Surviving NJ

Posted by Deb of Surviving NJ blog at 08:36 AM | Permalink| Disclosure Policy

Speaking of cars...was last weekend New Jersey Car Shows weekend?

Seriously, they were all over the place last weekend. Even our little diner near us had nearly 100-200 cars on their major cruiser night last week. Then I drove down a little farther, and there was another car show.

Usually when it’s cruiser night, you’ll see 20 or so cars, but this was massive. Then I went over to pick up my son, and in Coopersburg, PA there was a massive Mustang show! I think there was one in Doylestown too. Maybe it’s not just New Jersey Car Shows weekend, maybe it’s across the states.

Is this a big yahoo weekend before summer is over? Not sure, but I kept passing them all over the place!

The last New Jersey car show we went to was a Corvette show down in Long Beach Island back in June.

Posted by Deb of Surviving NJ blog at 07:42 AM | Permalink| Disclosure Policy

We’ve been looking at used cars in New Jersey, and we’ve found a few that might fit the bill. We’ve got a Jeep rolling up to 100,000 miles soon, and we may be replacing that (luckily it's just a weekend and errands car, as we have two others).

We keep talking about it, but we’re holding out a little longer. One plan is keeping the Jeep, and getting another car, since we won’t get much on the trade. With all the driving we do, we need to scope out those used cars. New Jersey, in the area I live in- you have to have a car to get places. The public transportation isn’t that great, since we’re in the suburbs. In the city, the New Jersey transit is better I think. We do have train stations, but if you don’t want to go into the city, they aren’t taking you to the grocery store, ya know?

The thing is, the Jeep is the dog car, so we’re looking at another station wagon or SUV for things like errands and the dogs. We found a nice deal on an Explorer, but hubby wants to hang in there just a little longer. I laughed and said, just until the Explorer is bought by someone else! SUV pricing is way down, so if we’re going to get another one, we should buy it sooner than later. Once gas prices start to drop, people won’t be so panicky, and SUV prices will go up again. We have a car for commuting, and I have my own truck, so it’s not an urgent thing. Oh well, I guess we’ll keep looking at the used cars. New Jersey gas prices are dropping, but I don’t think my honey is biting quite yet.

Posted by Deb of Surviving NJ blog at 07:30 AM | Permalink| Disclosure Policy

When it comes to resorts in Wildwood, NJ, there’s a new place going up right next to Pier 6600 Motel in the Crest. It’s called The Grand at Diamond Beach. It looks fantastic, and should be gorgeous when it’s done. They’re in the middle of construction. I can’t wait to see the final result next summer.

I probably won’t get back down to Wildwood any more in 2008, but there will be plenty of time in 2009. If you’re looking for resorts in Wildwood, NJ be sure to check this new one out.

Posted by Deb of Surviving NJ blog at 07:24 AM | Permalink| Disclosure Policy

Posted by Deb of Surviving NJ blog at 02:17 PM | Permalink| Disclosure Policy

I was thinking of doing a New Jersey Yellow Pages kind of directory. I’m not sure if I’m up to the task, but I thought it might be neat to build a massive online directory.

I put a book together called a Fun Finder, and that was pretty time consuming.

What do you think of an “All Things Jersey” kind of directory? I’ve got a couple of NJ sites I’m all ready working with; one for Wildwood, another for Long Beach Island.

Do you think the full state would be too big of a project? We’ll see if I'm up to it once school starts. I picked a domain, and pointed it elsewhere for now, but the idea is floating around in my head.

Posted by Deb of Surviving NJ blog at 06:09 PM | Permalink| Disclosure Policy

Nah, not the New Jersey Devils hockey team, I'm talking about the famous spooky tail of the "New Jersey Devil”….or the "Jersey Devil".

