The New England Patriots are SUPER BOWL Champs!
The Surf has been great! And we got one ass kicker of a storm on the way kids! But who cares? TB 12 is the BEST!

So, I'm standing in front of my wide screen TV in the living room. Pete, Noelle, and Cory are all standing there with me. The game is over. And I remember saying out loud, "What the hell just happened? What did I just watch?" You all know the story by now. If you don't, you're stupid. You shouldn't be reading this blog. Because everyone on the planet, knows, that the New England Patriots are The BEST team in the NFL. They all know that Tom Brady is the BEST Quarterback in the NFL. They know that this was the BIGGEST and BEST comeback, in the history of the Super Bowl.

Even if you are not a football fan, you can appreciate these numbers.

The Patriots were down 28-3 late in the 3rd qtr. That's a 25 point deficit. Everyone, or most everyone, thought this game was over. The Atlanta Falcons were about to make history with the biggest upset of the year. Everyone thought that, except the Patriots (and Pete). They looked at the clock and knew there was enough time. Enough time for what? To score 25
unanswered points? Really?

But things turned. And when things turn, momentum switches.



This man, TB 12, engineered the greatest comeback in Super Bowl history.

Momentum had turned in the favor of the Patriots. Destiny was unfolding in front of our very eyes. Our disbelieving eyes. Still, there was some doubt on our side. I sent my brother a text asking "Is it mathematically possible?" He text-ed me back one word. "Nope." I sent my son Max a text when it was 28-3 saying "Can you believe this?" And he wrote back saying "Anything is possible." And I immediately answered with "It's possible that the Patriots won't get a single touchdown."

I surprised myself for writing that. For I am a lifelong fan. That was negative.

I have suffered through the dark years. And I have enjoyed the good years. And my wife will agree that I was fine with the prospect of them losing. Yes I was disappointed, but I was not down. How could I be? We were playing in the 7th Super bowl with Belichick and Brady. We have already won four. How could I be upset with the team that has brought us all so much joy?

And then things started to happen. The impossible became possible.



Like this. This will be forever be known as "THE CATCH."

How many crazy catches have happened to this team that cost us the game, or nearly cost us the game. The Tyree helmet catch against the GIANTS. The crazy Kearse catch against the SEAHAWKS. But this? Julian Edleman caught the most improbable of all catches. It was like watching The Matrix. The ball bounced off of defenders legs, and at one point the ball was suspended in air. And yet Julian somehow catches the ball.

Edleman who had been saying the whole 4th qtr to his teammates "You gotta believe boys. You gotta believe." Suddenly we were all starting to believe. I am not going to go into a play by play scenario, if you are a true fan, you can watch it all on the NFL station 853 (HD). I've watched it several times. The best versions are the "mic'd up" shows. Those are great. Hearing the voices of some of the key players.



There were a number of plays that had to have happened for this outcome.
It was, and will always be, the BEST SUPER BOWL in the NFL history.

I felt sorry for GRONK. He said he wasn't part of the victory, but he was. He was a team player up until the night he got hurt against Seattle. I miss him.



And so does TB 12. I hope he comes back next season.



BEST QB and Coach combo EVER! Together they played in 7 Super Bowl games and won 5 times. FIVE TIMES! It really should of been all 7. But hey, things happen. Right?



How great was this? Having George Bush Sr and his wife Barbara on
the field doing the coin toss. God bless them both.



This is going to be trouble. I've heard the forecast has now changed for the seacoast. We are now in dangerous waters. (Pun intended). There will be surf, but there will be hell conditions. And there will be a ton of snow.

That's GREAT news for the mountains. I've heard that it's been a great winter so far. Please visit the mountains that are here on the blog. LOON, CRANMORE, PATS PEAK, and SHAWNEE. All great mountains with great snow and vibes. Ski or snowboard. It's all waiting for you.



"Surfing, Snow boarding, and Skiing Heals All Wounds"

This week's pic from Ed's corner was shot in March in 2014. I think I knew who this was the week he shot this. But right now? I'm drawing a blank. Maybe one of you knows who this is. Whoever it is, he's having fun. And Ed got the shot.

To see more of Ed's pics just scroll through the archives. He has shot so many pics for the blog. Each week I will feature one of Ed's great pics from this blog. Photo by Ed O'Connell
*Click the photo above to see a larger version of Ed's Pic.

Now for Some More Of My Weekly Global Observances
The sad news surrounding the Super Bowl was the theft of TB 12's jersey. Who the hell would steal Brady's jersey right out of the locker room? I mean are you kidding me? Who would do such a thing?



Wow. I guess I'm not surprised by this act of cowardice.

How many of you enjoyed watching Roger Goodell hand over the Lombardi trophy to Robert Kraft and to Bill Belichick the next morning. And...Goodell handing the MVP trophy to Tom Brady? Oh my God, that was priceless. Simply priceless.



