Friday, June 30, 2006

New record month

Sometime overnight, you guys made June 2006 the biggest month ever for visits to the Colts Virtual Cooktruck. We no doubt will top 11,000 discreet visits to the virtual cooktruck this month before the end of the day. The record was set last July with just more than 10,500 visits that month. We'd already eclipsed the previous record for page views earlier this month.

You guys are awesome.

The Virtual Cooktruck Statistics Team

Today is Friday, June 30; it's a show day

We are in Bloomington-Normal, Illinois.

photo
Photo by John R.

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

Weather report and forecast for Bloomington-Normal

Click for Google map of Bloomington-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
Chocolate chip pancakes
Fruit cup

Lunchy/Snacky Thing (as Lauren describes it)
Chicken patty with pizza sauce and mozzarella on a bun

Lunch
Beef burritos
Tossed salad
Cinnamon crisps (if we find the right things in the freezer)

Dinner
Spaghetti
Texas toast
Lettuce salad

Today's Schedule
7:20 Wake
7:30 Breakfast
8:30 Sectionals
11-noon Staggered snacky/lunchy thing and vis block
1 Ensemble
2:50 Runthrough
3:15 Lunch/pack/clean/load
4:15 Everyone out beside buses with luggage ready to load
4:45 Depart for stadium (Lauren said: "4:45. Yikes!)
5:30 Warmup
7:24 Gate
7:34 Performance
8:15 Dinner
9:45 Depart for Dubuque

Today's Cooks
Lauren R., head cook
Amy E.
Bruce A.
Patty T.
Suzie M. is leaving today. (Bye, Suze. Good talkin' to ya!)

New cooks/volunteers arrving for duty are Penny and Roger D. and Tom T. A big 'welcome aboard.'

Today's News

This morning, Lauren sends 'greetings from the cook team. We'll see you all in Dubuque real soon!'

It's a bit windy and cool this morning, but if it turns off hot, the Corps is going to get a treat of iced-down bottles of Gatorade. A woman who watched them rehearse and wanted to help brought 4 cases of bottled Gatorade and Patty T. bought 2 more to have enough for each corps member to have one. Thanks!

Penny D. brought what Lauren described as 'bazillions of cookies' from Jeff's 'church grammas and moms' Penny's church group has become famous for their corps cookies.

Jeannie and John S. drove over yesterday to hand deliver a new flag for the show. As long as they were coming they brought a case of steak sauce, a case of BBQ sauce, a case of pickles, a case of spaghetti sauce, (you get the idea.) Thanks a bunch. That's their second round this year.





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

Thursday, June 29, 2006

Today is Thursday, June 29; it's a rehearsal day

We are in Stanford, Illinois.

photo
Photo by David S.

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

Weather report and forecast for Stanford

Click for Google map of Stanford. 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
Sausage and cheese
Hash browns

Lunch
Sandwiches
(ham & cheese or turkey & cheese)
Cottage cheese
Watermelon

Dinner
Gyros (meat and pitas donated by Paul M. in Belding, Mich.)
Macaroni salad
Veggies and dip
Marvelous dessert by Amy

Snack
Quiche
Salad

Today's Schedule
9:20 Wake
9:30 Stretch
10 Breakfast
11 Sectionals
(Suzie says the guard was on the main field right in front of the cooktruck, which was pretty cool)
2 Lunch
3 Vis
6 Dinner
7 Warmup
7:30 Ensemble
9:45 Runthrough
10:15 Snack
11:30 Lights out

Today's Cooks
Lauren R., head cook
Amy E.
Bruce A.
Patty T.
Suzie M.

Today's News

Happy Birthday Bryan B.

Suzie says they have beautiful weather and the kids are doing really well.

In addition to donating the meat and pitas for gyros, Paul M. of Belding also brought nacho chips and candy. He lived nearby where the cooktruck was parked and just wanted to help. "It was kind of special," Suzie says. "It was really pretty cool."


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

More Gatorade on the way

This from Tab:

Several very heavy boxes of Gatorade were delivered to the office today (otherwise they would have been on the truck last night when I made the Chicago run), so...if I find myself making a run to meet the corps tomorrow the back end of the car will be weighed down with gatorade (2 kinds it looks like, several boxes, powder form)

Thought I'd let you guys know, because it almost went under the radar today.

Go Red Team,
Tab

Wednesday, June 28, 2006

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

We are in Belding, Michigan.

photo
Photo by David S.

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

Weather report and forecast for Belding

Click for Google map of Belding. 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
Ham steak
Muffins

Lunch/Snack
Mac & cheese
Whole piece of fruit

Lunch
Chicken teryaki rice bowl
Cookies
Fortune cookies (donated by Joe V's aunt)

Dinner
Sloppy joes
Potato salad
Chips
Fruit cup

Today's Schedule
(Arrived in Michigan 8:30 local time)
9:20 Wake
9:30 Stretch
10 Breakfast
11 Sectionals
12:30-12:45-1 Staggered lunch/snack schedules by section
Rehearsal time
4:30 Lunch
6 Depart for stadium
7 Warmup
8:50 Gate
9 Performance
9:45 Champions fanfare
10:15 Dinner
11:45 Depart for Illinois rehearsal site

Today's Cooks
Lauren R., head cook
Amy E.
Bruce A.
Patty T.
Suzie M.

Today's News

It's a gorgeous, albeit busy, day in Michigan. 'We like it here. We'd like to stay here -- but I guess that's not an option,' Lauren says. Her cook team is pulling together four meals in about 12 hours today. But they're all hanging in there.

This is a quick turnaround visit to Michigan....


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

Tuesday, June 27, 2006

Today is Tuesday, June 27; it's a rehearsal day

We are in Glenview, Illinois.

photo
Photo by David S.

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

Weather report and forecast for Glenview

Click for Google map of Glenview. 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
Pecan cinnamon brown sugar oatmeal
Whole piece of fruit

Lunch
Chicken and gravy on biscuit
Peas and carrots
Cookies

Dinner
Hamburgers
French fry wedge cuts
Dessert by Amy

Snack
Corn dogs
Pork and beans

Today's Schedule
7:35 Wake
7:45 Stretch
8:15 Breakfast
9:15 Sectionals
12:45 Lunch
1:45 Sectionals
5:15 Dinner
6:15 Warmup
6:45 Ensemble
7:30 Runthrough (Dog and pony for the town)
7:45 Ensemble
9:10 Runthrough ('That one's for us,' Lauren says.)
9:30 Snack/pack/clean/load
11 Depart

Today's Cooks
Lauren R., head cook
Amy E.
Bruce A.
Patty T.
Suzie M.

Today's News

Happy Birthday, Sarah S!

It's not raining.

Lauren says it's a much nicer day today. It's cloudy and kind of overcast and cool, but the sun is breaking through and it's not raining. 'The huge lake that surrounded the truck has fnially gone away. We're dry and happy,' she says.


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

Monday, June 26, 2006

It's Monday, July 26; it's a rehearsal day

We are in Glenview, Illinois.

photo
Photo by Jody G.

