The Real Seashore Santa

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 shore”.

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 up”, 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.

Merry Christmas!

This entry was originally posted Christmas 2008. I think it deserves an annual repeat.

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Changing Weather

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. 

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Borrowing Sand

Avalon, NJ will stabilize the beaches between 18th and 24th Streets this winter with sand borrowed from the south end.

The project will be carefully monitored by officials from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, as well as the Army Corps of Engineers.

Beach areas between 32nd and 60th Street will not be disturbed – protected piping plover nesting area.

For additional information: http://www.capemaycountyherald.com/article/government/avalon/78905-avalon+preparing+beach+fill+project

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Preparing for Christmas

The hard working crew at Kohler’s Bakery- summer of 2011.

On their last call weekend in September, I purchased a dozen sticky buns (with nuts) to freeze for Christmas breakfast.

Three months later, and warm from the oven…it will feel like summer on Christmas morning 🙂

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Golden Beach Days

Ready for 2012!  Well maintained and spacious 2 bedroom, 2 bath condominium located in the popular Golden Shores Condominium building in Stone Harbor, NJ.

2nd floor unit with a private balcony, and a “peek” of ocean blue!

$409,000 furnished.

To view interior and exterior pictures: http://www.powerplayrealty.com/sales/detail/258/8001-second-avenue-unit-210-2nd-floor-facing-80thst

Or for more information: ann@anndelaney.com     Thank you for your interest!

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December Sun

 I felt warmer as soon as I walked over the beach path.  Happy Monday!

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December Weather

Chilly!  Thankful for warm sun and the dunes to partially block the wind.

Saw a few summer home owners this morning.  How do I know they are only here for the weekend?  Maybe it’s the loafers without socks…or the sweatshirt instead of a winter coat…or lack of hat/gloves.  They don’t last more than a few blocks before heading back up the beach path!

The shops in Avalon and Stone Harbor are open all weekend for a relaxing and low key Christmas shopping experience.  Plus, great sales!

Merry, Merry…

P.S.  With the blast of cold weather, I naturally think about frozen pipes (who doesn’t ;)  ?? )  Read my post from October for suggestions to protect your shore house:  https://anndelaney.com/?p=4664

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Motivation

Every morning, I check the outdoor thermometer.  However, the temperature is not the only indicator for selecting appropriate walking attire.

North wind = cold; from the south = more moderate temperatures…but DAMP!  Guess that big body of water at the end of the street has something to do with our year round humidity?? 😉

Thankful for ever changing views that provide motivation to bundle up and walk!

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Clarification- Realty Transfer Fee

I wrote about this subject last October https://anndelaney.com/2010/10/04/clarification-on-medicare-tax/  and our local board of Realtors is asking us to continue sharing  factual information with the public.  

Memo from the director of the Cape May County Board of Realtors:

In response to numerous e-mails concerning provisions of the new federal health care law stating that there is a new 3.8% federal realty transfer fee (RTF) on all home sales, NJAR® urges you to visit NAR’s website for information regarding RUMORS that a national RTF was created as part of the federal health care law. These rumors are FALSE. An across-the-board RTF DOES NOT exist as part of this or any other law.

As part of the federal health care law, a 3.8% medicare tax was enacted on net investment incomes for certain households (for individuals earning over $200,000 per year and couples earning over $250,000 per year). Furthermore, the 3.8% tax DOES NOT apply to all capital gains from a home sale. Only if the gain from the sale is over $250,000 for individuals or $500,000 for couples does the 3.8% tax apply. If the amount made from the sale as a gain is less than $250,000 for individuals or $500,000 for couples, the 3.8% tax does not have to be paid. Lastly, the 3.8% tax, if these provisions are met, does not take effect until January 1, 2013.
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Monday Morning Blues?

At the shore, it’s Monday morning blues…mixed with gray, pink, and yellow.

Quick- what is your first thought when I say the words beach and frozen?  A nice tropical drink, perhaps?

In the winter, the moisture in the sand freezes, turning even the “soft” sand into a hard, crunchy surface.

On the positive side, it becomes easier to walk close to the dunes…which in turn, partially block the cold north west winds 😉

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