I remember hearing the story, and when I’d drive through the pine barrens at night, sometimes I’d be thinking… “What if it is true?” Of course, I’m only thinking that because it’s pitch black, and it feels like the pine barrens go on forever. I know it’s silly, but my mind starts playing tricks on me. I have way too visual of a mind!

What do you think of the Jersey Devil? I know, I know…..superstition, but was there ever a time when you went “maybe”. I just don't do spooky stuff well. I'm a big ole chicken.

Posted by Deb of Surviving NJ blog at 05:55 PM | Permalink| Disclosure Policy

The New Jersey Devils are a hot team; Jersey folks just love them. I’m not a huge hockey fan, but did have the chance to see the New Jersey Devils take on the Philadelphia Flyers about a year ago. It was a lot of fun, since there were plenty of Philadelphia fans there, as well as a loud Devils crowd.

Growing up in Bucks County, we cheered on all the Philadelphia teams. I still cheer on the Eagles, but my hubby has us rooting for the Yankees when it comes to b-ball. I won't even mention his Jets team. (Boo!)

We don’t do basketball or hockey at my house.

Posted by Deb of Surviving NJ blog at 05:52 PM | Permalink| Disclosure Policy

Here was my view from my balcony. I pulled the picture off my camera, so I could get it up here. I love looking out at the ocean! The guy who played music was almost under my balcony, so we just opened the sliding glass door and listened to music as we chilled after a day in the sun.

This is one place I'd happily return to. (Pier 6600 Motel, Wildwood Crest) 

Posted by Deb of Surviving NJ blog at 11:03 PM | Permalink| Disclosure Policy

Posted by Deb of Surviving NJ blog at 11:58 AM | Permalink| Disclosure Policy

You can read more about the Drifting Sands motel in Long Beach Island here.

We stayed at the Drifting Sands Motel this past week in Long Beach Island. This was my first time staying at this particular hotel/motel. I generally stay in one or two others, but they were fully booked. We liked that the room was large and clean, but were a bit disappointed with what they called a "partial ocean view". I'll be honest, I had to get on my toes, and lean to the left, and I saw about 1-2 inches of ocean. Maybe some of the closer rooms had a better view. I had a great view of the sand dune. It's okay though, I enjoyed sitting on the balcony regardless and enjoying a light breeze. They supplied the deck area with two chairs.

What I liked a lot was the parking was assigned, which means you can actually find a spot, and it's not in the most inconvenient possible. I liked their outdoor shower so you could clean off extra sand before going up to your room. I also liked the location of sort. While it's on the busy circle, it is half way to both ends, which makes driving to either side of the island easy.

What we missed? We missed that there wasn't a pool. We love a pool at the beach. While we swim in the ocean, we also like to swim in the pool. If you have small children, and the waves are rough, the pool is a nice option to have. Usually every time we go down, we swim in both the ocean and the pool each day.

Would I stay at this motel again? Yes, I liked it well enough, but we're partial to another because we've been going to it for so long.

