Note: Will be posting a few pictures with help of Aaron. I'll be talking to him today/tomorrow if my voice comes around. (Peggy will call tomorrow latest Aaron.)
"5 Nights & 6 Days; The Fun Begins" Chpt 2
1:10am: "Penny Lane"
Kathy just found a penny. She jokes its lucky as she picks it up.
We chuckle at the memory the last time she found a penny.
Nothing worked in Wendover thereafter to the point of absolute silliness.
I say to her joking solid, my hotel room key will not work now.
I put my key in and we all hold our breath red light. Try again, red light. Try againnothing but red. Drastad!
I begin my hobble to the front desk.
Tyler is laughing. Kathy is laughing. Navin is laughing somewhere.
Halfway down the hall Tyler mentions maybe grabbing a sandwich; I had refused to eat at the casinos Taco Bell earlier. (One Colon Blow Supreme and a Large Coke Please)
Sure, Ill grab a new room key, hop in the Suburban and were offeasy like Sunday morning.
1:23am: Lucky Penny continues
Sitting down in the drivers seat I joke to Tyler watch my car not work.
I turn the ignition. Nothing. I turned it again. Nothing again, nothing.
Drastad! Drastad! Drastad!
Note: My wife had a shop change the battery before I left.
Evidently they had not tightened properly the cables. Nor had they changed the deteriorating components. All 7 of them.
Lovely, lovely, lovely.
2 hours later it was still impossible to jump.
The graveyard maintenance crew was full of instructions on how to fix; the starter, solenoids, alternator etc. Everyone thought it was a different serious problem.
I appreciated there help but felt the dilemma was simpler to mend.
4:15am
I tell everyone lets leave it be Ill take care of it (ahem my way) in the afternoon. The guys would not give me good odds on what I thought needed to be done. They were concerned I would need a tow, a mechanic etc. and be stuck for at least the weekend and first part of next week.
1:30pm: Next Day
Jerry driving Tyler and I to the local auto parts store. There I buy the studs, battery, cleaner etc. Jerry mentions he needs to go to the store but will wait knowing I need to see if this works.
I tell Jerry, Lets go to the store. This will work. I am going with lifes flow, like a calm twig on the shores of a mighty stream.
They look at me simultaneously to see if my meds have made me loopy. I tell them, I am as lucid as a twig on the shoulders of..
1:51pm: Moment of Truth
I had bought myself a powerful sandwich to eat later in celebration I hope.
We changed the studs, cleaned the connectors and added another new battery and held our breaths. I bet 9 bucks and my left nostril it will work. 100 degree plus temperature outside has been tough for me. Of the 50 plus pills I take 47 say stay out of the freaking sun.
I turn the key and hope
2:31pm:
Success!
I am so pleased Tyler and I share a huge sigh of relief and smile widely for the rest of the day.
I am having a grand time through it all. I think Tyler is as well.
Life is good.
Side Note Perspective: Encouragement and inspiration often comes in different shapes and sizes. I found this experience and ones like it to be extremely satisfying.
I can't help but think maybe someday things will be that easy for me to dial in.
Ill hang my hat on that everday and Mondays.
3pm "Jackie Green"
An individual joins Tyler and me in the elevator. I introduce myself.
He is the guitar tech for Jackie Green band. We make plans to hang later.
Note: I could only watch a small part of Jackies set before I had to drum. Solid band.
8pm Solid Set
Tonight the set grooves. I notice how many people are now wearing City Zu shirts. This is a fun band.
I catch a surplus of thefeeling over a four hour set. I play in my socks yet again to feel a bit the pedals. I tap into my inner Billy Mechanisms Ward.
11:23pm
I meet Eric and Dave in between our sets. Eric plays trumpet and Dave Guitar for Davy Jones. (Monkees) We hang after our last set. Eric says he is in the room next to mine. I preemptively apologize for the boisterous singing that will at some point emanate from my room.
Sept 8th 2:18 AM
Eric is in my room and we are sharing various creative endeavors while remunerating past experiences. Tyler is soaking it all in. A creative soulful meeting of the minds is had.
It is clear Eric B. is a talented, creative, soulful cobra. Feel lucky to now have such a creative trumpet playing Brooklyn friend
He pitches another idea. Solid. Shows another video he made. Solid. I show a few. He reads a few articles of mine going to print.
