August 30th, 2017
“I have had a good life.” john merryman, III…Those were my late husband’s, John, words a few days before he passed away on August 31, 2013. I will keep this post short as he did not want his family to dwell on his passing. He wanted us to move forward and so we have, one foot in front of the other. I always say that 10% is what happens to you and the rest 90% is how you react. It does not matter how prepared we are for a loved one’s departure eternally from our side, it is still an adjustment.
Our friends mention him a lot. He was hard to forget. A dry sense of humor, quiet, and a true gentleman. My good friends are always at my side. Tomorrow they will be there, as well. We will have dinner and remember the good times we had with him. He was a foodie when the word was not even in the dictionary.
He loved Michael and John above all else. John is 33 and Michael is turning 30 on 9/4. Getting together with friends was priceless.
 
Our friends, Annie, Cathy, and Ron he would be so thankful for all the help they have given me.
One person that he would have enjoyed immensely would have been our granddaughter, Sophia. She is something else.
“Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass. It’s about learning how to dance in the rain….” So, life continues, as it should, one step at a time.
Note: Close to my heart is the research currently under way at Temple Health for Pulmonary Hypertension. If you have someone in need of help please contact Dr. Anjali Vaidya, MD, FACC, FASE, FACP, Advanced Heart Failure and Cardiac Transplant 215-707-7636 or write anjali.vaidya@tuhs.temple.edu. If you would like to contribute, please contact Katie Beddis, Senior Director of Development, Medical Education and Research Building. 215-707-9459, or write Kbeddis@temple.edu. Ask for information and mention my name, Gloria Merryman.
August 31st, 2014
The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched. They must be felt with the heart. helen keller
My post starts tonight with those words because as many of you know, my husband, John Merryman, III passed away August 31, 2013. I remember saying…1 month…2 months, then, 6 months….and now it has been 12 months.
It is very hard for me to talk about John in the past when he is so much in our present. John would be happy of the things that we, as a family, have accomplished. I will leave it at that, since it is more private.
I have so many photos of John. He did not like his picture taken, but now that over the years I have done so, I am so happy. Some of them are pretty funny, and he would just shake his head if I put them here.
He, actually, did not want us to dwell on his passing. We miss him, so we do.
A few weeks ago, I came full circle. Mr. Ernest C. Raskauskas was in Bethany Beach, Delaware. Mr. Raskauskas hired John as a realtor back in 1977. John came to interview at the beach and the rest is history. John learned so much from this man….contract writing and real estate in general. Mr. Raskauskas was a trial lawyer in Washington, D.C. He is a philantropist, who has given his time, funds, and full heart to those causes that are dearest to him.
Back in the day his real estate company was called East Coast Resorts. They developed Bethany West, Bayberry Woods, and The Villas of Bethany West, among others developments. Many of the real estate companies started in Bethany at the time, were started by realtors that had worked for Mr. Raskauskas, including Tidewater Realty, which my husband started in 1988.
I saw Mr. Raskauskas on his visit to the beach and I asked him how he was and he answered “I am still here”. He is witty, so intelligent and the patriarch of a family of 9 children. Mrs. Raskauskas was the ultimate matriarch, as well.
John and I became part of their family. They treated us like their children.
I wanted to get together with him. His daughter, Annie, was John’s best friend, along with Jay. So I asked her if I could come to see him at her house. I brought food, and we celebrated John’s life. Our life, in Bethany started with him. It was so nice to visit and have dinner with him and remember “the good old days”.
Thanks to Mr. Raskauskas who picked the reading for the evening. Psalm 23 (King James Version)….The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want….
Just a few of us there….our friend, Carol, as well. She had known John for so many years too.
 Carol, Annie, Mr. R. Today, John, Michael, and I celebrated John’s life with our own ceremony….and then just like John would have wanted us to do we went to eat at the diner in downtown Bethany.
