 Beautiful December morning. I knew the weather would eventually improve!
Had to stay alert for my walk- tractors were loading up pipes and other equipment used during recent the beach fill. And if you know anyone missing a floating dock…it’s on the 104th Street beach!
 So torn. I try not to wimp out of my daily beach walk, but the cold temperatures and strong winds are discouraging.Â
I set up my treadmill this morning- a sign of weakness that I usually hold off until January. Â
Once the wind calms down a bit, I will be back on the sand  🙂
 
 We were spared from the mess of  the big snow storm. Some rain Tuesday night into Wednesday morning (with minor flooding at high tide in the usual locations). By the afternoon, the sun was out and temperatures were ideal for a December walk on the beach!
 A different take on “home delivery”.
The 4th and final section (I could see a very nice kitchen already installed) of a modular home delivered today on 29th Street, Avalon.
Once the connections were made, I heard the homeowner say “we have a house!”- she was very excited. Their move in date is early March.
I can’t say this is a huge trend, but I have seen more homeowners consider modular homes than in years past. They are enthusiastic about both the cost and construction time savings.
We attended a holiday party last night, and had the opportunity to meet other year round home owners.  Part of the introductions included where we all live- and the common response was knowledge of the other’s home because “we see the lights on”! We may not know everyone who lives here …but we know which houses are occupied year round 😉
What’s missing? The new sand covers the numerous outfall pipes previously exposed along the beach. The Borough will eventually remove most of the pipes (a separate project)- but in the meantime, the beach looks so open and uncluttered.
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With the tide going out, we could walk along the water’s edge and get a perspective of the amount of new sand on the beach. Mother Nature and the Borough of Stone Harbor will make sure the slope to the ocean is safe well before the summer season.
It was just September…right? Â
So pretty as I drove home from work yesterday- an almost full moon coming up over the ocean, and a bright orange sunset over the bay.Â
A walk after dinner gave us a final opportunity to watch the beach replenishment process (they work 24 hours a day). The crew and equipment were on 99th Street last night- only one block to go.
 The beach replenishment continues- picture taken from the 101st Street pavilion in Stone Harbor- looking south.
The sand is pumped to create a wall along the ocean’s edge, and then another pile is added closer to the dunes. The bulldozers flatten the sand and make a wide beach. Impressive to watch.
Although we call it Thanksgiving weekend, it’s really the official kick off for the Christmas season.
The island residents are already in the spirit- like the owners of this charming old seashore home in Avalon.Â
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That’s better…both the weather and how I feel. Decided it was time to get back out on the beach this morning. Glad no one was around to hear my hacking cough!
Dashing Through the Sand
Burn off a few Christmas calories-  the 2nd annual Dashing Through the Sand 5K race is scheduled for Saturday, December 26th in Avalon. Registration opens at 9am in the Avalon Community Hall- 30th Street and the beach. Race starts at 10am.
Proceeds benefit the Craig Lozier Memorial Scholarship Fund.