Tuesday, July 31, 2007

Colt Cadets on dci.org

We don't get to feature a lot of Colt Cadet news here, but dci.org took notice of the end of their touring season. Click to see the feature.

david

Today is Tuesday, July 31; it's rehearsal and laundry day

We are in Vernon, TX

Click for weather report and forecast

map

Click for larger interactive version of today's map.


Today's Menu

Breakfast
“Just about everything”
Leftover pancakes, blintzes, mini-muffins
Sausage patties
Bagels and cream cheese
Banana or orange wedges

Meal 2
Potato bar
Fruit salad

Meal 3
Meatloaf
Au gratin potatoes
Peas and carrots

Meal 4
Mustgoes
(and possibly cake)

photo
Photo by David S.

Today's Schedule
9:30 Wake
9:45 Stretch
10:15 Breakfast
11:15 Vis
1:45 Snack
2:25 Sectionals
3:45 Afternoon nap (Jim said he thought the cooks would be cooking, so they’d miss the nap)
5:45 Dinner
6:45 Warmup
7:15 Ensemble
9:15 Meal 4/pack/load
11 Depart

Today's Cooks
Barry M., head cook
Charlotte W.
Diane H.
Jan M.
Jim J.
Lisa P.

Today's News
Jim says it is “unsurprisingly hot” today in Texas. They saw a lot of familiar faces again in Oklahoma. Not quite as many as in Missouri the day before, but still a good Colts turnout.

The “board Nazi” cleaned the other white board today, so there are two clean white boards as the corps heads for California.

The set out the lost and found today and a few things were claimed. I told Jim to be on the lookout for anything I might like…

The uniform crew is washing every single uniform the corps is wearing this year – all the guard uniforms and all the marching uniforms – on the same day. Way to go.

Lauren R. is sewing. Peter H. is driving. Brock L. is driving.

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

Monday, July 30, 2007

Colts on TV in Lawrence

The Colts' stopover in Lawrence, KS, was local TV news. Click here for the video link.

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

We are in Broken Arrow, OK

Click for weather report and forecast

map

Click for larger interactive version of today's map.


Today's Menu

Breakfast
Western omelette bake
Waffles
Choice of fresh fruit
Donated mini-muffins

Meal 2
Breaded pork fritters
Broccoli salad
Cucumber salad
Frozen grapes
Battled Gatorade

Meal 3
Salisbury steak
Garlic mashed potatoes
Green beans

photo
Photo by David S.

Today's Schedule
9:30 Wake
9:45 Stretch
10:15 Breakfast
11:15 Visual
12:30 Sectionals/warmup
1:50 Ensemble
3:25 Meal 2/pack/load
5:10 Depart for stadium
6 Warmup
7:59 Gate
8:19 Performance
9:05 Meal 3
11 Deapart

Today's Cooks
Barry M., head cook
Charlotte W.
Diane H.
Jan M.
Jim J.
Lisa P.

Guest cooks Carol M. and Cindy S.

Today's News
Happy Birthday Chris T!

The corps has completed the late-season loop through the Midwest and is definitely head west now. “The little line on the map is just crazy,” Jim J. says. Yes, we WERE in Oklahoma just a week ago and now we’re back.

Yesterday was a good day – lots of visitors and donations. Almost like another home show. Former Colts. Former volunteers. Family. “Donations like you wouldn’t believe,” Jim says. Mini-muffiins, cups, cucumbers, grapes, oranges, apples, cereal. Sue H. brought a van load of fresh fruits and veggies including carrots, broccoli, cabbage, grapes, and lots of other stuff.

Partly cloudy and warm today. Good day for an excellent show, I think.

Lauren R. is sewing. Peter H. is driving. Brock L. is driving.


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

Colts the focus of dci.org story from Columbia show

The 2007 Colts continue to get lots of positive attention from the drum corps world. The dci.org story from the Columbia show quotes drum major Dee exclusively. And the picture is of the Colts too.

Go Colts. See you in Pasadena.

Sunday, July 29, 2007

Today is Sunday, July 29; it's a show day

We are in Columbia, MO

Click for weather report and forecast

map

Click for larger interactive version of today's map.


Today's Menu

Breakfast
Mock cheese blintzes
Bacon
Fruit

Lunch
Pub burgers
French fries

Dinner
Pasta bar
(and maybe something else – Barry is still checking out the freezer contents)

Note: There are only three main meals today due to the schedule


photo
Photo by David S.

Today's Schedule
9:30 Wake
9:45 Stretch
10:15 Breakfast
11:15 Visual
12:15 Sectionals
1:15 Ensemble
2:45 Lunch/Pack/Load
4:30 Depart for stadium
5:30 Warm-up
7:31 Gate
7:51 Perform
8:45 Dinner
10:45 Depart

Today's Cooks
Barry M., head cook
Charlotte W.
Diane H.
Jan M.
Jim J.
Lisa P. arrives today
Guest cooks Laura E., Brett E., and Leann S.

