In Like a Lion, Out Like a Lamb

I don't know who came up with the saying for the month of March, but it was spot on this week that's for sure. "In Like a Lion...out like a lamb!" The latter has yet to be seen, but one thing's for sure, March came in like a roaring Lion! Damn. What the hell happened there? That was the real deal Snow Storm. I mean it has not snowed like that since Halloween. Really, how weird is this winter? Bookend snow storms -October and March. Nothing in between.

But this March Lion storm gave the mountains at least a foot of the white stuff and it gave us on the seacoast a bona fide overhead swell. An ass kicking thumping swell that had all the players and then some out at all the points, reefs, and beachbreaks. Though the latter was not quite small enough to be paddling out at the local beaches. It was too big and wild to be dodging bombs at beach breaks. That's about to change in the next couple of days. We should see some fun waves at the beaches today and into Monday. And it's going to warm up again. Like I said, it's been a weird winter.

This last storm was not about to pass through without causing a few headaches.

And unfortunately, I had to deal with the storm's aftermath firsthand. My son Max got into a serious accident with my old Red JEEP. Max is fine Thank God. And we are all forever grateful for that. It's scary to get that phone call. I know, this is the third time it's happened to me. In fact, all three of my kids have now been involved in major car wrecks. I'm not happy about that distinction. And I'm here to say that it does not get any easier to deal with. Being a parent and dealing with real life issues like this is not easy.

And yes I know things could be worse. They can always be worse.

I'm aware of that. Still it does not lessen the immediate stress and worry when you get that call. It just adds a few more gray hairs and knocks off a few more years to my life. Though in defense of Max and his accident on Thursday it was weather related. In fact, it could of all been avoided if his school had just cancelled classes like every other school. They didn't cancel classes until after 12 noon. Don't know what they hell they were thinking, and I guess that's it in a nutshell. They were NOT thinking.

And so Max was driving to school and came upon a snowplow truck and moved over to give him more room when he hit a slick ice/snow patch. He instinctively hit the brakes and went into a skid. "Dad it was like it was happening in slow motion..." he would later say. The JEEP skidded downhill and hit a telephone pole. And the vehicle that I've had since 1997 was gone. The same vehicle that both my late parents had sat in. The same vehicle that my late father-in-law had sat in. The same vehicle that my two late dogs rode in was gone.

I can't believe I'm writing this. But the truth is, I was emotionally attached to that vehicle. It was like a part of my past was now gone. I felt the same way when we sold my late parents house. There's something about these material items that have become part of our lives. I know some of you feel that way about certain surfboards, guitars, and your vehicles. I've always been a softy when it comes to stuff like this. Those who know me best will attest to that. Mackey is the same.

I know it bothered him as much as it bothered me.

In fact he kept saying afterwards, "Id rather have taken a few stitches and bruises than lose that car dad!" I almost gave him a bruise for just saying that. Look, I would rather lose all my material possessions than have anything happen to anyone in my family or to any of my friends. And that's the truth. I swear to God. Nothing comes close to our loved one's health and happiness. Nothing. Losing my JEEP was sad, but my son coming out of that accident without a scratch? That's what's important to us. As I'm sure it is to all of you.

Speaking of material possessions. These storms that just gave us surf...?

Are the same storms that ripped through the midwest and south the last few days killing upwards of 37 people, while destroying homes, schools, businesses and dozens of vehicles. It was heart breaking to watch on TV. Just heart breaking. Just today I saw new video footage of one of those Tornado's developing and it was one of the most frightening things I have ever seen. Like something out of a Sci-Fi movie. I mean it was wild. The whole time this woman was taping it, she recited this prayer, and waved her hand at the cloud trying to make it veer off. Just riveting images from a storm survivor.

I guess I'll never really understand what an actual Tornado is, and what it can do unless I experience it for myself. Seeing the aftermath of devastation is almost surreal. Seeing the broken tree limbs that seem that some demented Giant hand came down and snapped trees off in some cruel painful joke. Seeing cinder blocks strewn all over one neighborhood, and splinters of homes just scattered for miles. Then there's the motor vehicles stacked like firewood. Some upside down, with others completely flattened. What can do that?

Talking with Ed today we both agreed that there seems to be a trend in these storms getting closer and closer to us. There is something to be said for our changing climate. Things are changing. We also both agreed that long after we are gone from this earth, there will be future Tornados on the seacoast. And when that happens there will undoubtedly be some surfers trying to surf in one. You know it and I know it. Some fool surfer will surf in a Twister and post that shit on YouTube as sure as the sun will shine. Twister Surfing. With over a million hits in the first hour alone.

I just pray that he or she is not related to me. Please guys, don't make me come back to haunt you all. Cause I will if I see any of my future grandchildren or great grandchildren out surfing in Tornados here in New England.

Though I'm sure by then they'll have some kind of trick wetsuits that can protect you from being hurtled in space. Still...surfing in a Twister? Please guys.

..."Surfing Heals ALL Wounds..."




Now for some of my Weekly Global Observances:

I don't know about you guys but I am sickened over the recent killing of US Forces in Afghanistan over the alleged burning of the KORAN. The freaking Taliban were writing secret code messages in the KORAN. The Taliban should be getting the wrath of the protesters not us. You know what I think? I say let's get the hell out of there.

I mean it. Let's get the hell out of Afghanistan NOW!

We have spilled too much blood and lost too many of our men and women over there in the last 10 years. Let's face it, we will never change the way they think, or live their lives. We are never going to get them to be like us. They are living in the dark ages. The way they treat women alone is proof of that. They are barbarians who could care less about what we are trying to do for them.

I say the hell with them. Let's pull out and leave them to fight their own battles. We can leave behind SEAL teams and other Special OPS and keep those unmanned drones flying around the clock to keep the Taliban and Al Qeada in check. But everyone else should come home. Those thankless, smelly, goat herders, who beat their women and children can have their dirt and sand. I say we bring our boys and girls home. To hell with them and their corrupt president Karzai. We're all done.

We should send them a bill on the way out. Thankless Neanderthals.

Another school shooting. This time in Ohio. I read somewhere that this kid who committed these killings left a message on facebook. Really? And no one said anything? Are you freaking kidding me? Look, if some kid leaves a chilling message on Facebook saying he's going to kill other students, you NEED TO SPEAK UP! Ok?
Are we clear on this kids? Pay attention kids.

Ok of all the crazy stories on the news this past week this one takes the cake.

Apparently Jersey Shore Star Snooki is pregnant. Shouldn't that be against the law? I mean Good Lord. The producers on that show must either be giddier than a barrel full of monkeys or they are all pulling their hair out. I can honestly say with 100% conviction, I have never watched an episode of that show. Ever. I don't need to. The clips I have seen are more than enough for me. I know what that show is. It's a joke. I'm sure it's making money. There are plenty of shows that make money that are embarrassing. The Jerry Springer show for starters. Losers. But no doubt making millions. Snooki and company are right there. Losers. And now she's going to have a baby. The poor kid.

Speaking of Losers, I wonder if CRACKIE can get his own Reality TV show?