Smoke

 Welcome to August! Lots to look forward to, quite a few challenges, and it seems the only constant will be the heat. Escaped Colorado for a day, and headed north to Wyoming for the Rocky Mountain Cigar Festival. Sadly, first time I have been back to WYO since the reunion in July of 2025. I was joined by several thousand other cigar aficionados for a day of smoking, drinking, and deal making. Was grateful for the VIP tickets which allowed shade and a table, as well as some premium cigars and extra drink tickets. The Greeley group really stood out and got some compliments on the matching shirts. 

Big Boy 4014

 Time for the what seems like annual visit of Union Pacific’s Big Boy 4014. Nice write-up in the WSJ a couple of weeks ago on its tour throughout America as we celebrate 250 and Colorado celebrates 150. It was hot and crowded when the intern and I walked down to the whistle stop a block from the office. The beauty and majesty of the machine is breathtaking. Pretty great picture I snapped as she roared by, huh? 

Hotter Still

 I hate heat. And of course the Arts Picnic weekend coincided with the hottest weekend in Greeley in over 10 years. The ALLO team did great, no one died, and we might have even made a few sales. Even the hawk was hot and water to cool off in the fountain near our booth. Glad to be done with this one for another year. 

Unwind

 After a really long week, it was nice to kick back and relax. For some that means hanging out at home in the AC away from people. Others, a quiet hike in the mountains. Me? FRIDAYFEST! Wandered around downtown with various folks and somehow ended up with comps for a concert at the Moxi. Was able to meet the opener, and told her someday she will perform at Red Rocks. Take a listen, she’s pretty good! Gearing up for a long and extremely hot Arts Picnic weekend. A few bonus pictures of another Apple Watch milestone. 

Med School

 Back to UNC on Friday for a VIP luncheon and ribbon cutting for the new med school at UNC. And it was still hot outside. Grateful for front row seats under the tent. Got to see the governor again. And Dick Monfort. And my Council. 

UNC

 It was a big few days for UNC, as Dr. Feinstein was celebrated for his 8 years as President and the long-awaited medical school opened. Thursday night was the VIP dinner with a who’s-who of Northern Colorado in attendance. Bumped into the governor and thanked him for the words he shared a month ago at the CML conference. Ate some really good food, shared some laughs with Council, and caught up with many friends. Only snagged a few pictures, including Andy’s daughter who gave a very moving and heartfelt tribute to her dad.