Today's News
“It’s a small town which sits up on a ridge with nice views; scenic and very pretty”, Jim reports.

Speaking of Jim, the “board Nazi” is back!!! The white board is now white again!!!

The show last night at Indy went well. Today is shaping up to be a nice, albeit pretty warm day.

Lauren R. is on sewing. Brock L. is driving. Peter H. is driving.

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

Saturday, July 28, 2007

Lawrence newspaper notes Colts' visit

Click here or on the post title to read what the Lawrence, Kansas, newspaper said about the corps' two-day stay in their town.

(Be sure to read the comments too. They're really good.)

david

Today is Saturday, July 28; it's a regional competition day

We are in Indianapolis, IN

Click for weather report and forecast

map

Click for larger interactive version of today's map.


Today's Menu

Breakfast
Cinnamon rolls
Something else really good –sorry, could not read my writing (Rod)
Fruit

Snack
Chicken taco salad

Lunch
Chow mien
Rice
Peas & carrots
Biscuits
Fortune cookie

Dinner
Butt chops (a corps favorite!)
Left over brisket
Cheesy potatoes
Chips
Fruit

photo
Photo by David S.

Today's Schedule
9:30 Wake
9:45 Stretch
10:15 Breakfast
11:15 Visual
12:30 Sectionals
1:45 Snack
2:15 Ensemble
4:05 Lunch/Pack/Load
5:50 Depart for RCA Dome
6:15 Warm-up
8:56 Gate
9:16 Performance
10:30 Dinner
Midnight Depart

Today's Cooks
Jody G., head cook leaves today
Donna M. leaves today
Peter H.
Peg L. leaves today
Charlotte W.
Diane H.
Jan M.
Barry M. arrives today
Jim J. arrives today

Today's News
The sold-out show at North Central College in Naperville last night was fantastic. With nine Colts members from Naperville, this is like a second “home show” for them.

Today in Indy, the weather was initially so foggy the football stadium was not visible from the school. It cleared up and became warm and hazy.

Remember, the entire Indy event is being streamed live on dci.org. Platinum members can watch it as part of their membership; others can watch the event for a fee.

Lauren R. is on sewing.


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

More about Colts on DCI.org

Read what Katrina has to say by clicking here.

Friday, July 27, 2007

Jenny A. featured on DCI Field Pass

Click here to hear Jenny's story about marching while living with Lyme disease. Hearing Jenny tell her story reminds us of how special she is, but those of us lucky enough to volunteer and spend time with the corps realize she is one of 135 remarkable "kids." It's a privilege to be a part of the Colts organization, to get to know these members and hear their stories.

Today is Friday, July 27; it's a show day

We are in Naperville, IL

Click for weather report and forecast

map

Click for larger interactive version of today's map.


Today's Menu

Breakfast
Pancakes
Bacon
Hash browns

Meal 2
Parmesan noodles
Fruit
Bottled, vitamin-enhanced water

Meal 3
Salad bar
Baked ziti, meatballs, sauce
Garlic bread

Meal 4
Pronto pups
Chips
Cake and ice cream

photo
Photo by David S.

Today's Schedule
8:30 Wake
8:45 Stretch
9:15 Breakfast
10:15 Visual
12:10 Sectionals
2:00 Snack
2:30 Ensemble
4:05 Lunch, pack, & load
5:50 Depart
6:23 Warm-up
8:23 Gate
8:43 Performance
9:40 Meal 4
11:00 Depart

Today's Cooks
Jody G., head cook
Jack W. leaves today
Donna M.
Peter H.
Peg L.
Charlotte W.
Diane H. arrives today
Jan M. arrives today
Lauren R. arrives today

Today's News
"Wow and a half" for the home show last night! And "double WOW" for the Colt Cadets for a great show and score. The age-out ceremony was also great, and the Colts and Cadets both played an encore of Free Bird, with a solo by Dan the Brit. Following the show and during travel it rained hard, but they got in on time and today is a beautiful day. There are a lot of area parents in today, and they brought fruit and bottled water. Jack W. left early this morning, and the other cooks report that they already miss him.

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

Thursday, July 26, 2007

Today is Thursday, July 26; it's HOME SHOW

We are in Dubuque

Click for weather report and forecast

map

Click for larger interactive version of today's map.


Today's Menu

Breakfast
English muffin
Sausage
Choice of banana nut muffin, waffles, or eggs
Banana or orange

Meal 2
Fruit
Mustgoes

Meal 3
Provided by Colts Booster Club:
Hot Dogs
Brats (the best in drum corps)
French fries
Veggies

Meal 4
With Colt Cadets
Ravioli
Bread sticks
Salad
Homemade pies

photo
Photo by David S.

