In case you don’t know it, I hate the cold. I like spring and fall. It’s only October and I’ve already had to use the car window defroster! I could really go for one of those Outer Banks beach rentals right about now. The average temperature in that part of North Carolina is 70 degrees, something I could definitely appreciate since our average in October is probably about 55 degrees. We’ve already had tempsjust under 40 this year. What’s the averge temperature for October where you live?

One of the popular activitites here at the Jersey shore is baseball. Little League is very popular around here. Adults even have leagues. And the state of New Jersey is within driving distance of two major baseball markets - New York and Philadelphia. With baseball season just beginning and the new Yankee Stadium now open the stadium has been getting lots of press. I’m hearing that people want to buy New York Yankees tickets now more than ever just to get a look.  Many things are different about the new rendition of the stadium but according to the team website the field size remained the same. If you’re going to be in the tri-state area in the near future add Yankee Stadium on your list of things to see.

It was about a year ago that as part of a celebration for my Dad a large group of us took a day trip to the Statue of Liberty. The weather that day was cold and rainy, at times it was torrential. Nevertheless, my son TJ and I persevered and explored the island and the statue. The Statue of Liberty cam provides a terrific shot of Lady Liberty. If you’ve never been there it’s a must see if you’re in the area. Just looking at the picture on the webcam is inspiring for me.

Well, my little portion of New Jersey got a lot of snow last Sunday - more than one foot! School was closed for two days. Snowmen could be seen in many yards, as could children playing and adults shoveling. I found a webcam called the Snowman Cam, which is located in Gaylord, Michigan. This webcam has won awards because it’s so unique and interesting.

If you’re planning to drive through New Jersey you should bring more money with you. As of December 1, 2008 the tolls on the Garden State Parkway and the New Jersey Turnpike have been increased again. On the Turnpike, the toll for the average 22-mile trip will rise from $1.25 to $1.70. On the Parkway, tolls on the parkway will increase by 15 cents and tolls for on and off ramps will increase by 10 cents. Many people like myself already avoid toll roads when possible, using roads and highways like 18, 9, 35, 1 and 295. This will only increase the likelihood that we continue to do so.