Katie just finished selecting her dorm and her meal plan options for Bemidji State University, where she starts her freshman year on Aug. 20. Katie plans to live in Oak Hall, where the First Year Residential Experience is housed. FYRE is a program that helps freshmen adjust to college and dorm life through social activities. Katie is really jazzed about participating in FYRE. She has selected an all-women’s floor in the coed dorm (she said she figures the bathrooms will stay cleaner). Oak Hall was recently renovated, with a big screen TV and fireplace in the commons room. I want to move there myself. Want a peek at Katie’s dorm? Click on the photo tour link at the top right of this page.

It’s all starting to become all too real to us that our little Katie is about to leave the nest. Makes me sad and proud at the same time. I’ll certainly miss Katie’s ready smile and her bubbly personality around the house. But I also can’t wait to see what kind of teacher she becomes and to watch Katie grow into a full-fledged adult. We certainly have been fortunate with both of our girls.

Originally posted by jmidget123

I wonder if the newspapers in Wisconsin just have the bold phrase below programmed into their computers for ready access in this type of story.

From the Associated Press:

MANITOWOC, Wis. ― A zoo in Manitowoc was shut down for the day after a bear bit off at least two of a woman’s fingers. Police say the 47-year-old had gone past barriers and warning signs at the Lincoln Park Zoo and was apparently trying to feed two bears around 11:30 a.m. Friday. Capt. Scott Luchterhand tells the Manitowoc Herald Times Reporter a bear bit off her thumb and forefinger, while her middle and ring fingers were partially severed. The woman, identified as Tracy Weiler, of Manitowoc, remains hospitalized. Her boyfriend tried to pry the bear’s mouth off her hand. He also was bitten, but did not lose any fingers.

Mayor Justin Nickels’ office says alcohol was a factor with both adults. A 3-year-old child with them was not harmed (Editor’s Note: Apparently, he was the designated driver). Police say the bears likely won’t be euthanized.

Mo money, mo money, mo money...

This is Katie holding the first of many checks we will be sending to Bemidji State University over the next four years. This one reserves her spot in the freshman class this fall, where she plans to study elementary education. Very exciting times and we couldn’t be prouder. Katie will be a wonderful teacher.

Next step on our college odyssey is advisee and parent weekend at BSU. We’ll be heading up nort’ in a few weeks for parent orientation and a chance for Katie to meet her academic advisor and scope out her new campus. We’ll be posting pix and blogging from the road, so keep an eye out.

Note the special senior class party T-shirt Katie is sporting. Laurie designed the logo for the Eastview High parents who are planning the post-graduation all-night party. Laurie has been very active on the decoration committee with Jeni Terzich, our next-door neighbor.

Retro is in....

The young people from the ISD 196 Ojibwe language class shot video and worked with teacher James Vukelich to make Ojibwe-immersion teaching aids for youth at our last Saturday session. Above are some photos from the class.

With my hero, Famous Dave Anderson

Spent the last five days or so in Las Vegas sharing booth space with Turtle Island PTAC at the Reservation Economic Summit, also known as RES2010. The summit drew several thousand Indian-owned businesses, tribal enterprises, government agencies and large corporations together for business development in Indian Country. I participated in the one-day procurement fair, which was like the business version of speed dating. Made some great contacts and anticipate signing up a couple as new clients. These are companies and organizations from around the U.S. that I would never have met without RES2010 (special thanks to newsletter client Turtle Island PTAC for letting me share their booth and for helping me get signed up for the procurement fair).

Had a chance to visit with my favorite entertainer (and fellow Cherokee) Litefoot and his wife, Carmen. Litefoot emceed the summit and spoke to attendees after the screening of a documentary about his Reach the Rez tour. Also had a blast hanging out with the PTAC folks and Paul Glass, who gave us the “locals” tour of Vegas till the wee hours of the morning. Every night. We had a blast, but man do I need a nap.

Think you have a lot of snow in D.C., Sis? Check out this shiznow. Laurie took these pictures the other day. The drifts in the front yard are as deep as Katie is tall. And we’re getting more snow as we speak. Enjoy your days off, Sis. I know it’s tough to get around Northern Va. these days. Just so you know, we don’t call many snow days ’round here. We have these newfangled things they call “plows.” You use ‘em to clear the roads after it snows. Seems to work pretty well. Heh.

View out our front window. OK, not really. Originally posted by Emmanuel Boutet

From the Star Tribune, here in snow country:

Time to batten down — again. As much as 14 inches of snow could fall across the Twin Cities and the rest of Minnesota thanks to a storm that begins Sunday and and extends into Tuesday morning.

This is on top of the 3+ feet we’ve had piled in the front yard since November… Guess we’re just trying to keep up with my sister in D.C.

We had a great time on Sunday bowling with the Minnesota Swarm lacrosse team at Brunswick Bowl in Lakeville. Thanks to the Arlotta family for putting together such a great family event for season ticket holders and to the players and staff for making the day so much fun. We had free pizza and soda, played a bunch of games and got a chance to hang out with several players, especially No. 5, Josh Funk, who really went out of his way to make the girls’ day. He remembered them from the first two home games, at which the girls dressed up in Swarm gear and painted their faces. Our seats right next to the home penalty box give the girls plenty of time during the game to visit with Josh (grin). During a lull in the action, Josh came up to Jesse and Allie and asked them if they wanted to bowl with him, and big sister Katie joined in the fun. Jesse said that Josh is her new favorite player, at least while Travis Hill is injured. Katie won Josh’s game jersey in the silent auction and got him to autograph it. Jesse won a Travis Hill game jersey. I think all three girls had a good time with the Swarm. Thanks again, John and Andy, for putting together such a classy organization. And thanks to all of the players who really made the fans feel special today.

We had a great time at the Minnesota Swarm game last night (the photos above were taken from our primo seats on the glass at midfield). It was American Indian Heritage Night, so we got a chance to visit with friends from the local Indian community, watch an exhibition of the traditional game by the Oneida Nation of Wisconsin at halftime, and enjoy traditional songs and dances. Thanks to the Swarm for recognizing the roots of the game in American Indian tradition and celebrating the origins of the Creator’s Game with respect.

The Swarm played a tough game against the Mammoth, but lost in sudden death overtime. It was a tough loss, but I thought the team played well most of the night. I expect great things from the Swarm this season, especially with the addition of former Dukie Zack “Section 88″ Greer to the roster. You can’t go wrong with a Blue Devil on the team!