Today is Thursday, July 31; it's D.C. Free day

We are in Washington D.C.

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Today's Menu
Breakfast
Scrambled eggs
Bacon
Orange slices
Bread items (biscuits, corn bread, English muffins)


Photo by Rod R

Today's Schedule
7:30 Wake/Stretch/2 full run-throughs
8:50 Breakfast/pack/load/’primp for free day’
10:15 Depart for free day in DC
9:30 PM Leave DC for Allentown

Today's Cooks
Barry M, head cook
Jim G
Diane H
Jim J
Patty G
Mary Jo R

Melody S drives

Today's News
Great dessert donated last night – “Gobs” described on the cook truck menu board as a “chocolate moon pie-like thingy” – YUM

Cooks are looking for a good meal where someone else does the cooking! And others plan to explore DC with perhaps a stop at places like the Holocaust museum and various other memorials.

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

Posted by Rod

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

We are in Warrenton, VA

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Today's Menu
Breakfast
Waffles & sausage links

Meal 2
Chicken salad
Waldorf salad
Broccoli salad
Cucumber salad
Fruit salad
Roll
Now that’s what I would call one salad of a meal!!!

Meal 3
Ham
Scalloped potatoes

Meal 4
Chicken quesadillas


Photo by Rod R

Today's Schedule
9:00 Wake and breakfast
10:00 Visual
12:15 Brass meal 2
12:30 Percussion meal 2
12:45 Guard meal 2 and brass sectionals
1:00 Percussion sectionals
1:15 Guard sectionals
2:15 Ensemble
4:30 Meal 3/pack/load
6:00 Depart for stadium
7:00 Warm-up
9:00 Gate
9:10 Performance
9:45 Meal 4

Today's Cooks
Barry M, head cook
Jim G
Diane H
Tracy H
Jim J
Patty G
Mary Jo R

Leann helping again
Melody S drives

Today's News
Corps arrived about 5 AM, giving members and cooks a little floor time. Jim reports it is a beautiful day; hot absolutely, but sunny and very nice.

The corps will be returning to this same housing site tonight. Free day tomorrow!!!

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

Posted by Rod

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

We are in Salem, VA

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Today's Menu
Breakfast
Egg McMagee (breakfast sandwich)

Meal 2
Gyros
(with lettuce/tomato/sauce)
Chips
Carrots and zucchini
Fruit salad

Meal 3
Barry's Asian Feast
Broccoli beef
Kung pao chicken
Egg roll
Rice

Meal 4
Pretzels
Cheese sauce


Photo by Rod R

Today's Schedule
9 Wake and breakfast
10 Vis
12:15 Brass meal 2
12:30 Percussion meal 2
12:45 Guard meal 2 and brass sectionals
1 Percussion sectionals
1:15 Guard sectionals
2:15 Ensemble
4:15 Meal 3/pack/load
6 Depart for stadium
8:25 Gate
8:36 Performance
9 Meal 4

Today's Cooks
Barry M, head cook
Cindy B
Jim G
Diane H
Tracy H
Jim J
Patty G
Mary Jo R

Melody S drives

Today's News
Happy birthday, Patrick M!

Lots of help in yesterday. Two members of the local band boosters -- Amy and Maryglen -- helped out most of the day. And the band boosters collected money at last night's dog and pony show and donated it to the fuel fund for the corps. Thanks!

Despite the iffy weather last night, a good local crowd turned out for the dog and pony.

Le Ann also was in to help yesterday. She put away most of the dry goods and paper stuff from the food drop. The cooktruck is full up again.

Yesterday's menu changed some. Instead of chicken fried steak, the cooks served up Barry's Baked Chicken Dinner with mashed potatoes and gravy and all the fixins.

The cooks are doing well, as are the members. The corps is working out today in a beautiful stadium that has artificial turf. The cooks don't have a good view of the proceedings unless they look out the back door. The trailer is facing the opposite direction. :(



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

Today is Monday, July 28; it's laundry day

We are in Swannanoa, NC

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Today's Menu
Meal 1
Leftovers - French toast, English muffins, bagels, banana nut bread, sausage, bacon
Oranges and apples

Meal 2
Deli sandwiches
Tater tots
Oranges and apples

Meal 3
Chicken fried steak
Mashed potatoes
Corn
Rolls
Cookies

Meal 4
Mustgoes


Photo by Rod R

Today's Schedule
8 Arrival
9 Breakfast
9:45 Depart for laundry
1:15 Meal 2
2:15 Vis
4:15 Sectionals
6:15 Meal 3
7:15 Warmup
7:30 Ensemble
9:30 Meal 4/pack/load
11 Depart for Salem, VA


Today's Cooks
Barry M, head cook
Jim G
Cindy B
Diane H
Tracy H
Jim J
Patty G
Mary Jo R

Melody S drives

Today's News
It's laundry day.

Jim says there are "more lost and found items than we've ever had before." So all the lost and found has been put out on display and if it's still there at the end of the day, it's staying in Swannanoa.

It's sunny and warm in North Carolina, but it's a beautiful day there.

Lots of new pictures posted today. Be sure to take a look at all the offerings in the photo links at the right side of the page.

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

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

We are in Jacksonville, AL

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Today's Menu
Meal 1
Egg bake
Banana nut muffin
Orange slices
Orange juice

Meal 2
Hamburgers
Chips
Fruit salad
Cottage cheese

Meal 3
Barry's pasta bar
(3 sauces: alfredo, pesto, red)
Salad
Bread sticks

Meal 4
Chicken nuggets
Fries
Peach drop cake


Photo by David S.