John’s prize possesion was his family….he loved Michael and John. He showed them how to ski, hunt, fish, play golf, baseball, and throw the lax ball. The three of them had a ball when skiing.
Now it is just the two of them….with me at their sides.
Putting one foot in front of the other, taking it easy and handling things just like John would have wanted us to do have made the path easier. So, until next time…..I can hear John saying…enough is enough, pleeeeease!! Talk to you later.
October 24th, 2013
Today I celebrate John’s life. My husband, John, passed away peacefully on August 31st. All the emotions are there; sadness, anger, and even relief for him.
John’s birthday was October 24th. This date is also our anniversay. I did not want him to forget it. He also would be mortified to be featured on my blog. This post is for me. He was private, conservative in his dressing and views, and had a very dry sense of humor.
John and I met in Puerto Rico in 1973 and nobody thought we would last. They would say “Gloria is dating a gringo”. No kidding, they never thought it would. The funny part is that we did and only a few that married at the time stayed together.
Life was, definitely, simpler then. John and I were so young; no worries, no responsibilities, and practically, no bills. This photo says it all. It was taken in 1975 in St. Thomas.
John lived in El Yunque, way inside the rainforest in Puerto Rico. The house was designed by a student of Frank Lloyd Wright; all open with the jungle staring at you all the time.
 
We used to spend time with Louie who also lived even deeper into the rainforest, in a thatch roof hut that was out of a novel, collecting rare orchids and anthuriums.
When we moved from Puerto Rico, we chose the Delaware Beaches to live. We never lived away from the ocean. We really enjoyed it. Plus, we were just a few hours drive from Baltimore, Maryland, where John was from.
 Bethany Beach, 1977 We, actually, have 2 anniversaries; In Virginia and in Puerto Rico, married in different years.
Family, business, and responsibilities, then followed. And, plenty of friends along the way. He loved to hunt, golf, fish, ski, and the beach. John was the original “foodie”, when that word was not even part of the vocabulary. We showed Michael and John how to work the blue crabs early.
His passion was real estate and the company he founded in 1988, in Bethany Beach, was his baby. Tidewater Realty, Ltd. was a boutique style real estate firm catering to customers who appreciated personal and individual attention. He sold a lifestyle that was also his own.
John loved good craftmanship and one of the last things he wanted was a box to be made for his Mariner’s Compass, circa 1885. Scott Angelucci of Angelucci’s Fine Woodworking in Milford, Delaware, was commissioned by John to make the box.
 
The main wood is Tiger Maple. The dark trim and the dark wood on the compass rose is called wenge and grows in the Congo River. The lighter wood on the compass rose is yellow heart and grows in South America. The repeated inlad design is cherry, maple and walnut. Inside, the box is lined with velvet on the bottom and the rim is zebra wood, which grows in Africa. The box is gorgeous and John would have loved it.
I opened one of my Kind Notes and it said: “Gone from our sight, never from our hearts.”
I can close my eyes and turn the pages of my personal album. Forty years together is a lifetime. And John always said he had a good life. He had his family’s back and I had his back.
 
And, until we meet again…for now, it is one foot in front of the other.
June 22nd, 2013
Oceanfront, nothing beats it…the sound of the waves is so relaxing, and the breathtaking views of the ocean…priceless!! After visiting The Preserve in North Beathany Beach, Delaware, I truly see why these beaches in North Bethany are so desirable.
North Bethany is known for its miles of private beaches. The Preserve was established, I believe, 15 years ago. There are about, maybe, 5o homes in this gated community. It has pool and tennis courts. It also has lifeguards during the summer months.
 Looking South  Looking North This fabulous home is located at 39700 E. Hamptons Lane, in The Preserve in North Bethany. It has 5/6 bedrooms, landscaping, awesome views, oceanfront, and plenty of amenities to let you kick back and relax in style!!
The back of the house….the ocean with an amazing wide beach; no crowds…all private.