See his website here www.ericbiondo.com/home.html
Note: WARNING: Gross Sloggy Experience
Understand with Chemotherapy etc. everything tastes like Metal to me. I am continually asking my wife if drinks, food et cetera taste right. 99.9 percent of the time they do.
Not being able to walk until I stretch for a period and not being able to sleep for period thereafter due to painI sometimes use a potty pitcher in bed. I had forgotten them on this trip and was using large Gatorade bottles.
Some were full for drinking. I had thought a few days before how it would be sick if I made a mistake. So I setup a system.
4:20am: A tall glass of Gatorpizzle and a big bowl of wrong.
I awake out of REM sleep. I seize my pills sleepily and take them. I swig the Gatorade to get them downmy face frowns. Ugh, something doesnt taste right. Probably chemo mouth... Instantly Im back asleep.
6:55am:
I wake up and begin taking my larger pills. I take 2 fast gulps to get it down. The fetch...? That was worse tasting than before!! A ghastly thought hits me. I begin shuddering no, no, no, please no.
I glance at the contents inside the Gatorade. Oh noits happening. Wake up wake up. This is a dream. This is a dream. Needing another form of sick conclusive proof
I smell the contents inside the Gatorade bottle.
F_ _ _!!! F_ _ _!!!! F_ _ _!!!!!
I begin projectile puking.
I am sickened. Completely revolted!!!!!!!!
Nobody is this stupid 3 separate times you gulped!!!! I continue to run around the room screaming like a little girl. I slip on the October 2007 Modern Drummer. My face now on the floor is next to the cover. Mike Portnoy looks to be peering at me thoroughly disgusted!!!!
I Begin: Washing, brushing, gargling, sobbing and repeating
8:30am
Wash, brush, gargle, wail and repeat, ,., .. ,. ,., .. ,. ,..
,.. ,., .. ,., .. ,. ,.. ,., .. ,. ,..
,., .. ,. ,.. ,., .. ,. ,.. ,., .. ,. ,..
1:12pm
Wash, brush, gargle, bawl and repeat, ,., .. ,. ,., .. ,. ,..
,.. ,., .. ,., .. ,. ,.. ,., .. ,. ,..
,., .. ,. ,.. ,., .. ,. ,.. ,., .. ,. ,..
4pm Room 218
Eric had invited me back stage to hang with Davy and the band. I need to be present at a conference call so I knock on his door; I tell him Ill see him later.
He asks me what the entire hubbub was in my room earlier this morning.
Awful new kind of Gatorade I tasted. Was like someone pizzled in the bottle Eric. ha-ha Well, Cya
Note: Later the front desk asked me if my daughter was ok. After a minute of confusion I saidoh yes, her brother Navin makes life miserable for all of us.
Sunday 9th 1AM The flip
Feeling a powerful buzz from the gallons of scope mouth wash I go for the Macdaddy Stick Flip to end our set. Jerry begins to announce the band. He recognizes me to the crowd now its go time baby. WHAM!!
The stick sails swiftly over my shield at 90 degrees to a perfect 15 ft arch there it rotates 7 or 8 times just hovering, people gasp as it finally begins to descend to the front of the stage. There it lands flawlessly into the waiting hand of Jerry. Brilliant! Easy like Sunday morning.
The crowd promptly concedes an ovation to the drummer.
With both arms victoriously raised in the air I proclaim My work is done here!
This does not have the desired effect I intended.
Silence ensues where all you can hear is waitresses whispering no ideayou, do you? Everybody is now visibly confused.
My band mates glare at me. Tyler scowls.
Miserably, I sit down behind my shield scanning the room for any acknowledgment. There is none.
Its hard to be cool.
1:04am Sep. 9th
I see Davys Drummer Felipe out front. I motion to him and we smile.
1:12am:
Finishing our set, I hobble out to Felipe.
I caught the first hour of his set with Davy Jones. I remark how in that hour Davy seemed to play 2 songs and joke with the audience the other 50 minutes.
Felipe is a solid drummer, very musical and fun to watch...
We are soon surrounded by other members of Davys band. We have a solid hang for awhile.
Soon just Felipe and I are talking once again.
