Dreary today- sun expected for Sunday. With less than 2 weeks until Thanksgiving, the local shopping areas are preparing for the next “season” at the shore: Christmas.
Avalon and Stone Harbor will host family activities the holiday weekend of November 28th- 30th. And the stores will cooperate with great sales.Â
Visit the Chamber web sites for more details: http://www.avalonbeach.com/
 Determining what to wear for my beach walk is sometimes based more on the time of year than the actual temperature. It was cold enough for a hat and gloves this morning, but it just doesn’t seem right in mid-November. I have of course made the transition from shorts to long pants; and even started wearing a turtle neck under a spring jacket. The fleece jacket came out today- so I guess the real winter clothes will follow.Â
Maybe women can relate to this more- switching to our winter clothes is a sign that we have given up hope of balmy fall weather. I’m just not ready to accept that winter is fast approaching 🙂
 Just returned from Asheville, North Carolina. A beautiful area, and the perfect time of year to appreciate the fall colors (typically, my opportunity to view changing leaves is limited to the Garden State Parkway!)  The trees were so bright with red, yellow, and orange colors- amazing.
 But the REAL reason for the trip was to see our 1 year old grandson. He’s a Colorado boy, but knows how to work his southern charm!
 Regardless of your political beliefs, it’s impossible not to get caught up in the excitement of last night. We are fortunate to witness history, and will all benefit from the spirit of optimism.
It was mild tonight, and I decided to walk after work. Because it was already dark 🙁   I walked in the middle of Second Avenue under the street lights. Sure enough, a Stone Harbor skunk ran out from under a parked car and toward the center island. Thankfully, I was not in his way. Yuck!Â
The good news?  A Monday night in November allows me to walk in the middle of the street without any traffic safety issues. It’s so peaceful- no wonder the skunks wander the island at night!
 You may have heard the term “elevation” or noticed markings on a curb (in the photo- Elev 9.23). The elevation of a street varies by location on the island. The lowest elevations are closer to the bay (the Avalon lagoon area is an exception), and the highest are on Bayberry Drive and in the dunes.
New construction requires a first floor elevation of 11 feet. And the rate for flood insurance is based on the elevation- below 10 feet will cost twice as much as above 10 feet (an issue when purchasing an older home that sits low to the ground).
If major renovations are planned on a structure that sits below the required elevation, the Borough (Avalon and Stone Harbor)Â will require the home to be raised to meet code- a realistic factor in the decision to renovate versus tear down.
 Built in 1895 as a lifesaving station, this classic seashore building located on the corner of 117th and Second Avenue, Stone Harbor is owned by American Legion Post 331. A major restoration project is almost complete, including handpainted murals inside the garage doors.
Hard to do it justice with a camera phone- very impressive in person. For additional information:
http://www.capemaycountyherald.com/article/31184-legion-post-makes-historic-register
 Another cloudless day with the warm sun rising over the ocean. Looking forward to more morning daylight…but I wish it didn’t mean darkness right after work 🙁
Years ago, one of my customers said what she likes best about coming to the shore from her suburban neighborhood is the sky. She can look up and see miles and miles of open sky. I thought of her comment this morning…so true.Â
 
 Beautiful day today- too nice to stay inside (except now at 4pm to watch the coverage of the Phillies celebration at the stadium).Â
Was able to sit on the beach (bundled up a bit), watch the dolphins swim by, and read a book- a good day!Â
Happy Halloween! Â
