Do dolphins follow the trend of many local residents and head south for the winter?Â
It’s late in the season to see so many as I walked the beach this morning. Because the dolphins were heading south…I thought they might be migrating to warmer waters for the winter.
A very pleasant distraction 🙂
Avalon and Stone Harbor Police Departments have reported recent thefts of flat screen televisions from several unoccupied homes on the island. Â
This is disappointing news for our community.  Unfortunately, we aren’t completely immune from the real world.
The police have asked residents to be aware of suspicious activity on the quiet blocks in town. And seasonal residents should carefully secure their home in the off season. It may also be helpful to hire a “winter watch” service for peace of mind.
More layers required for my morning walk- but SO worth it to see the sunrise.Â
When you grow up by the beach, flip flops and shorts are worn for as long as possible. There is resistance to cold weather clothes.
My parents tried.  I remember my father’s favorite question: “Do you have your boots?” - and my mother asking my sisters (even in recent years): “Where is your coat?”
I finally learned…after our youngest son moved to Colorado. I discovered wool socks and sweaters. And understood the need for boots! Now I have the wardrobe that allows me to walk on the beach year round in reasonable comfort 😉
Gloomy morning, and now bright sunshine for the afternoon.
Humid air with temperatures in the 70’s…summer weather on a late October day.
Normal COOLER weather expected for the Halloween weekend.
This is hard to imagine with current temperatures in the 70’s! Yet, we know the cold weather will eventually arrive.
Is your shore house ready? Last winter was the exception with record snow fall and extended power outages. Unfortunately, cold temperatures and high winds are still the norm.
Exposed water pipes are at risk for freezing (outside showers and pipes under the house). If you don’t drain the inside pipes, is your heat set to at least 55 degrees? Have you secured your outdoor furniture and trash cans?
Hiring someone to regularly inspect your property in the off season provides peace of mind.  A winter watch includes: walk through, check of all doors and windows, confirmation of functioning heater, and inspection for minor problems that can turn into a major headache if left unattended for several months.
If you need a recommendation for a reliable inspector, please let me know. ann@anndelaney.com
Such a pretty view. Of course I think that each day as I start my beach walk.
We expect temperatures in the 70’s over the next 3 days- not bad for the end of October.Â
Enjoy!
Join your Avalon and Stone Harbor neighbors for the 25th Annual Fall Beach Sweep this Saturday, October 23rd.
Enjoy a morning walk along the sand while contributing to a clean environment. Volunteers will meet at 9am on 30th Street in Avalon, and on 95th Street in Stone Harbor. For more information: http://www.cleanoceanaction.org/
It was mild and sunny this morning for my beach walk.Â
Unfortunately, the afternoon view from my office window is dark and dreary.
The sun is scheduled to return tomorrow…
Sheets and towels? Basic amenities for any vacation rental.Â
Yet, summer rentals at the Jersey Shore continue the custom of tenants supplying their own bedding and towels. Based on my personal travel/renting experiences, we may be one of the last areas with this requirement.
I met with the owner of www.relaxconcierge.com today and we discussed options for landlords and tenants. Currently, there are several local companies (including Relax Concierge) offering sheet/towel rentals for tenants. Another approach would be for owners to contract for the service and offer it as an amenity.
This “perk” would be welcomed and appreciated by tenants- especially those renting large homes. The cost (an average of $160 per week for a four bedroom home) could be built in to the rental rate, similar to cleaning fees.
A unique way to set your shore rental property apart from the competition.
The fact that we live on the island year round is intriguing to some. Reactions vary between envy, and pity (which I don’t understand- look at my view as I walk along the beach!)Â
And, I can always count on the same follow up question from a new acquaintance: “Where are you from originally?”  “Here, actually”  I say. “I was raised in Avalon, and my husband grew up in Wildwood.”
This catches them off guard.   We don’t look like trolls who lived under the causeway bridge…with the feral cats!  We’ve had normal lives, with a few added adventures of growing up in a seasonal community 😉  We have full time jobs and love to travel. And we feel fortunate to call this area our “home” .