Renovation Update.

But who's going to do the dishes?

With everything completed on the upper floors, renovation efforts are now focused on the first floor. One of the improvements to the first floor lounge is a larger and more open kitchen... so the "Gentlemen can cook." On what the Gentlemen like to cook, Fr. Ralph said, "Ramen noodles."

A Sted's Affair

A Sted's reunion with Jay in the top center

This weekend Stedsmen from the class of 2012 descended on Notre Dame for the wedding of Jay and Liz Williams the III. With the wedding at the Basilica, the reception at the Morris Inn, and other on and off campus distractions, it was a most memorable weekend. Of the weekend, Mike Burton said, "We all felt the love."

Your Sunday...

A new tunnel to explore?

 

...picture from Notre Dame. In addition to the renovation at St. Ed's, there have been a number of construction projects going on around campus. A project that has been happening on the north end of campus has been the extension of the underground tunnel system, extending steam pipes and other necessities for the new residence halls and research buildings. On this project, the project site manager said, "This is adding a lot of new tunnel space for the students to explore."

Saturday's Squirrel.

Requiescat in pace (Pictured on 7/12/14)

I wasn't texting. I wasn't fumbling around with the radio nor was I sipping on something from Starbuck's. I wasn't even speeding. No, I wasn't doing any of these things when I ran over you on that sunny Thursday afternoon. I didn't see you when you decided to dart out in front my car as I drove by St. Mary's Lake. On running over Saturday's squirrel, Fr. Ralph said, "I take full responsibility."  

The man with the golden box.

Under Armour's gold Notre Dame goodie box... it's really heavy

On July 1st, the University switched to Under Armour as its official outfitter. This switch caused not only a number of campus fire sales of Adidas gear but also a number of gold Under Armour boxes to be sent to University officials. Inside these enormous boxes were a number of "freebies" from shirts to shoes and much more. On where his gold box was, Fr. Ralph said, "I am not at that level."

Goodbye old friend.

Stedsmen sharing a moment of silence.

Sted's seniors, Spencer Edman, Brian Roddy, Nick Kelsey, and John Wetzel, recently took a tour of the Hall and excitement suddenly turned to sadness as they realized that an old friend was gone. Yes, the old "vator" is gone, but there is a new, more powerful vator. Still, on the old elevator departure, Edman said, "I'll miss her. Even on your worse day at Notre Dame that old vator could always lift you up." 

Renovation Update.

The third floor

With the fourth floor completed, the third floor continues to be the focus of renovation efforts. In addition to installing new fixtures and furniture the individual rooms, the hallways are being prepped to be painted a color other than Notre Dame's traditional "light creme." On what the new color will be, Fr. Ralph said, "I am not telling, but you're going to like it. I guarantee it." Indeed, you will...

Your Sunday...

Enjoying the Sabbath

...picture from Notre Dame. A beautiful view of the Basilica on yet another beautiful day!

Saturday's Squirrel.

Please come down.

This God Quad squirrel was hesitant to leave his leafy perch for a partially eaten french fry. On our furry friend's hesitation, a Stedsman said, "Perhaps he wanted a 'freedom fry' instead." Maybe he did...maybe he did unnamed Stedsman.

Siena Calling...

Pat and Kevin, with eyes shut, enjoying a view of Siena

Sted's junior, Pat Rahill, was studying abroad this summer in London. With the rigorous program now over, Pat thought the family might enjoy a visit a to the "continent" and unwind. On the family's trip to Tuscany, three time Sted's dad, Dan Rahill, said, "Pat had a great idea!" Indeed he did dad... indeed he did! 

Renovation Update.

Almost done

With most of the new windows in place, the roof has been receiving some attention. Damaged slate roof tiles were replaced, new copper finishings added, and a new coat paint given. While the color looks grey in the photo, the final color will be a dark brown that matches the Main Building. On the recent improvements to the roof, Fr. Ralph said, "It looks great, but are we getting a rooftop patio?"

Calling all hands...

No, the other pipe...

Sted's seniors, David Shipper and Carson Barnes, thought that they would lend a hand and help the renovation effort by tackling the Hall's mechanical room, tightening values and swinging wrenches. While their thoughts were admirable, they achieved very little for the cause. Still, on seeing the recent improvements, Barnes said, "Looks like there will be some surprises when we come back. Let's just hope they cover all the holes in the floor so that those surprises don't send us to the hospital," and Shipper said, "It looks nice." Well said...well said indeed.  

Your Sunday...

They don't make them like they used to...

...picture from Notre Dame. A view from from the nave in the Basilica of the Sacred Heart. Enjoy.

Saturday's Squirrel.

Hello new furry neighbors.

We're all familiar with squirrels, but are we familiar with "chickarees" and "fairydiddles?" I am sure that you do, but you know them as "red squirrels." These furry friends live around the lakes, and while they may not be as sociable as their cousins, they have their antics too. On red squirrels living around the lakes, a grey squirrel on God Quad non-verbalized, "There goes the neighborhood."

Romania Calling...

Chris, in the red sweatshirt, at the Prince's house

Chris Lattimer, Sted's Senior and architecture major, was recently at Prince Charles' house. No, not the one in England...the one in Romania. While the Prince may not have been there, Chris was, learning about traditional building practices of the area as well as historical preservation techniques. These techniques were quickly put to use in the repair of a 13th century fortified church wall. On being in Romania, Chris said, "While in Romania, I was not only introduced to the traditional architecture of the area but also experienced the traditional culture and lifestyle of a remote Romanian village. You know what they say...'When in Romania!'" Indeed, and...

...Happy Birthday Chris!

Stop the internets....

Careful. Don't scratch the wood.

...St. Edward's is getting University made lofts this Fall! Yes, it's true and official. Now, it's important to remember something. These lofts are NOT a form of modular furniture. Perish the thought! No, these lofts are custom made for the University's most storied and unique residence hall. On making these custom made lofts, the mill's master carpenter said, "No question. They'll be done in time for the start of school, but the real question here is, 'Who is going to build them?'" Good question master carpenter...good question indeed.

Renovation Update.

Barbecue coming soon.

It's July, and the renovation is on schedule. The fourth floor is now complete, and the focus is now the third floor. Still, other projects are being worked on, namely the patio, Plaza St Edward, and its barbecue pit. The previous patio, installed in 2008, was laid improperly causing the pavers to warp and buckle. On installing the new patio, the project manager said, "We're doing it right so that you can do your barbecues right." Can't argue with that project manager...can't argue with that.

Your Sunday...

As always, looking good.

...picture from Notre Dame. A view of Mary at Dusk on Sunday in July. She's really golden!

Saturday's Squirrel.

Got a nutcracker?

In this tree in beautiful St. Edward's Park, it's just a lazy Saturday with a tough nut to crack.

Happy Birthday America!

Stars and Stripes forever!

For being 238 years old, you look marvelous! Enjoy your day of family, fireworks, and freedom!

Cleveland Calling.

Cleveland- it's not Detroit

During some recent vacation days, the Rector of Sted's, Fr. Ralph, traveled to Cleveland, Ohio, and visited his extended family. On visiting Cleveland, Fr. Ralph said, "You know, everyone thinks that America's playground is Toledo, but it's really not. It's Cleveland."