CyberZahm

On Thursday night, Jack, Sobo and I were able to join the poker game from the same location, the home that Jack's daughter bought several years ago. It was the usual fun night with the added enjoyment of kicking off the gathering in South Bend.

Friday's weather looked threatening, but it broke in our favor in time to play Morris Park CC right in South Bend. It's a hidden gem. Sobo won the low gross honors, but Fox took the money with low net in a 6-6-6 game. Al, as you predicted, I was too generous with my handicap. After golf and beverages at the 19th hole, we went to Rocco's for dinner. Jackie made sure that we had the proper attire and we managed to finish the meal despite liberties taken by Doc Ikey with Mrs. Rocco during the picture taking.

Saturday dawned beautiful, and stayed that way all day and into the evening. We visited the campus, including a stop at the Grotto, coffee at LaFortune, a walk through Zahm Hall (now housing Sorin students during the renovation of their dorm) and a spiritual stroll through the cemetery. The campus was quiet and not crowded, which made for an enjoyable visit even though it wasn't a home game day. Several of us stopped at Mission BBQ while Fox went out to the South Bend Goodwill stores in search of reasonably priced classic LP's.

We then went back to the house for football and other festivities. Personally, it was great to see Iowa, Oklahoma, the Irish and Texas A&M win. Give Cohn 3 seconds and targets under the coverage and the team would be a force. Jack and Sobo rustled up a great steak dinner, the wine flowed and laughter was abundant.

All too soon, the weekend was over. I had said farewell last night. This morning, Fox and I left South Bend early. I drove all day and I am now at the cabin in Plainsilly.

Many, many thanks to Jack, his daughter and Sobo for making it happen. To them and to Doc Ikey and Fox, thanks for making it a joyful weekend all around.

There was talk of a reunion out east in 2022. I like the sound of that.

Peace to you all.

Prep

TE:

Counselor: A wonderful summary! The view from my orbit: I arrived late morning Friday after the guys took off for golf. No issues entering Katie and Peter's well-positioned digs less than 2 miles from campus. I spent the afternoon with St. Ed's Rector, sipping a wonderful Bombay Sapphire gin that is not available in the US. Three hours of threshing/discussing the issues confronting ND and the world as a whole. Everything solved!

Dinner at Rocco's that night was tasty, filling and great fun. For the record, "Mrs. Rocco" and I had a brief fling in '74, so you should not be surprised that I was allowed to "revisit" grounds previously traversed ... yeah, right ...

I had coffee with the Rector of the Basilica, on Saturday AM. Really delightful guy, may be in line for bigger things down the road. Stay tuned. After lunch from Mission BBQ, it was back for a big dose of college FB. Great fun! Just prior to our excellent repast, Class of '71 SB President and friend, Dave K., dropped by with his lovely wife, Gina, to say hello. This is Reunion Weekend at ND, postponed for obvious reasons. Great to see Judge David, an ND icon, IMO. Dinner was expertly prepared by Chefs Gary, Jack and Tom. Well done, men! I chipped in a couple of nice reds from my cellar, but the cherry on the whole day was a gutsy "W" by the Irish! Can't wait to see everyone (VT fans) at Mass next week to subtly (or not) gloat. Good win, very very tough place to visit and win!

Professor Joyce and Counselor Pearson were out early Sunday AM. Jack, Gary and I attended 10AM Mass—"smells and bells"—at the Basilica. Always uplifting for me. The trip back East was blissfully uneventful, but I have acquired an whole new set of CZ memories to squeeze into the memory bank. Thank you, Jack (and daughter Katie!) for making the house available and the largesse extended. Very grateful! And, as always, a treat to spend some quiet time with the ghosts of ND and my brothers. I love you guys ... TE