November 30th, 2014
 
This is one of my favorite stores at the Delaware Beaches. My friends do know so because I give them some of these baubbles to them. And, some have come to know TKO, Alice, and her husband, Bryant, as well. Love stopping by when in Bethany Beach to check what’s new. Usually, there is plenty to see. Alice and her husband, Bryant, who is also an artist and designer, as well, design and make their jewelry in-house.
TKO is located at 100 Garfield Parkway in Downtown Bethany Beach, Delaware. Stores 6 and 7. Tel. 302-539-6992. Website? http://www.alicehklein-tko.com.
Since 1980, Alice has been in business and she has quite a following. Her designs are recognizable; many customers collect her pieces of art.
Alice can customize any of your current pieces of jewelry. Maybe a little “facelift” is all that is needed.
 
From fun to fine jewelry, there is something for that special person in mind or for your own indulgence. Traveling? Her fun jewelry would be perfect!!
Alice has a line of wedding bands. She tells me during the summer, men and women come in because they have lost their wedding bands. That turns into a shopping event; all putting their 2 cents into the conversation.
You may also shop online, but at this time of the year TKO is open Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. You can also call for an appointment, as well.
 
Women love accesorizing with jewelry. Jewelry can add so much to a simple dress. And, at times just that special piece is all you need to make that entrance.
And, for that Caribbean vacation, when warmer climates are just what is in your future….this line is very cool.
Tax free shopping at the Delaware Beaches….oh, I love it!!
November 28th, 2014
 
A tradition in Southern Delaware, this is the 20th Annual Southeastern Delaware Artists Studio Tour. It covers the towns of Bethany Beach, Ocean View, Dagsboro, Selbyville, and Fenwick Island. So, are you awake? Because, today and tomorrow are the days where these talented artists open their studios. Get to know them up close and personal. Thirteen full time artists will be participating this year. Some you already know, but also there are a few new faces, as well.
The doors open from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. This is a self guided free tour. You can visit http://www.artstudiotour.com for more detailed information.
Click on http://www.artstudiotour.com/artists.htm to see the participating artists, and also their bios.
“Art in the Hat Raffle” – In each studio you visit you can purchase raffle tickets for $4.99 each or 5 for $20.00 100% of the proceeds from the raffle will benefit art programs and education in the Indian River School District. Each particpating artist has donated a work of art. And, they will all be raffled. Put however many tickets you want on your favorite piece or try your luck and put a few in each one. To find out what work of art each artists is donating, please visit http://www.artstudiotour.com/raffle.htm.
Over the years I have crawled the tour, always stopping by to visit one of my favorites. His name is Fom Frey. He is a Woodturner, located in Dagsboro. Using mostly local woods he turns them into beautiful pieces of art.
His miniatures are just gorgeous and so delicate.
Meet Tom Frey, the Woodturner.
 
Shopping season has started in earnest…..the Rehoboth Beach outlets were packed on “Midnight Madness”….but these artists offer something unique…a piece of art; all from their heart.
Stop by check them out, have some cookies and refreshments….they offer that too.
Have a great week-end!!
November 24th, 2014
It is a time of the year to give thanks….shouldn’t we be doing this every day? I try to but at times, I do forget. Giving thanks to Lane Builders is something that I will never forget. No way. Lane Builders is located at 1009 Kings Highway in Lewes, Delaware, 19958. Tel. 302-645-5555. Website? http://www.lanebuilders.com.
On AboutMyBeaches I have posted about Lane Builders. It is my story and my relationship with this caring builder. Jeff Burton, Keith Hastings and their staff at Lane Builders made sure that the process of building the House on Parkwood Street in Bethany Beach went smoothly and on a timely manner.
Besides Lane Builders offering custom homes, renovations, and anything under the sun that could be done to enhance your property, they also have 4 Preplanned Homes: Mission Bay, Sunset Bay, Tidewater, and Berkshire. When you open the above mentioned website, you can click under the heading of Preplanned Homes.
Then, if you click on Tidewater and scroll down a bit, you will also see that this home is in memory of my late husband, John Merryman, III, who owned Tidewater Realty, Ltd. in Bethany Beach. Lane Builders and John designed this home to fit just the right lot in beautiful Bethany Beach. You can also read and check the photos of my testimonial.
 
The Tidewater, along with the other preplanned homes are designed with the Delaware coast in mind. Energy efficient; careful detailed has been given to them just like they would give to any custom home, just like Tidewater was.
 
I am in Bethany Beach every week. I drive at times by the house. The last photo was taken a few weeks ago. I have seen the new owners’ car there…..They are making their own memories in The Quiet Resort. John would have been so proud.
Again, thank you Lane Builders. Have a Happy Thanksgiving.
October 31st, 2014
 
