Just because...it's Christmas. And the kids back then had toy guns.
Before MATCH.com there was thing called DESTINY. Some things were just meant to be. I was putting together the Blog and was looking for some old pics for the yesterday section when I found the pic of me and my six guns holding onto my Davey Crockett musket on Christmas morning in 1955. And then, just as things always happen, I remembered the pic of Cory with her six guns and well...it didn't take long for me to see the possibilities of a cool pic.
We are exactly 10 years apart. And on December 23rd, 2019 it will be the 36th anniversary of the year we met. We also got engaged on this same day three years later in 1986. And last year, our youngest Noelle, and her boyfriend Pete, got engaged on December 23rd, 2018. So tradition runs deep in our home.
I don't know, with all the terrible and tragic news that we are bombarded with on a daily basis, I wanted to lighten things up a bit. So I made this pic of us.
Though I'm sure there are some people out there who are more than likely frowning at the "Toy Gun" look. And that's cool. Though can I just point out that Cory and I never grew up to become criminals or mass shooters. Yes I enlisted in the Marine Corps and went to war as a Grunt (infantry). But since then? I've not fired my weapon at any other living human being. And neither has Cory (who also lived in a war zone). So it's just a sign of the times.
Kids grew up with toy guns. It was very popular in the 40's, 50's,
60's, and 70's. Hell they might have still been popular right through the 80's and 90's as well. I do know that you would be hard pressed to find a toy gun in any of the toy stores today.
Which is ironic because there are some very violent video games out there.
But whatever. When we were kids, we had to use our imagination when playing with our toy guns. Today's video games? Leave your imagination at the door. Because that shit is as real as it gets. To each his own I suppose.
So, we had some pretty looking waves this past week.
Here's another pic from one of my favorite EMPTY WAVE Photographers. Pete Bauer has been sending me pics for the last 5-7 years and each batch he sends me are usually stunning. The batch he sent me yesterday is one of those. He's got a great eye for the pitching lip and hollow barrel. Do yourself a favor and check out his beautiful gallery.
This was from Wednesday the 18th. I looked over and saw these winding stairs and thought they looked cool.
It was still snowing. The snow flakes falling onto the sand and melting upon contact. Typical December snow/surf scene.
Now this is a pic of Stevie O'hara's dog. He's such a great companion. He actually waits for Stevie at the water's edge every time Stevie goes surfing. I had a dog that did that back in the 70's and 80's. Her name was Caley. She was a English Setter who lived to be 16 years old. She would wait for me every time I went surfing. She was a good dog, and I miss her.
And this guy? Kenny Linseman. I've known Kenny for a very long time. I remember when he first got into surfing. I knew he was in it for the long haul. He does everything he can, both physically and mentally, to get in shape for surfing. He's had a few setbacks here and there, but is never daunted, nor has he lost his stoke. Injuries are just temporary.
He can see the big picture better than most people I know. I hope he heals soon so he can get back out there and do what he loves to do. Merry Christmas Kenny and family!
If you look closely you can just make out near that pitching lip a person inside the barrel. That person would be Kainalu Nichols. He's always getting barreled. I got some good pics of Kai this week as well as some good video. Check out the galleries and look for the video sometime this coming week.
This was from Sunday December 15th, 2019. She sure was windy!
Wait windy? It was gusting like you read about. One of the windiest days
I can ever recall. But as always, that did not deter the masses from paddling
out and getting their fair share.
This is Mackey. He's been out in the woods more times than not as of late but he hasn't skipped a beat as far as getting back into the water when it's firing. To those who know surfing, you know that he's launching himself into the
pit in this pic. That boy does have a nose for the barrel. Each winter I run these promos form our friends in the mountains. LOON, CRANMORE, and PAT'S PEAK. Just click on these logos below to see what's happening up north.
New England's Most Accessible Resort
EXIT 32 off of 1-93
North Conway's Family Mountain
Located in North Conway, NH
Voted # 1 Ski Town in the country by USA Today
Southern New Hampshire's Family Friendly Mountain
Close To Home!
"Surfing, Skiing, and Snowboarding Heals Wounds."
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This is Brian Taber backing into a nice looking right on December 13th, 2008. I'm thinking this was at the WALL. It's a tight shot and usually at a higher tide we set up right on the wall to shoot the action. I more than likely have video from this day. Another gem from the late Ed O'Connell.
Photo by Ed O'Connell
*Click the photo above to see a larger version of Ed's Pic.
Now for Some Local, National and International News
I'm not one of those individuals who is gloating and feeling good about this Impeachment. I don't enjoy seeing our country fall apart, and I certainly get no pleasure out of this whole ordeal. But...this man brought this all upon himself. No man is above the law. And that goes for 45. I mean Good Lord, some of the things he says and tweets on a daily basis, is just beyond embarrassing. He really thinks he's better than anyone else on this planet. I have never seen anyone quite like him. But the truth is, he got Impeached. And he did it to himself. He doesn't care about anyone or anything but himself. Well, Ye Reap What Ye Sow.
Nixon, Clinton, and Trump. The IMPEACHABLES.
I'm not a big fan of Nancy, but she had the courage to do the right thing. So she should be commended for her efforts and sticking to her guns. 45 is a Bully. And the only way to fight a bully is with strength, conviction, and courage. Bullies can't stand up to any of that. And this BIG BULLY BUFFOON just found out the hard way.
Oh Little Donnie you had to figure this would come back and bite you in the ass. I guess dumb asses run in the family.
ESM (Eastern Surf Magazine) using a READY MAG format did the Best of Ralph's Pic. And while they couldn't possibly use everything thing I've ever done, they did manage to put up some 50 pics of mine, plus two videos. And I was truly humbled by their intro. Mez said some nice things about me. CLICK ON THE IMAGE ABOVE TO SEE THE WHOLE Spread.
COMING FATHER'S DAY 2020.
LOOK for another release prior to this movie.
FOR LOVE AND WAVES. The story of couples who surf.
Posting on Valentines Day February 14th, 2020.
The DVD's are available at all the local surf shops. Or by
sending me an email. ralph@adlantic.com or send a check for $20.00 made out to ADLANTIC and send it here:
ADLANTIC
c/o OC Studio Suites
703 Ocean Blvd Suite C-4
Hampton, NH 03842
Or RENT or BUY it Online. You have spoken and I have listened. You don't have a DVD player so I made it available Online. Watch it on your Smart TV, your computer, or your cellphone! I can't make this any easier my friends.
GRANITE GIRLS and The RIVER WOMEN from Ralph's Pic Of The Week on Vimeo.
NOW AVAILABLE on VIMEO ON DEMAND.
KSM Photoshop of the Week
And you all knew this was coming. How could I pass this up?
Why it's Ole Khaliddy at the recent Trump Rally. Did he make that banner? Oh hell if I know. I do know that KSM doesn't celebrate Christmas. But would he celebrate Impeachmas? Hmmm?
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 Christmas lights at Home Depot this week.
Congrats to Julia Nichols on the birth of baby girl number 2 December 20th, 2019!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY Tony Berardini December 24th, 2019!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY Baby Jesus December 25th, 2019!
MERRY CHRISTMAS!
HAPPY HANUKKAH!
HAPPY KWANZA!
HAPPY HOLIDAYS!
PLEASE Keep longtime NH Surfer Greg Smith in your Prayers.
Lenny Nichols & Colin Madden
Co-Directors, NNE District
Eastern Surfing Association
www.esa-nne.org
@esa.nne.surf
Please
Support ALL The photographers who contribute to
Ralph's Pic Of The Week every week for the last 13 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. Surf For Fun.
Ralph
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