Today's Schedule
9:30 Wake
9:45 Stretch
10:15 Breakfast
11:15 Visual
1:00 Sectionals
2:30 Meal 2 (snack)
3:00 Ensemble
4:40 Lunch, pack, load
6:25 Warm-up
8:25 Gate
8:35 Performance
9:15 Dinner
11:00 Depart

Today's Cooks
Jody G., head cook
Jack W.
Donna M.
Peter H.
Peg L. arrives today
Charlotte W. arrives today

Today's News
Happy Birthday Jake N!

Last night's run-through was great, in spite of less-than-ideal field and lighting conditions. They were not in the KU stadium, as they had planned to be. Today there is a lot of excitement about the home show, with lots of donations, lots of visitors, and lots going on. Everything on the truck has been cleaned. Please bring fruit and powdered gatorade in large, 9-gallon containers.

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

Wednesday, July 25, 2007

Today is Wednesday, July 25; it's a rehearsal day

We are in Lawrence, KS

Click for weather report and forecast

map

Click for larger interactive version of today's map.


Today's Menu

Breakfast
Scrambled eggs with cheese
Bacon
Banana nut muffin
Fresh fruit
Meal 2
Vegie pasta salad
Chicken snack wrap
Applesauce
Sliced cucumber and carrots
Meal 3
Lisa’s KC BBQ
Potato salad or cole slaw
Corn
Dinner rolls
Meal 4
Pretzels
Choice of Leftovers:
Hamburger or Lunchmeat sandwich
photo
Photo by David S.

Today's Schedule
7:30 Wake
7:45 Stretch
8:15 Meal 1
9:15 Visual
1:15 Meal 2
2:15 Sectionals
5:30 Meal 3
6:30 Warm up
7 Ensemble
9:15 Meal 4, Pack, Load,
11 Depart for HOME SHOW!
Today's Cooks
Jody G., head cook
Jack W.
Donna M.
Peter H. arrives today

Guest cooks Lisa P., Brock L., Debbie L., and Kris S.

Today's News
It’s been fabulous weather in Kansas. Lots of help and donations greeted the corps.Smalls (marched 05) helped out yesterday. Tristan, an ‘06 Glassmen, dropped by and cleaned out the cooktruck and helped. News 6 came and interviewed Mike Grimes and other staff members for a feature on the Colts. And a sure sign of the season winding down on the side of the actual cooktruck--a sheet to correct all your info that the corps has on you (email, phone, address, etc.) and a sheet to sign up about how you are getting back to Iowa from finals. Wow.


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

Tuesday, July 24, 2007

Today is Tuesday, July 24; it's a rehearsal day

We are in Lawrence, KS

Click for weather report and forecast

map

Click for larger interactive version of today's map.


Today's Menu

Breakfast
Waffles
Sausage
Banana or orange
Fruit cup
Meal 2
Mac and cheese
Coice of one of the following:
Chicken Breast
Salisbury Steak
Ham, turkey, cheese sandwich
Chicken salad
Meal 3
Cheeseburger bar
Baked beans
Seasoned fries
Peaches
Meal 4
Pizza
Salad bar
photo
Photo by David S.

Today's Schedule
9 Wake
9:15 Stretch
9:45 Meal 1
10:45 Sectional
12:45 Meal 2
1:45 Laundry
5:45 Meal 3
6:45 Visual
8:45 Warm up
9:15 Ensemble
10:45 Meal 4
12 Lights out
Today's Cooks
Jody G., head cook
Jack W.
Donna M.

Guest cooks Lisa P.,Steve P., Brock L., Debbie L., and Kris S.

Today's News
If you are looking for something to bring for the corps for home show or Naperville, consider 180 bottles of Gatorade. The corps gets so much “bang for the buck” out of the big bottles of Gatorade with the July/August heat coming. The good lasts them well into rehearsal.


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

Monday, July 23, 2007

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

We are in Enid, OK

Click for weather report and forecast

map

Click for larger interactive version of today's map.


Today's Menu

Breakfast
Bagels with cream cheese
Ham slices
Cheesy eggs
Fruit
Meal 2
Glazed Chicken
Minnesota green beans
Craisin Salad
Croissants
Meal 3
Salisbury Steak
Garlic mashed potatoes with gravy
Corn
Ice cream for Bob’s birthday


photo
Photo by David S.

