Today is Sunday, July 31; it's a rehearsal day

We are in Greenup, Ky.

Attention Parents!
How about sending your child a "Postcard from Home" for the last mail drop? How cool it will be to receive and collect postcards from all over as the Colts fantasic season comes to a close! So, please pick one up, jot a quick note, and send it along to your child! Here's the address of the last drop:
Hold for Colts Drum and Bugle Corps
Member Name
General Delivery
Marlborough, MA 01752


Photo from Metamora by Rod R.

Click HERE to open a full-size image in a new window.

Weather report and forecast for Greenup

Click for Google map of Greenup. With Google maps you can zoom in and out on a location. Click and hold on the map to drag the map in the window.

Today's Menu
Breakfast
Old Kentucky homemade cheese blintzes
Sausage links

Lunch
Grilled Hamburger
Chips
Watermelon
Cookie

Dinner
Pork
Ramen pasta alfredo
Blueberry bars

Snack
To be determined

Today's Schedule
9:00 Wake
9:15 Stretch/run
9:45 Breakfast
10:45 Visual
1:30 Lunch
2:30 Laundry
6:00 Dinner
7:00 Sectionals
9:00 Ensemble
11:00 Snack
Midnight: Lights out

Today's Cooks
Charlotte (new head cook)
Olaf
Rich B.
Beau Meyer
Carol A.
Barry M.
Jim J.
Diane H.
David S.

Today's News
Laundry day - always a very exciting day! The kids I talked to last night were really looking forward to it! (and their clothes were too!). Maybe even a Wal-Mart trip could be on tap - who knows!

Speaking of clean things, David told me that the "white board nazi" has paid a visit. The white boards on the cook truck are spotless and look great. In fact, he said the entire truck had the once over and is in great shape for this final stretch. Also, Damien had the kids give Twitt a good cleaning - he says he wants to keep it that way!

The show in Indy yesterday was amazing. Several changes in the closer had just been introduced the day before, and it came off like it had always been that way. The Colts improved their score by nearly 2 full points from two days ago - a feat no other corps achieved!

Greg had a great talk with the corps after their show and everyone agreed that they are right where they need to be - in contention for a spot in finals. They will press hard these last two weeks and leave no regrets! The kids are in great spirits today.

They arrived on time today and according to David, are "in a bowl in the hills of Kentucky". Actually, they are only two blocks from the Ohio River, and he said he can almost see West Virginia and Ohio. Oh, the drink flavors are "Cornfield cooler" and "Racin' red" (I tried them both when I stopped by in Indy and they were tasty).

Finally, thanks to the many parents, family and friends that came out for the Indy show. It was an amazing turnout for a fantastic day. Most of the kids went out to eat, or just spent some fun time relaxing between the afternoon and evening shows. Familes got to spend some time with their corps members, which is always priceless! I was happy to get to see lots of my Colts friends that I have volunteered with over the past eight months! (Tom and Tammi - sorry I missed you guys!) Rod


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

Today is Saturday, July 30; it's a show day

We are in Indianapolis, Indiana


Photo from Coon Rapids by David S.

Click HERE to open a full-size image in a new window.

Weather report and forecast for Indianapolis

Click for Google map of Indianapolis. With Google maps you can zoom in and out on a location. Click and hold on the map to drag the map in the window.

Today's Menu
Breakfast
Strawberry crepes
Sausage
Cheesy hash browns
and assorted breakfast items

Lunch
Make your own sack lunch
Turkey or ham sandwich
Apple or banana
Treat

Dinner
Donated spaghetti

Snack
To be determined

Today's Schedule
6:30 Wake/cereal
7:30 Rehearsal
8:45 Pack/load/breakfast
10:30 Leave for RCA Dome
2:22 Airlock/gate
2:52 Colts perform
After show TBD
5:30 Dinner
Depart approx. 11 p.m.

Today's Cooks
Charlotte (new head cook)
Olaf
Rich R.
Beau Meyer
Carol A., Charlote W., Barry M., Jim J., and Diane H. arrive. Oh and David S.
Debbie, Carole, Tom, Patty, Shari, and Marcia leave. Thanks y’all!

Today's News

It's a bright, sunny, hot day in Indy. (The virtual cooktruck today is brought to you from an internet access computer in the lobby of the Super 8 in Plainfield)

Everybody who saw the show said it was great, although the sound is never great inside the dome. The kids were up following the show. Don't know scores at the time of this post, so the night show was still up in the air.

Thanks to the great cook crew departing today. Everybody seemed to be tired but still excited. The kids are really getting up for a big push for the last two weeks of tour. They look really good to me.

Now back to the real cooktruck.....

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

Today is Friday, July 29; it's a rehearsal day

We are in Connersville, Indiana



Click HERE to open a full-size image in a new window.

Weather report and forecast for Connersville

Click for Google map of Connersville. With Google maps you can zoom in and out on a location. Click and hold on the map to drag the map in the window.

Today's Menu
Breakfast
Egg muffin sandwiches

Lunch
Pork Patties
Grilled cheese
Barbecue beans
Jell-O and fruit
Brownies

Dinner
Chicken breast sandwiches
Mixed vegetables
Pudding parfait

Snack
Pizza

Today's Schedule
10:30 Wake
10:45 Stretch
11:15 Breakfast
12:15 Vis
2:45 Lunch
3:45 Sectionals
6:45 Dinner
7:45 Full corps
10 Snack
11 Lights out


Today's Cooks
Polly (head cook)
Carole B.
Debbie G.
Tom T.
Patty A.
Olaf
Shari H.
Marcia B.
Rich R.
Polly leaves
Beau Meyer arrives

Today's News

Polly leaves after the HOT trip through the Southwest and South. Thanks for everything Polly! You always do a great job. See you in Massachusetts!

Everybody's very, very happy to be back in the Midwest after our swing down South. "The 20-degree temperature swing is entirely welcome," Tom T. says.

The arrived at 9:30 this morning after the trip from Georgia to Indiana. "Exactly on time," Tom says.

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

Today is Thursday, July 28; it's a show day

We are in Kennesaw, Georgia



Click HERE to open a full-size image in a new window.

Weather report and forecast for Kennesaw

Click for Google map of Kennesaw. With Google maps you can zoom in and out on a location. Click and hold on the map to drag the map in the window.

Today's Menu
Breakfast
Blueberry and apple cinnamon muffins
Sausage link or patty

Lunch
Chicken chunks
Pasta salad
Fruit salad

Dinner
Hot dogs and brats with chili
French fries
Applesauce and cookies

Snack
Beef nachos
Veggies and dip

Today's Schedule
(All times Eastern Daylight Time)
7 Wake
7:15 Stretch
7:45 Breakfast
8:45 Vis
11 Lunch
12 Sectionals
12:45 Full band (apparently some kind of inside joke by the drum major)
2:30 Dinner
4:15 Leave for stadium
6:15 Warmup
7:45 Gate time
8:01 Colts perform
8:45 Snack
10:15 Load trucks
10:45 Leave for Connersville, IN (only 12 to 14 hours away)

Today's Cooks
Polly (head cook)
Carole B.
Debbie G.
Tom T.
Patty A.
Olaf
Shari H.
Marcia B.
Betsy B. leaves
Rich R. arrives

Today's News

I hear the head cook got flowers this morning....

It's a busy day. And a compressed schedule. "We were awake pretty early to get things going."

The people at Berkmar High School in Lilburn, especially the school staff, have been outstanding. "They couldn't be nicer," Tom says.

