I was upset to see the damage to “my” beach – but trying to look at the bright side:
      
The dunes did their job during Monday’s storm. So each year when we see another row of snow fencing installed and grumble that our walk down the path is a bit longer…we will remember that preservation of the dunes is essential.
 There is still enough beach for my morning walk. And at high tide this summer, our beach neighbors will be our new BFF’s! I hope they have good snacks to share 🙂
 This is where I was during Monday’s storm. Sitting by a pool in Florida, reading a book, and enjoying the sun. I had no idea the weather back home was so nasty!
 Meanwhile…my husband was here and took this picture of the bay in Stone Harbor.Â
 And, this is the beach at 18th Street in Avalon today. There was beach erosion in both Avalon and Stone Harbor, and some damage to docks along the bay. A northeast storm is common in March- but unexpected in May.Â
Discounted seasonal beach tags are now on sale in both communities. If purchased by May 31st- $19 each; starting June 1st- $24 each. Beach tags are honored in both towns.
The revenue generated is used to offset the costs to maintain and guard our Seven Mile Beach- a very worthy cause!
 Moderate temperatures, but a foggy day at the shore. Hopefully, the moisture will help with my allergies/cough.
There is a boat show in Stone Harbor all weekend- 96th Street- with food vendors and music to enjoy as you dream of summer days on the water 🙂
www.catalogchoice.org    This web site allows you to decline catalogs mailed to your home. I have to admit, I love paging through them, but it’s a tremendous waste. The web site provides a master list, and I was amazed to see my total at the end: 55 different catalogs! My mailman will be pleased…
There is likely an organized beach clean up on the island today, but my kind neighbors also brought trash bags along for their walk this morning to do their part.Â
The Earth Day events are important, and hit home. This past year, I had the opportunity to travel abroad. The French, for instance, expect you to bring your own grocery bags to the supermarket. And many of their light switches are on timers. In Northern Ireland, the heat was set to go on just twice a day; and water saving front loading washers are the norm.Â
As Americians, we should be leading the efforts to conserve energy and minimize our waste.  And, it’s a great excuse to be frugal!
 Flashback during my morning walk: when my sisters and I were young, we loved a stormy day at the beach- we would pretend the ocean foam was a giant bubble bath. Don’t smirk…you know you did it, too!
 Hard to see in this picture (my sneakers got wet even at this vantage point)- but there were 2 youngs girls swimming in the ocean yesterday. It was a nice day…however, the water temperature was only 50 degrees. Their father was standing watch at the water’s edge- bundled up in a sweat shirt and encouraging the girls to make it quick!
On this morning’s walk, I saw my first dolphins of the season. A real treat for April.
According to an article today in The Press of Atlantic City: www.pressofatlanticcity.com
Stone Harbor Mayor Suzanne Walters said the Borough will need a replenishment project, hopefully in the fall. The Borough is seeking state funding for 75% of a beach replenishment, which will likely cost several million dollars.
The erosion effects 98th through 111th Streets. The beach entrances will be graded to make them accessible.Â
As a side note- I walked that section of beach this morning- at high tide. There is definite damage to the dunes and less dry sand- but the beach is still there.
Back in Business
Last fall, I wrote about 2 local businesses closing/selling. But, back for an encore, Henny’s Restaurant at 97th Street is open for 1 last summer season; and the Sunoco Gas Station posted help wanted/ coming soon signs on their building at 29th Street.
Is anyone else double checking their calendar after realizing that next weekend is Memorial Day Weekend?? How did that happen? The town is active today as owners prepare for the grand opening of the 2008 summer season. It’s exciting to see everyone back.