It Is What It Is…
I’ve heard this statement quite a bit recently, “It is what it is…” This is a very life satisfying philosophy that also matches well with an old poker statement, “You have to play the hand that you’re dealt.” In both cases the theme is to do the best you can with your life situation. Another important statement is… “If it’s going to be, it’s up to me.” Don’t ever forget that one. Live your own life first.
I’m back at my computer doing the best I can as I recover from somewhat of a miracle of medical science in treating my ruptured aorta and saving my life. My thanks to all involved that I’m still alive and improving each day.
My first venture outside of St. Anthony’s hospital, Holly Creek rehab, and home, was last Friday night. Gerri and I attended my Legacy stock club Christmas party held at Cherry Hills Country Club. The club has been meeting at Glenmoor Country Club for ten years but with the new facility at CHCC the party was reserved a year in advance at the legendary venue.
Arriving at 5:30 p.m. the outdoor red lighted trees were spectacular. Three doormen helped me to my walker; I can walk, but don’t want to fall. We rolled through the spectacular interior filled with decorations that are just beautiful. Took the elevator to the second floor, through a traditional bar dining area, to our club dinner. 15 active members, most live in the area and some are members of Cherry Hills Country Club. It has become a closeknit group as we’ve enjoyed the challenges of Wall Street together. We had a rough start, but overall have done well with savvy leadership with President Gary Autry and stock guru Bill Ahlborg leading the group at the monthly meetings. When the club first started, we made the usual mistakes, buying high and selling low. Does that ring a bell with anyone? But down through the years we’ve learned to be patient, and we were able to buy NVIDIA, the richest tech firm on the planet at an early bargain price. It split this year after reaching $1000 a share to 10 for l. At last look the price was hovering at $138 a share with a yearly high of $152. That one stock was enough to pay for our Christmas party.
I was able to sit by my wonderful friend and stock cohort, Mario Mapelli and his wife Jean. Mario has been a member of CHCC for decades. Gary Autry, and his wife Sandy are also club members and planned the great party. Gary and his family once did Autry engraving and jewelry for school graduates. A great company started by his father many years ago. Also, club members Bill and Joy Ahlborg were present where Bill’s father was a long-time member of CCHC. Another very longtime friend of both Gerri and myself are Larry and Jean Pisciotta, Larry started Brakes Plus on Dayton St. over 40 years ago about the same time we started The Villager newspapers. He sold the company a few years ago but still maintains an interest; a son is running the huge national firm. It all began in Greenwood Village at one little shop where I would get my Pisciotta discount on my tires, oil changes, and brake shoes.
Other friends are Tom and Mary Conroy. Tom and I both attempted to aid agricultural farmers in Russia many years ago to stimulate free enterprise for rural farmers. Anyway, we go from being friends with Russia to being foes with the Ukraine debacle. Trump will end that war quickly. I could write about many other members like Walter Fullerton, from my Denver Lions Club, with lovely JoAnne. His family has deep Fairmount Cemetery roots and Judge Fullerton was highly respected in the judicial system. Walt’s uncle, Don Fullerton, was a stellar Lion and local leader. His lovely wife Mary Alice is an award-winning artist.
I could go on and on, but that’s enough from my first social outing since my surgery.