Renovation Update.

It always gets better once you leave.

The renovation rolls on. As the windows and bathrooms are still being installed, each room is having new light fixtures and vanities installed. On a recent visit to his old room, recent grad, Chris Patterson, said, "I'm pretty sure I saw this vanity on an episode of 'Cribs.' Yes, I think it was in (Sir) Richard Branson's house." Good eye Chris...good eye indeed!

Your Sunday...

Looking good.

picture from Notre Dame. A tranquil summer view from a peculiar place- 11th floor of Grace Hall.

Saturday's Squirrel.

Keeping it cool.

This furry friend was making the most of his tail on a warm summer day, flipping it back to provide some shade from the sun. What our friend's secret to having full and luxurious tail? He's not telling.

The Dome was...

#unfiltered

enveloped by a heavy late night fog on Thursday. Of the fog, AJ Tablada said, "Will this cause summer school classes to be cancelled tomorrow?" I don't think so AJ... I don't think so.

London Calling...Again.

Is it raining?

Sted's Junior and Vice President, Christian Verhamme, has been studying abroad in London this summer. When asked about his time across the pond, Verhamme said, "I have so much that I want share with you about the IMMENSE differences in culture and language that I have experienced in London... for example the indigenous people call vators, "lifts." Very odd, indeed." Odd indeed, Christian, odd indeed!

The renovation is...

Every room will have a new view

making progress. While the bathrooms are still under construction, another group has started replacing the windows. The windows are custom made to fit the non-standard window size of the Hall, and they were ordered twenty-one weeks before being installed. Of the windows, the project manager said, "We measured the windows, and before we finalized the order, we caught an error that would have made all the windows too short." Lucky you project manager...lucky you.

Your Sunday...

No. She's still atop the Dome.

...picture from Notre Dame. From our Sted's backyard, Mary's a beacon shining out against a storm Notre Dame sky.

Saturday's Squirrel.

What are you doing?

What he's up to in the shrubbery on God Quad? Was he looking for his lunch or just a little privacy? Was he just embarrassed by his "bed head" hair? Whatever it was, we'll never know. He ran away without saying a word or a non-verbal.

They're getting married!

The future Mr. and Mrs. Pikurish with Tonka, their photogenic and well-dressed dog

It’s official. They’re getting married! Tony Piskurish ’09 and M.Ed '11, Stedsman, and Stephanie Frketic are to be married this November at Sacred Heart Church in Jacksonville, Florida. Congratulations and best wishes to Tony and Stef respectively, and I am just saying that I got dibs on gifting the couple with either the traditional toaster and/or outdated ND Adidas gear.

It's just...

another beautiful day at ND. What else can I say, but "Wish you were here."

China Calling.

Wittenberg on the "good side" of the Great Wall.

Traveling and studying abroad for the next 40 days in Asia, Jake Wittenberg, Sted’s sophomore, took a break from the books to do some sightseeing. On visiting the Great Wall, Wittenberg said, “After a full year of training, by climbing the Sted’s stairs to the fourth floor, this climb was a piece of cake. I'd like to say thanks to our perennially "moody" elevator for its completely unintentional help in accomplishing my Great Wall training goals!” Way to go Sted’s vator!!!

BLOG LINK: A Stedsman in Asia

Your Sunday...

picture from Notre Dame. When walking around St. Mary's Lake, I had to pause and take this photo of the Sun setting on the Basilica steeple for you.

Saturday's Squirrel.

Pretty please?

"Excuse me, but do you have the time?" Ha! More likely that this squirrel was asking, "Excuse me, but do you have a handout?"

Summer of Sted's.

Planek and Edman: Patrons of the Arts

Recently, Sted’s seniors, Spencer Edman and John Planek, and girlfriends went to a Brad Paisley concert. The concert started with Randy Houser opening, and afterwards, there was a special treat- a Carrie Underwood hologram.  On seeing the hologram, Edman said, “We were convinced it was her, but after a quick Google search learned she was elsewhere. I guess our seats were just too far away to really tell.” Indeed, they were Spencer… indeed they were.

Off to the races!

Stedsmen at Belmont Park with the Lady Lobaccaro

Recently graduated Stedsmen traveled from the "unfashionable West Egg" to Elmont, New York, for the 147th Belmont Stakes. With hopes high for a Triple Crown winner, everyone was in good spirits up until the race finished and California Chrome loss. On the 4th place finish of California Chrome, Dan Rish said, "Now how am I going to pay my student loans?"

VIDEO: AND THEY'RE OFF!

They got married!

Mr. and Mrs. Peter McCormick

Yes, they got married! With Fr. Ralph presiding and in the company of family, friends, and many Stedsmen, Learose and Peter were married this past weekend at Notre Dame’s Basilica of the Sacred Heart. As Learose and Peter danced the traditional “couple’s first dance” to a classic 70’s song, Corey Fitzpatrick, Stedsman, said, “They’re dancing well, but that kiss at the Basilica…wow! I thought she was going to dip Peter!” I did too Corey…I did too!

Your Sunday...

And looking better than ever!

...picture from Notre Dame. He's back! Yes, after a brief restoration, God Quad's "Jesus 'Venite Ad Me Omnes'" statue has returned. When asked about the statue's return, David, a friend of Ed, said, "Reminds me of the famous Browning poem, 'the year's at the spring, the day's at the morn; the lark's on the wing, the snail's on the thorn...' The statue is back and all's right with the world!"

Saturday's Squirrel.

If you don't mind, I'd rather have some more of that leaf.

This squirrel is really enjoying his afternoon "leaf snack." When I looked at this furry campus neighbor, her non-verbals said, "This is really good tree leaf."

VIDEO: Squirrel Antics

Communing with Nature.

No, it's just the path around St. Joseph's Lake.

Even if you don't like the outdoors, every now and then, you must walk around the lakes at Notre Dame. Speaking on the condition of anonymity, a Holy Cross priest said, "A walk around the lakes at Notre Dame can be a 45-minute silent retreat." Indeed, it can be, unnamed priest... it very well can be!

A Non-Sanctioned Event.

Like the State Department, the Rector disavows any knowledge of this event.

Not to be outdone by Sted’s moms, Sted’s dads convened the second annual “Non-Sanctioned St. Ed's Dads’ Weekend.” Taking place on the weekend following Moms’ Weekend,” dads assembled on campus and took part in various activities, including but not limited to, touring the Hall, taking in the Blue & Gold Game, parting with money at the Bookstore (buying 'The Shirt'), a “Dads’ Night” out on the town, golf, Mass, and Sunday Brunch with sons.  When asked about the weekend, Mike McGee, a Sted’s dad, said, “We heard from a number of dads that they had conflicts this year. We hope they will join us next year. We even have graduating dads that want to be invited next year!”

California Calling.

The beautiful Mission San Carlos Borromeo

Sted's Rector, Fr. Ralph Haag, CSC, is getting a little down time in California, enjoying the sun and surf. When asked about of his recent visit to the Mission Church of San Borromeo in Carmel, Haag said, "I thought that they said, ‘Do you want a caramel?’ I replied, ‘It’s a little early, but okay...why not?’ Two hours later I was at a church.”

Your Sunday...

...photo of Notre Dame. A great view of the Notre Dame skyline from St. Joseph's Lake. Enjoy.