Today's Schedule
6:45 Wake
7 Breakfast
8 Sectionals
10 Vis
11 Meal 2
12 Vis
1 Water refill
1:15 Ensemble
3:15 Meal 3/pack/load
5 Depart for show
6:25 Warmup
8:27 Gate
8:42 Perform
9:30 Meal 4
11 Depart for Swannanoa, N.C. (change from itinerary)


Today's Cooks
Barry M, head cook
Tracy H
Jim J
Patty G
Jim G
Cindy B
Diane H
Mary Jo R

Melody S drives

Today's News
Jim said this morning that the corps is headed for Swannanoa, N.C., tonight after the show instead of Chattanooga. They must have had such a good time the first time this year (July 8) that they decided to go back.

The corps got to the Alabama housing site about 9:30 last night and then it took about an hour to get the kitchen truck situated and set up, so the cooks put out fruit and PBJ about 11 p.m. and lights out was at 11:30.

It's overcast and humid today in Alabama. "Not too hot yet, but it's pretty early," Jim says.


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

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

We are in Atlanta, GA

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Today's Menu
Meal 1
French toast
Leftover pancakes
Sausage
Choice of English muffin or bagel
Lots and lots of fresh fruit

Meal 2
Pizza in the parking lot

Meal 3
TBD



Photo by David S.

Today's Schedule
6 Wake
6:30 Warmup
7 Ensemble
8:15 Breakfast/pack/load
10 Depart for stadium
12 Warmup
1:40 Gate
1:59 Performance
5:30 Pizza in the parking lot
Depart for Alabama after pizza
(The corps may rehearse after they arrive and would have a snack after that if they do, but the schedule is not firm)(Estimated travel time to new site is 2 hours)


Today's Cooks
Barry M, head cook
Tracy H
Jim J
Patty G
Lori C
Jim G
Cindy B
Diane H
Mary Jo R
Tricia G

Melody S drives

Today's News
Not much news today. Big crew change in Atlanta. Thanks for Lori for a wonderful (but hard) week! Lots of long drives.

A HUGE thanks to everyone who brought fresh fruit for the corps. About 8 crates arrived yesterday alone. Lots of bananas and lots of Georgia peaches! That should hold them for a couple of days. You guys are the best!


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

At-lan-ta in Red

Did you see our Red Team? (live on the Fan Network or in the stadium)

Another week of big changes, they have been workin' ... !!!

New opening, so much more variation in speed and movement.

New moves, so much more energy, in between action, all in all a sparkling and swinging Mambo.

Speeding rolling balls over the field, leaving a new tail of flowing movements behind.

Drum feature with total new marching book features ... wauw !!!

The ballad with a surprising intriguing build up towards the line-up, followed by a beautiful sunrise. A ballad flowing towards the end.

Energy, aggression, performance, passion and room for improvement coming weeks.

What a change, what a liveliness.

Way to go Colts

Olaf "Alf" Nahon

(This time wathing not wathing in the middle of the night behind a computer screen, but early in the evening on a big TV-screen)

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

We are in Monroe, GA

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Today's Menu
Meal 1
Bagels
Sausage patties
Bananas

Meal 2
Chicken nuggets
French fries
Fresh fruit

Meal 3
Taco salad
Mustgoes
More fruit

Meal 4
Turkey and dressing
Mashed potatoes and gravy
Corn
Ice Cream for Bob's birthday (which was a couple of days ago)


Photo by David S.

Today's Schedule
11:30 Wake
11:40 Breakfast
12 Staff meeting
12:30 Stretch
1 Vis
3:30 Meal 2
4:30 Sectionals
7 Meal 3
8 Ensemble
10 Meal 4
11 Lights out


Today's Cooks
Lori C, head cook
Mary Jo R
Jim G
Cindy B
Diane H
Tricia G
Ann G

Melody S drives

Today's News
The corps got in about 10:30. They've had lots of visitors and lots of donations today -- fruit, gatorade, and more cereal, for a little variety.

The kids are pretty pumped about the way the show is coming along with a couple of days of rehearsal to clean and refine. As Lori said, "They're all out rehearsing and having a good day."


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

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

We are in Murray, KY

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Today's Menu
Meal 1 (see notes below)
Corn dogs
Chips
Cereal
Fruit

Meal 2
Salisbury steak
Mashed potatoes and gravy
Green beans

Meal 3
Mike is being the cook this evening
Chicken dinner
With pasta
And a watermelon sculpture




Photo by David S.

Today's Schedule
1 p.m. Meal 1 (see notes below)
1:20 Staff meeting
1:50 Visual
4:05 Sectionals
6:20 Meal 2
7:20 Ensemble
9:30 Meal 3/pack/load
11 Depart


Today's Cooks
Lori C, head cook
Jim G
Cindy B
Diane H

And three guest cooks

Melody S drives

Today's News
The corps got in to Murray about noon today. They were delayed by a DOT inspection last night. Yum.

The corps was working out in a nice stadium this afternoon. "They're pretty awake, considering the amount of time they've spent on the bus," Lori says.

Lori says to send a great big THANK YOU to everyone who has come through with donations of Gatorade and fruit. She says, "It's coming in crazily. It's great." They have five cases of bananas and three cases of oranges that came in today. Thanks to all the great Colts supporters out there!

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

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

We are in Pittsburg, KS

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Today's Menu
Breakfast
French toast ala Marlin
Bacon
Oranges and bananas

Meal 2
Deli sandwiches (ham or turkey)
Tater tots
Watermelon
Fresh veggies

Meal 3
Chicken casserole
Lettuce salad
Fruit cup

Meal 4 (with Colts Cadets)
BBQ pork
Au gratin potatoes
Brownies



Photo by David S.

