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. Â Will it be more “normal”? Â 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). Â 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. Â Even basic cottage owners have to step up and evaluate the condition of kitchen supplies, furniture, etc.
3) Clean, clean clean! Â 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. Â 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. Â Will post updates as places open.
Happy spring 🙂
Irish Roots
Happy St. Patrick’s Day! Â
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!
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. Â 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.Â
Pictures from our 2008 trip to Northern Ireland.