Got good surf pics?
Send em off to me directly.
(See link below) Just make sure
they're 650 pixels wide.
NO bigger NO smaller.
In fact if you have any questions about the
size, email me first and I'll write back.
Start shooting crackie!!
Ralph Pic Of The Week

If you want to access the Pic of the
week from past weeks click here.
Archives

October 10th, 2007

This week's (late) column is about Love.

Last August 13th, the doctors at the North Shore Hospice gave my mother Eva, "a week to live". On Wednesday, September 26th, they gave her 24 to 48 hours. They were wrong. But only in their timetable predictions. My mother passed away, yesterday morning at 7:35AM. I was at her side holding her hands. I had been praying and comforting her during that final hour. She was having such difficulty in breathing. The Hospice nurses gave her pain meds to ease her journey. I was on my knees, telling her how much we all loved her, and that it was OK to go. She opened her eyes and looked at me . I called out to her. Then she closed her eyes, and slipped away forever.

I broke down and cried for the 100th time.

She had suffered for so long battling Cancer, when she finally gave into that awful disease. But she fought a long hard fight, right up until the very end. There was a peaceful transition, that overtook her face when she did finally pass. After months of pain and misery, she looked beautiful again.

My mother Eva, has gone from this earth.

She was always aware of my love of surfing. How could she not? How many days had I showed up late for all kinds of Holiday dinners, and family gatherings, all because of surfing? Are you kidding me? Too many to even try and give you a figure. Hundreds of times for sure. She and my late father, would shake their heads in unison when I finally did show up. They would both say in disdain "Surfing again?" I could only nod my head, and sheepishly answer, "Yes."

This sound familiar?

When I used to surf a certain Reef break on the North Shore in the winter, I could always count on a hot shower and a huge meal afterwards. Even after I moved up North, and I'd come down for a surf, there was always my mother, welcoming me, putting up with my stinky wetsuit and messy, sandy tub. And her cooking? Well her cooking was the best in the world.

That was an easy call. Surfing "My Favorite Reef", and stopping by my parents house. I'll miss those days.

She was there when I surfed my 365th day at the Wall back in July of 2001. I had pledged to surf everyday for 365 consecutive days, to raise money for the American Diabetes Association, in memory of my late father Gus.
It was a moment in my life, that I will always cherish.
(See clip below). My mother and father Gus, were married for 50 years before he passed away in 2000.

I will miss her cooking, her phone calls, her constant admiration for all of our family and friends. Her cards in the mail. She never missed a birthday, anniversary, or any other special occasion. It was amazing. I'll miss the many wonderful Holiday gatherings...

.We'll miss everything about her. She was my mother. My wife's mother-in-law, my kid's Nana, and friend to many.

I love you Mom.

Today is my 20th Wedding Anniversary. Cory and I have been together in this Surf community for 24 years. From the first time, she trudged through knee deep snow, to shoot photos of me and my friends surfing the points, to cringing in agony, watching our kids surf in local surf contests. She's been there for us all.

So much has happened in the last 20 years. We've lost both of our fathers, and now my mother. But, we still have her mom Judith and her step dad John, and we have her step mom JoEllen, and we have three beautiful children. Gabby, Max and Noelle.

And the many, many friends and neighbors we have in the surf community. But more importantly, we still have each other. The wedding vows we took, we stand by today.

I love you Cory.


Speaking of marriages. There are two coming up this weekend. Christos Valhouli and Alison Herriot and Steve Rafferty and Nohea Nichols. Both will take place on Saturday October 13th, 2007. The whole surfing community and beyond, wish both couples the best. We're all so happy for both couples. In my personal opinion, the foundation of the family begins with marriage. But having said that, there are many, who share truly loving families without the license of marriage.

I say: Whatever floats your longboard.

For me, it's marriage. I know there are many marriages out there who work at keeping it together. And make no mistake about it. It's hard. Dam hard. And there's no guarantees either. You have got work at making it work. The easiest thing in the world to do is quit. Anybody can quit.

