Note: I will be on wireless again next week so Wed will be back same standard time same standard giggly goo.
I am here in front of a Tahoe internet kiosk. I have no familiarity with these things but deduced it was trouble with the name, MOLASSES proudly displayed over the computer screen.
It is sluggish and deliberate but seems to be getting the job done.
That reads like a depiction of me this last week. (Transitions are the best feeling.)
A Sloggy Journal Journey: (Lifted from my Journal where spelling, grammar and vegetables matter little.)
April 4, 2007-
In Hospital:
Need have surgery again. Slice and dice tomorrow. Cancer growing like moss on rotting wood. So out last few week. Turned 37. Not feel solid but so nice have powerful talk family. Saying Yes for playing drums June in Tahoe. Peggy gave her proverbial, 'ok, we will see look. Doctors give lookcertainly, if you capable play drums from grave.
Cancer boy say Oh its on.
My insides swell, bilirubin twice normal, throw up blood so much, cant tell if coming or going. Vomit blood overrated. Not recommend. Solid family and friends very recommend. Very Powerful.
Kerry and Tim passed on. White shore friends.
Maybe not reach drums Tahoe but this know. Goals powerful. Drumming powerful. Would rather go out trying... not crying. Rhyming is the best feeling.
-Months later-
June 4th, 2007-
Went to Donn Bennetts Drum shop after radiation treatment. My voice still sounding like 30 weight sandpaper on concrete managed a quick hello to Donn and Jim. I then hurried myself to throw up in the Suburban. This went on 6 or 7 times during my visit. I had not visited Donns drum shop since a few days before Christmas 2006. A solid Classic Maple Ludwig kit for sale. Powerful. (Ludwig solid set for DD full respect DD opinion.) Surprising was the snare. Solid sound. Had been looking for 3 piece kit till heard that snare. Oh yes, you will be mine someday.
Talked to Donn and mentioned Billys clinic October 4th at Guitar Center. After a lot of begging Donn reluctantly agreed to maybe have Billy do a Master Class.
Truth is Donn said he would love to have Billy do a clinic. Told Donn I would call Billy and have him get in touch on the possibility. I thought how hard can it be to get a hold of Billy? Easy like Sunday morning I am sure
That evening:
-Called Billy and left message in my solid 20 pack a day habit sounding voice... Donn wants him if possible.
-Billy called back and left message... solid, he would check with DW the next day. Billy mentioned the best time to reach him.
-Called Billy at best time left another message.
June 5th-
-Billy called and left message checking in.
-Called Billy and left a message checking in from his checking in.
-Billy called left message he will be doing master class at Donns evening of Oct 5th. He mentioned that slamming Navin is the best feeling.
-Called Billy left message very powerful on the master class and no worry calling me back. Agreed sentiment concerning Navin was spot on solid. (My inner monologue speculated Billy answers only when he is good and drunk.)
-Billy called and left message telling me to please stop leaving messages.
-Called Billy and left message telling him to maybe try and pick up once in a freakin while.
-Billy called and left message I can go straight to hell.
-Called Billy and left message that I was indeed in hell trying to get a hold of him.
-Billy called and said you might as well get use to it cancer boy cause youll be there sooner than later.
-Called Billy and left message Big Time was truly overrated crap and he can eat my wifes cooking.
-Billy called and I happened to answer---- total silence ensued for 7 minutes. Billy then broke into songsinging, Two Less Lonely People by Air Supply.
Trapped in the magic of the moment I joined in. After completing all four verses we both sobbed like newborns. Voice cracking Billy said an emotionally heartfelt Goodbye.
June 6, 2007-
Peggy arrived home from 3 days at Camp Casey with Donna. We head out and grab some shirts for Tahoe.
She asked while driving if I had talked to Billy. Still surprisingly sensitive to what had transpired with Billy I asked her, Just what in the hell is that supposed to mean?
New shirts were necessary because the prednisone and steroids are laying it on thick everywhere. I have an appointment in 3 weeks to see a specialist about an expensive first phase synthetic experimental in Burbank Ca. (35 pounds and still have not had a solid meal.)
