Windy and cold…high winds and cold temperatures…some sun and cold winds…you get the picture!
Instead of a wind chill factor, we worry about trash can velocity.    The roaming cans create hazardous driving conditions as we try to guess the direction of the roll 😉
I enjoyed this editorial because the author referenced my favorite children’s book: “Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day”.Â
http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/09364/1024459-154.stm
It’s a good message to hear as we begin 2010.
Happy 2010. Question:  Is it “20- 10”? or “Two Thousand, Ten”? or just “10”?
The sun is breaking through, and temperatures are fairly mild. A good start to the new year, and a good day to check out the sales in the shops along 96th Street in Stone Harbor.
There were certainly happy moments and positive events during the past year (a family wedding, a big anniversary, and hugs from grandchildren, to name a few). Unfortunately, the negative issues were often the focus of our attention…especially within the real estate industry.
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Looking forward to an improved sale and rental market in 2010! Happy New Year-  see you on the beach 🙂
I know I perpetuate the myth that the locals have nothing to do all day except walk along the beach ;)   I really do work and have a normal life, AND I find time to walk on the beach!
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Avalon’s version of Giant’s Causeway found on 19th Street.
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Many of the beach access paths need to be repaired- but plenty of sand in the north end: 14th Street looking north toward the 9th Street jetty.
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14th Street looking south toward the Avalon Fishing Pier.
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And just to be clear…it’s COLD at the beach.  But the view is worth it!
A relaxing stroll is just not possible with these temperatures! Move fast, and try to stay out of the wind.
On the plus side…the sand is frozen, so I can easily walk in what would normally be soft sand adjacent to the dunes (partially blocking the cold NW wind).Â
Stay warm 🙂
Nice weather…for December.Â
Saw a great blue heron in the Bird Sanctuary (it flew away too quick for a picture). The local volunteers are working hard to restore the sanctuary, and encourage the birds to return.Â
And, saw 2 teenagers testing out their new Christmas toy: skateboard like item with 4 wheels and foot straps, and a body harness attached to an oversized a kite. They were taking advantage of the wide section of hard sand at Stone Harbor point. They said their goal was to stay OUT of the water!
The section of Avalon between 40th and 58th Street is unique among shore communities. There is limited beach path access due to privately owned properties in the “high dunes”.  Some are only visible from the beach side- and it’s an impressive sight!
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Santa– the life size painted, cut out version- has been an important part of Christmas for as long as I can remember.Â
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 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. I was of course thrilled- and Santa didn’t complain as he was forced to leave Avalon and move “off shoreâ€.Â
Santa loyally followed us on each move- knowing that he would be given a prominent position (with a flood light) at Christmas.  A few years ago, he gratefully moved back to the island to become a Stone Harbor resident!Â
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.Â
Merry Christmas!
This entry was originally posted last Christmas- decided it deserved a repeat 🙂
Frozen Drink
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