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

Weather report and forecast for Glenview

Click for Google map of Glenview. 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
Fruit cup with lots of donated fruit

Lunch
Meatball subs
Veggies and dip
Cookies

Dinner
Ham
Scalloped potatoes
Broccoli
Brownies

Snack
Baked potato bar

Today's Schedule
(Some times approximate because, between the rain and laundry night, no schedule was posted on the front of the truck this morning)
7:20 Wake
7:30 Stretch
8 Breakfast
12:30 Lunch
5 Dinner
10:15 Snack
11 Lights out

Today's Cooks
Lauren R., head cook
Amy E.
Bruce A.
Patty T.
Suzie M.


Today's News

It rained so hard the storm drains couldn't keep up. The front of the cooktruck was standing in about 4 inches of water.

Lots of much appreciated Gatorade donations. Keep that coming.

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

Sunday, June 25, 2006

A mom's thank you

Shari asked that we post this where everyone could see it. It's also a comment on today's posting.

I would like to say a big THANK YOU for the many people who had a part in taking care of Ashleigh Jacobes on Thursday and Friday. A special thank you to Cindy, a Colt Cadet mom, for insisting Ashleigh go to the ER, driving her, and staying; to Slaton, Jess, and Aidan, from the Cedar Rapids show, for picking her up from the ER and making sure she got the correct medicine; to Josh, a Colt Cadet drumline teacher, for picking her up and taking her back to Dubuque; and to Vicki, for letting her stay and get rested.
Ashleigh is doing well and will be back with the Colts on Monday.
This just shows how large the Colts family really is. Our children are in good hands. To everyone at the Colts, you are very much appreciated for all you do! Lastly, please consider giving blood to your local blood bank.......it really does save a life!
Thanks again from a grateful mom in Texas,
Shari Holdforth

Saturday, June 24, 2006

Today is Sunday, June 25; it's laundry day

We are in Glenview, Illinois.

photo
Photo by John R.

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

Weather report and forecast for Glenview

Click for Google map of Glenview. 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
Yogurt

Lunch
Pasta salad
Two sandwiches (egg salad or chicken salad)

Dinner
Chicken parmesan
Penne pasta
Tossed salad
Cookies

Snack
(if required)
Ice cream with chocolate sauce
Rice krispie treats
(Lauren says: 'Something sweet and ridiculous right before they go to bed)

Today's Schedule
Arrived in Glenview at 8:30 a.m.
9:50 Wake
10 Stretch
10:30 Breakfast
11:30 Visual and sectionals
2 Lunch (supposedly a light lunch but it looks pretty good to me...)
3 Ensemble
5 Dinner
6:30 Night out to do laundry
11 Snack (possible)
Midnight lights out

Today's Cooks
Lauren R., head cook
Amy E.
Bruce A.
Patty T.

Welcome to new cook Suzie M.

Roger H. and Diane K. went home yesterday. Lauren: 'They both were great. Diane got me through my first couple of days pretending to be a head cook.'

Jack W. is in today as guest cook. 'He's done everything,' Lauren says. Seeing Jack in action at camp last winter, we'd expect nothing less.

Today's News

Happy Birthday Jamie E.

Sue P. showed up today to sew with Lauren but that was put on hold for more cooking. 'We're all cooking. It's raining. We're having fun,' Lauren says.

Since it's raining, the corps us working out inside the field house at the school. 'It's a nice change from all the sun, but not as productive as some people would like, I'm sure,' Lauren says.

A blanket thanks to everyone who has brought donations over the past couple of days. Lauren says she has a list but it was way too long to read into my voicemail this morning. They've gotten Gatorade and fruit, which they could use more of. And they got cookies, cookies, cookies. They don't really need more cookies. We'll let you know when we're running low.

Gatorade, fresh fruit or veggies, or a couple of gallons of milk would be great donations right now. The best idea is to call the cooktruck and ask what they really, really need today.

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

Today is Saturday, June 24; it's a show day

We are in Columbia, Missouri.

photo
Photo by David S.

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

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
Eggs
Bacon
Hashbrowns
Fruit

Snack
Ham and cheese or turkey and cheese sandwich
Cookie

Lunch
Chicken marsala
Rice pilaf
Peas and carrots
Bread pudding

Dinner
Burger bar
Tossed salad
Potato chips

Today's Schedule
7:50 Wake
8 Stretch
8:30 Breakfast
9:30 Sectionals
11:30-12:30 Snack (staggered by sections)
3 Lunch/pack/clean/load
4:40 Depart for stadium
5:40 Warmup
7:40 Gate
7:51 Performance
9:19 Champions fanfare
9:45 Dinner
11:15 Depart for Glenview, IL

Today's Cooks
Lauren R., head cook
Amy E.
Roger H.
Diane K.
Bruce A.
Patty T.

Today's News

Bright, sunny day with blue skies and puffy clouds. Good day.

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

More pictures

New pictures of our Colts under the 2006 link in the Galleries sidebar. These are from Jody G. and John R.

Thanks for the contributions!

Friday, June 23, 2006

Today is Friday, June 23; it’s a rehearsal day

We are in Centralia, Missouri.

photo
Photo by David S.

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

Weather report and forecast for Centralia

Click for Google map of Centralia. 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 patties
Banana

Lunch
Chicken with Cesar salad dressing
Garlic bread
Pudding cup

Dinner
Pork chops
Mashed potatoes and gravy
Corn
Rhubarb crisp

Snack
Make your own deli sandwiches

Today's Schedule
9:20 Wake
9:30 Stretch
10 Breakfast
11 Sectionals
2 Lunch
3 Vis
6 Dinner
7 Warmup
7:30 Ensemble
8:45 run through
9:15 Snack
10:30 Lights out

Today's Cooks
Lauren R., head cook
Amy E.
Roger H.
Diane K.
Bruce A.
Patty T.
And Colts age-out Brian S. is guest cook for today

Today's News

Lauren says it's "head cook by committee" on the cooktruck, but it sounds like she's getting her feet on the ground just fine to me. She's got a great team with her, too. Go Lauren!

Water bottle rinse (bleach) today
Mouthpiece boil at snack tonight

Evvvvvvverybody's pumped after the Cedar Rapids show. Lauren says: "Last night's show went really, really well." (As you know, we at the Colts Virtual Cooktruck officially don't care about the 'numbers' -- but for those of you who don't go to dci.org and look at the sectional recaps, the Colts color guard beat the Scouts color guard again last night. Yeah, baby!)

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

Omaha loves the Colts

photo
Photo by Bill F.

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

Bill, the father of Chris F., sent this one in. Chris got a big welcome at his home high school field. Thanks, Omaha!

Thursday, June 22, 2006

Pictures!

If you have digital pictures of the Colts, please share!

Send a selection of what you take to speer.david@gmail.com and I'll put them up when I have a chance.

More cooks

Bill just called me with an update on cooks arriving today. Lauren R. is catching up with the corps in Cedar Rapids to fill the hole in the head cook line, and Bruce A. (Tall Matt's dad and a long-time vet Colts cook) is coming on to help.

Thanks, Lauren, for jumping in where there was no head cook on the schedule!

Let's hear it for the new cooks!

Colts featured in article on Des Moines Register website

Here's a link to the story. I cringed at some of the mistakes in it...George Orwoll?

Today is Thursday, June 22; it’s a show day

We are in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

photo
Photo by David S.

