 The Philadelphia news stations predicted dreary weather for today…but the sun is out and the weather is great. Tomorrow will be HOT, so come down to the beach!
Watch for the rhythmic flight of the sandpipers. The turn of their wings creates a white, then gray “cloud” swirling through the air.Â
 Comfortable temperatures, a warm ocean, and excellent real estate opportunities! Properties are easy to see (no summer tenants to disturb), interest rates are expected to fall, and prices are reasonable…for the seashore 🙂
If you are dreaming of a vacation home in Avalon or Stone Harbor, please let me know. I will be happy to send you a link of options for sale from the Multiple Listing Service. Or visit our web site, and search the MLS directly: www.powerplayrealty.com
Upcoming Local Events- The Wing & Water Festival 9/20- 9/21:  http://www.wetlandsinstitute.org/
and Irish Festival in North Wildwood 9/18- 9/21:  http://www.paddyswell.com/irishweekend.html/
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 The 12th Annual Nun’s Beach Surfing Contest (postponed from yesterday) is underway. This all day family event is held adjacent to the Villa Maria on 111th Street. The sisters will be on site to sell the popular “Nun’s Beach” wear, too.
Good news- no major damage or beach erosion from Hanna. And today, a return to the typically beautiful September weather.Â
 The weather forecasts were correct- Hanna just arrived to say hello (4pm Saturday afternoon). I guess it’s time to close the office…although no easy way to run to my car and into my house without getting soaked 🙂
  Early morning walk along the beach- the sun was out and the humidity level high. The ocean looked stormy- but not unusually rough.
 The ocean turns a steel gray color during a storm (and for most of the winter months)- by tomorrow, the sparkling blue color should return.
The island is busy- people are out shopping, riding bikes, etc. It’s dreary and there is some light rain.  High tide is at 1:30pm- well before the heavy rain is expected- good news for flood prone areas. We need the rain after a picture perfect summer, so we will endure Hanna!
 What do the locals do to prepare for Tropical Storm Hanna?  We secure our deck furniture (and help out a few summer neighbors who can’t make it down), put away our trash cans, and then go to the beach!Â
It was a beautiful day today- the ocean was warm and not too rough, plus a comfortable sea breeze. The rain is just starting (9:30pm), and the winds will pick up by mid-morning Saturday. By Sunday, the sun and calmer weather will return.
P.S. The Nun’s Beach Surf contest (111th Street) is postponed until Sunday. Of course, the surfers are excited about the storm! Â
 I have mixed feelings about Labor Day. I enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the island…but am sad to see the restaurants and businesses close. The weather through September and October is a wonderful a bonus to the summer- and the fall weekends are very active with special events. Take advantage of the “quiet season” at the shore!Â
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  Close to 900 athletes participated this morning in the annual Island Run! Thank you to all of the volunteers and racers for making this a successful charity event.  For complete race results: http://www.lin-mark.com/
Perfect weather to wrap up our Labor Day weekend…I’m looking forward to my beach day tomorrow!
 Your deck furniture, that is! A September tropical storm brings the added concern of outdoor flying objects. Glass top tables should be turned upside down, umbrellas removed and tied shut, and chairs moved inside or secured in a corner. Move decorative wreaths and potted plants from exposed areas, and place your trash cans in the outside shower.
The Marble House in Avalon
For the past 10 years, the “Marble House” has been the must see house on the island. And now it’s for sale (see attached link below).
I was able to preview the house yesterday during an agent’s open house- and left with a better impression than I expected.
There is a museum quality about the interior- perfectly appointed and nothing out of place. It has to be the most immaculate house I have ever seen- my OCD gene appreciates a well maintained home without clutter! There are no signs of wear and tear on the wood and marble floors or the fixtures.Â
The views from the 2nd floor are of the dunes and distant horizon of the ocean. If you bravely climb the spiral staircase to the 3rd floor deck (level with the roof) you will be rewarded with amazing views all around. The odd part is the proximity of your north side neighbor. One agent suggested a water slide from the top deck down to their pool (it feels like you are hanging over their pool rather than the pool on this site).
The exterior is intimidating (maybe it’s the security cameras??), but the interior space is more neutral and calming than I anticipated. The colors are soft, and huge windows provide incredible light. The house is designed for entertaining- you can picture elegant parties around the private pool and massive 2nd floor great room.
Fun to see a unique Avalon home…now to find a buyer!
http://capemay.fnismls.com/publink/default.asp?GUID=312212e1-8ff7-47c9-95e5-26702c1af6f3&Report=Yes
(you may need to copy/paste the link in to your browser bar)
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