Mild Stretch beginning this last day of November

Mornin'!  It's 37° in Wildwood.  So long November! The sky is clear, starlit and of course moonlit as that "frost moon" continues to hang around making the early  morning darkness bright.  The sound of the ocean roaring is present.  Not much breeze to write about.  We're beginning a mild stretch today as the sun shines down brightly and temps climb into the high 40's even tapping the 50's.  Breezes will be barely noticed out of the S-SW at 5-7mph.  Today will begin a mild stretch of weather as the weekend's looking even warmer. The ol' porch thermometer may be in the 60's!  Should be perfect for the Elks holiday beach bonfire tomorrow evening.

High tide:8:32p.m.
Low tide:2:54pm.
Ocean temp:54°
Sunset:4:39p.m.

Once again...bright, moonlit sky

Mornin'!  It's a nippy 36° in WW.  The sky is the way it looked when I turned in last night with visions of lottery winnings dancing in my head as it was clear and brightly moonlit, starlit and beautiful!  It'll be somewhat mild as temps climb up into the mid-40's while the sun shines brightly all day in a clear, blue sky maybe creating even slightly warmer temps.  Winds will be out of the W-NW at 12-15mph.  Overall...a lovely, crisp, Autumn day down the Shore.  My power ball numbers: had 3 numbers that were 1 number away and 2 numbers that were 2 numbers away.  So close!!!  ("Yet, so far" says hubby).
High tide:7:58a.m.
Low tide:2:15p.m.
Ocean temp:54°
Sunset:4:39p.m.

Beaver Moon

Mornin'!  It's 34° in Wildwood.  It's darkest before the dawn except when there's a Beaver Moon glaring down at you.  The moon is lighting the partly cloudy sky in this eerie, dark, autumn morn.  It's cold, a bit breezy, quiet and fragrant with that ol' sea aroma in the air.  So, lets talk about this moon and why it was named the Beaver Moon. It was time to set the traps before the waters froze over.  Guess trapping beaver was sign of the times.  No comment.  The November moon is now known as the "Frost" moon.  I'm guessing because of the frost on the pumpkins although not much frost on mine as of late, but it's one chilly morning out there.  It's going to stay chilly as temps may just about touch the 40° mark today.  Sun will be out all day which will help warm us.  Winds will be out of the NW at 20-25mph.  One way or another, I'll probably be setting the traps while howling at the moon sometime today.
High tide:7:22a.m. and 7:45p.m.
Low tide:1:35p.m.
Ocean temp:55°
Sunset:4:39p.m.
Moon Rise:4:51p.m.

Gray day

Mornin'!  It's 47° in WW.  It's overcast and chilly but surprisingly not that cold out.  The temps will rise into the mid 50's by lunch time then will begin to drop later this afternoon into the low 40's and by nightfall head into the 30's.  It'll probably be rainy all day as forecasters are saying a 90% chance of rain all day.  Winds will be out of the E-NE at 10-12mph.  Full moon is tomorrow so keep an eye open for the higher than normal tides and high water in the streets.  I don't recommend driving through it as we've had enough salt water corrosion for one month.  Oh...if it's going down to 30° tonight...watch for surface freezing on the roads and streets.  I'm still not going with the "S" word...not yet. 

High tide:7:05p.m.

Low tide:12:54p.m.
Ocean temp:54° (still maintaining our warmish insulation)

Sunset: 4:39p.m. (probably won't see it)

Talk of the "S" word

Mornin'!  It's 38° in WW.  It's cold, overcast, very quiet (although if you concentrate the ocean's surf is heard in the distance), very still...as there are no stars or breezes to write about.  Mild breezes will come a little later this morning from the W-WNW at 10-15mph, then quiet down again by early afternoon.  It'll be partly cloudy/partly sunny with temps in the mid 40's.   I heard the "S" word being thrown around all over the weather forecasts this weekend for tomorrow.  Wildwood's going to maintain those 40° temps through tomorrow and with the warmish ocean temp...not going near that "S" word yet as we're expecting  a rainy day for Tuesday.  Today though...dry and cool. 

High tide:6:28p.m.

Low tide:12:11p.m.
Ocean temp:55°

Sunset:4:40p.m.

Full Moon: Wednesday

26 days until Winter? Isch don't zink zo.