Posted by Deb of Surviving NJ blog at 05:52 PM | Permalink| Disclosure Policy

1. Long Beach Island
2. Six Flags "Great Adventure"
3. The Old Red Mill in Clinton, New Jersey and the great Ducky Race
4. Wildwood boardwalk
5. Charming Hopewell Boro (Main Street USA)
6. Atlantic City Casinos
7. Liberty Village in Flemington
8. Old West BBQ in Annandale (fall off the bone Babyback Ribs)
9. Trenton Makes Bridge
10. Rutgers and a renewed football team (my husband went to Rutgers)
11. NJ State Theater
12. Adventure Aquarium
13. Lots of great malls, including my favorite Quaker Bridge Mall
14. Diners, lots and lots of diners with great food!
15. Old Barney: Barnegat Light's Lighthouse
16. Cape May, New Jersey (Charming Victorian town)
17. Easy Access Roads: 95, 195, 295, NJ Turnpike, Garden State Parkway
18. Ocean City, New Jersey
19. NJ 101.5 "Not New York, Not Philadelphia" (I miss Craig Carton with Rossi at the 2pm slot)
20. Jenkinson's at Point Pleasant
21. Morey's Pier in Wildwood, can you say rollercoaster?
22. Grounds for Sculpture (gorgeous grounds, great for walking during spring and fall)
23. Princeton University
24. Lakota Wolf Preserve, Columbia, New Jersey
25. Scenic Route 29, River Road
26. Long Valley, New Jersey
27. Farm Produce Stands, and our own sweet yellow corn
28. Pennington, New Jersey
29. Hunterdon County
30. Location, location, location: close to NY City, Philly and Washington, DC
31. The Showplace, Beach Haven, New Jersey
32. Trenton Thunder
33. Somerset Patriots
34. Blueberries, and pick your own orchards
35. Small State, Big Personality
36. Hoboken, park your car and take the path train to New York City
37. Crabbing on the bay
38. Bon Jovi
39. Lambertville Station
40. New Jersey Devils
41. Columbus Farmer's Market
42. Popcorn Park Zoo
43. Uncle Will's Pancake House
44. Bruce Springsteen
45. Frenchtown
46. Every other Jersey Shore location not listed! There's something for everyone
47. Campbell's Soup
48. Joe Pesci
49. NJ.com
50. "At least we drive better than New Yorkers"...so we aren't at the bottom!

Posted by Deb of Surviving NJ blog at 02:27 PM | Permalink| Disclosure Policy

There's a piece of me saying I should head to the Jersey shore today and do some picture taking. The other part of me says I don't feel like driving there and back today. I may wait for April or a warmer day, so I can enjoy a drive with the windows down. On the other hand, a Tuesday in March  is pretty quiet, so I'd be able to snap those pics undisturbed.

Decisions, decisions...helpful now, yes....driving a total of 4 hours today (2 hours each way)...no.  

If I go, I need to decide soon, so I can get out of here all ready...maybe my stalling tactics are telling me something. Another day will work just as easily.  

Posted by Deb of Surviving NJ blog at 08:04 AM | Permalink| Disclosure Policy

Good news for New Jersey readers! When you have a New Jersey blog, I guess it makes sense to cover some NJ news, eh? LOL

Anyway, the NJ Senate is pushing forward a plan to give people paid leave for family leave. When you have a baby, or if a family member is ill, you can take off up to 12 weeks currently, but it's on your own dime. It means you're not paid.

New Jersey is looking to become the third state to offer paid leave in these circumstances. California and Washington, DC are the other two areas that offer paid leave.  

If you're looking for more info, you can read the details here.  

Posted by Deb of Surviving NJ blog at 10:42 AM | Permalink| Disclosure Policy

We headed down to LBI yesterday for a ride, lunch and a leisurely afternoon. I took this yesterday, along with some others. While it was quiet, winter is not as dead as it used to be. Yesterday there seemed to be a lot of activity at the real estate offices. I guess people are looking for summer rentals, and buying homes. There were tons of open house signs all over.

We stopped and had lunch at Buckalews, then made the ride back. I love driving to the shore when it's not mobbed with people. Open roads, the sun shining and good music on the radio, made for a great day.

Posted by Deb of Surviving NJ blog at 08:26 AM | Permalink| Disclosure Policy

New Jersey was tired of having no say in the elections. By the time our elections rolled around, things had been decided. New Jersey has changed to be a part of Super Tuesday. Let's see what rolls around and what the final outcome will be tonight.

New Jersians said..."We want a say in who will be our next presidential candidates."

Do you?  

Posted by Deb of Surviving NJ blog at 09:29 AM | Permalink| Disclosure Policy

I'm really frustrated that Corzine wants to raise the tolls 800%. He's screwing New Jersey folks who have to travel that on a regular basis, let alone everyone who uses it. Yes, you read that right, if you aren't from NJ, our Gov wants to raise our tolls 800%. Worse yet, he wants to lock that bad boy in place so nobody can change it legally.

