June 14, 2009

Weekly Entertainment

By ann

rental

Those of us who live here full time or in the summer find it entertaining to watch the rental properties in our neighborhood. 

Every Saturday, a new family arrives to make claim to their shore rental home.  It’s like a different TV series for us each week (sounds pathetic…but it’s true).

The tenants intrigue us with their “toys” (like the motor home AND jet skies above), fancy cars (as long as they don’t park in front of our house!), and gatherings on the deck. 

And then they sadly pack up the following week, and the cycle starts all over again.

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June 13, 2009

Nuns on the Beach

By ann

nuns

The beach adjacent to the Villa Maria Retreat House on 111th Street is called “Nun’s Beach”- and this morning, the name was fitting. 

No zoom lens on my cell phone camera…and I was too chicken to take a picture as I walked by (Catholic school rules stay with you forever!).  The nuns are the 2 dark spots to the right- in full attire, and collecting shells. 

The IHM Sisters are typically more informal at the beach- so it catches your attention when a visiting order is in town.

Best nun related quote of the day:  Sister James, who lives and works at the retreat house year round, was on her way to morning mass as I was walking by.  She said “You are so faithful”…I think she was referring to my morning routine??   😉

Posted in Life at the Shore, Stone Harbor, New Jersey- News | Comments closed
June 13, 2009

Beach Sunset

By ann

pointsunset

Park at the 123rd Street lot in Stone Harbor and follow the path south.  The unspoiled beach at the point is a popular place to fish and bird watch…and a great place to watch the sunset.

You can walk all the way to the inlet that divides Stone Harbor and North Wildwood (it’s a healthy walk, but worth it for the views).

pointgully

Watch the tides- the “beach” along the water’s edge may actually be a sandbar!

Posted in Life at the Shore, Stone Harbor, New Jersey- News | Comments closed
June 11, 2009

Seashore Mist

By ann

mist

 The radar map is clear- no rain in sight.  But you will still return soaking wet from a walk on the beach.

It’s good for the skin!

The seashore mist- a nice name for visible layers of swirling moisture.  The phrase “cold and clammy” comes to mind.  Before the days of air-conditioning, beach house furniture and towels would never fully dry during the summer months.  Ahhh…the good old days!

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June 9, 2009

Sign of the Times?

By ann

sign

 32nd and Dune Drive in Avalon-  a mortgage broker’s office closed and replaced with a Chinese Restaurant!

I’m the eternal optimist about our local real estate market-  this is not a sign of doom and gloom, just part of the cycle…and a bit funny 🙂

Posted in Avalon, New Jersey- News, Life at the Shore | Comments closed
June 9, 2009

Summer Weather

By ann

skyBeautiful morning on the beach- I was back home getting ready for work when the 1st band of rain arrived.

Glad I closed up the house before I left (the downpours were torrential by mid-morning).   I even turned on the air conditioning- painful for frugal me!

The sun is back out this afternoon- a wild day of weather at the shore.

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June 9, 2009

Caution- Animals of the Night

By ann

And not just the over served bar patrons arriving home at 2 am.   This is even more annoying:  skunks wandering our neighborhoods.

 The skunks are adapting to people-  no longer intimidated by those of us who dare to walk in the evening.  One crossed the street right in front of me last night- and the odor lingered well after he disappeared behind a house. 

Tip:  avoid walking on the sidewalks adjacent to heavily landscaped yards-  I often walk to the right of the bike lane, and appreciate the extra visibility from the street lights.

Posted in Life at the Shore | Comments closed
June 7, 2009

Beach or Bay?

By ann

bay

There are 2 distinct groups at the shore:  beach people and bay people.  Similar to your religious or political affiliation- you are who you are.  

Sure, a mixed marriage can work, but eventually one spouse will cave to the pressure and convert.

So you have the bay front owners  fluent in bulkheads, floating docks, and fishing gear…and the other property owners who can’t understand why someone would want to live that far from the beach.

I am a beach person at heart, but also enjoy quietly snooping (…I mean kayaking) around the beautiful bay front neighborhoods.  The boats and elaborate water toys are impressive-  sometimes in contrast to a modest cottage.   And the residents are a friendly bunch- everyone waves as I paddle by  🙂

Posted in Activities, Life at the Shore | Comments closed
June 6, 2009

A Better Weekend

By ann

june

The rain and stormy weather has finally ended, leaving behind large waves for the surfers to enjoy (but not much beach at high tide).

Help a good cause:  children from Avalon Elementary School are running the Alex’s Lemonade Stand (http://www.alexslemonade.org)  today in front of Avalon Supermarket on 29th Street and Dune Drive.

Have a great weekend!

Posted in Life at the Shore | Comments closed
June 4, 2009

Summer Lull

By ann

lifeguards

 With Memorial Day early this year, we gained a bonus May weekend.  The weather cooperated, too.

The island is still quiet during the week- with families anxiously awaiting the end of the school year. 

The lifeguards look a bit bored as they wait for the crowds to arrive…and the ocean to warm up.

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