The weather is a little bit nicer. A little bit. "It doesn't feel like it's 113 anymore. It might be only 105."

Head Cook Polly says keep bringing the powdered Gatorade. We can use all of it you can bring. Also, boxed cereal and of course fruit and vegetables.

Polly says she's seen and heard a lot of the Colts practicing for I&E at finals -- the individual and ensemble competition on Wednesday of finals week. Putting in the extra work on their own time. Go Red Team.


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

Today is Wednesday, July 27; it's a rehearsal day

We are in Lilburn, Georgia


Photo from Cedar Rapids by David S.

Click HERE to open a full-size image in a new window.

Weather report and forecast for Lilburn

Click for Google map of Lilburn. With Google maps you can zoom in and out on a location. Click and hold on the map to drag the map in the window.

Today's Menu
Breakfast
Biscuits and gravy
Leftover pancakes
Georgia fruit ("We got some peaches that look really, really nice.")

Lunch
Sloppy Joes
Shoestring potatoes
Cottage cheese
No-bake specialty cookies (that were, as Tom said, "concocted" early this morning)

Dinner
Turkey and gravy
Scalloped potatoes
Broccoli and cheese
Peach dump cake

Snack
"We’re deep into mustgoes"

Today's Schedule
(All times Eastern Daylight Time)
8:30 Wake
8:45 Stretch
9:15 Breakfast
10:15 Sectionals
1 Lunch
2 Visual
5:30 Dinner
6:30 Brass vis; percussion and guard sectionals
8 Ensemble
10 Snack
11:30 Lights out

Today's Cooks
Polly (head cook)
Carole B.
Debbie G.
Tom T.
Patty A.
Olaf
Shari H.
Marcia B.
Betsy B.

Today's News

"No real dramas or other excitement to report to you"

The Colts had another really good show last night after a "really incredibly tough day with a heat index of 113." Crowd response was great – as it has been almost everywhere – but the scores were lukewarm (dropped .2)

Looks like there’s a slight break in the weather headed towards the Colts. Some are looking for a 20 degree drop in temperatures, but others are skeptical. Let’s hope the cooler weather in the Midwest is in Indy to greet them on Friday.

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

Colts fans at dci.org

Go to dci.org and click on today's headline New converts: Colts fans in Charleston to see Barry and new fans that he and Jim have brought to drum corps.

Thanks, Jim!

Today is Tuesday, July 26; it's a show day

We are in Troy, Alabama


Photo from Coon Rapids, MN, by David

Click HERE to open a full-size image in a new window.

Weather report and forecast for Troy

Click for Google map of Troy. With Google maps you can zoom in and out on a location. Click and hold on the map to drag the map in the window.

Today's Menu
Breakfast
Bagels with cream cheese
Bacon
Peaches

Lunch
‘Wish we were back in Texas’ quesadillas
Hash browns
Fruit salad

Dinner
Tuna casserole
Iowa corn
Jell-O cake

Snack
Mobile bay shrimp
Ice cream floats

Today's Schedule
9 Wake
9:15 Stretch
9:45 Breakfast
10:45 Vis
1 Lunch
2 Sectionals
3 Ensemble
4:30 Dinner
6:10 Leave for stadium
6:20 Warmup
7:50 Gate
8:06 Colts perform
8:45 Snack
9:45 Load
10:15 Depart for Lilburn, GA

Today's Cooks
Polly (head cook)
Carole B.
Debbie G.
Patty A.
Olaf
Tom T.
Shari H.
Marcia B.
Betsy B.

Today's News

It’s a real positive day today. In spite of some tough heat and challenging housing conditions, the kids had a real good show. Broke 80 for the first time. Go Red Team!

Arrive about 6 a.m. – 15 minutes ahead of schedule. The heat has not broken yet, so everybody is drinking lots and lots of water. There was a ‘welcome basket’ of treats waiting from the people in Troy when the Colts arrived.

"The people here are going out of their way to make us feel welcome," Tom T. said from the truck this morning. He said they had just cut the grass on the fields and then a crew came out to line the stadium. Wow!

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

Todya is Monday, July 25; it's a show day

We are in Baton Rouge, Louisiana


Photo from Belding, MI, by Rod R.

Click HERE to open a full-size image in a new window.

Weather report and forecast for Baton Rouge

Click for Google map of Baton Rouge. With Google maps you can zoom in and out on a location. Click and hold on the map to drag the map in the window.

Today's Menu
Brunch
French toast
Fruit salad
Granola bars
Cereal

Lunch
Spaghetti and meatballs
Mozzarella sticks
Watermelon

Dinner
Pork patties
Broccoli-rice casserole for the veggies
Scalloped potatoes
Lettuce salad

Today's Schedule
(A little thrown off by delays)
11 Stretch
11:30 Brunch
12:30 Vis
2 Warmup
3 Ensemble
4:20 Lunch
5:55 Leave for show site
6:15 Warmup
7:45 Gate time
8 Colts perform
8:45 Dinner
10:15 Load and leave

Today's Cooks
Polly (head cook)
Carole B.
Patty A.
Olaf
Betsy B.
Tom T.
Marcia B.
Shari H.
Debbie G.

Today's News

Thanks to Betsy for her huge donation of fruit!

The kids had a great, great day in San Antonio. They split time between visiting the Alamo and finding a cool spot to chill along the Riverwalk. A couple caught movies.

This being Baton Rouge, the weather is just as expected: Hot and sticky.

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

Today is Sunday, July 24; it's a FREE day

We are in San Antonio, Texas


Photo from Coon Rapids, MN, by David S.

Click HERE to open a full-size image in a new window.

Weather report and forecast for San Antonio

Click for Google map of San Antonio. With Google maps you can zoom in and out on a location. Click and hold on the map to drag the map in the window.

Today's Menu
Breakfast
Pancakes
With homemade banana mini-muffins by Shari H.

Lunch
Choice of
Chicken salad sandwich
Salisbury steak
or
Ham sandwich
Half an apple
Shari's homemade cookies

Dinner and Snack on your own

Today's Schedule
8 Wake
8:15 Stretch
8:45 Breakfast
9:45 Sectionals/warmup
10:40 Ensemble
11 Lunch, pack, load, shower
12:20 Meet in front of school
12:30 Leave for free day

Today's Cooks
Jody (head cook)
Polly H.
Patty A.
Tom C.
Carole B.
Olaf
Tom T.
Marcia B.
Debbie G.
Betsy B.
Shari H.
Lori and Pat leave

Today's News

Happy kids.

The kids got to vote on whether they wanted to go to Seaworld or to the Riverwalk. "I think the entire contingent voted for Riverwalk" with its shops, movies, and air conditioning.

Abbreviated report today. Everybody's really looking forward to free day!

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

Today is Saturday, July 23; it's a show day

We are in San Antonio, Texas


Photo from Cedarburg, WI, by Rod R.

Click HERE to open a full-size image in a new window.

Weather report and forecast for San Antonio

Click for Google map of San Antonio. With Google maps you can zoom in and out on a location. Click and hold on the map to drag the map in the window.

Today's Menu
Breakfast
Southwestern egg casserole
Sausage

Lunch
Submarine sandwiches
Chips
Granola bars
Pears

Dinner
To be determined

Snack
Ice cream with fresh strawberries

Today's Schedule
7:30 Wake
7:45 Stretch
8:15 Breakfast
9:15 Block
11 Lunch
12:30 Leave for Alamodome (travel time approx. 20 minutes)
1 Warmup
2:50 Gate time
3:07 Colts perform
5 Meet at track
Rest of schedule to be determined by order of afternoon show finish. Top 4 corps from the afternoon perform in the evening show.

