Ann Delaney Beach Blog

Category: Life at the Shore

  • Sunday Sights

    Now this is the perfect way to keep cool!

  • Success

    When the conditions are just right, I hurry to the beach in the morning with my kayak.

    From the picture, you can see that my preference is low tide and a VERY calm ocean.

    It seemed ideal as I started out over the small waves. Yet I was surprised by the breaking waves much father out.  Fortunately, I was able to turn the kayak into one of the especially large waves in time to avoid a wipe out.

    My main goal is to mingle with the dolphins.  Saw several beyond my comfort distance (the REALLY deep end of the pool).  I paddle parallel to the shore; within a reasonable swim if I run into trouble (like that earlier rogue wave!)

    The other challenge is the return to the beach.  Today, I was able to control my ride in and willingly dismount 😉

    Hey, this may not compare with the Olympic trials…but I left the beach proud of my kayaking success.

  • Family

    Sad day yesterday- attended a family funeral.

    The one positive outcome was visiting with my aunts, uncles, and cousins.  It makes me appreciate the life long connections throughout our large group.

    My mother is one of 6 sisters.  In keeping with the Irish tradition, one became a nun, and the other five collectively added 17 children to the clan (mostly girls).

    My sisters and I were known as the “shore cousins”.  And to us, everyone else lived “in the city” (Philadelphia suburbs).  

    The city cousins belonged to their local Y or swim clubs…while we crashed the pool at the Concord!  They had parks/playgrounds…we made forts in the dunes.

    They still ask “What parish are you from?” and talk about going “down the shore”.  

    Now there are 2nd and 3rd cousins in the mix- too many to count.  Basically, we all look alike, and sound alike (those hardy Irish genes).   And thankfully, most of us inherited the same awful sense of humor!

  • Made My Day…

    A relative of a long time tenant stopped by my office this morning.  He said he’s  a fan of my blog, and even mentioned the “Seashore Santa” post as a favorite.  Wow…that made my day!

    I was off yesterday and  stayed cool for a few hours on the beach (a sea breeze arrived just after mid-day).  Today, I am back in work- watching the flags over Hoy’s 5 & 10 with a steady west wind.   Hot, hot, hot…

    Always better by the water: glad I was out early this morning kayaking on the bay  🙂

  • Monday Views

    Kayaking before work this morning gave me a close up view of the ospreys hanging out at their waterfront “condo”.  A great way to start the day!

    Oh, and this is new.  A flag pole out in the marsh.  Wonder if there’s a spot light on the flag at night??

  • Shades of Blue

    Quick post from my morning walk.  Busy work weekend ahead…

  • Local Lingo

    If you hear an island resident say “I have to go off shore”…this is what they mean. 

    Or, they may say they are going “to the Court House”, which is not connected in any way with  jury duty 😉

    “On the island” is a common reference and applies to any of the area barrier islands.  The speaker assumes you know which island based on residency.

    So to summarize, we limit our trips “to the Court House” and “off shore” in the summer months.  We genuinely don’t like to “leave the island” more than necessary!

  • Beach Visitors

    What is the expression?  Lovely weather for ducks?  Apparently, that’s true even at the beach 🙂

  • Sunday Sights

    What do you do before work??

    We open an hour later on Sundays, so I have extra time for a morning activity.  Today- ocean kayaking.

    The conditions were ideal (for me): warm water, and minimal waves/ wind.  I am more comfortable in the bay, but the ocean offers the potential for dolphin encounters…so I give myself a pep talk and go!

    This morning, the dolphins were feeding farther out than I wanted to venture.  Two pelicans skimmed the water near me – they are HUGE as they approach you at eye level!  Overall, a peaceful and beautiful morning on the ocean.

    AND, I didn’t crash on my approach back to the beach 🙂

  • Beach Day

    This was the view from my beach chair yesterday…a perfect beach day!  

    The island is busy:  a few rental check in’s, and many property owners in town to enjoy the warm weather. 

    I am back in work mode, and in the office all weekend if you have any real estate questions :)   609-967-7950