NJ 101.5 is looking to give New Jersey folks a chance to be heard. They are holding a rally on the steps of the Trenton State House. If you'd like to be a part of it, it will be on February 8th at 12 noon. Jim Gearhart and Jersey Guys Ray Rossi and Casey Bartholomew will be there. You can read more about this by clicking on the link above.

Here's the fun part, is the Gov making cuts in legistlation? Are they looking at changing things there? Yeah, okay, that's me laughing...because that would be the smart way to look at things. Let's see, does a small state need an OBSCENE number of school districts? Yup, not even going there... 

Anyway, if you'd like your voice to be heard, check out their "When Pigs Fly" rally. Corzine was quoted:  

Posted by Deb of Surviving NJ blog at 11:49 AM | Permalink| Disclosure Policy

Last night on "Drive-ins, Diners and Dives" on the Food Network, Guy traveled around New Jersey visiting diners in the state. Usually he covers 3 or 4 places in a show that are scattered around the area. Last night, being that NJ is the Diner State, he focused on New Jersey alone.

He visited different areas like Cliffton, Heightstown, Hackettstown and others. The first place they

visited though caught my attention, and that was my very favorite NJ town, LBI. If you've been reading my New Jersey category of my blog, you'll see I have pictures galore of LBI!

The diner he visited was Mustache Bills, which is less than a mile from Old Barney, the lighthouse at Barnegat Light. Mustache Bills is a NJ diner that is open on weekends from 6 to 3 I believe. The reason I know this, is 90% of the time I drive by it, it's closed! I started to question if it was open, but then saw the odd hours. We went down one time to see, and sure enough, it was not only open, it was hopping busy!

It was awesome to see our New Jersey represented on the show! Another great place to grab some chow in LBI if you're looking for great breakfast food is Uncle Will's Pancake House. It's one of my favorites, and probably the reason there's a line always waiting to get in during the summer!  

Posted by Deb of Surviving NJ blog at 08:26 AM | Permalink| Disclosure Policy | Comments (2)

The Giants are headed to the Super Bowl. Being an Eagles fan, you'd think I'd have wanted the Packers to win last night. Let me be honest, I was glad the Giants pulled it off. I'll tell you why, before you start jumping on me.

I think it's a good boost for local businesses. If people are excited about the game, they're likely going to support the local small businesses to prep for the game, or to watch it at small taverns and bars.

New Jersey folk are quick to bitch, and with Corzine's stupid "rape us at the tolls" plan going on, we have reason to. Now we have reason to cheer about something good, instead of something bad.

Let me just point out that both the New York Giants and the New York Jets play football in NEW JERSEY, yet neither team carries our name. Just saying....

So congratulations to the Giants on their win, and here's hoping it boost local business with the excitement and party planning.  

Posted by Deb of Surviving NJ blog at 10:39 AM | Permalink| Disclosure Policy

If you're looking for a great little cafe in Central Jersey, I have a jewel to share with you. There's a little cafe at the top of the hill near the High Bridge train station called Cafe Hola! It has great baked goods, smoothies, milkshakes, along with sandwiches, fruit cups, soups and more.

It's adorable inside, and offers fresh food. You'll always find fresh baked goods like muffins, turnovers and cookies on the counter. In the fridge case you'll find pies, cakes and other goodies to choose from.

My son is sold on the banana shake, and I'm fond of one of their smoothies. If you choose one of the fruit smoothies, you can even get home made yogurt added in.

Check out Cafe Hola! next time you're in Hgh Bridge. 

Posted by Deb of Surviving NJ blog at 09:51 AM | Permalink| Disclosure Policy | Comments (1)

If you like to play games old school style, then you'll want to check out Richie Knucklez on Rt 12 in Flemington, NJ. This arcade and pinball store sells machines to the public.