Today's Cooks
Jody (head cook)
Polly H.
Patty A.
Lori C.
Tom C.
Pat R.
Carole B.
Olaf
Tom T.
Marcia B.
Debbie G.
Betsy B. and Shari H. arrive today

Today's News

Happy Birthday, Alex Russeau

Another steamy, toasty day. From the cooktruck: "It’s another hot one, but I think we’re all getting used to it."

There was a shootout at the "Colts corral" yesterday. But it was a little one-sided since the cooks were the only ones with waterguns.

Keep the Gatorade coming. Punch or Frost flavors would be better than Lemon-Lime – but anything is welcome!!!!!


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

Today is Friday, July 22; it's a rehearsal day

We are in San Antonio, Texas


Photo from Metamora, Ill., by Rod R.

Click HERE to open a full-size image in a new window.

Weather report and forecast for San Antonio

Click for Google map of San Antonio. With Google maps you can zoom in and out on a location. Click and hold on the map to drag the map in the window.

Today's Menu
Breakfast
Lemon poppyseed muffins
Bananas

Lunch
Taco salad
Black bean casserole
Breadsticks
Veggies with ranch dressing

Dinner
Pulled pork
Carrots
Mashed potatoes
Apple dump cake

Snack
Chicken chunks

Today's Schedule
9 Wake
9:15 Stretch (inside the air conditioned music building at the school)
9:45 Breakfast
10:45 Vis
1:30 Lunch
2:30 Percussion and brass ensemble
5 Sectionals
6:30 Dinner
7:30 Ensemble
9 Video
10 Snack
11 Lights out

Today's Cooks
Jody (head cook)
Lori C.
Tom C.
Pat R.
Olaf
Carole B.
Debbie G.
Polly H., Patty A. and Tom T. arrive today

Today's News


Go to colts.org for some news today.

A herd of western heroes showed up to serve a meal out of the chuckwagon, er cooktruck, yesterday: John Wayne, Dale Evans, Dr. Quinn Medicine Woman, Annie Oakley, Miss Kitty, Maverick, and Calamity Jane. (I think maybe the cooks need to come in out of the sun every once in a while…)

Today is uniform washing day and mouthpiece boil day, so they’ve got a lot going on.

Reports are that the postcards were beautiful on the field again last night and that the Colts put a lot of energy into their show. Go Red Team.

Got in to San Antonio about 6-6:30 a.m. and it was already hot. Nice and bright and sunny day for rehearsal, with big, puffy clouds but no threat of rain.

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

Today is Thursday, July 21; it's a show day

We are in Dallas, Texas

(Sorry for the late update today. Some days I do still have a real job....)


Photo by Mee Hee Kim (Colt alum)
Click HERE to open a full-size image in a new window.

Weather report and forecast for Dallas

Click for Google map of Dallas. With Google maps you can zoom in and out on a location. Click and hold on the map to drag the map in the window.

Today's Menu
Breakfast
Pancake wraps
Leftover homemade bread

Snack
Mustgoes

Lunch
Butt chops
Tater tots
Vegetables and dip

Dinner
Salisbury steak
Au gratin potaotes
Mixed vegetables
Romaine salad
Cookies

Today's Schedule
9 Wake
9:15 Stretch and run
9:45 Breakfast
10:45 Vis
1-1:30 Brass snack
1:15-1:45 Guard snack
1:30-2 Percussion snack
2 Sectionals
2:45 Ensemble
4:30 Lunch
6 Leave for show site (approx. 10 minute travel time)
6:15 Warmup
7:42 Gate time
7:57 Colts perform
8:45 Dinner
10:30 Load trucks
11 Depart for San Antonio (approx. arrival 5 a.m.)

Today's Cooks
Jody (head cook)
OLAF ARRIVES
Lori C.
Pat R.
Tom C.
Carole B.
Debbie G.

Today's News

Reportedly, the postcards were on the field last night in Siloam Springs. Anybody out there see them? Can you give us a report?

Thanks for all the donations! Here’s the ones they told me about today:
Fruit cups from Brandon S.’ s family
Gatorade from Adam B.’s family
Cereal from the Fink family

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

News Flash! Postcards have arrived

This "new flash" from the cooks last night:

"The postcards arrived on the field last night in Siloam Springs."

The message said that the "picture parts" of the postcards were displayed and that there is "more to come."

Thanks for the updates!

Today is Wednesday, July 20; it's a show day

We are in West Fork/Siloam Springs, Arkansas


Photo by Rod R.
Click HERE to open a full-size image in a new window.

Weather report and forecast for Siloam Springs

Click for Google map of Siloam Springs. With Google maps you can zoom in and out on a location. Click and hold on the map to drag the map in the window.

Today's Menu
Breakfast
Apple cinnamon muffins
Bacon

Snack
Donated homemade bread
(Zucchini-pineapple bread/banana nut bread/chocolate zucchini bread)
Assorted fruit

Lunch
2 cheeseburgers
With fix-your-own toppings
Cheesy potatoes
Cole slaw

Dinner
Chicken teriyaki
Rice-broccoli-cheese casserole
Cookies

Today's Schedule
8 Wake
8:15 Stretch and run
8:45 Breakfast
9:45 Vis
11 Sectionals
12-12:30 Percussion snack
12:15-12:45 Brass snack
12:30-1 Guard snack
1 Ensemble
3:15 Lunch
4:50 Leave for show site (Approx. 65 minutes travel time)
6 Warmup
7:37 Gate time
7:52 Colts perform
8:30 Dinner
9:30 Load trucks
10 Leave for Dallas, Texas (Approx. arrival 5 a.m.)

Today's Cooks
Jody (head cook)
Lori C.
Tom C.
Pat R.
Carole B.
Debbie G.
Dilan R. leaves today

Today's News


The weather is still hot. ‘No surprise there,’ the cooktruck says.

A West Fork school district official came by to welcome the Colts traveling circus this morning, took one look at the kitchen truck and the kids sitting on the ground eating and said, "It looks like ‘Survivor’ on wheels." Perfect!

Thanks for all the donations that keep coming in. Forgive us if we miss mentioning someone. We appreciate ALL the donations. It’s just that we’re soooooooo tired we sometimes forget to mention someone. And sometimes the donations just show up and we don’t know who put them there.

Cookies were donated by Marsha V. and Tom and Tammy C. Peter H. donated ice cream – that we ate all up last night.

Julie W.’s parents and grandparents brought the homemade bread for snack and fresh preserves.

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

Today is Tuesday, July 19; it's a show day

We are in Fort Scott/Pittsburg, Kansas

From the cooktruck: "Yes, Dorothy and Toto, we ARE in Kansas."


Photo by Rod R.
Click HERE to open a full-size image in a new window.

TARGET="_blank">Weather report and forecast for Pittsburg

Click for Google map of Pittsburg. With Google maps you can zoom in and out on a location. Click and hold on the map to drag the map in the window.