Mornin'!  It's 35° in Wildwood.  My take...winter's banging on the door baby!  It's windy and cold this early morn.  Should be a lovely sunrise as the sky has a good bit of cloud cover but it's providing brightly colored shades of reds and purples. Gotta watch that "red sky in the morning".   If you're daring enough to stand by the dunes and watch it rise this morning you've got more cojones than me.  I've done it and on this wintry, windy morning, I'm choosing a warm home, a steaming cup of coffee, pj's and slippers rather than facing those winds on the beach.  It'll be cold and windy again today but also partly sunny.  The heavier clouds will be sticking around too so it'll probably feel colder today than yesterday as we see less sun.  Temps will be in the low 40's.  Those wintry winds will be out of the West at 20-25mph.

High tide:5:43p.m.

Low tide:11:28a.m.

Ocean temp:56°
Sunset:4:40
Winter Solstice:26 days
Full Moon:3 days

Brrrrrrrrr

Mornin'!  It's 38° in sunny Wildwood.  It's cold as the 25-30mph winds are seriously making their presence known and providing a nice chill factor.  What a switch from the yesterday morning and last week.  Not the day you want to be hanging the Christmas lights from the roof.  It'll be bright and sunny for the rest of the weekend, but temps won't get out of the 40's.  Today we'll be lucky to hit 41°.  The winds will stick around all day but will settle down somewhat by tomorrow...that's "somewhat".  Waves are 4-5' for those autumn surfers. 
High tide:4:55p.m.
Low tide:10:42a.m.
Ocean temp:56°
Sunset:4:41p.m.

Black Friday

Mornin'!  It's 39° in Wildwood this black friday.  That title always seemed so grim to me.  Especially after such a wonderful day with family and friends and good eats yesterday.  But, anyway...not going to the shopping malls or stores today.  Those days are long gone.  In fact, traveling back to Wildwood from the Bucks County area last night after our lovely Thanksgiving day, we passed several malls that had parking lots completely full  at 9-10p.m.  There's something not right about that.  Made me enjoy my journey home in our cozy vehicle with Ipod playing our favorite tunes even more enjoyable.  And, since I'm off from work today, I'll continue to enjoy this holiday weekend but finding something fun to do other than look at ads or shop.  It is chilly this morning on the island but it's is bright and clear.  The sun's due over the horizon any moment.  No breezes to write about as the leaves on the trees (what's left) are still.  It'll be sunny all day today with temps in the mid-upper 50's as the breezes will wift (I mean waft) in around lunch time from the S-SW at 15-20mph and even stronger tomorrow as the weekend's looking like serious bad hair days.
High tide:4:01p.m.
Low tide:9:53a.m.
Ocean temp:54°
Sunset:4:41p.m.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Mornin'!  It's 43° in WW.  It's crisp, bright and sunny.  Blue skies abound.  No breezes to write about at the moment.  Slept in a bit today as we've done all the prep for our share of the Thanksgiving Day feast and are ready to hit the road and celebrate this day of thanks with an over-the-top dinner at my daughter's and her husband's home (our evacuation home).  All food (cole slaw, pumpkin cheese cake, hubby's delicious brussel sprouts, a new parsnip/carrot/pecan dish and a sweet potato casserole) is prepared and ready to pack.  Lots to be thankful for this Thanksgiving! Not only the usual everday thanks of family and friends but, that I survived breast cancer this year not to mention hurricane Sandy and that I'm well and able to not only prepare and eat delicious food, but that I still have a lovely kitchen to cook it in. So, the weather in Wildwood today is much like yesterday and tomorrow...sunny, mild (hitting the 50° mark) with breezes out of the N-NE at 12/15mph.  Big surf today...7 foot wave action today so the surfers report says.  You know who you are interested in that one Jen.  Happy Thanksgiving!
High tide:3:06p.m.
Low tide:8:57a.m.
Ocean temp:54°
Sunset:4:41p.m.

Thanksgiving Eve!

Mornin'!  It's 43° in Wildwood.  Happy Thanksgiving Eve.  Started some of the food prep to take tomorrow as the pumpkin cheesecake and cole slaw is in the fridge!  There's a nice sweet aroma lingering in the kitchen this morning.  I just was on the back porch and the sky is partially starlit as in the darkness there's big white puffy clouds all over.  No breezes to write about as the weeping willow stands still.  The ocean's roar is in the distance along with its aroma.  It's cold, but nice out.  It'll be a seasonably lovely day today, tomorrow and Friday.  It's basically going to be the same forecast for a few days.  Tapping 50°; clear & sunny;  slightly breezy (N-NE at 13-16mph).  A week from today is the first full moon since Sandy.  I think the tides have been on the weird side ever since she blew out of here.  While driving off the island the other night it was supposed to be low tide but the marshes and meadows were completely submersed in water while the reeds and sea grasses were barely exposed.  That had me wondering if I got the tide times accurate and I had...so what was all that water?  I'm keeping the "wellies" in the front of the closet.

