Ann Delaney Beach Blog

Month: October 2010

  • Unfortunate Reality

    Avalon and Stone Harbor Police Departments have reported recent thefts of flat screen televisions from several unoccupied homes on the island.  

    This is disappointing news for our community.  Unfortunately, we aren’t completely immune from the real world.

    The police have asked residents to be aware of suspicious activity on the quiet blocks in town.  And seasonal residents should carefully secure their home in the off season.  It may also be helpful to hire a “winter watch” service for peace of mind.

  • Dressing for the Weather

    More layers required for my morning walk- but SO worth it to see the sunrise. 

    When you grow up by the beach, flip flops and shorts are worn for as long as possible.  There is resistance to cold weather clothes.

    My parents tried.  I remember my father’s favorite question: “Do you have your boots?” - and my mother asking my sisters (even in recent years): “Where is your coat?”

    I finally learned…after our youngest son moved to Colorado.  I discovered wool socks and sweaters.  And understood the need for boots!  Now I have the wardrobe that allows me to walk on the beach year round in reasonable comfort 😉

  • Halloween Weekend

    The brilliant colors of the leaves in the Avalon high dunes and Stone Harbor bird sanctuary. Clouds tinted red and yellow at sunset.  And cooler temperatures…as of today!

    A Children’s Halloween Party will be held Saturday in the Avalon Community Hall at 1pm.

    Trick or Treat takes place on the island Sunday night between 5pm and 8pm.   Have a good weekend!

  • Breaks of Sun

    Gloomy morning, and now bright sunshine for the afternoon.

    Humid air with temperatures in the 70’s…summer weather on a late October day.

    Normal COOLER weather expected for the Halloween weekend.

  • Remember Last Winter?

    This is hard to imagine with current temperatures in the 70’s!  Yet, we know the cold weather will eventually arrive.

    Is your shore house ready?  Last winter was the exception with record snow fall and extended power outages.  Unfortunately, cold temperatures and high winds are still the norm.

    Exposed water pipes are at risk for freezing (outside showers and pipes under the house).  If you don’t drain the inside pipes, is your heat set to at least 55 degrees?  Have you secured your outdoor furniture and trash cans?

    Hiring someone to regularly inspect your property in the off season provides peace of mind.  A winter watch includes: walk through, check of all doors and windows, confirmation of functioning heater, and inspection for minor problems that can turn into a major headache if left unattended for several months.

    If you need a recommendation for a reliable inspector, please let me know.  ann@anndelaney.com

  • Beach Weather

    Such a pretty view.  Of course I think that each day as I start my beach walk.

    We expect temperatures in the 70’s over the next 3 days- not bad for the end of October. 

    Enjoy!

  • Time for Work??

    I have been blogging for 4 years…tweeting for 1…YouTubing (a verb?) for several months…and now the pressure of Facebook!

    When I was younger, I kept a diary.  Years later, it evolved to a journal.  So, a blog is the natural progression- a place to share my thoughts…only no longer tucked away in a drawer. 

    My Beach Blog is the equivalent of a newsletter.  I use Twitter to post “breaking news”, restaurant info, and seashore pictures.  YouTube has been a unique way to promote sale and rental properties (as well as the beach restoration project).  Yet, other than viewing  family pictures, I’m not clear on the value of Facebook.  It feels more like stalking than connecting.  But, without Facebook, I won’t know what time to show for Thanksgiving dinner 😉

  • Avalon Elementary

    The first annual Avalon Elementary Reunion was held tonight at the Windrift Bar.  The main purpose- raising funds for a community track/ fitness stations in the school yard.

    A large turn out, with a mix of parents, local residents, and alumni.  Great to see familiar faces and “not so old” former classmates!

    My 7th grade class is featured on the Just For Fun page of the booklet- 23 students with really bad hair 😉

    P.S.  Received a call today that I won 2 silent auction gifts Saturday night.  Thank you to the reunion committee and the generous sponsors!

  • Market Stats- Avalon & Stone Harbor

    During the past 30 days, 20 properties SOLD on the island; with an additional 46 sale pending (settlement in the near future).

    The sold properties ranged from $310,000 for a hotel/condo on 79th Street, to $2,815,000 for a large custom home on 65th Street.  There were 16 sales in Avalon, and 4 in Stone Harbor.  11 were single family homes; 9 condo/townhouse units.  4 beach block; 3 bay front.  The median selling price was $1,277,500.

    Of of 46 sale pending, 16 are in Stone Harbor; 30 in Avalon.  The median list price is $957,500.

  • Beach Sweep

    Join your Avalon and Stone Harbor neighbors for the 25th Annual Fall Beach Sweep this Saturday, October 23rd.

    Enjoy a morning walk along the sand while contributing to a clean environment.  Volunteers will meet at 9am on 30th Street in Avalon, and on 95th Street in Stone Harbor.  For more information: http://www.cleanoceanaction.org/