Ann Delaney Beach Blog

Category: Life at the Shore

  • Breeze versus Wind

    The breeze we appreciate all summer turns on us in the winter (literally).  From now through spring, it’s just plain old wind.

    20 to 30 mph is common at the shore- and the wind direction dictates our activities.  South- take the wreath off the front door before it’s in the neighbor’s yard.  West- walk on the beach instead of the street- the dunes will block the wind.  North- bundle up, there is NO escaping this cold air.  East- the dampness will defy the temperature, really bundle up!

    novbeach.jpg  Keep warm…see you on the beach!

  • New Jersey: The Movie

    I haven’t seen this movie yet- but it’s expected to explain our identity crisis, the true dividing line between north and south Jersey, and how Philadelphia and New York City influence the culture.  The check list on the t-shirt is right on target!

    http://nsjersey.synthasite.com/

    There is a screening for the movie next Saturday 11/22 at the Beach Theater in Cape May- 2pm.  To learn more:

    http://www.newjerseythemovie.com

  • Weekend Weather

    Dreary today- sun expected for Sunday.  With less than 2 weeks until Thanksgiving, the local shopping areas are preparing for the next “season” at the shore: Christmas.

    Avalon and Stone Harbor will host family activities the holiday weekend of November 28th- 30th.  And the stores will cooperate with great sales. 

    Visit the Chamber web sites for more details: http://www.avalonbeach.com/

    http://www.stoneharborbeach.com/

  • What to Wear?

    beach.jpg Determining what to wear for my beach walk is sometimes based more on the time of year than the actual temperature.  It was cold enough for a hat and gloves this morning, but it just doesn’t seem right in mid-November.  I have of course made the transition from shorts to long pants; and even started wearing a turtle neck under a spring jacket.  The fleece jacket came out today- so I guess the real winter clothes will follow. 

    Maybe women can relate to this more- switching to our winter clothes is a sign that we have given up hope of balmy fall weather.  I’m just not ready to accept that winter is fast approaching  🙂

  • Wandering Skunks

    It was mild tonight, and I decided to walk after work.  Because it was already dark  🙁   I walked in the middle of Second Avenue under the street lights.  Sure enough, a Stone Harbor skunk ran out from under a parked car and toward the center island.  Thankfully, I was not in his way. Yuck! 

    The good news?  A Monday night in November allows me to walk in the middle of the street without any traffic safety issues. It’s so peaceful- no wonder the skunks wander the island at night!

  • Sunday Sights

    americanlegion.jpg  Built in 1895 as a lifesaving station, this classic seashore building located on the corner of 117th and Second Avenue, Stone Harbor is owned by American Legion Post 331.  A major restoration project is almost complete, including handpainted murals inside the garage doors.

    mural.jpgHard to do it justice with a camera phone-  very impressive in person. For additional information:

    http://www.capemaycountyherald.com/article/31184-legion-post-makes-historic-register

  • Fall Back Weekend

    timechange.jpg  Another cloudless day with the warm sun rising over the ocean.  Looking forward to more morning daylight…but I wish it didn’t mean darkness right after work  🙁

    Years ago, one of my customers said what she likes best about coming to the shore from her suburban neighborhood is the sky.  She can look up and see miles and miles of open sky.  I thought of her comment this morning…so true. 

  • Halloween at the Shore

    beachhalloween2.jpg  beachhalloween.jpg  Beautiful day today- too nice to stay inside (except now at 4pm to watch the coverage of the Phillies celebration at the stadium). 

    Was able to sit on the beach (bundled up a bit), watch the dolphins swim by, and read a book- a good day! 

    Happy Halloween!   

  • Phillies- 28 years!

    phillies.jpg  Very exciting game last night.  After the win, someone was driving around our block honking their car horn- I guess they knew it would be a bit lonely to run out in the street to celebrate!

    I have a clear memory of the Phillies’ last win 28 years ago- our oldest son was born that year, and we were in our 1st home on Reed’s Beach Road (almost directly across from Stone Harbor on the Delaware Bay side).  We watched the game on a small black and white television- no cable available in our rural area- and we were glad the antenna reception was clear!

    Last night, we watched the game in HD, with our son and his fiance- how life has changed  🙂

  • Sunday Sights

    aahhh.jpg  Aaaahhhh…back on the beach for a walk after work.  The sun was out, and it was a beautiful afternoon.

    stormsign.jpg  But first, I had to get on the beach.  This sign was posted on the steps at the end of our street- there was a storm while we were away that caused some beach erosion.  Oh well, just had to climb over a railing and around the fence…and jump a bit at the end of the path (the sign didn’t mean that I couldn’t access the beach :)   Once I was on the beach, the damage was moderate.  Thankfully, a beach replenishment is scheduled for Stone Harbor this fall. 

    hobiecat.jpg  Typical with our winter storms- items wash up on the beach.  Pieces of a Hobie Cat were scattered on the beach at the Point.  Also at the Point- bird watchers.  Saw a bird watching couple making out (smooching)…I guess bird watching is more exciting than I thought??  Funny…