"SOUTH Jersey and You"

Yeah, we who live here do consider South Jersey its own state. Today, thinking of perhaps moving in a few years from what has been MY state for all but the first four years of my life, I'm sorry for how I've said things like, "Who would ever choose to live in New Jersey?!" Yes, it's flat; it's highly populated; it's congested; taxes and car insurance are higher than anywhere else... But twice in the last two weeks, on the spur of the moment because the day was so nice, I've driven to the shore by myself. It only takes an hour from home. The Jersey shore is something that would be missed. Sea Isle City was just right. Very sunny but a breeze and not real hot. The sun was shimmering all over the ocean. And I even watched several dolphins making their way south along the shore, leaping up playfully all the way. There's something very pleasant about listening to the waves break one after another, after another. An expected continuation, soothing. Plenty of benches to break up my slow progress along the "boardwalk", to ocean-watch or people-watch. And from there, a short drive to Ocean City for more activity, more people, much bigger, real, wooden Boardwalk. Ocean City -- two sets of memories there. One set from many years ago and Saturdays with Mom and Dad and my sister Lorraine. Not wanting to get out of the water. Always one more wave to jump. The unpleasant stickiness of sand and salt left after "hiding in the car to change". Did we really do that? Being really hungry. Enjoying a real meal at Scotch Hall on Sixth Street, I think. After that a couple of amusement rides. Always the merry-go-round. People dressed up for the evening on the Boards back then. Mom always wore a dress and high heels, which kept getting stuck in between the boards. They sold plastic "cups" to put over ladies' heels to make them wider. It was always sunny. The water was always just right. Evenings cool enough to need a sweater. Wonderful family days. The next set of memories involved carefully watching five Riley kids enjoy the same things. Well, mom not dressed up. Pizza instead of a restaurant meal. (But still the sneaky changing in the car to save money on the bath houses.) Loving the day with them, but being anxious to get them all home safely and in the tub. New Jersey and You. Pretty neat.