Kykuit

A SERENDIPITY; an unexpected pleasant surprise: that was my feeling a few years ago when I had the pleasure of visiting Kykuit. It was one of those places which turned out to be a special destination, and one that still brings back many joyful memories.

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My wife and I were in New York City visiting our son when he suggested a trip to see Kykuit. It was a place I had not heard of, nor did the name signal any kind of special attraction. However, several hours later I was glad that we had not missed seeing one of America's most famous private residences - and a place of gorgeous scenery, magnificent architecture, and fascinating history.

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We boarded a boat on Manhattan's west side and started our trip up the Hudson River toward the village of Sleepy Hollow, located about 25 miles north of the City. Our journey on the water lasted about an hour, and took us through the beautiful and historic Hudson Valley. Our boat docked near a visitor's center where we took a shuttle bus to Kykuit, the estate and the country home of four generations of the Rockefeller family.

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Kykuit was built in 1913 by John D. Rockefeller, Sr., and his son John D. Rockefeller, Jr. The elder Rockefeller was the founder of Standard Oil. The house, which was built to a height of six stories, includes 40 rooms and two basement floors. It is a stunning structure - and a Hudson Valley landmark. It is located in the Pocantico Hills and overlooks the Hudson River. The house has been enriched with an art collection from Nelson A. Rockefeller, former governor of New York, and former vice president of the United States. The estate also includes gardens, fountains, sculpture, and a coach barn housing classic automobiles and horse-drawn carriages.

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Four U.S. presidents have visited Kykuit, including Lyndon Johnson, Richard Nixon, Gerald Ford, and Ronald Reagan. The estate honors the contributions of the Rockefeller family to philanthropy, conservation, business, government, and the arts.

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I am glad that my name was added to the visitor's list for Kykuit. For me, it was a wonderful day-trip away from the hustle and bustle of New York City. Reservations may be made with staff members at the visitor's center by calling 914-631-9491. I am delighted to recommend it as a terrific leisure destination.

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--The view of Kykuit above is from the left side garden; the front and main entrance is around to the right.

Expanded Opportunities for Friendships

LEISURE provides for us the potential to open the door to expanded opportunities for new friendships. While most individuals probably make friends in a school or work environment, it is during their free time that their list of friends can grow considerably longer. Notably, this is true for those "at play" or in recreation settings; for those involved in social or civic groups; or for folks who choose to be active in church or religious activities. And, this is especially true for retired people wherever they might be.

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Think back on past days. Did you make any new friends at camp? How about when you played softball in the community league? Perhaps you made new friends during involvement with a disaster relief effort? What about when you joined the Optimist Club? Did any new friendships develop when you were a part of a church group? Or, since you retired, has your number of friends increased significantly?

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I have always had friends. Since early childhood, throughout the growing-up years, and on into adulthood; good friends have always been a part of my life. These friendships have been a blessing. Now, in retirement, I have more friends than I can count. And, I keep adding more! What's amazing is the fact that even new friends can soon become very good and close friends in a relatively short period of time. Such is the case for me.

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It happened on a boardwalk leading to a white sandy beach on the Emerald Coast of Florida. It started with a smile, a pleasant exchange of greetings, and a short conversation. A couple from Michigan met me, a man from Missouri, and the beginnings of a new friendship blossomed. The rest is history! My wife and I are now very good friends with this Michigan couple, Jerry and Kathy. None of us knew at that time how this brief beach encounter would be the start of a wonderful, and treasured friendship.

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In the recent past, several other fine folks have become new friends - and these relationships are now cherished. Included in this group are Mel and Gretchen from Missouri; Malcolm and Gay from Kentucky; Tom and Lanette, and Jim and Amanda from Michigan; Robert and Sharon from Florida; and Bill and Norene from Illinois.

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Of course, gaining new friends does not diminish relationships with people who have been friends over many, many years. All of those ties remain intact. It's just that it is possible for the "friendship circle" to get larger, and leisure is often the gateway for that to happen.

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During leisure, when people are free from work and obligations, they are generally happier, more relaxed, more inclined to be friendly - and more apt to make new friends. May it always be so.

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-- Friends Mel and Gretchen from Missouri are pictured above.