May 10th, 2026 The RUN is 35 out of 35 Weeks.
CRITERIA: Waist high or better at least once a week.
There were chest to head high waves on 4-29-26 and 4-30-26
and chest high on 5-1-26.
THE RECORD FOR THE MOST CONSECUTIVE WEEKS IN A ROW FOR WAIST HIGH OR BETTER. January 13th, 2025 was 59 WEEKS! |
Send your SURF Pics to me directly to: ralph@adlantic.com.
Need photos by 10 AM on Saturdays. Seriously.
By 10AM. Make sure they are 1300 to 1555 pixels wide.
If you have more than 10 pics please use wetransfer.com it's free up to 2 gig. Please DO NOT send me over 10 pics without first contacting and communicating with me.
Thank you.
Click on Archives link to see all the past Blogs and pics. |
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NEXT BLOG May 26th, 2026.
All future Blogs will be posted on the 1st and 3rd week of every month (give or take a day or two). *Also in the event of any significant swell I will post the week of that swell. Although the blog is now bi-weekly, I'm certainly not gonna pass up a decent swell. So while it's basically going to be every other week, I left it open for some wiggle room.

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY.
IN HONOR OF ALL THE MOTHERS ALL OVER THE WORLD THIS BLOG IS A TRUMP FREE BLOG. IN OTHER WORDS, NO ORANGE BULLSHIT IN THIS WEEK'S BLOG. FDJT!

The tulips in our front yard were the perfect setting for this wonderful Mother's Day. It's funny these tulips only started blooming these last two years. The local Eastern Cottontails always made good use of them before they could flower. I'm thinking the fact that we let our German Shorthair Pointer ZORRO run free in our yard this year has been a deterrent to the tulip chomping bunnies. Of course that all remains to be seen.

This pic is a good indication as to how big these bad boys really are. I mean if these tulips were waves I'd have to call them thigh to waist high. That's Cory and Jacquie. Cory has been a mother for 36 years. And Jacquie is about to give birth to our first grandson any day now. Little Vince is already 7lbs 13 ounces. Don't ask me how they can weigh the baby while he's still hold up in his mother's womb. But then again, nothing surprises me these days. Technology is not what it used to be. Hey at least it's not AI generated.
It's funny that I just wrote that because my own mother
passed away before there was a facebook or cellphones. And the more I think about that the better I like it that she never had to deal with that madness.

We are so blessed that all three of our kids live less than an hour away.
Max and Jacquie and Gabby and Brent with their three girls.

And Noelle and her two girls at the beach today. They all stopped by the home and we had a wonderful visit. Cory was beyond pleased with today's visits. Like I said, we are blessed.
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Ed O'Connell was one of the most loved surf photographers in New England. A US ARMY Vietnam Veteran who saved the lives of so many ARMY Grunts in Nam in 68-69 as a Medic on board those Dust Off Hueys.
He was a close and dear friend of mine.
When he passed on July 1st, 2014 I swore I'd keep his memory and legacy alive by giving him this weekly corner. He loved surfing and he loved taking photos of all the surfers.
Not just those who could really stand out. He shot every one. As long as I shall live and breathe the salt air, there will be a corner dedicated to Ed.
ED'S CORNER May 10th, 2026

This sequence is of me during my CATCH A WAVER FOR MOLLY campaign. These pics were shot on May 3rd, 2011. Three days after these pics were taken I caught my board in my face and got a bunch of stitches over my left eye on May 6th, 2011. My life was going to change forever a few days after my accident. You'll have to wait for my book to come out to see what I'm talking about. Photo by Ed O'Connell
*Click the photo above to see a larger version of Ed's Pic.
I again apologize for being so late with this book writing project.
The good news is the longer version will be available Online in it's entirety. ALSO this just in. We are doing a AUDIO version of the book with me doing the reading.
I'm also thinking about venues for Book Signings. All my friends say I need to have one (or two).
The book is in the hands of the publisher. Thanks for being so patient with me.

