May 11th, 2014

HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY!!! Enjoy the Day!!

I wish all my friends and readers a beautiful day.  I remember when I became a Mother, I was totally complete.

For those of you you who Mother someone in your life….Happy Mother’s Day!

Note:  The photo was taken in Bethany Beach the other day.  It is not unusual to see families like this throughout the Delaware Beaches in the Spring.  I never get tired of looking at them.

April 26th, 2014

Saturday, 4/26, What’s Going On Delaware Beaches? Events, Southern Delaware

Plenty of activities and events going on this gorgeous week-end at the Delaware Beaches.  Whether you attend any of them or decide that a week-end of dining, shopping and strolling is more your cup of tea….then go for it because when you are at the beach you need to relax and slow down.

MILFORD – A picturesque and historic town.  Downtown Milford is hosting the Bug & Bud Festival from 9 a.m. until 4 p.nm.  Join in the fun; this is the 11th year this event has been taking place along the Mispillion Riverwalk. This is a celebration of Arbor Day.  The City of Miford’s designation as a Tree City, and Milford’s role in the ladybug’s designation as the State Bug of Delaware.  There will be live entertainment, kids games, free giveaways, a ladybug costume parade, art shows and over 150 food and craft and community vendors., paddle boat rides, and plenty of more fun.

Take time to stop and visit the Milford Museum.

It is a beautiful building that used to be the Milford’s Post Office.  Location 121 Walnut Street.  Free admission! Call 302-424-1080, or, visit http://www.milforddemuseum.org.

LEWES – Walking Dunes Hike at Cape Henlopen State Park.  It starts at 11 a.m. until Noon.  It is a free program and the perfect day for a walk on the dunes.  Ages 7 and up with an adult.  Meet a the Seaside Nature Center and then go to other locations around the park.  Call 302-645-6852 for more info.

The Seaside Nature Center is open daily from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m.  The Borrow-a-Bike program is available from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m.  Park entrance fees are in effect.  More info?  Please visit http://www.destateparks.com.

Saturday, 4/26 – 6:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. is Historic Lewes Farmers Market Hoedown – Party ‘Till the Cows come Home!!  Tel. 302-644-1436.  This is a rip roarin’ good time party at the Officer’s Club at Cape Henlopen State Park.  It celebrates the community and the producer-only market that welcomed over 50,000 visitors last year.  More info?  Please visit http://www.historiclewesfarmersmarket.org.

DEWEY BEACH – In just about an hour, at 9:30 a.m. Doodles in Dewey will be starting.  It is a fundraising event for Food & Friends.  Location?  Off Saulsbury Street entrance into Dewey. Until 3 p.m. but then after beach activities will also begin.  Please call 301-467-5523 or visit http://www.doodlesindewey.com.

1:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. – First Annual Dewey Beach Bacon Fest will begin.  Tour participating retailers and taste amazing bacon concoctions.  Leave your diet home for a few hours….bacon is in!!  Please visit http://www.idewey.com for more info. or call 302-227-7796, 302-227-6779.

Have a Good One!!

January 18th, 2014

The Pearl Lady, Studio, Joan Mulholland, Milford, Delaware, Custom Designs, Southern Delaware

“Almost every culture has a mystique about pearls that are magical or divine.”  joan frense-mulholland

Pearl enhances a woman’s skin like nothing else.  All you have to do is wear them….people will notice.

Up the road from the Delaware Beaches, just about 20 minutes or so from Rehoboth Beach, is The Pearl Lady, located at 4 Park Avenue, 2nd Floor in the town of Milford, Delaware.  The entrance is around the corner from the Mispillion Art League.  Tel. 302-228-2287.  Website?  http://www.the-pearl-lady-studio.com.  She opens Wednesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m.  If that does not work for you, just give her a call and she will be glad to make an appt.  Is that easy!!

The Pearl Lady Studio’s website is pretty interesting….What Joan’s is all About, the different pearls, and their care.

In her studio, Joan gives her full attention to her customers.  You can speak to her in English or French.

Her designs are all about enhancing the natural beauty of the pearls…they speak for themselves.

