Out and About

Way Out and About

Parisian Grafitti

Photo by Joe Bruno

White Cliffs of Dover

Photo by Gerry Mahoney

The Last Bit of Winter

Upstate New York at the end of March

Photo by Jeff O’Donnell

A Kendal Critique by a Young Writer

Often a writer’s origin story is buried in the distant past. This week we have the privilege of reading a first work — and an illustrated Kendal critique, to boot. Young Sylvia Horowitz — who just happens to be Carol and Philip Monteleoni’s granddaughter — has written a review of Kendal that is a must-read for all here and beyond. Nonnon (that’s Grandpa to all you non-Italians) has provided — in honor of her accomplishment — a non-illustrated version.

Meet the Author

And Nonnon’s Homage:

All about Kendal on Hudson

by Sylvia B. Horowitz   [Age 6 and a half, First grade, PS 770, Brooklyn]

Have you heard of Kendal on Hudson? Does one of your family members live there? It is a community for old people. Only old people can live there.

I love Kendal because it has a pool. The pool is not open Sundays. I like the pool because it has a lot of pool toys. For example there are noodles.

I like Kendal because it has a lot of food in the cafeteria. For example my favorite is the hamburger.

Another reason I like it is because it is really fancy. For example they have really cool chandeliers.

And the last reason is there’s a lot of space. I give it ten out of ten stars.

I love Kendal!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  When you get old you should live there.

You’re going to love it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Stick to the Facts . . .

How Was Velcro Invented?

In 1941, during a walk in the Alps, a Swiss engineer named George Mestral wondered why burdock seeds clung to his clothing and to his dog’s fur. Fourteen years later he succeeded in producing a material equivalent of the structure of these seeds and founded a company to produce it. He named it a portmanteau of two French words: velour (velvet) and crochet (hook).

And Further on the Subject

Text contributed by Norman Sissman

I Never Knew That

Nursery rhymes, some dating back centuries, have left a strong mark on many of our childhoods, but we often don’t realize where they came from. Some have evolved over centuries, bringing a whole new version to modern children, while others have remained tried and true since their inception. From women’s prisons and peep shows to wholesome tales of beloved pets, here are the origins of some beloved nursery rhymes.

Hickory dickory dock

The mouse went up the clock

The clock struck one

The mouse went down

Hickory dickory dock

Some believe this counting rhyme was inspired by the astronomical clock at Exeter Cathedral in Devon, England, which was plagued by mice. Around 1600, the presiding bishop directed carpenters to cut a hole in the door to the clock room — or, as the records said at the time, “Paid ye carpenters 8d for cutting ye hole in ye north transept door for ye Bishop’s cat.” The cathedral’s cats got easy access to prey, cutting down the vermin population. Centuries later, the door is still there.

But there’s a reason mice were so common around the clockwork: Animal fat was often used to lubricate clock parts during that time. It’s possible it was just written about a pretty normal thing to be happening on a clock at the time, but that’s not as fun.

To Be Continued . . .

Source: Interestingfacts.com

Contributed by Jane Hart

In and Around Kendal

Day and Night, By Carolyn Reiss

Cherries Galore, by Edward Kasinec

Spring’s Confetti

Photo by Peter Sibley

A Recent Visitor to Robert Fulton

Photo by Carolyn Reiss

Suzanne Sadler notice this friendly visitor to Kendal a couple of times one day. Carolyn Reiss’s Allie was less than welcoming and attempted to chase the opossum away. According to Carolyn, they met nose-to-nose and stared at each other, but Carolyn was able to call off her “fierce beast.” Carolyn did her necessary research and discovered that opossums are unlikely to carry any disease. It will leave on its own, in its usual transient way.

There Are Green Thumbs Among Us

Several years ago, Ursula Hahn went to Trader Joe’s for a bit of shopping. There, she spotted a small phalenopsis orchid and brought it home to Kendal. She and the orchid clearly bonded. The result is a beautiful example of phalenopsis progressus (yes, that is a made-up term by editors of this website), both ethereal and lovely.

Photos by Ursula Hahn

Saying Thank You . . .

Thrilled you don’t have to cook a meal? Or do the dishes? Or clean up afterwards?

Or take out the garbage?

Or shovel the walk?

Grateful for a sympathetic hand when you are sick?

Just by living at Kendal, you get help of all kinds.

The things that make life at Kendal unique are provided by our staff, those you see and those behind the scenes. Unlike a doorman, or super, or handyman, our staff doesn’t get tips.

That’s why residents get together twice a year to show appreciation to all those who work here.

Remember, back before you came to Kendal: the tips you used to give in dribs and drabs — and how it added up! Now, with one check you can show how happy you are to be cared for by a staff of 200.

We request $250 per person or $500 for a couple. More is always appreciated.

That’s about a dollar a smile.

\

When All Else Fails . . .

