DeanInChicago

As I am watching my budget, I asked DCI for a refund of the canceled 2020 Allentown two-nighter. DCI replied to me on Monday, December 28, to be patient and understanding, and hinted that Allentown may be added as a 2021 event, yet just as well cautioned that it may not. DCI said a possible expanded schedule may be announced in March. DCI also hinted that a refund or deferral of funds to 2022 was currently NOT being offered, though may be considered in March.

I got the December 4 email, too, but my tickets had been for the cancelled 2020 Allentown shows.

Omni, Marriott, Crown Plaza, Hilton, Hyatt are all great. Though the Alexander is hip, it's near noisy, screeching train tracks. The Sheraton has great views overlooking Monument Circle. Embassy Suites is above the former DCI HQ. All of these are walkable to Lucas Oil. La Quinta is probably one of the longest walks from the stadium, but it's near a Whole Foods grocery and the city's bus transit center.

I bought 3 tickets for Lisle, in row S. I guess I may be sitting directly behind Terri. I remembered to NOT buy top row T as it is a BENCH - which some years means SQUISH CITY. Jane and Manny are probably in row T dead center.

I would get burned out watching 18 corps.

Finally looked at the detailed schedule on Wednesday, November 27. Considered 15 shows, will head to 6. Regrets to Detroit, Canton, Zionsville, Evansville, Hamilton, Muncie, Stevens Point, Madison, and LaCrosse. Whitewater: 109 miles. Opportunity to see the new era of the Madison Scouts. Rockford: 88 miles. Like Waterwater, a Saturday night show. Lisle: 25 miles. Only 5 corps but the line up is solid and includes Blue Devils. DeKalb: 64 miles. Is this Pacific Crest's first appearance in DeKalb? Allentown: out east. My favorite DCI weekend splurge each year.

If the Velvet Knights perform a Thanksgiving program during the 2020 summer season, what music, drill, uniforms, or props should be included? Would a green bean casserole costume read well from the grandstand?

Dream big. DCI wins every lottery ever held and builds a traveling outdoor stadium. The stadium repels any bad weather. 30,000 hotel rentals always available at each site as well as no pickpockets and plenty of scholastic rehearsal space. Stadium ticket includes complimentary air travel and gratuities. Four town picks: Thermopolis, Wyoming Mackinac Island, Michigan Key West, Florida Crescent City, California

Terri, there was one gently worded question: Did you sit in the seat that you purchased or did you move around?

Trying to recall some of the other questions ... We were asked to rank 7 items in order of our engagement or affection. I think the choices were percussion, brass, guard, visual, music, the whole package, and uniforms/costumes. Another series of questions asked about EACH and EVERY corps's performance. No surprise: we were asked if we prefer traditional corps uniforms vs costumes that match the performance. How did we get to Indy? How many nights did we stay? How did we obtain our hotel room? How much did we buy at concessions and at souvie booths? Did you attend t

Were the Armed Forces questions new this year? We were asked if we served in the Army, Air Force, Marines, or Coast Guard. ... And did any of our kids, siblings, parents, or grandparents serve?

They finally added Shapiro's to the long line up of Indy eateries, but continue to omit my annual trek to The Slippery Noodle.

Wow, the yard sale has very few items this year. Time to mark down Phantom Regiment's large french fry props.

Friday night, it was chilly in 241. From time to time, you would feel a big whoosh of cold air. Saturday night, it was just right in 141.

For sale: Four regal staircases. Ideal to glam up your school production of 39 Steps.