Western Steds.

A beautiful view of the Valley of the Sun, a.k.a. Phoenix

He has moved operations. Remembering George W. Bush had his “Western” White House, Fr. Ralph decided to make an executive order of his own to escape the cold Nebraskan weather and moved operations out West to Phoenix, Arizona. While this move was only temporary, it's easy to see how it could become more permanent... snow and 20F vs sunny and 76F. Just saying.

In the Red Room will return after a Christmas Break hiatus. Stay tuned because you haven't heard anything yet!

Christmas wishes...

Isabella loving the snow...

... answered! Yes, Christmas wishes were received in Nebraska as Fr. Ralph's niece, Isabella, got her wish of snow on Christmas Day. While the weather was raining and temperatures were in the 60's, a cold front came through overnight, plunging temperatures and well... made the rain into snow. On Christmas morning, Isabella awoke not only find presents under the tree but also a beautiful white blanket of snow outside... which continued throughout the day. On receiving her wish of snow on Christmas, Isabella said, "Uncle Ralph kept telling that it was a long shot because of this thing called El Niño. Whatever. I just knew it could happen, and it did!"

On it snowing in Nebraska on Christmas Day, Fr. Ralph said, "I am happy I was wrong, especially for my niece. By the way, I think her crocs brings her ensemble together."

In the Red Room will return after a Christmas Break hiatus. Stay tuned because you haven't heard anything yet!

... but Nebraska: It's not for everyone.

Merry Christmas

 

The Main Building's Creche

... to all Gentlemen, St. Ed's families, and friends of St. Ed's Hall, Merry Christmas! Merry Christmas to you all! May the Christ child fill your hearts with joy this Christmastide and his blessings throughout the NewYear. Merry Christmas!

Christmas Eve at...

... St. Edward's is probably like this. Yes, Christmas Eve, when all through the Hall not a creature was stirring- not even a mouse, well with the exception of the third floor! Well, that's not true since the mice went on break too, returning to a neighboring hall that shall remain anonymous. Enjoy your Christmas Eve!

Getting ready...

Grilling...

... for Christmas means a lot of things. When thinking of Christmas prep, our thoughts immediately go to presents, shopping and wrapping. Then, our thoughts probably go to decorating, namely the tree and maybe the outdoors if we are so inclined. Finally, it goes to cards, baking, and various and sundry things associated with Christmas. But for some, like Isaiah Alvendia, Steds senior,  Christmas prep means cooking... and a lot of it. Back home in Guam, Isaiah is at his station, the grill, preparing his parish's Christmas barbecue. Aided by great weather and several practice tries at Steds in the fall, Isaiah is more than happy to take to his station and grill away. On the secret of a great barbecue, Alvendia whispered, "It's all in the marinade."

In the Red Room will return after a Christmas Break hiatus. Stay tuned because you haven't heard anything yet!

... means a lot of prepping!

Unfinished business...

Luisa Marie with her proud parents...

... needed to be finished before heading off for break. And what was that business? Baptizing Luisa Marie Foss! That's right, Paddy Foss '21, former Steds AR and UVA soccer star, married Lexi Riccolo, and now, well, two has turned into three. Born five weeks ago, Luisa, with the help of her godparents, was ready to take the plunge at Notre Dame Parish in Hinsdale, Illinois. Wearing her mom's baptism gown, Luisa looked radiant, and smiled just enough for photos before demand that it be taken off. Later a reception was held to celebrate Luisa's entrance into the Household of God, the Church!

In the Red Room will return after a Christmas Break hiatus. Stay tuned because you haven't heard anything yet!

... c'mon Luisa's smiling...

... the cookie says it all...

... as did the cake!

It's time to...

Jenkins: Tying and tidying things up 

... break. Christmas Break starting on this past Saturday. Immediately following the last resident's departure, the Hall shut down for a well deserved break. But for some, before headed home for Christmas meant, well, a little more than packing a suitcase. Yes, for some, those studying abroad in the spring, preparing for break meant moving out. What would normally happen in the spring was happening now, and while it may have been inconvenient, at least it wasn't snowing. Still, moving out and cleaning one's room was a Herculean task, and in the end, some did better than others. One resident who was out and on was Sam Jenkins, resident Coloradan, third floor-er, and junior study abroader. On his time at Steds, Jenkins shared, "It was in the shelter of each other that we Stedsmen lived.”

During Christmas Break, The Gentlemen's Monthly will be posted every other day and In the Red Room will return after a Christmas Break hiatus. Stay tuned because you haven't heard anything yet!

Your Sunday picture...

At least it's not raining

... from Notre Dame. It's dreary day, but even with that being case, the Mary and Dome are shining out like the sun trying to break up the near winter glum. Enjoy this view and wherever you may be!

For this week's installment of the Red Room on:

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They're...

Hiding...

... back. Yes, our furry friends are back. After a brief hiatus, they are back and zanier than ever. Perhaps taking a break from their work of prepping for the winter or perhaps they sense everyone's departure for Christmas Break, our campus neighbors are more playful than ever before. It's as if they want you to join in their antics and games. Blending in with the long and overgrown grass, this squirrel, spotted by the Grotto, was playing hide and seek. On being spotted, this squirrel non-verbaled, "Okay. You found me! Your turn!"

For this week's installment of the Red Room on:

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... but found!

What has...

