Jeff Shemesh - VPI T+ Sunglow Motley Jungle het Anery

I've been going back and forth with Jeff Ronne about getting one if his amazing animals. I couldn't decide what to get.

A) Last reptile for the foreseeable future. Not enough time, energy, or room, for more.

B) Want something special for my last and also for my 40th BDAY present. Not until March, but I got something early :).

I went to the NY Reptile EXPO today and met up with my buddy Gil, from Boakings, a small breeder from NY who specializes in Boas, mostly BI. I bought Behira from him and he spends a lot of time with his animals to keep them chill and because he doesn't have a ton.

I fell in love. I'd seen a bunch of sunglows there, but didn't trust the breeders. Also, not "special" enough. A few were willing to mark the price down immediately, but not let me hold the animal, and others didn't know temperament, bday, or what they were eating.

I went with my niece, Meghan, and she fell in love too. We were both like, "WHAT! Sunglow, chill as can be, with a black stash, and black spots, and grayish blue eyes!" SOLD! Katie loves that he's a he too. Smaller (likely) than a female BI.

Meet Jeff Shemesh. Jeff for my best friend Jeff, who is blonde and blue eyed, and also after Jeff Ronne, who built all my tanks, and has been a true friend and encouraged me to get Jeff, even though it was from another breeder. I've learned so much about Boas from Jeff Ronne.

And, no, pictures do not do him justice. He will get richer coloring as he ages. He's about 10 months now. Born 1-26-19.

He is in quarantine in my office for at least the next two months, in a 24X10X12 enclosure.

https://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...om/f4sv8J7.jpghttps://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...om/B4QSH1l.jpghttps://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...om/s4sdhdD.jpghttps://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...om/NsjgEnN.jpghttps://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...om/VnOG14J.jpg

I love the mustache that these snakes have!

Congrats, Dave! Glad you finally found that special sunglow -- I love that crazy head stamp he has. Here's to a few good decades and Jeff Shemesh growing into a handsome boa! :D

I was on a mission at the expo with some friends today, so we must have passed each other without knowing it! I saw a lot of the other sunglows you were talking about -- my first thoughts were "huh, a buddy is looking for a snake like this, I wish he was here." Glad to see that you were. :)

Wow Dave! Gorgeous!!!! A Sunglow is on my want list for sure....that and a ETB


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Thank you all! I am so excited. When I have my cell on me, I'll post a picture from the show with Meghan holding him.

WrongPython - Sorry we missed each other, but thank you for the kind words. He really does seem "special" and that's what I was looking for.

I forgot to mention.

His middle name, Shemesh, is Hebrew for "sun."

Congrats man!


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Very nice. Congrats.

As promised, Meghan with Jeff.

https://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...om/WvJb2XS.jpg

Gorgeous!! Congrats!

This is what happens when I let him go to a reptile show on his own. [emoji39]

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Originally Posted by SunshineWalker

This is what happens when I let him go to a reptile show on his own. [emoji39]

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I wasn’t on my own. I had a 9 year old supervising!

Congrats Dave. He's badass brother. I love his colors, pattern, and that tail stripe.

Looks like you picked another winner! :gj: Incidentally, of the 3 you were trying to decide between before, I preferred the male sunglow, but I was determined
not to say anything that would influence your choice. ;)

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Originally Posted by Bogertophis

Looks like you picked another winner! :gj: Incidentally, of the 3 you were trying to decide between before, I preferred the male sunglow, but I was determined
not to say anything that would influence your choice. ;)

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Thanks Bogertophis.

For the record, I shared some pics of some of Jeff Ronne's animals with Bogertophis asking for an opinion. She refused!!!!!! The nerve :). Wanted me to make the decision myself. LOL.

One was a snow paradox, one was a sharp (albino) key west, and one was the Sunglow Motley Jungle I posted earlier in the month on the forum.

After looking around the show today, I was so incredibly drawn to the sunglows. The first Boa I ever held was one of BoaKings sunglow males. I called him the next day and that male had sold and I ended up with Behira. Again, no regrets, I adore her, but now I can have my Ghost and Sunglow too (oh and BCC - Feliz - :)).