It is that time of the year….Valentine’s Day is around the corner and with so many weddings taking place at the Delaware Beaches, it is good to keep the Pearl Lady in mind for those gifts that are part of the celebrations.

Talk to you later…have a great day!!

October 22nd, 2013

Destination? Milford, Delaware, Art Tour, Riverwalk Tour, Gateway to Southern Delaware, Milford Artists Mentor Art Students, Sussex County

The Second Season at the Delaware Beaches is a great time to go out and about and discover the towns surrounding the beaches.  The cool weather, blue skies and no traffic let visitors and residents move around Southern Delaware with ease.

I am discovering Milford, Delaware, which is north of Rehoboth Beach.  It only took about half hour to get there.  For some years, Downtown Milford has been going through a revitalization, which brings residential streets in small towns back to life.

The Mispillion River runs through Milford.  It is the heart and center of this town, where galleries, shops and theater are for everyone to enjoy.

The Mispillion Riverwalk is a greenway space that preserves the town’s waterfront.  Milford has over 2 centuries of shipbuilding and at one point there were 7 shipyards located along this walk.  Between 1680 and 1927 they produced over 600 wooden sailing ships.

So, it was not surprising to find out that 6 permanently displayed boat sculptures were unveiled this summer, all decorated with the theme of Milford’s “River Town”, “Art Town”, “Home Town”.  The inspiration was the “Augusta”, a private yacht built in 1927 at the Vinyard Shipyard.  In 2010 it was restored to its original beauty.  I found it resting for the winter.

Local artists mentoring art students have produced the following sculptures that can be enjoyed while walking through Downtown Milford.  They are bright and bring a colorful touch to the streets.

The morning scenes in Home Town…historic Bethel AME Church, coffee shop morning crowds…scenes melt together symbolizing connectivity.

River Town. Home Town…the glass mosaic highlights the Walnut Street business district and the Riverwalk Boatyard.

Art Town….bold and graphic with water flowing underneath.

River Town…river dwellers, clouds, and plant life.

River Town, Art Town, Home Town…one side shows the whimsical bridge connecting rural and urban Milford. Another side shows the Santa House, farmers market, cyclists on the Riverwalk.

River Town…dedicated to the historic shipbuilding industry, honoring 7 major shipyards.

Have a great day!!  Please note that the best days to visit Milford are Thursday through Saturday.  The Museum is open on Sundays too.

August 26th, 2013

Blessings Blends, Flowers, Local Produce, Route 1, OMRI Listed Premium Compost, Milford, Delaware

In early spring, Blessings Blend is one of the first to have flowers out on Rt. 1, South of Milford.  The actual location of Blessings Greenhouses and Compost Facility Retail Center is the corner of Rt. 1 (north) and Sugar Hill Rd.

Driving to or from the Delaware Beaches you might have seen these 2 giant tomatoes.  That’s the location!!

I decided to stop and get some peaches and tomatoes.  To tell you the truth, tomatoes this year have not been the greatest, in my opinion.  These tomatoes ended up having a pretty good taste.  I can’t believe it took almost all summer to find them.

The peaches were sweet and juicy.  They told me all their produce is locally grown.

You learn something new every day and I found out that the owner of Blessings Blends, Bruce Blessing…I have not met him, developed a premium compost that is being used on golf courses and farms on the Delmarva Peninsula.  For the second year in a row he has been selling it bagged and bucketed at his flower and produce stand located on Rt. 1.  It has taken him 6 years to develop it.

I really don’t anything about “composting”, but, learned that this Premium Compost has received an OMRI (Organics Material Review Institute) Listing  .5-.5-.4.

There are hundreds of organic farmers in the Chesapeake and Delaware watersheds and Blessings Blends will be targeting them, since they have gotten the OMRI Listed Premium Compost.

Want to know more?  Please call Blessings Blends at 302-684-8990 or visit http://www.blessingblends.com.

In the meantime, safe travels as you leave Summer of 2013, and begin the Second Season at the Delaware Beaches…this produce stand is open!!

May 6th, 2013

Farmers’ Markets, Delaware Beaches, Milford, Milton, Lewes, Rehoboth Beach, Bethany Beach, Fenwick Island, Southern Delaware, Meeting the Appetite of All Things Local!

