Author: ann

I wrote this post in 2011- worthy of a repeat!

Thinking of my father today.  He worked 6 days a week, so Sundays were a sacred day…at the beach.

My dad was blessed with hardy Irish skin that turned dark brown in the summer months.  Suntan lotion (we didn’t call it sunscreen back then) and the giant yellow umbrella with the lethal metal pole were for the rest of us who just freckled and burned.

My mother laughs when describing all of the equipment hauled to the beach, along with 4 little girls: a large playpen (even heavier than the massive umbrella), beach chairs, buckets, coolers, etc.  Plus, my father’s fishing gear.  At a certain age, my sisters and I were permitted to walk back to the house to retrieve more food and beer for the grown ups (wrapping the beer in foil to trick the lifeguards??)

The Sunday tradition continued with the next generation.  My sons enjoyed beach days with “Pop Pop” and followed the rules at the end of the day:

1) “Call” your turn for the outside shower.

2) Hang bathing suits/towels on the line.  All beach items were thoroughly rinsed, set in the sun to dry, and of course, neatly stored by night fall.

Even though we grew up by the beach, sand was NEVER permitted in the house!

Long beach days are an ongoing family tradition.  My father’s rules are now enforced at my house (I was on the verge of a nervous breakdown the day this picture was taken…I am my father’s daughter!)

The love of the beach…and family time together.

Thanks Dad.

Last Saturday, we had the opportunity to witness the busy change over day in South Carolina.

Funny to observe how the routine is so similar to our weekly life here in Avalon and Stone Harbor!

Tenants were up early to pack up their cars. With the larger homes, there’s inevidble chaos as family members search for their belongings and discuss who is responsible for what task.

The proper disposal of trash and recycling is a common dilemma.  There were a few bags left out at the curb (not inside a can) and within hours, animals made a mess of the contents.

In our building, tenants in the unit below left their fishing gear on the landing.  Inside the bucket, a previously live crab was really starting to smell!

When neighbors express frustration about rental properties,  I understand (as a rental agent, landlord, AND neighbor!)

While the majority are respectful, the few careless tenants leave a bad impression with the surrounding property owners.

This week is always a frenzy of contractors working hard to complete their tasks prior to the official start of the season.  And with the boom of construction on the island, the level of activity is even greater.

My post in 2020 was a bit different:

Every weekend since March 14th strikes me as odd.  Living in a tourist town, I have always worked Saturdays and Sundays.

And while I still may be at a makeshift desk in my family room, there’s not the same sense of urgency or pace.

This morning, we waited until the rain ended to take our long beach walk.  Could I ever imagine spending a Saturday of Memorial Day weekend on a leisurely walk?