But what else comes up connecting two drummers - Billy Ward.
Felipe straight away talks about how excited he is for the new DVD. He took a lesson in 2000 with Billy.
Felipe shares some of the Billyisms he now incorporates into his playing.
We identify how Billy inspires us to be imaginative and musical. Everything is in play.
September 9th 1:50am: Felipe 402
Felipe and Eric volunteer to lend a hand packing my drums.
Note: This despite there lobby call in just a few hours. I say to them, get some sleep.
Tyler has most of it completed but they still assist where they can. On stage I show Felipe the Ludwig 402. I tell him the powerful story of friendship and camaraderie versus Navin the evil.
3:12am
I say goodbye to Felipe after a few more stick tricks is shared. We hug it out. A kindred spirit indeed. Felipe is one powerful drummer.
To Felipe: Solid to meet you. Powerful to hear you play. Continued success with the Drummers Collective, Davy Jones band, New Jersey and New York scene, etc. We will lock arms again someday and trade those 4s. This I know.
5:15am: Solid feeling in full effect
I arrive back at my room. After throwing away all Lime Green Gatorade... I lay down.
I relive the day. Soul solid being a drummer.
I reflect how once again drums enhance the space between playing them.
I grin considering various drumming friends like llabarge, 1968z, Amba, Scott61, MobyNickt, Jeepndrummer, Jaaye, Frozendiddle, DWDave, Bahj, prick Navin, Mainley, pocket, Glynes, basher98, ScottG, Mateo, Kenjit, JTPT, Des, haddrig, Mustang Mick, BrianP, CPThrasher, Spoiter, Aja, DED, Jeff H, Aaron, Mario, NotjohnBonham, E2P, Eric, Cornelius, Yamaha Evans, BBunks, bunks son Chris, Dsylver and hubby Chris, Brad Kilpatrick presumably experienced parallel feelings this weekend.
10am: Easy like Sunday morning.
Tyler and I are in the Suburban getting ready to head home. We talk about the week; weve had so many solid experiences making this trip unforgettable.
I lost count of the laughter before arriving in Oroville.
I ask Tyler if he gambled at all. He says he lost 5 dollars.
I had not gambled.
I tell Tyler lets stop and pizzle away some coin before the ride home. 15 minutes should do. Who knowsmaybe will be lucky like in Tahoe 3 months ago.
10:12am: Risk and Reward
We joke as we enter how we will soon hate each other for doing this.
I stop in the middle of the casino for effect. Tyler I got a feeling. If you listen closely the $1 Wheel Fortune Slot machines are calling us.
We stand a few minutes watching everyone lose. I tell Tyler we are determined.
We choose 2 machines next to each other. We take turns spinning. On the third spin I win $100.
I am done. Easy like Sunday morning. I say.
Tyler goes solo. Notwithstanding my cheerleading he gets down to $25 from $100. Let it ride Tylerfeeling it.
I am hoping for Tyler so much wouldnt it be cool! Wouldnt it be brilliant! Absolutely memorable!
He spins
YES!! $750!!!! He looks at me as I pat him on the shoulder saying, Easy like Sunday morning.
10:22am: 2 Lucky people
Within 14 minutes of stopping at the casino, we were back on the road.
We both felt richer.
The money just won had little to do with the sense of well-being in the air.
10:30am: Gas Upped and Going Home
Tyler insisted on paying an extra $25 as thanks. Seeing him happy and smiling was so fulfilling. He is akin to my little brother.
When he called me those months ago with the horrendous news, I promised him with all my heart life would once again reveal good things. The troubled waters will give way to calm. His little ship being tossed to and fro would make port. Find a place of rest. Good friends can give light to the darkest of rooms. This I know. This have I experienced.
Keep slogging on and let life reveal.
As we started the drive, I wondered if he was feeling a small portion of that "peace and calm."
The next 12 hours no radios or DVDs were ever played; simply filled with Tyler and I reminiscing and laughing my frequent interruptions for the fabulous semi-trucks only added to our enjoyment.
I ask Tyler as we pull off the freeway near home how he would sum up the trip. He thinks earnestly for a few seconds before smiling assuredly at me saying
Life is good.
Slog On, Forrest
Dedicated to the remembrance of drummer Chris D'Sylver. White Shores my friend.