UPDATE: The Online version will have all the stories and images. The printed version will only have the stories that I feel will be the most entertaining. I'm also doing a audio book that I will be using my own voice. I've had too many friends suggest that I do the reading. I will post all the ordering info here.
The book will be available in both hard cover and soft cover on AMAZON, BARNES & NOBLE, INGRAM, GOOGLE BOOKS, and KOBO PUBLISHING.

I bought Cory a pair of these cool earrings from Beth Williams Studio in Gloucester. You know it's Mother's Day and we all know that we our ocean MOTHER OCEAN. So... I bought her a pair of these earrings. I love the cool waves in each one.
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TWENTY DAYS FROM NOW. THE 1st ANNUAL
The first annual GATHERING of the local Seacoast Surf Tribe.
Presented by The SURFRIDER FOUNDATION, NH Chapter,
CINNAMON RAINBOWS, and DOUBLE ZERO WETSUITS.
This first gathering will feature the many surf photographers and artists on our seacoast. Brian Nevins, Brayden Rudert, Chris Carragher, John Adams, and myself. We will acknowledge all the photographers who have dedicated their time and passion to document our favorite pastime, Surfing. Individuals like: Erica Nardone, Dina Crawford, Stu Horne, Ed Moran, Tony Berardini, Martha Lardent, Jeff Crawford, Ron Freeman, Lenny Nichols, and many more. Plus we will acknowledge the late Ed O'Connell.
Along with the surf photographers will be acknowledging the many Surf Artists like: Stan Chew, Erik Zak, Erica Nardone, Daniella Tabor, Ryan Jackson, and myself. This GATHERING will hopefully be the start of something annual where all surfers and like minded ocean lovers can kick off each summer.
The music is going to be performed by the super talented Jack Shea.
Rumor has it that there might be a few special guests playing too.
There will be a panel with a handful of photographers and artists that will be MC'd by yours truly. We will have large screen where we will be showing photos and short local surf movies.
I'll be talking with the panel and fielding questions from the gathering to each of the panel. Because it's our first attempt at something like this we will be kind of going with the general flow and seeing things pan out. There will be live music prior to the photo and video presentation.
Photographers and artists will have their work on display at tables
at 935.
There will be food and drink for sale as well.
This will all take place at 935 OCEAN located at 935 Ocean Blvd, Hampton, NH. From 5:00PM to 9PM

REST IN PEACE PAUL STRAUCH Jr

Paul Strauch was the surfer who came up with the original CHEATER Five. We all did those in the 60's.
SOME OF THESE YOUNG GROMS ARE MOTHER'S TODAY.

Noelle, Gabby, and Leah are mothers.

Remembering tow of the original Surf Moms from Surf Family Robinson.
Karen Evans and Kim Grondin. They might be gone but they are not forgotten.
As long as I am writing this Blog they will never ever be forgotten. That's my promise to the Evans and Grondin family. I will not forget your wives and mothers. I promise.
"SURFING HEALS ALL WOUNDS."
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PLEASE KEEP THE PRAYERS COMING FOR SKY ROSA.
He's back home in NH with his family and enjoying the New Hampshire Spring weather. Meanwhile your prayers are helping.
As I have said many times, to know Sky is to love him. I can't wait to see Sky on the beach this summer. So Please, keep sending the positive vibes and prayers his way. I know for a fact that they really do work. I hear from his father all the time. So please keep praying for Sky. Peace and Love.
KEEP FIGHTING SKY! WE ALL LOVE YOU!

We're all excited
to have the ESA-NNE back on the Northern New England seacoast. It's been way too long. But the waiting is over. New Director Nohea Nichols has been well versed in the contest scene having worked with her father and mother for many years.
So contact Nohea
and get signed up for the ESA and our first contest of the 2026 season.