How Belichick didn't smash this trophy over Goodell's head will always be a mystery to me.



The MOST embarrassing moment in Goodell's life. Reaching for the hand of the man he suspended for 4 games. Tom Brady is THE MAN! Roger Goodell is an asshole. And like all assholes, he got what was coming to him. Humble Pie. Suck it up Roger.

Remember what my prediction was last week?
My Prediction: Patriots 34 Falcons 24
FINAL SCORE Patriots 34 Falcons 28.
Who needs Vegas? You got me!

Here's an IMPORTANT MESSAGE from the Rowlee Family.



Dear Molly Fund supporters,

I can't believe we are coming up on the end of our 6th year of The Molly Fund! Your generosity over the years has been overwhelming. Together we have donated close to $350,000 to Dana Farber for families with children battling cancer! Your donations have helped people right in our own little community. 

But, we can do more.  We have decided that it is time to move all administration of The Fund to Dana Farber. IT WILL STAY THE SAME AS IT ALWAYS HAS BEEN, but now we won't have to pay for any expenses associated with running a non-profit (accounting services, board insurance and office supplies). 100% OF YOUR DONATIONS WILL NOW GO DIRECTLY TO FAMILIES. Dana Farber is a non-profit and your donation will still be tax deductible. They will send me notifications of donations so I can personally thank you, and send a sticker.

**Effective immediately, checks will now be made out to:
Dana Farber Cancer Institute with Molly Rowlee fund in the Memo line.
Mail to: Dana Farber Cancer Institute
Attn: Hannah Casill
Division of Development
10 Brookline Place West, FL 6
Brookline, MA 02245

With all our love, Meg and Buck Rowlee, Skip Brunette, Chuck White, and MP Broderick, the Molly Fund Board.

KSM Photoshop of the Week
Don't know how I missed this? KSM working the cables on Lady Gaga. Khalid "Sheik" Mohammed is a ballsy terrorist. I'm surprised the Gaga camp allowed this.



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 used Gaga CDs.

Prayers and positive thoughts to Erica Nardone's recovery.
HAPPY VALENTINES DAY! February 14th, 2017!
* You don't need a special day to say I love You.
We say I LOVE YOU every single day. It's true.

Please Support ALL The photographers who contribute to
Ralph's Pic Of The Week every week for the last 11 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

*Click on the photo above to see a larger version

(Above) Looking south. Hmmm that looks like fun.
Friday, February 10th, 2017 Photos by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery



(Above) What you can't see or feel is how cold it was. Kai Nichols could
care less. Friday, February 10th, 2017 Photos by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery



(Above) Kody Grondin on a pinto faced inside section.
Friday, February 10th, 2017 Photos by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery



(Above) We can all agree on this. Can't we? Perfect peak.
Friday, February 10th, 2017 Photos by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) Kody Grondin taking an inside slice. Friday, February 10th, 2017 Photos by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) Mackey riding one of Mikey Evan's creations.
Friday, February 10th, 2017 Photos by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery



(Above) I like this pic. It's clearly a photo that only a surfer can relate to.
Kody reflecting on the what ifs. Friday, February 10th, 2017
Photos by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) The Pine State delivers. Wednesday, February 8th, 2017
Photos by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery



(Above) The long walk home. Wednesday, February 8th, 2017
Photos by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery



(Above) Three little peaks. Huffing and blowing in the wind.
Wednesday, February 8th, 2017 Photos by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

Today- The DRIVE FOR FIVE (Feet) Swell February 8th, 2017
Home-field Advantage. Photos by RALPH



(Above) This is how the day started out for us.
Wednesday, February 8th, 2017 Photos by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) Yeah it was messy. But hey, it's February. Right?
Wednesday, February 8th, 2017 Photos by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery



(Above) I love this. Being a grandfather myself, I know how this feels.
Marky J taking it all in with his cute as pie granddaughter.
Wednesday, February 8th, 2017 Photos by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery



(Above) Meanwhile on the other side of that wall. This.
Wednesday, February 8th, 2017 Photos by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) MVF carving on the Mikey Evans fish.
Wednesday, February 8th, 2017 Photos by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) I think this is Richie Appel. I'm sure he would know once he sees this.
Wednesday, February 8th, 2017 Photos by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) Mikey Evans riding what he preaches.
Wednesday, February 8th, 2017 Photos by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) Kevin "Doc" Grondin on his way to winning the Legends Longboard contest. January, 2017 Photos by Kim Grondin
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

AMAZING SUPER BOWL LI Pics
all photos by SI



(Above) He is the GOAT!!! TB 12 Tom Brady. Never before-never again. February 5th, 2017 Photos by SI
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery




(Above) Chris Long had never played in a play-off game before becoming a Patriot. His mind is officially blown. February 5th, 2017 Photos by SI
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery