It’s been raining since Sunday and we are more than ready for the sun to return. A week like this is when the tenants appreciate the amenities provided in a rental home. If the property is comfortable and inviting, a rainy day inside is more tolerable.Â
The skies are scheduled to clear today…although the view from my office window is still heavy mist/rain. Here’s to a brighter afternoon!
I am proud to support the Brendan Borek High Tides Memorial Fund. This is a true local charity- helping Cape May County pediatric cancer patients and their families. The Surf Memorial (today on the 30th Street beach in Avalon) and Homecoming Party (tonight at the Windrift from 6pm to 9pm) are the big fund raising events.
For more information, call (609) 967-0100 or visit:Â www.brendansfund.org
What an amazing morning for a beach walk. The sky was a brilliant blue. The sun was glistening off the ocean. Surfers were lined up to ride the swells. Monarch butterflies floating through the air. A comfortable breeze. Could life be any better?Â
Well yes, if you add the soulful sounds of a bagpipe!  A retired Avalon police officer was practicing his craft while walking along the water’s edge.  The music traveled in the wind for several blocks- very moving (women my age can relate to the emotion thing!)
AÂ wonderful way to start the day…
I walk on the beach each day before work…and frequently see people with dogs. But a pig? There was a young man on the 101st Street beach this morning walking his pig! It was a large, pot bellied pig – on a leash. I asked the young man holding the leash if he lived here…and he said his family was vacationing from Pennsylvania, and brought along the pig. I didn’t have the nerve to ask if they were renting with a “pigs permitted” clause in their lease!Â
Although the weather could have been better, the 4th of July week was a success. We watched the Stone Harbor fireworks from our back deck because of the stormy weather. By Friday, the weather improved dramatically, and we enjoyed the Avalon fireworks on the beach. It was a great way for our visitors to end their week.
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Avalon has an amazing week’s worth of events scheduled: The Islandman Triathlon is Sunday, 7/1 (fun to watch- Community Hall at 7:30am). There are several beach concerts, a boat parade, a beach movie, and swimming/ field races. The fireworks in Avalon will be held Friday 7/6 at 9pm. Send me an e-mail ann@anndelaney.com to request a copy of the 1 page schedule (e-mailed to you in pdf format).
The fireworks in Stone Harbor follow an all day family festival at the 80th Street field on Wednesday, 7/4. Bring your chairs and blanket to save your spot.
See you there!
Saturday is a long day. I am up early to walk before work, and see departing tenants looking sad as they pack their cars for the ride home. By mid-moring, the cleaning crews scatter the island for the change-overs. By early afternoon, the next group of tenants arrive – anxious to get to their rental houses and on the beach.Â
In the evening, the smell of steaks on the grill surrounds you. Outside showers are running, and beach chairs and toys are piled in side yards. After dark, the decks are filled with happy people grateful to be on vacation.  The “happy people” can be a bit frustrating for those of us who work the next day and are trying to sleep!
But, the trade off of coping through a handful of Saturday nights is well worth the benefits of living in a seashore community.Â
The “Shore Guide” arrived in my mail just in time for Memorial Day Weekend after work beach reading. I especially loved the list of “We Can’t Wait To …” Many are laugh out loud and right on the mark funny!
Even those of us who live here year round get excited about sharing the traditions of summer with our family and guests. You can’t help getting caught up in the vacation spirit. Happy Summer!
What marks the official start of summer? Standing in line at Kohler’s for sticky buns and cream filled donuts! Judging by the crowds in front of the store this morning, I am not the only one who feels this way.
The island is busy and the weather is perfect for Memorial Day Weekend. Thanks to the hard work of our municipal workers, the beaches are groomed, the center islands are attractively landscaped, and the town sparkles for our visitors.
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I have lived here all my life…and can remember when a full size lot sold for $15,000 (“who can pay such prices?”). During the 25+ years of selling real estate on the island, I have heard numerous statements of doubt about the prices (“Are they crazy…$200,000 for that house?”).Â
But ask me the value of a home at the shore as you walk along the beach in the early morning with the sun reflecting off the calm ocean- and dolphins riding the waves! Worth every penny!
And the good news- this privilege is available to all of us. From the basic condo or cottage owner- to the owner of the spectacular new construction nestled in the dunes.
Thankfully, we have a wide variety of options- priced from $400,000 and up. Call or e-mail me if you are ready to enjoy life at the beach!