Well, I did say it was going to be a MOTHER'S DAY Blog.
Surely even the dastardly bastard Khaliddy had a mother. I was lucky enough to find some early Sheiky pics of KSM with his bearded Mother. If only she knew what was to come. You have to wonder if she had any inclination that she was giving birth to a monster that she might have nipped this problem in the bud. But alas my friends we won't ever know. It's all water under the bridge now. But still I wonder...but enough of second guessing.
The Sheik was trying to get the GITMO GAZETTE to run this photo of he and his late Mother. Last I heard they passed. Sorry Sheiky. There's always next year. Or, Father's Day. Hmmm.
That's food for thought.

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 TERRORIST MAMAS books at Home Depot this week.
HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY TO ALL THE MOTHERS OUT THERE. PAST, PRESENT, and FUTURE MOMS!
GET WELL SOON Jon Gozzo!
KEEP FIGHTING John "HOG" Hannah!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY Leah Piersack May 8th, 2026!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY Gabby LaBreck May 9th, 2026!
KEEP FIGHTING Robert Gerard! You Got This Brother!
PLEASE KEEP SKY ROSA in your Thoughts and Prayers.
Please keep LOCAL SURF LEGEND Norm Murphy in your thoughts and prayers.
"SURFING HEALS ALL WOUNDS."
Please
Support ALL The photographers who contribute to
Ralph's Pic Of The Week every week for the last 21 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. Surfing Is Supposed to be Fun.
Ralph
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Everybody loves seeing the old pics of surfing. Especially here in Northern New England. If you have any old pics please send them off to me via email or social media. My email is ralph@adlantic.com
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13 YEARS AGO THIS WEEK. MAY 7th, 2013.
This isn't that long ago. Terence Kirby and his young son Michael were out there with me that day. Michael today is a North Shore Lifeguard on Oahu. So, that's a big jump. Though looking at this pic, it's obvious that I have lost the stance and style that I once had. Time waits for no one, and it won't wait for me. Or you. Trust me kids, it's coming. I never thought I would get to an age where I would be saying and writing shit like this, But it's true.
Photo by Ed O'Connell
*Click on the photo above to see a larger image
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I kept a daily Blog on my CATCH A WAVE FOR MOLLY surf campaign, when I surfed every single day for 365 consecutive days. Click on the Banner above to read entries of my daily journey. There's some really interesting and true experiences
that happened during that year. Some of which are to this day, unexplainable. Some are just mind blowing. But all true.
I started on July 26th, 2010 and ended on July 26th, 2011.
Some rainy Sunday, pour yourself a cup or two and go through this year long journal.
Pay close attention to the month of May in 2011. Read that month and let me know what you think of that.
Be forewarned, it will change you forever.
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All photos taken this week unless otherwise noted.
Today- LAST DAY FIRST DAY SWELL. 3 Days of Fun Surf.
Day I April 29th, 2026 Photos by RALPH

(Above) The sky was overcast and it was raining. But the waves were there. And that's all that matters.
April 29th, 2026. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
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Click on the ad above to see the Menu and other
important info on their Somerville restaurant and all the
other AMERICAN FLATBREAD locations.

Best EAST COAST Coverage on the Internet.
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(Above) This guy is slowly but surely becoming one of my favorite surfers to shoot. He surfs with speed and power that is virtually unmatched. It's balls to the wall every time he takes off on a wave.
Crowley Gentile.
April 29th, 2026. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) And this guy? I've been shooting him longer than anyone I know. Kevin "DOC" Grondin is 69 and still riding a shortboard.
April 29th, 2026. Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
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Visit this site to read about the Legends of our coast.