Today's Menu
Breakfast
(Wizard of Oz theme breakfast)
Emerald City Egg Bake
Flying monkey bananas
Munchkin pancakes
Glenda’s English muffins

Lunch
2 hot dogs
Mac and cheese
Veggies and dip
Watermelon

Dinner
Beef ravioli
Lettuce salad with veggies
Corn
Cookies

Snack
(snack is mid-day. See schedule)
Eggrolls
Fruit

Today's Schedule
9 Wake
9:15 Stretch and run
9:45 Breakfast
10:45 Vis
11:45 Sectionals
12-12:30 Guard snack
12:15-12:45 Percussion snack
12:30-1 Brass snack
1 Ensemble
3:15 Lunch
4:45 Leave for show site (approx. 50 minute travel time)
5:45 Warmup
7:17 Gate time
7:32 Colts perform
8:15 Dinner
9:45 (approx.) Depart for West Fork, Ark.

Today's Cooks
Jody (head cook)
Lori C.
Pat R.
Dilan R.
Leaving today are Marlin and Jim R. and John K. (From the cooktruck: "We’re losing lots of awesome cooks today.")
Arriving today are Carole R., Tom C., and Debbie G.

Today's News


Happy Birthday, Nathan Ripley!

The corps arrived in Kansas about 5:30 a.m. There was a downpour, but it let up long enough for most members to get their stuff off the buses in the dry. There was a little bit of rain still this morning and it was overcast. The cooks were hearing that it was going to be "95 degrees and 95 percent humidity."

Thanks for the Gatorade donations. (Hey, you guys really do tune into the Virtual Cooktruck…) Keep them coming!

Got to see the postcards on the practice field yesterday, but they won’t make it into the show yet. There are still things to work out.

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

Haircut anyone?

hc-1, originally uploaded by RodR.

Actually, for every "stylish" cut that occurs like this on tour, there are many more where the question is: what number do you want? Then, the clippers are configured and in less than a minute, the "buzz" is complete!

Today is Monday, July 18; it's a show day

We are in Bethalto/Alton, Illinois



Click HERE to open a full-size image in a new window.

Weather report and forecast for Alton

Click for Google map of Alton. With Google maps you can zoom in and out on a location. Click and hold on the map to drag the map in the window.

Today's Menu
Breakfast
Pancakes
Bananas

Lunch
Meatball sandwiches
With spaghetti sauce and cheese
Fruit salad

Dinner
Pork chops with teryaki sauce
Romaine salad
Green bean casserole

Snack
Donated ice cream

Today's Schedule
7:30 Wake
7:45 Stretch and run
8:15 Breakfast
9:15 Vis
12:15 Lunch
1:15 Ensemble
4:45 Dinner
6:15 Leave for stadium in Alton (20 minute drive)
6:45 Warmup
8:15 Gate time
8:31 Colts perform
9 Snack
10:30 Depart for Fort Scott, Kansas (approximate arrival 6 a.m.)

Today's Cooks
Jody (head cook)
Marlin R.
Pat R.
Lori C.
John K.
Jim R.
Dilan R.
Rosie S.
Jane W. leaves today

Today's News

The corps got a great surprise when they returned from laundry day last night. As the buses pulled up, their headlights illuminated all four "Postcards from Home" set up on their field stands. The members got off the buses and just looked at them. Thanks to Travis and LeAnn and Alan and all those other people who I know helped with the stands for the postcards.

Keep the donations of fruit and vegetables coming! The cooktruck can use as much as you can bring. Thanks to the Harrises for the fruit drop yesterday.

And thanks to ALL the families, friends, and fans who have donated food items for the Colts this year already. Especially the ice cream for snack today. Donations help stretch the limited food dollars for tour. And we like to see you when you drop things off!

Speaking of donations, we could use as many large pouches of powdered Gatorade as you can buy and bring. We use a lot of it in the drinks we mix for the corps, and we’ve run out of the donated supply. Color, flavor doesn’t matter. We make up our own flavors anyway. Please bring powdered Gatorade. It’ll really help on the hot, sweaty swing through the South. Thanks!

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

Today is Sunday, July 17; it's laundry day

We are in Bethalto, Illinois



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Weather report and forecast for Bethalto

Click for Google map of Bethalto. With Google maps you can zoom in and out on a location. Click and hold on the map to drag the map in the window.

Today's Menu
Breakfast
English muffins and sausage

Lunch
Grilled cheese
Pasta salad
Chocolate cake with sprinkles

Dinner
Leftovers
(Spaghetti, lasagna, breadsticks, and "an accumulation of other things.")

Snack
Peanut butter and jelly
Pizza sticks

Today's Schedule
10 Wake
10:15 Stretch
10:45 Breakfast
11:45 Sectionals
1:30 Lunch
2:30 Vis
3:30 Ensemble
5 Dinner
6 Laundry
11:30 Lights out

Today's Cooks
Jody (head cook)
Marlin R.
Jim R.
John K.
Lori C.
Pat R.
Jane W.
Rosie S.
Dilan R.

Today's News

Kalamazoo was a great show. "The kids were really excited about it," Jim R. said on the phone this morning. "The fans were excited. Had a long night on the road, though, and it’s a little bit warm."

"Just barely" missed rain at Kalamazoo. Rained after they got on the buses but stopped before they got off. "Things are looking up," Jim says.

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

Today is Saturday, July 16; it's a regional show day

We are in Kalamazoo, Michigan



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Weather report and forecast for Kalamazoo

Click for Google map of Kalamazoo. With Google maps you can zoom in and out on a location. Click and hold on the map to drag the map in the window.

Today's Menu
Breakfast
Cinnamon Apple Strudel Coffee Cake
Bananas

Lunch
Beef stew
Cheesy biscuits
Peaches in a cup

Dinner
Mustgo
(including, among other things, pizza burgers, sloppy joes, chicken chunks, corn, and cookies)

Snack
Pizza stix with pizza sauce

Today's Schedule
7 Wake
7:15 Stretch
7:45 Breakfast
8:45 Vis
10:45 Sectionals
12 Lunch
1 Sectionals
2 Ensemble
4:30 Dinner
6 Leave for show site (10 minute travel time)
6:10 Warmup
7:40 Walk
7:55 Gate
8:12 Colts perform
9:15 Snack
10:45 Depart for Bethalto, Ill.

Today's Cooks
Jody G. (head cook)
Marlin R.
Jim R.
John K.
Lori C.
Pat R.
Jane W.
Dilan R.
Rosie S.
Donna M. leaves today

Today's News

Uniform moms Lauren and Sue leave today. Thanks for making the Colts look so good!

The cooks got a nap yesterday. The kids got a nap yesterday. (That explains 'Group Meditation' on the schedule. Sort of.) "We had an excellent day yesterday," Jim R. said. "Things are looking good here."

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

Today is Friday, July 15; it is a rehearsal day

We are in Kalamazoo, Michigan



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Weather report and forecast for Kalamazoo

Click for Google map of Kalamazoo. With Google maps you can zoom in and out on a location. Click and hold on the map to drag the map in the window.

Today's Menu
Breakfast
Waffles with blackberry syrup (yum!)
Scrambled eggs with and without sausage
Apples

Lunch
Breaded pork patties
Scalloped potatoes
Baked beans
Carrots and ranch dressing

Dinner
Sloppy joes
Tater tots (uh, technically Potato Barrels, but what the heck)
Brownies and ice cream

Snack
Corn dogs

Today's Schedule
9 Wake
9:15 Cals
9:45 Breakfast
10:45 Brass vis; percussion sectionals
12 Sectionals
1:30 Lunch
2:30 Group meditation
5 Dinner
6 Warmup
6:30 Ensemble
8:30 End ensemble
9 Snack
10 Lights out

Today's Cooks
Marlin (head cook)
Jody G.
Jane W.
Donna M.
John K.
Jim R.
Rosie S.
Dilan R.
Lori C. and Pat R. arrive today

Today's News

Guess what. The cooktruck is down to two pans of homemade cookies. (Hint, hint) So, BRING ON THE COOKIES! Yea!