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

Weather report and forecast for Cedar Rapids

Click for Google map of Cedar Rapids. 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 mustgoes (including egg bake, egg roll tortillas, etc.)
Banana

Lunch
Cheese, sausage, or pepperoni pizza
Lettuce salad
Raspberry sherbert
Banana
Cookies

Dinner
Steak
Alfredo noodles
Green beans
Fudge stripe salad
Rhubarb dessert

Snack
Sandwiches (fish, hot dogs, ham & cheese)
Cookies
Fruit gushers

Today's Schedule
8:20 Wake
8:30 Stretch
9 Breakfast
10 Sectionals
12:30 Lunch
1:30 Vis
3 Warmup
3:15 Ensemble
4:45 Dinner
6 Depart for show site
6:20 Warmup
8:20 Gate time
8:33 Performance (Colts play fanfare)
9:30 Snack
11 Depart

Today's Cooks
Carole B., head cook
Deb A.
Donna P.
Dos
Pat R.
(all the above cooks are departing today. Goodbye, all of you! It's been a great week. Jody and I felt very welcomed and lucky to be 'guest cooks' with your crew!)
Roger H.
Diane K.
***New Cooks!***
Amy E. (Colt age-out last year)
Patty T.

Today's News

Goodbye to all the departing cooks, but especially to head cook Carole B. The meals have been fantastic. I heard lots of good comments on the food from the corps and even the staff! Thanks a whole bunch.

The kitchen staff requests Gatorade if you're nearby and in the donating mood. Also, if you're thinking about donating, it would be helpful if you could call the cooktruck and ask what they need. Sometimes there are simple, specific things that would be extremely helpful. (For example, Jody and I stopped and picked up dishwashing liquid the other day.)

Donations:
Ryan D's family brought lettuce and bananas
Julie W's fmaily brought blackberry and raspberry homemade jelly (it was served today. I bet it's gone already...)
Amy E brought cookies with her
Hy-Vee and Omaha area families donated cookies
Missy (Colt age-out) brought sherbert

The big news from the cooktruck, though, was that it's food drop day. Lori C. and Paul R. came in to help, as did Colt Cadet parents and others. "We're having fun!" Pat R. said. On food drop day?

Classified ad posted in the cooktruck: Dyersville Beckman is looking for a band director.

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

Ankeny gallery

A gallery of pictures from the Ankeny show featuring the Colts, Colt Cadets, and associated friends, family, and fans can be found under the '2006" link at right.
Enjoy.

Wednesday, June 21, 2006

Cooktruck cel phone

There's a new cel phone number for the blue phone on the cooktruck:

563-564-5590

Saydel gallery

Some of you have probably already found it, but there's a gallery of photos from Saydel rehearsal under the '2006' link at the right. It was up there yesterday, but I didn't have time to post a notice.

Today is Wednesday, June 21; it’s a show day

We are in Omaha, Nebraska.

photo
Photo by David S.

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

Weather report and forecast for Omaha

Click for Google map of Omaha. 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 tostatas (yum!)
Pears

Lunch
Haystakes (A Carole specialty made with bologna, mashed potatoes, and cheese)
Cauliflower-lettuce salad
Mustgoes
Cookies

Dinner
Hot dogs and brats with the Colt Cadets
Salami pasta salad
Cookies
Fruit snacks

Today's Schedule
Got in about 3:30 a.m.
9:20 Wake
9:30 Stretch
10 Breakfast
11 Visual
Noon Sectionals
1 ensemble
2:30 Lunch
4:15 Depart for show site
5:30 Warmup
7:39 Gate time
7:49 Performance
8:30 Dinner
10 Depart for Cedar Rapids

Today's Cooks
Carole B., head cook
Diane K.
Donna P.
Sue B.
Pat R.
Dos
Deb A.
Roger H.

Sue B. leaves today. Bye, Sue! And Roger H. got on in Ankeny last night. Welcome, Roger!


Today's News


One word: FREEBIRD! (Or should that be two words?)

As the closer for the encore last night in Ankeny, that had the crowd rockin’. They were screaming and standing up halfway through the song. There was one maniac dad with a camera around his neck bouncing up and down in the stands, yelling, “That’s my boys!”

Cooktruck donations:
Matt M’s parents brought big tins of popcorn. The caramel-covered popcorn was particularly tasty and sticky. My fingers keep sticking to the keyboard this morning.

Derek H’s parents brought a load of cookies

Age-out 2003 Steve W brought all kinds of boxes of fruit snacks which the corps is enjoying today

Another age-out (we didn’t get her name, sorry. If it’s use, leave a comment and get credit) brought 60 dozens eggs for the corps. (That’s not a typo. 60 dozen) Thanks!

Brandon C’s parents brought lots and lots of cookies this morning in Omaha. After deciding after work yesterday that they could drive to Ankeny in time to catch the Colts’ show. Love those spur-of-the-moment Colts road trips. Nice to see you, Caves!

Ryan D’s parents brought lots of lettuce the cooks are using today.

(AN UPDATE)
More cookies, cookies, cookies!
Family of Chris F. brought cookies and bananas
Family of Eric F. brought cookies
Family of Adam R. brought cookies
Familyof Doug B. brought cookies

The kids were in good spirits at breakfast. The weather is good, but really windy. Lots of things flying out of the cooktruck in the wind.


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

Tuesday, June 20, 2006

Today is Tuesday, June 20; it’s a show day

We are in Ankeny, Iowa.

photo
Photo by David S.

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

Weather report and forecast for Ankeny

Click for Google map of Ankeny. 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
Sausage patties
Fruit cups

Lunch
Hamburgers
Corn noodle casserole
French fries
Brownies

Dinner
Mustgo buffet
Snicker dessert

Snack
Corn dogs (with Colt Cadets)

Today's Schedule
7:45 Wake
8 Stretch
8:30 Breakfast
9:30 Brass stadium, percussion field 2, guard dance
11 Guard stadium
12:30 Lunch
1:30 Visual
3 Warmup
3:30 Ensemble
4:45 Run through
5 Dinner
6:50 Depart for stadium
7:20 Warmup
9:20 Gate
9:31 Performance (with encore/fanfare)
10:15 Snack
Midnight - Depart on time

Today's Cooks
Carole B., head cook
Diane K.
Donna P.
Sue B.
Pat R.
Dos
Deb A.
Jim and Vanessa F. and Jody S. as "guest cooks"

Today's News

There were showers in the area this morning around breakfast time, but the sun was trying to poke through the clouds about an hour later. Here's wishing for good weather tonight for the show in Ankeny.

Lots of people out to watch the runthrough last night at Saydel. The Colts had a good, strong run and the staff told them so afterwards. The walking tacos for snack were a big hit. Way to go, Carole and crew.

Thanks again to the Saydel music boosters for a great BBQ dinner and fixins last night. That really allowed the kitchen staff to catch its breath and get ready for a pretty hard run of travel and shows this week. (Did anyone else notice that the first four shows are in four different states this year?)

Tonight I get to do one of the hardest things I do all year. Stand in a parking lot after a show and watch the corps caravan leave without me.

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

Monday, June 19, 2006

Today is Monday, June 19; it’s a rehearsal day

We are in Saydel, Iowa.

photo
Photo by David S.