Today's Schedule
10 Wake
10:15 Breakfast
11 Stretch
11:30 Vis
1 Meal 2
2 Sectionals
3:30 Ensemble
5 Meal 3/pack/load
6:45 Depart
7:30 Warmup
8:15 Watch Colt Cadets perform
9:30 Gate
9:40 Perform
11 Depart

Today's Cooks
Lori C, head cook
Tammy M
Mike M
Bruce H
Jim G
Cindy B
Diane H
Marlin, guest cook

Melody S drives

Today's News
Happy birthday, Driver Bob, Alex R, and Matt B

Things just seem to be rolling along there today. A lot going on but not a lot of news.

Thanks for all the donations! Keep them coming!


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

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

We are in Broken Arrow, OK

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Today's Menu
Breakfast
Pancakes
Sausage patties

Meal 2
Cheeseburgers
Mac and cheese
Applesauce

Meal 3
Sweet and sour chicken
Rice
Peas and carrots
Egg rolls

Meal 4
Corn dogs
Chips
Orange salad



Photo by David S.

Today's Schedule
7 Wake
7:05 Breakfast
8 Vis
11:45 Guard and percussion meal 2
Noon Brass meal 2
1-3 Downtime
3 Sectionals
5:15 Meal 3
6:15 Sectionals
8:15 Ensemble
10:30 Meal 4/pack/load
12 Depart

Today's Cooks
Lori C, head cook
Tammy M
Mike M
Bruce H
Cindy S
Jim G
Diane H
Paul D
Cindy B

Amy W drives
Melody S drives

Today's News
Happy Birthday, Kristen O!

The corps is still in Broken Arrow. It's a housing thing. See Bill's note and colts.org for more info. Basically, the Cavaliers moved out and the Colts moved in last night.

The weather was "really, really nice" this morning in Broken Arrow.

Thanks for all of the donations in the past few days, especially the oranges, apples, and bananas. Please bring more fruit when you can. And please bring as much powdered Gatorade as you can spare. The cooks are trying to give the kids fruit and Gatorade at every meal to head off heat problems.

The corps was hyped after last night's performance and the cooks were really proud of the way they've been maintaining their focus for performance. Go get 'em Red Team.


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

Change in Colts' Location

Go check the Colts' website (colts.org) for important information concerning the housing location for today.

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

We are in Broken Arrow, OK

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Today's Menu
Breakfast
Waffles
Sausage Patties
Blueberry Muffins

Meal 2
Deli Sandwiches
Oranges

Meal 3
Chicken Breast Sandwiches
Potato Wedges
Watermelon

Meal 4
Lasagna
Corn
Lettuce Salad
Cookies



Photo by David S.

Today's Schedule
10:30 Breakfast
11:15 Visual
12:30 Sectionals
1:45 Meal 2 for Brass & Percussion
2:00 Meal 2 for Guard
2:15 Sectional for Brass & Percussion
2:40 Ensemble
4:15 Meal 3, Pack & Load
6:00 Depart for Show
7:00 Warm-up
8:55 Gate
9:08 Perform
10:00 Meal 4 with Cadets
11:00 Depart

Today's Cooks
Lori C, head cook
Loras H
Tammy M
Mike M
Bruce H
Cindy S
Jim G
Diane H
Paul D

Amy W drives
Melody S drives

Today's News
Corps arrived around 9:00.
"It's hot." said Lori, "Don't know the temperature, but it's HOT." Kids had a good free day in San Antonio - riverwalk, movies, restaurants, etc.

Lori said that the kids are pushing hard and are sounding really good. The heat is starting to catch up with all of the members. Additional Gatorade and fruit would make a wonderful, and much needed, donation if you're coming to Kansas, Kentucky or Georgia.

Thanks to Bill for bailing me out in the middle of the day when I was still occupied with other matters. The dedication, resourcefulness, and willingness to help of the Colts volunteers (especially 'my crew' who works with me here just about every day) continues to amaze and delight me. And another day gets taken care of seamlessly on the Virtual Cooktruck.
--David (It wasn't a problem....)

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

Today is Sunday, July 20, it's a free day

We are in San Antonio, TX

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Today's Menu
Breakfast
Scrambled eggs
Hash browns
Bacon
Choice of fruit

(Thats' all for meals today)




Photo by David S.

Today's Schedule
10 Wake
10:05 Breakfast
12 Leave for free day in San Antonio

Today's Cooks
Lori C, head cook
Jim G
Jody G
Dale C
Jack W
Lisa M
Lori Cof
Cindy S
Diane H

Amy W drives
Tom H drives

Today's News
Happy Birthday, Matt H!

Jody G is leaving today after a fantastic run across the deep south as head cook. Thanks, Jody! And thanks too to Jack W, leaving today after a week as head cook and a second week (with no break in between) on the truck as a cook. Thanks Jack!

I know most of you are as bummed as I was yesterday about our Colts not getting to march the night show in San Antonio. But the Colts have moved on -- working until 12:30 this morning to clean, clean, clean the show -- and we will too. If you haven't already, you MUST go to colts.org and read Greg's latest post. Go Red Team!

Dale called the report in from the cooktruck this morning and he was as upbeat as the corps: "The kids have all maintained a serious, yet upbeat attitude. They got back last night and had a very good rehearsal until 12:30. We served them a meal at 12:30 and then all went to bed after a long day. It's hot and sunny and a little more humid today. A good day for a free day."

As I should have said yesterday, if I hadn't waited to look at scores, was that Natalia, Texas, once again rolled out the red carpet for the Colts. As a comment said the other day, Mayor Ruby Vera arrainged for a brisket BBQ for the corps, in air conditioning -- and the local band severed at the sit-at-a-table dinner. The corps then put on a performance for townspeople and got a standing ovation. It would be great if all of you could send a thank you card to the mayor of Natalia, which has pretty much become the Colts' home in Texas. Here's the address: Honorable Ruby Vera, P.O. Box 270, Natalia, Texas 78059


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

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

We are in Natalia, TX

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Today's Menu
Breakfast
Biscuits and gravy
Donated apples
Bananas

Meal 2
Chicken
Tomato and herb rice
Corn
Pears

Meal 3 and 4
TBD




Photo by David S.

