Friday, August 22nd
Friday morning, we gathered on Casper Mountain for a hike with Rev. Dr. Christian Preus. At the start of the trail, we conducted “Cowboy Matins.” From what I’ve gathered, this is regular Matins, except a cappella and outside. The mountain was absolutely gorgeous, the aspens in particular. It was the perfect venue and clime for a hike, pleasantly cool with clear skies.
After the hike (and a quick return home to change), we had Library Orientation with Mr. William Gottwalt. Currently, due to a lack of shelves, the library is closed to students. If all goes according to plan, it will be fully operational by the end of the first week of classes.
Next, was “Veith’s Hour.” Dr. Gene Veith, who will serve as a visiting professor of humanities at LCC, told us how he became a Lutheran and where his love of classical education began: from Superman, to Tolkien, to C. S. Lewis. He also advised us to pick up stray pieces of paper—one never knows where it might lead. At the end of the day, Rev. Joshua Hayes conducted a blessing of the academic space.
Saturday, August 23rd
Official school-sanctioned events didn’t begin until 4 p.m. on Saturday, but the students had their own ideas: barbecue ideas. The Otto House Boys—the Ottotians, if you will—instigated the occasion. They grilled and arranged burgers and burger fixings. The LCC girls, who already have a class-wide group chat, of course, coordinated sides and other fixings (read: vegetables). When we arrived, the Ottotians had set up tables and were out grilling what I found out later were elk burgers. We gathered inside to pray “Feed Thy Children,” as is the Casper tradition. It honestly was quite the spread. After eating, we thoroughly embarrassed ourselves with some party games. All in all, it was a pretty banger barbecue.
Next up, a gracious Mount Hope family allowed us to use their barn for English country dancing. We were told to dress in “western wear or equivalent.” Cowboy hats and boots abounded. The students danced for a good hour before dinner was served. As it was quite warm, and lacking more suitable tools, the girls distributed paper plates to fan themselves while waiting in line. It made quite a humorous visual. After supper, there was more dancing.
I am happy to report that most of the gentlemen played their part admirably—every lady who so wished was able to dance at least once. However, there were a few young men who did not dare even to dance once. Instead, they cowered at the cornhole game the entire evening. Although we looked quite the fool, the night was better for it. Some of the faculty and their spouses even joined us in our fumbling. It was a successful dance and a fitting prelude to the first week of classes.