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

Weather report and forecast for Saydel

Click for Google map of Saydel. 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
Carole's Concoction (Egg, potato, ham and cheese casserole)
(which turned into an egg-frying frenzy when one of the ovens went out)
Peaches and oranges

Lunch
Chicken mozzarella
Tri-color tortellini
Pudding cups
Apple dessert

Dinner
Thoughtfully and enthusiastically provided by the Saydel High School Music Boosters
BBQ and fixins

The boosters also brought bottled water, arranged for donated cookies, and a variety of desserts

Snack
Walking tacos

Today's Schedule
9:30 Wake
9:40 Stretch
10:10 Breakfast
11:10 Brass in stadium/percussion field 2/guard dance
12:30 Brass sectionals/guard in stadium
2 Lunch
3 Brass sectionals/percussion field 2/guard stadium
5:30 Dinner
6:30 Visual/full corps
9 Ensemble
10:45 Run through
11 Snack
12:15 Lights out

Today's Cooks
Carole B., head cook
Diane K.
Donna P.
Sue B.
Pat R.
Dos
Deb A.
Jim and Vanessa F. are in today as "guest cooks"

Today's News

In addition to all the great things from the Saydel music boosters, we must thank Carole and Jack B. for the gravy for yesterday's breakfast. And the school in Wisconsin went above and beyond when they moved an oven into their multi-purpose room for the cooktruck staff to use after the ovens on the cooktruck were being fussy again. Cindy H. brought loaves of chocolate and chocolate chip bread.

The real excitement was that the corps got into Saydel two hours AHEAD of schedule. Dos said he didn't think he was really traveling with a drum corps. They're never early. Nobody really knew what to do with the extra two hours...

Pat R. says the kids are really psyched up, with lots of great attitudes about their shows and the progress they're making. We're all as proud as we can be of them. As we always are.

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

Sunday, June 18, 2006

Today is Sunday, June 18; it’s a show day

We are in Menomonie, Wisconsin.

photo
Photo by David S.

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

Weather report and forecast for Menomonie

Click for Google map of Menomonie. 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 & gravy
Whole banana

Snack
2 pieces of fresh fruit
Cheese & crackers

Lunch
Fish
Salad
Applesauce
Green bean casserole

Dinner
Spaghetti
Supper cheese bread
Jell-o
Cookies


Today's Schedule
8:50 Wake
9 Stretch
9:30 Breakfast
9:45 Staff meeting
10:30 Warmup
11:30 Ensemble
12 Percussion snack
12:15 Guard snack
12:30 Brass snack
3:15 Lunch/pack/load
5 Leave for stadium
5:48 Arrive at stadium
7:48 Gate
7:58 Performance
9:15 Dinner with Colt Cadets
10:45 Depart for Saydel, Iowa

Today's Cooks
Carole B., head cook
Diane K.
Donna P.
Sue B.
Pat R.
Greg A. (Colt alum Dos)
Deb A. arrives

Today's News

It’s bright and sunny, a gorgeous day for the Colts after a bit of a drenching last night. (Rained so hard the show was delayed for a while.)

The corps did really great with their first competition. Corps members were really positive about it, while knowing they have a lot to work on to make a good show a great one. “It was exciting to see them on the field for the first time,” Pat R. said.

She says, “We’re bursting at the seams with food donations.” Which doesn’t mean anyone shouldn’t bring food anymore. It just means there’s enough for today. Tomorrow will be a different story. So keep the fruit and cookies and other stuff coming.

Food donations from member parents:
Dos’ mom brought fresh fruit – strawberries and grapes and other goodies
Jessica D’s mom and dad brought cupcakes for her birthday yesterday
Brianna S’s gramma and mom brought cookies
Chris H’s parents brought Rice Krispies bars and cookies
Aaron W’s parents brought 160 bananas.

Thanks so much for all the donations! Keep them coming!

Oh, yes. I’m baaaaaaaaaaaaaack. Ireland was nice, but I missed my Colts a lot. I’m excited to see everyone tomorrow in Saydel.

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

Saturday, June 17, 2006

Today is Saturday, June 17; it’s a show day!

We are in Coon Rapids, Minnesota.

photo
Photo by David S.

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

Weather report and forecast for Coon Rapids

Click for Google map of Coon Rapids. 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
Bacon or sausage
Banana or orange

Lunch
Pizza burger
Potato chips
Peas and carrots
Twinkies

Dinner
Ham
Scalloped potatoes
Corn
Dinner roll
Cookies

Snack
Ice cream sundaes

Today's Schedule
3:20 – Arrive Coon Rapids
8:15 – Wake
8:25 – Stretch
9:00 – Breakfast
9:15 – Staff meeting
10:00 – Sectionals
11:00 – Visual
12:30 – Lunch
1:30 – Warm-up
2:00 – Ensemble
5:00 – Dinner / pack / load
6:45 – Depart for stadium
7:15 – Arrive
9:13 – Gate
9:23 – Perform
10:00 – Snack
11:00 - Depart

Today's Cooks
Jody (leaving)
Bill (leaving)
Luba (leaving)
Susan
Pat
Carole
Donna
Diane
Greg (2004 age out)


Today's News
Happy birthday to Jeff C and Jessica D!!!

Many thanks to Dana’s mom Patti for the donated cookies, and to Greg’s parents for the twinkies! Thanks for your continued generosity!

The cooks report that the set-up here is fantastic, from their perspective, as the practice field is directly in front of the cook truck. They have front row seats! Everyone is massively excited about tonight’s performance, the first competitive event of the season. And it begins...

Well, David’s back in town, so I’ll step aside for a while, but I am sure you’ll hear from me again. I've really enjoyed hosting the VCT this week. My thanks to Bill who called me everyday with all the information, and the little tidbits that we love to know.

Thanks for following along wth me and supporting the Colts. See you on the road!!
Rod R.


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

Friday, June 16, 2006

Today is Friday, June 16; it’s a rehearsal day

We are in Cresco, Iowa.

photo
Photo by Rod R.

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

Weather report and forecast for Cresco

Click for Google map of Cresco. 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 twists
Fruit

Lunch
Macaroni and cheese
Hot dogs
Applesauce

Dinner
Tater tot hot dish
Vegetables (variety not determined as of this writing)
Fun marshmallow bars (they tried to explain; I took their word on the “fun” part)

Snack
Deli sandwiches
Cookies

Today's Schedule
8:30 – Wake
8:40 – Stretch
9:10 – Breakfast
10:10 – Visual
1:00 – Lunch
2:00 – Sectionals
5:30 – Dinner
6:00 – Warm-up
7:30 – Ensemble
9:30 – Snack / pack / load
11:00 – Depart
2:30 – Arrive in Coon Rapids, MN

Today's Cooks
Jody
Bill
Luba
Pat
Diane
Susan (just joined today)
Carole (just joined to day)
Lauren and Sue extended their stay and are still sewing!
Frank (equipment truck driver) helped cook breakfast this morning!

Today's News
John W brought the corps a boatload of watermelons last evening, despite just returning from a trip to Sweden. Diane V’s Mom brought cookies for an extra snack last evening. Dean and Mary S (Charlottes brother) brought the corps 20 pounds of rhubarb. More cookies were dropped off from Chris F’s grandparents. Thanks for all the thoughtful donations!!!

For anyone so inclined, we can still use cookies and fruit. We’re actually serving a crew that seems to be running a little larger than usual, so for cookies we’ll serve about 350 (2 per person). For fruit, whatever you care to bring is fine; we’re good at making fruit cups and other combinations! Thanks so much for your generosity!