Today's Schedule
7:25 Wake
7:30 Breakfast
8:15 Stretch and warmup
9 Ensemble
10:30 Meal 2/shower/pack for Alamodome show
12:14 Depart
1:14 Warmup
3:14 Gate
3:24 Performance
Rest of day TBD

Today's Cooks
Jody G, head cook
Diane H
Jack W
Dale C
Lori Con
Lisa M
Cindy S
Lori Cof

Amy W drives
Hugh C drives

Today's News
Happy Birthday, Nathan R, Kayla K and Kyle W!

Well, the cooks were ready with the other meals, just in case what happened in the afternoon show happened. "We're all ready if they do; we're all ready if they don't," Jody G said this morning. :(

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

Sweating in the airconditioning

The new way of wathing Colts, still gives us the feeling of beeing with you on the field.

All the way from Holland.

What a changes you guys made in 1 week. (I remember Cadets of Bergen County doing this in finals week years ago)

Wow .... now step that peddle to the floor and don't lift your foot till finals!!

Keep performing and show what Colts is doing best

Olaf "Alf" Nahon

(p.s. David I took the liberty, feel free to adjust it to blog standard)

Today is Friday, July 18; it's a rehearsal/dog & pony day

We are in Natalia, TX

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Today's Menu
Breakfast
Pancakes
Sausage
Donated grapes (please, if you're in the area, bring more fruit donations)
Bananas

Meal 2
Cheeseburgers
Potato patties
Glazed carrots
Fruit cocktail

Meal 3
Dinner on the town of Natalia
Courtesy of the mayor
Brisket, baked beans, and the rest of a good ole Texas cookout
(Jody G said: "We're going out for dinner tonight!"

Meal 4
Chicken nugget wraps
Mustgoes
Fruit



Photo by David S.

Today's Schedule
9 Wake
9:05 Breakfast
10 Vis
1 Guard meal 2
1:30 Brass and percussion meal 2
2 Guard sectionals
2:30 Brass/percussion sectionals
5 Dinner hosted by the mayor of Natalia
6 Sectionals
7:30 Runthrough
8 Ensemble
10 Meal 4/shower
11:30 Lights out

Today's Cooks
Jody G, head cook
Jack W
Dale C
Lori Con
Lisa M
Cindy S
Lori Cof

Amy W drives
Hugh C drives

Today's News
Food drop! The drop had already arrived by the time I talked to the truck in mid-morning. The sun was shining, though, (unlike some years in Natalia) and the cook crew was packing the freezer.

Sunny, nice, less humid than a couple of days ago. Everything's going well.

Last night's show was in a huge high school stadium, where the Colts did a wonderful job.

Jody G told me she had "the best shower ever on tour" at yesterday's school. The showers were in an air conditioned area under the stadium grandstands and were soooo nice.

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

Today is Thursday, July 17; it's a show day

We are in Houston, TX

Click for weather report and forecast



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Today's Menu
Breakfast
English muffins
Bacon or sausage
Applesauce

Meal 2
Corn dogs
Chips

Meal 3
Meatballs and noodles
Salad
Corn

Meal 4
Garlic and herb chicken
Green bean casserole
Pudding



Photo by David S.

Today's Schedule
(not complete schedule)
7:50 Wake
8 Breakfast
11 Meal 2
2:30 Meal 3/pack/load
4:30 Depart for stadium
6 Warmup
7:54 Gate
8:04 Perform
9 Meal 4


Today's Cooks
Jody G, head cook
Lori Con.
Cindy S
Jack W
Dale C
Sue H
Lisa M
Lori Cof.

Amy W drives
Hugh C drives

Today's News
"So hot, it's not even funny."

The corps got in on time last night (about 3:45 a.m.), so everyone got some floor time.

The Colts are working out today at the "biggest middle school stadium you ever saw." Still working on cleaning the show and making sure all the changes work the way they want them too.

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

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

We are in Abbeville, LA

Click for weather report and forecast



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Today's Menu
Breakfast
Eggs
Sausage patties
Oranges and bananas

Meal 2
Breaded pork patty
Tater tots
Corn

Meal 3
Chicken Alfredo
Broccoli
Garlic toast
Pistachio salad
Birthday treats from Matt M's parents

Meal 4
BBQ pork or chicken sandwiches
Cole slaw
Potato salad
Baked beans
Pears



Photo by David S.

Today's Schedule
8 Wake
8:10 Breakfast
9 Vis
12 Meal 2
1 Sectionals
2:30 Ensemble
4 Meal 3/pack/load
5:45 Depart
6:45 Warmup
8:45 Gate
8:55 Perform
9:40 Meal 4
11 Depart

Today's Cooks
Jody G, head cook
Jack W
Dale C
Sue H
Lisa M
Lori C

Amy W drives
Hugh C drives

Today's News
Happy Birthday, Matt M and Steven I!

The corps had a great day yesterday, even though, as Jody G said, "It was hotter than a pistol. Oh my gosh!"

The cooks hurried to get ahead and all the hot stuff prepared before it got too hot, so they actually had time last night to sit down and watch the corps rehearse. They saw the changes to the closer and some musical changes but didn't get to see a run-through of the entire show. "It's going to be pretty doggone cool," Jody says. "I can't wait to see them tonight."


