An Avalon beach house was the perfect setting for our family gathering yesterday.
The weather wasn’t perfect, so “Santa” had to move inside for group pictures 😉
MomMom and many of her grandchildren and great grandchildren were on hand.
And the Delaneys from Stone Harbor and beyond enjoyed a fun visit â¤ï¸
Merry, merry 🎄
Does anyone else hesitate when writing the date?
Wasn’t it JUST 2000, and we were uncertain of the correct pronunciation? Â Two Thousand; two thousand and one, etc.
And are we finally comfortable using the abbreviated version: Â Twenty, twenty one? Â It only took me 20 years to adapt 😉
With the transition to 2022, I’ve been thinking about major events that pushed me to change.
Not long after 9/11, I realized that the agency and the management position I held were no longer a good fit. Â I missed the “sales” part of real estate, and needed a different office environment.
I’m grateful that I could join my friends one block away. Now 19 years and counting, working at Tim Kerr Sotheby’s (with occasional visits from little helpers!)
For the past 2 years, all of us have navigated the uncertainties of the pandemic. Â A rental condo that we purchased in 2019 has become a safe escape with my new “work from home” skills. Â I doubt we would be spending as much time there under ordinary circumstances. Â I’m grateful for the change of perspective.
For 2022, I will continue to look for the positive experiences that shape our lives.
Wishing you the same…
Several shop owners mentioned how pleased they were with the Thanksgiving weekend.
Business was booming islandwide!
The downtown streets are attractively decorated to boost your holiday mood.
Several restaurants remain open (some for long weekends).
And be sure to stroll around after 5pm to see the lights- it’s really beautiful!
There are 4 alley way streets in Stone Harbor, commonly referred to as “the Courts”.
Bower Court, Weber Court, and Stone Court are located between 108th and 111th Streets; and Linden Lane is situated between 84th and 85th Streets.
Charming bungalows line the streets, all built on parcels only slightly larger than the structures.
WAY back in the day, my father’s family rented the summer cottage at C-19 Weber Court:  (click here for the past blog post). Â
When the proposed zoning changes were discussed in July, I wrote the following letter to the Mayor and Borough Council:
Hello all. Thank you for considering my thoughts regarding the proposed ordinance change for Court properties.
After you finish up your turkey dinner…it’s time for Christmas 😉
There’s a full schedule of events in Avalon and Stone Harbor for the holiday weekend:
Avalon Chamber of Commerce: Â Â https://www.visitavalonnj.com/thanksgiving-weekend-2021
Stone Harbor Chamber of Commerce: Â https://stoneharborchamber.com/events
The highlight of the weekend is the parade on Saturday night (starting at 6:30pm on 108th and Third Avenue, heading north to 96th Street).
Stop by our Avalon office on Friday 11/26- we will be handing out t-shirts from the 2021 TK Charities events!
Last week, we traveled to the mountains of North Carolina, and then over to the beach in South Carolina to hang out with our grandsons and their parents â¤ï¸
Do you see the pumpkin face??
As we slowly merge back on to the travel lane, I find that many of us are looking for the “comfort food” equivalent for our vacations.
A familiar setting with positive past experiences feels less stressful.
This common outlook certainly explains the boom with our 2022 summer rentals!
Hanging out at the beach with family/friends is easy and relatively low key.
In January, my sisters and I will fly to Naples, Florida to celebrate milestone birthdays. Â We will return to the neighborhood where we rented homes in the past, spend our days at the same nearby beach, and visit all of our favorite restaurants. Â Nothing fancy or super adventurous…which sounds perfect to me right now!
Monarch butterflies…Goldenrod blooming in the dunes…marsh grass turning yellow…all very shore specific signs of fall!
New Year’s Eve in Avalon NJ
Fireworks on Friday, December 31st at 5pm.
Families are encouraged to access the beach at 30th and 32nd Street for best viewing (and safety).
Events and entertainment prior to the fireworks- starting at 3:30pm at Surfside Park (30th Street and the boardwalk).
Rain date, Â Saturday evening, January 1st.
For more information: Â Visit Avalon Web Site