Let’s Hike!

 All the way back in February, I found out about a nonprofit organization called the Poudre Wilderness Volunteers. They help monitor, maintain, and build community awareness around Leave No Trace principles on the 60 or more trails around Ft. Collins and Estes Park. So I applied, interviewed, and was one of 62 new volunteers that was selected to join the organization. This past weekend, we are our first small group training hike. We will also have a thee day retreat in a few weeks to hike the “training trail,” meet other volunteers and be inducted as official PWV. Here’s a few pictures from a beautiful Sunday morning hike!

Six Years

It has now been six years since dad passed away in the ICU unit at Anshutz. Six years. Reflecting on those last 6 weeks of dad’s life has been heartbreaking all over again. The original hope we had that it was a back problem that was going to be fixed, rehabbed, and get dad back to 179 in the course of a few weeks was soon dashed with the rapid encroachment of the disease. He was just so sick at the time of his death on May 2, 2017 ay 1050am. We tried so hard to overcome so many different challenges during his 5 weeks in ICU. Mom was so brave as she stood by his bedside day in and day out. Wes also made too many trips to count from South Dakota. I miss you still so much, dad. 

One Year

Tonight is a somber night, as I remember, mourn, and reflect on a life well lived. It’s hard to believe it’s already been a full year since mom passed into the arms of her Savior. I miss mom everyday. She would be so proud of all of the amazing things her grandchildren have accomplished and everything they have to look forward to. She would be so proud of Wes, and his impending graduation from seminary. She dearly loved her daughters-in-law and was such an encouragement in everything they were involved in. I continue to cherish the last years of her life she was able to spend with us here in Greeley. I am especially grateful for the last several months I was able to help her transition out of her broken body into her new heavenly robes. I pray she was reconnected with the love of her life. I love you so much, mom. 

Shenanigans

 Here’s a batch of photos from weekend shenanigans around the Greater Greeley Metro.  Another banquet ALLO was pleased to sponsor for the Genesis Project…hanging with friends and listening to GII…a breakfast with the Brighton mayor…

Erie Rotary

 ALLO was pleased to sponsor the annual Rotary dinner in Erie over the weekend. Since the rest of the ALLO gang were at the Boys and Girls Club dinner, Scott and Shelley got to be my guests! We started the evening at the Erie Social Club before making our way to the event. Fun night, cool venue, weird to be at an event and only know 3 people. 

HBD

 Happy birthday, Gabe! I hope you and sis had a fun day celebrating. Looking forward to welcoming you to Colorado for the big celebration next week.

Uncle Wes!

 Look who stopped by Greeley last week on his way to the EFCA regional conference! Uncle Wes! It was great to see him for dinner and some HOT WAX! He was also able to stop at YFC and get a tour from Nathanael. Great to see you brother!

Randoms

 Cleaning out the Q before another busy last half of the week. Once again, here’s some people cutting ribbons, standing around, and getting together to network. 

Astronaut!

 Look who I got to meet and have a brief conversation with this week! A real live astronaut who spent 12 days in space on the International Space Station and Shuttle Discovery. Jose Hernandez was in town on behalf of the local LULAC chapter to speak to District 6 students. Cool dude. Incredible store. Upcoming Amazon movie about his life. I was invited to a private breakfast with District and city leaders (sponsored by ALLO of course). I had a brief conversation with him about watching and rewatching “The Right Stuff,” joining the Young Astronauts program, and of course watching the shuttle Challenger accident over and over in our 3rd grade classroom. 

GMM-HB

 Happy birthday to the Greeley Mob Mixer! We celebrated its second birthday on Wednesday at an event at 477. Hard to believe we have held the thing together for two years now. We still have a very loyal following, and about 5-6 new people attending each month, so onward! And how about that variety of prizes?

UGGs

 I was invited to attend a morning networking breakfast in Denver last week with my friend and associate Michael. It turned out to be a fairly high end event held at the Mile High Station and fully catered (a waffle bar???). The featured speaker turned out to be the founder of Uggs. He spoke for almost an hour on the rise and fall and rise of those silly little sheepskin boots (insert mental image of Tome Brady here).