A big thanks to the parents who brought the frozen blackberries that were turned into this morning’s blackberry syrup for waffles. They were a huge hit!

And the cooks send out a big thanks to all the parents and others who have dropped off jelly, cereal, and other supplies. You guys are still the best.

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

Check out DCI's Interview with Chris Tanner

Click here to read the Interview with Chris Tanner from the Cymbal line!!

Great job, Chris!

Today is Thursday, July 14; it's a show day

We are in Robinson, Illinois - Home of the Fighting Maroons


Ankeny show

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Weather report and forecast for Robinson

Click for Google map of Robinson. With Google maps you can zoom in and out on a location. Click and hold on the map to drag the map in the window.

Today's Menu
Breakfast
Scrambled eggs
Sausage patties

Snack
Pretzels and cheese sauce

Lunch
Pizza burgers
Cole slaw
French fries

Dinner
Spaghetti
Salad
Garlic bread
Homemade cookies

Today's Schedule
9 Wake
9:15 Cals
10 Breakfast
11 Vis
12 Sectionals
12:45 Guard snack
1 Percussion snack
1:15 Brass snack
1:30 Ensemble
3:45 Lunch
5:15 Depart for show site in Charleston, Illinois (Approx. 75 minutes)
6:30 Warmup
7:55 Gate time
8:12 Colts perform
8:45 Dinner
9:45 Load trucks
10:15 Depart for Kalamazoo, Mich. - Approx. arrival 5 a.m.

Today's Cooks
Marlin (head cook)
Jody G.
Jim R.
John K.
Jane W.
Donna M.
Rosie S.
Dilan R.

Today's News

Lauren and Sue are still hard at work doing the mid-season uniform re-fitting. Thanks you two.

The Colts arrived at 7:20 a.m. It's overcast and muggy in Robinson.

Last night at snack, the cooks served zucchini bread provided by Julie W.'s parents. The Colts also had an applesauce assortment courtesy of Hannah G.'s parents. Yum.

There was a Sisco food drop yesterday in Rock Island, so the freezer is almost at capacity again. But keep the food donations coming. We appreciate them all so much. We're leaving "home territory" in the Midwest soon, but all us Midwest parents expect those Texas parents to keep up with good work. Shari will see to that, won't you?

From the Virtual Cooktruck's 'Believe It or NOT' Department: One of the cooks reportedly has decided to stay on tour and not return home to work as he had planned because he read in the National Enquirer this morning that the moon's gonna explode in six months, so he thought, what's the use?

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

Today is Wednesday, July 13; it's a rehearsal day

We are in Rock Island, Illinois



Click HERE to open a full-size image in a new window.

TARGET="_blank">Weather report and forecast for Rock Island

Click for Google map of Rock Island. With Google maps you can zoom in and out on a location. Click and hold on the map to drag the map in the window.

Today's Menu
Breakfast
Breakfast burritos
(they sure looked good when we were rolling and wrapping them)
Leftover pancakes, waffles, and French toast sticks
Apple

Lunch
Tacos
Beans
Seasoned rice
Watermelon

Dinner
Breaded chicken fritters
Scalloped potatoes
Corn
Dessert bar

Snack
Zucchini bread
Peach half

Today's Schedule
9 Wake
9:15 Cals
10 Breakfast
11 Sectionals
2 Lunch
3 Vis
6 Dinner
7 Warmup
7:30 Runthrough
8 Ensemble
11 Snack, pack, and load
12:45 Depart for Robinson, Illinois

Today's Cooks
Marlin (head cook)
Jody G.
Jane W.
Donna M.
John K. (aka Mustang)
Jim R. (aka Iceman)
Rosie S.
Dilan R.

Today's News

Food drop day. Have fun fitting things in the freezer guys!

Got in to Rock Island about 4:30 a.m. It’s overcast there this morning, but Jim R. says it’s not threatening rain.

New tuba player coming on board in Rock Island.

The show in Ankeny last night was outstanding. They have added so many cool new elements that there are too many to describe. Watch for the ‘heart’ in Til There Was You. Watch for some incredible (and incredibly difficult) work from the guard in Landworkers. And hold onto your seat when the tubas come in during the last movement. The crowd was large and packed with Colts fans, family, and friends.

The Colts finished behind The Cadets (by about 9 point) and ahead of Crossmen (by more than three-tenths).

Lots of people stopped by the cooktruck to say hi. Lots of Colts from last year, lots of parents, and lots of friends from Iowa, Missouri, Nebraska, and Kansas, among other places.

And oh yeah, if you haven’t caught it yet, go out and see the Colt Cadets show. They are so incredibly cute and the show is great.

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

Today is Tuesday, July 12; it's a show day

We are in Des Moines, Iowa



Click HERE to open a full-size image in a new window.

Weather report and forecast for Des Moines

Click for Google map of Des Moines. With Google maps you can zoom in and out on a location. Click and hold on the map to drag the map in the window.

Today's Menu
Breakfast
Hash browns
Sausage

Lunch
Chicken and gravy
Rice
Peas and carrots
Rolls

Dinner
Tater tot casserole
Fruit cup

Snack
Chicken nuggets
Yellow cake with Santa icing

Today's Schedule
8 Wake
8:15 cals
9 Breakfast
10 Visual
12 Sectionals
1 Lunch/pack
2:15 Sectionals (again)
3:15 Ensemble
5 Run-through in member shirts/section shorts (live on Des Moines TV)
5:30 Dinner
6:45 Leave for stadium
7:15 Warm-up
7:40 Watch Colt Cadets performance
7:50 Warm-up (again)
8:50 Gate
9:08 Perform
10:30 Encore
11 Snack (with Cadets)
12:30 Leave

Today's Cooks
Marlin (head cook)
Donna M.
John K.
Jim R.
Rose Ann S.
Dilan R.
Jody G. and Jane W. arrive
Kayleen, Alan B., and David S. leave after show

Today's News
Happy 16th birthday to Madison M.!!!

The corps watched a video of their performance from Dubuque and really enjoyed it. Very cool to have a chance see what the audience sees!

There are lots of new additions to the Red Pony portion of the show; "it's getting more exciting all the time", David said.

A final (hopefully) prototype for the postcard frames has been completed. The boatload of necessary u-bolts, nuts, brackets, etc. are being purchased. No estimate of on-field time, but soon we hope! Thanks to Alan for all his help with this while on tour!

Many "guest cooks" have showed up to lend a hand - thank you to all!

Yes, you read right above - the Colts are going to be on live TV this afternoon! They will be on during the weather portion of the news. Wish I was there to see it.

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

Today is Monday, July 11; it's a rehearsal day

We are in Des Moines, Iowa



The cooks' concession stand home in Waverly. Photo by Mike Ripley.

Click HERE to open a full-size image in a new window.

Weather report and forecast for Des Moines

Click for Google map of Des Moines. With Google maps you can zoom in and out on a location. Click and hold on the map to drag the map in the window.