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

Today is Tuesday, July 15; it's a rehearsal day

We are in Abbeville, LA

Click for weather report and forecast


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Today's Menu
Breakfast
Bagels/waffles
Cream cheese
Cereal

Meal 2
Leftover sandwiches
(chicken teriyaki, sloppy joes, salisbury steak, butt chops)
Marvelous mac & cheese
Bananas and grapes

Meal 3
Ham
Scalloped potatoes
Cole slaw
Green beans

Meal 4
Pizza ala Jody
Lettuce salad
Chocolate chip brownie


Photo by David S.

Today's Schedule
10:30 Wake (see notes below)
10:40 Breakfast
11:30 Visual
2:30-3:15 Brass lunch
2:45-3:30 Percussion and guard lunch
3:15 Brass sectionals
3:30 Percussion and guard sectionals
5:30 Meal 3
6:15 Warmup
6:30 Ensemble
8:30 Inside music rehearsal (no lights)
9:30 Body review (?)
10:30 Meal 4
11:30 Lights out

Today's Cooks
Jody G, head cook
Jack W
Dale C
Sue H
Lisa M
Lori C

Amy W drives
Hugh C drives

Today's News
The corps was very late getting in after an overnight fuel stop inconvenience. So the cooks didn't get any down time at all after a 9:30 arrival and 10:30 breakfast. (Go cooks! You rock!)

No laundry today, since the corps had already decided to do laundry on their free day and continue to hit rehearsals hard.

Last night's performance was great, and I hear it was a little different start to the show. Don't know if I should give away the surprise or not.... They're working on a re-working of the closer today, reportedly.

A huge thanks goes out to John G for everything he's doing to help the corps this week. You're great, John.

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

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

We are in Fort Walton Beach, FL

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Today's Menu
Breakfast
Waffles and bagels
Bacon and sausage
Cereal
Fruit

Meal 2
Cockroach sandwiches (don't ask me)
Tater tots
Corn

Meal 3
Chicken Teriyaki
Craisin salad
Peas and carrots
Butter and herb rice

Meal 4
Ravioli
Bread Sticks
Fruit


Photo by David S.

Today's Schedule
6:50 Wake
7 Breakfast
8 Rehearsal (unspecified)
11:30 Meal 2
12:30 Warmup
1:15 Ensemble
3:15 Meal 3/pack/load
5 Depart
5:45 Warmup
7:45 Gate
7:57 Perform
8:45 Meal 4
10:30 Depart

Today's Cooks
Jody G, head cook
Jack W
Dale C
Sue H
Sebastian S
Shanna S


Amy W drives
Hugh C drives

Today's News
Please, please, please if you are going to be anywhere close to the corps over the next few days (Louisiana or Texas), please bring donations of fresh fruit. The cooks are out and are having to buy it on the road. Please help out if you can.

The corps rode out a "very, very large thunder and rain storm" yesterday before they could leave for free day. (I could hear the rain when I called to talk to Sebastian. A number of the cooks were closed up in the trailer to stay dry.) But the storm blew over and "then everyone went to the beach and now they are rehearsing again all day."


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

Today is Sunday, July 13; it's a FREE DAY

We are in Fort Walton Beach, FL

Click for weather report and forecast


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Today's Menu
Breakfast
Waffles
Bacon
Cereal
Applesauce

Meal 2
Salisbury steak
Mashed potatoes (and other leftover potatoes)
Corn

Meal 3
No cook truck provided meal 3 today – free day!

Meal 4
Ravioli
Bread Sticks


Photo by David S.

Today's Schedule
9:45 Breakfast
10:30 Laundry
2:00 Meal 2 (lunch)
2:50 Full corps meeting
3:30 Free day!
9:00 Busses return to housing site
9:30 Meal 4 (snack)
11:00 Lights out

Today's Cooks
Jody G, head cook
Jack W
Dale C
Barb P
Sebastian S
Shanna S
Sue Hallahan (drove a bus to laundry this morning to give the bus drivers a break)

Amy W drives

Today's News
A slight inconvenience this morning – the corps arrived on time, but at tomorrow’s show site, not today’s housing site! No problem - the cooks worked another one of their miracles by completing breakfast in 20 minutes!

Its 102 degrees and HUMID. Luckily, the members are going to Pensacola Beach (change of location) for their free time this afternoon – I bet the water will feel great! I also hear there is an air show scheduled for the area today, featuring the Blue Angles – very cool.

Jody said the school has great air conditioning – good thing! A few of the cooks may go to the beach, while the others will make a grocery run, and spend the rest of the day relaxing somewhere cool!

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

Posted by Rod. It’s been great to post this week – talking to the cook truck everyday makes me feel in a small way that I am still on tour!

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

We are in Orlando, FL

Click for weather report and forecast


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Today's Menu
Breakfast
Blueberry muffins
Sausage
Mustgoes

Meal 2
Sandwiches (turkey/ham)
Pasta salad
Fruit cup

Meal 3
Baked pasta
Meatballs
Garlic toast
Lettuce salad

Meal 4
Butt chops (a corps favorite!)
French fries
Gatorade


Photo by David S.

Today's Schedule
9:00 Wake/eat
10:00 Visual - Brass/percussion (main field) / guard (secondary field)
1:00 Brass/pit meal 2
1:15 Guard/percussion meal 2
1:30 Brass main field
1:45 Ensemble
4:15 Eat/pack/load
6:00 Depart
6:30 Warm-up
8:35 Gate
8:45 Perform
9:20 Meal 4
11:00 Depart

Today's Cooks
Jack W / Jody G (just arriving), head cooks
Sebastian S
Shanna S
Dale C (just arriving)
Sue H (just arriving)
Debbie L (leaving)
John B (leaving)
Kathy H (leaving)
Patty T (leaving)
Brock L – driver (leaving)

Amy W drives

Today's News
Hot and humid! Many staff and members felt last evening’s performance was the best this year! Yet the judge’s assessment did not seem to match. During an all corps meeting, this was discussed. Taking a page right from the book of “all we can control is how hard we work at perfecting what we do”, the members decided to make a slight scheduling change over the next few days.

