A Tippecanoe Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving!  For years and years my mom would cook a turkey, we'd have the annual Turkey Bowl at the park in Oak Forest and dozens of family members would come over to our house for food and a game of Trivial Pursuit.  The winning team would get bragging rights for an entire year.

I like tradition.

My career took me away from the area for a long time.  I've had plenty of Thanksgiving meals on paper plates at a desk in a newsroom.  I'm not complaining.  They were good experiences with some pretty great people.

But it sure was nice to have a Thanksgiving meal with my folks today. 

They drove to South Bend and we ate at Tippecanoe Place... and what a place it is!  I tell you what... I was expecting a good meal and a cool atmosphere, but this place went beyond my expectations.  What a cool house.  We ate in the "master bedroom" upstairs.  The place is decked out for the holidays.  I took a few shots of the outside... I wish I had more from inside!

What's the history?

This is from Tippecanoe Place's Website:

"Built by Clem Studebaker from 1886-1889, the Tippecanoe Place mansion has a rich and colorful history. Today, the restaurant indulges clientele in grand cuisine and noble wine - all within an atmosphere of unparalleled ambiance at the heart of the South Bend business and social scene."

Irish Helmets Visible from Jupiter, A Great Steak... and Some Italian Too

The Irish may have been in North Carolina over the weekend, but I received several reports that the glow of the helmets could still be seen in South Bend.

A Chicago Tribune writer pointed out during the debut of the helmets during the USC game a few weeks back, that the gold was "visible from Jupiter."

They are BRIGHT, but I love 'em. 

I took in the game up at my family's lake house in South Haven, MI.  It wasn't pretty, but it was a win!  

We ate at Phil's on Butler Street in Saugatuck before the game.  If you haven't been to Saugatuck, or to Phil's, I recommend both!  

Here's what I had ... it was pretty awesome: 

Filet

8 oz. filet of beef grilled to temperature topped with gorgonzola cheese, bacon and caramelized onions with a tomato butter sauce, served with vegetable and smashed redskin potatoes.



Picture of a picture hanging at Francesco's in Mishawaka, IN

While we're talking food...

We stumbled across Francesco's in Mishawaka, IN after the last ND game at home.  What a cool place to just happen upon.  It's located in an older house.  They sat us upstairs, and we had some great Italian food.

The wine and beer list was limited, but the quality of the food made up for that in a big way.  Great fun.

Here's to a great week everyone!  

The Grotto, The Irish Guard and a Couple F/A-18 Hornets

My Notre Dame/Navy weekend started with a trip to the Grotto.  My folks have made a tradition of lighting a candle before home games.  I've noticed a lot of people get pretty emotional here.  I saw a lot of hugs and a few tears.  I find it to be a somber place too, but not my dad.  He sees it more of a place of spiritual motivation. I think that's the "coach" in him coming out.

The Grotto at Notre Dame, IN

Perhaps I found it emotional because it raises up memories of lost loved ones.  I thought about my grandfather a lot Saturday.  I took a photo in front of Sorin Hall (College) where he stayed when he attended ND in the early 1930's.  I'll post it later once I find the pic of him sitting on the steps.  The place has quite a history.  It deserves it's own post.

My Dad Lights a Candle at the Grotto

Stone from the Grotto at Lourdes, France

The University of Notre Dame Marching Band

The day started off with a bizarre hail storm, but that was short lived and once the actual game started the skies were clear.  They were perfectly blue for the F/A-18 Hornets to fly over Notre Dame Stadium.  One of the pilots was in my brother's class at ND, a fellow 1999 graduate. 


F/A-18 Hornets Flyover

Can anyone tell me about this heckling tradition with the Irish Guard before the games?  It was entertaining.  There were a few students with cardboard hats and some folks who actually got up in the guard members' faces to try and make them laugh.

The Irish Guard and a couple Hecklers

In case you missed it:  The Indiana State Police Driving Warning before the end of the game went something like this... "Make sure your ride home is smooth sailing by not going overboard."

The Irish beat Navy 56-14.  It was the 85th meeting between the two teams.  A tradition that started back in 1927.

Go Irish!  Here's to a good week everyone.

You never know what you'll see...when shooting a story about 4G!

Rudy! and Me at Eddy Street Commons

I was out and about in Michiana with FOX 28 Photographer Ian, shooting a story on 4G, and wouldn't you know it... Rudy was there!  It turns out Rudy misplaces things just like the rest of us!  He lost his phone, and was at the store replacing it, so I took the chance to get a picture and an autograph (or two.)  

Rudy was a nice as could be.  He's in town promoting his book.  They were temporarily sold out at the book store within walking distance so I bought a couple calendars quickly to get them signed.

Downtown Elkhart

We made a stop in Downtown Elkhart later in the day.  The city has done a great job with the riverfront, and it was a cool to see the progress.



Beutter Park in Mishawaka, IN

I also got a chance to walk through Beutter Park in Mishawaka.  What a place?!  I definitely see a walk with the dog there in the future.

Two days to the ND/NAVY game.  Come on guys... It really is a lot more fun when there's an IRISH win! 

Yes, Nuns do Tailgate.

Cheers! Nuns from Convent in Mishawaka at our Tailgate

 

FOX 28 at ND

My Brother Ryan and Sister-in-Law Allison at ND Tailgate

My Brother and Me at ND Tailgate

Ryan and Allison Walking to Campus

I've noticed something about tailgating at Notre Dame... you never have to worry about having too much ND gear on... there will always be someone there with more.