Yes, Lauren and Sue stayed on longer to continue sewing. The guard skirts require an incredible amount of work; I am told that each skirt contains 12 yards of fabric. I don’t know anything about sewing, but that sounds like an awful lot to me!

One of the ovens in the kitchen was malfunctioning, but we believe it is up and running again. And so far, so good with the Thermo King; the food is staying frozen and cold.

The Platteville stadium is a great venue. The cooks commented on how wonderful the showers were too (you have to have toured to know how significant that really is).

Last nights’ show was “stupendous”; the kids were really pumped, according to the cooks. Bill asked Jason (the brass caption head) what he thought of the show, and he had no comment. I would expect that, as the staff has a great many weeks to continue working on perfecting what is on the field. They’ve made great progress and have a long way to go.

Bill said there was a mysterious white powder next the equipment truck cab, but it ended up being all due to a run-in between a box cutter and a case of cake mix (I think it was funnier if you were there, but I felt compelled to report it).

Tomorrow the competitive season officially begins at Coon Rapids. GO READ TEAM!

Rod R.

Thursday, June 15, 2006

Today is Thursday, June 15; it’s Summer Premier show day

We are in Platteville, Wisconsin.

photo
Photo by David S.

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

Weather report and forecast for Platteville

Click for Google map of Platteville. 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
Banana chocolate chip muffins
Sausage
Oranges and bananas

Lunch
Chicken breast on a bun
Green bean casserole
Fruit cup

Dinner
Beef ravioli
Cheese bread
Lemon cake

Snack
Ice cream floats

Today's Schedule
7:35 – Wake
7:45 – Stretch
8:15 – Breakfast
9:15 – Sectionals
Noon – Lunch
1:00 – Visual
3:00 – Warm-up
3:30 – Ensemble
5:00 – Dinner / pack / clean
6:30 – Warm-up
7:20 – Gate
7:30 – Perform
9:00 – Snack
11:00 – Depart

Today's Cooks
Jody
Diane
Bill
Luba
Bev (leaves today)
Pat (arrives today)
Lauren and Sue – sewing (supposed to leave today, but well see…)
Charlotte returned as a guest cook

Today's News
Happy birthday to Meg B!

The Colt Cadets are joining us for dinner and snack. Arrival was on time last night (it took all of 12 minutes – that won’t be the case starting tonight).

Meals were all interrupted by rain yesterday (at least I think that’s what I heard) requiring some quick actions, but all ended up well. Last nights dinner was a BOX 5! Today’s breakfast was reported as “the best breakfast ever” by some members.

Water bottles were washed yesterday. Not that it will taste any better, but no germs!

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

Wednesday, June 14, 2006

David chimes in on the upcoming season

Click here or the title above to go to DCI's web entry where a few drum corps fans have written in to express their excitement about this season. Check out David's post (the last one on the page).

I'm right there with you, my friend, except for the age-out part. Alex has a few years before then!

Rod R.

Today is Wednesday, June 14; it’s a cornfield tour day

Yes, we are still in Belmont, Wisconsin!

photo
Photo by Rod R.

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

Weather report and forecast for Belmont

Click for Google map of Belmont. 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
Left over french toast
Whole banana (donated by the Belmont Band Boosters)

Lunch
Breaded pork chops
Cheesy potatoes
Baked beans
Fruit salad
Pickles

Dinner
Penne pasta with meatballs
Mandarin salad
Texas toast
Cake with chocolate or vanilla frosting

Snack
Pizza


Today's Schedule
7:50 – Wake
8:00 – Stretch
8:30 – Breakfast
9:30 – Visual
12:00 – Lunch
1:00 – Sectionals
5:00 – Dinner
6:00 – Warm-up
7:00 – Ensemble
9:00 – Snack / pack / load
11:00 – Depart for Platteville
11:30 – Arrive in Platteville
11:45 - Lights-out


Today's Cooks
Jody
Bill
Luba
Diane
Bev
Lauren and Sue - sewing
Tom T, Alicia R, and Charlotte W - all stopped by to help cook


Today's News

Thanks to the Belmont Band Boosters for the 80 pounds of bananas!

'Not sure why the corps decided to stay in Belmont one extra day; I will pass along any information if I receive it.

Just minutes before breakfast was to be served this morning, the skies opened up and it rained, well actually it poured! The cooks and kids reacted quickly and relocated the serving tables to a sheltered area, and all went fine. The skies are looking better to the west, and they will hopefully be rain-free the rest of the day,

Word is the show was awesome last night. The guard uniforms had their debut as well, and they look fantastic.

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

We're still in Belmont

'Got word late last night that the corps is staying one more day in Belmont and will leave for Platteville tonight. I'll have updates and today's schedule posted later today. Rod R.

Tuesday, June 13, 2006

Today is Tuesday, June 13; it’s Brass ‘n’ Brats day

We are in Belmont, Wisconsin.

photo
Photo by David S.

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

Weather report and forecast for Belmont

Click for Google map of Belmont. 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 bake
Hash brown patties
Banana or orange

Lunch
Breaded chicken breast on a bun
French fries
Cottage cheese
Vegetables (variety unknown)

Dinner (with Colt Cadets – 300 mouths to feed!)
Beef stew
Bread sticks
Lettuce/veggie salad
“Stupendous” dessert (your guess is as good as mine)

Snack
Corn dogs


Today's Schedule
7:50 – Wake
8:00 – Stretch
8:30 – Breakfast
9:30 – Visual
12:00 – Lunch
1:00 – Sectionals
3:00 - Ensemble
5:00 – Dinner
6:30 – Warm-up
7:30 – Performance
8:30 – Change out of uniform
9:00 – Visual
11:00 – Snack
Midnight – Lights-out


Today's Cooks
Jody
Bill
Luba
Diane
Bev
Lauren and Sue continue to feverishly sew uniforms
Jude and Jennifer helped serve dinner last night


Today's News

Happy birthday to Hannah G!

The staff hopes to have to closer on the field today. The run-through went well last night. ‘Looking good.

The kids are in good spirits, the cooks hanging in there…. Not much news, just lots of hard work all around.

There was question as to whether they corps would travel to Platteville tonight as planned or stay in Belmont. I will post an update if I receive additional information. Rod R.

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

Monday, June 12, 2006

Today is Monday, June 12; it’s a cornfield tour day

We are in Belmont, Wisconsin.

photo
Photo by Rod R.

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

Weather report and forecast for Belmont

Click for Google map of Belmont. 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
Orange and banana

Lunch
Pasta salad
Cheesy biscuits
Chicken nuggets
Peaches

Dinner
Salisbury steak
Mashed potatoes and gravy
Dinner rolls
Mixed veggies
Dump cake (two varieties: rhubarb and peach)

Snack
Surprise! (they’ll figure something out)


Today's Schedule
7:20 – Wake
7:30 – Stretch
8:00 – Breakfast
9:00 – Visual
12:30 – Lunch
1:30 – Sectionals
5:30 – Dinner
6:30 – Warm-up
7:30 – Ensemble
9:30 – Run through
10:00 – Drill (yes, the field has lights!)
11:00 – Snack
Midnight – Lights-out


Today's Cooks
Jody
Bill
Luba
Diane
Bev
And, Alicia, making a guest appearance last night and again tonight


Today's News

We need cookies!!! There are none on the truck. I am almost afraid to mention this, as we don’t need 10,000 of them, but if you are planning to visit the Colts anytime soon, please consider bringing along some cookies. Remember we give each person two, so we’d need 320 cookies for one serving. We’ll post another message should we end up overflowing in cookies. Thanks!

