Alone On The Bay by Adele Downs #photography

The summertime beach crowds are gone and I had the waterfront park on the bay all to myself while I read in the shade for a few lovely hours.

Photo copyright Adele Downs 2018.

Early Morning Walk by Adele Downs #photography

Early morning walk along the beach in Delaware.

Except for my signature, this photo is unaltered.

Photo copyright Adele Downs 2018.

Beach Chairs On The Bay by Adele Downs #photography

Except for my signature, this photo is unaltered.

Photo copyright Adele Downs 2018.

Alone At The Beach by Adele Downs #photography

Except for my signature, this photo is unaltered.

Photo copyright Adele Downs 2018.

Little Library At The Beach

Greetings from the beach! I moved from my family home in Pennsylvania to my vacation home in Delaware full-time and dove straight into summer. As part of my new routine, I’m taking early morning walks on the boardwalk along the ocean. The air at dawn is cool and refreshing, and I’m learning to appreciate rising early to work out. By 8 AM, the sun starts to get hot, and my enthusiasm for exercise declines with every uptick of the thermometer.

Near the end of my route, a sign for a Book Box takes me a few yards off the boardwalk to an adorable little free library. Book Boxes are popping up all over the country, and book lovers and authors like me are thrilled by the trend. The process is easy–take a book, give a book. No library card or membership of any kind is needed and you can borrow or donate at any time.

There might be a little Book Box or two in your community. If not, maybe you and an organization close to your heart can start one in your neighborhood. Reading is fun!

Happy summer!

How could I resist taking a look?

Following Ms. Bunny to the Book Box.

Built by the Village Improvement Association.

Take a book. Donate a book. Easy.

I’ll be glad to donate signed copies of my books.

**

Photos copyright Adele Downs 2018.

It’s Freezing Cold, Dark, and Gloomy #HappyNewYear2018 #NewYear

It’s dangerously cold here on the U.S. Mid-Atlantic coast, and even the beach looks dark and gloomy this holiday weekend. Polar Bear Plunge fundraising swims have been cancelled in several beach communities due to concerns about public safety, and a news story reported that sharks are freezing in the frigid waters. I’m blowing the dust off my treadmill to exercise inside, since it’s waaaay too cold to take a walk on the boardwalk or around the park.

I’ll spend New Year’s Eve with Netflix, a cozy fire in the fireplace, and a glass of wine. Have I mentioned that I hate winter?

Stay warm, everyone! Happy New Year! Wishing you the best in 2018.

Photo copyright Adele Downs, 2017.

Santa’s House on The Boardwalk – #Christmas #ChristmasSpirit

I took these pictures of Santa’s House on the Rehoboth, Delaware boardwalk, where children visit Santa every weekend from Thanksgiving ’til Christmas. My three-year old grandson is just beginning to grasp the concept of Santa Claus, especially the part about him bringing toys to good children, and his excitement has filled me with Christmas spirit. There’s nothing like having a small child around to better appreciate the holidays.

Merry Christmas!