Tuesday, June 30, 2009

Glassmen reaction

Here is a link to the Glassmen site that contains the remarks of Brian Hickman, their corps director, about their volunteer bus accident and their reaction to the Colts' show of corps solidarity.

Today is Tuesday, June 30; it's HOME SHOW

We are in Dubuque, IA


Click for weather report and forecast


View June 30 in a larger map


Today's Menu
Meal 1
Fresh fruit and yogurt parfaits
Plain and blueberry bagels
Leftover oatmeal

Meal 2
Potato bar
All the fixins
Tossed salad
Rolls

Meal 3
Brats and hot dogs (courtesy of the home show helpers)
Mac and cheese
Veggies and dip

Meal 4
Pretzels and cheese
Veggies and dip
And the traditional homeshow treat: pie and ice cream


Today's Schedule
8:30 Wake/eat
9:30 Stretch
10 Vis
12 Sectionals
1:30 Meal 2
2:15 Music ensemble
5 Eat/pack/load
6:50 Watch Colt Cadets
7:09 Warmup
9:09 Gate
9:19 Perform
10:15 Meal 4
12 Depart for South Milwaukee


Today's Cooks
Peg L, head cook
Lisa M
Rod R
Cindy B
Ann J and Julie S leave today
Kelli N and Mike N arrive today


Paul D drives

Today's News
Happy birthday, Rachel D

The day started out cool, windy, and overcast.

Thanks to Carole B for all the awesome food and help in Madison.

Cooks are still needing donations of fresh vegetables and fresh fruit. Also, add Gatorade to the wish list, since we're about to embark on the hottest part of the summer and the tour.

As always, check colts.org for the latest official word on tour news, housing sites, mail drops, or other corps information.

Monday, June 29, 2009

Today is Monday, June 29; it's a laundry and rehearsal day

We are in Madison, WI


Click for weather report and forecast


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Today's Menu
Meal 1
Oatmeal
Bacon or sausage
Cinnamon streusel

Meal 2
Chinese hot dish
Egg rolls
Peas and carrots

Meal 3
ChiPegLis
Beans and rice
Nacho chips
and all the fixins

Meal 4
Pork or chicken fritter on a bun
Buttered egg noodles
Brownies


Today's Schedule
6:30 Wake/eat/pack/load
8 Laundry
12 Meal 2
1 Vis
4 Meal 3
5 Sectionals
6:30 Music ensemble
7:30 Ensemble
9:30 Eat/pack/load
11 Depart for homeshow

Today's Cooks
Peg L, head cook
Lisa M
Rod R
Cindy B
Ann J
Julie S

Carole B helps
Angie Z helps

Paul D drives

Today's News
The pack/load at 6:30 this morning was for a 4-block move to the high school from the middle school before laundry. Welcome to drum corps.

It was sunny this morning in Madison, with big, puffy clouds. All in all, a pretty nice day. Welcome to drum corps.

Sue P is in to help with sewing and fittings

If you're coming to homeshow, the cooks would like fresh vegetables -- broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, etc. -- please. Fresh fruit is always welcome, too. Thanks for all the great donations that have been coming in.





As always, check colts.org for the latest official word on tour news, housing sites, mail drops, or other corps information.

Sunday, June 28, 2009

Today is Sunday, June 28; it's a show day

We are in Madison, WI


Click for weather report and forecast


View june 28 in a larger map


Today's Menu
Meal 1
Scrambled eggs
Hash browns
Fruit

Meal 2
Hot dogs
Chili
supplemented with leftover pizza
Nacho chips
Etc.

Meal 3
Philly cheesesteak sandwiches
Fries
Green beans
Cupcakes

Meal 4
Ravioli
Dinner rolls
Salad




Today's Schedule
8:30 Wake/eat
9:15 Stretch
9:30 Vis
11:30 Meal 2 - part 1
12 Meal 2 - part 2/sectionals
1:30 Ensemble
3 Meal 3
4:45 Travel to stadium (10 minute walk)
5:10 Warmup
7:05 Gate
7:15 Perform
8 Back to school
8:30 Meal 4 with Cadets/personal work time
10 Meeting with Mike
10:30 Lights out

Today's Cooks
Peg L, head cook
Lisa M
Rod R
Cindy B
Ann J
Julie S
Jody G, Luba S, Bill S, Beth M leave today

Rob P helps with projects
Carole B helps
Angie Z helps

Paul D drives

Today's News
Thanks to Jody G and all her crew for a great week!

It's a gorgeous day today in Madison. "Just perfect," Rod says. They are in a beautiful, shady spot with the cooktruck. They can hear the brass and percussion, but can't quite see them. Rod says, "Close enough to hear Dr. Beat, anyway."

Note on the board: If you need shako repairs, see Lisa.

Last night's concert with the Dubuque Symphony was great. The cooks thought they were going to have to go to Plan B when it started pouring rain before dinner but it stopped as quickly as it started and they served out of the truck as planned.

The Colts played their inaugural parade tune "76 Trombones" and got a standing ovation at the concert. Then they joined the symphony on Mars and Jupiter, the 1812 Overture, and Stars & Stripes Forever.



As always, check colts.org for the latest official word on tour news, housing sites, mail drops, or other corps information.

Saturday, June 27, 2009

Today is Saturday, June 27; it's Symphony day

We are in Dubuque, IA


Click for weather report and forecast


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Today's Menu
Meal 1
Cinnamon French toast
Bacon
Fruit

Meal 2
Cheeseburgers
Fries
Pears
Cauliflower salad

Meal 3
Lemon pepper chicken
Tomato basil rice
Cheesy biscuits
Green beans

Meal 4
Pizza
Mustgoes
Ice cream sundaes



Today's Schedule
8 Wake/eat
9 Rehearsal (guard on field/brass and percussion sectionals)
10:30 Symphony conductor with brass
12 Meal 2
1 Guard on field; brass and percussion sectionals
3:30 Depart for symphony
? Return
? Dinner
? Depart

Today's Cooks
Jody G, head cook
Ann J and Julie S arrive
Judy H leaves
Luba S
Cindy B
Lisa M
Rod R
Beth M

Bill S and Paul D drive


Today's News
Happy Birthday, Don L and Amber N!

