Category: Life at the Shore
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Irish Roots
Happy St. Patrick’s Day!
A repeat post from 2016:
On my father’s side: my grandmother was born in County Clare in the Republic of Ireland, and my grandfather grew up near Ballymena and the Antrim Coast in Northern Ireland. A real mixed marriage!
They met and married in Philadelphia, and vacationed in Stone Harbor each summer while raising 6 children (pictured in front of their compact rental cottage).
In the 1950s, my grandparents built a modest year round home in Avalon. A family business brought the sons and daughters (including spouses and young children) from Philadelphia to Avalon shortly thereafter.
After visiting the beautiful windswept coast of Northern Ireland, I can totally understand my grandfather’s love of the shore.
Sand in our shoes… and salt air in our lungs π
Slainte!
P.S. According to family legend, my grandfather arrived to the United States through Canada. And my grandmother used her older sister’s ID to travel from Ireland to the US. Her grown children didn’t know her real name/age until she applied for Social Security! It’s important and relevant to consider that our family’s immigration history may be softened by nostalgia.
Pictures from our 2008 trip to Northern Ireland.
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Stone Harbor Shiver 2024
Great weather for the annual Stone Harbor polar plunge.
For more info: Stone Harbor Shiver
THIS is the closest I’ll be to an ocean swim in March π
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4 years…
Facebook memories reminded me about the start of Covid in 2020.
Initially, I kept a journal with regular updates. It felt important to document the unprecedented times and real emotions.
My last entry was one year ago, and I will write something today to keep the information current.
I recently saw this sign framed in an Avalon summer house. It’s a stark reminder how our lives were turned upside down.
Thankful for good health (and vaccines!) in the years since.
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Spring?
It’s still winter, yet the bulbs in our yard and the change of wind direction say otherwise!
Some years, it seems like the cold northwest wind howls continuously from November through April. It has been noticeably calmer this winter.
Once the wind prevails from the south or southeast, we know that spring is headed our way.
Happy March Γ’ΛΛΓ―ΒΈΒ
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Changes at the Shore
As a lifelong area resident, I completely understand the attachment to time-honored shore businesses.
I have wonderful memories linked to specific (mostly food!) establishments in Avalon and Stone Harbor.
In many cases, the original owners have passed on their responsibilities to the next generation. And those “children” may now be at the stage of their lives planning for retirement.
Running a seasonal business is challenging, and I’m sure it’s a difficult decision for owners to cash out.
Our favorite spots will eventually be replaced. And our children and grandchildren will carry the memories of the new places with them into the future.
Instead of lamenting about the “good old days” as we note the inevitable changes around town, we can look forward to new experiences to shake up our routine!