It was a tough loss to USC, in the first night game at ND Stadium since 1990. 

I've noticed another thing about ND football weekends.  You don't have to be told whether the Irish won or lost, you can FEEL it... the difference is tremendous. 

My brother made an extra effort not to let the loss ruin the weekend.  He was successful.  We had a great time.  If feels good to be with family. 

Here's to a win next weekend.  Go Irish.  Beat Navy. 

Ryan and his fellow ND grads

The Most Beautiful Sight These Eyes Have Ever Seen

Ned Beatty plays Daniel Ruettiger, Rudy's dad in the film, RUDY.  "This is the most beautiful sight these eyes have ever seen,"  he says as he reaches the top of the steps and sees the field at Notre Dame Stadium for the first time.

Notre Dame Stadium

It was perhaps the most beautiful day ever for a football game Saturday, as the Irish beat Air Force in the highest scoring game ever at Notre Dame Stadium.  The last time I attended the game was years ago.  How long?  Well.. they were filming Rudy at the game!  The movie came out in 1993.

I won't remember the score.  I will remember the people and their pride.

Tim of Tim's Tours

It started early in the day.  I took a shuttle operated by "Tim's Tours."  Tim is the owner and only employee.  Talk about pride.  This guy has a lot of it... in Notre Dame and South Bend.  He's a good ambassador for Michiana.

The traffic was terrible, but I don't think the dozen or so folks on board noticed.  Tim distracted us with stories about the city and the school.  He was thrilled to tell us he drove Manti Te'o's parents to the last game.  He treated the two elderly ND alumni on the shuttle like royalty.


RUDY came up as we drove by Holy Cross.  A fan from Arizona told the guy next to him he cries every time he watches the film.  Folks then started discussing at which point they cry during the movie.  For some it's when Rudy finally gets accepted.  Others.. when Ned Beatty walks into the stadium. (That's the part that gets me... something about a dad's pride in his son.)

Mom, Dad, Me ... and a lot of ND merchandise

I couldn't help but think of Beatty's line as I walked to meet my parents, aunts and uncles at their normal tailgating spot in the parking lot in front of the Joyce Center.  There's a certain smile people have when they're at a Notre Dame game.. they all had it when I walked up.  It felt good to be with family and friends.  I was proud to be there.  I'm lucky to have found a great job, doing what I love, in a place that's so special to my family.. in a place that allows me to feel like I'm at home. 

The ND Band enters the stadium

Dad and the Good Year Blimp

te'o manti

Busy Day in News... and in the Newsroom!

Busy Friday!

A lot happening in the news and the newsroom!

The FOX 28 Sports Team is getting ready for tonight's Sports eXtra!

Oh... and check out FOX 28's Magazine Cover Model Traci Capellman!

It's a really nice article, and yes she's just as nice in person!

I'm really excited about this weekend. It's the 1st ND home game since I moved to town. The family will be here. Can't wait!

Windy Weekend in Western Michigan

My first weekend after my first week at the new job... and it was relaxing.  I drove up to South Haven. (MI... not MS... for those in the Mid South)

Too cold to go in the water... at least for me!! And it was WINDY:

The weather was perfect though for the wind surfers!! (I think that's what these guys are doing, right?  Correct me if I'm wrong.)  Bud and I sat and watched for a bit on the pier.  Incredible stuff. 

Looking forward to the Notre Dame game this weekend in South Bend!!  The family is coming down .. and they're bringing me a ticket!  Can't wait.

Bud and Touchdown Jesus

After my first day on the job at FOX 28 I went straigt home (well my home for now), picked up the dog and headed to ND's campus.

I'm not sure dogs are allowed -- I got a few looks -- and I didn't see any others on our walk.  The campus is just as beautiful as ever.  Such a beautiful place.

I thought I'd share a quick pic of Buddy and Touchdown Jesus.

Tomorrow will be my first day on the air during FOX 28 News at Ten with Traci Capellman.  I'm fired up and ready to go!

A New Start

When I accepted the position at FOX 28, WSJV ... I knew the 30 days would fly by.  THEY DID!  So here I am... typing at my new desk, at a new station, surrounded by new people.  They've all been very welcoming so far... and I'm told it's not just an act!

I took this quick iPhone picture so I could update my Twitter and Facebook profiles.  That makes me think of a sign posted outside a church that I saw on my way to work today.  It went something like this, "Technology: We can Tweet, post on Facebook and text... but man, do we have trouble communicating!"

FOX28.com

My Journey Home

Change.  It's exhilarating, stressful and scary all at the same time. 

I started my journey from Memphis back to the Midwest Tuesday. 

I took a wrong turn and added an hour to my trip, but got to see the St. Louis Arch as a result.

I've spent the week at my family's house in the Chicago Burbs.  Mom and dad are loving Buddy.  Mom has spent some time trying to convince me to let him stay for awhile.  Sorry ma' ... he goes where I go!!  Right now he's this man's best friend.

Spent Friday with my sister Alison in Chicago.  She's such a city girl.  I'm so proud.  She led me through the city, from one train to another.  She had me do my best "Blue Steel" at the Damen Station. We made our way from her apartment in Bucktown to Michigan Avenue Downtown.  We had lunch at the Cheesecake Factory... love that place.. don't care if it's a tourist spot!

On Tap:

• Watching ND game (Irish.. please win.. everyone is in a better mood when you do.)
• Mom's Birthday Celebration at my Favorite Restaurant (Wildfire!!)
• Moving to my final destination SOUTH BEND on Sunday
• Starting at FOX 28 on Monday