Today's Menu
Breakfast
French toast
Fruit
Assorted coffee cakes/muffins

Lunch
Fish filet sandwiches with cheese
Corn
Au gratin potatoes
Cottage cheese

Dinner
Lasagne
Garlic bread
Lettuce salad

Snack
Sherbet and cookies
Assorted leftover snacks

Today's Schedule
8 Wake
8:15 Stretch and run
9 Breakfast
10 Sectionals
1 Lunch
2 Vis
5 Dinner
6 Leave for Wal*Mart
7:30 Vis in stadium
9 Ensemble
11 Snack
12 Lights out

Today's Cooks
Marlin (head cook)
Donna M.
Alan B.
John K.
Jim R.
Rosie S.
David S.
Kayleen
Dilan R. arrives

Guest cook Jody S.

Today's News

Happy Birthday Deanna M. Deanna's mom Donna handed out freezy-pops at lunch in celebration of Deanna's birthday.

Hot and sunny day. Not a real cloud in the sky or on the horizon. Somebody described it as "toasty."

A GIANT thanks to the band boosters at Saydel High in Des Moines. They brought in and served dinner last night. Homemade desserts, pork sandwiches, chips, yum. They were really excited about the corps being at their school and were wonderful hosts. Thanks to all that helped. Lots of other people have dropped off supplies for the Colts while we're here. Cool. Keep things coming.

Dilan Ross -- Colt in 2003 -- got in early this morning to help on the cooktruck and started right in at breakfast.

Kinda fragmented day for the cooks. The corps was going to Wal*Mart after run-through but a schedule change at lunch moved the trip up to right after dinner and added in a late snack. Lots of great help on the cooktruck is keeping it handled, though. Things are zipping along really well.

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

Today is Sunday, July 10; it's a rehearsal day

We are in Des Moines, Iowa



Click HERE to open a full-size image in a new window.

Weather report and forecast for Des Moines

Click for Google map of Des Moines. With Google maps you can zoom in and out on a location. Click and hold on the map to drag the map in the window.

Today's Menu
Breakfast
Pancakes
Left over eggs & ham
Fruit (apple, banana, orange)

Lunch
BBQ pork or hamburger or boca burger (for veggies)
Green bean casserole
AuGratin potatoes
Left over chicken salad sandwiches
Watermelon

Dinner
Lasagna (vegetable version available for veggies!)
Salad
Breadsticks
Left over pasta salad

Snack
Grilled cheese sandwiches
Sherbet
Cookies
Left over birthday cake, chicken nuggets, mac & cheese and BBQ beef

Today's Schedule
9 Wake
9:15 Stretch/run
10 Breakfast
11 Visual
2 Lunch
3 Sectionals
6:30 Dinner
7:30 Ensemble
9:30 Dance (brass & percussion); guard sectional
11 Snack
12 Lights out


Today's Cooks
Marlin (head cook)
Donna M.
Alan B.
John K.
Jim R.
Rose Ann S.
Bill, Luba and Michelle T. leave
David S. and Kayleen arrive

Today's News
Sorry for the late post today - I was out of town during the day and just got home (David's cheery voice was waiting for me on the answering machine with all the info when I arrived)... Rod

Many thanks to Bill and Luba who are leaving tour today!!! My shift overlapped with theirs for a few days, and what a joy it was to work with them (and all my other fantastic cook friends!)

A brilliant, cloudless sky was reported this morning. 'Just a picture perfect day.

Lynn and ???? (the cell connection went bad and I could not get the 2nd name) stopped by today to help out - they were a great help with the production of pancakes this morning. Thanks - the extra help is always appreciated!!

Not much other news today - 'looks like a clean out the fridge day as lots of left overs are supplementing the main menu...



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

When it's hot...

rdr_bob_hat, originally uploaded by RodR.

Dig this picture of Bob from late June when the temperature reached 98 degrees. He certainly was on the cutting edge with his innovative, water-soaked, "hat".

Today is Saturday, July 9; its a show day

We are in Linn, Missouri



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Weather report and forecast for Columbia

Click for Google map of Columbia. With Google maps you can zoom in and out on a location. Click and hold on the map to drag the map in the window.

Today's Menu
Breakfast
Scrambled eggs and ham
Muffins - lemon poppyseed, blueberry, cinnamon, chocolate-chocolate chip

Snack
Chicken nuggets
Grilled cheese sandwiches for the vegetarians
Freezy pops

Lunch
Hamburgers (2 each)
Tater tots
Veggies
Leftover mac and cheese

Dinner
Pulled pork sandwiches
Chilled fruit salad in cups
Leftover pasta salad
Cottage cheese
Birthday cake provided by Rose Ann Splitter in honor of LeAnn Splitter's 25th birthday (which was July 3)

Today's Schedule
8 Wake
8:15 Stretch and run
9 Breakfast
10 Vis
11:30 Sectionals
12 Guard snack
12:15 Percussion snack
12:30 Brass snack
1 Ensemble
3 Lunch, pack, and load
4:30 Leave for show in Columbia
5:45 Warmup
7:19 Gate time
7:30 Colts perform
8 Dinner
9 Load, pack
9:30 Leave for Des Moines - 323 miles

Today's Cooks
Marlin (head cook)
Bill S.
Luba S.
Donna M.
Michelle T.
Alan B.
Jim R.
Marsha, Peter, and Jeannette leave
John K. and Rose Ann S. arrives

Today's News

The schedule is a bit scrambled today because of the show schedule, with a "grab and go" snack in the morning and dinner after the show at the show site.

A little make-up here on some missed birthdays. Happy Birthday to (belated):
Jamie B. on July 2
Rachel G. on July 3
Matt W. on July 4

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

UPDATE-Today is Friday, July 8; it's laundry day

We are in Linn, Missouri

(Bill called about 2:30, but I had to have a nap, so this late update is me, not Bill)

No call yet from the cooktruck in Missouri, but that doesn't surprise me much. The best that they were going to do was get in by 10:30 a.m. and then do a big brunch right away for the kids. The corps was going to do laundry in the afternoon and then rehearse at night. At least that was the plan at midnight last night as they were getting ready to pull out of Dubuque. I'll update after I get a call.



Click HERE to open a full-size image in a new window.

Weather report and forecast for Linn

Click for Google map of Linn. With Google maps you can zoom in and out on a location. Click and hold on the map to drag the map in the window.

Today's Menu
Brunch
Waffles
Mustgos

Dinner
Ham
Mac and cheese

Snack
The Linn Band Boosters are providing ice cream and cookies

Today's Schedule
Arrived at 10 a.m. Half hour earlier than planned. Yay for new tour director George.
11:15 Stretch
12 Brunch
1 Leave for laundry day
6 Dinner
7 Warmup
7:30 Ensemble
9 Vis
11 Snack
12 Lights Out

Today's Cooks
Marlin (head cook -- Welcome, Marlin!)
Luba S.
Bill S.
Marsha V.
Donna M.
Michelle T.
Peter H.
Alan B.
Jeannette L.
Jim R. arrives

Today's News

Marlin Rowland is the new head cook. Thanks to Luba Symoniak for a great week!

R.T. drove the silver van for the last stint into Linn. He told Bill that they HAD to get one of the postcards on the field for Vis block tonight so they could see what was happening around it and have any revised drill ready for Sunday in Des Moines.

The home show was awesome. Thanks to everybody who came by the cooktruck to bring things, help, or just say hello. Saw lots of old friends. Got to hang with some of the Colt Cadet parents for a few minutes while we waited for their show to start.

