WHAM!!!! The sound woke me from a dead sleep. It was 3:20AM on January 12, 2011 when I heard what turned out to be, a large gust of wind, hitting the side of our house. I swear it sounded more like a tree falling on the roof. I looked out the window and saw that snow had already started to pile up. The night before, I made plans to hit the surf early, rather than later. I wanted to avoid the brunt of the snow and wind. Well, that was not going to happen. The whiteout conditions had already started.

I was trapped until this thing slowed down.

I tried to go back to bed, and sleep a little longer. But the wind was wailing outside. I could only think about what was happening out there. And more specifically, down at the ocean. I knew it would be big later in the day. And I also knew that I was not going anywhere until I cleaned off both driveways. Ugh...and all I have is an old TORO Snow Blower and a couple of back saver shovels. I knew I had my work cut out for me. But I needed to do this before I tried to find a wave to surf.

We are a family of five. And we have 4 vehicles in two driveways.

However, I am on my own out there. My son has a broken leg and claims the Doctor said no heavy lifting and or turning. I guess it's OK for him to go and lift weights though. "Lifting snow and lifting weights are two different kinds of lifting?" I asked. "Dad you don't know. And I don't want to talk about it." I have two daughters at home who could of helped me. But they too are indifferent to shoveling. Suffice it to say, that I'm on my own. I don't mind it though.

I'm actually sort of a stickler when it comes to snow blowing my driveways. My buddies John Boy and Jacko used to get on me about my obsession of having the perfectly clean driveway.
I would beam with pride at seeing how aligned the edges were. How clean the path of my Snow Blower made. And God forbid if someone accidentally backed into a clean wall. I would freak out. I'm the same way when cutting my lawn. I want the patterns to be even and eye pleasing. Having my kids help me, would only cause me more stress if they didn't follow my cookie cutter instructions. In short, I'd rather do it myself.

But this storm? Whoa, it really did dump a lot of snow on us.. I mean a lot. 20" worth.

Our street was not yet plowed either. So I knew I would be dealing with the snow that is out there now, and then eventually, the snow plows blocking me back in. But this is our reality here in New England. For those of us who deal with this, year after year, we have become immune to it. We don't really freak out, like some do when the storms come marching in every winter. This is our world. We know it's going to snow each winter.

Like a lot of you, I crack up when the local News Reporters interview people on the street.

There's always some man or woman saying they hate it. "I want to be in Florida! I hate this crap!" says Suzy Creamcheese from Revere. But then again, there's always some crusty old local, who says; "Nah this is nuthin. It's not that bigga deal! Who cares!" That's my guy.

Then of course, there's always that one News Reporter who's been standing out in the snow all day long, to show us back home, how deep the snow is. They always bend over to pick up the snow to talk about the consistency of the snow. Really? Is that necessary? We need some silly news reporter to pick up the snow to show us first hand what we should expect?

That's crazy. Put that snow down. We don't need you showing us what kind of snow we got. I think we get it lady. You know what I'd like to see? I'd like to see some reporter eat the snow. You know take a big mouthful and tell us about the kind if snow we have. Sticky and wet? Fluffy and light? Or better yet, where's the modern day Dennis The Menace character of today? I'd like to see Dennis hit one of those reporters who are busy telling us about the snow with a big ole snowball. WHAP! How funny would that be?

So getting back to my dilemma of blowing all the snow out of my driveways. By the time I finished (I started at 8:30AM and finished at 1:00PM.) It was an ass kicking undertaking. But I did it. My daughter Gabby volunteered to take photos of my wave for the day. What a trooper she was. The surf was out of control at most spots. I drove North and we found a spot that was semi protected from the wind. In fact, it actually looked good. If not for the wind, snow and freezing temps it would of been great.

Not surprising, I was the only one out. The surf looked to me to be about 6-8' with bigger sets.

I waxed my board and hit the surf. The rip was insane and the second I hit the water, I was dragged down about 100 to 200 yards. It was swirling wind out there, and the snow was still coming down at a decent clip. I did all I could to stay lined up. I saw a wave come to me. It was a few feet overhead, when I went to spin and take off. I was way too casual and when I got to my feet, the bottom dropped out. I free fell down the face, and took a big gulp of water. Unintentionally. Damn! I thought to myself. This was not how I wanted to start this day off.

Frustrated and embarrassed, I paddled back out. I immediately caught another wave and rode that for a good distance. But I was still not satisfied. So back out I went. Now I was determined to catch a set wave, and ride it all the way in. I was concerned about Gabby on the beach in thigh high snow drifts. This last wave was my ticket. I dropped in late, and hit my turn, and came up into a big wide open face. I carved a cutback on the face, and then rebounded off the white water and the falling lip. I grabbed my rail and pigdogged my way into the inside section. There I stood tall and saluted. I pointed to Gabby and then fell back off my board. I felt a tremendous amount of relief. I had completed the mission.

I couldn't wait to get home, and jump into that Hot Shower, and then relax in front of the fireplace. Oh man...I was looking forward to that...except when I got home...you guessed it. The Plows had come by, and plowed my ass back in. Doh!

Oh well. Surfing Does Heal All Wounds.


Now for some of my Weekly Global Observances:

Once again I happened to walk by my TV and witness more suffering in this world. The Floods in Australia, The Philippines, and Brazil were being discussed. All the experts were once again pointing towards the Global Warming of our planet. I don't know what to think. I just know that some of that footage was insane. I mean it was crazy. Seeing homes, cars, and busses being swept away was heart breaking. Not that any of you really need to be enlightened. I Just think this needs repeating. If you are feeling down in the dumps about any number of things. Just turn on the news or Google the floods in those countries and see first hand what I'm talking about.

We are all truly blessed. We have much to be thankful for. I know I feel better about my current situation whenever I see the suffering on TV. And this past week was awful.

God please watch over those who are suffering from these terrible floods. Amen.

OK so today is the day. The day we have all been waiting for. The day the JETS play The Patriots for the 3rd time this year. The only difference is. One team advances and the other goes home. All the trash talking will be over. It's do or die for both teams. I believe in the Patriots team and coaches. I believe they will be victors today. And then host the Steelers next week for the AFC Championships. This is going to be one nerve wracking day of Football. May the best team with the best feet win...(Oh no I didn't just write that did I?)

Go Pats! Beat those stink foot Jets once and for all. Let's Shut Up Rex Ryan for good.

Click on the photo by JOHN CARDEN above to see the larger version.

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Ralph

Today-PHANTOM FYI PHILES...Sunday, January 9th, 2011
by The Phantom



(Above) Look at this. Now forget you ever saw it. Because chances are you never will
surf here... ever. January 2011 Photo by the Phantom
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