Tomorrow is a free day and Tuesday was scheduled as a laundry day. In order to create additional rehearsal time, the members decided to combine laundry with their free day. This reduces their free time tomorrow, and provides a full, uninterrupted day of rehearsal on Tuesday. I couldn’t be prouder to be a Colt!! – okay, I know I am really not one, my son is, but it sure feels like I am!

The cooks really won’t be going to Disney World, but apparently Frank will be grilling some of his famous steaks for the cooks tomorrow!

Thanks to Brock L, a van driver for this past week, who is leaving today. With the cook shortages, he really pitched in with all the food truck activities, in addition to driving all night. Many thanks to Brock and everyone else who pitched in extra this past week!!!

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

Posted by Rod

Today is Friday, July 11; it's a show day

We are in Valdosta, GA

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Today's Menu
Breakfast
English muffins
Sausage

Meal 2
BBQ beef sandwich
Chips

Meal 3
Parmesan chicken
Pasta salad
Fruit cup
Cake

Meal 4
Nachos & cheese


Photo by David S.

Today's Schedule
9:00 Wake/Eat
9:30 Staff meeting / Corps meeting
10:00 Stretch
10:20 Visual
11:30 Sectional
12:45 Brass meal 2
1:00 Guard and percussion meal 2
1:15 Brass sectional
1:45 Ensemble
3:15 Eat/pack/load
5:00 Depart
6:00 Warm-up
8:09 Gate
8:19 Perform
9:00 Dinner
11:00 Depart

Today's Cooks
Jack W, head cook
Sebastian S
Shanna S
John B
Debbie L
Patty T
Kathy H

Brock L drives

Today's News
Last night on the way to the show the corps traveled through drenching rains, but luckily, the sun came out by the time they arrived at the show site. The corps and cooks are a little tired after some of the long drives the past few days, and the hot weather. Orlando is looking to be close to 100 degrees for tomorrow – yikes!

Jack said the full corps meeting this morning was scheduled in order to review and refine issues with the show. It’s an amazing process of continual assessment, improvement and repetition. Think “check, adjust, reset” – thousands of times… Go Red Team!

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


Posted by Rod, your VCT tour guide for just a few more days, when Captain David returns to the helm.

Today is Thursday, July 10; it's a show day

We are in Milton, GA

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Today's Menu
Breakfast
French toast
Bacon
Hash browns
Left over pancakes

Meal 2 (very light snack due to schedule)
Fresh fruit
P B & J

Meal 3
Ham
Scalloped potatoes
Green beans
Dinner roll

Meal 4
Brat or hot dogs
French fries


Photo by David S.

Today's Schedule
8:30 Wake
8:40 Breakfast
9:30 Visual
11:00 Sectionals
12:15 Meal 2 (light snack)
12:45 Ensemble
2:15 Eat/pack/load
4:00 Depart
7:14 Warm-up (it’s a long drive to the show site)
8:14 Gate
8:24 Perform
9:00 Meal 4
11:00 Depart

Today's Cooks
Jack W, head cook
Debbie L
John B
Kathy H
Patty T
Tricia G
John G

Brock L drives

Today's News
It is 95 degrees and sunny in Milton. The same luck was not present during the show last night. DCI.org reports the show as being rained out, and it was, but not before the Colts performed. It began raining and storming during their performance, and they barely finished. The corps stayed at the stadium and the busses were brought to them, to stay as dry as possible. The rain did stop after a while, but thunder was still audible, so the remainder of the competition was cancelled.

Staff was pleased with the Colts performance last night. One tuba player slipped and fell during the show on the wet grass, fortunately without injury to self, others, or horn.

Jack was already looking ahead to Saturday when the corps will be in Orlando – he joked that he wanted Jody to know the cook truck might be empty on that day – why’s that, I asked – “We’re going to Disney World!”

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

Posted by Rod

I get emails

This one comes from Greg O, traveling with the corps.

From Greg, the quote of the season so far.

A spot at the end of the show where all 12 tubas have to hit a file exactly on the 50 yard line - and if they don't, everyone in the stadium will see it - and they weren't all getting in - Mikey Cowan, our visual co-caption head said, "Tubas, every time you don't hit that file, God will kill a puppy!" They haven't missed it since!

Classic!

Greg

Today is Wednesday, July 9; it's a show day

We are in Columbia, SC

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Today's Menu
Breakfast
Pancakes
Bacon
And yes, Tater tots!

Meal 2
Chicken sandwich
Peach or Plum

Meal 3
Ravioli
Breadsticks
Lettuce salad
Fresh fruit cup

Meal 4
Nachos and cheese


Photo by David S.

Today's Schedule
8:30 Wake
8:40 Breakfast
9:30 Visual
11:15 Sectionals
12:30 Brass meal 2
12:45 Everyone else meal 2
1:00 Sectionals
1:30 Ensemble
3:00 Eat/pack/load
4:50 Depart
5:30 Warm-up
7:34 Gate
7:44 Perform
8:15 Dinner
11:00 Depart

Today's Cooks
Jack W, head cook
Kathy H
John B
Debbie L
Patty T
Kathy (Guest cook – from Tampa)
John G. (Guest cook from AL)

Brock L drives

Today's News
It is 90 degrees, with clear and sunny skies – welcome to summer! The corps arrived at 2:30 AM, and everyone got some floor time.

Thanks to the people of Swannanoa, NC for donating $250 of fresh fruit.

Posted on the cook truck: Help Wanted – free room, board and transportation; see the country!

Many thanks to our two guest cooks who drove over to lend a hand.