Today's Schedule
10:30 Wake
10:45 Stretch
11:15 Breakfast
12:15 Sectional/warm up
1:30 Ensemble
3:15 Lunch, Pack, Load
5 Depart
5:25 Warm up
7:24 Gate
7:44 Performance
8:30 Meal 3
10:30 Depart
Today's Cooks
Jody G., head cook
Jack W.
Donna M.
Lorrie M. leaves today
Guest cook
Carol M. --Drake’s mom
Today's News
Happy Birthday Alex R! And Bob D. Free day was a hit. The kids appreciated a day in air conditioning. The corps arrived in Oklhoma early, making great time on the road. They received some bananas(thanks for responding so quickly), but apples, oranges, grapes,etc. would still be appreciated. A few rain storms have come and gone through Enid today, but they still hope to get Ensemble in before leaving for the stadium.


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

Sunday, July 22, 2007

A request from the cooks

As the corps heads back toward the midwest, the cooks have put out a call for fresh fruit. Anything but watermelon would be greatly appreciated because they do have some watermelon left. They'd like to have some before they leave the midwest and head due west to Pasadena. Thank you in advance for caring about our kids.

Today is Sunday, July 22; it's a free day

We are in San Antonio, TX

Click for weather report and forecast

map

Click for larger interactive version of today's map.


Today's Menu

Breakfast
Blueberry Muffins
Choice of 1 must go:
eggs, sausage biscuit, French toast
Fruit cup


photo
Photo by David S.

Today's Schedule
9:30 Wake, Breakfast, Pack, Load, Clean
11:05 Full Corps Meeting
11:30 Depart for San Antonio
9:30 Depart for Oklahoma
Today's Cooks
Jody G., head cook
Jack W.
Donna M.
Lorrie M.
Lori C. leaves today

Today's News
Thanks to Lori for a great stint as head cook. Rest up! This notice on the old cooktruck--No floor time tomorrow in Oklahoma. Live out of carry on until Lawrence. Have fun in the sun on Free Day.



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

Saturday, July 21, 2007

Final Tour Itinerary posted

The itinerary for the final part of the season was posted today on the Colts site. There are some really nice "notes from the road" that Greg posted at the end of the itinerary. Check it out at http://www.colts.org/news/news.cfm?news_id=193.

It's Saturday, July 21. It's a Show Day

We are in San Antonio, TX

Click for weather report and forecast

map

Click for larger interactive version of today's map.


Today's Menu

Breakfast
French toast
Bacon
Sausage
Meal 2
Lasagna
Lettuce Salad
Watermelon
Cheesy Biscuits




photo
Photo by David S.

Today's Schedule
7:15 Wake
7:30 Stretch
8 Breakfast
9:30 Ensemble
11Meal 2, Pack, Load
12:45 Leave for Stadium
1:20 Warm up
3 Gate
3:24 Performance
Today's Cooks
Lori C, head cook
Jack W.
Lorrie M.
Jody G.
Donna M.

Today's News
Meals 3 and 4 will be determined by the results from the day show. Kids and cooks psyched about the new changes put in at Natalia. Go Colts!

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

Friday, July 20, 2007

We are in San Antonio, TX

Click for weather report and forecast

map

Click for larger interactive version of today's map.


Today's Menu

Breakfast
Pancakes
Orange Cranberry Muffins
Fruit

Meal 2
Chcken Salad Sandwiches
Must go starches:
Chips
Macaroni Salad
Augratin Potatoes
Cookies
Meal 3
Mustgo Meats:
Pork Chops
Pulled Pork
Chicken Nuggets
Hot dogs
Left over brisket
Broccoli Cheese
Birthday Cake

photo
Photo by David S.

Today's Schedule
10:30 Wake
10:35 Stretch
11:15 Meal 1
!2:15 Sectionals
1:45 Visual
4:30 Meal 2
5:30 Warm-up/Sectionals
7:30 Ensemble
9:30 Reheasal Ends
9:45 Meal 3
11 Lights out
Today's Cooks
Lori C, head cook
Jack W.
Lorrie M.
Jody G.
Donna M.
Guest cook
Shari H Age out parent

Today's News
Only 3 meals today because the corps slept in. Last night’s brisket was a great success. All plates were piled high with the delicious food. Thanks Cindy and family! Today’s birthday celebration is for Matt H. Happy birthday.

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

Thursday, July 19, 2007

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

We are in Dallas, TX

Click for weather report and forecast

map

Click for larger interactive version of today's map.


Today's Menu

Breakfast
Eggs
Bacon

Meal 2
The local band boosters are grilling hot dogs and sausage on a stick
Watermelon
Mac and cheese

Meal 3
Cindy S. and her family are doing up a real Texas BBQ for the Colts with brisket and chicken
“It’s going to be a major Texas barbecue with lots of leftovers,” Lori says.

photo
Photo by David S.

Today's Schedule
9:30 Wake
9:45 Stretch
10:15 Breakfast
11:15 Vis
12:30 Warmup/sectionals
1:40 Refill water jugs
2 Ensemble
3:35 Meal 2/pack/load
5:10 Depart for stadium
6:10 Warmup
8:11 Gate
8:31 Performance
9:15 Family style Texas BBQ
11 Depart

Today's Cooks
Lori C, head cook
Jack W.
Lorrie M.
Jody G. and Donna M. arrive

Greg has been helping out on the cooktruck too.