I love contrast, but love the creamy yellow of the sunglows. With Jeff's eyes, black spots, etc. and the wonderful yellow and orange/red, plus his motley pattern and the intensity of the jungle and the T+ albino, wow! He's all that and a bag of frozen rodents!

Anyway, it's fitting I got another animal from Gil and Boakings since he introduced to me Boas and that my last reptile be a sunglow boa.

On some level I regret not getting something from Jeff, but he's really happy with my choice and that I am happy. He's also flattered I named Jeff, in part, after him. He deserves it. What a mensch (great guy).

Real smoke show, that one. Congrats on the new stunner.

What a fantastic new addition to your collection Dave , great markings on him,
Can't wait to watch his progression and see his colours come in.
Looks like meghan had fun too.

Really glad you went with the sunglow, since you where drawn to that first one you ever held, I think you made the right choice
Congratulations

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Congrats on your awesome looking boy Dave! :)

Look at that precious face!!!! Congrats, man. He is freaking adorable.

VERY. NICE. PICKUP!!!!!! :O

Congrats Dave, that is one awesome animal!!! Very nice choice!!! :gj::gj:

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Originally Posted by EL-Ziggy

Congrats Dave. He's badass brother. I love his colors, pattern, and that tail stripe.

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Thanks EL-Ziggy. The boas have a special place in my heart, and he is so incredibly chill, and so stunning. Yes, I love the tail stripe and what looks like a dog bone in his pattern towards the tail. The arrow on his head is cool too! I can't wait to watch him intensify with age. He already glows.

I've regretted finding Boas so late in my (reptile) life, so it's only fitting they be the dominant snake in my collection. Now I'll have BIG Behira, Medium Jeff, and Small (relative) Feliz. I've got sizes, colors, patterns, etc. all covered. They are also all wonderful animals from a personality wise, but seemingly, all different.

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Originally Posted by richardhind1972

What a fantastic new addition to your collection Dave , great markings on him,
Can't wait to watch his progression and see his colours come in.
Looks like meghan had fun too.

Really glad you went with the sunglow, since you where drawn to that first one you ever held, I think you made the right choice
Congratulations

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Thank you Rich. I am so glad I got a sunglow. I held a Sharp Sunglow at the show and liked a Sunglow Motleybesque, but the latter was with a breeder who didn't offer to have me hold him. Something about Jeff spoke to me and I can't argue with the color, pattern, or genetics.

It means something to me that I finished where I started. Both with the same breeder, and with a sunglow. I feel like I've closed the loop now. I couldn't be happier with the final addition. Let's just hope Jeff isn't into striking acrylic doors :). What are the odds? Katie, how fresh are your drape making skills? :) :) :sarcasm:

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Originally Posted by Team Slytherin

Look at that precious face!!!! Congrats, man. He is freaking adorable.

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Thank you Team Slytherin.

I know. How cool is he going to be with a black mustache and a striking yellow and red body. Oh, and those eyes!

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Originally Posted by Craiga 01453

VERY. NICE. PICKUP!!!!!! :O

Congrats Dave, that is one awesome animal!!! Very nice choice!!! :gj::gj:

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Thank you Craig. I appreciate the comment. As stated above, it was almost destiny to close the collection down with him. It's funny. I wasn't going to go to the show, but asked Meghan if she wanted to, on a whim. Fortuitous? She was waiting at the door when I get there yesterday morning. Jacket, bag, etc. ready to go. Glad I went.

Love to see the next generation of herpers get recognition. Gorgeous snake as well. :D

Jeff was out exploring last night and I actually caught him drinking from his water bowl (I got lucky). As soon as the lights went out today, out he came from his hide and began looking around again.

I am happy to see him (seemingly) adjusting well. He's being left alone but his quarantine tank is in my office, so I do get to view him much of the time.

The picture below was him this morning. "I am a snake, and a little one, so I hide. However, I am also a Boa, so I peek out so I don't miss anything, like FOOD!"


https://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...om/4QTX2A2.jpg

You "speak snake" very well, Dave. :D

I didn't want to inundate with pictures, but I decided to post a few more after going through pics. These are iPhone pics, but the iPhone 11 Pro seems to do a good job picking up his colors. He's really a "bright" creamy yellow.