Welcome Solsticenh.com Melinda is a local NH surfer.
Click on the ad above to visit her site.
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(Above) And lest I forget his son Kody. Kody is on the same level as the best surfers on the coast. Like his father, he has a keen nose for the barrel and he can carve big turns all day long.
April 29th, 2026. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) Looks can be deceiving. This looks like the perfect setup. But unless you know this break and how the bottom is laid out, it can be hazardous.
April 29th, 2026. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
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NEW Client to the BLOG WELCOME 935 OCEAN
Click on the ad to find out where to stay the next time
you're in town.
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Today- LAST DAY FIRST DAY SWELL. 3 Days of Fun Surf.
Day II April 30th, 2026 Photos by RALPH

(Above) A gang of does hanging out. April 30th, 2026.
Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) A gang of bucks hanging out. April 30th, 2026.
Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
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Click on the ad above to see the NEW SURFER'S JOURNAL

DIPG THE CURE STARTS NOW
To learn more about Evan and his journey click here https://thecurestartsnow.org/sup.../view-heroes/evan-austin/
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(Above) Jonah "JoJo" Kirby was looking more and more like Matt Colby out there. I'm telling you the talent pool is exploding on our coast.
April 30th, 2026. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
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Click on the ad above to find out more about owner
and creator Ryan Jackson and
NH2o's cool selection
of surf related products. |
Today- LAST DAY FIRST DAY SWELL. 3 Days of Fun Surf.
Day III May 1st, 2026 Photos by RALPH

(Above) Then the sun came out. And everything changed. May 1st, 2026. Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) Kenny Linseman never misses a swell. May 1st, 2026.
Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
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SALTY PAWS DAYCARE NOW OPEN
Click on the
Ad above for more info
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(Above) Casey Lockwood is still one of the best surfers to ever come out of the NH surf scene. May 1st, 2026. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) I chose this photo as the cover photo for the video I did. It's at the top of this page. May 1st, 2026. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
Today- THREE DAY SWELL
April 29th, 30th, and
May 1st, 2026 Photos by Ed Moran

(Above) Matt Colby April 29th, 2026. Photo by Ed Moran
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
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Produced by David Robinson of the CARS.
Visit our Facebook page

Produced by David Robinson of the CARS.
Visit our Facebook page

Produced by Steve Saddler.
Visit our Facebook page

The VINNY Band was around from 1976 to 1984

July 30th, 1979 headlining the Paradise Club
In Boston, MA
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(Above) Cool colors Ed. May 1st, 29th, 2026. Photo by Ed Moran
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) If you know you know. May 1st, 29th, 2026. Photo by Ed Moran
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) Early morning showers. Unknown Goofy. May 1st, 29th, 2026. Photo by Ed Moran
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
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Joe Carter, Brian Nevins, and Nick Lavecchia

Click on the ad above to visit their website

The art of Donna Ambassadorial
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(Above) Been surfing here since the 60's. May 1st, 29th, 2026.
Photo by Ed Moran
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
Today- DAY II April 30th, 2026 Photos by Stu Horne

(Above) Here's something you don't see every day. That's me in the foreground shoot Crowley Gentile.
April 30th, 2026. Photo by Stu Horne
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
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If you love the Beatles and you love the guitar
click on this ad above for an amazing instrumental
band playing all of your favorite Beatles songs with
the coolest
arrangements. Johnny A is one of the
best guitar players on the planet.

Peter Stokes is one of the BEST guitar techs in
all of North America. He's the BEST guitar tech
in New England.
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(Above) Crowley leaving a mark.
April 30th, 2026. Photo by Stu Horne
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) Kody Grondin bulldogging his way around the lineup.
April 30th, 2026. Photo by Stu Horne
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
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Hannah Vokey is one of my favorite surf artists.

Click on the ad above to find out more about
more about local surf artist Stan Chew's art
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(Above) This kid could surf. I never caught his name though. He's in the video I shot and edited at the top of this page.
April 30th, 2026.
Photo by Stu Horne
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) Crowley Gentile's boosting one along the lip line.
April 30th, 2026. Photo by Stu Horne
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
Today- DAY III May 1st, 2026 Photos by Stu Horne

(Above) I know I know him. But I'm drawing a blank. Who Da guy?
May 1st, 2026. Photo by Stu Horne
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) Perfectly slotted. Love the blue on green color scheme too.
May 1st, 2026. Photo by Stu Horne
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
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Visit Jimmy Dunn's website to find out where
else he will be performing. Watch Jimmy on the
new FRASIER Click on Jimmy to find out more.
ALL EPISODES OF SEASON 2 of FRASIER ARE NOW STREAMING ON PARAMOUNT+

