After nursing my back all day, Marty and I headed out to Mark’s sons pre-wedding party at Gary’s ranch. Gary is the President of a long time valley stone company here. He bought his small ranch in 2009 and built his own house and barn and everything else.
It was a nice time but clear as soon as I arrived, that my back is still an issue. Lori is getting me in for a MRI tomorrow morning. At this point, unless I have a miraculous recovery, Italy will be postponed. No way I can drive in a car 3 or 4 hours a day much less handle a 10-hour flight. We’ll know more tomorrow.
Gary is a great guy and we hit it off. We knew a lot of mutual people and even mentors of his (older people) knew of dad. Every year, since 1948, they have a horseback ride called the Roundup Riders. It’s about 130 riders from over 15 States and they ride about 20 miles a day. They have doctors, vets, cooks, bartenders, wranglers and everything else you can think of. It was started by the head of the Coors family back in 1948 to keep western traditions alive. The only way to get in is to be sponsored by a member and Gary invited me to join! It’s in July each year. Super exciting. I just might do it. Both being the same age, the conversation again turned to life and how fragile it is. Another guy we both know, Tom Bailey, (Gary knew him personally), who started the Janus Fund (a super successful worldwide mega wealth fund) who checked out ten years ago and moved to Carbondale to raise cutting horses, also passed away last week. I know this is normal as most people typically pass away in their 60’s and 70’s, but when you’re all of a sudden that age and lots of people you know are dropping like flies, you can’t help but think. Gary still works, a bit, but rides horses and plays around his ranch most of the time. He has a good balance of life.
After hanging out for a while and paying my respects, Marty and I left and headed home. We made it to our house by 7:15 where I hung out and watched the CU game. Marty headed home. Tough loss. Jag texted and called during the game as he was there.
I’ll take it easy today. Lori still has a pounding headache. Maybe it’s God’s way of telling us to stay home. It is going to rain most of the days we’re supposed to be in Italy anyhow.
Super pretty outside this morning. Think I’ll skip the gym. All I did yesterday was walk a mile on the treadmill, but I think I should even lay off that today. It’s going to be a nice week here but the Bronco game tomorrow night, could get some rain, especially in the first half. We’ll see, we really need the win.
Happy last Sunday of September 2025, God Bless.
Cody Wyoming this morning