An annual gift from my mother. Â Appreciated and well used!
Looking forward to pinning these on my beach bag 😎
An annual gift from my mother. Â Appreciated and well used!
Looking forward to pinning these on my beach bag 😎
My sister rented a home in Avalon for the long weekend so that her immediate family could gather for an early Christmas.
Thankfully, Mother Nature more than cooperated- providing the opportunity for extended family members to stop by and safely visit on the deck.
We wished each other “Merry Christmas” while sitting in the sun and enjoying hot dogs and hamburgers from the grill. Â Maybe a new holiday tradition?
Two of my sisters work in health care (on the administrative side), and we discussed the time line for vaccines. Â Hope is on the horizon!
This time last year, we were on our way home from an amazing African safari adventure. Â I love looking at the pictures with the hope of returning to far away travel again in 2021.
In the meantime…we have our share of wildlife adventures right here on our regular beach walks.
This morning, a beautiful snowy owl was hanging out by the dunes!
Last night, the Stone Harbor Zoning Board approved the application of the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary for the replacement of their retreat house.
Copies of architect’s plans and renderings are posted on the Borough of Stone Harbor web site: Â Zoning Application Villa Maria
Sister James Dolores, along with her professional legal and engineering team, presented a comprehensive plan that has the support of neighbors and the community.
Summary-
The current land area is 9 acres, and is privately owned by the IHM order. Â This is not a tax exempt property- the sisters pay property taxes to the Borough of Stone Harbor.
4 acres will remain under the ownership of the order to be utilized for their new retreat house and accessory buildings. Â Because they are dramatically scaling down the structure, the lot coverage will be just 1.5% of the total land area.
The new buildings will meet flood elevation codes, be ADA compliant, and functional year round with central heat and air conditioning (amenities currently lacking in the existing building).
There are 2 “paper streets” on the parcel: Â First Avenue, which will be vacated by the IHM order to allow for proper underground drainage equipment; and 112th Street, which will become a through street to the beach (with an access path over the dune).
Along the south side of 112th Street and on the corner of 111th and Second Avenue, a total of 13 single family lots will become available for sale. Â All lots are in compliance with the Res-A zoning for the neighborhood.
The sale of the 13 lots will provide funds for construction of the retreat house, as well as create an endowment to maintain the property into the future.
Yes, I will be sad to see the demolition of this beautiful landmark…yet the plan makes sense. Â The sisters will remain in Stone Harbor with well deserved modern comforts.
I will always be grateful for my long history with the building and relationships with the kind sisters.
In addition to the journal started last March, I have been documenting the last 9 months with pictures (mostly for my Twitter posts).
It was easy to upload the photos to Shutterfly from my phone, and then add brief descriptions to create a book.
The other photo albums saved on my Shutterfly account feature vacations and grandchildren…yet our 2020 experience is historically important, too.
Although the pandemic is far from over, the project provides hope for 2021.
We are fortunate to have plenty of open space for daily outdoor walks (with a mask in a jacket pocket just in case). Â And I will wait for a quiet weekday to “shop local” for a few Christmas gifts.
For meals, outdoor dining decisions are based on seating exposure (out of the wind and in the sun!) or available heaters. Â Indoor dining does not feel like a safe option at this point.
In my office, Â I have windows that open out to Dune Drive, and a small fan. Â The fresh air coming in is getting colder, so I also have a portable heater. Â Will find the right balance and dress appropriately!
In the meantime, Santa is prepared 😷
It’s Officially Winter
First report today from a neighbor of an unoccupied home- water leaking from the outside shower due to a frozen pipe!
Reminder:
A check list for shore owners:
1) Disconnect the garden hose and turn off/drain any faucets that aren’t frost proof (most faucets on decks are NOT frost proof). Turn off and drain the outside shower (often overlooked and those pipes are the first to freeze and break).
2) Close the foundation vents and secure the crawl space door (the newer Smart vents will close automatically).
3) Secure/store trash cans, deck furniture, kayaks, grills, flags, etc.
4) Unless you completely winterize the house (drain the water), turn on the heat to 55- 60 degrees. Â The upper floors can be set slightly lower, but not below 50 degrees. Â A whole house water shut off valve is an extra level of protection against frozen pipes in the event of a power failure.
5) Open the cabinet doors below all sinks to allow heated air to circulate around the pipes.
6) Lock all windows (especially casement style that open with a crank handle) and sliding glass doors. Strong winds can vibrate a door or window open!
7) Unplug small appliances.
8) Check the kitchen sink for any random food items left in the garbage disposal – run with ice cubes or a piece of lemon.
9) Empty and turn off the ice maker if you won’t be using the house for an extended period of time.
10) Open the lid on the washer and prop open the door to the dishwasher to avoid musty odors.
And ideally, hire a winter watch service for peace of mind. Â I am happy to recommend someone if needed.