Ann Delaney Beach Blog

Category: Life at the Shore

  • Encouragement

    Do you need motivati0n to purchase a shore home?  Oh, okay…

    Ready?  Great!  Contact me to discuss  :)        ann@anndelaney.com

  • 4,000 Tweets?

    Over Thanksgiving dinner, I tried to explain my obsession with Twitter to family members.

    This is a tech savvy group- with plenty of smart phones, tablets, Kindles, and Facebook accounts between all 3 generations.  Yet my 4,000+ tweets seem bizarre (and admittedly, some are).

    I recently posted how I relied on Twitter during the hurricane : https://anndelaney.com/2011/08/29/technology-during-irene/  and the blizzard of 2010.  It’s been a great way to instantly communicate with property owners and others who just love the shore.  I “share” my beach walks with others…even in the middle of winter!

    But the surprise bonus of Twitter is the amazing connections.  I read first hand accounts as events take place…a completely different perspective.

    For example, shortly after the devastating tsunami, I started following a Japanese woman who works in Tokyo for the New York Times. She traveled to the villages and posted heart breaking reports. 

    On the 10 year anniversary of 9/11, I followed a young woman whose sister died on Flight 93 in Shanksville, PA.   It was as if I was sitting next to her at the memorial services.  Her comments were respectful and incredibly honest.  Another woman tweeted about her experience of living in New York City, and the days spent searching for her friends.  Emotional storytelling, 140 characters at a time. 

    On the lighter side, there are posts that make me laugh out loud- I follow some smart, witty people!

    If you would like to follow along: http://twitter.com/AnnDelaneyBeach

  • Colorful Skies

    Have you noticed the brilliant colors just before sunrise, and after sunset?

    The best views are by the water (beach or bay).  This morning, the clouds were a soft pink over the beach front homes.  So pretty!

    The island events continue today- shopping, music, food, etc.  And, a comfortable night to watch the annual Christmas Parade:  north along Third Avenue from 104th Street to 96th Street, then right on 96th Street toward Second Avenue…starting at 6:30pm.

  • Sand Shadows

     Picture perfect weather to kick off the Thanksgiving weekend events!

  • Sand Santa?

    Now THAT’S a sand sculpture! “Sand Santa” is on display- 96th Street in Stone Harbor (in the open lot next to Stone Harbor Pizza).

    The artist arrived on Wednesday (during the pouring rain) and worked all day.  He was back on site this morning for touch ups.

    Holiday music and activities today and tomorrow in downtown Avalon and Stone Harbor.  And the weather is incredible!  Enjoy.

  • Red Light Bulb?

     Ever wonder about the red light bulb in the front window of summer homes?  It’s a popular “high tech” system used by owners who leave their heat and water on in the winter months.  The light bulb is plugged into an interior wall outlet with a separate thermostat.   If the temperature in the house drops below the setting (set it 10 degrees below the heater thermostat), the light will go on.  The police or real estate agent notice the light (the red light stands out) and call the owner and/or service company to check the heat.

    ACE Hardware in Stone Harbor sells the kit- and will know what you are talking about if you ask for the “red light thing”!

    P.S. I still recommend a winter watch service if the home will be vacant for an extended period.  An inspector regularly walks through and around the property to make sure everything is secure. 

  • Water Obstacles

    Gullies and sand bars created by the tide…

  • Saturday Sunrise

     And THIS is why I bundle up and walk along the beach!

  • Beach Wear

    It’s a gradual transition: shorts to work out pants.  Long sleeve t-shirts to turtle necks; then a fleece jacket.  The knit hat/light weight gloves- switched out with warmer options as needed. The cotton socks replaced with wool socks.  The heavier, dorky…I mean warm…pants.  Hiking shoes (originally purchased for a trip to Ireland-  great for beach walking and much warmer than sneakers).

    This morning- my final wardrobe change: the serious LL Bean winter jacket! 

    Perfect fall weather this weekend- fewer layers will be needed later today and tomorrow 😉

  • 2011 Festival of Trees

    The 7Mile Business Community Association is coordinating a new event for Thanksgiving weekend.

    Local businesses were asked to decorate a Christmas tree with a theme of their choice.  The trees will be available to view at the Whitebrier in Avalon starting Wednesday 11/23 at 5pm.  Final bidding (silent auction) will take place on Friday, 11/25 (before and after the town Christmas Tree Lighting on Veteran’s Plaza, 21st Street).

    The proceeds from this event will help defray the cost of the the family events scheduled for Festive Friday: http://www.avalonboro.org/news/fall-news/Festive-Friday.html  or   http://indulgeinavalon.com/

    Stop by the Whitebrier to see the unique tree by the Power Play team (surprise…we have a hockey theme!)