Peggy's and I love to you always Lilian.
"5 Nights & 6 Days; The Fun Begins" Chpt 2
1:10am: "Penny Lane"
Kathy just found a penny. She jokes its lucky as she picks it up.
We chuckle at the memory the last time she found a penny.
Nothing worked in Wendover thereafter to the point of absolute silliness.
I say to her joking solid, my hotel room key will not work now.
I put my key in and we all hold our breath red light. Try again, red light. Try againnothing but red. Drastad!
I begin my hobble to the front desk.
Tyler is laughing. Kathy is laughing. Navin is laughing somewhere.
Halfway down the hall Tyler mentions maybe grabbing a sandwich; I had refused to eat at the casinos Taco Bell earlier. (One Colon Blow Supreme and a Large Coke Please)
Sure, Ill grab a new room key, hop in the Suburban and were offeasy like Sunday morning.
1:23am: Lucky Penny continues
Sitting down in the drivers seat I joke to Tyler watch my car not work.
I turn the ignition. Nothing. I turned it again. Nothing again, nothing.
Drastad! Drastad! Drastad!
Note: My wife had a shop change the battery before I left.
Evidently they had not tightened properly the cables. Nor had they changed the deteriorating components. All 7 of them.
Lovely, lovely, lovely.
2 hours later it was still impossible to jump.
The graveyard maintenance crew was full of instructions on how to fix; the starter, solenoids, alternator etc. Everyone thought it was a different serious problem.
I appreciated there help but felt the dilemma was simpler to mend.
4:15am
I tell everyone lets leave it be Ill take care of it (ahem my way) in the afternoon. The guys would not give me good odds on what I thought needed to be done. They were concerned I would need a tow, a mechanic etc. and be stuck for at least the weekend and first part of next week.
1:30pm: Next Day
Jerry driving Tyler and I to the local auto parts store. There I buy the studs, battery, cleaner etc. Jerry mentions he needs to go to the store but will wait knowing I need to see if this works.
I tell Jerry, Lets go to the store. This will work. I am going with lifes flow, like a calm twig on the shores of a mighty stream.
They look at me simultaneously to see if my meds have made me loopy. I tell them, I am as lucid as a twig on the shoulders of..
1:51pm: Moment of Truth
I had bought myself a powerful sandwich to eat later in celebration I hope.
We changed the studs, cleaned the connectors and added another new battery and held our breaths. I bet 9 bucks and my left nostril it will work. 100 degree plus temperature outside has been tough for me. Of the 50 plus pills I take 47 say stay out of the freaking sun.
I turn the key and hope
2:31pm:
Success!
I am so pleased Tyler and I share a huge sigh of relief and smile widely for the rest of the day.
I am having a grand time through it all. I think Tyler is as well.
Life is good.
Side Note Perspective: Encouragement and inspiration often comes in different shapes and sizes. I found this experience and ones like it to be extremely satisfying.
I can't help but think maybe someday things will be that easy for me to dial in.
Ill hang my hat on that everday and Mondays.
3pm "Jackie Green"
An individual joins Tyler and me in the elevator. I introduce myself.
He is the guitar tech for Jackie Green band. We make plans to hang later.
Note: I could only watch a small part of Jackies set before I had to drum. Solid band.
8pm Solid Set
Tonight the set grooves. I notice how many people are now wearing City Zu shirts. This is a fun band.
I catch a surplus of thefeeling over a four hour set. I play in my socks yet again to feel a bit the pedals. I tap into my inner Billy Mechanisms Ward.
11:23pm
I meet Eric and Dave in between our sets. Eric plays trumpet and Dave Guitar for Davy Jones. (Monkees) We hang after our last set. Eric says he is in the room next to mine. I preemptively apologize for the boisterous singing that will at some point emanate from my room.
Sept 8th 2:18 AM
Eric is in my room and we are sharing various creative endeavors while remunerating past experiences. Tyler is soaking it all in. A creative soulful meeting of the minds is had.
It is clear Eric B. is a talented, creative, soulful cobra. Feel lucky to now have such a creative trumpet playing Brooklyn friend
He pitches another idea. Solid. Shows another video he made. Solid. I show a few. He reads a few articles of mine going to print.
