Saturday squirrel.

Exit, stage left...

You never know when nor where a furry friend might appear, and some times, they really do manage to surprise us. That's what happened when taking a walk on the north side of campus. Walking through the walnut grove, this squirrel, spotted on a tree stump, was startled. So startled was this squirrel that he froze almost is if he was caught in the act of something. What was he doing in the walnut grove? Well, let's ask. On being spotted, this squirrel non-verbaled, "Life, even a tree stump, is but stage!"

What did they do...

Eric: Yes Chef!

... over Spring Break? Yes, what did our Stedsmen do over break? Well, today we have a Spring Break story from our Steds sophomore. Taking his leave from his studies, Eric Souza Costa Ribeiro decided to stay at Steds and cook for his friends who were also staying for break. What did Eric cook? After a visit to the local Trader Joe's, Eric whipped up some flank steak with a Brazilian flare of course! On his cooking for his friends, Eric shared, "Grateful for the opportunity to share a taste of home from Brazil with friends while still here in South Bend."

On Eric cooking in the first floor lounge, Fr. Ralph Haag, CSC, said, "I smelt something heavenly... just wish I was invited!"*

* And I was, but I couldn't stay!

The panini and...

What next?

... piano man. A little known secret, but the man responsible for ensuring the smooth and steady flow of paninis at Ed's is also the man playing the piano at the Steds Sunday Mass. That's right. Caden Hickey has his fingers in a lot of things at Ed's so much so that some say he's making a run at being the first undergraduate Rector of Steds. Watch out Fr. Ralph! On being the Steds panini and piano man, Hickey shared, "I am pressing piano keys and paninis for Hall and King!”

What did they do...

DiLella, Lis, and Raus: On a three hour cruise

... over Spring Break? Yes, what did our Stedsmen do over break? Well, today we have a Spring Break story from our Steds Alumni! Yes, Steds Alumni. Taking his leave from work and responsibility, John DiLella, Alec Lis, and Peter Raus, all from the class of 2023, gathered in Newport Beach, California, for sand, surf, and sun, and with the recent heatwave in the West, they got it all and then some! The gathering was a team effort, with DiLella coming from Los Alamos, New Mexico and Raus from Claremont, California, and it was not just a gathering of Stedsmen, reminiscing about the past, for it really was a chance to say goodbye to DiLella before his upcoming deployment. An Air Force lieutenant, DiLella will be deployed next week to the Middle East. On the gathering, Raus, also an Air Forcer lieutenant, said, "Friendship!"

DiLella, praying for you, your safety and quick return as well as that of all those being deployed!

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Erin go bragh in a cup!

This day is marked by parades, bagpipes, soda bread, merriment, and of course, the wearing of the green. At Notre Dame, all of this and much more happened to mark this special day. But something else that added to the festivities was the appearance the Shamrock Shake, Ed's edition. Reminiscent of the McDonald's shake, this shake was crafted and perfected by the Ed's managers themselves, Caden Hickey and Evan Greer. The appearance of these limited time shakes only brought more smiles to a day already filled with smiles. On these limited time Shamrock Shakes, Greer shared, "If this doesn’t get us the Michelin star then I don't know what will?!"

We remember...

Requiescat in pace Coach Lou!

... Coach Lou. Today, after his Funeral Mass at the Basilica of the Sacred Heart, Coach Lou made his way to Cedar Grove Cemetery. As he and his procession made their way to the south side of campus, crowds of students and fans lined the way, giving him a fitting good bye. In addition to a special meal served in Coach's honor at the dining halls, the Grotto gave Coach a most high honor with votive candles lit in his memory and his peace. Indeed, may Coach Lou be wrapped in the golden mantle of Mary in 4th new and everlasting day of Heaven!

Your Sunday picture...

The lights are on, really!

... from Notre Dame. With warmer temperatures, the snow has disappeared, but the flog has rolled in. Recently a think fog has enveloped campus, shrouding everything. Not only does it make every drearier but also a bit eerier. Here's a view of Mary and the Dome... you can see it thanks to the iPhone's camera but in person, it looks dark and unlit. Enjoy, and enjoy your Sunday wherever you may be!