Ready To Audition

Went to see the Cadets send-off. I can get away with not going to anything else now this year. Put in my due. Yuula liked it tho.... 

She was ready to audition

Finally got some girls together

Meeting ol' Katie

Horns In Storms

Such is life. Last year we didn't even make it to a field when the rain spoiled the party. This year we had a sunny shine day only to be followed by torrential bouts of pummeling rain. At least we stayed undercover save only a slightly manic dash from our princess parking to the secret gate, but the heavy rains and us carrying a toddler probably aided in the security not noticing that we were flashing faux credentials that pretty much got us anywhere we wanted in the building. Good thing these guys aren't head of security for something that really matters.

Anyhow, onto our (now) annual drum and bugle outing...

We showed up with perfect timing (lunchtime) so we could immediately begin greeting all the old acquaintances with no awkward waving from afar. Unfortunately, as is always the case, rehearsal started up again very quickly and Yuula had her first taste of up close and personal professional flagging.

I think she liked it.

We took to the field shortly after a brief stint in the field level Toyota suites for some catching up with the Pittman's. Once we were front field I may or may not have made a few adjustments to the program. We'll see how it goes.

She sits where where Victor Cruz salsas

Immediately after ensemble we retreated to the Pittman RV for the AC had been pumping and it was the only choice. A decision to dine on traditional Chinese food was made so we filled up the van with Daniel, Eric and JP Pittman himself and ventured out to find the only place within 100 miles that had more than 1 star rating. It was not easy

But we did, and crab rangoon for all, along with Yuula's first platter of lo mein, which she barely touched. She was sticking to her bottle for now.

Got back to the stadium in the pouring rain and not a soul found outside of shelter. We got into the stadium and must've asked at least 20 "guides" where the Cadet alumni gathering was taking place, even giving clues as to it being in a "west hall" somewhere and everyone looked at us like we were morons. Finally arriving at the 50 yard field level suite called THE WEST HALL (c'mon people) we immediately reunited with the likes of which have not been seen in some time. Photos were taken.

Yuula played bunny catch with Jonathan and some DCI judging elite.

They do have a soft side.

Then we kicked back in our air conditioned booth away from the rain and the humidity. It had to be done.

I think Yuula had more fans than the Cavaliers last night.

Good times folks. See ya next year, and not a moment sooner.

Yuula Meets The Rabble

These photos are from May, when we stopped by spring training on our way home from Ohio. I put them aside and then forgot to post them. Whoops. When better than when I'm at a loss for interesting content.

Yuula met the old gang. She liked most of them.


She doesn't get the iPad either.


Right after this picture was taken Greg trampled those mellophones behind him.


Yuula loves her girlfriends like Abby.


Always great to see Curtis.


Yuula made some friends and exchanged a few numbers.

Good times. We may see some of them again in August if we can make it out to a local show.

Mostly Angels, Some Demons

Dropped on the KA-dets this afternoon. Passing by so I thought it would be rude not to. Not many kids left that I know and a slightly adjusted staff. Great to see the old cats tho. Caught up slightly and grabbed some Five Guys. Yuula was a hit and drew a crowd til I chased them away. All the time is never enough so we got in and out in under three hours. Made plans for future encounters, like we always do, and bet on whether or not we'd see them thru. We know ourselves. But it was nice... for a that moment... it's enough.

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On The Outside Now

Black & white seemed appropriate.

Just Visiting

Caravans rolled into town this weekend, carrying all sorts of dancers and buglers and drummer boys. Laura and I thought we'd go see what all the fuss was about.



I took to the field like a fish. Tho I barely knew 1/4 of the kids, it still felt the same, and looked the same and smelled the same, and tho I was savoring my Taco Bell linger, I found that it even tasted the same. They're in the home stretch now, so things are coming together. Makes for a good time to visit. Usually spirits are up and enthusiasm, for whatever it may be, is high. Usually.



Laura hasn't seen the sun much this summer so it missed her and got to her fast. Wasn't long before baby belly had to put her baby belly back into some AC, so we drove around the neighborhood a bit, visiting yardsales and antique stores, but not finding much of anything worth something. Nothing in other words. Our search criteria has changed as we used to look for odd knick knacks or oversized furniture, and now we look for dolls & wood blocks. Funny how that happens.




Our buddy our pal Eric came by the rehearsal. We caught up with him. Glad to hear he's finally making some dough off his photography talents. Can't help but feel we got him into a pickle there. He filled us in on all his goings-ons, like his new clothing line and his new fish-eye lens and his new moving to Onset and his plans beyond that. He's always got adventures going on, and next weekend they'll be going on at our house.



We took Greg & Daniel to the CiCi's in Allentown. Laura has been literally dying for a pizza buffet since we moved up here. I admit, I missed that macaroni & cheese pizza too, and the cinnamon buns were better than I remembered, which is why I had about 6. Hey! It took us 3 years to get there once. Could be another 3 before we go again. Gotta get while ya can.

Then off to the show, where everyone had something to do and somewhere to be, except us. As it should be. We wandered around and tried to stay out of the way and played fly on the wall. Oh the drama.



Nice to see everyone. Old friends on new paths. Got the dream team together for a commemorative photo. We got stories. This one's going in the album.

Now Daniel Has A Lightsaber

New Moon Was So Awesome!!!

I didn't really see New Moon. It's just all I've heard about today so I felt a little left out. No desire really to see it. In an act of boredom and desperation last spring training I watched the first one on Daniel's laptop and fell asleep halfway thru, but what I saw was pretty tedious...

anyhow..

Taking care of a few last minute things before I leave for the weekend. Cadets tonight and tomorrow and off to Sitao for Sunday, hopefully teach a bunch. Seems like I haven't been there in a while. Week went too fast and I'm guessing next will go even faster with Thanksgiving and all. It is the first time Laura & I will be preparing and eating the meal ourselves tho. I'm sure that'll go smooth. If anything it'll be a nice day off to spend together. Not too many of those coming up. I'm sure she'll want to start on Christmas decorations shortly thereafter, if not Thanksgiving Day (I told her she had to wait at least that long). But it'll be good to get into that shed and pull those crates of holiday cheer out, and make room for more mess. She wants the tree in the living room this year. I kind of agree, but I know it means we'll have to rework some furniture beforehand. Not too keen on that idea.

We did buy our flights to Georgia for Christmas yesterday. 6am flight first Friday of December. We like those early flights. No traffic and relatively quiet airports. Plus it gives us that whole day ahead of us and I haven't seen the Krupps in a while. Has it been since last Christmas? I'm sure there will be some very interesting gift exchanges going on and lots of group shots in front of the tree, not to mention a new baby and some down time.

After that Laura works six days a week and I'm out of town every weekend, so we'll definitely be looking forward to Christmas. Actually we'll be looking forward to February.

But one step at a time. Right now I'm looking forward to putting my head back on my pillow Sunday night and maybe having a glass of wine.

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