The TEMPORARY Home of Cinnamon Rainbows is at 62 Lafayette Rd in North Hampton, NH Tel. (603) 929-7467

THE BLOG WILL BE POSTED ON THE
1st and 3rd WEEK OF EVERY MONTH.



HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY TO ALL THE MOMS. Past, present, and expectant mothers. We LOVE and RESPECT you all.



I have to acknowledge the mothers in my orbit. Starting with my wife Cory. She is an amazing mother and grandmother. And the way she interacts with our children and our grandchildren has now been handed down to our two daughters. Gabrielle and Noelle are exceptional mothers. Everything they do with their kids is a direct result of what Cory was like for them. Ive seen them in action and I am so proud of them both. Being a dad is one thing but being a mom? That's a whole other level of commitment. And my wife and two daughters are all of that and more. It's about being loving, understanding, thoughtful, and willing to sacrifice it all. And all three of them are following in those footsteps. They are wonderful mothers and I am so proud of all three of them.

I know that Cory's love for her own mother Judith is where she gets her approach to being a mother. Cory and her mom have a great relationship that is as strong today as it was when we first met in 1983. They have such a close relationship with each other that it shouldn't be a surprise to anyone who knows Cory and my daughters as to why they too are so close. Cory and Judith are more than just mother and daughters. They are like sisters or close friends. And Cory and our daughters have that same kind of relationship. I spoke with Judith today and I thanked her for giving us Cory. We would all be lost without her. Thank you again Judith.

And JoEllen who was Cory's step mom was another major figure in our lives. From 1988 to 2021she was "Grammy" to our kids and grandkids. She passed away in the summer of 2021. She was a special woman in our lives, and like Judith and my mom, she helped shaped the way our children conducted themselves in their lives. All three of these remarkable women had a major influence on our children's lives.

And I know this Blog is basically a surf Blog, so it's important that you surfers all know that Cory is a surf mom through and through. With the whole family living and loving the ocean she knows the sacrifices that she has to make when it comes to surfing. My mother Eva knew all about that when I was growing up. She put up with all kinds of crap from me and my friends when it came to surfing. Cory has done the same. You have to have thick skin if you are married to a surfer or a mother to one. Thank God our grandkids love the beach and surfing too. Gabby's kids and Noelle's kids love the beach and the surf. Noelle's husband Pete is a hardcore surfer so she already knows.



And our son Max who is engaged to be married to Jacquie knows too.

Jacquie is hip to the whole surf scene. She knows that surfing is not just some passing hobby that the boys and girls do when they are young. She knows that surfing is forever. All she has to do is look at me and Cory. We are in it for the long haul. Besides, the surf lifestyle is not a bad thing, it's a good clean healthy lifestyle, that bonds friendships and closeness with family members and friends that will last a lifetime. So Happy Mother's Day to all you Mothers out there. Whether you surf or not is irrelevant, enjoy this special day. And a special Happy Mother's Day to MOTHER OCEAN.

"SURFING AND MOTHERS HEALS ALL WOUNDS"


The LAST Fatello family photo taken at the home that my mother Eva and father Gus built and raised us all. Happy Mother's Day to all the Mother's in this family photo. September 2008.

THE NEW BI-WEEKLY BLOG WILL BE POSTED THE 1st and 3rd WEEK OF EVERY MONTH FOR THE NEXT YEAR OR TWO.

Ed O'Connell was one of the most loved surf photographers in New England. A US ARMY Vietnam Veteran who saved the lives of so many ARMY Grunts in Nam in 68-69 as a Medic on board those Dust Off Hueys. He was a close and dear friend of mine.

When he passed on July 1st, 2014 I swore I'd keep his memory and legacy alive by giving him this weekly corner. He loved surfing and he loved taking photos of all the surfers. Not just those who could really stand out. He shot every one. As long as I shall live and breathe the salt air, there will be a corner dedicated to Ed.

ED'S CORNER May 12th, 2024



This is me from May 7th, 2013 when I could still surf. Don't get me wrong, I still surf, just not as good or as smooth as I used to. Gravity and age has caught up to me. I'm not complaining, but I sure do miss being able to smoothly transition from one position to the next and doing it with a nice flow.

That's why I am so grateful that I have a few of Ed's pics to look back on. He has captured me in my later years more than any other photographer. And I know if he was still with us, he'd still be shooting us old farts. Photo by Ed O'Connell
*Click the photo above to see a larger version of Ed's Pic.

COMING THIS LATE SPRING of 2024 (June).
My book that I have been writing the last 100 years or so. It's looking more and more like the book will be out long after I hit my 20th Year Anniversary of this Blog. And that will be double the reason to celebrate. BOOK and BLOG.

