Island:  noun. A piece of land surrounded by water.
Yep…that’s us this weekend!
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 This morning’s high tide caused flooding in the usual sections of town. Fortunately, no rain right now to make it any worse.
Saw cars driving through the deep water- I guess they don’t realize the water is from the bay (AKA- salt water) ??
 First the Bad News: the coastal storm is causing some beach erosion along the Jersey Shore. Just checked out our beach- which was already in bad shape from previous storms. These pictures were taken at 5:30pm tonight - one hour before high tide.
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 Sand dunes- the most valuable real estate on the island- protecting our shore line.
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Nun’s Beach (111th Street) looking south.Â
Now the Good News: the Stone Harbor beach fill project is scheduled to start within the next 2 weeks. The dredging company is still working on the North Wildwood beaches (can you imagine that job in this weather??)
Dreary, wet, windy, and chilly. But the power of the ocean is so mesmerizing… you have to check it out!
 Coastal storms in the early fall catch property owners off guard.  Damage is most likely to occur from unsecured household items:  outdoor furniture; trash cans sitting in the side yard; awnings and umbrellas on the deck.Â
Make sure your beach house is ready for the weather later this week.  Also on the “to do” list: close the crawl space vents and drain the outside shower.
I attended the meeting last week regarding the consolidation of the 2 island elementary schools.Â
Based on the study presented at the meeting: projected enrollment for each school is not expected to rise. Avalon has an average of 75 students; Stone Harbor 69. Tuition students- approximately 10 per school.
The Avalon School has a capacity for 200 students; Stone Harbor 150 students. If the 2 schools combined, the average class size would be 15 students.
The cost savings to the tax payers- less than $100 per year. The real benefit is the social interaction for the students and ultimately, a better education.
The school boards have 3 options: 1) no change; 2) a send/receive agreement utilizing both facilities with the lower grades in Stone Harbor, and the higher grades in Avalon; 3) a complete merger to one facility- the Avalon structure is newer and larger, so the likely choice.
The send/receive option is the easiest to implement and does not require a public vote.  Both school boards are discussing the study now.
 I’m feeling pressure to take advantage of the warm sun and moderate temperatures.  It sounds like we will be wearing SHOES and SOCKS later this week  🙁
The bay was a bit choppy, but with high tide conveniently at the end of my work day- kayaking was on the schedule.
A snowy egret and blue heron watched me pass from the marsh. Otherwise, had the bay to myself.
30 year fixed mortgage rates : below 5% for conforming loans (borrowing less than $417,000). Just over 5% for jumbo loans (loans over $417,000). Under 4.5% for 15 year fixed conventional financing.
Incredible opportunity to re-finance or borrow for a new purchase!
I am happy to provide names/contact info for reputable mortgage lenders:Â ann@powerplayrealty.com
 Well, the weather report was correct after all.Â
The warm temperatures lasted through the morning.  Clouds, light rain, and cooler air this afternoon- but still a decent day overall.
The soccer families staying in local motels are roaming the downtown shops and enjoying the restaurants- greatly appreciated  in the off season.
And a brilliant sunset to end the day…
 The news reported falling temperatures, but it’s still 70 degrees at the shore.
Perfect weather to enjoy the local soccer tournaments, the Avalon Seafood Festival (30th and the beach), and the Stone Harbor Art Show (96th Street).
Or, take a walk along the beach and see the odd looking jelly fish. Quite pretty actually…for jelly fish.
Have a great weekend!
Welcome to the off season.Â
The comfortable sea breeze we love in the summer becomes plain old wind that challenges our outdoor activities.  Â
I walked on the beach yesterday morning- the sand was still wet from the rain, so I wasn’t completely sand blasted. The trick is to head into the wind so that the walk back is easy!
 Worth the extra effort to see the ocean and sky after the storm 🙂
Storm Chaser
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 Refreshing! A salt water shower for me and my car. So much for my comment about the crazy people driving through the flooded streets this morning  😉
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 A sand blasting on the 10th Street beach path finished my “storm chaser” field trip. Ouch!