It was a cold day yesterday, and it rained during dinner so it was served inside. But the evening cleared up, and it ended up being a nice night for rehearsal; no hot chocolate necessary.

Today the corps is focusing on the closer. Unofficial word has it that Nick thought last nights run trough was fabulous.

Some quotes from the cook truck: “It’s ###### cold here!”; “I’m not out of long pants yet”.

It is a nice, sunny day today, and should begin to warm up. ‘Wish I were there… Rod R.


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

Sunday, June 11, 2006

Love letter To "my corps"

Well, I've had a good night's sleep and a bath, and I miss everybody desperately. I had such a great time seeing all the practices and performances and all the beautiful faces every day.

Thanks so much to my crew--Vicki, Delora, Patty, Linda, Lori, Pat, Leeta, Bev F.,Loren, and Tom. Hugs and Kisses to the food packing staff crew consisting of Harrison, Nick, Carla, and Jude. We couldn't have done it without you. Seeing Nick drive the gator was worth the price of admission. And is Nick drinking his water?

I can't begin to say how great it is to be on tour. It's exhausting and frustrating, but mostly it's rewarding and fun. I miss them more than I can say today. I cried when I left. It's a life-altering experience that you shouldn't deny yourself. Don't do it for them. Do it for you.

Keep up the good work Colts. I'll see you in Saydel.

Love
Jody

Saturday, June 10, 2006

Today is Sunday, June 11; it’s a cornfield tour day

We are in Belmont, Wisconsin.

photo
Photo by David S.

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

Weather report and forecast for Belmont

Click for Google map of Belmont. 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 & apple cinnamon muffins
Bacon
Bananas & oranges

Lunch
Butt chops
Coleslaw
Corn
Special K bars

Dinner
Chicken teriyaki
Romaine salad
Rice/broccoli/cheese
Croissants
Cake

Snack
Cheese bread & pizza sauce


Today's Schedule
9:00 – Stretch
9:30 – Breakfast
10:30 – Visual
12:00 – Guard sectional
1:30 – Lunch
2:30 – Sectionals (all)
3:30 – Guard to main field
6:00 – Dinner
7:00 – Field / warm-up
7:30 – Ensemble
9:30 – Run-through
10:00 – Snack
11:30 – Lights out


Today's Cooks
Jody G.
Bill
Luba
Diane
Bev
Lauren & Sue - Sewing


Today's News

Happy birthday to David K, Ashleigh J, and Keenan C!!!

Thanks to Vicki and Jody S., both departing cooks today! On the white board is today’s goal: “Finalize and clarify parts 1-4”.

An update from the car wash yesterday: corps members were picked up from their car wash posts around 3 PM, as it was cold and rainy. After a few hours down time, they were back at it again, rehearsing for most of the evening.

Also, word from the Charlie Daniels concert was that, of course the corps did a fantastic job as the opening act. And, interestingly, despite some members not being too keen on staying for the remainder of the concert, and probably wondering who Charlie Daniels even was, it seems that once he got started, the kids really got into it, and had a great time.

The Colts arrived in Belmont about midnight, and the corps got a full 8 hours sleep. The cooks got more sleep than normal too! Because it was so cold last night, the cook truck served up hot chocoloate upon arrival, and it was greatly appreciated by the kids and staff. Today looks overcast, but will hopefully be dry.

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

Today is Saturday, June 10; it's car wash day

We are in Dubuque, Iowa.

photo
Photo by David S.

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
Breakfast pizza

Lunch
Sack lunches at wash sites

Dinner
Ravioli
Corn
Pineapple
Cookies

Snack
Chicken nuggets (subject to change when the new crew arrives today)

Today's Schedule
7:30 Breakfast
8:15 Corps meeting
8:30 Depart for car wash at various sites around Dubuque
9-4:30 Car wash (The board says "Happy Washing!")
5:30 Dinner
7 Warmup
7:20 Ensemble
9:15 Snack/pack/clean/load
11 Depart for Belmont, Wisc.

Today's Cooks
Jody S.
Vicki
Loren
Bev
Diane
Jody G.
Bill
Luba
and a bunch of other people just arriving today. (Sorry, I don't have my list with me right now. Rod will take care of all the shift change things tomorrow.)

Today's News

The concert went great last night. Jody said something about some of the Colts doing a real good job on 'Freebird.' Is that the same Freebird I remember?

Rainy, cool, and pretty crappy weather all around today in Dubuque for car wash. Hope it doesn't hold down attendance too much. The kitchen staff served breakfast in the entryway area at the Dubuque Senior gym this morning because of the cool, gray weather.


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

Friday, June 09, 2006

Real cornfield tour photos

Photos from the 2006 tour are now in the gallery. Click on 2006 under galleries in the right sidebar and look for the 'Platteville and Lancaster' link to click on.

The Colts' performance at the Charlie Daniels concert is getting rave reviews from the volunteers. Jody said they played great. Look for Lori's comments as a comment on the post below.

Rod R. will be your host for the next week. I think Bill is in charge of calling from the road. You're in good hands with those two. Now, wasn't there somewhere I was supposed to be?

David

Today is Friday, June 9; it's a rehearsal/laundry/Charlie Daniels concert day

We are in Dubuque, Iowa.

photo
Photo by David S.

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
(Menus subject to change today since the food drop got there while I was talking to Jody and they were practically out of food when she was planning today)

Breakfast
Blueberry muffins
Bananas and oranges

Lunch
Pizza
Fruit salad
Veggies and dip

Dinner
(subject to change due to laundry and Charlie Daniels concert scheduluing)
Butt chops
Mashed potatoes
Green beans

Snack
Up in the air

Today's Schedule
8 Wake/stretch
8:30 Breakfast
9:30 Warmup
10:30 Ensemble
1 Lunch
2 Laundry
5:30 (or so) Dinner
Rest of the schedule subject to change.

Today's Cooks
Jody S.
Vicki
Loren
Bev
Tom
Delora

Today's News


Happy Birthday to Kaitlyn Summitt, Tom Mueller, and Kendall Kruse.

The Colts open tonight for the Charlie Daniels Band as part of the center stage main concert at the 2nd Annual "America's River Festival" to be held at the Port of Dubuque.

There's a food drop today in Dubuque. I'm sure the cooks are ready for a re-supply for the last week of cornfield, since they were down to green beans and mandarin oranges. The first competition is just over a week away.

The performance last night in Delhi with the Colt Cadets was great. "It was really nice to see a performance in uniform this early in the season," Jody says.

The corps got to Dubuque Senior just fine early this morning after the Wal-Mart stop. It was a short night for the cooks with the bus trip from Delhi, the shopping stop, and getting set up in a new spot. It was raining this morning when the cooks got up and was "still kind of drippy" by mid-morning.

Note on the cooktruck from Gramma Mary: "Colts, I've never been so proud to be a part of you as I have this year."

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

Thursday, June 08, 2006

Today is Thursday, June 8; it's a cornfield tour/show day

We are in Delhi, Iowa.

photo
Memorial Day parade photo by Rod R.