There's something special going on there on Friday nights though call Flashback Fridays, and you're not  going to  want to miss this! From 6pm to 10pm, they open up the showroom so you can play the games. You simply pay a $10 charge, and you get unlimited play on old time favorites like Pacman, Donkey Kong, Centipede and more. There are also pinball machines there to play.

I'm a pinball girl myself, while my son is more into the arcade machines. We went in tonight, and had a blast. I'm loving the Dracula pinball machine! It's a nice family friendly place, and there were ample machines so that there was always something to play. It was a comfortable crowd, and you could see some people had favorite machines!

If you get a high score on one of the machines, they'll add your name to their board. My son was aiming for 1st on a game, but only made it to 2nd! He wants to go back and keep trying! As for me, when we go back, I'll be playing the pinball...you can count on it! For more information, you can check them out at RichieKnucklez.com.

Posted by Deb of Surviving NJ blog at 10:49 PM | Permalink| Disclosure Policy

"New Jersey has became the first US state to legislatively abolish the death penalty since the US Supreme Court reinstated capital punishment in 1976." Source

I'm not one for politics, so I don't have a lot to say about this "outside of my home".

I did want to share this information, since it's a big thing going on in New Jersey right now. 

Currently 37 states have the death penalty. You can see the list here.  

Posted by Deb of Surviving NJ blog at 10:33 AM | Permalink| Disclosure Policy

With less than a month to go, people will be scrambing to find fireworks displays. Won't you be the cat's meow, if you know where they are?

Here's a small assortment of ideas for you, so you can catch fireworks in New Jersey this New Year's Eve.

Ocean City is having a "First Night" Celebration. Details 609-525-9300

Here's a cruise that will give you front row seats. (Weehawken)

Visit Battleship New Jersey and either watch fireworks, or have an encampment! 

Wiggins Park on the Camden Waterfront will let you enjoy the fireworks over the Delaware, across from Philadelphia.

Posted by Deb of Surviving NJ blog at 10:53 AM | Permalink| Disclosure Policy

I hate the cold. No really, I mean I hate it. I've got a few errands that I could get done today, since I don't have a reason not to, and I'm putting it off, because I hate being out in the cold. I know, it's not even "that bad" yet. I just hate it that much.

I wanted to pick up one or two things, and I'd love to get a pedicure, but the thought of the 3 minutes from the time I get in my car, to the time the temperature becomes normal to me, is miserable. Isn't that silly. I can work out with a trainer, be sore and sweaty for an hour, but 3 minutes in the cold has me putting it off like it's a flu.

I'd let my car warm up, but that's a big No-No in NJ now! Imagine, a ticket for "warming up your car for more than 3 minutes"...

Man, I hate the cold.  Guess, I have to "get over it" and just accept it's going to be cold for a few more months. Once I finally accept that fact, I function a little better.

Posted by Deb of Surviving NJ blog at 11:36 AM | Permalink| Disclosure Policy | Comments (1)

We went back to Tiff's for dinner last night. Tiff's is up on Rt 31 in Clinton Township. It's become a regular place we visit. I've got to say, the food we've had there is excellent. It's enough that it's been pulling us a bit from one of our other regular restaurants we visit. If you haven't tried Tiff's yet, I'd give it a go.

We have a handful of regular restaurants we visit, and we eat out pretty regularly. We aren't really choosey, but we'd like a comfortable seat, good food and nice service. One place we used to visit frequently, we've skipped the last few months. It seemed their service really started to nosedive, and you could be sitting there for ages waiting for your food. If you were lucky, they'd come back to check on you. We'll head back at some point and see if things changed, but each and every time a customer is there, they are forming opinions.

Do you have a favorite restaurant in New Jersey? Where is it located, and what is it called?  

Posted by Deb of Surviving NJ blog at 09:05 AM | Permalink| Disclosure Policy

This is "The Plantation" in LBI. I haven't eaten here yet. It always seems to draw a good crowd, so that's a good sign. We just have so many restaurants we all ready enjoy, we don't usually have enough days in the week.

