Saturday's Squirrel.

Not so friendly: Red squirrels

With our furry friends taking a break this Saturday, some close cousins are stepping in for this post. Yes, red squirrels, smaller but just as zany, are stepping in, sharing their antics and more. Seen more around the wooded areas of campus and lakes, red squirrels are a bit more skittish than their furry cousins, but they are just as defensive and territorial. Walking about the lakes, this red squirrel was spotted in a tree, giving a small, but real, shout out to keep moving. On being spotted, this red squirrel non-verbaled, "I mean it. Keep moving!"

What are they...

Celebrating America and more: McClimon, Campbell, and Stornetta

... doing? Yes, what are our Stedsmen doing now that they no longer have classes to attend, papers to procrastinate writing, nor any thing else for that matter, especially if they have graduated?! Indeed, what are they doing this summer?! Well, some are enjoying a bit of leisure time, enjoying America's pastime, a baseball game. A trio of Stedsmen, Drew McClimon' 23, Patrick Campbell '23, and Cam Stornetta '24 were recently in Denver taking in a Rockies' game. On the summer fun, McClimon said, "Baseball games aren’t about baseball. They're about enjoying the company, having overpriced beer, and celebrating Cam's graduation. Congratulations Cam!"

Always a stand...

Steds: Looking good!

... out. Yes, Steds is always a stand out even from a plane. That's right, even from a plane. Taking a spin in jet plane, Stedsman, David Hale '23, looked out his window and was surprised to see Steds and the campus of Notre Dame. On the sight, Hale shared, "Even at 30,000 feet, I can confirm that Steds stands out as the stateliness building on campus!"

Your Sunday picture...

... from Notre Dame. Yes, a beautiful view of Mary, the Dome, and summer sky. But the one thing that this picture doesn't communicate is the HEAT! It's hot, and with the AC off line at Steds, it's more than a bit unbearable. Still, enjoy, and enjoy your Sunday wherever you may be!

If he could have...

... then he would have! Yes, Fr. Sorin would have wanted to be in Southern California! Moving operations, Steds headed west to an annual parish assistance assignment at Newport Beach, and you guessed it, the sun is OUT. As May grey became June gloom which they gave way to perfect sun and great temps. And yes, the surf is up and a cool breeze is coming off the ocean, but getting a base tan for the summer is hard work. Really. Still, it been a pleasure seeing ND Alumni and Stedsmen in the area, but sadly, it has all come to an end. On Western Steds, Fr. Ralph said, "How long am I staying? Not long enough!" 

Steds gathering...

Fr. Ralph with Steds mom...

... in the West. Thanks to the hospitality of Mike and Alice Flynn, ND grads and parents of Stedsman Mike Flynn '12, the Steds family in Southern California gathered at the Flynn home. Enjoying refreshing beverages, margaritas, and Californian specialities, tacos, and of course, great company- the extended Steds family- a great time was enjoyed by all. 

On the gathering, Dana Maas, mom of Stedsman Davin Mass, shared, "We recently gathered at the gracious home of Alice and Mike Flynn, celebrating the cherished summer tradition of Father Ralph's California visit to Queen of Angels Church. Under Father Ralph's compassionate leadership, the young men of St. Edwards Hall are not just students; they are family, bound by the nurturing spirit of Notre Dame. We are immensely blessed to be part of this community, where faith and family are the cornerstones of our collective journey. Father Ralph’s dedication reminds us all of the enduring values that make Notre Dame not just a place of learning, but a home!"

... and having a great time!

Best of...

... the Gentlemen's Monthly. Yes, NINE years ago today, here was today's posting. Enjoy this blast from the past!  

Something else that...

Looking good takes some work every now and then

...is getting a little attention over the summer is the Main Building. That's right... the Main Building's brick work is being cleaned and tuck-pointed, but you would never know it. Why? Because work is only done during the night! During the day the Main Building hosts the usual summer visitors- and the occasion "working" University official- but at night, right at 8pm, when everyone is gone, a host of workers descend on the Dome, lighting it up with portable lights and start power brushing away. On being right next to the summer construction, Fr. Ralph said, "It's great. The workers don't bother visitors and those who work in Main Building, and for those of us who live here on campus, they only work up until 2am."