The house is offered at $4,199,000 and it is listed with Tidewater Realty, located at 32892 Coastal Highway, The Starboard Center, Suite 6, Bethany Beach, DE 19930. Broker? John Merryman, III Tels. 302-539-7500, 302-245-5900 Website? http://www.tidewaterrealty.com. Please visit the website if you would like to see a virtual tour of the home featured on this post and for other interests in the real estate market in Bethany Beach, North Bethany and coastal Delaware.
Tidewater Realty, has had a presence in Bethany Beach, Delaware for many years. John Merryman, III founded Tidewater Realty in 1988, after being in real estate in Bethany Beach for 12 years. It is a boutique style real estate firm, catering to customers that want personal attention all the time.
Gorgeous day at the Delaware Beaches…Enjoy!!
June 2nd, 2013
Bethany Beach and Fenwick Island, Delaware, are considered the quiet resorts. During the summer, the Quiet Resorts tend to be busy; a little quieter through the winter.
Bethany has gorgeous beaches with the Boardwalk and Bandstand the life ot this coastal resort during the summer. Pretty much all the streets in downtown Bethany Beach lead to the beach.
Delaware has low property taxes, no sales tax and Tidewater Realty can sell you that lifestyle. Tidewater Realty has had a presence in Bethany Beach for many years. It is a boutique real estate company catering to customers that want that personal attention all the time. It is located at 32892 Coastal Highway (Rt.1) in the Starboard Center. Broker of Record? John Merryman Tels. 302-539-7500 and 302-245-5901. Website? http://www.tidewaterrealty.com
During the summer months in Bethany Beach there is no construction going on. The town is sensitive to those that visit the resort and would like them to enjoy the area without listening to the banging of nails and the ins and outs of construction.
The lot at 313 Parkwood St. sits on a semi-dead end street. It is walking distance to everything the town of Bethany Beach has to offer. On this photo you can see the street looking east towards the beach and the second photo is the lot, which is 40 x 125.
 
Construction on this lot will start in the fall of 2013. Following are the photos of the house that will be built by Lane Builders. It is a custom built home, 3,710 square feet of living space, 650 square feet of porches, 210 square feet of decks, 6 bedrooms, 4 baths, elevator, deluxe master shower, hardwood floors, ceramic tile floors in bathrooms, granite countertops in the kitchen. It has 2,850 heated square feet. Pre-construction price is $999,000. Best deal in town.
For more information, please call John Merryman at Tidewater Realty, 302-539-7500 or 302-245-5901.
Enjoy the day….it is beautiful at the Beach!!
March 28th, 2013
In the 1900’s getting to Bethany Beach was a traveling adventure. First you had to take off for Rehoboth Beach by railroad, continue by boat; crossing the Rehoboth and Indian River bays, keep on going to the Assawoman Canal, then by a 2-horse drawn bus. It was exhausting. Later on, in 1910, it was made a little easier with the dredging of the Loop Canal. You could then, travel by boat from Rehoboth Beach and be dropped off right in town.
In 2010 the Loop Canal celebrated its centennial. Hopefully, when you visit Bethany, you will have a time to stop and reflect on how easy it was for you to get there; the others took the long trip to this coastal town that since those days, still maintains that family atmosphere.
I think I can talk about Bethany Beach because from 1981 until 2000, I lived in Bethany. My children’s playground? That’s right….Downtown Bethany Beach!! The town was a little different then; no alcohol, no pharmacy, and one grocery store; Gerald’s. We, the residents did not know how to act when some of those things you take for granted made their first appearance. Guess what? It was not missed. We either went to Rehoboth Beach or Ocean City, Maryland.
Bethany Beach and Fenwick are considered quiet resorts. I must admit that in the winter they are a bit quieter than Lewes and Rehoboth Beach. Come summer, these towns are popular resort towns at the Delaware Beaches.