I was here years ago when it was the Owl Tree.  

Have any reviews on it? If we hear good things, maybe we'll add it to our agenda next time we are down that way. 

Posted by Deb of Surviving NJ blog at 01:17 PM | Permalink| Disclosure Policy

Did I ever show you this? This is a church in Long Beach Island that has solar panels on the side of their roof. Isn't that cool? Good for them! It's one of those things I've passed for years, and never thought to snap the picture until my husband mentioned it!  

Posted by Deb of Surviving NJ blog at 06:04 PM | Permalink| Disclosure Policy

At 2 o'clock this afternoon, it was looking increasingly dark. It started to look almost like night time! Then the rain came! I opened the sliding glass door in the sun room and snapped this picture. It was dark out, but not quite this dark. The camera makes it look a little darker.  

Posted by Deb of Surviving NJ blog at 05:03 PM | Permalink| Disclosure Policy | Comments (1)

I've never been here before. I've never been in Ron Jon, and I've never been to a lot of the clothing stores on Long Beach Island. When you're a plus size shopper, a lot of times you aren't included in the merchandise a store sells, and you can only buy so many purses and shoes. I don't know if they carry plus size clothing, and they might, but I don't want to be embarrassed walking in only to find that my size isn't carried.

I said to my husband as we were leaving the island in late September, I'll have all new shopping experiences next year when I get all this weight off of me! Imagine that, going to the island for the last 20 years as a plus size person. Sure I was not plus sized when I was a kid, but for 20 years, I've avoided many of these stores for fear of not "fitting" and standing out like a sore thumb.

Next year, I'm looking forward to going into a bunch of "new to me" stores.  

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Posted by Deb of Surviving NJ blog at 09:18 AM | Permalink| Disclosure Policy | Comments (2)

New stores and condos starting at $399,000...is that all? :\

This went up early this year, and so far I only saw some sign of life in one unit upstairs. The top is residential, the bottom stores. You can find this on the main drag in LBI. I'm curious to see what fills the little shops.  

Posted by Deb of Surviving NJ blog at 09:00 PM | Permalink| Disclosure Policy

Here's Old Barney at Barnegat Light...

...and here's Dairy Queen next to it. That's the part we visit, hence my trainer! The Kelly's sig is on top, but look just a little lower and you'll recognize the DQ symbol! LOL 

Posted by Deb of Surviving NJ blog at 08:00 AM | Permalink| Disclosure Policy

This is a back, and do you see the big sideways triangles? They are your lats, and mine are killing me! My trainer worked me hard the other day, and I'm feeling it like crazy. Advil isn't helping, I'm trying to stretch, but it's hard for me to get a good stretch on those muscles! Anyway, I'm sitting here looking at a card I picked up when I got a massage down the shore. That's what I need now, a great massage!

When I was down LBI, I tried a new place called the "Island Wellness Center" and my therapist was Greg Porzio. He was great, and I got a really nice massage there. He works part-time in LBI, and part time in Lavalette. Make sure you ask for him if you're looking for a good massage. The "Island Wellness Center" is in the Spray Beach area of LBI at 26th St & LB Blvd. I'd definitely return.

Anyway, here I am at home, worked out on Thursday and two days later, I'm feeling it. It's funny, because she says that when I'm in better shape, I won't get that ache so strong, and I'll miss it. Miss it???? hahahahahah, that's funny

I'm working on it, but it's going to be a year long journey. I have a lot to lose, and a lot of body that's been neglected for one or twenty too many years. ;)

Posted by Deb of Surviving NJ blog at 07:49 AM | Permalink| Disclosure Policy

Have you been to Daddy O's yet?  We haven't gone here yet. It stands where Wida's used to be. Wida's was around for years and years, but the wear and tear were showing. Daddy O's is what took it's place. The redo looks fabulous.

