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.