Dianne Deming

It was bright and sunny when I stepped out the door with Merlin at 7:30am--a beautiful morning! But looks can be deceiving, as was immediately apparant when the blast of chilly air hit my face. Still, tolerating a low temperature is much easier when the views on the walk are as lovely as these (Silver Lake in South Rehoboth Beach).

Looking forward to many more sunny and even warmer days ahead!

Merlin, all snuggly and warm
after a walk in the chilly morning air.

It's coming!!

Silver Lake, Rehoboth Beach

At various times during my day, I still catch myself in a state of euphoria after Tuesday's inauguration--In part because I am full of hope and optimism for the new administration and the future of our nation, and in part because I am thrilled that my son was able to be there. Ms. Sue Comorat arranges a field trip for her Contemporary Issues class to attend the presidential inauguration every 4 years. In 2005, our older boy, Scott, witnessed George W. Bush taking the oath of office. This time it was John's turn. My eye witness said it was incredible. I would like to publically thank Ms. Comorat for making the arrangements and taking the 15 students and 4 chapperones on this historic trip. Your students, and their parents, will never forget it.

Believe it or not, this is a color picture! What a gray, gray morning we awoke to here in Rehoboth today. Even so, the sights were still beautiful, if also a bit eerie.

p.s. Silver Lake is one of the two largest, natural fresh water lakes in Delaware. It is in South Rehoboth and only a few steps to the Atlantic Ocean. This beautiful blue heron lives at Silver Lake with many ducks, Canada geese, turtles, fish and other critters.

Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, used to be a summer resort only. The shops opened and the people came to town Memorial Day weekend. Everything closed up and the people left on Labor Day. The months in between were as devoid of activity as was the stretch of empty highway between Lewes and Rehoboth, before the outlet malls, restaurants and chain motels filled in where farmer's fields used to be.

Since that day (and this was true as recently as 20 years ago), the merchants and managers of Lewes and Rehoboth have worked hard to make their communities more of a year-round resort, adding festivals and fun activities to draw tourists and seasonal residents back to the beach during the "shoulder seasons" of spring and fall. January and February are the slowest months of the year, but there are still fun things to do!

The Outlets are open seven days a week, and many of the boutiques in the villages are open as well, on the weekends if not all week long. Many restaurants are open, and quite a few of them run winter specials offering a variety of good deals, from half price wine, appetizers and even entrees if you go the correct evening. Just call your favorite eatery and ask what is being offered the night you want to go out, or check my blog on Eating Cheap at the Beach (http://activerain.com/blogsview/807332/Eating-Cheap-at-the-Beach). Several special film opportunities are being offered during the month of January, all of which can be reviewed at www.rehobothfilm.com. Clear Space Productions is sponsoring a bus trip to New York City January 13-15. The cost of only $350 includes bus fare, hotel accommodations, tolls and driver tip. Learn more at www.clearspaceproductions.com. The Possum Point Players will perform Art!, a show about the art of friendship, in a dinner theater format mid-month. Details are available at www.possumpointplayers.org. As always, the ocean is beautiful and lovely to watch any season of the year.

The phones at the Debbie Reed Team office have begun to ring in earnest again after the traditional holiday hiatus, so if you or someone you know is in the market for a beach retreat, give us a call! Perhaps you'd like to schedule some time to look at homes in-between shopping, dinner and a show. We're here to help.

Best Wishes for a Fabulous 2009,
Dianne