Friday night of Memorial Day weekend- early dinner with friends; home before dark; page through the just delivered Philadelphia Magazine (Shore Issue); and because my husband and I both work weekends- lights out just after 10pm. With the windows open, the noise level is slightly different than just a few nights prior!
 
 A beautiful weekend for our owners and guests to enjoy. The ocean is still chilly- but the dolphins seemed content to play in the waves this morning.
The Borough of Avalon officially granted permission for the local restaurants to offer outside dining. Check out the comfortable outdoor seating areas at both the Circle Tavern (21st Street) and the Princeton Grill (facing Dune Drive). Look for more businesses to follow suit.
A new restaurant at the 21st Circle – Black Fish- will have to give it a try.Â
Sundae Best Ice Cream Parlor- 29th and Dune Drive- the new location looks like its almost ready to open. I missed Kohler’s Bakery on Mother’s Day weekend- but thankfully, they will be back for Memorial Day weekend!Â
New in Stone Harbor- Jay’s on Third – on 99th Street (the former Fish Tales space). Over the winter, I saw a Newtown Grill sign on the Sole door (98th and Third), but the open sign is back up with the exisiting awnings and a Sole menu posted outside. ??
The dining/food choices along the Seven Mile Beach improve each season. Better add a few more minutes to my morning walk 🙂
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 This was taken yesterday morning- not a car in sight. By the afternoon, a few of my neighbors arrived- with more expected by tonight.  The Philadelphia news stations are providing postive “shore” reports- and predicting great weather. It should be a fun weekend!
See you around town…
The lifeguard stands have been delivered to the beaches of Stone Harbor in preparation for Memorial Day Weekend. However, with the recent beach erosion, the stands may have to stay on the paths during high tide. Oh well…I’m still anxious to get to the beach, and will make it work!
   
The bike lane is now complete in Stone Harbor. Second Avenue is not as wide as Dune Drive (same road- just a different name in each town). And, although both are designated for just one lane of traffic, the bike lane in Stone Harbor forces the issue (frustrating when I’m behind a 20 mph driver and late for work!) But I will try to be patient…or use First Avenue.
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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.
 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!