Also, I wanted to get him on schedule for feeding (with the others who eat Sunday), but didn't want to wait until Sunday. He happily ate a small mouse tonight. He's 142G so that seemed appropriate. So I'll give another smaller meal next week on Monday and then switch to Sundays on a go forward basis.

He's been out the past two nights looking for food and as soon as the light went out, out came his head! He knows what's up.

https://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...om/R46Czb0.jpghttps://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...om/bI2sy0G.jpghttps://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...om/F1lZAom.jpghttps://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...om/zU0ciE9.jpg

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Originally Posted by dakski

I didn't want to inundate with pictures...

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Oh, go right ahead...;) Jeff is one gorgeous boa!

He's so nice love the creamy look Of t+ boas
I love his cool head spear
Glad he ate for you

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Very nice!! Congrats on your new boa!!

Good news! I checked on Jeff today and the mouse was indeed gone. He had pulled into his hide to eat so I wasn't positive. I figured, because he's in my office I probably would have smelled it. However, I always double check to make sure, usually within a day, but I wanted to leave him alone for two.

Also, I will feed again Thursday or Friday next week, so 9-10 days after his first meal, and the move to Sundays. Better to go slow with him than too fast.

He is so incredibly chill. It's unreal how calm he is for this age and size.

I snapped a few pictures of him in his tank (I removed the hide to make sure the mouse was gone - he does have two hides :)).

https://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...om/7biOcJT.jpg
https://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...om/dNST5vQ.jpghttps://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...om/1iIBxtU.jpg

That tail stripe is so just so cool.
Glad he ate for you, as you say I'm sure you would of smelt it.

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Originally Posted by richardhind1972

That tail stripe is so just so cool.
Glad he ate for you, as you say I'm sure you would of smelt it.

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Was also an excuse to check temps, and take a quick peek, and snap some photos. Shhhhhhhhhhhhhhh. Don't tell :).

Seriously, not exactly handling him much. He's in quarantine and settling in. However, he's a boa, and is out and exploring at night and even peeking out during the day. He ate. I think he will be good soon. He was also handled frequently by the breeder.

I really like the pic with the tongue out which is focused on his head. The following one is pretty cool too. Is that one in your gallery yet? IMO I think it would be a good profile pic. The i Phones take great pics. You picked a beautiful snake almost made me want a Boa. But decided against it.

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Originally Posted by ballpythonsrock2

I really like the pic with the tongue out which is focused on his head. The following one is pretty cool too. Is that one in your gallery yet? IMO I think it would be a good profile pic. The i Phones take great pics. You picked a beautiful snake almost made me want a Boa. But decided against it.

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I am behind on the gallery and it's pretty full. I have most of my images on Imgur now. I believe an old picture of Behira is still my profile picture.

I am shocked how good the iPhone 11 pro is compared to the iphone X regarding pictures, especially focus and color.

Oh, come on! You know you want a boa! Have you had one yet?

Not trying to be pushy but I felt the same way 3 years ago. Now I have 3. They rock.

Any questions about them, feel free to PM, but seriously, no pressure at all.

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Originally Posted by dakski

I am behind on the gallery and it's pretty full. I have most of my images on Imgur now. I believe an old picture of Behira is still my profile picture.

I am shocked how good the iPhone 11 pro is compared to the iphone X regarding pictures, especially focus and color.

Oh, come on! You know you want a boa! Have you had one yet? Never have, and was thinking about how cool it would be to have one BP and one
Boa especially the smaller ones they now breed and getting a male. But then I read this and backed off the idea.
http://www.anapsid.org/boa.html that is a care sheet I guess.

Not trying to be pushy didn't take it that way, when you like something ya share right but I felt the same way 3 years ago. Now I have 3. They rock. But how about when they get full grown and it takes 2 to handle it, believe me there is only one in this household that touches snakes. When it comes to anything concerning snakes or the handling thereof my wife says :colbert:

Any questions about them, feel free to PM, but seriously, no pressure at all.

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​One question, can one person handle a Boa?

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Originally Posted by ballpythonsrock2

​One question, can one person handle a Boa?