Food drop today. Rod says he was in the freezer loading and arranging from 6:30-10:30 this morning. "I've never seen so much food in my whole life," he says. "You can take one step inside the freezer, then boxes everywhere." As the cooks say, they store all their men in the cooler. (Hope I didn't give away any secrets.

Left Normal about midnight and arrived about 5 a.m. The corps got some floor time but many of the cooks stayed up getting ready for the food drop. I'll bet there are some naps during the symphony concert this evening.

As you may have heard, the Glassmen drum and bugle corps had an accident with their volunteer bus. Last night in Normal, after they performed, the Colts stayed in uniform and arced up near the Glassmen's trailers. When the Glassmen came off the field after they performed, the Colts played their corps song "Morning" for the other corps in a show of support. A very cool, very "Colts" thing to do. "It was a nice way to honor them and support them," Rod says.

The Colts show in Normal was a good one, with a great crowd response. The Colts, always crowd pleasers.


As always, check colts.org for the latest official word on tour news, housing sites, mail drops, or other corps information.

Friday, June 26, 2009

Soon to step off!

The National Anthem was just played, and the Colts are entering the field. Of course, we purchased tickets to the show. We got into the stadium and found the Colts Cooks sitting in our seats - of all places!

Today is Friday, June 26; it's a show day

We are in Normal, IL

Click for weather report and forecast


View june 26 in a larger map

Today's Menu
Meal 1
English muffins
Sausage
Leftover pancakes, waffles, bagels

Meal 2
Sloppy joes (2 each)
Potato salad or cottage cheese
Mixed veg
Sliced peaches

Meal 3
Sack lunch


Meal 4
Chicken Alfredo
Peas and carrots
TBA



Today's Schedule
(the rest of the schedule as it becomes available)
9:45 Breakfast (40 minutes after arrival)
12:30 Meal 2
7:45 Meal 3
? Meal 4


Today's Cooks
Jody G, head cook
Luba S
Judy H
Beth M
Dale, Donna, Bill and Lisa Mc leave today
Lisa M (a different Lisa M), Rod R, and Cindy B arrive today


Bill S drives

Today's News
Don't forget that the cooks are asking for donations of fresh fruit.

The call this morning was a bit incomplete, since the cooks had 40 minutes to hit the ground and serve breakfast this morning. Weather pushed back the show time last night by about an hour and a half, which pushed back departure, which pushed back arrival, etc.

The cooks were bracing for "another hot as a pistol" day today in the Midwest. The kids are at the high school. The cooktruck is at the nearby recreational park. "I wish I could go to the waterslide," the head cook says.

Last night's Meal 4 was disrupted by the storms too. Three corps -- the Cadets, the Cavaliers, and the Colts -- came together for a joint "snack" after the Toledo show. The Cadets had been in Michigan and had lost all their Meal 4 prep to storms except brownies and ice cream, so that's what they brought to the party. Along with a kick-ass sound system that got everybody moving at snack.

The Cavies served 2 corndogs to each member of all three corps and the Colts kicked in chicken nuggets and chili (it had turned off cool after the storms.)



As always, check colts.org for the latest official word on tour news, housing sites, mail drops, or other corps information.

Thursday, June 25, 2009

Today is Thursday, June 25; it's a show day

We are in Toledo, OH

Click for weather report and forecast


View june 25 in a larger map

Today's Menu
Meal 1
English muffins
Bacon
Fruit and yogurt

Meal 2
Snack

Meal 3
Baked ziti with meatballs
Breadsticks
Caesar salad

Meal 4
Marmalade ham
Cheesy potatoes
Green beans
Cold veggies



Today's Schedule
7:30 Wake/eat
8:30 Stretch
9 Vis
10:30 Sectionals
11:30 Brass snack
11:45 Percussion snack
12 Guard snack
12:15 Brass rehearsal
12:30 Percussion sectionals
12:45 Guard rehearsal
1 Music ensemble
2 Ensemble
3:30 Eat/pack/load
5:30 Depart for show site
6:15 Warmup
8:04 Gate
8:14 Perform
9:30 Meal 4
11 Depart for Normal, IL

Today's Cooks
Jody G, head cook
Dale C
Luba S
Donna Y
Judy H
Bill M
Lisa M
Beth M

Bill S drives

Today's News
Don't forget that the cooks are asking for donations of fresh fruit.

The trip from Dublin was uneventful -- which is a good thing. Wednesday was a good day of rehearsal for the kids.

As always, check colts.org for the latest official word on tour news, housing sites, mail drops, or other corps information.

Wednesday, June 24, 2009

Today is Wednesday, June 24; it's a rehearsal day

We are in Dublin, OH

Click for weather report and forecast


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Today's Menu
Meal 1
Pancakes
Applesauce
Bacon
Cereal

Meal 2
Corn dogs and chips at stadium

Meal 3
Fried rice
Egg rolls
Pistachio salad

Meal 4
Butt chops
Corn
Rhubarb dump cake



Today's Schedule
7:30 Wake/eat
8:20 Depart for rehearsal at stadium
8:45 Stretch
9:15 Sectionals
12:30 Meal 2 at stadium
1:30 Vis
5 Meal 3 at stadium
6 Warmup
6:30 Ensemble
8:30 Return to housing
9 Eat/pack/clean/load
11 Depart for Toledo

Today's Cooks
Jody G, head cook
Dale C
Luba S
Donna Y
Judy H
Bill M
Lisa M
Beth M

Bill S drives

Today's News
The cooks are asking for donations of fresh fruit. Any kind of fresh fruit would be appreciated so the cooks don't have to buy it on the road. Friday in Normal or Saturday in Dubuque would be perfect drop-off times.

The report from the road is that "everything is going pretty cool." They report that last night's show had lots of energy and drive.

The sun's out but not too hot. "At least when you're in the sun, you're not dying."


As always, check colts.org for the latest official word on tour news, housing sites, mail drops, or other corps information.