I will be leaving around 7am tomorrow. Between now and then will need setup drums and dial in memory locks. Taking my Yamaha Oak drums. Tyler will meet me at 7AM.
June 7th 2007-
On the open road heading for Nevada... very powerful!! I started driving but didnt last long.
I tried to eat some solid food colossal blunder. I started puking like Yamaha Evans at a NASA Toga party.
Tyler is driving and we are watching Paul McCartney DVD. Abe Laboriel is soul solid.
I have a massager going on my back constantly. I was resolute not to bring my electric wheelchair. Over the last few weeks the 2 to 3 hours a day of PT have me walking with cane about 15-20 minutes. Solid.
Despite the fact while traveling I am in Defcom 1 puke mode. I experience pure exhilaration knowing Ill soon be on a stage playing music. I sing aloud joyously Diana Ross Im Coming Out. This startles Tyler who swerves suddenly... nearly clipping a passing semi.
I ride a rollercoaster of emotions recalling the last 4 months. I mourn friends now gone who shared the same floor with me. My eyes feel heavy recalling Peggy and the girls faces on evenings we had to say goodbye.
The many days a thick glass window separated us while in isolation.
We all put on our finest spirited smile.
The cloud of uncertainty darkened our morale when doctors would let it fly how dire my condition had gotten... again. But that acknowledgment also came with the elation of enjoying every minute of what we could control.
I remember my daughters little hands on mine. I remember scores of hugs, kisses, tears and feeling unconditionally loved.
I gaze up at the road ahead. A tear breaks free. I wipe it away quickly while pretending to yawn.
Tyler didnt detect itwhew! That was close.
I continue to experience various states of emotion recalling the recent past. Laughing at some recollections and groaning out loud at others. I am filled with a powerful feeling, Life is Good.
June 7th 2007-
6AM I am on my hotel rooms bed exhausted waiting for the shot of fentynal I just gave myself to kick in. The pain is severe and I am shaking like a wet dog drenched in sweat. I hope to not go in breakout mode. Breakout mode means I go unconscious. How did I get to this point?
-Earlier-
We made the 900 mile trip to Reno in solid time. After starting out driving The Nausea hit hard and long. Zofran only tickled it. I would not be able to drive again. Very unPowerful.
Side Note: On a positive note I have become a powerful Grand Master Vomiter through the years. I can puke generally without the loud noises poodle novices yield.
Tyler was impressed equally at the amount of puking and the solid silence surrounding it.
In all my years of pukingthis day was pure puke gold.
Powerful puke perfection had been achieved yet again. amen
Scheduled was a 2 day show at Boomtown. Jerry and Kathy had most of the gear already on stage when we arrived late. Knowing they would prefer to sound check that evening I went at it with Tylers help. I did more bending and very light lifting than I should slammed more morphine to try and keep up.
The cancer flared in my back and joints. I had Tyler spread my gear (not rear CPThrasher) where my drums would be setup. I had brought more cymbals than needed because a drummer friend for Circus Circus was buying a few.
Everyone was exhausted from the trip and ready to retire. I insisted they head for bed and Id be fine. I would take my time putting away my cases, cymbals and assorted gear that wasnt being used and store in the dressing room. It was located 5 steps behind where my drums were being setup. After persuading them Id be fine they left grudgingly.
I sat on my throne until mustering the might to stand then Id quickly grab the item and take the few steps and set it safely back stage. This went on for 45 minutes. The cancer pain was severe.
I then set up another stool so I could rest between those 5 steps. My body was spazzing severley.
Stage left, I laid on my back for 35 minutes.
I struggled but managed to get up on my throne and scan the collective mess still left to be put away.
I was fraught at the ominous situation. I still had 9 cymbals laid out etc.. Looking at it all with my body very much in the redthe word Cant crept into my brain.
I flipped from the pain, drugs and exhaustion. I began throwing up blood. UGH.
I started weeping as I sat there helpless looking at all the things, I could not do. There was not a soul around. I was trembling exceedingly from the pain and worry. Defective feelings were in the main. Such an easy undertaking for most was an impossible charge for me.
