Bret, Joel, and I were at Joel's house between Ellensburg and Yakima Washington this weekend in recognition of Ben Thomas's college graduation. There were many people and lots of food and drink. It was a great afternoon for photos.
You see, the three of us have known each other forever (which, in case you weren't aware, was 1976). That's the year Joel moved to Sunapee, New Hampshire to join us in high school. During college days, having the Harbor Gameroom in common strengthened the friendship that continues to this very day. Even fate would guarantee that we live within 250 miles of each other, although we're on the opposite side of the continent from where the friendship was struck.
I think Bret figures we need to step up the frequency of our Three Amigo shots. I also think I know why. I agree with the idea of taking the shots more frequently as years pass. We don't have the chance to meet often but when we do the camera must come out. The lapse between the original group shots was nearly twenty years. We were still young. Then, it was only twice per decade. I don't see much change there. But this time, it has only been a little less than two years between photographic evidence.
We must continue often so future changes don't become too startling; you know, I'm just thinking about upcoming wrinkles and all. Perhaps every pose from now on should occur at a greater and greater distance from the lens too. Eventually, perhaps, I'll need to do a little photoshopping to conceal the ravages of time. But at the moment, I think we all still look marvelous!
2011
2009
2004
1999
1980