Ann Delaney Beach Blog

Category: Activities

  • Back to Reality

    A few observations from my vacation time in Florida:  the real estate market troubles are more obvious in southwest Florida than at the New Jersey shore- probably due to the vast variety of housing options available.  Even saw a few homes boarded up…sad.  Commercial real estate is also suffering- a fair amount of retail store fronts empty and some chain restaurants and super markets have closed. 

    In contrast, the beautiful high end shopping and dining districts were busy.  There were many special holiday events scheduled in those areas- a smart move by the business community to attract customers. 

    Lower interest rates and the start of a new year are a source of hope for the many businesses dependant on the real estate industry. 

  • Crashing Waves- Crashing Computers

    The e-mail program in my office computer suddenly froze last week (it really wasn’t THAT cold at the shore).  No worries- the same data is stored in my smart phone.  But when the smart phone gets wet while kayaking in Florida, the back up system is no longer in place.  I feel so lost without easy access to technology. 

           naples.jpg    Thankfully, I have a few more days in the warm Florida sun to ease the pain  :)   Hope to be back on line later this week…

  • Thanksgiving Weekend at the Shore

    christmas.jpg  Live music (the string band pictured)…shopping…hot chocolate…shopping…beautiful decorations…shopping…Santa…and more shopping.  

    Don’t miss the Stone Harbor Christmas Parade tonight at 7pm.  Dress warm and claim your spot along the parade route: begins at 104th and Third Avenue; travels north to 96th Street; then 2 blocks east on 96th Street to First Avenue.  Plenty of prime viewing locations.

  • Thanksgiving at the Shore?

    surfer.jpg  Surfing…(couldn’t take a closer shot without getting wet!)

    fishing.jpg  Fishing…

    wreath.jpg  And holiday decorations on the beach pavillion.  Yes, just your typical Thanksgiving traditions!  Enjoy  🙂

  • Weekend Events

    http://www.capemaycountyherald.com/index.php

    The Cape May County Herald is a great source of local information (and reading Spout Off is always entertaining!) 

    If you will be in Avalon or Stone Harbor for the Thanksgiving weekend, check out the list of events.  Both towns are working hard to support our business community in the off season.

  • Snow on the Sand

    snowonbeach.jpg  The shore had a light coating of snow yesterday morning- that’s snow on the sand by the beach path on 95th Street. 

    The snow didn’t last…but the cold temperatures are sure hanging on!  I guess it’s really time to bring out the wool sweaters  🙁

    One more tip for preparing your house for winter- even if your outside faucet is frost-proof, don’t forget to remove the hose.  The water in the hose will freeze and back up into the faucet and cause it to break (I speak from experience here).

  • Weekend Weather

    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. 

    Visit the Chamber web sites for more details: http://www.avalonbeach.com/

    http://www.stoneharborbeach.com/

  • What to Wear?

    beach.jpg 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. 

    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  🙂

  • No Ocean…But Pretty!

    asheville.jpg  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.

    credenov08.jpg  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!

  • Historic Night

    obamabiden.jpg  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.