Good morning! Is this the Hospital front desk? I would like to speak to someone regarding one of your patients. I would like to know his state of health, know if he is better or if his problem has gotten worse.

What is the name of the patient?

His name is John Smith, in room 302.

One moment, please. I will connect you with the nurse in charge.

 After a long wait: Hello, this is Frances, the nurse in charge, what can I do for you? 

I would like to know how the patient John Smith, in room 302, is doing.

One moment. I will try to find the doctor in charge.

After a longer wait: Hello, I am Dr. Jones, the doctor in charge. I’m listening . . .

Hello, Doctor. I would like to know the state of health of patient John Smith, who has been in your hospital for 3 weeks. He’s in room 302.

One moment. I will check the patient’s chart.

After another wait: Hmmm . . . here it is. He ate well today. His blood pressure and pulse are stable. He is responding well to the prescribed medications, and we expect to remove him from the heart monitor tomorrow. If all continues to go well for the next 48 hours, the doctor will sign his discharge for next weekend.

Ahhhhhhh! This is great news. I am overjoyed. Thank you.

By the way you talk, I suppose you are someone very close, a family member, certainly. 

No, Doctor. This is John Smith himself calling you from room 302. Everyone comes in and out of my room and tells me nothing. I just wanted to know how I was doing.  Thanks a lot.

 

Contributed by Simone

I Never Knew That . . .

Nursery rhymes, some dating back centuries, have left a strong mark on many of our childhoods, but we often don’t realize where they came from. Some have evolved over centuries, bringing a whole new version to modern children, while others have remained tried and true since their inception. From women’s prisons and peep shows to wholesome tales of beloved pets, here are the origins of some beloved nursery rhymes.

Humpty Dumpty sat on a wall

Humpty Dumpty had a great fall

All the king’s horses and all the king’s men

Couldn’t put Humpty together again

There’s nothing that makes Humpty an egg in this rhyme! That image was popularized by Lewis Carroll’s Through the Looking-Glass in 1871, decades after the rhyme’s inception. According to the Oxford English Dictionary, “humpty dumpty” had a few meanings before the wall came into it, including a drink with brandy and a short, dumpy, clumsy person. An 1881 book even features images of Humpty as a clown.

A popular theory is that “humpty dumpty” refers to a cannon used during the Siege of Colchester in 1648. The idea that this rhyme is some kind of wartime ballad is pretty common. Before the cannon theory got traction, many believed the rhyme was about the usurpation of Richard III in 1483.

However, according to the Oxford Dictionary of Nursery Rhymes, the root of this nursery rhyme could be more innocent. While it’s unclear whether this game predates the rhyme, Humpty Dumpty was a popular game in the 19th century where girls would tuck their legs into their skirts, fall back, and then try to regain balance without letting go of their skirts. “Eggs do not sit on walls,” authors Peter and Iona Opie write. “But the verse becomes intelligible if it describes human beings who are impersonating eggs.”

Source: Interestingfacts.com

To Be Continued . . .

Contributed by Jane Hart

Just Joking . . .

An elderly but hardy cattleman from Texas once told a young female neighbor that, if she wanted to live a long life, the secret was to sprinkle a pinch of gunpowder on her oatmeal each morning. She did this religiously and lived to the ripe old age of 103. She left behind 14 children, 30 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren, and a 40-foot hole where the crematorium used to be.

 

Contributed by Bob Abramovitz

Playing with Words

All those who believe in psychokinesis, raise my hand.

There are 3 kinds of people: those who can count and those who can’t.

If a turtle doesn’t have a shell, is he homeless or naked?

If a parsley farmer is sued, can they garnish his wages?

If the police arrest a mime, do they tell him he has the right to remain silent?

Veni, Vidi, Velcro: I came, I saw, I stuck around.

If you try to fail, but succeed, which have you done?

9 out of 10 doctors say the 10th doctor should mellow out.

99% of lawyers give the rest a bad name.

A pessimist counting his blessings: 10 . . . 9 . . . 8 . . . 7 . . .

Age and knowledge don’t always come together. Sometimes you just get the age . . .

Contributed by Jane Hart

Art by Hart

IThe owners were split: was Dobbin really okay to run in this afternoon’s Derby?

A diet of fireflies and glow worms kept Simon’s utility bills nice and low

Little brother Taunton was thumbs down on Julie Grace’s reptile hairdo

Emmy, the one-eyed shelter cat, felt whole again at the Woodfields’

Crowd control was Marina’s true calling

Photos and art by Jane Hart

In and Around Kendal

6 AM: Talk About Your Rosy Fingers of Dawn!

Photo by Greg Lozier

The Return of the Familiar to Rockwood Preserve, by Edward Kasinec

A stone planter

Have you heard: our herd returns!