Haag inspecting the tree

... Fr. Ralph been up to while the Stedsmen have been studying? A lot of things... traveling with Men's Soccer Team in Louisville, making an appearance in South Florida, preparing the Hall for Christmas Break, signing contracts for Mom's Weekend (April 5th-7th) AND the Yacht Dance (May1st). But someone recently ran into Fr. Ralph when he least expected it. By the north entrance of Rohr's, Fr. Ralph was spotted by one of the Morris Inn's artificial Christmas trees. Surprised for sure, he appeared to be either leaving or taking a gift. On being spotted with the presents under the Christmas tree, Fr. Ralph said, "Oh, I didn't see you there. I was just checking the water of this tree. Looks good to me."

For this week's installment of the Red Room on:

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Spotify, click HERE. 

While the kids...

So tempting!

… are studying, campus is still a hive of activity. One outfit that is very active is the groundskeeping department. While everyone is preparing for exams and their departure, this group is preparing campus for winter… and there’s a lot to do. One thing on the Winter prep list is the leave removable. Oh, everyone loves to see and take in the leaves changing color, but no one wants to pay the price… raking them out. Unfortunately, you cannot be like Mother Nature and just let them blow around and disintegrate wherever they do that. No, they must be collected and composted. On seeing a great leaf pile on God Quad, a Stedsman, speaking on the condition of anonymity, said, “If there was no one around right now, I would jump in it in a heartbeat. Well, maybe not. They look a bit soggy... but still, I probably would.” 

For this week's installment of the Red Room on:

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Spotify, click HERE. 

Getting into...

A beauty in our sight...

… the season of Christmas. Even though it was only the first Sunday of Advent, the Stedsmen were already filled with anticipation for Christmas. How could you tell? Well, just look around the Hall. From room doors to lounges, Stedsmen decorated, giving the Hall a feel of  not only home but also Christmas. Following Mass, Stedsmen and guests retired to the Gregorian Lounge to festive drinks and Christmas goodies along with the fixings to decorate the Hall Christmas tree as well as individual doors. Suffice it to say, it was a festive mood, full of cheer and smiles. Of course, even though it was a bit early, there was Christmas music too. On the decorating of the Hall Christmas tree, Ryan Hyer, Steds freshman and Los Angelenos, stated, “Decorating a real Christmas tree with my brothers of Steds is a real and legendary tradition that will never be forgotten!” 

For this week's installment of the Red Room on:

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... decorating starts...

... smiles appear...

... even more smiles appear...

... then the decorations...

... and more decorations...

... placed just so...

... then the star by the President...

...but don't forget...

... to decorate...

... your door!

They're heeeeeeere!

Jekot with his snacks

Finals are HERE! Finals Week is well underway, and Stedsmen are pulling out all of the stops, redoubling their efforts, burning the midnight oil, etc., to make this Finals Week a success, one that they post on the refrigerator at home. So, all study spaces have been made quiet study spaces and hall quiet hours are in effect. Still, a break is needed every now and them, so a study break commences. On Finals Week,  Steds Senior and RA, Michael Jekot said, “Although the dreaded season is now here, Final Weeks, snacks such as these little ones, will provide the energy to overcome these last academic hurdles and so cross the finish line and enter into cool down… and Christmas Break!” 

For this week's installment of the Red Room on:

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Playing for…

Kafel, Danny Hughes, Lauren Zwetzig, and Malachy Burns traveled...

… all the marbles! That’s right! The Notre Dame Men’s Soccer team is playing in the College Cup in Louisville, Kentucky for the NCAA championship TONIGHT. Taking down Oregon State on Friday, the Irish advanced to meet another ACC team, one they have already defeated in season, Clemson, in the championship game. While they may be enjoying the fruits of their labor, and rightfully so, the team hasn’t loss their focus. Their eyes are fixed on winning on Monday night, and so, the celebration was brief with recovery and practice the order of the day after. Still, for fans in attendance, the celebration was brief as well because final exams were only a weekend away. But without any doubt, it was worth it! On traveling to see the game, Anthony Kafel, Steds senior and Paddy Burn devotee, shared, “The eight hour journey from South Bend to Louisville and back was long. But the Irish win made it all the more memorable. It was a worthwhile journey, so much so that we are driving eight more hours to watch the national championship!”

For this week's installment of the Red Room on:

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... to see the team play...

... to take down OSU...

... and the Irish do not disappoint...

... Fr. Ralph takes a victory stroll...

... but this is our ultimate prize!

Your Sunday picture...

Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication 

... from Notre Dame. While Advent started at sunset last night, the Christmas spirit as well as decorating at Notre Dame is in full swing. And of course, St. Ed's is joining in. Unfortunately, the University prohibits us from placing Christmas trees atop the southside porticos as we once did,  but we still can place exterior wreaths. Still, there's more decorating going on in the inside. More to come! Enjoy, and enjoy your Sunday wherever you may be!

For this week's installment of the Red Room on:

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Spotify, click HERE.

Saturday Squirrel.

How could we say no?!

With our furry friends busy making preparations for the coming winter, our attention falls on another friend. Who's that? Everyone's favorite King Charles spaniel, Mr. Carson! From time to time, Mr. Carson loves to stay at the oldest and most storied residence hall at Notre Dame, St. Edward's. Indeed, there's no better place for such a regal pooch than Steds. And when he's here, Mr. Carson takes an active interest in the residents of the Hall, going up to them, listening to them, and of course, allowing them to pet him. What he loves most is taking naps in the Red Room. Can you blame him? On making another visit to his favorite hall, Mr. Carson non-verbaled, "Ah, yes. I will take my usual room please. Much obliged."

For this week's installment of the Red Room on:

iTunes, click HERE.

Spotify, click HERE.