This is a tough time of year. Â Many island business owners take a well deserved break, and others keep the lights on for the loyal year round patrons.
There are breakfast, lunch, and dinner options (not just Wawa!)
You can still buy a bottle of wine from Fred’s, or a trash can from Seashore Ace.
And, several gift/clothing shops offer weekend hours.
See? Â It’s not THAT quiet!
A good day to think about a beach vacation!
http://www.powerplayrealty.com/rentals
Search our web site for ideas…and then contact me for more specifics:  ann@anndelaney.com
Thank you for your business and referrals!
Returned last night from a fun week in Naples, Florida with my sisters.  As each of us approached the half century mark (gulp!) we talked about a girls’ getaway to celebrate (wait…is celebrate the right word?).  We finally got our act together in time for the “baby’s” birthday 😉
We managed to share a house (and 2 of us shared a room) without reenacting the fights from our teen years when we last lived under one roof!
And, we continued the tradition of crashing the pool at the Ritz. Â As kids, the Concord was our pool of choice (too difficult to get in to the Golden Inn or Windrift). Â Now, we at least buy lunch/drinks (spending a fair amount of money) , and THEN enjoy the afternoon on their comfortable lounge chairs.
Wishing you warm sunshine, fresh salty air, and long beach walks…
From inside my house, I watch the vibrant colors light up the sky just before sunrise. Â It’s the best motivation to bundle up and head down to the beach for a morning walk.
Demolitions, renovations, and/or new construction on almost every block. Â A great sign for our local economy.
Pictured: 122nd Street in Stone Harbor. Â There are two homes under construction, with the tractor positioned for a demolition to make it three!
Santa– the life size painted, cut out version- has been an important part of Christmas for as long as I can remember.
Santa began his life of service in the early 1960’s at my parents’ first house in Avalon. He was surrounded by big, multi-colored bulbs on the newly planted shrubs. Inside that modest Golden Home rancher, 4 little girls hung their stockings on a cardboard fireplace with a plug in red bulb that magically turned the metal wheel to create “fire†.
In the 1970’s, Santa moved with our family 5 blocks south in Avalon to a larger, 2 story home with a real wood fireplace. The colorful exterior lights were eventually replaced with more subtle white bulbs, but the spot light literally remained on Santa.
In the off season, Santa hung proudly on the garage wall- watching us all come and go. Those little girls grew up and moved out, bringing back grandchildren for days on the beach. In the 1980’s, my young sons were fascinated by Santa, and maybe a bit intimidated based on our attempts to use him for improved behavior!
When my parents downsized to a townhouse in the early 1990’s, my father asked if I wanted Santa for our home. Of course, I was thrilled- and Santa didn’t complain as he was forced to leave Avalon and move “off shoreâ€.
Santa loyally followed us on each move- knowing that he would be given a prominent position (with a flood light) at Christmas.   Several years ago, he gratefully moved back to the island to become a Stone Harbor resident!
Now approaching 50 years old, Santa is showing some signs of wear (aren’t we all). I thought about asking an artist to do a “touch upâ€, but it just doesn’t seem right.  It’s good to remember that so much time has passed- it helps us to celebrate the journey.
Beautiful evening on the beach- just before sunset last night. Â Happy to count on longer days ahead 🙂
Recently, while walking through one of the Avalon beach paths, I spotted a side trail.
Instant flash back to my childhood…when the high dunes were our backyard play area.  Full disclosure: this was before it was considered trespassing!
My sisters and I had elaborate forts, and knew all of the hidden paths around the private homes.
When it snowed, we rode the hills on plastic sleds or rafts (sounds pathetic, but it was fun)- returning home covered in a gross mixture of sand and snow!
A happy, and unique memory from growing up on the island 🙂
Welcome to the Neighborhood
Twenty Five new Avalon, Stone Harbor property owners within the past 30 days.
There were 8 condo/townhouse style properties sold- ranging from $356,500 for a front unit in the 600 block of 21st Street; to $755,000 for a multi-level bay front Flagship Condominium on 81st Street. Â The median selling price for all condo/townhouse units-Â $650,000.
2 vacant lots sold- the 100 block of 30th Street for $930,000; and the 200 block of 61st Street for $1,250,000.
1 duplex property on the 500 block of 21st Street sold for $590,000.
Plus, an additional 51 properties are sale pending.  Off to a great start for our spring market!
If you would like information regarding property values and/or activity, I am happy to help.    ann@anndelaney.com  or   609-967-7950
Thank you for your continued interest.