Hello Beach Lovers!

I did a quick Sunday trip to have all of the entry grasses at the walk removed, in preparation for a totally new look as you approach the gate. The rain the day before kept us away, but we lucked out waiting an extra day. Fortunately, Santo was able to adjust his schedule so he could do the heavy garden work needed. 

The healthiest grasses were moved to the new space I’m creating off the pergola. He also cleaned out the dead bamboo-like reeds along the side path to the backyard, so the new wood fence could be installed. I spent part of the day weeding, pruning, and refreshing the containers for new annuals. 

Before the yard work could take its toll on my bod, I spent some time doing a few loads in the spanking brand new washer! The 18+ year old GE served us well, but it was time to christen a new “smart’ GE, and it’s partner, the Pure Wash Pro, which cleans clothes with oxygen…no laundry detergent needed! And I must say, I was very impressed. The machine did a great job on sheets, quilts, and towels, and was a breeze to run. Not complicated at all, because you know reading manuals is not my forte!  

There was little time to roam around and check out the shops, etc. Next time. Stay tuned!

Hello Beach Lovers!

The Grove was in full throttle last weekend, with a full ferry going over, packed with (mostly) owners setting up their houses. Overflowing carts and wagons were jammed with beach essentials, garden tools, boxes of food and drink, and lots of dogs! Floyd’s was serving breakfast and brunch, Grove Pizza and the Breeze were filling up as well, as I walked with Sheba and my helper, Santo, past the iconic Cherry Grove P.O. on Main Walk. Fire Island Goods (F.I.G) had a few racks of new shorts and tops outside, and I must say, their shop inside is absolutely stunning this year! It must be on your go-to list if you visit the beach! 

Santo and I did a lot more this weekend to set up the house. A brand new washing machine was installed, trim paint was nearly completed, outdoor lighting was restrung, closets were emptied and reorganized, and the garden got its mulch! And…what better way to celebrate than to visit Cherry’s Bar for a night of dancing! People were lined up three + deep to get a drink and qualify for their VIP card. Difficult to get since there were only 2 bartenders, 100 cards available, and a time limit was imposed. You can imagine the cacophony! Of course, with my voice, honed by 35 years of teaching above a roar, I got my Amstel and my VIP bracelet in no time! 

As warm and sunny a day Saturday was, Sunday had a bit of a chill in the air, although we were spared the rain that was forecasted. We finished the major stuff, packed things up and jumped on the 1:45 ferry. After more than 2 hours on the dance floor the night before, I was achy but happy on the drive home. More to come next weekend.

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Hello Beach Lovers!

    For those who imagine my days at my beach house as relaxing under an umbrella on the sand, this certainly was not one of them. Springtime at Arondavous is about tearing the house apart, moving furniture out of familiar spaces, so that walls and floors can be rejuvenated for the incoming summer season. Yes, the walls, moldings, ceiling fans, and floors get the white glove treatment, which involves moving every stick of furniture out. I, of course, in my increasingly gentle configuration (I ain’t 37 anymore!), could not tackle any of these moves without my long term brute-friend, Santo, who has been my go-to guy for at least 10 years. He spent this past weekend doing the heavy stuff, while I got to washing kitchenware and linens, and taking down & cleaning photos and art pieces, and storing them before new ones arrive in the coming weeks. It was definitely more than a 2 day job, so he and I will be back on Sat and Sun to do windows, paint trim, and hopefully, mulch the garden. After next weekend, and up to Memorial Day, I’ll be going alone for days at a time to tackle some house projects, as well as finally getting to work on small dune paintings for the upcoming Dune Fundraiser and Artist Tour of Cherry Grove weekend that will happen the weekend of June 8 - 10. More about that in future posts. 

    
    Sheba, of course, bored with nothing to do, followed us around the property so she could sit nearby while we worked. I took her down to the beach for her walk, and nearly lost her in the fog! I have to say, I have never seen beach fog like what I encountered on Saturday. Normally, you can see people walking toward you from a great distance coming from the Pines beach. On this day, a couple came into view from about just 50 feet away! It was like beige colored smoke. Sheba found some fowl to chase, so she was able to let off some steam in the water before she returned to her chaotic looking abode. 

    The weather was sunny and pleasant much of Sunday for outside tasks and another beach walk, with just a light sweatshirt, shorts, and no shoes in the sand.  I paid a visit to my pal Susan Thornton at Casita, for some hugs and chat about our upcoming art events. After a glass of white, Santo and I caught the 4:45 ferry. 

    I plan on spending a bit more time outside on the weekend, so there should be more pics from the sand and the boards next post!

Hello Beach Lovers,

Had a lovely few hours at the beach yesterday. Plenty of smiling faces, all happy to make the ferry trip on a sunny Sunday. I had made a long list of items to check off, but Sheba knew the beach was not far away, and so we strolled down the steps to the sand, both of us feeling fine just to be on it. No need to keep her on a leash, so we each walked our own paths: me shooting some photos, and feeling the glory of the moment, and she, smelling what seemed like every pebble along the way. This is one of her new favorite things to do. Even in her daily walks in Huntington Village, every blade of grass or reed must be considered and sniffed. Is it something like for adults to take the time to smell the flowers as we age…but for dogs to smell whatever greenery is in their path? I like to think that her new pursuit is a signal for both of us to pay attention to the real things around us. 

Back to the house, I went to my list, checking off things I need to do before June: buy new exterior lighting and a front screen door, repair teak patio chairs, and decide on placement for new photos and paintings. I met with my landscaper Todd, to discuss new plantings that will greet guests as they walk by the front gate, and some ideas on creating the new space near the rear deck. 

I made a quick trip through town and chatted with Reggie at the Grove Market, Frank, who was prepping the Grove Pizza outdoor area, and stopped in at Cherry’s Bar, which was already busy with a few customers. 

Next week, I hope to have 2 full weekend day at Arondavous. Hope it doesn’t rain. Or snow! 

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Hello Beach Lovers!

Here's my first blog entry of the 2018 season! 

My Opening Day Man Jeff and I took the 10:25 ferry on Saturday, with some food and warm clothing to begin the job of removing tarps, moving outdoor furniture to their summer locations, emptying the house of items stored inside from winter weather, and making small repairs as necessary. Okay, it wasn't 80 degrees, but 60's and sunny wasn't too bad, as long as we're at the beach, right?

Our dunes did a great job of protecting us this stormy winter!

Cherry's is opening mid May!

 

Waiting for the Arondavous sign, and new lights.

There's lots of work to do to get the house ready for the season, with some tasks more involved than others, so I'll be there next Sunday to make a list of needs, coordinate with Grove people for landscaping, Internet & cable, electrical and water, etc. I'm hoping for continued sunny and warmer days so I can get the garden set up with new perennials and annuals. 

Beginning at the end of the month, I'll be spending chunks of time there, both during the week and on weekends, and I'll keep y'all up to date with pictures and text of the going's on both at my house and at the Grove in general. 

Winter look at the beach house.

 Other news: The ferry schedule has been blossoming nicely, with many trips added both on weekdays and weekends. Island Breeze was open and serving drinks and a limited food menu already. 

The Grove Market has scheduled a "soft' opening on Friday, April 20th, and Cherry's on the Bay's Grand Opening is on May 19th. You can check their 2018 events at http://www.cherrysonthebay.com. 

Also, if you haven't heard the news, the Grove Hotel is finally up and running for the 2018 season, and from the exterior, it looks pretty spiffy. 

The back deck pre set up.

Sheba and Buddy kept Jeff company.

Two views of the early Spring garden area.