I look at marriage like a big day at the Wall. You know there's good waves out there if you can just make it outside. So you dig in deep for the long paddle. You can luck out and not get hit on the way out, or you can take a few on the head. The question is, will you keep going, or will you roll over and quit? Lots of people quit. Look at the divorce rate.

Others, take the marriage vows to heart and paddle hard.

Don't give up. Don't quit. That's my advice to Christos and Alison and Steve and Nohea. There are many good days ahead and a few bad ones. Just know that the good outweigh the bad.

Besides, we're looking for new recruits to our annual Surf Family Robinson Party.

Speaking of new babies. A Big SHOUT OUT to the latest Lil Surfer Girl Raquel Keala del Rosario. Little Raquel should be joining her sister surfer Makayla in the surf before you know it. Both Mom and baby are doing fine. Congrats!

I'm still buzzing from my weekend California trip from 2 weeks ago. I can't believe how many new friends I made out there and how truly special it all was. I won't ever forget it.
Check out this cool slide show.
http://www.georgiagregory.com/VNMSLIDESHOW/

OK it's time to talk Sports. Since last weekend, the Patriots and the Red Sox had a hell of a weekend. Is there anyone out there who does not know about this? The Patriots are 5-0 and show no signs of slowing down. Still, the talk radio guys have found fault in their last victory against the BROWNS. Are you kidding me? We scored 34 points and they are complaining? And let me say this. The Cowboys were NOT that impressive the other night. Tony Romo threw 5 INTs and fumbled the ball once. If the BILLS had any kind of an offense they would of won.

The kind of offense the Patriots have.

Them Cowboys better tighten up those chinstraps come Sunday afternoon. Cuz we have an offense that will rival any offense out there. Tom Brady's got himself a bevy of receivers who can catch the ball. Take your pick. Randy, Stallworth, Watson, Welka...do I need to keep going? Someone even had the nerve to say we need Marhoney back quickly. Huh? Didn't Morris get over 100 yards on Sunday? Give me a break people.

The Red Sox? Hello???? Man them Angels never knew what hit em! Bring on the Indians. I know some of you wanted to spank the Yankees again. Me? I say the hell with them. Let them watch at home. Like the rest of us. Ha!

Rest in Peace Marine Joe Olivo WWII Vet. Semper Fi.

In the upcoming weeks we'll be posting info on the GARY RITCHIE Fundraiser.

The Landon Miller Fund through ANY Citizen Bank. Or send your donation to:
The Landon Miller Foundation
83 South Road
North Hampton, NH 03862
Click below to see Danny Tribute or see Danny Surfing
Tribute to Danny. North By Northeast

Remember my friends...Surfing heals all wounds....
Pray for Surf. Pray for Peace. Surf For Fun.

Ralph


I

Yesterday October 10th 1987 Surf Family Marriage
(Below) This photo was taken exactly 20 years ago today. Left to right: My late father Gus, my late mother Eva,
me and Cory, my Mother-in-law Judith and husband John. This was taken directly across the street from the Ocean.
Thank God there was no surf that day. Half of my friends would of left if there was.
Photo courtesy of SFOD The Fatello collection



(Below) Cory and her dad. Our beloved Jerry who passed away way before his time.
Photo courtesy of SFOD The Fatello collection



(Below) My father and mother on their wedding day July 3rd, 1949. They were married for 50 years.
Photo courtesy of SFOD The Fatello collection




(Below) My mother at the beach. We were always at the beach. Summer of 1955. Rest in peace Ma, I'll see you
and dad again. We love you.
Photo courtesy of SFOD The Fatello collection




(Below) Bali Hai in Kaui...where Cory and I spent on Honeymoon 20 years ago. I surfed with Joey Cabell this night.
Just he and I sharing perfect 3-5' surf at Hanalei Bay.
Photo courtesy of SFOD The Fatello collection



(Below) I surfed this place all alone. 1987... Honeymoon 20 years ago.
Photo courtesy of SFOD The Fatello collection