High tide:2:09p.m.
Low tide:7:53a.m.
Ocean temp:54°
Sunset:4:42p.m.

The "Gray-Drearies" continue...

Mornin'!  It's 46° in WW.  We're under cloud filled skies with minimal breezes out of the N-NE at 10-12mph.  Except for those breezes (much calmer than yesterday) this weather post could be real simple by just cutting and pasting.  It'll be cloudy and gray and raw with a 20% chance of showers.  There's a slight possibility of a peek or two of sun, but tomorrow's a much better chance of seeing that happen.  Temps will just tap 50° as I once again take away the raw chill enjoying homemade chicken-orzo soup for my lunch hour while sitting in my car enjoying the view of the ocean! 

High tide:1:13p.m.; Low tide:7:21p.m.; Ocean temp: 54°; Sunset:4:43p.m.
        Footnote: It's 9:00a.m. and the sun's out...go figure!

Raw

Mornin'!  It's 47° in WW.  The sky is overcast and winds are coming from the NE at a nice clip (20-25mph w/gusting) as they'll stay checked in all day.  There's a 20% chance of showers throughout the day.  Feels "raw" out there in the windy darkness.  The ocean's certainly making its presence known.  We could see a peek or two of sun but I'm just happy I made that big pot of homemade chicken soup yesterday that should take me through until Thanksgiving (when the sun returns).  Temps should just about touch the 50° mark. 
High tide:12:15pm
Low tide:6:20pm
Ocean temp:55°
Sunset:4:42pm

Gray Sunday

Mornin'!  It's 41° this overcast, chilly morn.  Breezes are out of the NE at 16-21mph with gusting.  Feeling a bit on the raw, chilly side for sure. It'll be like this all day too from what I'm gathering.  Temps will be around the 50° mark.  One forecast said peeks of sun while another said chance of spritzing this afternoon.  I'm not sure which way to go so I've laid all the cards out there.  One thing's for sure...lots of clouds, breezes and mostly overcast today.  Like I said yesterday...it'll be a "homemade soup kinda day" and it'll start here with some nicely seasoned roast chicken in the oven!

High tide:11:16a.m.
Low tide:5:21p.m.

Ocean temp:55°

Sunset:4:44p.m.

Lovely Saturday

Mornin'!  It's 34 crispy degrees.  Frost on the pumpkins this morning baby!  It's clear and bright and the sun's just about over the horizon.  There's some things going on this early morn...the aroma of the sea is in the air as well as the sound of the seagulls and surf can be heard this morning.  It'll be clear and sunny today with temps tapping the 50° mark again.  Should be nice as we warm up.  Winds will be out of the N-NE at 15-20mph.  Tomorrow...that offshore storm is now supposed to stay offshore and hover just off the coast, but we'll probably have one of those gray, dreary, homemade soup kinda days.  Today...perhaps a nice bike ride on the boards and a cold one!

High tide:10:16a.m.

Low tide:4:26p.m.

Ocean temp:55°

Sunset:4:44p.m.

Some "drabs" sticking around

Mornin'!  It's 41° this morning.  The dark morning sky looks partially clear and starlit as well as cloud covered in spots.  No breezes to mention at the moment.  Temps are supposed to rise up near 50° as it'll be partly sunny.  The clouds looks like they'll be hanging around too today.  Same for tomorrow.  In fact, this forecast could be cut and pasted for tomorrow.  Sunday...eh...not so much.  Today's breezes will be out of the North at 10-15mph.  Overall...a nice but slightly drab day at the Shore.  (A bit nicer than that really drab one yesterday). 

High tide:9:19p.m.
Low tide:3:34p.m.
Ocean temp:55°
Sunset:4:45p.m.

Drab with the sound of the ocean's roar

Mornin'!  It's 43° in Wildwood.  The clouds have arrived in the morning darkness making some insulation for the increased sounds of the surf.  The waves crashing is loud and clear 6 blocks away.  Speaking of waves...their height will be 4-6' today so we'll have some ocean noise all day as the clouds will remain checked in.  No one's talking about Ms. Sun, so it remains to be seen if we'll feel her warmth at all.  No one's talking about rain either so it looks like we're staying dry.  Just a drab kind of day. Temps will be in the high 40's as breezes will be 10-15mph out of the N-NE. 
High tide:8:25a.m.
Low tide:2:43p.m.
Ocean temp:55°
Sunset:4:46p.m.
Winter Solstice:36 days

Bright, Sunny Hump Day!