And YES, there will be a book signing. And I will let you all know in advance, where and when. The book will be available in both hard cover and soft cover on AMAZON, BARNES & NOBLE, INGRAM, GOOGLE BOOKS, and KOBO PUBLISHING.



Most of my close friends have heard some of these stories first hand. But trust me, with over 100 stories, there's a handful that none of you have ever heard. It's true. Be patient my friends.
It's all coming in June of 2024.

CLICK ON THE IMAGE ABOVE TO SEE A LARGER
Version of both the front and back cover.

NEW SECRET SPOT UPDATE ON THEIR GO FUND ME PAGE FOR THEIR REBUILD FOR THE SUMMER OF 2024!



CLICK ON THE GRAPHIC ABOVE TO HELP SECRET SPOT.
I know it's hard to donate to so many of these GO FUND ME pages, but if you have ever eaten at SECRET SPOT especially after surfing? You know how much we need to have it back again. This is a surf owned operation. Surfers need surf food.
Every donation helps. No matter how bog or how small.

This is a iPhone pic of the NORTHERN LIGHTS G5 Solar Storm on Friday May 10th, 2024. This was in our backyard here in Hampton. Check out the gallery of iPhone pics that Cory and I shot that night down in the photo gallery section.

So I went surfing on my daughter's 34th Birthday last week. Poor Gabby was dealing with a sick child at the time, and I felt so helpless about not being able to do anything for her or for her youngest daughter Reighlynn so I went for a surf. I chose one of my favorite places to surf. I ended up surfing with a good friend Johnny "JIM" Meehan and a handful of others who I know. And although I didn't surf very well, I felt like I was part of the line up. It occurred to me that surfing isn't just the act of catching and riding waves, it's way more than that. It's the back and forth banter we have with each other while we're actually riding waves. And when the vibe is right, there's nothing better. I only caught five waves. But I had fun. And if I've said it once I've said a hundred times, Surfing is all about having fun.

And if you're lucky ( like I was on my last wave) you can connect a few of the dots out there and remind yourself and your friends, that there once was a time when you knew how to do this thing that we all love. And that was a good feeling. Riding that last wave in felt good. It's funny how one ride from one session can do that for you.

I took a selfie of me, Brian Avantes, and Johnny JIM Meehan after we got out of the water. Britt and Eric had already left. But you can tell from this pic that we had fun. And I'm looking forward to getting back out there.

THE GREATEST ROAST OF ALL TIME. TOM BRADY.
I'm sure you have all heard about this. But if you haven't? Go to NETFLIX and check it out. It was in a word UNBELIEVEABLE. Oh my God. I've seen a few Roasts before (I'm old enough to remember the Don Rickles and Dean Martin Roasts), and while those old roast made you squirm every now and then, this was one for the ages. There was nothing off the table. This was a NO HOLDS BARRED ROAST. I can't do it any justice talking about it here, you have to see it for yourself. Just make sure the wife and the kids are not present.



There's a whole bunch of pics in the READERS Gallery that I shot from the comfort of my chair inn our living room. This is the GOAT himself slamming a few of his teammates. You really should watch the NETFLIX special. If you're a Brady/Patriots fan you owe it to yourself.



The NEXT BLOG will be posted in two weeks.
“SURFING HEALS ALL WOUNDS.” 

One of my favorite times of the year is the HBCF. Look for a future LOCAL LEGENDS Story on Jimmy in the near future. He's currently in LA working on the 2nd season of FRASIER with Kelsey Grammer. I suggest you get your tickets early for the HBCF because they sell out pretty quickly.

Boy what a wild couple of weeks we have all witnessed. From the once possible GOP Trump VP choice Kristi Noem writing about shooting her dog "Cricket" in her new memoir, to Stormy Daniels testifying at the Donald Trump HUSH money case. I tell ya, it's hard to keep up with all the wackiness. And you already know that the Sheik is getting the latest scoop on these crazy stories for his ever popular Political gossip column in the GITMO GAZETTE. Ole Khaliddy is Giddy with the news. Stay tuned folks things are gonna get crazier before they settle down. Man somebody pass me the popcorn, this shit's about to nasty.

And so my friends, please take advantage of this weekly photo shop of the mastermind who planned 9-11 and resulted in the deaths of 3,000 innocent civilians by KSM (Khalid Sheik Mohammed). *Note to self -must pick up a case of MILKBONES FOR PUPPIES at Home Depot this week.

PLEASE KEEP Karen Evans in your thoughts and prayers. Karen is currently battling FTD (Frontotemporal Dementia) a result of damage to neurons in the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain. She's doing remarkably well in dealing with this condition. The Evans have been local icons here for as long as I can remember. All the Surf Families are in full support of Rick, Karen, Matt, Megan and Nick and baby Luka, and of course Mikel. Sending your positive thoughts and prayers are welcome.