It is that time of the year when our local farmers’ markets start opening….something we are all looking forward to.  Local flowers, fresh baked breads; it is a gathering of the community and visitors, as well.

In any given day, when these markets are in full swing…all you can see are smiling faces.  Farmers’ markets connect local shoppers to local farmers.  With that in mind, following are our local markets.  Some already have opened with limited produce, but that will change soon.  Others are open this coming week-end…and then, the remainder will open in June.

Milford’s Farmers’ Market has opened already.  Every Saturday from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. at South Walnut St. and Mispillion Riverwalk.  More info?  Please visit http://www.downtownmilford.org.

Milton Delaware Farmers’ Market is located across from the library in downtown Milton.  Every Friday from 3:30 p.m. until 6:30 p.m.  This market is already swinging.

Historic Lewes Farmers’ Market will be opening on Saturday, May 11th.  From then on, every Saturday, 8 a.m. until Noon.  Location?  The Lewes Historical Society at 110 Shipcarpenter St.  Check the website…every week-end there is something new going on and recipes and contests are posted, as well.  http://www.historiclewesfarmersmarket.org

Rehoboth Beach Farmers’ Market is opening on Tuesday, May 7th.  Every Tuesday from Noon until 4 p.m. at Grove Park, behind the Visitor’s Center and the Rehoboth Beach Chamber of Commerce.  Right there by the roundabout.  http://www.rbffarmersmarket.com. They will be having guests vendors every week.  Opening day will have live music and new Inspired Chefs Initiative with top chefs in Rehoboth Beach.  Inspired Chefs Initiative is “A not-for-profit group, designed to serve as a forum for local chefs to engage the community on food related issues and to coordinate their charitable efforts”.

Bethany Beach Farmers’ Market will be opening Sunday, June 16th.  From then on you will find this market at Garfield Parkway & Pennsylvania Avenue in Bethany.  More info?  http://www.bethanybeachfarmersmarkekt.com.

Fenwick Island Farmers Market will be opening on Monday, June 24th at 1107 Coastal Highway (Rt. 1), at the PNC Parking Lot.  In Addition to Mondays, it also opens on Fridays with both days from 8 a.m. until Noon.  More info?  Please visit http://www.fenwickislandfarmersmarket.com.

Have a good One!!  Talk to you later.

April 26th, 2013

What’s Going On? Delaware Beaches, Activities, Events, Southern Delaware, Sussex County….AboutMyBeaches Picks

One month away before the gates open and the Delaware Beaches start doing what they do best….receive visitors with open arms.  The Delaware Beaches are rehearsing for the coming months.  So if you have decided to get out of town this week-end and head out to the Delaware Beaches…check What’s Going On?

LEWES

Saturday, 4/27 – 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. – The War Years, an annual re-enactment event.  See period uniforms, barracks displays, equipment and gun demonstrations.  Fort Miles is located within Cape Henlopen State Park.  After entering the park continue past the toll booths and turn right at the T-intersection.  Continue straight and bear left near the campground entrance.  The Fot Miles Historic Site is on the right, directly across the street from the observation tower.  There are plenty of signs to guide you to the destination.  At 1 p.m. a re-enactment of the German U-858 submarine surrender will take place.  The artillery demonstrations will be at 10 a.m., Noon, 2:15 p.m. and 3:30 p.m.  More info?  Please visit http://www.fortmilesha.org.

Sunday, 4/28 – “Take Me Out to the Ball Game” – 1 p.m. until 3 p.m.  The Lewes Vintage Base Ball Club vs the Diamond States.  Location?  University of Delaware Lewes campus near the Virden Conference Center grounds at 700 Pilottown Rd.  The Lewes Vintage Base Ball Club plays by 1864 rules which have several differences from contemporary baseball.

REHOBOTH BEACH

Saturday, 4/27 – The Rehoboth Beach Jazz Festival invites you to their 2013 Line Up Announcement Celebration and CD Release Party for Brian Simpson, featuring special Guest Star, Art Sherrod.  9:00 p.m. at Old Bay Restaurant located at 18693 Highway 1 (Coastal Highway) in Rehoboth Beach.  Those who attend will be able to buy premium seats of your choice for events at this year’s Rehoboth Beach Jazz Festival, which will take place on October 17th-20th.  Food and beverage will be available for purchase.  Tickets may be purchased online at http://www.rehobothjazz.com, at the door, subject to availability, or by phone 800-595-4849.  Tickets are $10.00.  Your attendance helps to celebrate live music!