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

Posted by Rod

Today is Tuesday, July 8; it's a rehearsal day

We are in Swannanoa, NC

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Today's Menu
Breakfast
Bagels
Fresh fruit (apple/orange)

Meal 2
Grilled cheese
Tater tots

Meal 3
Meat loaf
Mashed potatoes and gravy
Green beans
Pudding cup

Meal 4
Pretzels and cheese
Cake


Photo by David S.

Today's Schedule
9:30 Wake
9:40 Breakfast
10:30 Visual
1:45 Meal 2
2:45 Sectionals
5:30 Meal 3
6:30 Warm-up
7:00 Ensemble
9:15 Snack/pack/load
11:00 Depart

Today's Cooks
Jack W, head cook
John B
Debbie L
Patty T

Brock L drives

Today's News
The corps arrived at 8 AM this morning. Cooks got busy right away while the members got a little floor time. The mountains are beautiful, although the corps slept as they drove through them!

Staff was pleased with the show last night; much better than the night before. Additional changes were made to the show last night, with more to come. Way to go Colts!!!

Jack wanted to send a personal thank you to Lori C for the food drop yesterday – 285 cases of food! How they got all that loaded with only four of them, in the rain, while continuing to serve and cook, I’ll never know. Way to go cooks! And Jack jokingly wanted Jodi to know that he may have used some of her food as it was the last to enter the freezer – no worries – lots of chicken nuggets left!

Thank you to those who recently dropped off donations at the cook truck: cookies, fresh fruit (apples, oranges, and grapes), and Gatorade. Also thanks to the Colt Cadets for donating 5 bags of already cut fresh fruit!

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

Posted by Rod

Today is Monday, July 7; it's a show day

We are in Louisville, KY


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Today's Menu
Breakfast
Waffles
Hash browns
Sausage

Meal 2-3
Chicken breast
Spaghetti
Fresh fruit cup
Breadsticks

Meal 4
Pizza
White cake


Photo by David S.

Today's Schedule
11:00 Wake
11:10 Breakfast
11:30 Staff meeting
Noon Visual
1:45 Sectionals
3:15 Ensemble
5:00 Eat/Pack/Load
6:50 Depart
7:15 Warm-up
9:30 Perform
10:00 Dinner
Midnight Depart



Today's Cooks
Jack W, head cook
John B
Debbie L
Patty T

Brock L drives

Today's News
If you are in the area for the next few days, stop by the cook truck and lend a hand. They are several cooks short and could use the help. After arriving at 6 AM, and finally getting the cook truck settled around 7 AM, the cooks got busy right away; no floor time. Add to that breakfast was at 11:10, and wouldn't you know that at that exact moment the food drop arrived, and it started to rain!!! For those who have dealt with a food drop before, you know it takes four people several hours for just that process! Yes, Greg, just an inconvenience - we know. Seriously, drop by if you can help.

The corps got some floor time after arriving, and I could hear them rehearsing when I talked to Jack this afternoon. Mike had a meeting with the vets last night after the show in Michigan City. There was a grocery store next to the bus parking area last night - I saw many kids from all corps returning with bags of goodies!

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

Posted by Rod - David's taking a well-deserved break :)

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

We are in Michigan City, IN

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Today's Menu
Breakfast
Egg wrap
Bacon or sausage

Meal 2
Hamburgers and toppings
Potato wedges

Meal 3
Chicken nuggets
Chips

Meal 4
Meat pasta
Bread sticks


Photo by David S.

Today's Schedule
7:30 Wake and breakfast
8:30 Sectionals
11:45 Meal 2
12:45 Ensemble
2:30 Meal 3/pack/load
4:15 Depart for stadium
4:30 Warmup
6:37 Gate
6:47 Perform
7:30 Meal 4
11 Depart for Louisville

Today's Cooks
Jack W, head cook
John B
Judy H
Debbie L
Patty T

Dale and Connie C helping

Brock L drives

Today's News
Jack W is going to be down two cooks tomorrow. If there's anyone close to Louisville who could stop in and help, that'd be greatly appreciated. I think they're also scheduled for a food drop.

The corps got 4 to 5 hours of floor time after they go in to Michigan City, so that was good. They had a great show last night in Michigan and are still going strong.

The weather in Michigan City is great today. Sunny, but with a cool breeze.

They are sharing the school with the Colt Cadets and Spirit, so Dale C said there were drums and drum corps kids everywhere.

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

Kalamazoo Video

For those of you who have subscribed to the Colts Fan Network on DCI, there is a great video of the Colts performance in Kalamazoo last night. The video was taken from a high camera angle, giving a good view of the shapes and patterns created by the drill. And the audio quality is pretty good as well.

I just got off tour this weekend, and desperately want to go back, but alas, work calls... How cool it was to be able to watch this video last night.

I'll be in Michigan City tonight to see the show live one last time before finals. Getting up for work on Monday after only a few hours of sleep could be a challenge - but not really, it's just like tour!!!

Today is Saturday, July 5; it's a show day

We are in Kalamazoo, MI


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Today's Menu
Breakfast
Pancakes
Hash browns
Sausage patty

Meal 2
Butt chop
Chips
Fruit cup

Meal 3
Salisbury steak
Mashed potatoes and gravy
Corn

Meal 4
Sloppy joes
Chips
Pudding cup


Photo by David S.

Today's Schedule
10 Wake
10:10 Stretch
10:40 Breakfast
11 Staff meeting
11 Vis
1 Meal 2
2 Sectionals
3:30 Ensemble
4:50 Meal 3/pack/load
6:35 Depart for show
7:12 Warmup
9:12 Gate
9:24 Performance
10 Meal 4
12 Depart

Today's Cooks
Jack W, head cook
John B
Judy H
Lori C
Pat R
Peggy F
Toni H
Debbie L
Jeff V
Patty T
Dale C
Connie C

Brock L drives

Today's News
The corps got in very early this morning, so there was a late wakeup and a compressed show-day schedule today.