Farewell JACK EDWARDS the Voice of the Boston Bruins on NESN for the last 19 years. Praying for you brother.

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY May 12th, 2024!
GO BRUINS and CELTICS! COME ON YOU GUYS!
The 16th Annual HIT THE BEACH is on August 23rd, 2024
REST IN PEACE John Gooch musician/surfer friend.
*I'll be doing a longer piece on John Gooch in one of the next Blogs.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY Leah Piersnek May 8th, 2014!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY Gabby LaBreck May 9th, 2014!
HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY TO ALL THE MOMS!
HEAL QUICKLY SURFER/MUSICIAN PETE KOWALSKI And his loving donor wife Andrea. Both are recovering at MGH.
HEAL QUICKLY Johnny Fatello Recovering from Back Surgery.
KEEP FIGHTING Robert Gerard! You Got This Brother!
Please keep LOCAL SURF LEGEND Norm Murphy in your thoughts and prayers.

"SURFING HEALS ALL WOUNDS."
Please Support ALL The photographers who contribute to
Ralph's Pic Of The Week every week for the last 19 years.
** BUY a HIGH RES Photo from any of the weeks on RPOTW.
Remember my friends... Surfing Heals All Wounds.
Pray for Surf. Pray for Peace. Surfing Is Supposed to be Fun.

Ralph

CALEY BRENTWOOD SNOW May 10th, 1974-JU*ne 6th, 1989
I once owned a bona fide Surf Dog. "Caley was the real deal Surf/beach dog. Long before there were rules and laws about dog's on the beaches. Caley would run free up and down the beaches checking every single surfer who entered the water and exited the water making sure it was or wasn't me, She would run up and down the water's edge and check every single surfer looking for me when I was out surfing. The story about her surfing is in my book.
Photos c/o RALPH and Cory
*Click on the photo above to see a larger image

I kept a daily Blog on my CATCH A WAVE FOR MOLLY surf campaign, when I surfed every single day for 365 consecutive days. Click on the Banner above to read entries of my daily journey. There's some really interesting and true experiences
that happened during that year. Some of which are to this day, unexplainable. Some are just mind blowing. But all true.

I started on July 26th, 2010 and ended on July 26th, 2011.

Some rainy Sunday, pour yourself a cup and go through the journal. Pay close attention to the month of May in 2011. Read that month and let me know what you think of that. Be forewarned it will change you forever.

All photos taken this week unless otherwise noted.

Today- TUESDAY MAY 7th, 2024 Photos by RALPH



(Above) This was another beautiful morning with hardly anyone out.
Tuesday May 7th, 2024. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

Click on the ad above to see the Menu and other
important info on their Somerville restaurant and all the
other AMERICAN FLATBREAD locations.

(Above) This guy was the only one getting rides when I first pulled up.
Tuesday May 7th, 2024. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) He was making the best of these smooth as silk glassy waves. Tuesday May 7th, 2024. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

The Haffenreffer family have been helping seacoast families
with their holistic health and optimal wellness for decades.

Welcome Solsticenh.com Melinda is a local NH surfer.
Click on the ad above to visit her site.

(Above) There were fun little glassy waves wrapping into the beach.
Tuesday May 7th, 2024. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) Tuesday May 7th, 2024. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

Best EAST COAST Coverage on the Internet.




NEW Client to the BLOG WELCOME 935 OCEAN
Click on the ad to find out where to stay the next time
you're in town.

(Above) Then he had company. Tuesday May 7th, 2024.
Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery



(Above) The waves kept rolling in. Green and glassy.
Tuesday May 7th, 2024. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

Click on the ad above to see the NEW SURFER'S JOURNAL

DIPG THE CURE STARTS NOW
To learn more about Evan and his journey click here  https://thecurestartsnow.org/sup.../view-heroes/evan-austin/

(Above) This woman got a few good ones.
Tuesday May 7th, 2024. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) There were four individuals out there. I did not know a single one.
Tuesday May 7th, 2024. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) There was something cool about shooting surfers that I didn't know. Tuesday May 7th, 2024. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

If you love the Beatles and you love the guitar
click on this ad above for an amazing instrumental
band playing all of your favorite Beatles songs with
the coolest arrangements. Johnny A is one of the
best guitar players on the planet.

Peter Stokes is one of the BEST guitar techs in
all of North America. He's the BEST guitar tech
in New England.