Mornin'!  It's 39° in Wildwood as darkness begins its fade.  The sky is the darkest, deepest blue and starlit as daybreak has begun its approach.  It's just a tad breezy and will continue to be throughout the day as breezes wift (I mean waft) from the N-NE at 15-20mph.  Temps will be just about tapping the 50° mark as the sun warms our island through cloudless skies and the ocean's warmth keeps us nicely insulated.  Looking like a real nice Fall day at the shore.

High tide:7:35a.m.

Low tide:1:51p.m.

Ocean temp:56°

Sunset:4:46p.m.

Rainy Tuesday

Typical Summer Day in North Wildwood, NJ

Mornin'!  It's 52° this early, rainy morn in WW.  Temps won't get past the mid-50's as the cloud-filled sky continues to rain down on the island all day off and on right up until tonight. (90% chance).  Not too sure about peeks of sun.  One forecaster said we'll see the sun by this afternoon.  Winds will be strong out of the N-NW at 25-35mph but will begin to calm down as the rains head off shore by tv-watching time tonight.  Sun definitely returns tomorrow!

High tide:6:30a.m. and 7:10p.m. (new moon=tidal flooding)

Low tide:12:58p.m.

Ocean temp:56°

Sunset:4:47p.m.

Veteran's Day Holiday

Mornin'!  It's 52° this lovely morning.  Just had the opportunity to see the beautiful waning new moon with the planet Saturn shining brightly to its left while the horizon was turning colorful pastels.  Then, right between the two...a jet soars by as its vapor becomes painted with those wonderful colorful pastels as well.  Very nice to see, especially first thing in the morning before light.  Someone traveling in that morning sky was seeing an extraordinary scene from high above.  Looks like another lovely one today as I celebrate Veterans Day with another day off from work.  Temps will reach into the 60's again as we may even hit the mid-60's.  Sun will stick around all day as clouds slowly move in.  Breezes out of the S-SE will be 15-20mph.  Clouds will increase by nightfall and by late tonight/overnight there's a 70% chance of rain as it looks like it will be a rainy one tomorrow too.  Keep in mind the "new" moon brings along with it some tidal flooding much like the "full" moon.  Take heed.  Thanks again to our Vets for their service to our country and our freedom! 
High tide:6:18p.m.
Low tide:12:05p.m.
Ocean temp:55°
Sunset:4:48p.m.

Convoy Day on Veterans Day

Mornin'!  It's 54° this sunny morn.  A great day for a convoy! http://networkedblogs.com/EzVpi

It'll be just tapping 60° under sunny beautiful skies all day with a light Southerly breeze 10-15mph all day.  Back to lovliness!  Thanks to all the Veterans who serve and have served this great country of ours!  Happy Veterans Day!

High tide:5:25p.m.

Low tide:11:12a.m.
Ocean temp:56°
Sunset:4:49p.m.

Veterans Day Weekend

Wildwood Crest Fishing Pier

Mornin'!  It's 38 frosty degrees.  There's frost on the pumpkin again. The sky is clear and about to welcome a lovely sunrise.  It'll be sunny and kind of mild today with temps heading into the mid-50's.  Breezes will be hardly noticed as this morning they're wifting (I mean wafting) in from the W-NW then shifting by this afternoon from the E-NE all at a mild 5-8mph.  Same for the tomorrow but a tad warmer; and same for Monday and even a tad warmer than Sunday!
High tide:4:27p.m.
Low tide:10:19a.m.
Ocean temp: 56°
Sunset:4:50p.m.

The Warm Sun's back!

Mornin'!  It's a brisk 37° under clear skies in Wildwood this early morning.  The weather's finally turning around and becoming more seasonable as temps reach into the mid-50's today, warmer tomorrow and even warmer Sunday.  Sun will rise in about a half hour and it's gonna shine and warm us all day today as well as the entire weekend.  Winds will be brisk today at 15-20mph out of the NW.  Smiles abound again!

High tide:3:26p.m.

Low tide:9:23a.m.

Ocean temp:57°

Sunset:4:51p.m.

