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.

Time for some garden work!

I took my Huntington gardener Santo, over to the beach the following week, and he cleaned up the garden & threw down mulch. There is much to be done still, including adding some shade plants and filling up the garden pots and flower boxes, but that will come in future trips. While he was busy outside, I found some more discarded parts of an Adirondack chair that I had used to build the two spice racks in the kitchen and began an additional one. Who knew I had so many spices! Well actually, I know that some of my guests bring their own.
I spent some time later that day walking around with Sheba, to check out the progress in town.

Finally, some beach news!

On April 11, my friend Jeff and I took our first ferry over to the Grove and spent most of two days opening the house for the 2017 season. Can't tell you how good it felt to be on the ferry again! We started by removing the tarps from the outdoor furniture, which was then arranged in their usual place on the deck and garden area. Sheds were reorganized, (again), and various objects were cleaned and hung around the property. The water had been turned on a couple of days before, and though it was fairly mild out, I kicked up the heat a bit while I was inside. One of the doors of the small shed that houses the washer and dryer had been blown off sometime during the off season. Since I have a large collection of scrap wood on the property, Jeff and I restored it to its original form. At some point during our busy work, we strolled on to the beach for some fun and photos.

4.18.15

Hello to my Arondavous Family!

I’m so sorry you all couldn’t come along on the ferry to the Grove this past Wednesday. After I read the weather report, there was no way I could not make a dash to the 10:15 am boat, with my trusty Sheba drooling on the lowered rear car window, with her nose out all the way there. As the boat approached the familiar sight, we were greeted by the sounds of gulls, as well as power drills, and heavy tool carts pounding the dock on their way to jobs, as our summer place once again began the long awaited roll into the summer season. 

Cherry’s staff was all abuzz, finishing up the new checkered dance floor, painting bar trim, hoisting speakers and new lighting, and otherwise getting ready for their fabulous opening to the public on April 24th. Their new calendar is up and running, jam packed with this year’s fun events. Check it out at www.cherrysonthebay.com.

I took a walk through Reggie’s Grove Market, and was met with smiles of familiar faces making sandwiches and stacking the shelves. It’s open now with limited hours that will increase as the weeks bring hungry guests off the ferry. 

Sheba took a quick right turn at Main, sauntering down to the Arondavous gate, making her usual pit stop along the way, of course. I couldn’t help but smile as I walked in for the first time since November 15th, when my Friend/Angel Jeff and I closed up the house for the year. After a quick walk through and garden check, it was time to roll up my jeans, take off my socks and shoes, and find the warm sand!!! Sheba took off down the boards, with me not far behind. No need for my fleece jacket, which was quickly shed and wrapped around my waist. Every step towards the shore was a glorious one! What a treat after our endless winter! I spent a couple of hours on the beach with my happy pup, then walked along the sand to the eastern-most steps and back up to the houses. 

My plan was to leave later that day, since the water hadn’t been turned on in the house, but after I heard the weather report with more sun and warm breezes headed our way, I decided to ‘rough it,’ and stay the night. Thursday morning, I took a stroll to the west end, past the devastation of the Grove Hotel and houses along Holly Walk. Several private homes west of the fire were scorched, and workers were removing charred timbers from pergolas and fences. Thankfully, the pool and Ice Palace were unharmed, as the  attached pictures reveal. The Ice Palace will have their usual spring and summer events as the hotel is being rebuilt. Those of you who want to follow the progress of the renovation, can check on Facebook via ‘Cherry Grove Untucked, where you will also see and hear a preview of what’s in store at Cherry’s Bar. Happy times are on their way! 

After a banana (and coffee, thanks to Charlie at Goodies General Store), I stepped onto the sand, feeling blessed once more, before my 10:15 am ferry departure for home. The date of my next trip over is yet to be determined, but I will give a toot on my FB page so you can follow along. Till next time…. 

xxx

BeachGirl.

Hello and welcome to my weblog! Visit often to follow my adventures at the beach!