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

Weather report and forecast for Delhi

Click for Google map of Delhi. 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
Mustgoes -- pancakes, waffles, egg wraps, cinnamon rolls, egg casserole

Lunch
Meatball subs
Broccoli and rice
Lemon poppyseed cake

Dinner
Beef pot pie

Snack
Pretzels

Today's Schedule
7:30 Wake/stretch
8 Breakfast
9 Sectionals
12 Lunch
1 Vis
5 Dinner/dress in uniform
6:30 Warmup
7:30 Performance in full uniform
8 Change out of uniform
8:30 Ensemble
9:30 Snack/pack/clean/load
11 Depart for Dubuque
1 Arrive at Dubuque Senior

Today's Cooks
Jody S.
Lori
Vicki
Delora
Tom
Patty
Leeta

Today's News

The Colt Cadets are to be in Delhi today to join the Colts for dinner and snack and a show for the people of Delhi.

The corps is really excited. There'll be a Wal-Mart stop tonight when they arrive in Dubuque. Woo-hoo!

A lot of energy in the corps with a full-uniform performance on the schedule today. The show is really coming along.

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

Wednesday, June 07, 2006

Nic's May camp video at colts.org

Nic Champagne's video from the Memorial Day parade and performance in Washington Park in Dubuque is posted at colts.org. Click headline above for the movie link.

Today is Wednesday, June 7; it’s a cornfield tour day

We are in Delhi, Iowa.

photo
May camp photo by Rod R.

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

Weather report and forecast for Delhi

Click for Google map of Delhi. 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 bake

Lunch
Fish sandwich
Pasta salad
Corn

Dinner
Taco salad
Refried beans
Watermelon

Snack
Mustgoes

Today's Schedule
7:30 Wake/stretch
8 Breakfast
9 Warmup
10 Full ensemble
12:30 Lunch
1:30 Brass vis; percussion and guard sectionals
3:30 Brass sectionals; percussion and guard on field
5:30 Dinner
6:30 Sectionals
7:30 Full ensemble
10:15 Snack
11:30 Lights out

Today's Cooks
Jody S.
Lori
Vicki
Delora
Tom
Patty
Vicki
Leeta
(When I look at the "official" cooks list for today, I see only four names listed. I count eight above. I am continually amazed about how Colts' volunteers respond when you say you need help. Thanks to everyone for pitching in!)

Today's News

There was actually some news today. Seems like some kids threw water balloons at the Colts from the cover of darkness during ensemble last night. Staff members chased them and got a license number or some other description that allowed police to identify the water balloon throwers, find them, and bring them to the school. They turned them over to Carla. I don't guess they could think of anything worse to do to them.

Charlotte Sinclair arrived from England last night to take her place in the bari line. She finished all her exams for her degree and then hopped a plane for Delhi. (Not a direct flight, I don't think.) She was a bit nervous about joining the horn line since she hadn't been able to make many camps and was days late getting on tour because of school, but she got a big Colt welcome and went right to work.

Thanks to Tom (Frank the truck driver's son) for helping out on the cooktruck, restocking the paper goods and generally just for being around. He's a big help, the cooks report.

The corps is doing very well, despite some people having to sit out with injuries and a rash of rash. Lots getting done on the drum solo and Ride, as I understand it.

If you see Nick the drum caption head, remind him to drink more water.

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

Tuesday, June 06, 2006

Rod's Magical May Mystery Tour

Rod's pictures from May camp and the Memorial Day parade and concert are now in the gallery. Click on 2006 under galleries in the right sidebar and look for the May camp link.

Today is Tuesday, June 6; it’s a cornfield tour day

We are in Delhi, Iowa.

Weather report and forecast for Delhi

Click for Google map of Delhi. 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 wraps
Sausage

Lunch
Spaghetti
Peas and carrots
Bread sticks

Dinner
Burgers
French fries
Pork and beans
Jell-o

Snack
Caramel corn

Today's Schedule
7:30 Wake and stretch
8 Breakfast
9 Sectionals
12:30 p.m. Lunch
1:30 Vis
5:30 Dinner
6:30 Warmup
7 Ensemble
10:15 Snack
12:30 a.m. Lights out

Today's Cooks
Jody S.
Delora
Vicki
Pat
Leeta
Linda A.

Today's News

The cooks got to the cooktruck at 6 a.m. and it was pouring rain. But it stopped just in time to serve breakfast. So breakfast was served out of the truck and the kids ate indoors.

While fields dried, the brass learned retreat music inside today. Which was already on the program for the day, so there was nothing was missed. "It was already planned that way," Jody said. "So they are not losing any time when they would have been working on other things." Percussion worked on the baseball field while the other fields dried.

They came and emptied the dumpsters while the cooktruck report was coming in, which made the cooks very happy.

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

Monday, June 05, 2006

Thanks from Lori

Lori left this as a comment to one of the posts. I put it there, but I thought it deserved a post all it's own. The only thing I would add would be a huge thanks to Lori, for a great week as head cook, for working so closely with Jody to get her week off to a wonderful start, and for all the behind-the-scenes things she does. Thanks, Lori! (And I second the comment about the C section of the stadium....)

From Lori:

Thank You so much to the cooks who helped the first week of tour.Jim H., Rob P., Penny D., Larry the Grill Master, Alisha R., Jody and David S. and Bev.(Larry beware Rob and David can also do some crazy grilling)....You made the week one to remember!!!!
Speaking of remembering. Remember always wear protection and don't sit in the C section of the stadium.
Thanks again,
Lori

Red Team rollin'

Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh. That's more like it. On the road with the Colts. No place I'd rather be.

Just back from a three-cities-in-four-days, extra-long weekend on the road with the 2006 Colts, and it's never felt so good to be so exhausted. Jody's still there being head cook, transitioning from a killer (in a good way) week by Lori and her all-star crew made up of Jim H., Penny, Larry, and Rob. Delora is on board with Jody and is going full speed already. Vicki showed up extra early this morning because we were so short on staff. Then Leeta (a local volunteer and the mom of one of our local Delhi hosts) showed up and our crew was really rolling. Pat was coming this afternoon in time to help with supper, Leeta promised to be back in time to serve, and the vis staff volunteered too. When the need arises, Colts respond.

Thank you all.

UW Platteville was beautiful and the people there were so helpful and friendly. I think the Colts will be happy to get back there for their big summer premier later this month. I thought it couldn't get any better.

Then we pulled in at Lancaster and were greeted by a great big drums corps hug by Bev Mattingly, mom of a former Colt and one of the corps' biggest boosters. There was a good turnout for the dog 'n' pony show. Bev said, "They're just my friends." She sure has a lot of friends. I hope she counts me among them. Thanks for a great couple of days, Bev.

Then we made our way down Highway 61, through Dubuque (past Washington Junior High, one of the winter homes of the Colts) and on to Delhi. Where we were greeted by John and Chrys -- band director, color guard instructor, and Colt Cadets staff members and parents. They literally opened all the doors of the school to us and made us feel at home. Colts people greeting Colts and more Colts people. The staff at the school at Delhi was so helpful. They were really busy getting school buses ready for inspection, but not too busy to reset breakers we blew and to make sure bathrooms had plenty of toliet paper. You can't get that kind of service even in places that you're paying to stay.