That Second Sucker Punch

North Wildwood, before Sandy





North Wildwood "mini" beach repleshment before Sandy





Mornin'!  It's 38° under cloudy skies.  That second "Sucker Punch" actually didn't amount to much.  I mean we got "snow" (yes...you read that right) late yesterday into the evening hours, tidal flooding, and some stiff winds but nothing compared to what was predicted.  This morning there's not much to report as this Nor'easter seems to have checked out after roaring around through the night.  It's now still and quiet as there's no winds to report at the moment.  In fact, you can hear the sound of the ocean roaring in the morning darkness; must be the clouds as they do insulate the island's sounds.  It's supposed to start clearing up today as the cloud cover is outta here and by late this morning/early afternoon...Ms. Sun should be peeking through.  Ahhh...nothing like a warm sun to change things up a bit.  Supposed to be a nice sunny, mild weekend too.  Today's temps will just be tapping the low 40° mark.  Winds will shift back out of the N-NW at 20-25mph all day making for a chilly one.

High tide:2:25p.m.
Low tide:8:21a.m.
Ocean temp:57°
Sunset:4:52p.m.
I forgot to mention that the North Wildwood Fire Company at 15th & Central Aves. is collecting non-perishables and donations of clothing, linens or whatever you got for those devastatingly hit by Sandy.  Their number is 609-729-2010.

Warnings Posted!

Mornin'!  It's 43° in WW.  It's raining as I can hear it pelting the house. Didn't step outside this morning but it's chilly, raw, windy and rainy by my estimation.  There's a Coastal Flood Warning and a High Wind Warning posted.  We're expecting to get hammered by a Nor'easter today.  Temps will stay in the 40's. It'll begin raining heavy today as the winds are expected to be out of the N-NE at 25-35mph with 60+mph gusts adding to the island's drama (minor to moderate tidal flooding is also expected).  Tomorrow afternoon...most of rain will have checked out but the winds will be overstaying their welcome. And, congrats to President Obama!
High tide:1:27p.m.
Low tide:7:09a.m.
Ocean temp:57°
Sunset: 5:53p.m.

Presidential Election Day



Last shots of the North Wildwood Gazebo


 





"The Wall" in North Wildwood

Mornin'!  It's a crisp, wintry 34° this morning.  There's literally frost on the pumpkin for the first time this season.  I keep thinking there's more Indian Summer left on the island but I'm beginning to be less hopeful.  Temps will rise up into the high 40's as breezes will be light out of the NE at 10-15mph.  The seas are basically flat today (1' waves).  It'll be another mix of clouds and sun kind of day.  Some forecasts say more sun than clouds and the others...more clouds than sun.  Gonna just have to wait and see.  One way or another, it'll be chilly and a bit raw in my opinion.  I just keep thinking I could use a nice Indian Summer day.  Brick Township in North Jersey has to evacuate today by 6p.m. due to a Nor'easter heading in our direction once again cracking a whip at our injured coastline tomorrow.  Man-O-Man.  So, by about 9:00p.m. tonight the winds will have kicked up to 25mph sustained.  That'll continue throughout the day tomorrow as we may get gusts of 40-50mph with over 2" of rain as this Nor'easter checks in.  Tomorrow, the sea will have at least 6' waves.  This can change as the path could be slightly more off the coast and more over the ocean creating less of a stormy impact as our very vulnerable coastlines could be spared.  I can remember Indian Summer days on Thanksgiving when you hated to turn the oven on as it was so warm and nice outside.  Wildwood's polling place...The Convention Center on the boardwalk is open today from 6a.m.-8p.m. for voting.  

High tide:12:33p.m.

Low tide:6:59p.m.

Ocean temp:57°

Sunset:5:53p.m. 

A week ago today

Mornin'!  It's 41° in Wildwood.  It's quiet, dark, cloudy and cold on the island.  And to think there are still people without electric or heat.  It's a week today that Hurricane (Superstorm) Sandy checked in.  A week of clean up and re-grouping on the island as we head into another possible major Coastal Storm on Wednesday.  Whew.  Today will be mostly sunny with cloud cover as temps tap the 50° mark.  Winds will be out of the NW at 10-15mph.  This next storm (a Nor'easter) could be packing winds of 50-60mph.  For this week's anniversary...another calm before the storm. High tide:11:41a.m.; Low tide:6:00p.m.; Ocean temp: 59° Sunset: 5:54p.m.; Sunrise:7:30a.m.