Click on the ad above to visit her Facebook page.
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(Above) Who says you can't get slotted on a long board? Not me.
May 1st, 2026. Photo by Stu Horne
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
Today- The EARLY MORNING SHOTS May 1st, 2026.
Photos by Tony Berardini

(Above) Johnny "JIM" Meehan racing down the line.
May 1st, 2026. Photo by Tony Berardini
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery |

I love Erica's whimsical Gull art. So cool and unique.

SECRET SPOT IS NOW OPEN IN HAMPTON.
SECRET SPOT is back in operation on the seacoast.
Thank you.
Jon Gozzo and family.
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(Above) Here's Johnny again. Man I can feel the drift and weightlessness.
May 1st, 2026. Photo by Tony Berardini
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
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(Above) He's looking more like a speed skater in the winter Olympics here. Johnny "JIM" Meehan
May 1st, 2026. Photo by Tony Berardini
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
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Listen to QWILL on the video page.
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Today- The MID MORNING SHOTS May 1st, 2026.
Photos by Tony Berardini

(Above) Me thinks this is Lars Hamilton. Please correct me if I'm wrong.
May 1st, 2026. Photo by Tony Berardini
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) And this too looks like Lars. Help me out here people.
May 1st, 2026. Photo by Tony Berardini
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) Now this guy I could pick out of any line-up. Literally any line-up. Kevin "DOC" Grondin.
May 1st, 2026. Photo by Tony Berardini
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
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Click on this image to visit Driftwood Photography

"GIVE YOUR BUSINESS A KICK IN THE ADS"
Since 1985.

Click on the image above to see the cool ocean art
from Alex Walsh.
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(Above) Same. This is text book Kevin "DOC" Grondin cutback.
May 1st, 2026. Photo by Tony Berardini
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) Damn Lars is this you again?
May 1st, 2026.
Photo by Tony Berardini
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
Today- DAY ONE April 29th, 2026
Photos by BOB COSTANZO
(Above) There's a nice wave on April 29th, 2026.
Photo by Bob Costanzo
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) There's Brian "BMO" Morse getting out for a few in between diaper changes. April 29th, 2026. Photo by Bob Costanzo
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
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Send your SURF Pics to me directly to: ralph@adlantic.com.
Need photos by 10 AM on Saturdays. Seriously. By 10AM.
Make sure they are 1500 to 1555 pixels wide.
If you have more than 10 pics please use wetransfer.com it's free up to 2 gig. Please DO NOT send me over 10 pics without first contacting and communicating with me. Thank you.
Click on Archives link to see all the past Blogs and pics. |

My friend Rick McAvoy from Maine is the creator
behind this unique Surf Company
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(Above) Mark Daly sent this in on May 4th, 2026.
Photo by Mark Daly
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) Sea birds are related to our surf world. Like this Great Egret in SC. Photo by Cory Fatello
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
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He's more than just a good photographer
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(Above) All Rise: The 10th Street District Court Of Surf is Now in Session. The Honorable Judge RALPH presiding. Case # 817 BLATANT DROP IN OF THE WEEK. Click the image above to see the outcome of this Surf Crime and the verdict that was rendered.
Photo c/o RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the outcome


This is what happens if you are found GUILTY. You become invisible.
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Click on this image above to buy this book
and more cool KING'S X merchandise and music

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I see waves this Monday 5-11-26 Thurs -Saturday 14-15th-16th 2026

I'm picking Friday May 15th, 2026 as the best day of the next two weeks.
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May 10th, 2026
"Which is more kookier? Walking with your leash attached or not having boots and gloves?"

(ABOVE) I'm sorry but it's all falling under the umbrella of Kookdom.
May 1st, 2026. The Wall.
Photo by RALPH
Click here to return to TOP of the page
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Click here to read Shaun Tomson's first book.
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