Another Perfect Thanksgiving Day Swell (in spite of the snow storm), Ferguson, and the Madness of Black Friday.

I knew I should of kept my big mouth shut last week when I blogged about the insane snow storm in Buffalo. Because less than a week later, we got hit with a storm that damn near crippled a lot of folks here in New England.

In fact, there are still thousands without power. Ugh. The funny thing is, I never saw it coming. I was not paying attention. That storm caught me (personally) off guard.

I felt foolish and once again had crow for dinner. Hell I'm still eating crow leftovers.



OK this is, I suppose, pretty. Alright, it's beautiful. Even with the white stuff. The sun peaking through the snow covered branches. It was a moment that caught my breath. Like I have said many many times,
it's not just surfing.

I shot this early on Thanksgiving morning deep in the woods. I admit there is something very intoxicating about a fresh fallen snow. I can certainly see the beauty in all of it, It's just that it came too soon for me. I would of preferred some time in December for our first major snow storm.



Here's my Christmas tree this year. It's about 30' high. I'll more than likely leave it there and just walk out into the woods to trim the tree.
All kidding aside, this tree really stood out in that glorious setting.

I always have my little water camera with me when I am in the woods. The Canon D10 takes great little pics. It's so small and compact that I carry it in my pocket. Had the camera since 2009 when Brian Nevins suggested I pick one up. It was good advice because that camera is still a favorite of mine.

Meanwhile I could hear the ocean roaring a mile away while I walked through the woods. Sure enough, I got a text from my son Max saying he was heading out. I knew I was missing it. About an hour later, I was back home grabbing my Nikon, and headed for the Ocean.



The sun was gone, but the swell was just starting to get organized.

Not sure how many Thanksgiving's we've had that we have had good surf, but I'm thinking quite a few. Clearly last year was all time. And I know of several more, but I'm wondering how many consecutive years we've had Turkey Day Waves. If anyone knows drop me a line. I'd be curious to know the stats.

This was an impressive swell. Mostly out of the north and the wind was W/SW there would be some spots that were firing while others were just mediocre. I lucked out and hit the best spot and got some really good shots and sequences of a handful of local rippers. It's all down in the galleries. Feel free to feast your eyes on them.

Speaking of feasts. This Thanksgiving was a bitter sweet one for my family. It was the first without my nephew Michael. He passed away in June and his absence was felt by all of us. I said grace and talked about our empty hearts. I asked for the Lord's blessing for all of us.
My sister Gale was having a difficult time, but she managed to get through it. I can't imagine the grief she felt on the first holiday without her child Michael.

And my younger sister Evamarie is in a battle for her life.

So I asked the Lord for strength and courage for her to keep fighting the cancer that has invaded her body. We both talked earlier this week, and we mentioned that this could very well be her last holiday season. But then again, none of us has a crystal ball. I hope and pray that there is a miracle with her name on it.

I know there were several homes this Thanksgiving that had empty chairs around the table. Ed O'Connell, John "JT" Taylor, Alan MacGregor, Ron Appel, and Rick Savastano. They were all missed by their family and loved ones. The one saving grace is, this holiday is behind them now.

They all got through the "first" Thanksgiving without their loved ones. Hopefully, it will get easier from year to year.



The before and after photos at my sister Donna's home.



Typically we start off with a homemade soup that was my late mother's recipe that is to die for. In fact, you can fill up on the soup alone. The soup is followed by the traditional pasta dish. This year she made ravioli and eggplant.

Finally the Turkey makes it's way to the table. If you have any room left, the turkey is the final nail in the coffin. We all unbuckle our pants and settle in to watch the football games. Then of course, the pastries hit the table and we all find the strength and the room in our gullets to eat the delicious pies, cookies, and a number of other Italian pastry.

All in all, it was a great gathering of family and friends. We laughed, we cried, and toasted the recent departed.

The oldest and youngest attendees. My Auntie Anna. 94 years young.
She is the last surviving member of my father's siblings . She is as sharp as a tack. Can still carry on a conversation and she has complete recall of the past. We all love her.



And of course, Avery Marina. 14 months old. She was a doll this day. Along with her older cousin Kai, the two youngest members brought smiles to everyone's faces. It was a Happy Thanksgiving.

"Being Thankful and Grateful Heals All Wounds"