

              seeing his photographs

         hiking the Utah Canyonlands

                 fuels my creativity

               inspiring my collages    

         three generations enriched

                            the gift

The Gift: Artist Book

© Kendal on Hudson Residents Association 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022 all rights reserved.  Please do not reproduce without permission.

Photographs of life at Kendal on Hudson are by residents.