Living at the Delaware Beaches is living stress free. It is definitely a care free lifestyle. It is enhanced by the fact that Delaware has low property taxes and no sales tax. The weather? Actually, it is pretty good too.
Tidewater Realty has had a presence in Bethany Beach since 1988. Broker of Record, John Merryman, has been selling Bethany and Delaware since the mid 70’s. Tidewater Realty is located at 32892 Coastal Highway (Rt.1) in the Starboard Center. Plenty of parking with easy access from Coastal Highway (Rt.1). Tel. 302-539-7500. Website? http://www.tidewaterrealty.com
Tidewater Realty takes pride in the personal attention they give their clients. The lifestyle they sell is priceless!
One of the few lots available for sale in Bethany Beach is located at 313 Parkwood St. This is a 40 x 125 lot. It is $599,000. The future owner of this lot could build a 4,000 square foot home on this lot. It is not in a flood zone and only 2 1/2 blocks from the beach, the shops, the restaurants, and the center of Bethany Beach.
The street is quiet and it is a semi-dead end street.
Let’s walk to the beach!
Parkwood Street looking east. Beach is at the end.
Crossing Rt. 1. To the left is the town.
You are almost there.
At the end of Parkwood..the ramp to the Boardwalk.
Parkwood Street is also the end of the Boardwalk.
Now, where should we park ourselves?
To the south of the Boardwalk?
Or, should we just place our beach chairs on the north side? Decisions, decisions!!
Tons of beach, or, just walk the Boardwalk.
The Bandstand in Bethany Beach is the life of the town. Summer concerts, gatherings or just people watching. Ice cream, French fries..the works, is all there within walking distance.
From the Bandstand, the beach continues; never ending. Looks like fun, doesn’t it? Nothing better! Even as I write this post I remember sitting at the beach all day long with the kids.
All streets in Downtown Bethany Beach lead to the beach…At this time of year…surprise, surprise!! Who do we have here going to the beach?
November 9th, 2012
It is so good to be able to say thank you and mean it. I want to thank those companies advertising on AboutMyBeaches. Some of them I bugged a lot; explaining why they should be on my website. I really do appreciate it.
AboutMyBeaches started back on July of 2009. It was one of those ideas. I am a frustrated concierge. First it was going to be just a website. When my webmaster, Ed Timmons, met with me, I kept talking and talking. He probably thought I was more of a blogger. So, really, it was his suggestion. Here I am. I consider myself to be in the business of Word of Mouth.
Since my advertisers are on my website, which is written in a blog style, you can access them directly. Just look at them on the right hand side of AboutMyBeaches, http://www.aboutmybeaches.com, and you will be able to find out what these companies are all about. They are all different. Their owners are very nice, and easy to talk to.
Let’s meet them:
Tidewater Realty – This company is located at 32892 Coastal Highway (Rt.1) at the Starboard Center in the town of Bethany Beach, Delaware. Bethany is considered one of the Quiet Resorts of the Delaware Beaches. I know it well. For many years I lived there. It is a small coastal community, with great beaches, and quaint little restaurants. Tel. 302-539-7500. Toll free 900-888-7501.
 Bethany Beach Tidewater Realty is a boutique size real estate company. Broker of Record? John Merryman, III. This company has been a sales leader in the community for 30 years. It is known for its personal and professional attention. Website? http://www.tidewaterrealty.com. Please remember that Delaware has low property taxes and tax free shopping!!
Coastal Chem-Dry – This company is at the forefront of the carpet and upholstery industry. Green certified, with innovative equipment and powerful cleaning solutions. Website? http://www.chem-dry.net/coastal.de. It dries quickly, so you don’t have to wait hours and even days for this to happen.
A Fall Special!! 3 rooms for $119.95 up to 350 sq.ft. Stairs not included.
Please contact them at: New Castle County and Kent County 302-234-0200. Sussex County 302-645-2800.
Check the website for more specials and information.
