Ain't friends the best thing ever?

After marfling around on Main Street for an hour, I needed a
break and a beer.
Before I could make my way to the bar, I was stopped by these
four gentlemen.

They had a favor to ask....

Seems these guys have been buddies since elementary school, their
lives and paths inexorably bound by the strongest bond known to
man: friendship.

Early on, they discovered that they all loved music, and were itching
to make it themselves. They did what many aspire to do when they
pooled their lawn mowing money, caught a lift downtown and bought
a beat up drum set and some cheap guitars.

They practiced as often as they could find a vacant garage and until
the neighbors called the cops. They played any venue that would have
them. They honed their skills until, in the words of Kent the singer,
"we sucked a little less than our friends expected."

As happens to us all, real life crept up on the boys and the band
took a long break as careers and families were established.

Fast forward 15 years. Over a Mexican dinner, the subject of the band
arose. Stories were swapped, memories were shared and the
laughter grew and grew.
They all agreed that making music
was one of the best things they had ever done.

A few nights later, they congregated in Kent's garage, dusty instruments
in hand, memories of the glory days still fresh.
They picked a Credence song, set up the sheet music and got
ready to jam.

Another common bond had formed as the years had passed. They all
quietly slipped on reading glasses to recognize the notes.
Exchanging sheepish grins at their myopia, the drummer looked
through his bifocals and said "what, you too?"

You Too?
The band got a fresh name that night and many rockin' songs
were "butchered beyond recognition."
The guys were hooked again.

These are the days of self published novels and self produced music,
so the band decided to jump in and make an album to distribute to
friends or anyone else who likes "pseudo-music."

Which brings us back to the thirsty mutt.
They made me an offer that I couldn't refuse;
pose for the album cover and they'd buy me a frosty one.

Heck yes!

We mugged for a dozen pictures and then, true to their word, they
bought me a very cold beer. And then a second.
There might have been more...

We exchanged e-mail addresses and I gave them damp hugs and
the happy paws as I meandered up Main.
What a great feeling.

Good friends are the most valuable resource going.

As I strolled, I reflected on the great friends that I've made
on these pages and at various furry venues. I'm convinced
that some of these folks will play an important role in my life
for many years to come.
What an awesome gift.

Now, who wants to form a band?
I'm hell on kazoo.