Tuesday, June 23, 2009

Today is Tuesday, June 23; it's a show day

We are in Dublin, OH

Click for weather report and forecast


View june 23 in a larger map


Today's Menu
Meal 1
Bagles - plain and blueberry
Bacon
Applesauce

Meal 2
Fish sandwich with cheese
Marvelous mac and cheese
Fresh fruit

Meal 3
Beef fajitas
Fiesta rice
Roasted corn

Meal 4
Chicken teriyaki
Craisin salad
Rice/broccoli
Carrots and celery



Today's Schedule
8:30 Wake/eat
9:30 Stretch
10 Vis/guard sectionals
11:30 Sectionals/guard on field
12:15 Percussion meal 2
12:30 Brass meal 2
12:45 Guard meal 2
1:15 Percussion sectionals
1:30 Brass sectionals
1:45 Guard sectionals
2 Ensemble
3:40 Runthrough
4 Eat/dress for show
5:30 Depart for show site
5:50 Warmup
7:50 Gate
8:02 Performance
10 Depart for housing site
10:30 Meal 4
11:30 Lights out

Today's Cooks
Jody G, head cook
Dale C
Luba S
Donna Y
Judy H
Bill M
Lisa M
Beth M arrives

Bill S drives

Today's News
The Colts are at a very nice school in Dublin. A special thanks goes out to Darlene the custodian who has been super helpful to the corps.

The cooks are excited about hot showers!

All in all, Bill M says, another exciting day with the corps.


As always, check colts.org for the latest official word on tour news, housing sites, mail drops, or other corps information.

Monday, June 22, 2009

Today is Monday, June 22; it's a show day

We are in Pittsburgh, PA

Click for weather report and forecast


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Today's Menu
Meal 1
Bill and Dale's Special Waffles
Yogurt with blueberries
Mustgoes

Meal 2
Chicken nugget wraps
French fries
Carrots and celery
Pears and cottage cheese

Meal 3
BBQ pork sandwiches
Tater tots
Corn
Fresh fruit

Meal 4
Parmesan garlic chicken
Butter-herb rice
Rolls
Mixed vegetables
Pudding



Today's Schedule
8:30 Wake/eat
9:15 Stretch
9:45 Vis
10:45 Sectionals
11:45 Brass meal 2
12 Percussion meal 2
12:15 Guard meal 2
12:45 Brass sectionals
1 Percussion sectionals
1:30 Ensemble
3 Eat/pack/load
4:50 Depart for show site
5:15 Warmup
7:15 Gate
7:25 Performance
8:25 Meal 4
10:30 Depart for Dublin, OH

Today's Cooks
Jody G, head cook
Dale C
Luba S
Donna Y
Judy H
Bill M
Lisa M

Bill S drives

Today's News
The buses pulled in to Pittsburgh about 3:30 a.m. which was right on time. Yes!

This morning dawned a beautiful day; no rain in sight and prospects for a great show tonight.


As always, check colts.org for the latest official word on tour news, housing sites, mail drops, or other corps information.

Sunday, June 21, 2009

Today is Sunday, June 21; it's a Free Day

We are in Annapolis, MD

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Today's Menu
Meal 1
Sausage biscuits or biscuits and honey
Fruit

Meal 2
Salisbury steak
Mashed potatoes and gravy
Green bear casserole
Fruit cocktail

Meal 3
Sandwiches after free day


Today's Schedule
7 Wake/eat
8 Stretch
8:30 Vis
10 Sectionals
10:45 Ensemble
12:15 Runthrough
12:30 Eat/pack/clean/load
2 Depart for free time
9 Caravan in the parking lot with sandwiches available
9:45 Load buses
10 Depart for PA

Today's Cooks
Jody G, head cook
Dale C
Luba S
Donna Y
Judy H
Bill M
Lisa M

Lori, Melanie H, Lisa P, Pat R, Donna S, Mike B, Rob T leave today

Heather and Mike B help

Bill S drives

Today's News
Happy Birthday, Jacob C and Sam M

Thanks to Lori for a great week as head cook! And welcome Jody G!

The kids kicked the show up last night in Annapolis. The report from the cooktruck was that the show was fabulous. Wish we could have been there to see it.

New cook crew on today to prep for a well deserved free day for the corps.


As always, check colts.org for the latest official word on tour news, housing sites, mail drops, or other corps information.

Friday, June 19, 2009

Today is Friday, June 19; it's a SHOW DAY

Cornfield is really over!

We are in Chambersburg, PA


Click for weather report and forecast


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Today's Menu
Meal 1
Pancakes
Sausage links
Oranges

Meal 2
Pork fritters
Fries
Mixed vegetables

Meal 3
Beef noodles
Lettuce salad or cottage cheese
Watermelon

Meal 4
Sweet and sour chicken
Rice
Egg rolls
Orange surprise

Today's Schedule
7 Wake/eat
7:45 Stretch
8:15 Sectionals
10 Vis
11 Meal 2
12 Warmup
12:15 Ensemble
2 Eat/pack/load
4 Depart for stadium
5:25 Warmup
7:25 Gate
7:35 Perform
8:30 Meal 4
11 Depart for Annapolis



Today's Cooks
Lori C, head cook
Melanie H
Lisa P
Pat R
Donna S
Mike B
Rob T
Donna Y

Today's News
The corps is pumped about the official end of cornfield tour with tonight's first performance. Go Red Team.

(The cooks sound like they were glad cornfield was over too)

Sounded like a really nice day in Pennsylvania, with partly cloudy skies and moderate temperatures.

As always, check colts.org for the latest official word on tour news, housing sites, mail drops, or other corps information.