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A few things, and PM if you want to discuss more. I don't want to lose sight of it being Jeff's thread.

http://www.anapsid.org/boa.html

I don't agree with much of this. Also, True Red Tail Boas get larger, in most cases, then Boa Imperator (BI) which most morph and most dwarf species are part of. The article says they will be 5-6 feet after a year! WOW. What are they feeding and how much! Boas should be slow grown for their benefit, not ours. Behira, a female BI, is about 1,700G and 5FT at 3 1/2 years old. She's a female as well and they often get significantly larger than male boas.

It should take a female boa 5-6 years to reach adult size/maturity. They will grow their entire lives, but that gives you 5-6 years to get used to their size, temperament, feeding response, etc. So, yes, if Behira is 6.5FT and 9-12 pounds at 6 years old, she might be 7.5-8FT and 15-20 pounds at 10-12 years old. That may sound like a lot, but it's not really, IMO.

I've held 7-8FT female BI's and when handled from a young age and being that most boas are chill, it's not a huge deal.

If you are nervous about size, but want a Boa for personality and beauty, you can get a dwarf species. Females usually rarely get more than 6FT and males 4-5FT, if that. Some locales that's full size for a female (about 5FT).

Or you can get a male BI - more morphs to choose and I love BI temperament. How you feed is the major factor in how big a boa gets (within reason - you can't have a 3 FT BI that's not locale).

I've also found Boas to be very hardy, when cared for correctly.

A 10FT Boa that's overfed or a True Red Tail and weights 40-50 pounds. Yes, two people, to handle, IMO.

8FT and 15-20 pounds or less, I don't think you need two people, but that's your comfort level really. I would definitely tap/hook train any boa given their strong food response.

My rule of thumb is anything over 8FT you should have two people to handle and be present for feeding, etc.

I also do not let any snake over 3FT or so, especially a constrictor, completely wrap around my neck. I will let a larger Boa hang from my neck, but keep a close eye and hand on the tail and head and do not let the animal wrap my neck.

A locale boa isn't much more to handle than an adult BP, except that they are a little stronger (pound for pounds) and more active, and will wrap around your arm, hand, etc. more.

I am 5'4" on a good day and I feel comfortable handling and adult BI - but I am alert and aware. I am not sitting watching TV with an animal that size just hanging around and doing what it wants.

Again, PM me with any more questions; I will be happy to answer. I adore my boas.

I would encourage you to go to a Reptile Show, a Reptile Store, and/or talk to people that run Reptile Events/Education Events in your area and see if you can view a large BCC (True Red Tail) or BI. Then realize you can get them smaller if you want.

Wow Dave, thanks for taking the time to answer my question. You have started me thinking about the idea of getting a Boa some day especially a male smaller type. They are a beautiful snake and I like their out going nature. We'll be looking forward to more of the iPhone X pictures, and Jeff Shemesh posts and info. And maybe you can put more pictures with that neat phone of some of your other snakes as well in the Pictures section. I know we'd love to see them. I would.

Had Jeff out for a little bit tonight and changed water, etc. My mom was over and got to meet him. She really liked him. I think the feeling was mutual. Mom loves his eyes and his pattern.

He's really quite chill, but still curious and outgoing and inquisitive. Typical boa. I think he is really calm and docile for his size.

I got some DSLR pictures, although the lighting wasn't great. Enjoy!

https://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...om/CEXZD5H.jpghttps://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...om/9gbkCEI.jpghttps://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...om/D33ysVS.jpghttps://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...om/JdJxKm0.jpghttps://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...om/mJbwopS.jpghttps://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...om/plmWmki.jpghttps://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...om/yvYgpcI.jpg

Congratulations on another stunning addition to your family. Love his color and pattern.

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Originally Posted by Dianne

Congratulations on another stunning addition to your family. Love his color and pattern.

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Thank you Dianne.

I love him. He's got a great personality and is incredibly handsome to boot.

My mom saw his picture and thought he looked like a few of my other albinos (namely Yafe/CP and Shayna/BP). She did like his pattern and the tail stripe. When she met him the other day, she was blown away. Pictures do not do him justice and he won her over with his calm demeanor, lovely pattern, contrasting eyes (blue grey vs. red on most albinos), and amazing color. In person she could see the nuance and glowing creaminess of his yellows and how amazing his contrast is.

He eats again tonight and then we can get to know each other a little better. Sunday will be 2 weeks and 2 meals. He's doing awesome and in the past week has been utilizing all of his tank, not just hiding in the warm hide, like he did the first week.