I managed to call my wife. I tried to keep it together but lost it. Leaving expensive cymbals and gear unprotected felt horrendous. It looked so easy to move. Peggy wanted to call the crew but I made her swear she wouldnt. I just wanted her to think clearly for me. I apologized over and over for being a burden to her.
Peggy had me grab my black blankets (used to cover my drums when setup on stage) and cover all the gear on the floor. I managed that after some time.
I then headed to grab my room key from the front desk. I stopped to rest on the casino slot machine stools every 15 seconds. Upon seeing me the front desk personnel straight away asked me to sit down. I collapsed on the over stuffed sofa. Peggy had called the front desk. Very Powerful.
Following a substantial amount of time waiting for my meds to peak I had my key and was off to drive my Suburban as close to my room as possible. I turned down the help of security guards feeling guilty to have someone push me. I was also concerned the Hotels wheelchair would be to small. (My manual wheelchair was in my car.)
I made it outside the convention center hallway and parked. A 5 minute walk was for me a 90 minute marathon with numerous stops. I made it to my room and proceeded to stop the breakout pain by giving myself a shot. Fireworks went off in my body for the remainder of the night. I called Peggy and fell asleep to Barney on the TV. Spasms kept waking me.
Drifting off for the 78th time I contemplated whoever thinks Life is Good is an idiot!
June 8th 2007-
Very sore but feeling a powerful placebo effect to play drums. 9pm
Finally I was behind the drums. They had a sound check without me earlier. First song was Rainy Day Feeling.
For inner ears I brought a new pair M-Audio IE-30 Professional Reference Earphones. Upon taking them out of the box I noticed right away the right earphone piece was broke. Drastad! Oh well, I had shure E3 for back up if needed.
I decided to try and use the IV-30 left ear piece and keep the right ear live. I used the new adaptor that came with Iv-30s. I counted off andthe hell?
It sounded like crap. Something was way off. I managed to play a Rolling Stone Medley and the Animals We got to get out of here, with nothing more than an echoing click and extremely distorted lead vocal.
Very unPowerful.
I found an old adaptor and plugged that in. Powerful!! A bad ear piece and adaptor attachment did not even come close to ruining the experience of playing drums again.
I played in a pair of $20 REI socks as usual. I cannot feel the pedals with shoesthe socks give me some sensation of the pedal.
As I played song after song in a state of euphoria I reflected on whoever thinks Life isnt good is an idiot!
June 9th 2007-
Noticed 2 big things that are helping me. First is the new DW tractor seat hydraulic throne. I own the roc-soc, tama and pork pie. However for me the DW Throne is exactly what I needed. I love this throne. Very Powerful!
I had lasted 15min max drumming before leaving on this trip. The DW throne arrived the day before I left. Saved my Billy Ward Big Time butt!!
Second is these t-shirts and dress shirts that keep sweat off. Very Powerful. The t-shirts and dress shirts were from JC PENNEY. Solid.
We had a solid crowd second night. Surprised how little morphine and percocet I took to drum. Solid.
We had a crew take down equipment. Load out was easy like Sunday morning Life is Good.
June 10th 2007-
Right Hand has 4 blisters and swelling. Solid to feel like a drummer again. Bought Tyler lunch for all his help.
Rode the Lifecycle for an hour. If I dont keep that up I regress from being able to walk.
Noticed the Treadmill was closed.
Saw Jerry as I was leaving and he waved me into his room. Apparently the treadmill was so loud outside his room he had cut the cord during the night. He did not realize a security cam caught the whole thing.
Note to self: Try and bribe security with all I have and own to get copy of that tape. Solid.
Said I would take the fall for him but my 6 foot 3 to his 5 foot 6 and my cane and limp might make thatcomplicated.
June 11th 2007-
Week of shows starts today in Tahoe! Very Powerful!
I had arranged for cone down radiation treatment at St Marys hospital in the morning thinking we had day off. Talked to others and decided to keep appointment. Driver picked me up at 6am. Spent 2 hours in radiation. Brought my face mask. Arrived back around 11am.
Threw up a few times and not in solid puke form like the trip down.