Bethany Beach gets dressed to celebrate Halloween. The beginnings of Bethany Beach started with the members of the Christian Church, also known as the Disciples of Christ, from Washington, D.C. area and Pennsylavania.
It is a family seaside resort and originally these Disciples of Christ were looking for land for a permanent yearly seaside assembly for the Christian churches of the country. Amazing isn’t it?
Today, as I passed by Bethany, my friend, Annie, told me how cute the town looked…..it is the week-end and the businesses are open in the Second Season.
In 1901 the town of Bethany Beach was founded.
In 1934 the first paved road from Bethany Beach to Rehoboth Beach was completed.
In 1952 the Chesapeake Bay Bridge was opened and dedicated….no more taking the ferry.
In 1966 Baltimore Trust became Bethany Beach’s first bank……the good old days!!
In 1973 St. Ann’s becomes the official Catholic Church parish, a new church is built.
In 1974 the parking meters were installed….oh noooooo!
In 1977 the First Indian statue was placed at Rt. 1 and 26….I remember Peter Toth working on it.
In 1984 First July 4th parade and fireworks were held…..I took my son for the first time….he was 7 months.
Happy Halloween!!
October 29th, 2014
Pepper’s Greenhouses….13034 Cedar Creek Rd., Milton, DE 19968. Tel. 302-684-8092. Well, I will give you my Sussex County directions: From Rehoboth Beach go north on Rt. 1 or Coastal Highway, turn left on Rt. 16 west. Drive for a few miles and when you get to the stop sign in Milton, where the Food Lion is, turn right and immediately turn left. Follow that road for less than a mile and the Pepper’s will be on your left. That easy and worth a trip to the greenhouses.
This is a family operated busines. They have been doing so since 1985. They also have online shopping and shipping within the United States. Visit http://www.accentsforhomeandgarden.com. They only close on Tuesdays at this time of the year. On Facebook you can find them two ways: Pepper’s Greenhouse or Accents for Home and Garden.
Pepper’s takes a complete different aura in the Fall. Just like anywhere else it is a bit more quiet….well, let me correct myself. More quiet everywhere else unless you are Sea-Witching in Rehoboth Beach, or ghost hunting in Lewes….Those 2 Delaware Beaches do not stop year-round.
Pepper’s greenhouses looked beautiful the other day. The weather is cooperating so if you still have some planting to do, take a drive over. Plenty of cabbages, and winter pansies.
Strolling the greenhouses I found pineapples!!
The poinsettias are slowly turning waiting their turn!!
Pepper’s offers plenty accents for the home and garden. They also have ready made arrangements and a “forever” section of flowers…silks, etc. etc.
It is going to be beautiful today!! Check it out!
 
October 1st, 2014
 
I remember it like it was yesterday, except it was at the beginning of June, this year. It was promising to be a wonderful week in Bethany Beach, Delaware. Little Pink Houses of Hope had everything in place thanks to the organization of Annie Raskauskas and Stacy Shepps. It took plenty of help to make sure that it would go smoothly. The families coming in did not know one another.
The community stood behind this organization that has been holding retreats in Bethany Beach for families of those afflicted with breast cancer. Breast cancer, just like many chronic diseases, not only afflict the person, but also the whole family. In Bethany Beach houses and townhouses were donated so that the families could come, free of charge, relax and rejuvenate at the beach.
They were going to be busy too….plenty of activities, get togethers, fun on the sand at the water’s edge, cookouts, you name it. It was fun!!
The Founder and President of Little Pink Houses of Hope is Jeanine Patten-Coble. The website is http://www.littplepink.org. Please check the website to get informed about Little Pink Houses of Hope or if you would like to apply for one of the retreats for next year. Bethany Beach, Delaware, is one of the locations, but they are also held in other states, as well.
Donations are always accepted….you can do so directly online.
The families arrived at the beginning of June as complete strangers and by the end of the week, they were a united front. It was really heartwarming to see. There were smiles and plenty of thanks to all that had worked all week to make them forget breast cancer.
We were going Deep Sea Fishing!! The Judy V was taking us out. Well, it was an experience. Here we are about to take off from the Indian River Marina. Pink is the signature color for breast cancer….wearing pink Butter Shades.
Off we went. It was beautiful. As you know to get out to do any deep sea fishing in coastal Delaware you need to go way out to sea. So far so good. From the boat plenty of photos were taken.
The kids were thrilled. They had the bait ready and a few caught something.
   
Right before some got seasick, we still had time for more photos. Not fun getting seasick, but at times it cannot be helped. We cut the fishing expedition short, because we still had so many things to do on land….like picnic, and later on a pig roast.
The picnic was very nice and we had it at the Indian River Marina. Yeap….from the fishing trip to eating!! Sandwiches, cupcakes, and fruit!!
Nap time until the Pig Roast and a farewell evening event at the beach….oceanfront!!
The house was in a festive mood. A Pig Roast and games on the beach. The evening went smoothly and everyone attended.
The families had even time for a birthday celebration!!
Then, it was time to hit the beach for some family fun time with the kids!! Carol was the organizer. And she had her hands full. These Little Pinks had so much energy and it was great to see them let loose.
The pinata and other games were a hit.
 
It was time to say “until we meet again”. The evening was emotional for so many of the families. Their bond was stronger. Many memories were made on this particular week.
Stay positive, stay strong….
September 1st, 2014
Operation SEAs the Day begins tomorrow, Tuesday, 9/2, until Sunday, 9/7. When the Warrior Families arrive they will find hot sizzling weather, perfect for their rest and relaxation in Bethany Beach, Delaware.
This event has become an annual event, after such a successful first year in 2013. And, it does take a village to get it going. Thirty soldiers and their immediate families will arrive at the beach. Five additional families who first attended Warrior Beach Week last year have been selected to attend as SEAs the Day Alumni.
These important families will be staying in homes or condos donated to them by local homeowners. There will be a a welcome reception by the VFW Post 7234, a beach bonfire/cookout offered by Sea Colony Management, events and activities like golf, concerts, paddleboarding, boating and fishing. Then, a farewell brunch at the Bethany Beach Volunteer Fire Dept. You can find this and more information about Operation SEAs the Day by visiting http://www.operationseastheday.org.
Operation SEAs the Day Mission is: “To organize and facilitate a beach week event for our wounded soldiers and their families as a means of showing our appreciation for their service and sacrifice.” The town is ready, posters are on the windows of shops and restaurants.
And when these families come, Bethany Beach will be an uplifting place to be. This Quiet Resort looks gorgeous.
Operation SEAs the Day, we hope you have a great time!!
Note: You can find Operation SEAs the Day on Facebook. Have a good one!
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.
 
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