We actually ate at Tuckers, Buckalews, Kubel's Too, and The Marlin this time, so we didn't have another night on our agenda. Maybe we'll try it out next year. 

If you've been there recently, what were your thoughts on it?  

Posted by Deb of Surviving NJ blog at 06:13 PM | Permalink| Disclosure Policy | Comments (3)

Here's another one of the small businesses in Long Beach Island. Go by in the height of season, and it's mobbed. It's tiny inside, with maybe 3 booths, and a counter to order finger food or ice cream. They used to have a pink car outside they adveritsed on...I think it was a little Escort Wagon. Anyway, it's another piece of the island that is there every time we visit. 

I've only grabbed something here once a year ago, so I'm not familiar with most of their offerings, but I always loving seeing it as we drive by.

I go to Panzones for pizza. We had a great "dog" at Dom's last year too, which is right down the road.

It's no Caesars Palace, but it holds its own charm! 

Posted by Deb of Surviving NJ blog at 06:04 PM | Permalink| Disclosure Policy

Here's a little place that rents bikes down the shore. I snapped it as we were driving by. It's funny, because down the shore, you always see bike rental places. I started to think about the last time I was on a bike. At the trainer, I go use a stationary bike, but I havne't ridden an actual bicycle in years! I'll bet it's been almost 20 years.

One of the things I did notice was how much more active we were this year, compared to years that have passed. I think I'm going to make sure I stop here next year and ride a bike! When we were young, we used to rent bikes and go riding on the boardwalk in Wildwood with my parents. It was a fun activity, and yet for some reason, not something I thought to do!  

Posted by Deb of Surviving NJ blog at 05:58 PM | Permalink| Disclosure Policy

Do you remember when LBI was blue collar homes? Little Cape Cods and simple two story duplexes? Hmmm, something's different...I wonder what it could be?

Now they knock the older homes down to build these. This is why I won't be able to retire down the shore. It's too much money. This is what dots the island now. House, after house, after house...and I ask my husband..."What are people doing to be able to afford this as a VACATION home?"

Anyway, I love that it's staying nice, and it's not run down...but here's one piece of that. This is what the typical beach house looks like today in Long Beach Island. Right now it's about 50/50 of the older homes, and these newer homes. 

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On Saturday they were open, on Sunday they were closed with a sign that said Last Week, Thx. A lot of places were closing up for the season, and will reopen once again come spring. This little ice cream place in Peahala Park, which is in the middle of LBI holds fond memories for me.

I grew up taking family vacations in Beach Haven, right down the road from the Acme. It was 95th Street, and Skipper Dipper sits on 94th or 93rd. I can't rememeber exactly how many streets over it was. I can remember when it opened though.

I've been going to LBI and learned to walk down there. That puts me visiting this great island for 40 years now! I was a kid, and across the street from there, next to the movie theater, there was a little miniature golf place, where the water tower stands now. I know, because we used to walk down and play golf and maybe see a movie at night. Then a magical thing happened one year, and the ice cream place opened. We had another fun place to walk to at night. I'm sure the pharmacist was happy to know that. Where the Acme stands, there used to be a little drugstore attached to it, and phone booths at the section of concrete between the two. Do you remember the pharmacy? We used to walk down and get comic books and candy bars as children. We walked down to that pharmacy every day, if not more than that. The little post office closed too, but the hotel across from the Acme is still there. It has new owners, and they took the pool out, but mostly things stay similar.

Every time I pass the Skipper Dipper, it brings me back to my childhood. It reminds me of a time when kids could walk and get an ice cream cone without parents panicking their kids were outside for a few minutes without being watched like a hawk. It reminds me of a different feeling of safe, and it reminds me of many summer nights growing up and visiting Long Beach Island. I'm glad it's still there.  

