Look it's MOTHER'S DAY. The COVID-19 can take 2nd Billing this week.
Typically, I will talk about my late mother Eva on this day. She passed away
on October 9th, 2007. And although I'll always remember her, and mention her from time to time, I'm going to talk about these two mothers and one aunt who are very much alive and a huge part of my life. They mean the world to me.
They are from left right: My wife Cory, my Mother-in-law Judith, my oldest daughter Gabby, and my youngest daughter Noelle. And of course there's two of my three granddaughters Brylee (sleeping) and Avery. Judith is Cory's mom. Cory is an only child. She had no siblings growing up. It was just Judith and my late father-in-law Jerry raising Cory in a small town in Illinois called Morris. It was the epitome of middle America. Morris.
I actually went there a couple of times and I was fascinated with Morris.
They didn't have much money when Cory was born. Jerry was in the US ARMY. He was a member of the famous 101st Airborne. *Cory was born in Fort Campbell Kentucky where Jerry was stationed. The day she was born another individual who would end up becoming quite possibly the most influential guitarist of all time was stationed there. James Marshall Hendrix.
AKA Jimi Hendrix.
Whenever I found that out I was beside myself with joy. My wife was born on the same base that Hendrix was stationed at! He was there when Cory was born. Is it any wonder
why I have even more reason to love her? But this is not about Hendrix. This is about the mothers in my life. Judith was an exceptional mother. She absolutely adored and loved Cory. I've seen the photos and heard the stories over the years. They have this incredible bond between them. I watched them together since I first met Judith in 1984. I have been so impressed with their mutual love for each other.
So it was no wonder, or surprise, that Cory would become an exceptional mother herself. And Judith, would become an incredible Grandmother. Whatever decent qualities that Judith had as a mother, was passed down to Cory who in turn, passed those same qualities down to our daughter Gabby.
I've watched it all go down in front of my eyes these last 36 years.
Judith was/is a wonderful mother. And Cory is a wonderful mother herself. Now you can only imagine what it was like for Cory who spent most of her childhood living abroad when her dad ended up working for the government (after leaving the ARMY) and had to travel all over the world. The three of them living in some of the most interesting places on the planet. It was an education that not many children her age were able to imagine, let alone experience.
And in all of these places, the Middle East, Europe, Africa, and beyond,
Judith was still that attentive loving mom even in the most dire of circumstances. The war in the Middle East. They lived through that.
Again, with my background of being in the Marines, and being in a war?
How could I not be attracted to Cory? We were a match made in heaven.
I believe in destiny. And I strongly believe that we were destined to be together.
Cory was the best mom when our three kids were young. And I truly believe that it was because of Judith and her love for Cory. Of course Cory would love our children the way her mom loved her. It was a deep love that was passed down from generation to generation. Judith was and still is a wonderful grandparent to our three kids. And our kids love her and Grandpa John. I'm not saying they didn't love my parents, they most certainly did, but Judith and John were special. My kids are lucky to have them in their lives.
So when our little Gabby girl (who turned 30 yesterday) became a mother she too would carry on the traditions that were instilled in Cory when she was a child and who instilled in our own children. Just like the bond that Cory has with her mom so too do our kids have with Cory. Cory has the same incredible relationship with our three kids that Judith had with Cory.
In my honest opinion, I believe that Cory is one of the most understanding and loving mothers to ever have children. She's done an incredible job as a mother. And now that she's a grandmother to our three grandchildren, she's the same loving grandmother that Judith is to our three kids.
Truth be told, looking at them both, they don't look old enough to be grandparents. And clearly Judith does not look like she has great grandkids. Whatever that gene was in the Parker (Judith's maiden name) pool, our kids better hope and pray that it was passed down to them. Because they ain't gonna get it from my end.
All kidding aside, Gabby has become just like Cory and Judith.
In other words, she's a great mother to her three daughters.
Again, I can see it all go down whenever I'm around them. Great mothers having come full circle.
Now wait a minute, there's the last
woman in the above photo. Noelle. She's not a mother, but she's the BEST auntie of all time. Our three grandkids love her so much. She's cut from the same stock as Gabby, Cory, and Judith. And she's going to be married in September. And I already know in my heart that when the right time comes and she and her fiancée Pete are ready to have children they too will be the best parents that any kid could hope for.
I think it's safe to say. I'm a very lucky man.
Husband, father, and grandfather.