Another Warm-Weather Return

Photo by Joe Bruno

Remembrance: Passover 2024

Photos by Carolyn Reiss

A Working River

Photo by Joe Bruno

A Working Artist

Philip Monteleoni creating a linoleum-block print

Photo by Harry Bloomfeld

Preserving Spring Beauty in Rockwood, by Carolyn Reiss

And home again — to our own beauty

A Resting Place for Walkers—and a Kendal Founder’s Suitable Memorial

Photo by Art Brady

And Back at Home

Blooming Redbud Tree

Mallards happy to be back at Kendal

Photos by Joe Bruno

Out and About

Tracking Trolleys

On April 24, a band of Kendalites rode up to East Haven, CT, to Shore Line Trolley Museum for a guided tour of the museum’s collection and a ride aboard an historic electric trolley.

Photo by Harry Bloomfeld

Photo by Harry Bloomfeld

Photo by Harry Bloomfeld

Photo by Harry Bloomfeld

Photo by Cynthia Ferguson

Closer to Home: White Plains and its MLK Statue

Photo by Art Brady

Visiting the WHI of the HHV

On April 26, 20 Kendalites visited the Women’s History Institute of the Historic Hudson Valley organization. The Women’s Historic Institute (WHI) brings to life the hidden stories of everyday women of the Hudson Valley who shaped the area’s life and culture. Like many other museums, initially, the Historic Hudson Valley (HHV) focused on the contributions made by prominent men to American government and society. However, the researchers typically neglected another — and rather compelling version of history — the hidden stories of the everyday women who shaped their families, communities, and the nation. The WHI has corrected the historical record by introducing us to the daily life and many achievements of previously unheralded women. The WHI is part of The Historic Hudson Valley’s Library,  restoring, preserving, and interpreting historic landmarks of national significance to the Hudson River Valley. 

Akin to a Farmer’s Almanac

Photos by Mimi Abramovitz

Oh, the Places You Will Go

Someone made suggestions for our vacation plans for this year. So many choices!

  • I have been in many places, but I’ve never been in Cahoots. Apparently, you can’t go alone. You have to be in Cahoots with someone else.

  • I’ve also never been in Cognito. I hear no one recognizes you there.

  • I have, however, been in Sane. They don’t have an airport; you have to be driven there. I have made several trips there, thanks to my friends, family and work.

  • I would like to go to Conclusions, but you have to jump, and I’m not too much on physical activity anymore.

  • I have also been in Doubt. That is a sad place to go, and I try not to visit there too often.

  • I’ve been in Flexible, but only when it was very important to stand firm.

  • Sometimes I’m in Capable, and I go there more often as I’m getting older.

  • One of my favorite places to be is in Suspense! It really gets the adrenaline flowing and pumps up the old heart! At my age I need all the stimuli I can get.

  • I may have been in Continent, but I don’t remember what country I was in. It’s an age thing. They tell me it is very wet and damp there.

Contributed by Barbara Wallach

Rubber Ducky Derby Day: And Kendal Was There!

Jean Eccleston (far left) and Hildegarde Gray (center, with Fred right behind) at the Kendal Sponsor Booth with official Rubber Ducky Day Cheer Leaders

A grueling day for the duckies! The Sponsor Heat is really for a warm-up. With each successive heat, the winners are recorded until the Final Heat — when the six winners battle it out for the ultimate glory! (Autograph-seekers are discouraged after each heat, since the athletes must rest prepare for the next heat.)

The athletes dive quickly (and gracefully) into the stream . . .

They quickly take their positions. Some go for the front, others — understanding that they can save their energy for the final surge — chose the back.

And they’re off!

The crowd cheers on its favorites as the duckies surge past! Tension rises as the duckies reach into their very souls for the stamina needed to stay in the race, much less to win it.

And we have a winner! Race officials help the exhausted ducks off of the track (along with those who, literally, got lost in the weeds on the way to the finish line) so they can rest up for the next heat.

I Never Knew That

Continued from Last Week

Nursery rhymes, some dating back centuries, have left a strong mark on many of our childhoods, but we often don’t realize where they came from. Some have evolved over centuries, bringing a whole new version to modern children, while others have remained tried and true since their inception. From women’s prisons and peep shows to wholesome tales of beloved pets, here are the origins of some beloved nursery rhymes.

Here we go round the mulberry bush

The mulberry bush

The mulberry bush

Here we go round the mulberry bush

On a cold and frosty morning

Although this rhyme likely started out using Bramble Bush (mulberries actually grow on trees), historian R. S. Duncan suggests this version came about at Wakefield Prison in England. The facility has been home to an extremely recognizable mulberry tree for centuries, and the theory goes that Victorian female prisoners used to dance around it and made up the rhyme to keep their kids amused. (Back then, men, women, and children were often confined together.) The tree eventually died in 2017, but it was replaced with a cutting from the original.

Source: Interestingfacts.com

To Be Continued . . .

Contributed by Jane Hart

© 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.