August 4, 2009

Weather Forecasting by Flags

By ann

I appreciate my neighbors’ flags-  I can easily check for wind speed and direction to determine my early morning activity (along with the tide chart posted in my kitchen).

High tide and no wind inspired me to kayak this morning.  Should have known better.  No wind = gnats and mosquitos on the bay.   I was swarmed as I lowered the boat into the bay and started off  (left the bug spray back at the house of course).   Paddled as quickly as I could to the main channel to catch a breeze (good exercise at least)- and splashed salt water on my arms and legs to soothe the bites!

Checked the flags again on the bay houses- ahhh, a slight breeze.  Much better for the rest of my excursion.

From my office windows, I watch the flags over Hoy’s 5 &10.  Nice, southeast breeze. Looks like a great beach day from here!

Posted in Activities, Life at the Shore | Comments closed
August 1, 2009

Traffic Jam

By ann

trafficjam

Crazy weekend…the island is packed! 

 Someone compared driving this weekend to playing a video game-  pedestrians, bikes, cars, dogs, surreys, golf carts, and joggers,  oh my!

Best to spend as much time on the beach or in the bay  🙂

Posted in Life at the Shore | Comments closed
July 30, 2009

Arts & Crafts Weekend

By ann

The busiest weekend of the summer…and the biggest event of the summer: The Arts & Crafts Festival at the 80th Street field.

The white tents are up and ready for the vendors to descend tomorrow.  The crowds will follow starting early Saturday morning.  Parking and driving in the immediate vicinity will be difficult- Third Avenue/Ocean Drive will be the best option for north to south travel!

Posted in Activities, Avalon, New Jersey- News, Stone Harbor, New Jersey- News | Comments closed
July 28, 2009

Such a Nerd…

By ann

The Press of Atlantic City featured an article today about the International Space Station and Endeavour passing in front of the moon tonight at 8:42pm.   So I sat on my deck, facing the half lit moon and waited.   Sure enough, a faint light (I would have thought it was an airplane otherwise) slowly crossed the sky heading east.  Very cool!  Big night at the shore  🙂

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July 28, 2009

Local Charities

By ann

 

brendanborek

 

  http://brendansfund.org/

 

I am proud to support: 

Brendan Borek High Tides Memorial Fund is a true local charity- all money raised helps families in Cape May County.  Visit the web site for details and calendar of upcoming August events. 

The 14th Annual Nun’s Beach Surf Contest is scheduled for Saturday, September 12th.  All proceeds support the upkeep of  Villa Maria by the Sea retreat house on 111th Street in Stone Harbor.  This property is a beautiful landmark for our community, and enjoyed all summer long by the visiting Immaculate Heart of Mary Sisters.  For more information, contact Sister James Dolores, IHM at  609-368-5290, or stop by their garage “store” to purchase popular Nun’s Beach attire!

Posted in Activities, Avalon, New Jersey- News, Life at the Shore, Stone Harbor, New Jersey- News | Comments closed
July 26, 2009

Sunday Sights

By ann

sideyard

Bikes, beach chairs, beach toys, strollers, scooters, bathing suits on the line…a busy rental house for sure!

A southwest breeze today:  the unique combination of oven hot air and humidity!  It was a bit cooler along the ocean’s edge as I walked this morning.  Good day for a beach chair in the water!

Posted in Activities, Life at the Shore | Comments closed
July 25, 2009

Summer Sights

By ann

The Jersey Shore attracts a variety of visitors from all over.   We turn our heads when we hear a foreign language or see a fancy car.  But the vacationing Amish families create a different level of fascination.

The other day, 2 young women in their “plain” dresses passed me on roller blades.  I knew it would be disrespectful to take a picture- but it was tempting!

The Amish enjoy an ordinary seashore experience – going to the beach, eating at a local deli, and riding bikes around the island.  We only notice because their clothes and hairstyles are different.

I find it reassuring that a simple way of life still exists (not that our life at the beach is so complicated ;)    And, it’s a positive reminder to appreciate other cultures and their traditions.

Posted in Life at the Shore | Comments closed
July 25, 2009

Lifeguards

By ann

Seagullguarding The ocean was rough yesterday- the guards appreciated the extra help  :) 

Ideal weather and water temperatures-  enjoy the weekend!

P.S.  Heard praises today for the actions of the lifeguards last week.  2 different tenants commented on the quick response to rip tides and rough water.   The 1st case- the children didn’t even sense they were in trouble, but a guard saw them drifting out and created a chain to pull them back in.  The second incident was an adult swimmer who grabbed on to a boogie board of a nearby swimmer because she felt the tug of the tide.  Within seconds, a guard was at her side to help her back in.

I see the young men and women on the stands and admire their willingness to take on such responsibility .  Obviously, they are well trained and conscientious about their job.

Posted in Life at the Shore | Comments closed
July 20, 2009

And now for a commercial break…

By ann

WeddingBeach So many great pictures from our son’s wedding in June- this one is especially fitting for my blog!

 If you know anyone planning a wedding in the area, I highly recommend: John Dimaio Photography

http://www.johndimaioweddings.com/RecentWeddings/

http://www.johndimaioweddings.com/Beaches/

John Dimaio Photography LLC
1418 New Road
Northfield  NJ   08225
Studio 609.484.5964
Posted in Life at the Shore | Comments closed
July 19, 2009

Sunday Sights

By ann

It must be summer.  8:30 on a Sunday night:  the line for Springer’s Ice Cream is at least 1 block long; the 96th Street shopping area is packed; and the ATM  at Sturdy Bank is out of cash!

I was (according to my family) one of the last people on earth to get an ATM card.  Hey, I live and work within walking distance to my bank…and I still only use it from time to time.  So, of course, this would be the night that they run out of money??  I’m too cheap to pay the fee for the machine in WaWa…I’ll just wait until the bank opens tomorrow  🙂

Posted in Life at the Shore | Comments closed
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