Just like my best friend Kevin Grondin. He has the same as I do. His wife Kim is an exceptional wife, mother, and grandmother. I featured their daughter "Leah" last week along with Gabby. They both turned 30 this past week. Between them both, there are 5 little girls born from our seacoast families.
Happy Mother's Day Kim and Leah!
And speaking of lucky men. My friend Lenny Nichols is a lucky man. Like me he's a proud grandfather of three beautiful granddaughters. Julia and Nohea have between them both three little girls. HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY JULIA and NOHEA! And to mom/grandmother Arlene!
On a sad note. Don Shula the most winiest NFL coach of all time has passed away. Shula was 90 years old. Best known for his incredible run of being the ONLY UNDEFEATED Team in NFL History by taking his 1972 Miami Dolphins all the way. Only one team came close to that incredible record. The 2007 New England Patriots. Close but no cigar. The Dolphins under Coach Shula hold that esteemed record and I'm not sure that will ever be broken. Not in this day of Free Agency.
See number 85 hoisting Coach Shula on his shoulders. That's linebacker Nick Buoniconti. He passed away last July. Buonicoti was one of the greatest players of all time. I loved him. He was once a Patriot before playing for the Dolphins. I hope he's with Coach Shula right now. Toasting the 72 Dolphins.
Two of the NFL greats. Buonicoti and Shula. Together in heaven.
And speaking of heaven. The other KING of Rock and Roll has died.
Little Richard (Richard Wayne Penniman) was 87 years old. It would be an incredible understatement to say that he was a major influence on so many musicians/singers/songwriters. His impact on so many is being written about as I write this on Social Media.
From the Beatles to Prince and dozens of others in between, he was a huge influence on all of their careers. Flamboyant all day long with a voice that was so recognizable for so many years. He was a true original.
I can remember hearing The Beatles doing Long Tall Sally and thinking it was one of their songs. Little did I know in 1964 that it was little Richard.
The Beatles were humbled when they met their idol for the first time. This was a big deal for them. Not so much for Little Richard. Like many of the black rock and soul artists of the time, they were left in the dust by the white British invasion bands like The Beatles and The Rolling Stones who covered their songs and made millions off of them. But to their credit, both the Beatles and The Stones always acknowledged them. They were true fans.
All one has to do is watch any of Little Richard's videos and you can see where Prince got some of his looks and moves from. And hearing the Beatles cover any of his songs is more of a tribute than anything else. Today somewhere Paul McCartney is weeping.
And speaking of weeping. I'm going to guess that 45 is weeping in the Oval office after this image found it's way on Social Media.
Though this does explain some things. This my friends, is Donnie's mother. For real. Now we know the rest of the story.
This pic of Mrs Trump has answered those nagging 45 hair questions.
The hair mystery is solved. Even his hair style is not original. Figures.
He stole it from his mother Mary.
They must use the same hair spray.
OK this pic right here? Yeah, this pic of yet another crowd at a seacoast restaurant is just another example of the hypocrisy of NOT allowing beach access but allowing Lobster Roll and Ice Cream Sundae access. This is NOT social distancing. What surfers do in the water is. SURFERS Hate Crowds. These people? They don't mind them. As long as they can get their food.
This is why I'm asking for you once again to SIGN The Petition Below.
PLEASE click on the graphic above and SIGN THE PETITION. Let Governor Sununu know that your voice must be heard and more importantly, YOUR VOTE counts. Because if we can't get them to work for the people (and I mean ALL The People, including those who Surf), then we will VOTE THEM OUT OF OFFICE! Because at the end of the day, they are all politicians, and they all love being politicians. And they know, that you can vote them out.
PLEASE ALL SURFERS AND NON-SURFERS SIGN THE PETITION.
Thank you.
"Mothers, Common Sense, and Surfing Heals All Wounds."
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This week's Ed's corner is my friend Jon Gozzo. This was taken at the Wall in May of 2008. Jon owns and runs The secret Spot in Hampton. I'm sure he's been affected by the COVID-19 Lockdown as well as everyone else. So many friends and businesses are dealing with this freaking thing. I know I'm not alone when I say. "I'll be glad when it's over." You know I was thinking the other day, what would Ed think of this thing? He never lived long enough to see 45 become president. But I'm pretty sure he wouldn't be happy with the 2016 results.
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
With all that is happening in our country the last thing we wanted to see here in the Northeast was a damn snow storm. But that's exactly what we got yesterday. Not a snow storm per'se, but it did snow at quite the clip yesterday morning. And boy did it stay cold all day or what? I shot a little video because...it was wild. How often do you see snow on May 9th? I can't remember ever seeing snow this late in the Spring. Though it's all par for the course that is 2020. This year has been one whack job after another.