Looking good.

Boas, not matter what pattern or colors have the best body shape!

Very nice.

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Originally Posted by Gio

Looking good.

Boas, not matter what pattern or colors have the best body shape!

Very nice.

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Thanks Gio. Yeah, he seems in great shape. I knew the breeder and wasn't worried, but he's still quarantined for a while.

Agree on the boa shape. I love it. Sturdy look.

I feed again tonight. He was a little shy last time. Let's see if he nails it tonight :).

Offered Jeff a small F/T mouse tonight. He was not shy this time. Nailed quickly and coiled. Last time, he pulled into his hide to eat. Tonight, middle of the tank and gobbling it down! Either way, 2/2. Sunday will be two weeks and a digested Jeff. I will begin gentle handling sessions with him next week.

https://i.imgur.com/5YgA7Bo.jpg?1https://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...om/PqiNcql.jpghttps://i.imgur.com/DloHvI3.jpg?1

Looks nice and coiled round that one dave

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Originally Posted by richardhind1972

Looks nice and coiled round that one dave

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Yeah, and zero hesitation! I was very happy. He's really settled in now.

Of note, I've heard from multiple sources, including Jeff Ronne, that the VPI T+ animals need to be grown a little slower than other morphs. More like a BCC. Jeff Ronne has said that their internals grow slower and you can't grow them fast especially in the first year. Not sure why, and they do not appear to have longevity issues, but who really knows?

At 11 months next week, Jeff is about 150G. I like how BoaKings grows all there animals slow, but he's probably a good size for him. I plan to feed weekly for a while, as I did for Behira and Feliz at the same age and prey size. However, I will be feeding slightly smaller prey to Jeff, more like Feliz, than with Behira (not that I pushed Behira, I am just going to be a little slower about moving up in size and feeding on the smaller size). Nothing wrong with a slow(er) grown Boa :).

It shocks me when I see breeders selling 2017 or even 2018 animals that are already as big as Behira (June 2016 baby) or even much bigger. "Breeding size" they say. Yeah, but for what? You sacrificed that animals life expectancy and health! I would never buy from those breeders.

Oh well, all we can do is educate and do our best with our animals.

Jeff is doing awesome. He was really exploring his quarantine tank the past week. However, since last feeding, he's been to hot side, cool side, hot side, cool side, etc. He's really got it down. He spends most of his day in one of his hides, usually with his head peeking out. Nighttime is cruising around and waiting for FOOD!

I had him out tonight and he is such a wonderful guy. He's really inquisitive, but gentle and calm and docile. Yes, he's a handsome devil, but I really like how chill he is too.

Took a few pictures too. His colors and pattern are awesome. However, I love me some black speckling on a yellow snake!

https://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...om/5finvOi.jpghttps://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...om/kX6NoI3.jpghttps://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...om/aYs7xm5.jpghttps://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...om/UL17n1Y.jpg

He looks really great dave

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Jeff left me a present yesterday. He weighed in at 153G.

He's really doing awesome. Pounded his last mouse and is as gentle and chill as can be.

He eats again on Sunday and I assume the same - pounding!

I couldn't be happier with him.

So today I was just going to rest but now looking at this post, I think I will pay my favorite place a visit now.

Stunning Boa and that tail stripe is awesome.


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Originally Posted by Kam

So today I was just going to rest but now looking at this post, I think I will pay my favorite place a visit now.

Stunning Boa and that tail stripe is awesome.


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You deffo need a boa in your collection kam, you won't be disappointed

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Originally Posted by richardhind1972

You deffo need a boa in your collection kam, you won't be disappointed

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I used to have a few back in the day.

Sadé the Suriname
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...6f5a56ca17.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...14031bf128.jpg

Geranomo
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...33da85775e.jpg

Pocohontas and Geranomo
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...f861159e5a.jpg


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Originally Posted by Kam

I used to have a few back in the day.

Sadé the Suriname
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...6f5a56ca17.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...14031bf128.jpg

Geranomo
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...33da85775e.jpg

Pocohontas and Geranomo
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...f861159e5a.jpg


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Ooh very nice kam, sorry to hijac your post dave

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