A light drizzle for my morning walk.  Glad I didn’t wimp out when I heard rain on the skylight, because it was mostly clear by the time I returned home.

Without the distraction of bright sunshine, I was better able to see a few dolphins; and watch an osprey masterfully dive for his breakfast and carry his catch as he flew over the beach.

Last night at sunset…and then again this morning.  Nice!

By the way, left over items can be placed at the curb for bulk trash pick up on Monday.

Downtown Stone Harbor was equally as busy.  Shoppers complied with the summer tradition of walking around with ice cream cones.

I had several appointments today (yeah!) and was unable to stop by Kohler’s Bakery until later this afternoon.  They were sold out of cream donuts… so, it will be sticky buns (with nuts of course) for tomorrow’s breakfast

Great to see the island return to life.

This view made me smile as I walked along the beach last evening.  It was a bright spot after a few days of rainy weather.

The sun has returned today- with a comfortable, dry breeze. 

On tap for this weekend: Avalon Yard Sale (owners throughout the town will be participating), flower (and hoagie) sales to benefit both the Avalon Fire Department and Stone Harbor Garden Club. More restaurants and shops opening for the season this weekend, too.  Hey, did I mention Kohler’s Bakery will be open Saturday and Sunday??  Taking extra long walks in anticipation of a cream donut

Disclaimer: observations are based on my life experiences as both a resident, and a real estate agent. 

While it may seem obvious to focus on the high cost of housing, the job market is also a real factor. 

Think about the people you know living on the island year round:  they are most likely local business owners, real estate agents…or retired.  The need for other professions is limited.

When I attended Avalon Elementary in the late 1960s/early 1970s, our family was considered small with just 4 children.  It was not unusual to see 6 or more siblings in the school.  And, one family even contributed 10 kids to the cause! 

Those “kids” left the area for higher education, and moved to a location best suited for their career.  In recent years,  families (who stayed or moved here) have fewer children to attend the elementary schools.

As Jen concluded in the article, the barrier island schools and governments have no choice but to face the changing demographic.  Shared services is a realistic solution…especially for communities occupying the same island of “sand”.

However, our weekend visitors walking around town in shorts and t-shirts look a bit chilly!

More sun and warmer temperatures expected tomorrow.  Have a great weekend!

Expecting a busy weekend- Stone Harbor is hosting the Coastal Living/Boat Show along 96th Street Saturday and Sunday.  There will be food vendors and music, too.

AND, have you read about Saturday’s “super moon”?  The best viewing spot will be on the beach.  On Friday night, the moonrise is 6:29pm (if there are clouds on the horizon, it can be another 20 minutes to view over the ocean); and on Saturday, the moonrise is 7:45pm.

In Stone Harbor, the meters in the business district are operational as of today.  The hours are 10am to 9pm in town; and 10am to 5pm for the 95th Street lot by the beach.

In Avalon, the day time parking in the business district along Dune Drive is limited to 2 hours starting May 15th (there are signs posted).

Also, watch for the blinking traffic lights to change over to regular traffic signals…and “No turn on red” in effect at the 96th Street intersections.

The deep blue/green color of the ocean…a nice change after months of “gray”.

During a closing yesterday, we were discussing the subtle differences between the 2 communities that share a 7 mile island.

The buyers vacationed in Avalon for many years before purchasing a condo in Stone Harbor.

In Avalon: it’s Dune Drive and Ocean Drive, Avalon Freeze, The Fishing Pier Grill, Paper Peddler, and Avalon Coffee.

In Stone Harbor: it’s Second Avenue and Third Avenue, Springer’s, Bud’s Market, Fred’s Tavern, and Coffee Talk.

Thankfully, both towns have a Hoy’s and Uncle Bill’s to call their own