See his website here www.ericbiondo.com/home.html
Note: WARNING: Gross Sloggy Experience
Understand with Chemotherapy etc. everything tastes like Metal to me. I am continually asking my wife if drinks, food et cetera taste right. 99.9 percent of the time they do.
Not being able to walk until I stretch for a period and not being able to sleep for period thereafter due to painI sometimes use a potty pitcher in bed. I had forgotten them on this trip and was using large Gatorade bottles.
Some were full for drinking. I had thought a few days before how it would be sick if I made a mistake. So I setup a system.
4:20am: A tall glass of Gatorpizzle and a big bowl of wrong.
I awake out of REM sleep. I seize my pills sleepily and take them. I swig the Gatorade to get them downmy face frowns. Ugh, something doesnt taste right. Probably chemo mouth... Instantly Im back asleep.
6:55am:
I wake up and begin taking my larger pills. I take 2 fast gulps to get it down. The fetch...? That was worse tasting than before!! A ghastly thought hits me. I begin shuddering no, no, no, please no.
I glance at the contents inside the Gatorade. Oh noits happening. Wake up wake up. This is a dream. This is a dream. Needing another form of sick conclusive proof
I smell the contents inside the Gatorade bottle.
F_ _ _!!! F_ _ _!!!! F_ _ _!!!!!
I begin projectile puking.
I am sickened. Completely revolted!!!!!!!!
Nobody is this stupid 3 separate times you gulped!!!! I continue to run around the room screaming like a little girl. I slip on the October 2007 Modern Drummer. My face now on the floor is next to the cover. Mike Portnoy looks to be peering at me thoroughly disgusted!!!!
I Begin: Washing, brushing, gargling, sobbing and repeating
8:30am
Wash, brush, gargle, wail and repeat, ,., .. ,. ,., .. ,. ,..
,.. ,., .. ,., .. ,. ,.. ,., .. ,. ,..
,., .. ,. ,.. ,., .. ,. ,.. ,., .. ,. ,..
1:12pm
Wash, brush, gargle, bawl and repeat, ,., .. ,. ,., .. ,. ,..
,.. ,., .. ,., .. ,. ,.. ,., .. ,. ,..
,., .. ,. ,.. ,., .. ,. ,.. ,., .. ,. ,..
4pm Room 218
Eric had invited me back stage to hang with Davy and the band. I need to be present at a conference call so I knock on his door; I tell him Ill see him later.
He asks me what the entire hubbub was in my room earlier this morning.
Awful new kind of Gatorade I tasted. Was like someone pizzled in the bottle Eric. ha-ha Well, Cya
Note: Later the front desk asked me if my daughter was ok. After a minute of confusion I saidoh yes, her brother Navin makes life miserable for all of us.
Sunday 9th 1AM The flip
Feeling a powerful buzz from the gallons of scope mouth wash I go for the Macdaddy Stick Flip to end our set. Jerry begins to announce the band. He recognizes me to the crowd now its go time baby. WHAM!!
The stick sails swiftly over my shield at 90 degrees to a perfect 15 ft arch there it rotates 7 or 8 times just hovering, people gasp as it finally begins to descend to the front of the stage. There it lands flawlessly into the waiting hand of Jerry. Brilliant! Easy like Sunday morning.
The crowd promptly concedes an ovation to the drummer.
With both arms victoriously raised in the air I proclaim My work is done here!
This does not have the desired effect I intended.
Silence ensues where all you can hear is waitresses whispering no ideayou, do you? Everybody is now visibly confused.
My band mates glare at me. Tyler scowls.
Miserably, I sit down behind my shield scanning the room for any acknowledgment. There is none.
Its hard to be cool.
1:04am Sep. 9th
I see Davys Drummer Felipe out front. I motion to him and we smile.
1:12am:
Finishing our set, I hobble out to Felipe.
I caught the first hour of his set with Davy Jones. I remark how in that hour Davy seemed to play 2 songs and joke with the audience the other 50 minutes.
Felipe is a solid drummer, very musical and fun to watch...
We are soon surrounded by other members of Davys band. We have a solid hang for awhile.
Soon just Felipe and I are talking once again.
But what else comes up connecting two drummers - Billy Ward.
Felipe straight away talks about how excited he is for the new DVD. He took a lesson in 2000 with Billy.
