The sun is out, and the high winds subsided…time to get back on the beach.
This time of year, even the “soft sand” is hard. The moisture in the sand freezes- providing a more stable walking surface (always looking for the plus side of walking in 28 degree weather!)
I have two “old” Santas. One, a life size painted version proudly displayed in front of the house (his story is posted each year on Christmas Eve); and this plastic Santa.
The red light bulb attached to the electrical cord is long gone. And like the outdoor Santa, the paint is starting to fade.
But for some reason, I smile when I place him on the table each year.Â
I have newer Christmas decorations to display, but my favorites are those wrapped in memories. The ornaments that celebrated babies’ first Christmas, welcomed us to a new home (I have a collection of those!), grade school crafts, and souvenirs from far off travels. A collection 30 plus years in the making.
Strong northwest winds and cold temperatures again this morning.Â
Heading north, the only reasonable spot to walk is near the dunes (a bit of a wind block). Grateful for the warm sun on my face, too!
The solitude on the beach provides the freedom to sing along with gusto to the songs on my iPod (oh, sorry…I guess I do that year round)
If you keep your house open all winter, these tips from local winter watch house experts will protect your pipes from freezing:
1) Set the thermostat to at least 55 degrees.
2) Open cabinet doors under all sinks to allow heated air to circulate around the pipes.
3) Close the foundation vents and crawl space access panel (cold wind under the house will freeze the exposed pipes).
4) Drain the outside shower and remove hoses from outside faucets.
5) Unless you are in town on a regular basis, it’s best to hire a winter watch service. They will inspect your property several times per month, and take care of any minor items before a major problem develops.
Next on the learning curve…pictures from my new phone for my blog and Twitter http://twitter.com/AnnDelaneyBeach
This required removing my gloves (which of course dropped onto the sand), looking for the right key strokes (challenging when you don’t bring your reading glasses on a beach walk!), and then sending/sharing it with the correct account.
Reward: a quality picture and a nice walk 🙂
The first frost of the season for Avalon and Stone Harbor.
Time to replace the fleece jacket with the fashionable 😉 winter coat for my beach walks.
I purchased my LL Bean classic a few years ago- mainly for trips out to Colorado (our son used to live there). It’s a unique pinkish orange color, had a minus something temperature rating in the catalog…and it was on sale!Â
A beautiful morning- bright sunshine, calm winds, and low tide (with a few prize pieces of sea glass along the water’s edge).
The annual Stone Harbor Christmas Parade-Â a Seven Mile Beach tradition.
Summer home owners and visitors join the island’s year round residents for this BIG event.  Â
How can you recognize a year round resident? They are properly dressed for the weather! The summer homeowners are wearing loafers (thankfully, with socks), and a light jacket from their beach house closet. Brrr…
A fun night out on the town 🙂
Avalon and Stone Harbor are selling Holiday Beach Tags for the 2011 season.
$20 (same as the discounted pre-season price), and valid for sand time in either community.
To purchase, stop by the Avalon Rescue Squad, Friday November 26th from 11am to 4pm;Â or 21st Street Veteran’s Plaza from 4pm to 7pm (during the Christmas Tree lighting).
Stone Harbor tags sold weekdays at Borough Hall – 95th and Second Avenue, and the Chamber Office on 96th Street.
Why yes, there is a wild turkey roaming the streets of Avalon.Â
He prefers prime real estate…residing in the high dunes around 54th Street.
And he ventures out along Dune Drive on a regular basis- showing no concern about the approaching holiday 😉
The business communities of Avalon and Stone Harbor will reward those who visit the island with great holiday events (and sales).
For the complete weekend schedule: http://www.indulgeinavalon.com/ and http://www.stoneharborbeach.com/
*Stop by Power Play Realty on Friday 11/26 for a free logo sand pail filled with home made cookies!Â
Be sure to find time for a walk on the beach, too!