Today's News
Happy Birthday Nathan R. and Kayla K.

Lori says the corps was really excited about last night’s 80-plus score. Go Colts!

She also says it’s a pretty quiet day for the cooks, with two meals getting the benefit of outside help and donations. Thanks to everyone for helping feed the greatest kids in the world!

Great Texas weather to greet the Colts. A great breeze and a temperature in the 80s.


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

Wednesday, July 18, 2007

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

We are in Fayetteville, AR

Click for weather report and forecast.

map

Click for larger interactive version of today's map.


Today's Menu

Breakfast
French toast
Sausage links

Meal 2
Chicken strips (donated by Tyson Foods)
Greg-fried hash browns
Fruit

Meal 3
Pork chops
Mashed potatoes and gravy
Green beans
And maybe Little Debbie snack cakes (also donated)

photo
Photo by David S.

Today's Schedule
9:30 a.m. Wake
9:45 Stretch
10:15 Breakfast
11:15 Vis
12:30 Warmup and sectionals
5:15 Depart for stadium
5:50 Warmup
7:54 Gate
8:14 Performance
9 Dinner
11 Depart

Today's Cooks
Lori C, head cook
Jack W.
Guest cook Lisa P.
Greg
Jude
Mary
Mike
And others

Today's News

Hooray for all the “guest cooks.” Way to pitch in and help! Lori was amazed and really pleased. “I looked around and said, ‘Where did they all come from?’”

The corps got in about 7:30 a.m. “It was very scenic coming in,” Lori says. “It was really pretty.” See why I miss home so much?

It is an amazing day. The parents of Carrie from the trumpet line brought in a whole food drop from Tyson Foods. (Carrie’s dad apparently works for Tyson, which is headquartered in nearby Springdale, AR) They brought hamburgers, glazed half chicken parts, hot dogs and Little Debbie treats. They also brought “chicken strips hot off the production line” which the cooks promptly served for lunch. And fruit. Thanks so much!

Jude put in a lot of changes for the guard yesterday for the closer. “It’s been a good, productive day all around,” Lori says.


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

Tuesday, July 17, 2007

Today is Tuesday, July 17; it's a rehearsal day

We are in Carbondale, IL

Click for weather report and forecast.

map

Click for larger interactive version of today's map.


Today's Menu

Breakfast
Egg sandwich
Hash browns
Banana or orange

Meal 2
Turkey or ham sandwiches
Chips
Jell-O snack packs
Watermelon

Meal 3
BBQ pulled pork sandwiches
Pasta salad
Peaches

photo
Photo by Patty A.

Today's Schedule
9:30 a.m. Wake
9:45 Stretch
10:15 Breakfast
10:45 Staff meeting
11:15 Percussion and brass to stadium
11:30 Vis
2 Sectionals
2:45 Guard to stadium
3 Meal 2
3:30 Ensemble
5:30 Rehearsal ends
6 Corps returns to housing site
6:30 Meal 3/clean/pack/load
9 Depart

Today's Cooks
Lori C, head cook
Carole B. and Mathilda D. leave today
Jack W.

Today's News
The corps got in about 6:30 a.m.

Seems to be bus maintenance day today. 853 was having the brakes seen about (although Lori thought that had already been taken care of) and 828 was departing for Dubuque. Another bus was meeting them halfway and returning in time to get the corps back on the road.

Jude was the guest cook last night. He helped serve dinner. Thanks Jude!

Tim C., a former tuba player, was in today helping on the cooktruck.

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

Monday, July 16, 2007

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

We are in Sevierville, TN

Click for weather report and forecast.

map

Click for larger interactive version of today's map.


Today's Menu

Breakfast
Egg bake
Bagels

Meal 2
Parmesan chicken
Scalloped potatoes
Lettuce salad

Meal 3
Spaghetti
Bread sticks
Green beans
“And anything else the cooks can come up with”

photo
Photo by David S.

Today's Schedule
9:30 a.m. Wake
9:45 Stretch
10:15 Breakfast
10:45 Staff meeting
11:15 Vis
12:15 p.m. Warmup/sectionals
1:15 Ensemble
2:45 Meal 2/pack/load
4:30 Depart for stadium
4:50 Warmup
6:48 Gate
7:08 Performance
7:55 Meal 3
11 Depart

Today's Cooks
Lori C, head cook
Carole B.
Mathilda D.
Jack W.

Today's News
Happy Birthday Matt M!

It’s sunny and hot in Tennessee today.

Today is the 21st anniversary of the opening of Dollywood park, which is less than 10 miles down the road from where the Colts are housed.

