Every morning, I check the outdoor thermometer. However, the temperature is not the only indicator for selecting appropriate walking attire.
North wind = cold; from the south = more moderate temperatures…but DAMP!  Guess that big body of water at the end of the street has something to do with our year round humidity?? 😉
Thankful for ever changing views that provide motivation to bundle up and walk!
At the shore, it’s Monday morning blues…mixed with gray, pink, and yellow.
Quick- what is your first thought when I say the words beach and frozen? A nice tropical drink, perhaps?
In the winter, the moisture in the sand freezes, turning even the “soft” sand into a hard, crunchy surface.
On the positive side, it becomes easier to walk close to the dunes…which in turn, partially block the cold north west winds 😉
Running a bit behind this year with our Christmas decorations.
The beach pavilions are putting our house to shame!
Time to focus 😉
Long before super medical specialists and urgent care centers, we relied on family physicians. In Avalon, that was Dr. Rodolfo Garcia.
Dr. Garcia moved his young family to Avalon in 1962. His practice was part of his home; a simple interior door separated his work life from his home life.
Like most local residents, Dr. Garcia was a big part of my life. He cared for my sisters and me since we were babies. He knew our family medical history, because he also took care of our parents and grandparents. His kindness was genuine…and his charming accent somehow made you feel better (especially if he suggested you stay home from school!)
When I returned to his office as an adult, I loved flipping through the thick collection of index cards stapled together- my chart!Â
My sons were the 4th generation of patients.  As a mother, I had a new perspective and appreciation for Dr. Garcia’s skills and compassion.
Sadly, Dr. Garcia passed away on Thursday at the age of 86. He will be missed by his immediate family, as well as his extended family of patients.
For more information: http://hosting-10528.tributes.com/show/Rodolfo-Anthony-Garcia-Rodriguez-92903682
December is definitely our transition month.Â
Fewer hours of daylight. Cooler northwest winds. Quiet streets.Â
Yet, with the dunes blocking the wind, and a determined sun rising over the ocean…a beach walk still warms my soul.
 Okay- he (or she) did not cooperate with the camera, but an adorable little sea otter greeted me as I walked along the 8th Street jetty.Â
Why was I on the jetty in the pouring rain? Well, I received a tweet from a fellow beach walker in Cape May, who read a tweet from a bird watcher posting from Avalon regarding a whale sighting!Â
I was directed to the location of spouts from the humpback whale by 2 men who joined me on the jetty. They had serious binoculars and LL Bean clothing…so they had to know what they were talking about 🙂
 Another mild December day at the shore. Â
The merchants in Avalon and Stone Harbor are making it easy to shop locally. Great selections, service, and SALES!
(as posted on the Stone Harbor Chamber of Commerce web site)
12/10/2011 – Holiday shoppers can enjoy secret Santa specials and progressive holiday cheer while ‘wrapping up’ that shopping in downtown Stone Harbor on Saturday, December 10 when 17 exceptional shops participate in the 2nd annual ‘Harbor Holiday Wrap.’ Rediscover the joy of local shopping with a personal touch as these shops offer free gifts, refreshments and even gift wrapping from 12 Noon until 6PM. Begin on the south side of 96th St. where Trendz, Hoy’s 5 & 10, and Pete Smith’s Surf Shop serve up treats and specials from 12 Noon until 1PM. Next, from 1 – 2PM move to the south end of Third Ave for happy holiday shopping and more at Eco Alley, Rip Tide East, The Harry Hunt and Paint Studio and Gallery. Still hungry for treats and bargains? Visit the shops of the North end of Third Ave. where Onni, Paisley Christmas Shoppe, Just Bead It, and Barrie Shoes will fill your belly and your shopping bags from 2-3PM. But that’s not all; turn the corner back onto the North side of 96th St. for visits to Global Pursuit, Seashore Ace, Bellanova, Talk of the Walk and Mimi Shop and Sun Catcher (at 95th and Second Ave) from 3-4PM. All shops will Shops will remain open from Noon to 6PM. What a perfect opportunity to ‘think outside the mall!’
Back at sea level after spending a few days visiting family in North Carolina.
The mountains are really beautiful; and the air is crisp and clear.
Yet…as soon as I stepped out of the car last night, the first thing I noticed was the smell of the ocean. Ahhh…
Planned ahead, and brought practical walking shoes to work (yes, different from the practical shoes I WEAR to work). Knew I needed to check 2 houses and take new pictures for our rental site…so I walked there by way of the beach.Â
The 48th Street beach path pictured was my exit ramp on the “commute”!
According to the local fishing experts…the stripers are running!Â
I originally tweeted this morning about the “fishermen”…then amended my description to include this skilled “fisherwoman”!
Results!
Fun to watch as I walked the beach before work. Another incredible day.