March 17, 2024

Irish Roots

By ann

Happy St. Patrick’s Day!  

A repeat post from 2016:

On my father’s side: my grandmother was born in County Clare in the Republic of Ireland, and my grandfather grew up near Ballymena and the Antrim Coast in Northern Ireland.  A real mixed marriage!

They met and married in Philadelphia, and vacationed in Stone Harbor each summer while raising 6 children (pictured in front of their compact rental cottage).

In the 1950s, my grandparents built a modest year round home in Avalon.  A family business brought the sons and daughters (including spouses and young children) from Philadelphia to Avalon shortly thereafter.

After visiting the beautiful windswept coast of Northern Ireland, I can totally understand my grandfather’s love of the shore.

Sand in our shoes… and salt air in our lungs 😉

Sláinte!

P.S.  According to family legend, my grandfather arrived to the United States through Canada. And my grandmother used her older sister’s ID to travel from Ireland to the US. Her grown children didn’t know her real name/age until she applied for Social Security! It’s important and relevant to consider that our family’s immigration history may be softened by nostalgia. 

Pictures from our 2008 trip to Northern Ireland.

cliffsireland.jpg
ireland
irelandbeach.jpg
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March 16, 2024

Stone Harbor Shiver 2024

By ann

Great weather for the annual Stone Harbor polar plunge.

For more info: Stone Harbor Shiver

THIS is the closest I’ll be to an ocean swim in March 😉

Posted in Life at the Shore, Stone Harbor, New Jersey- News | Comments closed
March 11, 2024

4 years…

By ann

Facebook memories reminded me about the start of Covid in 2020.

Initially, I kept a journal with regular updates. It felt important to document the unprecedented times and real emotions.

My last entry was one year ago, and I will write something today to keep the information current.

I recently saw this sign framed in an Avalon summer house. It’s a stark reminder how our lives were turned upside down.

Thankful for good health (and vaccines!) in the years since.

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March 2, 2024

Spring?

By ann

It’s still winter, yet the bulbs in our yard and the change of wind direction say otherwise!

Some years, it seems like the cold northwest wind howls continuously from November through April. It has been noticeably calmer this winter.

Once the wind prevails from the south or southeast, we know that spring is headed our way.

Happy March ☘️

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February 25, 2024

Sunday Sunshine

By ann

Yet the cold temps confirm that it’s still February!!

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February 24, 2024

Capturing the Sun

By ann

The sun made a brief appearance during our regular early morning beach walk.

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February 22, 2024

Changes at the Shore

By ann

As a lifelong area resident, I completely understand the attachment to time-honored shore businesses.

I have wonderful memories linked to specific (mostly food!) establishments in Avalon and Stone Harbor.

In many cases, the original owners have passed on their responsibilities to the next generation. And those “children” may now be at the stage of their lives planning for retirement.

Running a seasonal business is challenging, and I’m sure it’s a difficult decision for owners to cash out.

Our favorite spots will eventually be replaced. And our children and grandchildren will carry the memories of the new places with them into the future.

Instead of lamenting about the “good old days” as we note the inevitable changes around town, we can look forward to new experiences to shake up our routine!

Posted in Avalon, New Jersey- News, Life at the Shore, Seashore Real Estate, Stone Harbor, New Jersey- News | Comments closed
February 20, 2024

Electric Island Car

By ann

At the end of January, we took delivery of a new Subaru Solterra EV – our first experience with an electric vehicle other than our e-bikes!

For now, I am using a standard outside outlet by our driveway for (slow) charging. I am fortunate to have access to faster charging options within walking distance of my office, but I haven’t used them yet.

Because most of my driving is on the island or nearby, the limitations of an electric vehicle are not a major concern. Plus we still have a standard gas car for long road trips.

At 100% charged, the realistic driving distance is approximately 180 miles. An overnight charge will typically add 20% to the battery. So I’ve been plugging in most days after work to keep a reasonable charge.

I haven’t ventured far enough to need to connect to a super charger to complete a trip- I guess that’s next on the list!

Summary- for local driving, it’s ideal. A fun “beach car” for sure!

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February 14, 2024

Shore Love

By ann
Posted in Life at the Shore | Comments closed
February 10, 2024

Memories and Connections

By ann

I’m at an age where attending funerals is a more frequent activity.

And although the circumstances are sad, I value the opportunity to connect with people I haven’t seen in many years.

Recently, one local resident sweetly said we are all “Avalon cousins” who shared a unique experience growing up on the island during the same era.

We compare notes of our memories, and hear stories of kindness. We chat about teachers who made a huge difference in our lives and wonder if they ever knew the impact. And we laugh about the antics of our childhood.

25th Street beach in the 1960s

25th Street beach, February 2024
Posted in Avalon, New Jersey- News, Life at the Shore | Comments closed
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