Note on the cooktruck: Member jackets are made. Ordered and paid – OK. Should be ready at homeshow. Ordered and not paid – see Mary. Not ordered and not paid – see Mary.

Note from Greg on the cooktruck: The showers are in the community center. Straight ahead to the street. Right one block. Next to the police station. So behave yourselves.

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

Pictures

Since I'm going to be away for much of the rest of tour, I will not be able to put together galleries of photos and post them on the website. (I'm leaving Friday for 8 days on tour; then I'm back for 4 days; then gone again for 10 to California)

I'll do up the ones I've already received (thanks Patty) and you can continue to send pictures to speer.david@gmail.com and I'll get to them when I can. But "when I can" may not be until I'm back from California after finals.

The best way for us to get pictures posted quicker may be how David O. and Jim M. did it. (See their galleries Oswego by David O., Michigan City by David O., and Varna photos by Jim M. at right) They set up their own online galleries at Yahoo photos and Flickr and just sent me a link to them. That allows you to edit your galleries yourself and allows me to get them posted to the site quicker.

You can make free online galleries at Flickr, Yahoo Photos, snapfish, Kodak, and several other places. It's pretty quick and easy and it will allow us to have more pictures up for the kids to look at when they get home from tour.

Thanks. And please keep shooting.

David and the rest of the Virtual Cooktruck staff

Sunday, July 15, 2007

Today is Sunday, July 15; it's a show day

We are in Charlotte, NC

Click for weather report and forecast for Charlotte

map

Click for larger interactive version of today's map.


Today's Menu

Breakfast
Pancakes
Sausage
Waffles

Meal 2
Fruit cup
PB&J

Meal 3
Pork patty sandwich
Cheese fries
Cottage cheese or applesauce

Meal 4
Chicken pot pie
Pears
Cookies

photo
Photo by David S.

Today's Schedule
9:30 Wake
9:45 Stretch
10:15 Breakfast
11:15 Vis
12:20 Sectionals/warmup
1:30 Snack (grab-n-go)
1:45 Ensemble
3:15 Lunch/pack/load
5 Depart for show
6 Warmup
7:55 Gate
8:15 Performance
8:55 Dinner
(rest of schedule TK)

Today's Cooks
Lori C, head cook
Carole B.
Mathilda D.
Jack W.

Today's News
Happy Birthday Megan M!

Carole says the corps got a police escort out of town in Monroe (in a good way. Kind of like we did in Michigan City. The traffic control allowed the corps buses, trucks, and vans to get out of town as a unit. Thanks again, Monroe)

Everybody in the Colts road family is pretty happy today, Lori says. The corps was “bouncing all over the place” yesterday before, during, and after the Atlanta show. “They knew they were probably going to play twice, but when it really happened, it was cool.”

Despite an almost total turnover in people, the cooks are “actually ahead of schedule today.” By mid-morning, everything for the day was underway and the cooks were figuring out ways to transport it to the show site. Way to go cooks!

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

Saturday, July 14, 2007

Colts make evening show in Atlanta

This from dci.org:

11 Drum corps took the field this afternoon at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta for the first half of the Coltrin & Associates DCI Southeastern Championship. Boston Crusaders (79.950), Colts (78.625), Glassmen (77.375) and Spirit from Jacksonville State University (75.550) had the four highest scores of the afternoon, and will advance to the evening show....

Click on the post title above to go to dci.org and read more.

Wooooooooooooo-hooooooooooooooo. Go Colts!

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

We are in Atlanta, GA

Click for weather report and forecast for Atlanta

map

Click for larger interactive version of today's map.


Today's Menu

Breakfast
Waffles
Bacon
Hash browns
Fruit

Meal 2
Rollups
Orange
Homemade cookies

photo
Photo by David S.

Today's Schedule
5:45 a.m. Wake
6 Stretch
6:30 Breakfast
7:30 Warmup
8 Ensemble
9:35 Snack/pack/load/pickup lunch/contras on the staff bus
11:20 Depart
12:50 Warmup
2:30 Gate
2:50 Performance
4 Food provided by DCI

Today's Cooks
Carole B and Lori C, head cooks
Polly H., Judy H., Cindy S., Peggy N., Pam W., and Donna S. leave today
Mathilda D.
Jack W. and Randy B. arrive today.

Today's News

The corps is sad to say goodbye to Monroe. They got great help from everyone at the school and in the community. “It couldn’t have been better,” Carole said. “It was the best place to stay.”

And great weather didn’t hurt, either. Thanks Monroe! For everything!

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

Friday, July 13, 2007

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

We are in Monroe, GA
It’s Iowa State Fair Day on the cooktruck

Click for weather report and forecast for Monroe

map

Click for larger interactive version of today's map.