Thursday, June 18, 2009

Today is Thursday, June 18; it's a rehearsal day

We are in Chambersburg, PA

Click for weather report and forecast



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Today's Menu
Meal 1
Egg casserole
Muffins

Meal 2
Pulled pork sanwiches
Cheesy potatoes
Watermelon

Meal 3
Quesadillas
Fiesta rice
Pears

Meal 4
Lasagna
Garlic bread
Corn

Today's Schedule
9 Wake/eat (it was raining so they served inside)
9:45 Stretch
10:15 Vis
1:15 Meal 2
2:15 Sectionals
3:30 Ensemble
6 Meal 3
7 Rewarm (weather permitting)
9:10 Runthrough
9:30 Eat/showers
11 Lights out


Today's Cooks
Lori C, head cook
Melanie H
Lisa P
Pat R
Donna S
Mike B
Rob T

Today's News
Happy Birthday, Carol L!

The uniform sewers are making last minute fittings and have started adjusting the fit of other uniforms.

Interesting graphics have been showing up on the cooktruck (we had a sunny sun and colorful balloons when we were on). Today there were mountains and little buses and trucks driving over them and stick-figure horn players with raindrops falling on them.

Thought of the day: Dedication, desire, diligence = success

And even though the Colts have left the home base of the Midwest, the cooks are still getting donations. Yesterday there were Klondike Bars and about a dozen watermelons.

As always, check colts.org for the latest official word on tour news, housing sites, mail drops, or other corps information.

Note from an alum/volunteer

Ashley Wilson was brave and kind enough to join the crazy Colts volunteers on tour for nearly a week in June. Even after she went home, she made pasta salad for 200 and brought it to the cooktruck to help feed the corps. And she shared her experience in a delightful note that we thought we'd share with you. Alums and other who have not yet volunteered take note:

As a 2002 member of the Colts, I have a deep admiration and appreciation of the things the members do on a daily basis. I still can't believe I survived that summer seven years ago!

But just last week, I gained a completely new and different appreciation of the drum corps activity. I *finally* volunteered to cook for the Colts for five days. I don't know which position is more grueling; member or cook! I wish I could call all of the cooks I had in 2002 and thank them for their hard work.

We were up at the break of dawn every day preparing hearty meals for the members. Our awesome head cook had to stay at least 2-3 meals ahead of the game in terms of planning and preparation, which is a job I don't think just anyone could handle! These parents and volunteers work non-stop (just like the members!) and have just as much fun building relationships and telling stories of years past. It was incredibly entertaining hearing "corps stories" from the cooks' perspective.

Cooking for the Colts was very hard work but one of the most rewarding volunteer experiences I've ever had. When the members come through the line and say "Thank you!" or "That was delicious," that makes all the hard work worth it. I'm just upset that it took me this long to decide to help out!

I encourage every alum/parent/music educator to come cook for the Colts, if even for just a day. Just like marching in a drum corps, it is truly a life-changing experience.

Ashley Wilson
Colts' Pit 2002
Proud Volunteer, Cornfield, 2009

Wednesday, June 17, 2009

Today is Wednesday, June 17; it's a rehearsal day

We are in Johnstown, PA

Click for weather report and forecast


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Today's Menu
Meal 1
Biscuits and gravy

Meal 2
Breaded chicken
Leftover potatoes

Meal 3
Corn dogs
Cheesy potatoes
Grapes

Meal 4
Lasagna
Garlic bread
Corn

Today's Schedule
8:30 Wake/eat
9:15 Laundry
12:30 Meal 2
1:30 Vis
3 Sectionals
4 Music ensemble
5 Meal 3
6 Warmup
6:20 Ensemble
9:30 Eat/pack/load
11 Depart for Chambersburg, PA


Today's Cooks
Lori C, head cook
Melanie H
Lisa P
Pat R
Donna S
Mike B
Rob T
Donna Y

Today's News
Raining this morning and storms in the forecast for the afternoon. Good morning to do laundry.

The cooks have been fielding a lot of the usual "what's this all about" questions at the last couple of stops, including a visit from a couple of pre-teens this morning who were supposed to be having a tennis lesson but it was raining, so they decided to tour the cooktruck instead.

Cooks plan showers and naps for laundry day. Good idea for a day before a food drop. Lori said she was already moving stuff around in the truck to make way for the new food. Good thing she used up the last of the biscuits at breakfast this morning. The stack was big enough in the freezer that it could have attacked someone. (Oh wait. It did. Me.)


As always, check colts.org for the latest official word on tour news, housing sites, mail drops, or other corps information.

Tuesday, June 16, 2009

Today is Tuesday, June 16; it's a rehearsal day

We are in Amherst, OH

Click for weather report and forecast



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Today's Menu
Meal 1
Bagels
Fruit
Cereal

Meal 2
Pub burgers
Fries
Applesauce

Meal 3
Pita pizzas
Lettuce salad

Meal 4
Open-face turkey sandwiches
Mashed potatoes and gravy
Veggies

Today's Schedule
(Upon arrival) Breakfast
1:15 Sectionals
2:45 Meal 2
3:35 Vis
6 Meal 3
7 Sectionals
8 Ensemble
9:30 Eat/pack/load
11 Depart for Johnstown, PA



Today's Cooks
Lori C, head cook
Melanie H
Lisa P
Pat R
Donna S
Mike B
Rob T
Donna Y

Today's News
The corps got into the Ohio stop a little behind schedule, so it was right to breakfast and then up for sectionals.

Lisa said it was a partly cloudy day with "not bad" humidity and a good breeze for cooling.

The cooks can see all three rehearsal fields from the truck, which is always a plus. The field lining crews were getting the fields set up and the Colts were off and running on an important rehearsal day.




As always, check colts.org for the latest official word on tour news, housing sites, mail drops, or other corps information.

