Ann Delaney Beach Blog

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  • Lessons from the Blizzard

    Owners of seashore vacation homes may have a different plan for their homes next winter. 

    Many want the flexibility of keeping their homes “up and running” for an occasional weekend visit.  But if schedules and weather prevent regular trips, winterizing the property provides peace of mind.    To winterize, a plumber turns the water off at the curb, and uses a compressor to blow air through the pipes.  Anti-freeze is poured in the toilets, washer, and dishwasher, and the ice maker line is disconnected.  The heat can be turned off, but some owners prefer low heat settings to prevent musty furniture/fabrics.

    A whole house turn off valve is helpful, but water is still in the toilets, drains, and bottom of the dishwasher.   The power outages last week meant no heat- and the risk for frozen pipes.

    Another alternative is a winter watch service.  Property management companies, or individual handyman types inspect the property several times each month- and specifically after a storm.  This may not seem necessary when you live less than 2 hours away- but life does not always allow you to drop everything and drive down to the shore.

  • Afternoon Shadows

    shadowUnlike the ground hog, I’m glad to see my shadow.  More hours of daylight encourage walks on the beach after work.

     

     

     

     

     

    shellsnowSea shells and snow… an odd combination!

  • Happy Valentine’s Day

    ValentineLove,

    Mother Nature

    Hearing good news from homeowners- water pipes and homes weathered the blizzard(s) just fine.  There are still wires down on many blocks- likely cable or phone connections.

  • Back to the Beach

    BeachSnowFebWe are ready for the holiday weekend.  Roads in Avalon & Stone Harbor are clear and dry.

     

     

     

     

     

    beachFebFacing the warm sun and calm ocean…you can convince yourself that spring will be here soon!

    If you are coming to the shore this weekend, the sidewalks and driveways are covered with snow- wear your boots!

  • Restored Power

    Wawa The Wawa in Stone Harbor brought in a generator last Sunday so they could serve the locals coffee after the blizzard.  They were back on their own power within a day.

    We drove around the island tonight for a better perspective of the electrical repairs.  Saw 2 blocks in the dark:   beach block of 71st Street and mid-block 54th Street.   I believe both of these streets had electric service earlier in the week- not sure of the problem.

    Remaining wires down and damaged poles are causing outages to a few other local homes.

    Otherwise, street lights and year round residences are glowing bright in Avalon and Stone Harbor!

    PROPERTY OWNERS:  It’s important to check your property after the extended power failure (unless the property was completely winterized- water pipes blown out and anti-freeze in the toilets, etc).  Water pipes in an unheated space are susceptible to freezing.

  • Avalon/Stone Harbor Landmarks

    InletsnowThe Avalon inlet.

     

     

     

     

     

    29thsnow29th Street boardwalk.

     

     

     

     

     

    ConcordSnowThe Concord- 78th Street.

     

     

     

     

     

    96thSnow96th Street benches.

     

     

     

     

     

    101stSnow101st Street pavilion.

     

     

     

     

     

    104thBay104th Street bridge.

    A different view of the shore!

  • Blizzard 2010, Part II

    FirstAveI was able to work 1/2 day yesterday and I thought we might be spared by the next round of snow.   But by the afternoon, the conditions changed dramatically. Picture taken as I drove home (36th & First Avenue)

     

     

    Round2I watched the snow blow sideways- bay to beach- for hours.  The winds were stronger last night than during the weekend storm.

     

     

     

    flashingpoleA transformer on the corner was sparking all night (the faint blue light) – thankfully, our power stayed on.

    Shoveled out (again) this morning, and back to work!

  • More Snowy Pictures

    ConoversConover’s Farm Stand on Stone Harbor Blvd looks so much better in the warmer months!

     

     

     

     

    springersIceThe same for Springer’s Ice Cream in Stone Harbor  🙂

    For real time updates, you can read my posts on Twitter:  http://twitter.com/AnnDelaneyBeach

  • Getting Back to Normal

    Saw more streets with lights last night, but there are sections of Avalon and Stone Harbor still without power.  If you own a summer home on the island, it makes sense to have your plumber check the house/pipes just to be sure.  Some blocks were only out for 24 hours…others for 4 days (and some still out).  There is a risk for frozen pipes when the heat is off for an extended period of time.

    If you need a recommendation for a local plumber, I am glad to help.  609-967-7950 work, or ann@anndelaney.com

  • More Blizzard News

    SnowonAvalonDeli

    Owners of the Deli and Avalon Supermarket recruited a crew to shovel snow off of the roof today.

     

     

     

     

    SnowPileFebPiles of snow in the 29th Street beach parking lot.

    I saw a young man using a boogie board as a sled on a similar pile of snow on Pelican Drive!

     

     

    BeachFebSnowUnfortunately, the beach felt the effects of the blizzard, too.  This picture was taken today from the 22nd Street beach path looking north.  There’s a steep drop off at the end of the path to the sand below.