Sunday, 4/28 – Walk for Sight sponsored by the Delaware Lions Foundation.  Grove Park behind the Visitors Center and the roundabout in Downtown Rehoboth Beach.  Registration begins at 12 Noon until 1 p.m.  The walk begins at 1 p.m.  More info?  Please call Wayne Powers at 410-924-2745.

Sunday, 4/28 – Nage Rehoboth Annual Spring Wine Festival – A benefit for The Children’s Beach House.  Over 50 wines from around the world, food by The Chefs at Nage Rehoboth, Create your own Blend, Wine & Food pairing station, Blind Wine Tastings, Silent Auction.  Tickets are $35 per person with a portion going to the Children’s Beach House.  You have to be 21 to attend.  If you are a fan of Nage’s chefs there will be a One-Time Only Battle of the Chefs!! Root for your favorite former Nage chef as they battle current Chef, Ted Deptula!!  Nage is located at 19730 Coastal Highway (Rt. 1)  Please visit http://www.nagerestaurant.com.  Tel. 302-226-2037

Tuesday, 4/30 – Job Fair Hosted by Senator Carper, Senator Coons & Congressman Carney at the Rehoboth Beach Convention Center, located at 229 Rehoboth Avenue.  It starts at 10 a.m. until 3 p.m.  More info?  Please email latisha_bracy@coons.senate.gov.

DEWEY BEACH

Saturday, 4/27 – Dewey Beach Treasure Fest Community Yard Sale on Dickinson St. & the Bay.  8 a.m. until Noon.  It is a town wide event.  Free parking and free food!!  More info?  http://www.deweybusinesspartnership.com.

Saturday, 4/27 – Doodles in Dewey, which started in 2005 as a fundraiser for the Food and Friends organization, as a way to honor a young man who died from aids.  He was a teacher, counselor and a dog lover who used Food and Friends services when he was ill.  In his memory, the Doodle Romp started and continues.  So, this is the 8th Annual Doodles in Dewey.  There will be a 9:30 meet on the beach off Saulsbury St. entrance off Rt. 1 in Dewey.  11:30 a.m. Raffle, then Group Picture.  Noon…lunch, either on your own or buy Grotto Pizza on the Beach as part of the Romp.  Yappy Hour at 4 p.m. at Sharkey’s.  Dinner at 7 p.m. at Lazy Susan on Rt. 1.  More info?  Please visit http://www.doddlesindewey.com/schedule.htm.

Saturday, 4/27 – 1 – 4 p.m.  Chili Cook Off at the Rusty Rudder.  30 vendors…plenty to sample.  It is also Free!!

MILFORD

Only about 25 minutes away from Rehoboth Beach, the town of Milford is holding their 10th Bug & Bud Festival on Saturday, 4/27, from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m.  Please visit http://www.downtownmilford.org for more info.

OCEAN VIEW

Sunday, 4/28 – Brunch & Bubbly at the Bear Trap Dunes Clubhouse in Ocean View.  This is a fundraising event for Children & Families First, http://www.cffde.org.  In 1884, 3 local organiations, The Friends Benevolent Society, The Provident Society, and the St. Vincent de Paul Society, combined to form the Associated Charities of Wilmington.  Their purpose was “To ensure that all who have fallen into distress…shall be wisely helped to regain self-support…”  Through various mergers with other charitable organizations over the past 126 years…Children & Families First.  It is a non profit social services agency whose branches have touched every corner of Delaware; improving the lives of those in need.

The Sunday Brunch & Bubbly will be a lot of fun with a Champagne Menu  and a delicious menu by DiFebo’s Bistro.  They will be offering:  Specialty Quiche Assortment, Fresh Asparagus Wrapped with Prosciutto Ham, Mini Spring Rolls with Ginger Soy Dipping Sauce, Grilled Vegetable and Goat Cheese Bruschetta, Raspberry and Brie Cheese Wrapped in Phyllo, Fresh Sliced Fruit with Honey Yogurt and more!!

