Ann Delaney Beach Blog

Category: Life at the Shore

  • Just Because…

    Picture taken 2 weeks ago- the Avalon Fishing Pier.  Since then, we haven’t seen much of the sun.  Today, we have a cloudless sky and bright sunshine.  And, based on the flags over Hoy’s: a steady wind from the north. This official weather report is brought to you from the comfort of my office over looking Dune Drive 😉

  • Beach Tag Discussion

    Frustrating to read that a few elected officials want to hold funding for Sandy relief hostage, in trade for eliminating beach tags. Do they think the shore communities make a profit from this revenue?

    The reality: money generated from the sale of beach tags is used to off set the cost to maintain, clean, and guard the beaches.

    For more detail, I have attached the article from today’s Press of Atlantic City: Beach Tags

    Yes, it’s a user fee- similar to paying a toll on a roadway.  And, yes, the year round residents and property owners (aka tax payers) buy tags, too.

    We purchase 6 seasonal tags each summer; $126 total for the privilege of using “my beach” and sharing it during family visits.  For that nominal fee, I see the tractors raking the beach each morning, the Borough Public Works crew emptying the trash cans, and the well trained lifeguards in their assigned spot.  A bargain!

  • Life in Black and White

    Have to really look to find color on these foggy days!

     

  • Perspective

    The best way to see the ocean front homes on the island?  From the paths, and on the beach.  It’s the only way to really appreciate the architecture (and get a perspective of the views).   Another excuse for me to walk along the beach as often as possible 😉

     

  • Worthwhile Article

    Interesting article in today’s Press of Atlantic City: Vacation Homes Tangling Recovery   The contrast between residents and second home owners is described as it relates to assistance from FEMA and flood insurance.

    In Avalon and Stone Harbor specifically, only 14% of the dwellings function as a primary residence.  I was thinking about this recently as I walked by homes with sea grass still in the yard, and evidence of dampness along the block foundation.  The interior of the house may be fine, but the crawl space was obviously flooded.  The water is gone, yet if the insulation and/or duct work got wet…it needs to be replaced.  I worry that those owners will be back in April and find mold inside their home- a much more expensive fix.

    Better to hire someone to thoroughly inspect the crawl space (and garage)- just to be sure.  If you need a recommendation for a contractor or HVAC company, I am happy to help.

     

     

  • It’s Already December?

    Off to a nice start.  Have a great weekend!

  • Beach Walking

    The view is always changing…and I often see something especially unique.

    Yesterday on a beach path, I saw a pine tree decorated with a few Christmas balls, as well as orphaned beach items- flip flops and shovels.  Last week, I walked by a fort built from “Sandy” debris- very creative!  And of course, there is the bonus of finding beautiful sea glass 🙂

  • Full Moon

    Beautiful views last night of the full moon rising over the ocean.

    Minimal clouds on the horizon- so we were able to see it soon after the official moon rise.

    A huge, pink ball glowing over the water…

     

  • That’s Better!

    Much better start of my work day- colorful sky over a calm ocean…and no wind!

  • Winter Wind 🙁

    This is the time of year when air temperature doesn’t totally determine proper dress for a beach walk.

    That wonderful sea breeze in the summer months literally turns on us in the winter…and becomes WIND!

    Yet still worthwhile to bundle up, turn your face to the warm sun, and breathe in the fresh salt air.

    See you on the beach 🙂