Katherine, the webmaster for colts.org and Colt alum, rode over from Chicago with Jenny Acheson's parents. She and Jenny's mom were spotted helping make flags and wrap them up for the Colt souvie stand. Her dad and Jenny's dad were cooking brats and dogs for the concession stand, the Colts, and the Colt Cadets.

I got to give a tours of the cooktruck. Guys worked on things. The kitchen crew inventoried and stored away a Sisco drop.

The show was awesome. The crowd spilled over out of the stands and onto the grass. The souvie/concession are was packed and lots of money was made. The Colts performed a wonderful show for one of their most appreciative crowds of the summer.

Thanks, Dubuque! You were great!

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

Today is Thursday, July 7; it's home show day!

We are in Dubuque, Iowa

Happy home show, everybody! The Virtual Cooktruck and the REAL cooktruck are both live and in person in Dubuque today. Come by and see us at Music on the March tonight!



Click HERE to open a full-size image in a new window.

Weather report and forecast for Dubuque

Click for Google map of Dubuque. With Google maps you can zoom in and out on a location. Click and hold on the map to drag the map in the window.

Today's Menu
Breakfast
Eggs wraps OR pancake on a stick with sausage
Fruit
Bagel

Lunch
Chicken salad sandwiches
Pasta salad
Fruit cups from Larry Peters

Dinner
Brats/hot dogs (from Boosters?)
Potato salad

Snack
Apple pie with ice cream

Today's Schedule
9 Wake
9:15 Cals
10 Breakfast
11 Vis -- brass-stadium, guard-gym
1 Lunch
2 Sectionals -- perc-stadium, guard-baseball field
4 Ensemble
5:40 Runthrough
6 Dinner/pack/load
7:10 Meeting at cooktruck
7:19 Watch Colt Cadets perform
8 Warmup
9:30 Gate
9:43 Colts perform
10:45 Snack
12 Load trucks
12:30 Depart for Linn, Mo.

Today's Cooks
Luba (head cook)
Bill S.
Marsha V.
Jeannette L.
Michelle T.
Peter H.
Alan B.
Mike R. and Wendy H. leave
Donna M. and Sue P. arrive

Today's News

Bright, sunny day in Dubuque. But it's a nice temperature. 70s-80s.

Food drop day, so lots of re-arranging in the cooktruck to get ready. Kinda strange day on the cooktruck with it being the home show. It's like being on tour, but not.

Busy day here at the Colts Center, too. (Actually filing today from the Colts Center/Greg's office. Hope he doesn't mind.....) Guys hard at work getting the postcard frames ready in what usually is the bingo area.

(From our "I couldn't make this stuff up if I tried" department)
POSTED ON THE COOKTRUCK:
Coming Menu Items
Ham-it-up Guard
Scalloped Drum Major
Philly-Cheese Horn Line
Pit On-A-Stick
Mixed Fruit Drumline (Nothing Personal)
Staff -----> shaken not stirred
Deep Fried Cooks
Driver Salsa

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

Today is Wednesday, July 6; it's a show day

We are in Charles City, Iowa



A bunch of "independent" Colt cooks for Independence Day.

Click HERE to open a full-size image in a new window.

Weather report and forecast for Charles City

Click for Google map of Charles City. With Google maps you can zoom in and out on a location. Click and hold on the map to drag the map in the window.

Today's Menu
Breakfast
Bagels and cream cheese
Grapes, plums, bananas

Lunch
Pizza burgers
Chips
Veggies
Frosted brownies

Dinner
Salisbury steak or pork chops
Mashed potatoes and gravy
Corn

Snack
Corn dogs (with Colt Cadets)

Today's Schedule
8 Wake
8:15 Stretch and run
9 Breakfast
10 Vis
12:30 Lunch
1:30 Sectionals
3 Ensemble
5 Dinner, pack, and load
6:30 Depart for Charles City
7:30 Warmup
9 Gate
9:15 Performance
Colts encore
Snack to follow

Today's Cooks
Luba (head cook)
Bill S.
Mike R.
Michelle T.
Alan B.
Marsha V.
Wendy H.
Peter H.
Jeannette L.

Today's News

Everybody got a great night's sleep last night. Some cooks and all the corps got 8 hours of floor time. This must be heaven. No, it's Iowa.

Really nice run-through last night. Really great facility for practice.

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

Today is Tuesday, July 5; it's a rehearsal day

We are in Waverly, Iowa



Click HERE to open a full-size image in a new window.

Weather report and forecast for Waverly

Click for Google map of Waverly. With Google maps you can zoom in and out on a location. Click and hold on the map to drag the map in the window.

Today's Menu
Breakfast
Mustgo

Lunch
Philly steak sandwiches
Salad

Dinner
Mustgo
Strawberries and ice cream

Snack
Egg rolls

Today's Schedule
9 Wake
9:15 Stretch and run
10 Breakfast
10:30 Staff meeting
11 Sectionals
Brass in stadium
Guard on scaffolding field
Percussion other field
1:30 Lunch
2:30 Vis in stadium
5:30 Dinner
6:30 Ensemble
9 Brass and guard dance in fieldhouse; percussion sectionals
10 Snack
11 Lights out (8 hours of floor time!)

Today's Cooks
Luba (head cook)
Jeannete L.
Bill S.
Mike R.
Marsha V.
Michelle T.
Peter H.
Alan B.
Wendy H.

Today's News

Lots of news from the weekend.

The Colts declared July 4 as "Hug a Brit day" so as to not hurt Charlotte's and Dan's feelings (They're from England).

It rained on the corps off and on during parades Monday. They marched and played right through it. They seemed soaked by the time the Speers saw them in Wheeling, but they performed to their best and made the parade for a lot of people in the crowd.

The corps arrived in Waverly about 5 a.m. today. Bill says they have a "spectacular" stadium to practice in at Wartburg College that is equipped with lights and "new, good, nice artificial turf."

The cooktruck is parked next to the concession stand outside the stadium.

The cooks, drivers, and staff were all assigned to the same sleeping room. Lauren negotiated better digs for the cooks in the concession stand so that they have a 20-foot walk to the truck.

Mike Ripely has been coming up with wonderful names for the drinks since he arrived on tour. On Sunday, the drinks were "Son of Bath Water" and "Wed Wascal." On Independence Day, they were "One if by land," "Revolutionary Bath Water," "Patriot Punch," and "Two if by sea." The overline was: "It's All Yankee-Doodle Dandy!"

Today's drinks are: "Fresh Morning Dew," "Revenge of Bath Water," "Red Rover, Red Rover," and "Imported Spring Water." Thanks for keeping the smiles coming along withe the drinks, Mike!


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

Today is Monday, July 4; it's a parade day in Chicago

We are in Vernon Hills, Illinois



Click HERE to open a full-size image in a new window.

Weather report and forecast for Vernon Hills

Click for Google map of Vernon Hills. With Google maps you can zoom in and out on a location. Click and hold on the map to drag the map in the window.