I guess when hell freezes over it won't be that big of a shock.
This year has been that crazy. And speaking of crazy can any of you tell me what's wrong with this picture? Yup another one of Pence's aids has tested positive for COVID-19 and keeping in line with 45 and Pence's policy of NOT wearing a mask she has
put the PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES In Harms way of getting the Virus. POTUS has been in contact with two individuals in the Oval Office who have contracted COVID-19. Can you believe this shit? Look, you all know how I feel about that guy, but good Lord people he's still the fricken president. YOU HAVE TO PROTECT him. You idiots don't know this?
Katie Miller has COVID-19. She's the ONLY person in this pic NOT wearing a mask. How the main figures in the white House can walk around without wearing a mask is absurd. Look at her
in this pic below. You have got to be kidding me? .
I think the only reason 45 isn't wearing a mask is because of his vanity. His ego is bigger than country he rules. KING 45 does not wear a mask because he doesn't think he looks good in one. Yes it's that simple. You know deep down inside I'm telling you the truth. Why else wouldn't he wear one? His ego has once again gotten in the way of common sense. Freaking turkey.
Speaking of turkeys...if any of you out there see this Tom walking around your neighborhood could you get in touch with me via PM? Thanks I'll explain to you the reason why when you PM me.
It basically has something to do with Thanksgiving.
Thanks.
One of the REAL TIGER KINGS has passed away from COVID-19. Roy Horn from the famous Sigfried and Roy has passed away due to complications with COVID-19. Roy seen here on the right was attacked by a Tiger onstage back in 2003 and was severely mauled by the Big Cat. He recently contracted the virus.
The duo is known for their interactions with BIG White Tigers and Lions. My wife saw them perform in one of the hotels in Vegas when she was younger. I think she even got to pet one of the Tiger cubs.
After watching the TIGER KING series I have a bad taste in my mouth for any of these large cats being kept in captivity. Though I understand that the only way to keep the species alive is to keep them in captivity away from the poachers and hunters.
PLEASE HELP THESE GO FUND ME Posts (Below).
Click on the image below to MAKE A DONATION. Greg Smith was one of the BEST surfers to ever come out of NH. If you can afford it, please make a donation. Thank you.
The ASA BREBNER GoFundMe page is also asking for Donations. If you donate $25 or more you get a CD of the artists who are recorded some of Asa's songs. Yeah, I'm one of them. If you can afford it, please donate to this fund raiser. Thank You.
Click on the image above to make a Donation. Thank you.
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.
GRANITE GIRLS and The RIVER WOMEN from Ralph's Pic Of The Week on Vimeo.
NOW AVAILABLE on VIMEO ON DEMAND. 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. Unless of course I hand deliver to each and every
one of you.
KSM Photoshop of the Week
Now just hold on a second here. How the hell did KSM get that close to the POTUS? Oh wait never mind, there's no real security when it comes to letting anyone in the Oval Office. Carrying the virus? No problem come on in. Tested positive? No worries come on in. Have a seat. High five me. I wouldn't be surprised if this became a reality some day. If 45 doesn't get re-elected he might just do a Reality TV Show where Terrorists are his guests.
It's all about the RATINGS with 45. Always.
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 Plastic Gloves at
Home Depot this week.
50 Years Ago. REMEMBER The Four Students Killed on
May 4th 1970 at KENT University.
Why they allowed those
young National Guardsmen to carry live ammo for those M-14's
is a mystery that is still never been answered. Tragic story.
NEVER FORGET. And NEVER REPEAT.
HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY to ALL MOMS!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY Stan Bocko May 8th, 2010!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY Jay Gould May 7th, 2020!
HAPPY 30th BIRTHDAY Leah Grondin Piersiak May 8th, 2020!
HAPPY 30th BIRTHDAY Gabby Fatello LeBreck May 9th, 2020!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY Tony Szabo May 9th, 2020!
RIP Kate Keefe's cousin from COVID-19
RIP Karen Evans 100 year old Aunt
from COVID-19
HEAL QUICKLY Jacko Keefe and Johnny Meehan!
PLEASE Keep longtime NH Surfer Greg Smith in your Prayers.
Lenny Nichols & Colin Madden
Co-Directors, NNE District
Eastern Surfing Association
@esa.nne.surf
Please
Support ALL The photographers who contribute to
Ralph's Pic Of The Week every week for the last 16 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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