Monday, June 15, 2009

Today is Monday, June 15; it's the last cornfield tour day

We are in East Peoria, IL

Click for weather report and forecast


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Today's Menu
Meal 1
French toast
Bacon
Bananas

Meal 2
Best taco salad ever
Breadsticks and garlic bread
Green beans
Fruit cup

Meal 3
(provided by East Peoria)
BBQ pulled pork
Baked beans
Potato salad
Cole slaw

Meal 4
Chicken nuggets
Fries
Pears

Today's Schedule
8 Wake/eat
8:45 Stretch
9:15 Vis
12:30 Meal 2
1:30 Sectionals
3:30 Music ensemble
4:45 Meal 3
5:45 Warmup
6 Ensemble
7:20 Dress
7:30 Dog and pony
8 Rehearsal
9:30 Eat/pack/load
10 Depart for Ohio



Today's Cooks
Lori C, head cook
Donna Y arrives
Melanie H
Lisa P
Pat R
Donna S
Mike B
Rob T
Lynn M
John

Bill and Lisa M, Cathy A help

Penny D helps sew

Today's News
10 hour drive to Ohio tonight, so they'll arrive just in time to serve breakfast

Dinner has special guest cooks/servers tonight: East Peoria Mayor Dave Mingus and local Chamber of Commerce Director Rick Swan. The dinner is sponsored by the City of East Peoria, the East Peoria Chamber of Commerce and Kawanis and Rotary clubs and Penny D, Becky C, and Bill and Lisa M.

There was a big uniform wash today too.

As always, check colts.org for the latest official word on tour news, housing sites, mail drops, or other corps information.

Sunday, June 14, 2009

Today is Sunday, June 14; it's a cornfield tour day

We are in East Peoria, IL

Click for weather report and forecast



View Untitled in a larger map


Today's Menu
Meal 1
Pancakes & sausage
Fresh oranges & bananas

Meal 2
Double butt chops
Tater tots or ranch wedgies
Cold veggies & dip

Meal 3
Teriyaki chicken
Butter herb rice
Corn

Meal 4
Beef stew
Fresh fruit salad
Ice cream sandwiches

Today's Schedule
By the time I was able to get the cook truck report, for some reason the schedule was very sketchy! You’ll have to fill in your own blanks!!

9:30 Stretch
5:30 Meal 3
10:30 Meal 4
11:30 Lights out


Today's Cooks
Lori C, head cook
Jody S, Tammy M, Connie C leave
Mike B, Rob T arrive
Melanie H
Lisa P
Pat R
Donna S

Peggy F, Betty H, Bill, Dale and Lisa M, Cathy A help


Today's News
Lots of help today! And a huge thank you for all those who donated the wonderful food of all types – thank you!!!!

Great facility! It’s been a nice, sunny day today. There will be a bottle wash tonight. The cooks are looking forward to a tad more sleep tonight!

As always, check colts.org for the latest official word on tour news, housing sites, mail drops, or other corps information.

Saturday, June 13, 2009

Today is Saturday, June 13; it's a cornfield tour day

We are in Rock Island, IL

Click for weather report and forecast



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Today's Menu
Meal 1
Jody’s breakfast must-go’s
Hash browns on the grill
Bananas

Meal 2
Chili dog (2)
Potatoes
Green beans
Salad

Meal 3
Pork fritters
Mac & cheese
TBD

Meal 4
Lori’s meat loaf
Mashed potatoes & gravy
Mystery side dish

Today's Schedule
7:00 Wake / meal 1
8:15 Stretch
8:45 Sectionals
12:00 Meal 2
1:00 TBA
4:45 Meal 3
5:45 Warm-up
6:00 Ensemble
7:20 Water / dress
7:30 Performance
8:30 Visual & ballad
9:30 Meal 4 / pack / load
11:00 Depart for East Peoria


Today's Cooks
Jody Speer, head cook
Tammy M
Connie C

Lori C, Melanie H, Lisa P, Pat R, Donna S arrive

Peggy F, Betty H, Lynn, Caroline, and Cindy help


Today's News
Happy Birthday, Casper A

Lots of people helping today! Must-go night was awesome last night – the kids loved it! Thunderstorms forced it inside, making it a serve-yourself affair. Nearly all the must-go’s got up and went!!

Bob and Mary stopped by yesterday to visit, before getting on for real – always good to see them!

As always, check colts.org for the latest official word on tour news, housing sites, mail drops, or other corps information.

Friday, June 12, 2009

Today is Friday, June 12; it's a cornfield tour day

We are in Rock Island, IL

Click for weather report and forecast


View June 12 in a larger map

Today's Menu
Meal 1
Egg wraps & sausage

Meal 2
Fish sandwich
Pasta salad (donated)
Mandarin oranges or fruit cocktail

Meal 3
Connie’s fiesta chicken
Rice pilaf
Corn

Meal 4
Jody’s must-go’s

Today's Schedule
8:30 Wake /meal 1
9:30 Stretch
10:00 Visual
1:00 Meal 2
2:00 Sectionals
5:00 Meal 3
6:15 Visual
7:15 Sectionals
8:25 Water & instructions
8:30 Ensemble
10:00 Meal 4 / shower
11:30 Lights out


Today's Cooks
Jody Speer, head cook
Tammy M
Connie C

Peggy F helps


Today's News
Very uneventful trip last night. Nice facilities. Overcast but warm and dry today!

Messages on the board: “Age out forms due today”; “Are you working like a champion?”

And most importantly, the special liquid flavor of the day, dispensed directly from the spigot on the side of the cook truck, makes its triumphant return: “Colts special brown drink.” For those who know, no explanation is necessary…

As always, check colts.org for the latest official word on tour news, housing sites, mail drops, or other corps information.

Thursday, June 11, 2009

Today is Thursday, June 11; it's Summer Premier

We are in Platteville, WI

Click for weather report and forecast


View June 11 in a larger map

Today's Menu
Meal 1
Biscuits & gravy
New cereal – yeah!!!

Meal 2
Salisbury steak
Au gratin potatoes
Applesauce
Bread

Meal 3
Sweet & sour chicken
Egg roll
Stir fried vegetables
Rice

Meal 4
Hamburger pie
Fruit

Today's Schedule
7:00 Wake /meal 1
8:00 Stretch
8:30 Visual
10:00 Sectionals
11:20 Meal 2 / pack / load
1:00 Depart for Platteville
1:30 Arrive & unload
2:00 Visual (with shakos and shoes)
2:45 Re-warm-up
3:15 Ensemble
4:45 Meal 3 / shower / dress
6:00 Warmup
7:30 Perform
9:00 Run selective sections
10:00 Meal 4 / shower / pack / load
12:00 Depart for Rock Island


Today's Cooks
Jody Speer, head cook
Tammy M
Connie C
Leigh L helps
Jody G helps


Today's News
It’s a great day in Wisconsin today!! High sun, light breeze!