Posted by Deb of Surviving NJ blog at 10:40 PM | Permalink| Disclosure Policy

We noticed a new hopping hot spot for dinner and lunch. It's called the Blue Water Cafe, and even off season, they were still seeing quite a few people.

We actually didn't eat here this year, but it's on my list to try next year. We have some favorite places we always like to frequent. It looks adorable though, and it has a nice outdoor seating area.

Have you tried out the Blue Water Cafe yet? Any thoughts on it? Cute, cute place... 

Posted by Deb of Surviving NJ blog at 05:27 PM | Permalink| Disclosure Policy

There was so much construction activity going on down the shore. It's like that in May and September. Right before the season, and right after the big season, people start doing upgrades, changes, painting homes, adding decks and the like. There were Ingersoll Rand air tools being used, pavers being laid, and loads of framing projects as they redecked homes and created massive homes on smaller lots. They just build them taller these days. People end up buying older homes for the lot, knocking them down and starting from scratch. The days of the blue collar homes are gone at LBI. My dreams of retiring there are now squooshed unless I hit the lottery. I just can't afford a cool million dollars for a beach home. Even the townhomes and condos are priced so high. 

It's okay, I can still visit! Let's hope the hotel rates stay reasonable! Some get higher than others at peak season, but you can usually still find a pretty decent deal if you look.  

Posted by Deb of Surviving NJ blog at 02:25 PM | Permalink| Disclosure Policy

If you're free November 16th, there's going to be a comedy night at Hunteron Hills Playhouse. The money goes to the YMCA to help their financial assistance program.

You can get mroe information by calling 908-236-7879 and asking for Nancy Tompkins. This is the 16th annual Comedy Night, which will be featuring three comedians.  

Posted by Deb of Surviving NJ blog at 09:32 PM | Permalink| Disclosure Policy

We went to "Tiff's" last night in Clinton Township. We haven't been there yet, because each time we went by that way, it was mobbed. Things are getting to a more normal pace now, and we were curious to see the changes.

My first impression looking at the decor with stone and wood, was that they had done a great remodel. It looks great. It's comfortable and stylish. Love the new look. Two thumbs up!

The service was attentive, the smiles seemed a little big at times, more so than natural, but it's okay, I understand it's about service. I've put my time in waitressing and bartending in the past.

The food on the otherhand was fabulous. I expected to enjoy it, but I was impressed! I had a pasta dish, and my husband had a meat entree. Both of us left going, "Wow, that was great".

If you haven't stopped by Tiff's yet, it's well worth the visit. Prices are affordable, and the food was de-lish. We'll definitely be returning in the future.  

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Posted by Deb of Surviving NJ blog at 11:13 AM | Permalink| Disclosure Policy

I remember the first time I saw a blimp around here, and it was a pretty cool thing to see. It's not something you see everyday....unless you live in my area! Between Horizon and Met Life's Snoopy blimp, we see them every nice weekend! I went most of my life without seeing blimps, and now on a clear day....you can sometimes see TWO!  

Posted by Deb of Surviving NJ blog at 04:18 PM | Permalink| Disclosure Policy

This is how my picture should look when I get my new driver's license. That's me.  I don't claim to be anything other than what I am....just me.

What will happen when I get my driver's license picture taken this week? I'll be freakishly different, it won't look like me, my eyes will be red, my hair will be sticking up, and my face will look about 300 pounds heavier.

Wouldn't you think after all these years, they could manage to take pictures that don't scare everyone when they see them. Hey, I know what I look like, and I don't look like my last driver's license picture. Luckily, it hides away in my wallet. I haven't been pulled over in ages, but imagine the horror of the officer...."Woman, what happened to you in this picture?"

Yeah, I know...just write me the ticket and give me my license back. :\

Actually, FYI....I haven't gotten a ticket in more than 20 years. Of course, now that I've opened my mouth....ya, you know what happens.  

Posted by Deb of Surviving NJ blog at 09:29 AM | Permalink| Disclosure Policy