A shift in wind direction this morning.  

Two clues of a south east breeze: you can hear the waves breaking in the ocean several blocks away; and the moisture level in the air increases.

The slightly warmer temperatures are off set by the dampness.  Thankfully, the sun has arrived to make for a beautiful January day!  Enjoy the weekend.

So that’s why we call it snow fencing…

Thankfully, only a light coating of snow last night. 

The roads are already clear after bright morning sun and slightly warmer temperatures.

More seashore snow expected tomorrow. 

Plan your day accordingly :) 

For predicted local snow totals: http://www.erh.noaa.gov/phi/StormTotalSnow/index.php

I will post pictures and updates on http://twitter.com/anndelaneybeach

 This post was originally published in January 2010.  The “girls” are another year older…and wiser??

I’m one of 4 sisters, born within a 6 year span.  A fine example of the rhythm method at work!

We were fortunate to be raised at the beach – our summer friends would ask if we had classes on the beach instead of inside a school?  We made elaborate forts in the dunes (sorry- that was wrong) and the back bay was our swimming hole.

We learned early on that a beach day is never considered a waste of time – and have passed along our love for the shore to the next generation.

As we face the 1/2 century mark together (gulp), the beach has been our constant.  It’s our place to talk, laugh, walk ,and eat snacks without guilt.  And, it’s the place that holds our best family memories.  

A sentimental thought for the January birthday girls…plus the oldest one in the lead since May  😉

A “big” birthday is hard enough.  And one that falls in the middle of dreary January is even worse.

So I have a plan…along with a commemorative shirt  😉

Time on the beach is my cure for everything!

We missed the “Christmas Blizzard” at the shore.  The driving route to North Carolina for a family visit was quickly altered, and thankfully, we were able to stay ahead of the storm.

Of course, we faced more snow as we drove west through the mountains.  Who says it’s warm in the south??

The grown “kids” had fun sledding and building a giant snowman 😉

Santa– the life size painted, cut out version- has been an important part of Christmas for as long as I can remember. 

Santa began his life of service in the early 1960’s at my parents’ first house in Avalon.  He was surrounded by big, multi-colored bulbs on the newly planted shrubs.  Inside that modest Golden Home rancher, 4 little girls hung their stockings on a cardboard fireplace with a plug in red bulb that magically turned the metal wheel to create “fire” .

In the 1970’s, Santa moved with our family 5 blocks south in Avalon to a larger, 2 story home with a real wood fireplace.  The colorful exterior lights were eventually replaced with more subtle white bulbs, but the spot light literally remained on Santa.

In the off season, Santa hung proudly on the garage wall- watching us all come and go.  Those little girls grew up and moved out, bringing back grandchildren for days on the beach.  In the 1980’s, my young sons were fascinated by Santa, and maybe a bit intimidated based on our attempts to use him for improved behavior!

When my parents downsized to a townhouse in the early 1990’s, my father asked if I wanted Santa for our home.  Of course, I was thrilled- and Santa didn’t complain as he was forced to leave Avalon and move “off shore”. 

Santa loyally followed us on each move- knowing that he would be given a prominent position (with a flood light) at Christmas.   Several years ago, he gratefully moved back to the island to become a Stone Harbor resident! 

Now approaching 50 years old, Santa is showing some signs of wear (aren’t we all).  I thought about asking an artist to do a “touch up”, but it just doesn’t seem right.   It’s good to remember that so much time has passed- it helps us to celebrate the journey. 

Merry Christmas!

This entry was originally posted Christmas 2008.  I think it deserves an annual repeat.