Only one problem, uh, inconvenience. I had to come home and go back to work.

Oh, you want to know about the corps? Go see for yourself. It's more fun that way.

Today is Monday, June 5; it’s a cornfield tour day

We are in Delhi, Iowa.

photo
Photo by David S.

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

Weather report and forecast for Delhi

Click for Google map of Delhi. 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 streusel coffee cake
Banana (whole)

Lunch
Two chilidogs
Potato wedges
Lettuce salad

Dinner
Chicken rice casserole
Vegetable (variety yet to be determined as of this posting)
Fruit salad

Snack
Pudding cups

Today's Schedule
8:30 – Wake / cals
9:00 – Breakfast
10:00 – Sectionals
1:00 – Lunch
2:00 – Visual
6:00 – Dinner
7:00 – Warm-up
7:30 – Full ensemble
10:15 – Snack
11:30 – Lights out

Today's Cooks
Jody
Vicki
Delora
David


Today's News

Happy Birthday, Julie Wheeler!

Thanks to our departing cooks Lori, Rob, Jim H., and Penny. Also, many thanks to Bev, and our other hosts from Lancaster; they were fantastic.

Weather is sunny and nice today, but rain is in the forecast for tomorrow. The trip from Lancaster to Delhi went smoothly. One of the semis went in for service today, and will be back in time for the next move to Dubuque.

The kids are doing well. A good crowd watched their performance last night at Lancaster. They performed the show through the ballad, and went on to perform the drum solo and Ride as a standstill. David reported great progress being made, and said that Ride sounds “wicked”.

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

Sunday, June 04, 2006

Today is Sunday, June 4; it’s a cornfield tour/show day

We are in Lancaster, Wisconsin.

photo
Photo by David S.

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

Weather report and forecast for Lancaster

Click for Google map of Lancaster. 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
Bacon

Lunch
Chicken philly steaks
Macaroni salad
Pineapple

Dinner
Tater tot casserole
Green jello with pears
Cranberry orange cake

Snack
Nachos

Today's Schedule
7:20 – Stretch / run
8:00 – Breakfast
9:00 – Sectionals
12:30 – Lunch
1:30 – Visual
5:30 – Dinner
6:30 – Warm-up
7:20 – Performance (in show shirts, through the ballad)
9:15 – Snack / pack / clean / load
11:30 – Depart
1:00 a.m. – Arrive in Delhi, IA


Today's Cooks
Jody
David
Delora
Jim H.
Lori
Deb
Penny
Bev
Rob

Today's News

Jim, Rob, Penny, and Lori are all leaving today; thanks to everyone and safe travels home! Also, Delora just hopped on board today; welcome! Staff members Nic and Beth also arrived today.

Penny reported that the Chicken Philly Steaks were cooking and they smelled fantastic. She also said that Mike Grimes stopped by the cook truck last night and was smiling :)

David passed along a few quotes from the kids regarding dinner last night:
“Better than my Mom makes!”
“This is the best food day in Drum Corps, ever!”

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

Saturday, June 03, 2006

Today is Saturday, June 3; it’s a cornfield tour day

We are in Lancaster, Wisconsin.

photo
Photo by David S.

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

Weather report and forecast for Lancaster

Click for Google map of Lancaster. 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 Rolls
French toast
Sausage

Lunch
Ravioli
Bread sticks
Cole slaw

Dinner
Meat loaf
Scalloped potatoes
Lettuce salad
Pudding cups

Snack
Pizza!

Today's Schedule
8:30 – Stretch
9:00 – Breakfast
10:00 – Sectionals
1:00 – Lunch
2:00 – Visual
6:00 – Dinner
7:00 – Warm-up
7:30 – Full ensemble in the stadium
10:15 – Snack
11:30 – Lights out

Today's Cooks
Lori
Penny
Deb
Jody
David
Bev
Larry
Jim H.
Rob

Today's News

The Colts made a smooth move from Plattville to Lancaster. These early days of tour, many cooks drive their own cars, making for quite a large caravan as the Colts travel from town to town.

It’s another bright and beautiful day, and the corps is focused and working hard.

Sorry for the late post today – Rod R.

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

Friday, June 02, 2006

Colts receive over $25,000 in grants

I just saw this on DCI.org. Click here or the title of this post to read the good news!

Rod R.

Today is Friday, June 2; it’s a cornfield tour day

We are in Platteville, Wisconsin.

photo
Photo by David S.

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

Weather report and forecast for Platteville

Click for Google map of Platteville. 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
Apples & Bananas
Cereal

Lunch
Butt Chops
Corn
Chips
Fruit Salad

Dinner
Chicken & Noodles
Mixed Veggies
Moon Cake (I was assured “Moon” is a noun!)

Snack
Floats

Today's Schedule
7:20 a.m. - Wake
7:30 a.m. – Stretch (full corps)
8:00 a.m. – Breakfast / clean
9:00 a.m. – Sectionals
12:30 p.m. – Lunch
1:30 p.m. – Visual in stadium
5:15 p.m. – Dinner
6:30 p.m. – Warm-up
7:15 p.m. – Full ensemble
9:15 p.m. – Snack / pack/ clean / load
11:00 p.m. – Depart for Lancaster,WI
Midnight – Arrive at Lancaster, WI

Today's Cooks
Lori
Penny
Deb
Jim H.
Larry
Rob
Jody
David

Today's News

Clear, sunny skies – just a beautiful day! David just arrived on tour and reports that the setup is great; he couldn’t have done it better himself! One of their hosts is a former Madison Scout, so they are totally in step with what the Colts are doing and what they need.

The white board outside the cook truck declares this “Give Carla a hug day”. You’ll have to ask her – something to do with the puppy pictured above, I believe.
The Corps is making good progress. Even though the stadium is a bit of a hike from the school, it’s a great venue to work on the visuals. On to the next stop tomorrow.

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

Thursday, June 01, 2006

Today is Thursday, June 1; it’s a cornfield tour day

We are in Platteville, Wisconsin.

photo
Photo by David S.

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

Weather report and forecast for Platteville

Click for Google map of Platteville. 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
Sausage
Breafast mustgoes

Lunch
Pizza burgers
Baked beans
Tater tots

Dinner
Pulled pork
Mashed potatoes and gravy
Mixed vegetables
Moon cake

Snack
Corn dogs

Today's Schedule
7:45 a.m. Stretch
8:15 Breakfast
9:15 Sectionals
12:30 p.m. Lunch
1:30 Visual
5:15 Dinner
6:30 Warmup
7 Full ensemble
9 Visual ensemble
10:15 Snack
11:30 Lights out

Today's Cooks
Lori
Penny
Rob
Larry
Jim H.

Today's News

Penny says it's going to be a nice day again today in Platteville. The corps has gotten a lot done in rehearsal over the past couple of days and "are already ahead of where they wanted to be by now."

"The cook staff, except for me, have all gone crazy," Penny reported, but did not elaborate. "They went over to the stadium to watch rehearsal and I went to take a shower. When they came back, I don't know what had happened." Sounds like the kitchen staff and the corps are all doing really well.

Former Colt Aleisha Rider (forgive me if I've spelled it wrong) is helping out on the cooktruck.

And -- good news -- the oven guy is on the way.

As always, go red Team.

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