Miken Builders is located at 32782 Cedar Drive, Millville, Delaware 19967. Millville is located a few miles west of Bethany Beach. Tel. 302-537-4444. Cell 302-381-0773. Website? http://www.mikenbuilders.com. Mike Cummings is the Founder and CEO of this company. I have known him for so many years. Our sons played Little League together. Besides being a friend, I have also been a customer.
Miken Builders is a commercial and residential construction company. It is very well respected for his construction work and for his involvement in our communities. No job is too small or too big for them.
Last summer they worked on my house. A whole new entry way, which by the way, I have enjoyed and was very much needed. Also, there was some remodeling in my bathroom.
Betterliving Patio & Sunrooms of Delmarva. This company is under the umbrella of Miken Builders. Location? 32442 Royal Blvd., Unit 1, Dagsboro, DE 19939. Tel. 302-251-0000. Toll Free 877-251-0080. Website? http://www.betterlivingdelmarva.com. They are the exclusive provider of Betterliving 3-Season year-round sunrooms and awnings.
Doggies at the Beach is a boarding and day care facility for your pooches. It is located at 18806 John J. Williams Highway (Rt. 24), Rehoboth Beach, Delaware. Tel. 302-644-8200. Website? http://www.doggiesatthebeach.com. It is my dog, Addy’s, home away from home. I have total confidence in Jim and his staff and when I leave her there. I feel she is in the best of care.
Doggies at the Beach has 4 master groomers for dogs and cats, working 7 days a week; mornings, afternoons, and evenings. All you have to do is call for an appointment. The facility is great with 24/7 human care. It is also climate controlled. Dog training is also available.
Two new web-cams are being installed. One will be located in the new puppy room, the other in the new building called Bayside.
Doggies at the Beach is very much involved in the community. Don’t be surprised to see them in parades, holding events, and having a good old time!!
SoDel Concepts, founded and owned by Restauranteur & Philanthropist, Matt Haley. Website? http://www.sodelconcepts.com. A total of 6 restaurants at the moment, with its newest one, Papa Grande, opening in 2013 in Fenwick Island, Delaware. Stay tuned for updates. Busy does not even begin to describe this company. I have written posts, with pictures, on most of them, except Blue Coast Seafood Grill….soon, though. Just put their name on the search of AboutMyBeaches to see some delicious dishes.
In Lewes, Delaware you will find Fish On! – http://www.fishon.bz
In Rehoboth Beach, Delaware you will find Lupo di Mare – http://www.lupodimarerehoboth.com
In North Bethany Beach, Delaware you will also find Matt’s Fish Camp – http://www.mattsfishcamp.com
Also, in North Bethany you will find Blue Coast Seafood Grill – http://www.bluecoastseafoodgrill.com
In Ocean View, Delaware you will find NorthEast Seafood Kitchen – http://www.northeastseafoodkitchen.com
In Fenwick Island, Delaware, that’s where you will find Catch 54 – http://www.catch54.com.
In each of them I have found a favorite dish. If you are visiting the Delaware Beaches, try them. I don’t think you will be disappointed.
Plate Catering – This is a catering company owned by Matt Haley, owner of SoDel Concepts. A dinner for many, or just for a few. An intimate affair, perhaps? A special occasion, I am sure. They can handle it. Please give them a call at 302-644-1200. Website? http://www.plate-catering.com
The Global Delaware Fund. This is a non-profit organization founded by Matt Haley, owner of SoDel Concepts and Plate Catering. It provides goods and services to children at risk in distressed situations. It has been lending a hand here, in Delaware, and abroad. Please visit http://www.theglobaldelawarefund.com.
