PSU

 Noah is officially finished with his time at Portland State. He checked out of his summer dorm yesterday and turned in his RA badge and keys. I hope it was a fun and worthwhile 3 years he was able to spend on campus. He says he will be taking a year off while he attempts to establish Oregon residency and wait out the online only college classes. He will be looking at an MBA degree offered by Oregon State at their satellite campus in Portland. Until then, he will continue working at Batteries+ and living in an apartment with his girlfriend and her friend. 

Day 3!

 I made my steps (barely) and also didn’t drink at cigar club tonight! Go Ryan go! 

Networking

 Well, trying to re-emerge from COVID and begin meeting up with people in the community. Stopped by a tailgate party my associate Ken was hosting before the Broncos game on Monday. Bumped into a friend from Tuesday night drinking club as well. 

Day 2

 Here is todays step goal. Made another 10,000! That’s 2 days in a row!

Goals

 Trying to get back to a little bit healthier place over the last quarter of the year. I was in such a great place back in March, and then, well, COVID and gym closing and binge eating and drinking and all. Tom challenged me to a 30 day, no drink challenge. I decided to partner that with trying to get 10,000 per day. Usually by the time I leave the gym I’m at around 5,000+/-. So, here’s to an amazing alcohol free 30 days! Cheers!

Noah

 Here is Noah checking in from the PDX! Nice cat, son. Air quality in Portland is currently the absolute worst in the ENTIRE WORLD. Dang. Quite a summer you are experiencing in the Pacific Northwest. 

Music

 It was a beautiful night Friday night for some live, outdoor music! This time it was the Greeley PHO Brass section playing a selection of tunes over the course of an hour. We even had “home field advantage” as it was it St. Michaels Square. I was joined by Jen, mom, Shep and Beryl. Followed up the show with dinner and drinks at the Tavern where our party was joined by Misty, Cory and Sharron. Cheers!

Trees

 Spent Saturday morning volunteering in the name of Rotary to help with the city of Greeley tree planting project. I was joined by my good friend Nick Kenny and Ben Barnhart. We were able to get 5 trees planed in a little more then 4 hours. Thankfully it was a little cooler to start the day and no smoke from the fires. 

Throwback

 Do people still do that on social media? Who knows. I remember it use to be on Thursdays. Anyways, here are a few pictures from a year ago when we were still able to gather in person. Look at all those people!! No masks!!! No social distancing!!! Networking!!! I miss the good old days of Chamber events and seeing people and making connections and closing deals. These are from a Business Before Hours at the High Plains Library District building. 

Laramie

 Made a quick day trip to Laramie with mom and Jen yesterday to visit dad, see 179, and grab a quick lunch. We thought we could escape the smoke, but no luck. At least it was cooler. Dad’s grave was in perfect shape, the tree is thriving and there were no deer to be found. Still surreal to visit dads grave and the future resting place of mom. On a positive note, we did find a cool new brewery we will come back and visit. 

DMB

 Wrapped up the Summer Concert season with another home show, this time the Dave Matthews Band show from 09/04/2016 from the Gorge. Some readers will remember this is the show I scored a pit pass and rocked out 15 feet from the stage on N3! This show was much more relaxed, cheaper, and we were able to share it with so many good friends. Downside was the 100 degree heat and the ash that started falling about 830 from the nearby forest fires. 

Live Music

 One of the many things I have missed during COVID is live music, whether locally at Friday Fest, or trips to Red Rocks or Fiddler’s Green. Recently, there has been some hope springing up in little pockets here and there. Made a trip last weekend to a home overlooking the Mad Russian golf course for “Speakeasy #3.” Was great to dance and drink and celebrate while listening to a live band with good friends!

Rotary

 It was a nice Satellite Rotary meeting yesterday at Crabtree Brewing. We were honored to have the president of the University of Northern Colorado, Dr. Andy Feinstein, attend and share what his life has been like the past 6 months, but during the shutdown in March, and starting things back up this fall. He said incoming freshman rates are down 25%, while the university overall is down about 9% in enrollment. 25%! WOW. They are in week 2 of having classes, and thankfully its so far, so good. Go Bears! 

16!

 How sweet it is! Happy birthday Sarabeth. Who would have thought that this year, among all years, would be the year you would actually be in class on your birthday. I hope its happy. I love you. 

18

 Nathanael turned 18 on the 20th. We were able to have a little family party at the house with a nice dinner and his favorite cookies for dessert.