Saturday squirrel.

Woollybear: Woolling it up...

Our furry friends are taking a break from the spotlight of the Steds blog so that other critters about campus might have their fifteen minutes of fame. Some times our friends are right in front of us. Other times our friends are high in the sky, but some times, just times, they're down, right down at our feet. That was the case for this caterpillar. This caterpillar, a woollybear, Pyrrharctia isabella, spotted around the lakes at Notre Dame is famous for predicting the harshness of the coming winter weather (the wider the black bands, the harsher the winter). It is informally known as the woolly bear, woolly worm, weather worm, black-ended Bear, and yes, fuzzy wuzzy. When the woollybear emerges from its cocoon, the females will have pretty pink wings. On the coming winter, this woollybear non-verbaled, "I think I've already said too much, really."

In other news...

The popularly acclaimed In the Red Room podcast will return next week. Look for links here to hear the first podcast of the academic year!

... until the spring!

What's the word...

Shinohara: Keeping it real

... in the Steds hallway? Yes, what is the word in the hallway on this Friday, the last day of second week of classes and the eve of the first home football game against Northern Illinois University? Well, to be honest, there weren't many words because there were not many people about in the hallways. They’re all in the common spaces enjoying the AC. Well, save one Christian Shinohara, Steds freshman and resident Guamanian. Yes, Christian is from Guam! On being spotted and asked what the word was about this weekend's game, Shinohara shared, “I am not going to be over the top... but Notre Dame will be victorious, pulling through with a score of 121 to 3."

In other news...

The popularly acclaimed In the Red Room podcast will return next week. Look for links here to hear the first podcast of the academic year!

Classes are...

Ed's: Soon helping Steds get their late night snack on

... in session and football games being played; however, there is something that is not in session nor seeing any play. Yes, everyone's favorite AND friendliest in-Hall eatery, Ed's, is not open just yet. So, while classes roll on and the studying and procrastination once again commence in all shapes and forms, the Gentlemen will have to go on without the late night culinary delights of Ed's. But fear not! Ed's will be opened soon, and under new management! The man at the heart of it all, the dude who sported the skullet haircut, the Californian with the chillest of vibes, Cole O'Hara, has graciously assumed the mantle of the "Da Manager" and will be at the helm of Ed's. It will be under his tutelage that late night favorites will be made, served up, and given with a smile... and yes, hugs will continue to be free at Ed's. On the opening of Ed's, O'Hara, "Da Manager" and now most beloved man at Steds, shared, "As the new manager of the campus and world renowned Ed’s Eatery, it is with great pleasure that I announce the grand opening this Sunday! Ed’s is a truly beautiful oasis for weary Gentlemen to commune with marvelous and gregarious company, resting from their long day all while filling their bellies. In the words of famous Greek philosopher and physician Hippocrates, “Let food be thy medicine!”

In other news...

The popularly acclaimed In the Red Room podcast will return next week. Look for links here to hear the first podcast of the academic year!

Food...

The masses are bellying up to the truck...

... truck! Yes, the Hall's favorite truck, the Wiener Shack, made an important and critical stop at Steds this past Saturday. Yup, the food truck came just in time on GameDay, supplying the Stedsmen with football food fusions on a level that the ND dinning halls wouldn't dare to try, and it was all done in time to watch the game in College Station. Without a doubt, food, hoops, and a variety of yard games got the Gentlemen ready for the slugfest that was the A&M ND game, allowing them to not only cheer on their Irish but also having the staying power to keep cheering even when the times got rough. On enjoying the food truck and having being well prepared for the game, Nikolai Eggleton, Steds Senior, Floridan, and co-host podcaster of everyone's favorite podcast, In the Red Room, shared, “Nothing says game day spirit like the Wiener Shack—because the only thing better than watching Notre Dame beat A&M is doing it with a bacon wrapped hot dog in hand!”

In other news...

The popularly acclaimed In the Red Room podcast will return next week. Look for links here to hear the first podcast of the academic year!

... while Eggleton chows down because he skipped the line!

It was...

Here comes Steds...

... a game to remember, both on and off the field. We all know what happened on the field, but what was happening off the field, both before and after the game. Well, a lot, and the Stedsmen were there. Gathering as planned or running into each other by chance, the Stedsmen assembled at College Station to cheer their Irish on as well as reunite and renew friendships and reminiscent of past times. Indeed, fun times were had before and, thankfully, after the game too. One of those in attendance was Drew McClimon '23, resident Ohioan and former RA. On wearing his Steds Yacht Dance shirt to the game, McClimon shared, "To anyone going to a road game- wear a Steds shirt. You never know who you’ll run into!"

Manny '17 (L) with McClimon '23 and Gallagher '23

... with and Alec Lis '22 and Pete McKeon '18 & '21

... and Alvendia '24 (far right) on TV!

It's a hole...

Stedsmen gather after all the putting was done...

... in one or three or maybe more! Yes, putt putt golf is a whole a lot fun and some times it more then a hole in one. That was certainly the case for those Gentlemen who ventured out to the putt putt course this Labor Day. Playing in pairs, Gentlemen of every class level were represented, playing for individual as well as team glory. And regardless if you sank a hole in one (and some sunk many a hole in one), everyone enjoyed themselves, taking a break from their cares and concerns... and their labors too. But in the end, fun had to give way to having a winner, and oddly enough, it all ended with freshmen sweeping the honors. Ananmay Modi, freshmen and first time putt putt golfer, won gold for having the lowest individual score while fellow freshmen, Paul Toups and Zach Jones, won the team competition.  On playing for the first time and winning, Modi shared, “I am gentleman by name, but I am king of this game!” Indeed, Modi is, but in the end, everyone was a winner as all went to Culver's for ice cream treats and more.

... Modi was the winner...

... with Jones and Toups winning too...

... but everyone knew they were special... 

... people brought their A game...

... while others had a laid back approach...

... everyone was playing for keeps...

... the frustration was palpable... 

... even for the upperclassmen...

... concentration was key...

... as well as follow through...

... and mental leaning too!

Your Sunday picture...

Looking good

... from Notre Dame. Here is a view of Mary and the Main Building from the east side of God Quad.  A serene scene, it's the perfect way to end a fast and fun first week of learning at Notre Dame. Enjoy, and enjoy your Sunday wherever you may be!