Felipe shares some of the Billyisms he now incorporates into his playing.
We identify how Billy inspires us to be imaginative and musical. Everything is in play.
September 9th 1:50am: Felipe 402
Felipe and Eric volunteer to lend a hand packing my drums.
Note: This despite there lobby call in just a few hours. I say to them, get some sleep.
Tyler has most of it completed but they still assist where they can. On stage I show Felipe the Ludwig 402. I tell him the powerful story of friendship and camaraderie versus Navin the evil.
3:12am
I say goodbye to Felipe after a few more stick tricks is shared. We hug it out. A kindred spirit indeed. Felipe is one powerful drummer.
To Felipe: Solid to meet you. Powerful to hear you play. Continued success with the Drummers Collective, Davy Jones band, New Jersey and New York scene, etc. We will lock arms again someday and trade those 4s. This I know.
5:15am: Solid feeling in full effect
I arrive back at my room. After throwing away all Lime Green Gatorade... I lay down.
I relive the day. Soul solid being a drummer.
I reflect how once again drums enhance the space between playing them.
I grin considering various drumming friends like llabarge, 1968z, Amba, Scott61, MobyNickt, Jeepndrummer, Jaaye, Frozendiddle, DWDave, Bahj, prick Navin, Mainley, pocket, Glynes, basher98, ScottG, Mateo, Kenjit, JTPT, Des, haddrig, Mustang Mick, BrianP, CPThrasher, Spoiter, Aja, DED, Jeff H, Aaron, Mario, NotjohnBonham, E2P, Eric, Cornelius, Yamaha Evans, BBunks, bunks son Chris, Dsylver and hubby Chris, Brad Kilpatrick presumably experienced parallel feelings this weekend.
10am: Easy like Sunday morning.
Tyler and I are in the Suburban getting ready to head home. We talk about the week; weve had so many solid experiences making this trip unforgettable.
I lost count of the laughter before arriving in Oroville.
I ask Tyler if he gambled at all. He says he lost 5 dollars.
I had not gambled.
I tell Tyler lets stop and pizzle away some coin before the ride home. 15 minutes should do. Who knowsmaybe will be lucky like in Tahoe 3 months ago.
10:12am: Risk and Reward
We joke as we enter how we will soon hate each other for doing this.
I stop in the middle of the casino for effect. Tyler I got a feeling. If you listen closely the $1 Wheel Fortune Slot machines are calling us.
We stand a few minutes watching everyone lose. I tell Tyler we are determined.
We choose 2 machines next to each other. We take turns spinning. On the third spin I win $100.
I am done. Easy like Sunday morning. I say.
Tyler goes solo. Notwithstanding my cheerleading he gets down to $25 from $100. Let it ride Tylerfeeling it.
I am hoping for Tyler so much wouldnt it be cool! Wouldnt it be brilliant! Absolutely memorable!
He spins
YES!! $750!!!! He looks at me as I pat him on the shoulder saying, Easy like Sunday morning.
10:22am: 2 Lucky people
Within 14 minutes of stopping at the casino, we were back on the road.
We both felt richer.
The money just won had little to do with the sense of well-being in the air.
10:30am: Gas Upped and Going Home
Tyler insisted on paying an extra $25 as thanks. Seeing him happy and smiling was so fulfilling. He is akin to my little brother.
When he called me those months ago with the horrendous news, I promised him with all my heart life would once again reveal good things. The troubled waters will give way to calm. His little ship being tossed to and fro would make port. Find a place of rest. Good friends can give light to the darkest of rooms. This I know. This have I experienced.
Keep slogging on and let life reveal.
As we started the drive, I wondered if he was feeling a small portion of that "peace and calm."
The next 12 hours no radios or DVDs were ever played; simply filled with Tyler and I reminiscing and laughing my frequent interruptions for the fabulous semi-trucks only added to our enjoyment.
I ask Tyler as we pull off the freeway near home how he would sum up the trip. He thinks earnestly for a few seconds before smiling assuredly at me saying
Life is good.
Slog On, Forrest
Dedicated to the remembrance of drummer Chris D'Sylver. White Shores my friend.
Peggy's and I love to you always Lilian.
...with the exception of the new brand of gatorade....hmmmm.....ooops. 
