For the last 4+ months (but who’s counting!) my favorite activities have been limited due to an issue with my back.
No kayaking, and only brief beach walks. Â My simple routines before and after work have been on hold.
Thankfully, a solution is in sight!
It will be quiet here (and on Twitter) for a few days as I recuperate, but I am looking forward to boring you once again with beautiful island views by the New Year 🙂
Family gatherings over the holidays provide a great opportunity to confirm summer vacation plans.
Search our web site:  Power Play Realty Rentals for ideas to suit your needs.
And I am happy to help!
ann@anndelaney.com
Warm sunshine to off set the COLD temperatures!
Two more weekends (three if you’re REALLY a procrastinator!) to enjoy the perks of shopping locally.
So many reasons (besides avoiding the crowds at the mall!):
Quality merchandise on sale. Â Personalized service. Â Boxes and/or wrapping at many shops. Â Avalon and Stone Harbor logo items. Â Summer themed options (like beach chairs/towels, salt water taffy, holiday beach tags). Unique gifts, including handmade crafts/art. Â And did I mention the sales??
And then finish the day with a dinner break at one of the popular restaurants or bars.
Merry, Merry!
After a busy Thanksgiving weekend, the winter solitude of the island has returned.
Yet the temperatures are still mild…for now!
Stop by our office at 2821 Dune Drive. Â We have Power Play logo items (water bottles and coolers) AND the popular Tim Kerr Run t-shirts in ALL sizes.
Because the annual Labor Day weekend race was postponed due to a potential hurricane, we have more shirts than usual.
All donations received will go directly to TK Charities.
The 96th Street bridge is scheduled to temporarily re-open by Wednesday, and will remain open through the Thanksgiving weekend. Â Great news for the merchants, and of course the annual Christmas parade on Saturday night.
I understand that the bridge will close again next week, with an unknown completion date for the structural repairs.
* 11/26/16 Â Bridge has been open since Tuesday night, and may be able to remain open during the repairs. Â Cars only- large trucks must still use Avalon Boulevard.
Recent coastal storms have caused beach erosion along the north end of the island. Â Thankfully, the dune system remains intact- a vital source of protection along Seven Mile Beach.
The Borough of Avalon continues to be responsive, and is working with the State of New Jersey on a restoration project by the spring.
To follow updates, click here: Â Borough of Avalon web site
In the meantime:
8th and 9th Street- open access (including the vehicle access road from 9th Street).
10th Street- I was able to walk up the path from the beach yesterday, but the street side of the path is fenced off/closed.
11th to 14th Street- the paths are closed for safety reasons.
15th Street and south- paths open for beach access.
Otherwise, the beaches along Avalon and Stone Harbor are in great shape.
Will continue to post updates from my beach walks and beach drives!
The Real Seashore Santa
This entry was originally posted Christmas 2008. I think it deserves an annual repeat.
Santa– the life size painted, cut out version- has been an important part of Christmas for as long as I can remember.
In the 1970’s, Santa moved with our family 5 blocks south in Avalon to a larger, 2 story home with a real wood fireplace. The colorful exterior lights were eventually replaced with more subtle white bulbs, but the spot light literally remained on Santa.
In the off season, Santa hung proudly on the garage wall- watching us all come and go. Those little girls grew up and moved out, bringing back grandchildren for days on the beach. In the 1980’s, my young sons were fascinated by Santa, and maybe a bit intimidated based on our attempts to use him for improved behavior!
When my parents downsized to a townhouse in the early 1990’s, my father asked if I wanted Santa for our home. Of course, I was thrilled- and Santa didn’t complain as he was forced to leave Avalon and move “off shoreâ€.
Santa loyally followed us on each move- knowing that he would be given a prominent position (with a flood light) at Christmas.   Several years ago, he gratefully moved back to the island to become a Stone Harbor resident!
Now approaching 50 years old, Santa is showing some signs of wear (aren’t we all). I thought about asking an artist to do a “touch upâ€, but it just doesn’t seem right.  It’s good to remember that so much time has passed- it helps us to celebrate the journey.
Merry Christmas!