Today's Menu
Breakfast
English muffins

Lunch
Sack lunch
2 sandwiches
Apple
Granola bar, etc.
Fruit snacks

Dinner
Grilled chicken breast on a bun
French fries
Green beans
Fruit cups

Snack
Mozzarella sticks
Strawberries and cream

Today's Schedule
6:45 Breakfast
(corps splits into two teams - Aardvark and Beaver - for early parades)
TEAM AARDVARK
7:45 Meet at equipment truck for departure
8 Arrive and warmup
9 Parade stepoff (Vernon Hills)
10:30 Load and leave
11:30 Parade stepoff (Rolling Meadows)
12:30 Load and leave

TEAM BEAVER
8:15 Buses depart
9 Arrive and warmup
10 Parade stepoff
11 Load and leave
12 Parade stepoff (Deerfield)
1:30 Load and leave

*Sack lunch
2:30 Northbrook parade starts
4ish Dinner at cooktruck
6 Hoffman Estates parade
8:30ish Snack, pack and load
1015ish Depart

Today's Cooks
Luba (head cook)
Jeannete L.
Bill S.
Mike R.
Marsha V.
Rod R., Penny D., Roger D., Pam W., Kim K. leave
Michelle T., Peter H., Alan B. arrive

Today's News

The schedule is VERY flexible today, due to the uncertain timing of parade durations, etc. They may be back for dinner at 4. Maybe 4:30. Maybe....

Matt Willis is 21. Happy Birthday.

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

Today is Sunday, July 3; it's a show day

We are in Cedarburg, Wisconsin



Click HERE to open a full-size image in a new window.

Weather report and forecast for Cedarburg

Click for Google map of Cedarburg. With Google maps you can zoom in and out on a location. Click and hold on the map to drag the map in the window.

Today's Menu
Breakfast
French toast
Sausage links and patties

Lunch
Cheeseburger casserole
Corn
Brocolli salad

Dinner
Ham
Scalloped potatoes
Jell-O or applesauce
Cookies

Snack
Nachos and cheese (feeding the Colt Cadets too)

Today's Schedule
9 Wake
9:15 Stretch and run
10 Breakfast
11 Sectionals
1 Lunch
2 Vis
3 Ensemble
5 Dinner
6:45 Leave for stadium
8:40 Gate time
8:54 Colts perform
9:30 Snack
10:30 Load
11 Depart for Vernon Hills - 84 miles

Today's Cooks
Luba (head cook)
Rod R.
Penny D.
Roger D.
Pam W.
Kim K.
Jeannete L.
Bill S.
Mike R.
Marsha V.
Wendy H.

Today's News

The Colts got a great reception from the folks in Dubuque for the Symphony Pops concert, including a standing ovation and goodly stuffing of the donation can.

They played their standstill show, Old Man River, America-O Canada and the brass joined the symphony for the 1812 Overture.

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

Read the Rules of the Road - You'll Be Happy You Did

Just a reminder that you really, really need to read the Colts' volunteer Rules of the Road before coming on tour to help on the cooktruck.

It gives you all you need to know to have a great experience cooking, cleaning, and caring for our kids, while traveling several hundred miles each day - and walking nearly that much. The Rules of the Road will help you decide what to bring with you (what kind of clothing, bedding, personal items, etc.) and what's better left at home. It also outlines what you can expect to be doing during the day and how much sleep you can get expect to get (or miss).

Don't have a copy? You can download a pdf version by going to www.colts.org and clicking on "Colts Volunteer Handbook" under the Quick Links at the right side of the page.

(If you have trouble downloading the file, send me an email at speer.david@gmail.com and we'll get you a copy)

Thanks!

A big Colts 'thank you' for all the donations

You people are amazing. Polly told me this morning that the cooks are just amazed at the outpouring of support the Colts are getting from families and fans this season. There have been so many great donations of fruit, vegetables, cookies, jelly - just anything you can imagine.

Thank you so much for your support of the corps.

And thanks for stopping by to help with the cooktruck when you come to a show. And even if you couldn't stay to help, thanks for coming by just to say hello.

The Colts Cooks

Today is Saturday, July 2: it's symphony pops day in Dubuque

We are in Dubuque, Iowa



Click HERE to open a full-size image in a new window.

Weather report and forecast for Dubuque

Click for Google map of Dubuque. With Google maps you can zoom in and out on a location. Click and hold on the map to drag the map in the window.

Today's Menu
Breakfast
Waffles
Clementines (those little orange things, Rod says)
Had blackberry jelly that was donated last night

Lunch
Beans and franks
Cheese biscuits
Lettuce salad
Watermelon

Dinner
Ravioli
Fruit salad
Veggies and dip
Carrot cake

Snack
Shrimp for a late night snack

Today's Schedule
8 Wake
8:15 Stretch and run
9 Breakfast
10 Sectionals
11 Brass rehearse with the director of the Dubuque symphony
12 Lunch
1 Sectionals
2:45 Buses take brass to fairgrounds
5 Dinner
6 Leave for fairgrounds
7:30 Perform
TBD Leave for Senior High
11 Snack
12:30 Depart for Cedarburg, WI - 195 miles

Today's Cooks
Polly (head cook)
Rod R.
Penny D.
Roger D.
Pam W.
Kim K.
Jeannete L.
Pat R. and Debbie A. leave
Bill S., Luba S., Mike R. and Marsha V. arrive

Today's News

Today is sunny and warm.

The corps arrived in Dubuque about 3:30 a.m.

The corps got a huge donation when they arrived in Dubuque last night of fresh fruit and veggies -- and blackberry jelly. "Boxes of broccoli and boxes of bananas," Rod says.

The show in Normal was to a standing room only crawd. The Colts had to go on first, but still got a great reception from the fans. "The kids did an awesome job. They were pumped," Rod says.

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

Today is Friday, July 1; it's a show day

We are in Normal, Illinois



Click HERE to open a full-size image in a new window.

Weather report and forecast for Normal

Click for Google map of Normal. With Google maps you can zoom in and out on a location. Click and hold on the map to drag the map in the window.

Today's Menu
Breakfast
Eggs McMona
Fruit

Lunch
Chicken stuffing casserole
Green beans Parmesan
Oriental salad

Snack (pre-show)
Pizza
Ice pops

Dinner (after show)
Breaded pork fritters
Brocolli-rice casserole
Chocolate mousse
plus
Leftover bean and nacho casserole

Today's Schedule
7 Wake
7:15 Stretch and run
8 Breakfast
9 Vis
10:30 Music sectionals
12 Lunch
1 Ensemble
3 Snack, pack, load
4:21 Leave for stadium (sheesh, these guys are getting precise)
5:20 Warmup
6:50 Gate time
7 Colts perform
7:45 Dinner
Rest of schedule TBD

Today's Cooks
Polly (head cook)
Rod R.
Penny D.
Roger D.
Pat R.
Debbie A.
Pam W.
Kim K.
Tom R. leaves
Jeannette L. arrives

Today's News

Sue P., who has quietly been on tour this week doing uniforms, leaves after the show tonight. Just because we don't always talk about the uniform moms, don't think we don't know you're there. Thanks to Sue and Lauren. (The schedule says Lauren is coming back on for a couple of weeks, starting tomorrow.)

Great day today. Clear, blue sky overheard. Cool and breezy. The cooler weather has given everyone a lift. Especially the corps members. The staff said last night's runthrough was the best they've seen so far on tour.

Rod confirmed that the postcards will not be in for the Normal show. The frames still need some work. They'll be there when they're ready. Jeff Decker, who lives nearby, had lots of friends show up for the runthrough and lots of townspeople came out, so there was a good-sized crowd at the Metamora practice field Thursday night.

Jeff Decker's "church grandmas" also showed up with what Rod called "an amazing variety of homemade cookies."

Drink Flavor of the Week: Bath Water (A new favorite to add to the list. Glad to hear the cooks are keeping up the tradition of good-tasting drinks with terrible-sounding names.)


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