Judy Grillo
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'Tis the Off-Season!

12/19/2020

10 Comments

 
     Where have I been? Nearly 7 weeks have passed since arriving in my state-of-residence, and while weather is becoming the greatest challenge, time continues to fly by. I’m living in what I affectionately call a “horizontal elevator shaft” – a small, center condo in Ocean City, Maryland that has one very redeeming quality, a balcony on the bay. So the warmth of November was a welcomed surprise for morning coffee with a view, and bike rides along scenic areas to the north and south of home base.
     Ocean City, in and of itself, is hideous; 9 miles of ill-conceived retail, hotels/motels, and cultural mismatch. My favorite “I can’t help but laugh” spot is the Paul Revere Smorgasbord serving an all-you-can-eat Colonial Feast. If it were open, I would ride my horse over there after having a drink at the nearby Cowboy Coast Saloon. There isn’t a town center here, but you can find the city hall at 3rd, the post office at 71st, and the library at 100th. Ocean City is where architects, city planners, preservationists and nature lovers go to learn “the don’ts”.
     So, you may be wondering why I’m here. For one, off-season housing prices are affordable when the population is oh-so-low. And, another good reason is access – to in-network healthcare I don’t want, but of equal importance, to friends within an hour or two. I’ve already enjoyed time outdoors with four dear friends, and a family member who came by for a week! The added bonus is that I know the area, so while I may be waking up to a disconnected universe, my sunny days are spent in charming Berlin, familiar Easton, gorgeous Assateague, rural Snow Hill, and the southern Delaware coast. Not too shabby at all.


10 Comments
Anne-Marie
12/31/2020 02:46:15 pm

Quite the eclectic surroundings: calming waters, scary bridges, tacky boardwalks, gorgeous Christmas tree, impressive "Whispering Giants," indulgent eats, etc. Congrats on the 5,000miles marker.

Reply
Judy
1/1/2021 07:13:01 pm

AMG: Yes, it's uncanny that this 9 miles exists surrounded by so much natural beauty and tasteful small towns and farms. Where is Mother Nature? Still pondering the close of the year and perhaps, the close of this public venue. j

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Brian
1/6/2021 07:24:42 pm

A least you got the 2 B's, Beach and bike. My parent's took us on vacation there once, I remember the ponie's. and the Islands. I could think of worst places to be.

Reply
Judy
1/6/2021 08:45:45 pm

Brian: Ha! Yes, I strongly dislike Ocean City and wonder why Mother Nature would take out beautiful Ocracoke Island and not clean house here! But, I knew I'd be OK because I love Assateague Island, knew the Delaware Shore, and surprise, Berlin is a cool little town. That said, January is getting cruel -- biked today in 23 mph winds & tonight's temp, 29. Last northern winter ever. j.

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Donna
1/13/2021 01:34:05 pm

I’ve only been to the OC once ( in the summer) on the way north from a wedding in North Carolina- good that it isn’t tourist season & that you know the surrounding area.... I see that you thankfully do own some winter clothing 😂

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Judy
1/16/2021 04:56:54 pm

Donna! Yes, I've been to OC 3x? before so I would NOT subject myself to summer here! So, you've seen what I travel with in the Element -- clothes for all occasions, thankfully. Actually, my expectation was far worse than what the weather has been so if February hurts, that's OK, as spring will be right behind it! J.

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David Nutt
1/23/2021 06:32:37 pm

Head South my friend. Every January you come to mind. My Nephew and I think of you often. Usually we ponder as to what and where is she now, with envy. Sebastian Inlet is calling your name.

Reply
Judy
1/23/2021 07:25:58 pm

HEY! While you were posting, so was I! I am always SO surprised and pleased to hear from you two! Are you fishing? Eating steak? Ha! ha!
I'm dragging my restless feet here under the delusion of vaccination, but believe me, my days of roaming are NOT over!!! Hope to cross paths again soon...Judy

Reply
Sue Tyler
1/29/2021 04:13:20 pm

Hey, I am finally getting around to reading this...
I hate OC as much as you do, maybe more because I have to put up with the morons that block our roads to get down there.
Looking forward to a warm ride together soon.

Reply
Judy
1/30/2021 11:33:17 am

Sue!
Stay optimistic, girlfriend! I rode 2x this week; my fingers and toes were inflexible by 20 miles and I had to call it quits. Must use the brakes. Hope stays alive for February! OC is a big wonder to me; wonder why people come here; but still loving Assateague & Berlin.

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