The Exhibitors will be:  Bling Salon, Cookie Lee Jewelry, Floridella Boutique, May Kay Cosmetics, Cabi Clothing, Designs by Aubre Duncan, Tastefully Simple, Faylor’s Foffees, Stephan & Co. Salon, Judith’s Gourmet Cupcakes, Nerium AD…Entertainment by DJ Avery Withers.  $32 at the door or, visit http://cffde.org You can also call Marci Urgo at 302-604-6277.

Have a Good One!!

Ocean View on Dwellable

February 20th, 2013

Delmarva Puppy Raisers, Guiding Eyes for The Blind, Free of Charge, Personal Freedon, Independence, Freedom, Dignity, Raising a Guide Dog Puppy is…A Lesson in Life

I was so happy to attend a very special evening with Chicks for Charity Southern Delaware.  The charity picked for February’s dinner at Fish On in Lewes, Delaware, was Delmarva Puppy Raisers.  It was such a neat evening with so many community residents in attendance, along with a couple of canines.

Guiding Eyes for the Blind is an internationally accredited guide school, providing greater independence, dignity, and new horizons of opportunity.  It is a leading, nonprofit 501(3) guide school.  Since 1954 they have provided thousands of blind and visually impaired people with specially bred and trained dogs that grant them greater independence.  Their headquarters are located at 611 Granite Springs Rd., Yorktown Heights, NY 10598.  Tel. 1-866-GEB-LABS.  Website?  http://www.guidingeyes.org.

I met Barbara and Randy.  They have raised several puppies and have been involved with the company for quite some time.  I believe Babara is the Director of the Delmarva Puppy Raisers.  They meet in Milford, Delaware, a couple of times a month.  Randy had Jagger with him last night.  He was gorgeous and very well behaved 1 year old.

I was so curious to find out how they could give the dog up after spending 1 to 1 1/2 years with him or her.  They said it is hard, but at the same time you know the person that receives the dog gets a special gift; a life changing gift.  And, then, another puppy comes along and the process starts all over again.  Puppy raisers have first choice on adopting a dog they have raised if the dog is retired or for whatever reasons the dog is not going into the program.  Barbara and Randy have 2 of those dogs that in the past they have raised.

These dogs are so special.  It costs over $45,000 to breed, raise, train, and match each Guiding Eyes dog with its visually impaired handler.  These services are provided absolutely free of charge!!  Each Guiding Eyes puppy is specially bred for superior health and temperament.  They are born at their Canine Development Center in Patterson, N.Y.  Immediately, after birth their training starts somewhat.  Randy told me that when they get the puppies at 8 weeks, they already have basic commands down pat.

I asked Randy if they let him get on the bed….oh no.  Not on the bed or sofa or eating human food.  That simple.

And then I met Diamond.  This little girl was only 10 weeks old and adorable.  She is going to be great.  Alert, fun, and very well behaved too.

I was asking Randy if he follows the dog once they give him or her back.  He said that it is up to the person that receives the dog.  Some do keep in touch and others, don’t.

If you are interested in becoming a puppy raiser, the first thing to do is complete the application at http://www.guidingeyes.org/volunteer.  A Guiding Eyes representative will contact you to discuss the next steps, which will be to attend pre-placement classes, meet your puppy, classes..etc. etc.

After puppy raising, the puppy will return to Guiding Eyes for evaluation by their professional staff.  Most dogs will continue on to formal guide dog training.

In 2007, Guiding Eyes for The Blind launched Heeling Autism, which is a service dog program in which they train select Guiding Eyes dogs to provide safety for children with autism.  The puppy you raised might be one of those.

If you want to talk to Barbara Byle, please call her at 302-422-3522.  There are Puppy Raising regions in Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, Delaware, Connecticut, New York, Ohio, Maryland, Virginia and North Carolina.

I was so amazed and pleased to hear that in December there were about 50 of those puppies being raised by Delmarva Puppy Raisers.

Have a good one!!

Note:  Information for this post was taken from their brochures.