A sunny 50 degrees at the shore! The top picture was taken last evening- a scenic view from the bridge into the south end of Stone Harbor. The bottom picture was taken this morning- hundreds of birds hanging out on the beach enjoying the warm temperatures, too.
Have a great weekend!
 Well, that was a nice surprise. An especially pleasant walk on the beach this morning!
Sadly, I have attended several funerals in the last few months for long time Avalon residents.   And I am reminded each time that the history of the town starts to fade as our “old timers” pass away.
They started businesses on the island, or moved here to help with an existing family business. They had a vision for Avalon (sections of which were still marsh land), and invested in the community. In turn, enrolment at the elementary school grew- requiring a move from the original school house on 26th Street to the current location on 32nd Street (including an addition in the 1970’s).Â
I catch up with the fellow Avalon “kids” and wonder: how has time gone by so quickly?  We talk about our memories and share stories of our unique life by the beach. We know that our childhood was not the norm- and treasure that the most.
P.S. Beach “babes” on the 25th Street beach in Avalon.
My time off for the Christmas holiday included a quick trip to southwest Florida.
Enjoyed beautiful weather and an up close view of 3 manatees in a lagoon. Not as “cute” as dolphins…but entertaining to watch! My first wildlife sighting for 2012 😉
Avalon is in the news today regarding the removal and/or relocation of skunks. Decided to look back on my blog, and found 6 posts where I mention the nuisance of skunks:
https://anndelaney.com/2011/11/07/monday-sun/
https://anndelaney.com/2009/10/28/96th-street-stone-harbor/
https://anndelaney.com/2009/08/08/ac-versus-noise/
https://anndelaney.com/2009/06/09/caution-animals-of-the-night/
https://anndelaney.com/2008/11/03/skunkseeewww/
https://anndelaney.com/2008/10/04/is-that-a-squirrel/
As far as I know, skunks are not “native” to the island (IÂ grew up by the high dunes and not far from the 74th Street sanctuary- never saw one when I was young).Â
The situation reminds me of the ferral cat debate- animal lovers versus those who classify them as rodents.
We received 2 special holiday edition beach tags as a Christmas present.
Before long, they will be pinned on my beach bag…and I will be ready for summer of 2012.
Thanks Mom 🙂
Santa– the life size painted, cut out version- has been an important part of Christmas for as long as I can remember.
Santa began his life of service in the early 1960’s at my parents’ first house in Avalon. He was surrounded by big, multi-colored bulbs on the newly planted shrubs. Inside that modest Golden Home rancher, 4 little girls hung their stockings on a cardboard fireplace with a plug in red bulb that magically turned the metal wheel to create “fire†.
In the 1970’s, Santa moved with our family 5 blocks south in Avalon to a larger, 2 story home with a real wood fireplace. The colorful exterior lights were eventually replaced with more subtle white bulbs, but the spot light literally remained on Santa.
In the off season, Santa hung proudly on the garage wall- watching us all come and go. Those little girls grew up and moved out, bringing back grandchildren for days on the beach. In the 1980’s, my young sons were fascinated by Santa, and maybe a bit intimidated based on our attempts to use him for improved behavior!
When my parents downsized to a townhouse in the early 1990’s, my father asked if I wanted Santa for our home. Of course, I was thrilled- and Santa didn’t complain as he was forced to leave Avalon and move “off shoreâ€.
Santa loyally followed us on each move- knowing that he would be given a prominent position (with a flood light) at Christmas.   Several years ago, he gratefully moved back to the island to become a Stone Harbor resident!
Now approaching 50 years old, Santa is showing some signs of wear (aren’t we all). I thought about asking an artist to do a “touch upâ€, but it just doesn’t seem right.  It’s good to remember that so much time has passed- it helps us to celebrate the journey.
This entry was originally posted Christmas 2008. I think it deserves an annual repeat.
After a few gray, damp days…the sun has returned (along with mild temperatures).  A beautiful day at the shore!
The island will be quiet this weekend, however New Year’s Eve/Day will be much more active. Fireworks in Sea Isle City, a 5K race in Avalon, and great sales in the shops of Stone Harbor. Come on down!
P.S. Our office will be closed between Christmas and New Year’s Day. Back in the office on Monday, January 2nd. Twitter and e-mail best way to reach me.Â
Beachwalker’s Report
With the recent stretch of mild days, I have ventured back to the water’s edge.
An observation based on recent walks in both Avalon and Stone Harbor: there is fresh sand on our island beaches. This is not scientific- I’m basing my statement on the fact that the “hard sand” by the water is actually quite soft. I believe that the waves are depositing sand on the shores and it will become packed down over time.
The dunes and the beaches are all in great shape. Avalon will shore up the section between 18th and 24th Street this winter (see previous post: https://anndelaney.com/2011/12/20/borrowing-sand/ ). Otherwise, I am happy to report that our 7 miles of beach are stable, and in some areas, even wider than before.
By the way, 4:32pm moonrise later today. Should be impressive!