We had the opportunity to meet and talk with a temporary neighbor on our block. Â We saw the car, and house lights (rare this time of year!)- and guessed they were winter tenants- maybe while building a house?
It turns out they are full time residents of St. John, USVI. They were traveling just before the hurricanes, and then unable to get back home immediately after.
The husband is a charter boat captain, and the wife is a full time real estate agent for a Sotheby’s office on St. John. Â Obviously their lives and livelihoods were turned upside down.
Thankfully, their home survived the 200+ mile per hour winds (I can’t even imagine), and they are planning to move back by January -in time for high season. Â They shared stories of the resilience and recovery from their island neighbors- very inspiring.
I thought it was unusual that they took refuge on our island- but the wife grew up in Cape May Court House and they have family and friends nearby. We discovered several “small world” connections.
An evening of perspective to be grateful for our simple life – especially meaningful at Christmas.
Avalon and Stone Harbor update
The roads are better, but certainly not completely clear. The snow drifts at street ends caused many issues today with vehicles unaware of the depth of the snow.
If you are riding down this weekend to check your house, be aware that properties on the north side of streets are more likely to be obstructed with higher drifts (a function of the wind direction).
The snow plows cleared the center of each street – blocking driveways in the process. So you will need your boots 🙂
With the extreme and extended cold temperatures, it’s worthwhile to check on your shore house (unless the house is completely winterized/pipes drained). Thermostats set at 55 or 60 degrees may not be adequate heating to prevent frozen pipes in unoccupied properties.
Every fall and winter I stress the value of a winter watch service. Regular inspections of the interior and exterior of your home provide peace of mind, and tbe inspector can trouble shoot to prevent serious damage.
I’m happy to make recommendations of local service providers.
Stay warm!