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

Today is Friday, July 4; it's parade day!

We are in Vernon Hills, IL

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Today's Menu
Breakfast
Breakfast wrap
Sausage

Meal 2
Sack lunch

Meal 3
Pizza party

Meal 4
Scalloped potatoes and ham
Mustgoes


Photo by David S.

Today's Schedule
6:15 Wake
7 Breakfast
8:15 Corps A leaves for parades
8:45 Corps B leaves for parades
8:30 Meal 4
10 Depart

Today's Cooks
Lori C, head cook
Peggy F
Debbie L
Jeff V
Patty T
Jack W
Jody S
Rod R
Luba S
Pat R
Toni H

Brock L drives

Today's News
Thanks to the parents of Garrett and Laura C. who are sponsoring today's pizza party after the Northbrook parade for birthdays.

Seen on the side of the cooktruck: Kick ass. Love you all. Jude.

Seen on the side of the cooktruck: If you can't read this, we may have your contacts.

Parade day. Lots going on. Lots of on and off the bus. Lots of cook changes.

Oh, Happy Independence Day!

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

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

We are in Cedarburg, WI

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Today's Menu
Breakfast
Biscuits and gravy

Meal 2
Hamburgers
Fries
Pears

Meal 3
Sweet and sour chicken
Rice
Stir fry peas and carrots
Egg rolls

Meal 4 (with Colt Cadets)
Corn dogs
Chips
Applesauce


Photo by David S.

Today's Schedule
8 Wake
8:10 Stretch
8:40 Breakfast
9:30 Vis
12 Meal 2
1 Sectionals
3:30 Ensemble
5 Meal 3/pack/load
6:45 Depart for show
7:15 Warmup
9:15 Gate
9:26 Performance
10 Meal 4
11 Depart for Vernon Hills, IL (Travel time 2 hours, 30 minutes)

Today's Cooks
Jody S, head cook
Rod R
Lori C
Pat R
Luba S
Toni H
Loras H
Betty H

Bill S drives

Today's News
Happy Birthday, Miho!

The cooks and staff were working their high-tech solution for getting the schedule together last night. They were texting from van to van so they could have today's schedule put together by the time they arrived in Cedarburg.

Since that happened, the cooks got right in the school and right to bed by 12:30 a.m. And they didn't have to be up until 7 a.m. Hooray for floor time!

The itinerary for the rest of the summer has been mailed to all parents and a downloadable pdf is posted on the Colts site. All the way to Bloomington. Cool!

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

Today is Wednesday, July 2; it's a show day

We are in Milwaukee, WI

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Today's Menu
Breakfast
Strata
Donated grapes

Meal 2
Chicken burgers
Rice/broccoli pilaf
Corn

Meal 3
Nachos
Watermelon

Meal 4
Spaghetti and meatballs
Garlic toast
Salad


Photo by David S.

Today's Schedule
8 Wake
8:10 Stretch
8:40 Breakfast
9 Staff meeting
9:30 Vis
11:30 Sectionals
12:15 Guard meal 2
12:30 Percussion meal 2
12:45 Brass meal 2
1:15 Guard sectionals
1:30 Percussion sectionals
1:45 Brass sectionals
2:30 Ensemble
4 Meal 3/pack/load
5:45 Depart for stadium
6:45 Warmup
8:45 Gate
8:55 Step off
9:30 Meal 4
11 Depart for Cedarburg, WI (45 minute drive)

Today's Cooks
Jody S, head cook
Rod R
Lori C
Pat R
Luba S
Toni H
Dale C
Connie C


Bill S drives

Today's News
Happy Birthday, Laura C!

Not much news today. The school is nice, although a bit hard to get around in. Sounds like it would be a building that would be easy to get lost in.

Looks like it might rain, but nothing by mid-day.

The cooks got donations of watermelon, grapes, and cookies today. Thanks for all the donations!

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

Today is Tuesday, July 1; it's a rehearsal day

We are in Varna, IL

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Today's Menu
Breakfast
Bagels
Sausage

Meal 2
Egg salad sandwiches
Fresh veggies
Mustgoes

Meal 3
Fajitas
Refried beans
Fruit salad
Mustgoes

Meal 4
Fish sandwiches
Tater tots
Really mustgoes


Photo by David S.

Today's Schedule
9:15 Wake/breakfast
10 Sectionals
1:15 Brass meal 2
1:30 Guard meal 2
1:45 Percussion meal 2
2:15 Brass back to field
2:30 Guard back to field
2:45 Percussion back to field
5 Meal 3
6 Ensemble
7:30 Dog and pony
10 Meal 4/pack/load
11:30 Depart for Milwaukee

Today's Cooks
Jody S, head cook
Rod R
Lori C
Pat R
Luba S
Toni H
Betty H

Two parents, Vicki L and Lori C (a different Lori C), dropped in to help. Thanks to all the volunteers!

Bill S drives

Today's News
The corps is working extra hard in this mid-season camp. They got the changes put in yesterday and are cleaning, cleaning, cleaning today. The new stuff is great, I hear.

A former guard member sent two big boxes of cereal for the corps -- Lucky Charms, CocoKrispies, and that sort. For variety.

The cooks organized a water bottle wash and bleach last night. Yum!

Parents donated and delivered today's milk for the corps. That's a really, really big help with milk prices these days. Thanks so much!

Last night's made-from-scratch bread dough pizza was a GIANT hit with the corps. The cooks made enough so that each Colt got two big pieces of regular pizza and a slice of fruit pizza too! Way to go.

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