Produced by David Robinson of the CARS.
Visit our Facebook page

(Above) Then this wave popped up on the outer sandbar. I was hoping the woman could get to it in time. Tuesday May 7th, 2024. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) She almost made it. Tuesday May 7th, 2024. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

Produced by David Robinson of the CARS.
Visit our Facebook page

Produced by Steve Sadler.
Visit our Facebook page

The VINNY Band was around from 1976 to 1984




July 30th, 1979 headlining the Paradise Club
In Boston, MA

(Above) The waist high or better criteria was in full affect.
Tuesday May 7th, 2024. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) Was it worth it? You tell me. Tuesday May 7th, 2024.
Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

The art of Donna Baldassari

Hannah Vokey is one of my favorite surf artists.

Today- THE SAME SWELL AND DAY - MAY 7th, 2024
Photos by Dina Crawford

(Above) The grass is always greener and golder. Tuesday May 7th, 2024.
Photo by Dina Crawford
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) Matt Colby was Johnny on the spot at DINALAND.
Tuesday May 7th, 2024. Photo by Dina Crawford
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) DINALAND Tuesday May 7th, 2024. Photo by Dina Crawford
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) Matt Colby DINALAND. Tuesday May 7th, 2024.
Photo by Dina Crawford
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) Colby loves surfing DINALAND no matter what the size.
Tuesday May 7th, 2024. Photo by Dina Crawford
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

I love Erica's whimsical Gull art. So cool and unique.

ONLY THE DURHAM STORE IS OPEN.
Due to the massive fire back in August the
Hampton store is closed. We will let you all
know when SECRET SPOT is back in
operation on the seacoast.
Thank you.
Jon Gozzo and family.

(Above) Colby in the sweet spot. Tuesday May 7th, 2024.
Photo by Dina Crawford
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery



(Above) Colby floating the boat at DINALAND.
Tuesday May 7th, 2024. Photo by Dina Crawford
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) Colby floating the boat part II at DINALAND.
Tuesday May 7th, 2024. Photo by Dina Crawford
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) Colby dropping into a green sleeve at DINALAND.
Tuesday May 7th, 2024. Photo by Dina Crawford
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

Listen to QWILL on the new video at the top of this page.

(Above) Colby winding up. Tuesday May 7th, 2024.
Photo by Dina Crawford
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery



(Above) Colby tapping the coping at DINALAND.
Tuesday May 7th, 2024. Photo by Dina Crawford
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

Click on this image to visit Driftwood Photography

"GIVE YOUR BUSINESS A KICK IN THE ADS"
Since 1985.

Everybody has a story to tell

(Above) Britt Swartley the only Goofyfoot out there.
Tuesday May 7th, 2024. Photo by Dina Crawford
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) Britt chasing down the end section. DINALAND.
Tuesday May 7th, 2024. Photo by Dina Crawford
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) Tuesday May 7th, 2024. Photo by Dina Crawford
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

Today- THE G5 SOLAR STORM HITS NEW ENGLAND
MAY 10th, 2024 iPhone photos by Ralph and Cory Fatello

(Above) I have to admit, it was pretty wild out there.
Friday May 10th, 2024. Photo by FATELLO
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) The colors were amazing. Pink, blue, purple and green.
Friday May 10th, 2024. Photo by FATELLO
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) I had never seen the Northern lights until this night.
Friday May 10th, 2024. Photo by FATELLO
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

Send your SURF Pics to me directly to: ralph@adlantic.com.
Need photos by 10 AM on Saturdays. Seriously. By 10AM. 
Make sure they are 1500 to 1555 pixels wide.
If you have more than 10 pics please use wetransfer.com it's free up to 2 gig. Please DO NOT send me over 10 pics without first contacting and communicating with me. Thank you.

Click on Archives link to see all the past Blogs and pics.

My friend Rick McAvoy from Maine is the creator
behind this unique Surf Company

(Above) My friend Lenny Nichols is one of the original masters of Black and White photography. May 12th, 2024. Photo by Lenny Nichols
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery



(Above) From the ocean to the rivers and lakes. May 12th, 2024.
Photo by Lenny Nichols
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

He's more than just a good photographer

(Above) All Rise: The 10th Street District Court Of Surf is Now in Session. The Honorable Judge RALPH presiding. Case # 770 BLATANT DROP IN OF THE WEEK. Click the image above to see the outcome of this Surf Crime and the verdict that was rendered.
Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the outcome

This is what happens if you are found GUILTY. You become invisible.

Click on this image above to buy this book
and more cool KING'S X merchandise and music

I see small waves all week

I'm picking Friday May 17th, 2024 as the best of the week!

May 12th, 2024

"I'm not so sure about this said the ladderman. I mean I've taken photos from my ladder. But this? Sorry Homey don't play this game."

(ABOVE) I'm pretty sure this did not end well.
Photo by The GOOGLE Machine



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