 There are advantages of taking a walk in the early evening. It’s usually cooler (tonight, the only cool air was right at the ocean’s edge), and the sky is beautiful just after sunset.
But the best reason? Interior lights allow a glimpse into the homes in your neighborhood!
 A beautiful morning after last night’s storm.Â
A tenant just reported that the beach is actually very comfortable today- there is a strong breeze -so the heat is not as oppressive.
If you have to endure a heat wave…the beach is the best place to be!
 A wild summer thunderstorm tonight! Fast moving, but intense. Fire trucks and police cars zipping by- hopefully nothing serious.
Also saw people out walking and bike riding during the storm.  A sure symptom of vacation brain. What are they thinking??
Our 1st heat wave of the summer expected tomorrow.  Find a cool place and relax.
Yesterday was beautiful. Comfortable temperatures and exceptionally low humidity for August. We turned off the air conditioning and appreciated the fresh air in the house.
Great idea for the daytime…but for last night…not so much.
We don’t live in a rowdy neighborhood, but the houses are close together. So voices from a late night gathering on a nearby deck will carry. For the weekly tenants, this is their last night of vacation. For those of us who live/work here, it’s a “school night”!
Just as the party faded around 2am, the odor of a skunk blew in with the breeze. Do I sound as cranky as I feel?   Needless to say, the A/C is back on 😉
I appreciate my neighbors’ flags- I can easily check for wind speed and direction to determine my early morning activity (along with the tide chart posted in my kitchen).
High tide and no wind inspired me to kayak this morning. Should have known better. No wind = gnats and mosquitos on the bay.  I was swarmed as I lowered the boat into the bay and started off (left the bug spray back at the house of course).  Paddled as quickly as I could to the main channel to catch a breeze (good exercise at least)- and splashed salt water on my arms and legs to soothe the bites!
Checked the flags again on the bay houses- ahhh, a slight breeze. Much better for the rest of my excursion.
From my office windows, I watch the flags over Hoy’s 5 &10.  Nice, southeast breeze. Looks like a great beach day from here!
Crazy weekend…the island is packed!Â
 Someone compared driving this weekend to playing a video game- pedestrians, bikes, cars, dogs, surreys, golf carts, and joggers,  oh my!
Best to spend as much time on the beach or in the bay 🙂
Â
Â
Â
I am proud to support:Â
Brendan Borek High Tides Memorial Fund is a true local charity- all money raised helps families in Cape May County. Visit the web site for details and calendar of upcoming August events.Â
The 14th Annual Nun’s Beach Surf Contest is scheduled for Saturday, September 12th. All proceeds support the upkeep of Villa Maria by the Sea retreat house on 111th Street in Stone Harbor. This property is a beautiful landmark for our community, and enjoyed all summer long by the visiting Immaculate Heart of Mary Sisters. For more information, contact Sister James Dolores, IHM at 609-368-5290, or stop by their garage “store” to purchase popular Nun’s Beach attire!
Bikes, beach chairs, beach toys, strollers, scooters, bathing suits on the line…a busy rental house for sure!
A southwest breeze today: the unique combination of oven hot air and humidity! It was a bit cooler along the ocean’s edge as I walked this morning. Good day for a beach chair in the water!
The Jersey Shore attracts a variety of visitors from all over.   We turn our heads when we hear a foreign language or see a fancy car. But the vacationing Amish families create a different level of fascination.
The other day, 2 young women in their “plain” dresses passed me on roller blades. I knew it would be disrespectful to take a picture- but it was tempting!
The Amish enjoy an ordinary seashore experience – going to the beach, eating at a local deli, and riding bikes around the island. We only notice because their clothes and hairstyles are different.
I find it reassuring that a simple way of life still exists (not that our life at the beach is so complicated ;)Â Â And, it’s a positive reminder to appreciate other cultures and their traditions.
 The ocean was rough yesterday- the guards appreciated the extra help :)Â
Ideal weather and water temperatures-Â enjoy the weekend!
P.S. Heard praises today for the actions of the lifeguards last week. 2 different tenants commented on the quick response to rip tides and rough water.  The 1st case- the children didn’t even sense they were in trouble, but a guard saw them drifting out and created a chain to pull them back in. The second incident was an adult swimmer who grabbed on to a boogie board of a nearby swimmer because she felt the tug of the tide. Within seconds, a guard was at her side to help her back in.
I see the young men and women on the stands and admire their willingness to take on such responsibility . Obviously, they are well trained and conscientious about their job.