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 “Hi ho, hi ho, it’s off to work we go…”
There will be a limited number of guarded beaches for Memorial Day weekend. But with ocean temperatures still below 60 degrees, I think there will be a limited number of swimmers, too!
 I have confirmed that I am not the only person who associates certain food with summer.Â
 Mack’s Pizza in Stone Harbor posted an “Open May 15th – 5pm” sign on their door several weeks ago. Who would guess that by 5:30 it would be packed?Â
The owner said one of his regular customers was sitting on the steps outside at 4:30pm. The other customers were expressing their appreciation for the return of Mack’s after a long winter! And obviously I know all of this because we were there, too 🙂
In the past,  if you saw a home on the island with a lawn, it was likely a year round residence.Â
My father treated our front yard in Avalon like a formal living room- it looked beautiful and you weren’t allowed to use it.  We didn’t dare cut across the grass, or even worse, play on it. That’s why we had a back yard (wait, thinking back, he sent us around the block to play kick the can!)
Today, many of the new homes have a grass area- even if it’s just a small patch in the front yard. Â
Bringing me to my observation…there are more landscaping trucks around town than contractor’s vehicles.  Â
The grass,  trees, and flowers distinguish us from other seashore communities. Take note of the center islands along Dune Drive in Avalon and Second Avenue in Stone Harbor- all manicured like a prized front yard.
http://www.stoneharborroa.com/node/105
Link to the Stone Harbor Realty Owner’s Association web site with a summary of the recent meeting with Mayor Suzanne Walters.  Unfortunately, several major projects (beach replenishment and the removal of the outfall pipes) are delayed until the fall.
The countdown to Memorial Day Weekend (yes, it really is that soon).
 Building a beach- work continues on the north end beaches of Avalon. The new dunes are in place between 10th and 18th Streets, and trucks are leveling sand (delivered daily by trucks) to create a wide bathing beach.
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The Fishing Pier Grill is back open for the season- serving breakfast on the boardwalk every morning.  Next door, a crew of Avalon lifeguards were painting the stands and cleaning up the boats.
 The rainbow Saturday evening…a symbol of improving weather.
Likewise, there are signs of an improving real estate market at the shore.
January 1, 2009 to today-  47 properties SOLD in Avalon & Stone Harbor, ranging in price from $340,000 to $3,700,000.  The average selling price was $1,073,544.  Plus, an additional 30 properties are sale pending with settlement to occur during the next few months.
In Sea Isle City, 54 properties sold during that same time period, ranging in price from $222,000 to $1,800,000. The average price was $645,681. And, there are 29 additional properties posted as sale pending.
All good “real estate signs” for our little beach communities!
Saw mostly women walking the beach this morning- enjoying a peaceful Mother’s Day moment.Â
Breakfast at Uncle Bill’s, text messages from my sons and daughters in law to wish me Happy Mother’s Day, and off to work…life is good!
 Am I the only person who associates certain foods with summer?  Maybe we can form a support group!
Anyway…Springer’s Ice Cream in Stone Harbor opened today- I know this because I was disappointed to read the sign on their door last night when we walked into town craving ice cream.Â
Kohler’s Bakery in Avalon also opened today.  The 2 block walk from my office does not justify the cream donut…oh well…will work through it with the support group 😉
Avalon– Borough wide yard sale. Pay a little today…or wait until the items are put to the curb tomorrow for bulk trash! Looks like many home owners are participating.  Also, stop by the 30th Street Fire House for their annual flower and hoagie sale.
Stone Harbor– The Garden Club’s annual flower sale on 96th Street.
Warmer Weather
 3 days to go- and the temperatures are cooperating.
The ocean is a pretty blue-green color, and looks inviting…for 60 degrees!
Avalon Supermarket (29th Street), Bud’s Market (83rd Street), and Clarke’s Sunset Market (108th Street) are open for business, as well as most restaurants and retail shops on the island. There are cars…and people…and lights on in houses- how amazing!Â
Hope you can enjoy some time at the shore this weekend, too.