Today's Menu

Breakfast
Frosted sticky wicky buns
Bacon, egg and cheese biscuits
Apple, banana or orange

Meal 2
Corn dogs
Jack’s salad
Watermelon

Meal 3
Meatballs on a stick
Baked beans
Orange sherbet salad

Meal 4
Iowa State Fair beef sundae
Cheesy green beans
Pound cake with peaches (thanks to Anne G.)

photo
Photo by David S.

Today's Schedule
8 Wake
8:15 Stretch
8:45 Breakfast
9 Staff meeting
9:30 Drumline to buses for transportation to stadium
9:45 Vis
12:15 Guard and percussion to stadium
5:45 Dinner
6:45 Warmup
7:15 Ensemble
9:15 Snack
10:15 Lights out

Today's Cooks
Carole B, head cook
Polly H.
Judy H.
Cindy S.
Peggy N.
Pam W.
Donna S.
Mathilda D. arrives today

Today's News
The Colts couldn’t use the stadium where they are staying last night because the football team was using it, so the MAYOR OF MONROE found them another one to use. One with “huge, high bleachers” that gave the visual staff a wonderful look at the drill, Carole says. No wonder she says “we’re still being treated like royalty.”

She said the Colts look “absolutely breathtaking” and that there is still new stuff being added and refined. Cool.

Speaking of cool, it’s been really nice weather for the Colts in Georgia. “This is nothing like the Georgia weather I remember from two years ago,” Carole says.

In case you’re wondering, breakfast tomorrow is at 6:30.

Go Colts.


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

Thursday, July 12, 2007

Today is Thursday, July 12; it's a rehearsal and laundry day

We are in Monroe, GA

Click for weather report and forecast for Monroe

map

Click for larger interactive version of today's map.


Today's Menu

Breakfast
Quiche
Fruit salad
Gigantic muffins provided by Anne G.

Meal 2
Rollups
Jell-O
Banana salad
Gatorade

Meal 3
Taco salad
Spaghetti-vegetable salad
Apple or orange

Meal 4
Bagel pizza
Mustgoes
Brownie sundaes

photo
Photo by David S.

Today's Schedule
9:30 Wake
9:45 Breakfast
10:45 Stretch and sectionals
1 Lunch
2 Laundry
6 Dinner
7 Warmup
8 Ensemble
10 Vis
11 Snack
12:15 Lights out

Today's Cooks
Carole B, head cook
Polly H.
Judy H.
Cindy S.
Peggy N.
Pam W. and Donna S. arrive today

Today's News
The corps was “treated like royalty” when they arrived in Georgia. (Thanks, Anne G.) “Everything imaginable has been provided for us,” Carole says.

The cooktruck freezer is still really full so they are using freezer space at the school until they can use up some things.

It was a pretty uneventful trip from North Carolina and the weather is not as hot in Georgia as it was there. Even so, the cooks are taking advantage of the Southern hospitality and doing some of their cooking prep inside in the air conditioning.

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

Wednesday, July 11, 2007

Today is Wednesday, July 11; it's a free day

We are in Leland, NC

Click for weather report and forecast for Leland

map

Click for larger interactive version of today's map.


Today's Menu

Breakfast
Breakfast lasagna
Blueberry or plain bagel
Clementines from Olaf
Grapes or banana

Meal 4
Mustgoes

photo
Photo by David S.

Today's Schedule
8:15 a.m. Wake
8:30 Stretch
9 Breakfast
10:15 Beach and play in the morning (I think that’s what Carole said. The cel phone connection was a bit scratchy, though.)
11:15 Free day begins
8:30 p.m. Meet at bus
9:30 Snack/pack/load
11 Depart

Today's Cooks
Carole B, head cook
Polly H.
Patty A. leaves today
Judy H.
Cindy S.
Peggy N.
Kay T., guest cook

Today's News
Happy Birthday, Mike F. and Deanna M.!

Carole gave the answers to the trivia questions, but the cel phone signal dropped out about that time. Guess we’ll have to wait until tomorrow, since they’re all on free day.

The cooks are “improvising a lot of our meals” since the cooler and the freezer are each crammed full of food after the food drop yesterday.

Even with the full coolers, the cooks could use more fresh fruit at the next stop.

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

A couple of photos

I read the cook truck blog now and then and was at the July 8th
rehearsal in perkasie... snapped a few photos to email to you.
Enjoy!
Emma Cohen-Joppa

photo

photo

Tuesday, July 10, 2007

It's Tuesday, July 10; it's a rehearsal day

We are in Leland, NC

Click for weather report and forecast for Leland

map

Click for larger interactive version of today's map.


Today's Menu

Breakfast
Bagels and cream cheese
Bacon
Bananas
Leftover sausage

Meal 2
Western Chicken Salad
Fruit salad
Garlic bread sticks

Meal 3
Chicken Parmesan
Lettuce salad
Garlic toast

Meal 4
Mexican haystacks
Fruit soup
Sundaes and cookies

photo
Photo by David S.