Starting out gray again

Former gazebo site in North Wildwood, NJ

Mornin'!  It's 43° this late/early morn.  Got an nice extra hour sleep (after turning the clocks back) so I'm feeling like it's late morn (although it's not too late) as well as a bit more rested.  At the moment, it's cloudy and overcast and a bit breezy.  Temps won't get much warmer as they rise only into the high 40's; maybe tapping 50°.  If the sun shines brightly then we've got a good chance.  But, it's gray and much like yesterday at the moment.  Winds will be out of the NW at 15-20mph.  Looking more like another thermal underwear day for continued cleanup outside and under the house after Sandy's check-in/check-out.
High tide:10:53a.m.
Low tide:5:12p.m.
Ocean temp:59°
Sunset:5:56p.m. (darkness)

Last Day of Daylight Saving

Mornin'!  It's a chilly, raw, gray 43° on the island this morning.  It just seems like its been so cold ever since we evacuated a week ago tomorrow.  It just seems like I was sitting on a warm summer beach not that long ago here.  It's going to be chilly today with a partially cloudy day and peeks of sun as temps just tap the 50° mark.  Winds will be out of the NW at 15-20mph all day.  Tomorrow a bit more sun, but same chilly, breezy day.  Turn the clocks back an hour tonight for that extra hour.  As I type that I cannot grasp the magnitude of all those homeless hurricane victims who could care less about turning the clocks.  I'm so grateful to have my home and warmth as well as clocks to turn back. Speaking of home and warmth, our daughter and husband in Levittown, PA got their power back last night after 5 days without it and I'm happy and grateful for that too!
High tide:11:10a.m.
Low tide:5:31p.m.
Ocean temp:59°
Sunset:5:57p.m.

Clean up continues

1st & Surf Ave. Parking Lot - Dumpster Ctiy

2nd Avenue, North Wildwood, NJ

Mornin'!  It's 45° under dark, clear, pre-dawn skies in Wildwood.  Temps will reach the mid 50's again (unseasonably cool) with a mix of clouds and sun.  This cool pattern will continue through the weekend as well as the dry, breezy, chilly air continues to wift (I mean waft) over the island.  Winds are from the West at 15-20mph.  It's good weather to dry out the artificial Christmas greens and bows! 

High tide:10:33a.m.

Low tide:4:53p.m.

Ocean temp:59°

Sunset:5:58p.m. (getting early)

End of daylight savings: tomorrow and sunset will really be early:(

Things in Wildwood are taking shape as piles after piles of dune reeds are strategically piled and waiting for pickup.  Dumpters are also strategically placed to convenience homeowners who must rid their homes of wet stuff.  Furniture and trash is curbside everywhere you look.  Contractors are everywhere.  Public Adjusters are everywhere.  Visitors are everywhere gazing at the new landscape on the beach.  For the most part, Wildwood was unscathed if comparing us to our north island neighbors who got much more of a direct hit from Sandy.  Even though our beaches and dunes have devastation, they've saved the island's homes, boardwalk and businesses.  Spirits remain up!

Happy November!

North Wildwood Dunes 11/1/12

Mornin'!  It's 48° in Wildwood this clear, starlit, chilly November morn.  No breezes.  Temps will rise into the mid-50's under mostly cloudy skies with peeks of sun.  Winds will be out of the West at 15-20mph.  Back into the 40's tonight.  Don't see any rain in the forecast for the next few days.  (one forecast did say a slight chance late tomorrow). High tide:9:57a.m.; Low tide:4:16p.m.; Ocean temp:61°; Sunset:5:59p.m.

So, just for the record...it's back to normal today.  Got home yesterday afternoon after spending 3 days at our daughter and son-in-law's home in Levittown, PA.  (btw...this will be day 4 without power for them as Sandy socked them good).  We found our home here unscathed.  There was lots to clean up, raking and picking up in the yard (looked like a huge chunk of boardwalk was in my driveway) with debri and branches and leaves and even seaweed everywhere.  The backyard was still under water.  Inside our home was exactly how we left it and in perfect shape.  Under our home in the 4' crawl space...still flooded with everything we stored on shelves in containers all still floating.  The pump went under the house thanks to hubby which pumped for at least 4 hours ridding "our basement" of water.  Water filled everything.  All our summer furniture and stuff, every plastic container of seasonal decorations...saturated and soaking in seawater.  Spent the day salvaging my Christmas decorations.  Some were heirlooms from my childhood...gone.  Just stuff I say as I saw neighbors around me putting everything they had in their home at the curb.  Haven't seen the island yet but intend to report to work today and will without doubt see a different Wildwood as I head back and forth across the island.  What I did see when I returned to the island was a different coastline than what I left as the dunes were once again claimed by the ocean.  Cleanup was happening everywhere.  And, more importantly, the spirit of Wildwood was intact.