(Below) This is me on my Honeymoon, 20 years ago. Cory took this photo.
Photo courtesy of SFOD The Fatello collection







(Above) Empty Honeymoon wave, 20 years ago.
Photo courtesy of SFOD The Fatello collection



(Above) A not so Empty Honeymoon wave, 20 years ago.
Photo courtesy of SFOD The Fatello collection



(Above) Local Hawaiian Lenny Nichols at home. 20 years ago.
Photo courtesy of SFOD The Fatello collection




(Above) The Honeymoon couple. Ralph & Cory 20 years ago. Happy Anniversary Cory!
Photo courtesy of SFOD The Fatello collection






RALPH'S VIDEO CLIP OF THE WEEK.
CLICK ON THE PHOTO IMAGE BELOW FOR SHORT WINDOWS MEDIA FILE VIDEO CLIP.
VIDEO by SFOD R. Fatello



(Above) CLICK ON Video (photo) Frame Grab of Eva Fatello hugging her son ABOVE FOR a SHORT
WINDOWS MEDIA FILE VIDEO CLIP from THE WALL 2000-2001 VIDEO clip courtesy by SFOD R. Fatello

Today October 2007 The NNE-ESA Team files



(Above) Team NNE in Cape Hatteras last week.
Photo by courtesy of Lenny & Arlene Nichols


(Above) Fall fern colors
Photo by courtesy of Lenny Nichols


(Above) Cape Hatteras last week.
Photo by courtesy of Lenny Nichols



(Above) NNE-ESA gallery in Cape Hatteras last week.
Photo by courtesy of Lenny & Arlene Nichols


(Above) NNE Director Lenny Nichols in Cape Hatteras last week.
Photo by courtesy of Lenny & Arlene Nichols

(Above) Team Rider Kai Nichols warming up before a heat.
Photo by courtesy of Lenny & Arlene Nichols


(Above) Team Rider Kai Nichols ignoring the leash wrapped around his foot, sets his sights for the little barrel.
Photo by courtesy of Lenny & Arlene Nichols



(Above) Mini waves for mini groms. Team Rider Kai Nichols.
Photo by courtesy of Lenny & Arlene Nichols


(Above) Sunrise over the Atlantic.
Photo by courtesy of Lenny & Arlene Nichols


(Above) Fall colors in Alice in Wonderland.




Today 2007 October North to Alaska?


(Above) Somewhere up north.
Photo courtesy of the Phantom-net


(Above) Somewhere up north, someone finds a hole.
Photo courtesy of the Phantom-net


(Above) Somewhere up north someone finds a launching pad.
Photo courtesy of the Phantom-net


(Above) Somewhere up north.
Photo courtesy of the Phantom-net


(Above) Somewhere up north another contemporary move takes place.
Photo courtesy of the Phantom-net


(Above) Are these guys local? Somewhere up north.
Photo courtesy of the Phantom-net

(Above) Up north.
Photo courtesy of the Phantom-net


(Above) This is beautiful. Somewhere up north.
Photo courtesy of the Phantom-net


(Above) This is NUTS! Somewhere up north.
Photo courtesy of the Phantom-net


(Above) Somewhere up north. Open your eyes, it's out there.
Photo courtesy of the Phantom-net

(Above) Somewhere up north a surfer finds the perfect wave.
Photo courtesy of the Phantom-net

(Above) Somewhere up north.
Photo courtesy of the Phantom-net


Today 2007 September, from Bernie's friends



(Above) Little different climate.
Photo courtesy of Bernie Baker

(Above) Perfection.
Photo courtesy of Bernie Baker



(Above) Dinner.
Photo courtesy of Bernie Baker


(Above) Oh man...why can't we get waves like this?
Photo courtesy of Bernie Baker


Today 2007 Parting Shot... New Surfer Girl has entered our world...


(Above) Raquel Keala del Rosario and Mom. Photo courtesy of Christian del Rosario

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 




 

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 







 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 







Click On Wave to Go Back to The Top.