Brass and Brats show was awesome! Corps was in full uniform and performed the whole show. The Cadets performed the first half marching, and the second half as a standstill. A huge crowed enjoyed the performances, giving a lasting standing ovation to all!!

Thank you to those who brought new, exciting cereal for the corps!!!! We could now really use fresh fruit (bananas, oranges, apples, whatever – there have been many requests for bananas, but anything would be fantastic!). Thank you so much for your help!!!

As always, check colts.org for the latest official word on tour news, housing sites, mail drops, or other corps information.

Wednesday, June 10, 2009

Today is Wednesday, June 10; it's Brass and Brats

We are in Belmont, WI

Click for weather report and forecast


View June 10 in a larger map

Today's Menu
Meal 1
Muffins & sausage

Meal 2
Tater tot casserole
Fruit

Meal 3
Nachos

Meal 4
Ravioli
Salad

Today's Schedule
7:00 Wake / eat
7:45 Stretch
8:45 Visual
9:40 Sectionals
11:10 Ensemble
12:30 Meal 2 / pack / load
2:00 Depart
3:00 Unload / sectionals
4:15 Meal 3 / dress
6:00 Warm-up
7:00 Watch Cadets performance
9:00 TBA
10:00 Meal 4 / shower
11:30 Lights out

Today's Cooks
Jody Speer, head cook
Tammy M
Ashely W leaves
Connie C
Beth B arrives
Jody G helps


Today's News
Happy Birthday, Kyle & Riley (new Tuba player)

Galena has been great!!! Food drop was a success yesterday – lots of help.
The corps rehearsed last night with shakos and jackets.
Weather is cooperating today; blue skies, puffy clouds, a great day

As always, check colts.org for the latest official word on tour news, housing sites, mail drops, or other corps information.

Tuesday, June 09, 2009

Of crotales & a piccolo xylophone



I returned from a weekend in Galena and need to add one more thank-you.

Rob P, Britt's (age-out '07) Dad decided to come and help with projects. The projects couldn't be defined until Sunday - it is Drum Corps after all.

Between 9 and 5 on Sunday, Rob (with help from Loras H and Luba) learned what needed to be done, made his designs, purchased the needed material, and built a mount for the piccolo xylophone AND 3 crotales cases that were based upon Jim H's prototype. A huge task for two days, but totally awesome for one day.

What's a crotales? That's what I asked, so I put a picture of one above.

In addition to David's thanks to the school staff, I want to add that without the assistance of the school staff it would have been almost impossible to complete these projects.

Thank you Galena custodians - you are among the best that I've known!

Today is Tuesday, June 9; it's a cornfield tour day

We are in Galena, IL

Click for weather report and forecast


View June 9 in a larger map

Today's Menu
Meal 1
Waffles & bacon
Left over pancakes

Meal 2
Chicken cheese bake
Au Gratin potatoes or rice
Green beans
Two bread sticks (in honor of food drop day!)

Meal 3
Mini pizzas
Fruit

Meal 4
BBQ wraps
Noodles
Cookies

Today's Schedule
7:00 Wake / eat
8:00 Stretch
8:30 Visual
12:00 Lunch
1:00 Sectional
4:45 Meal 3
5:45 Visual
7:00 Sectionals
8:15 Ensemble
10:00 Eat / shower
11:30 Lights out


Today's Cooks
Jody Speer, head cook
Tammy M
Ashely W
Connie C
David S
Leigh L, Derrick and Lyn M, Judy H, Kelli N all help


Today's News
It’s a great day today! Blue sky, slight breeze and sunshine. Dog and pony show was fantastic last night, performed for a standing-room only crowd! Seventy-six trombones was played as an encore. Half the spectators came for a tour of the cook truck after the show – quite a crowd!!

Food drop day today, so we’re re-stocked!

That said, we still could use cereal (not Honey Nut Cheerios), and fresh fruit!!

As always, check colts.org for the latest official word on tour news, housing sites, mail drops, or other corps information.

Monday, June 08, 2009

Today is Monday, June 8; it's a cornfield tour day

We are in Galena, IL

Click for weather report and forecast


View June 8 in a larger map

Today's Menu
Meal 1
Bagels & cream cheese
Fresh fruit

Meal 2
Spaghetti & meat balls
Salad
Garlic bread

Meal 3
Egg salad sandwiches
Rice pilaf
Fruit salad

Meal 4
Brats
Tater tots

Today's Schedule
7:20 Wake
7:30 Breakfast
8:30 Stretch
9:00 Visual
12:30 Meal 2
1:30 nothing listed on the board at the time of this posting
5:00 Meal 3
6:15 Ensemble
7:20 Water / dress
7:30 Dog & pony
8:20 Ensemble
10:00 Eat & shower
11:30 Lights out

Today's Cooks
Jody Speer, head cook
Tammy M
Ashely W
Connie C arrives
Leigh L, Beth D, Derrick and Lyn M, Loras H all help


Today's News
Happy Birthday, Tim K and Precious

Donations: the cook truck could really use some new cereal!! We are being overrun by Honey-Nut Cheerios – anything else would be fantastic!!!

The school staff are absolutely wonderful hosts – whatever the corps needs, they bend over backwards to provide – thank you!!

It stormed hard last night, but today is looking up. Clear sky, a little breeze, and warmer. Time to clean-up the freezer today in preparation for a food drop tomorrow. Mary is on site working with the uniforms – a non-stop task!!

As always, check colts.org for the latest official word on tour news, housing sites, mail drops, or other corps information.