Today's Schedule
9:45 a.m. Wake
10 Stretch
10:30 Breakfast
11:30 Sectionals
2 p.m. Lunch
3 Vis
5:30 Dinner
6:30 Warmup
7 Ensemble
9 Vis
11 Snack
12:15 a.m. Lights out

Today's Cooks
Carole B, head cook
Polly H.
Patty A.
Judy H.
Cindy S.
Peggy N.

Kay T. helped today in the kitchen

Today's News
It was a food drop day, so the cooks stayed very busy.

The corps had a great show last night, and now they are – as Carole says – “back with the fire ants and alligators.”

The cooks had trivia questions for the corps today, with prizes for correct answers. They gave me the questions, but not the answers for some reason.
1) What actress lived just across the bridge from where the corps is parked today?
2) What two TV shows were filmed here?

I think I know one of the TV shows. Anybody else have guesses?

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

Monday, July 09, 2007

Today is Monday, July 9; it's a competition day

We are in Warrenton, VA

Click for weather report and forecast for Warrenton

map

Click for larger interactive version of today's map.


Today's Menu

Breakfast
Homemade quiche from Nathan and Buttons’ Aunt Susan
Banana
Half a peach

Meal 2
Fish fillets with cheese
Mac and cheese
Fruit salad from donated fresh fruit

Meal 3
Chicken fried rice
Asian salad
Watermelon

Meal 4
Pork fritter sandwiches
French fries
Corn
Donated cookies

photo
Photo by David S.

Today's Schedule
8:15 a.m. Wake
8:30 Stretch
9 Breakfast
10 Sectionals
11:45 Vis
12:30 p.m. Meal 2
1:30 Vis
2:30 Warmup
3 Ensemble
4:45 Dinner/pack/load
6:30 Depart for show site
7 Warmup
9 Gate
9:23 Stepoff
9:50 Meal 4
11:30 Depart for Leland, NC


Today's Cooks
Polly H and Carole B, head cooks
Olaf leaves today
Patty A.
Judy H.
Cindy S.
Peggy N.


Today's News
Goodbye Alf. After several weeks on tour, our biggest Dutch fan (in many, many ways) leaves today. We treasure every moment you are with us, big guy, and all miss you terribly when you have to go.

It’s hot, hot, hot in Virginia today. And so are the Colts. I heard them rehearsing when Polly called from the cooktruck today and I immediately wanted to be back on tour. “If you could hear the music I’m hearing right now,” Polly said, “it would take your breath away.”

As you can see by the menus above, the cooks have gotten lots of donations over the past few days – too many to thank you individually, but know that all the volunteers and the Colts appreciate every one of them. And bring more fruit. The corps went nuts over the fresh fruit salad today again, Polly says.

The show last night in Allentown was fabulous. The audience loved it. The kids were happy. The staff said all good things. Even the judges didn’t have anything bad to say. Keep doing it, Colts.

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

Sunday, July 08, 2007

Today is Sunday, July 8; it's a competition day

We are in Allentown, PA

Click for weather report and forecast for Allentown

map

Click for larger interactive version of today's map.


Today's Menu

Breakfast
Egg casserole
Bananas

Meal 2
Italian chicken
Au graten potatoes
Barbecue beans
Grapes and bananas

Meal 3
Sloppy Joes
Cabbage & cauliflower salad
Lemon cake - this time for real!
Grapes


photo
Photo by Patty A.

Today's Schedule
6:30 Arrive
9:00 Wake
9:15 Stretch
9:45 Breakfast
10:45 Visual
12:00 Sectionals
1:15 Ensemble
3:00 More food
4:45 Depart for show
5:45 Warm-up
7:35 Gate
7:55 Step-off
8:30 Dinner
10:30 Depart


Today's Cooks
Polly H, head cook
Olaf
Patty A.
Judy H.
Cindy S.
Peggy N.


Today's News
It's Hot! And it's not a "day at the beach." The corps is determined to have a good show tonight. Also, we say goodbye to Olaf tonight. The members (and the cooks) will miss him!. Thank you, Olaf, for taking time away from your family to fly across the pond and spend so much time working for your corps. Everyone appreciates it. Keep in touch - we will see you again in two years!

The reason the corps didn't have lemon cake last night, although it was on the menu, is because someone donated individual ice cream cakes for all the corps members. We have been receiving fabulous donations, including several donations of bottled Gatorade for the whole corps, watermelon, peaches, fresh blueberries, and a couple of donations of grapes and bananas. Thanks to everyone who has donated! We've had enough grapes an bananas for a couple of days... variety is good! Also, powdered Gatorade is helpful.

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