Signs of Spring

A few stalks of green dune grass are starting to appear.  Warmer days ahead!

DuneGrass

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Beachwalking = Realestating ;)

Beautiful views in all directions!

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Time to Upgrade

When we built our current home 17 years ago, flat screen TVs were new technology…and cost a fortune!

Because I’m frugal, I could not justify updating our sets even as Smart TVs and voice remotes became the norm.

Earlier this month, Private Eyes/Cooltronics returned to our house to finally replace what they installed in 2005!  They hauled away 2 HEAVY flat screens and 2 old console sets (I’m frugal, remember?)

With our new set up, we can catch up with the rest of the world on Netflix shows and movies.  I now understand “binge watching”  as we power through the past seasons of Ozark!

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Happy Spring!

An abundance of flowers and birds!

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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!

MillarFamilyThey met and married in Philadelphia, and vacationed in Stone Harbor each summer while raising 6 children (pictured in front of their local rental cottage).

In the 1950s, my grandparents built a 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 😉

Sláinte!

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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March 2022

Two years.

Two busy (and challenging) summers.

A booming real estate market that we could not have imagined back in 2020.

And now we are planning for the 2022 season.  Will it be more “normal”?  And how do we even define those expectations?

My observations:

1) Most rental property owners have reverted back to providing basic bedding (mattress pads, quilts, and pillows).  Tenants also appreciate when owners include a linen rental service as an amenity.

2) With rental rate increases across the board, tenants have higher expectations.  Even basic cottage owners have to step up and evaluate the condition of kitchen supplies, furniture, etc.

3) Clean, clean clean!  Properties that start off with a thorough spring cleaning (inside all cabinets, carpeting, bedding, windows/blinds, deck cushions, ceiling fans, return vents, etc.) are easier to maintain in season. When organizing the kitchen, toss those chipped coffee mugs, scratched frying pans, and rusty cookie sheets!

4) Based on bookings, our summer season will once again begin well before Memorial Day weekend and extend through early fall.  That’s good news for local merchants and restaurant owners.

5) Speaking of restaurants- there will be many changes and additions to the food scene.  Will post updates as places open.

Happy spring 🙂

Path

 

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American Oystercatchers

First sighting this spring.

The birds are a common sight on the south end Stone Harbor beaches.

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Beach walks and treasure hunting

Some days are more productive than others!

4 pieces of sea glass AND 16 sand dollars…all before heading to work 😉

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Praying for Peace

Peace

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Presidents’ Weekend

It’s time for the beach communities to slowly emerge from hibernation.

Restaurants and shops start opening on weekends.  Our summer neighbors return for brief visits to check on their homes.

And although the temperatures remain cold, a bright sunrise over the ocean gives us hope for an eventual spring!

NovSunrise

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