Sunday, June 07, 2009

Today is Sunday, June 7; it's a cornfield tour day

We are in Galena, IL

Click for weather report and forecast


View June 7 in a larger map

Today's Menu
Meal 1
Pancakes and sausage


Meal 2
Ranch chicken or beef
Scalloped potatoes
Corn


Meal 3
Chicken nuggets
Chips
Fresh fruit


Meal 4
Mustgoes


Today's Schedule
7:55 Wake
8:00 Breakfast
9:00 Stretch
9:20 Visual
11:00 Sectionals
12:30 Lunch
1:15 Warm-up
1:20 Ensemble
3:00 Dinner
4:30 Busses leave for movie night!
11:00 Return / snack
12:00 Lights out



Today's Cooks
Jody Speer, head cook
Tammy M
Ashely W
Connie C arrives
Leigh L, Beth D, Derrick and Lyn M, Lora H all help


Today's News
Thanks to Barry for a great week as head cook!!!
Overcast with a few sprinkles early, but looks to be a nicer day shaping up.


As always, check colts.org for the latest official word on tour news, housing sites, mail drops, or other corps information.

Saturday, June 06, 2009

Today is Saturday, June 6; it's carwash day

We are in Dubuque, IA

Click for weather report and forecast


View June 6 in a larger map

Today's Menu
Meal 1
Breakfast Sandwich
Muffin or waffle

Meal 2
Bag lunch:
Lunchmeat sandwiches
Chips
Apple
Granola bar

Meal 3
Cookout

Meal 4
?

Today's Schedule
This is what the board says:

Car wash to-do

  • Put laundry on bus
  • Bring shower stuff and extra clothes
  • Make sack lunch!!!
  • Wash cars
  • Brush teeth!!!!


Here is something like the actual schedule:

6:45 Breakfast
7:30 corps meeting
8:30 depart for Dubuque
9:00-4:00 car wash
3:30-5:00 or so, shower and cookout at Flora park
Laundry
9:00 to Wal-Mart
10:30 return to Galena
11:00 snack?


Today's Cooks
Jody Speer, head cook
Barry M, Jim J, Kathy L, John G, Leeta H, and Margaret P leaving today
Tammy M arrives today
Ashely W arrives today
Betty H helps
Lisa M helps
David S helps

Today's News
Happy birthday, Alex S.

It was overcast for breakfast; now it's cool and raining (in Galena, at least). Not ideal car wash weather. Thanks to all the cooks who are leaving today. You made some great meals and really helpped the members feel well-taken care of and loved. Come back soon!


As always, check colts.org for the latest official word on tour news, housing sites, mail drops, or other corps information.

Friday, June 05, 2009

Dinner in DeWitt

We're wrapping up at dinner just now. We served beef and/or chicken fajitas. It was a little hectic, because we had to serve lettuce, cheese, grilled onions and peppers, black beans, and rice. It's worth the effort, though!

Now it's time for a short (for the cooks) rehearsal block. We serve again in 2 1/2 hours!

Jim J

Itinerary update

The Colts will go directly to Galena, IL, when they leave DeWitt tonight and will bus to Dubuque on Saturday for the car wash.

A Visit with Iron Mike!





Last night we "snuck" into the Grand River Center with three Colts Buses and a full drum corps to surprise Mike Ditka with the Bears Fight Song. The kids were really pumped up and Iron Mike delivered a great speech about hard work and personal excellence. I will be putting up pictures from the event today and tomorrow so log on to coltsphotos@smugmug.com to see them. Response from the Dubuque Community to the Colts surprise visit has been awesome - the drummers especially made quite an impact. It always makes me so proud to be a part of this organization!

Today is Friday, June 5; it's a cornfield tour day

We are in DeWitt, IA

Click for weather report and forecast


View June 5 in a larger map

Today's Menu
Meal 1
Egg McMonas (sausage, egg, and cheese biscuit)

Meal 2
Hot dogs with chili
Potato salad

Meal 3
Fajitas
Rice and beans

Meal 4
Barry's mustgoes
(including meal and dessert mustgoes)

Today's Schedule
7:55 Wake
8 Breakfast
9 Stretch
9:30 Vis
12:30 Meal 2
1:30 Sectionals
5 Meal 3
6 Warmup
6:15 Ensemble
8:15 Eat/shower/pack/load
10 Depart for Dubuque

Today's Cooks
Barry M, head cook
Jim J
Kathy L
Margaret P
Judy H leaves today

Betty H helps
John G helps
Leeta H helps

Today's News
The performance for the dinner where Mike Ditka spoke was "pretty neat" according to corps members. Snare drummers performed first and then the entire corps performed 76 Trombones and other music. The crowd of hundreds of people for the "swanky, formal event" loved the Colts. Ditka delivered an inspiring talk, and the Colts got back to DeWitt for snack at 10:30. (They liked the rhubarb crisp)

It's another beautiful day in DeWitt, the cooks say.


As always, check colts.org for the latest official word on tour news, housing sites, mail drops, or other corps information.

New cooktruck calendar posted

Bill has another new cooktruck calendar posted this morning. Thanks to everyone who has volunteered to help the Colts down the road this summer. Looks like a great group!

Download it by clicking on the calendar link at right.

There are still opportunities in some areas, although many weeks are now full. You can contact Bill about what you can still do this summer. His information is listed in the right sidebar.


Thursday, June 04, 2009

Today is Thursday, June 4; it's a cornfield tour day

We are in DeWitt, IA

Click for weather report and forecast


View June 4 in a larger map

Today's Menu
Meal 1
Waffles
Bacon

Meal 2
Philly cheesesteak sandwiches
Chips
Carrots and celery for dipping
Fruit Cup

Meal 3
Beef stroganoff
Green beans

Meal 4
Chicken nuggets
Rhubarb crisp (possibly with ice cream)

Today's Schedule
7:30 Wake/eat
8:30 Stretch
9 (blank - the board is blank at 9)
12 Meal 2
1 (blank)
4 Meal 3/shower/dress
5:30 Depart for Ditka
(that's it for the schedule posted for today. Jim said they will feed the corps meal 4 whenever they get back. Probably around 10)




Today's Cooks
Barry M, head cook
Jim J
Kathy L
Margaret P
Judy H
Kelli N leaves today
Beth B leaves today

Betty H helps
John G helps
Leeta H helps

Today's News
It is a beautiful day in DeWitt. It's warm (finally) and not so windy

Last night's show in DeWitt was exciting. It was a huge crowd, after the Colts got to be the entire front page of the DeWitt Observer newspaper. Jim said it really turned into a community event, raising money for the local band program. The Colts marched two more segments of the show than they have been performing for the dog and pony shows, which was very exciting to see.