Butter Shades is a sun glass company from Philadelphia that sells affordable sunglasses without sacrificing pure, manufactured quality. This company has a passion and compassion…they are giving back to the community, as well. Please check the sunglasses at http://www.buttershades.com
TKO – In Bethany Beach you will find Alice H. Klein, Jeweler and Designer. She is the owner and founder of TKO Designs, Inc. In the business for 32 years, Alice has a unique way of presenting a beautiful stone in its best light. She works with plastics and resins, precious and semi-precious stones, pearls, gold, gold filled, silver and Swaroski crystals. She can give a lift to a tired setting giving it that wow factor.
 
TKO Designs is located at 100 Garfield Pkwy., Stores 6 & 7, Bethany Beach, Delaware. Tel. 302-539-6992. Website? http://www.alicehklein-tko.com. I have known the company for so long and I am a consummate fan of her work. Her niece JoAnne works at her store, as well.
Florida – I do have a few advertisers in Florida. You might want to know them. Whether you are a snowflake or a snowbird these 2 companies provide great services. I also know them, personally, and can recommend them fully.
Tauriello & Co. is a real estate company located in the heart of Delray Beach, Florida. This coastal town is also known as the Village by the Sea. You can find it at 900 E. Atlantic Avenue. Tel. 561-278-5570. Toll Free 877-509-8300. Website? http://www.tauriello.com.
Brokers of Record are Daniel & Sue Tauriello. They have been in Delray Beach for so many years and are very well respected in the Village by the Sea. I have known them since 2003 and they have given me personal and professional service. Please call Cheran or Sue if you want to find that special place to hang your beach chair.
Beach House Management, LLC – This is a property management company in Delray Beach. Michael Keegan is at the helm of the company and along with his staff, you home will be in good hands. Totally professional and caring. I have used Michael since 2003 and have no regrets at all. Some might think that a property management company is a luxury; in reality, it is a necessity when you are not there. For more information, please visit http://www.mybeachhouses.com. Tel. 561-376-4329.
Again, I do appreciate your business….Interested advertising on AboutMyBeaches? I think it is a very good deal. $500 for one year. Your banner on AboutMyBeaches. My personal attention, as well. Check the website and see if you like it. Nothing better than word of mouth.
Have a good one!!
July 31st, 2012
“Bethany was named by H.LO. Atkinson, who won a nationwide contest. He was given a lot on the beach as his prize. Bethany still reflects the character of the early settlers who were looking for “a haven of rest for quiet people”.” It is known as The Quiet Resort.
Having lived in Bethany Beach for many years, I cannot help to feel disappointment as I learned the Travel Channel will not be featuring Bethany Beach in the upcoming filming of the best boardwalks in America. Not sure if that is the title of the program, though. The Travel Channel will be filming in Rehoboth Beach this coming week-end as part of that program. They will be concentrating mainly on the Boardwalk, Bandstand and what goes around it.
How I know about this, is because I was contacted by the film company for some information. I am sure they have contacted others in the area, as well. They will also be filming in Ocean City, Maryland, during the Marlin Tournament in a couple of weeks. So I asked them about Bethany Beach. Guess what? No idea it was even there or how far from each other our beaches really are, including O.C.
Believe me, I am thrilled that Rehoboth and Ocean City will be nationally featured. But, little Bethany has been left behind.
I told them everything I could about why they should film if Bethany, even if only a few minutes. You know, how tiny Bethany is. That’s what people love. I told them that Bethany’s summer life revolves around the Boardwalk and Bandstand. A piece of small town America. Kids playing on the beach, music playing at the Bandstand. I even told them about the Totem Pole; how I had seen Peter Wolf Toth carve it in the 1970’s. Chief Little Owl, which is a landmark in Bethany Beach was his #22. His gift to give honor to Native Americans; Trail of The Whispering Giants.
The Bethany Beach Boardwalk, along with the Rehoboth Beach Boardwalk received awards at the same time. Number 6 of 10 Great American Boardwalks.
When I look at these pictures, I can’t help thinking….they don’t know what they are missing!!
 Best way to travel in Bethany Beach..The Trolley!! Have a great day!! Talk to you later…
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