The "Depart for Ditka" reference in the schedule means the Colts are being bused to Dubuque to play for an event at which the Chicago Bears' Mike Ditka will speak. They'll return to DeWitt after their appearance for snack and sleep.

As always, check colts.org for the latest official word on tour news, housing sites, mail drops, or other corps information.

Resting

An un-named cook tries to rest between meals. Bread racks can be comfortable if you're tired enough.

Jim J

Wednesday, June 03, 2009

Stir Fry night

Barry is busy making his famous stir fry. Kung Pao beef and sweet & sour chicken is in the oven. Egg rolls are laid out and ready for the oven. We serve in 25 minutes! It's good to have lots of help in the kitchen.



Jim J.

Today is Wednesday, June 3; it's a cornfield tour day

We are in DeWitt, IA

Click for weather report and forecast


View June 3 in a larger map

Today's Menu
Meal 1
Breakfast mustgoes
Applesauce

Meal 2
Chicken patties
Excellent mac and cheese

Meal 3
Kung pao beef
Sweet and sour chicken
Egg rolls
Barry's famous stir fry

Meal 4
Mustgoes
Strawberry Shortcake

Today's Schedule
8 Wake
8:05 Breakfast
9 Stretch
9:30 Vis
12 Meal 2
1:10 Sectionals
4:45 Meal 3
5:45 Warmup
6 Ensemble
7:15 Water/dress
7:30 Performance
8:15 Ensemble
10 Meal 4
11:30 Lights out


Today's Cooks
Barry M, head cook
Jim J
Kathy L
Margaret P
Judy H
Kelli N
Beth B
Betty H helps
John G helps
Leeta H helps


Today's News
Mouthpiece boil at Snack tonight!

It was a mostly sunny and warm day in DeWitt, but with a breeze that made it a challenge for the cooks (to corral cups and plates) and the guard (to corral flags, rifles, etc.)




As always, check colts.org for the latest official word on tour news, housing sites, mail drops, or other corps information.

Pictures, pictures, pictures

In addition to the incredibly brilliant from-the-road pictures being posted here for the past couple of weeks by Jim J (keep 'em coming, buddy), the Colts now have an "official" photo site over at smugmug.com.

The direct link is coltsphotos.sumgmug.com. It will take you to some really fun galleries from tour by Tami R and me. More photos by more volunteer photographers will be showing up throughout the summer.

And a bonus this year, you can buy prints of the photos of your Colt! All profits from the sales go directly to the Colts to help get them down the road this summer. And regular, snapshot-sized photos are only a dollar! (Move over, iTunes)

So go look, even if you don't buy.

The Cooktruck Staff

Tuesday, June 02, 2009

Lunch in Manchester

Things are moving along in Manchester, although it's one of our coldest days yet. (This is a summer activity?) It rained this morning, although it's dry for lunch. Leeta is serving our sweet pineapple slaw; Brad, Wezley, Alex & David are going through the line.

Jim J

Today is Tuesday, June 2; it's a cornfield tour day

We are in Manchester, IA

Click for weather report and forecast


View June 2 in a larger map

Today's Menu
Meal 1
Muffins
Sausage
Hash browns

Meal 2
Chicken sandwiches
Corn
Cole slaw
Canned fruit

Meal 3
The Famous Pasta Bar
Salad
Bread sticks

Meal 4
Baked potato bar
Matrix cake

Today's Schedule
7:30 Wake
7:35 Breakfast
8:35 Stretch
9:05 Sectionals
12:05 Meal 2
1:05 Personal time to work on music, work, drill
1:35 TBA
5:45 Warmup
6 Ensemble
7:15 Water/dress
7:30 Performance
8:15 Ensemble
9:15 Shower (Eat/pack/load)
11 Depart for DeWitt


Today's Cooks
Barry M, head cook
Jim J
Kathy L
Margaret P
Judy H
Kelli N
Betty and Loras H help
Leeta H helps


Today's News
The cooktruck is parked between the street and the sidewalk in front of the school -- which turns into a walking/biking path that runs through much of the town. So there's lots of foot and vehicle traffic past the truck and a lot of people asking "What's going on?" and "When's the show?"

Corps members said they made a lot of progress on the show yesterday, so Go Colts!

It was very cold this morning, with a high of only 62-degrees predicted for today. It was drizzly in the morning but the rain had slacked off by late morning.

Hoping for a big crowd for "Fathoms" tonight in Manchester!


As always, check colts.org for the latest official word on tour news, housing sites, mail drops, or other corps information.

Monday, June 01, 2009

Today is Monday, June 1; it's a cornfield tour day

We are in Manchester, IA

Click for weather report and forecast


View June 1 in a larger map

Today's Menu
Meal 1
Egg bake
Bagels

Meal 2
Ravioli
Salad
Bread

Meal 3
Oven baked chicken
Rice
Peas and carrots

Meal 4
Pizza
Donated homemade cookies

Today's Schedule
7:50 Wake
8 Breakfast
9 Stretch
9:30 Sectionals
12:30 Meal 2
1:30 Vis
5 Meal 3
6 TBA
7:30 Ensemble
9:30 Meal 4 and shower
11 Lights out


Today's Cooks
Barry M, head cook
Jim J
Kathy L
Margaret P
Judy H
Betty and Loras H help
Leeta H helps
And Jim said Kelli was helping too.

Today's News
Food drop today!

The Colts got away from Oelwein a bit early last night and made good time to Manchester, despite some impressive lightning and rain.

The dog and pony show in Oelwein was great, with a large, appreciative crowd.

The morning in Manchester was great, but showers were expected later in the day.


As always, check colts.org for the latest official word on tour news, housing sites, mail drops, or other corps information.