My drums felt SOLID in Tahoe. Throne higher than before. 24x17 bass, 13x11 tom, 16x16 fl tom. K hi hats. Billy Ward Signature 11 X- Hat. 17 A fast Crash left. 21 sweet ride. 16 Dark K thin. 14 Ozone with inverted splash. Various cowbell, blocks, LP jingle sticks, Shakers etc. All you can handle my brothers and Glynes and Aja.
Exploded a Pearl Shaker during set. Tyler is a powerful tech. He picked up the bead remnants and put back in shaker. All thousand of them despite my pleading not to worry. Very solid.
Bought Tyler a gift for efforts.
Tried eating solid food. Seems ok so far. We have free reign buffet here.
Floor seemed to be jumping up at me last set. Long but solid day drumming and playing music. Big crowd. Zz zz zz
June 12th 2007-
Have I mentioned how much I love this DW throne? Powerful. Woke up to HSN and bought the digital camera they were displaying. Ez pay is the best feeling Peggys wrath will be waiting for me at home.
Finished a few books and sent postcards to girls. Glad I decided to do 3 weeks and not the 5 week Harrah's production.
Right hand looks like an oven mitt.
Hardest part each night is getting up 5 steps on stage. So far no falls. Close call at Boomtown but getting it dialed in. Solid.
LOVING every minute behind the drums! Listening to playbacks shedding solid light. Have been given a lot of powerful gifts from friends.
I am so proud to tell everyone about the 402. How it came to be and who from. That drum has soul. That drum sounds solid. That drum represents so many solid people.
Life is Good.
June 13th 2007-
Pretty much lay low each day until time to play. Conference calls for my other day job start early.
Last night got back to room and my key would not work. Drastad! Tyler has connecting room but he was off at the slots. Drastad again!
Tahoe is 80 degrees and stunning. This weekend opening boat season. Looking to go South Shore day off if my body can hang. Have solid garden spot view of pool from my room.
Was determined earlier to swim a few laps at pool.
Swore I heard Blue Oyster Cults Godzilla playing as entered the pool area. Put my right foot gingerly into water onto first step while holding steadfastly on rail and SHAZAM! Hello Slipperyville! I did a triple lindy with the right side of my body landing in the pool and the left side on the concrete deck. My left leg was at an angle it had not been since I was 1 years old.
From my shins running down to my big toe on my left leg is an inch wide bruise, cut with road rash. The swelling prevents any thought of shoes.
Sometimes you just have to laugh. Sometimes you just have to drum.
Life is Funny! Life is Good!
Slog On, Forrest
I am here in front of a Tahoe internet kiosk. I have no familiarity with these things but deduced it was trouble with the name, MOLASSES proudly displayed over the computer screen.
It is sluggish and deliberate but seems to be getting the job done.
That reads like a depiction of me this last week. (Transitions are the best feeling.)
A Sloggy Journal Journey: (Lifted from my Journal where spelling, grammar and vegetables matter little.)
April 4, 2007-
In Hospital:
Need have surgery again. Slice and dice tomorrow. Cancer growing like moss on rotting wood. So out last few week. Turned 37. Not feel solid but so nice have powerful talk family. Saying Yes for playing drums June in Tahoe. Peggy gave her proverbial, 'ok, we will see look. Doctors give lookcertainly, if you capable play drums from grave.
Cancer boy say Oh its on.
My insides swell, bilirubin twice normal, throw up blood so much, cant tell if coming or going. Vomit blood overrated. Not recommend. Solid family and friends very recommend. Very Powerful.
Kerry and Tim passed on. White shore friends.
Maybe not reach drums Tahoe but this know. Goals powerful. Drumming powerful. Would rather go out trying... not crying. Rhyming is the best feeling.
-Months later-
June 4th, 2007-
Went to Donn Bennetts Drum shop after radiation treatment. My voice still sounding like 30 weight sandpaper on concrete managed a quick hello to Donn and Jim. I then hurried myself to throw up in the Suburban. This went on 6 or 7 times during my visit. I had not visited Donns drum shop since a few days before Christmas 2006. A solid Classic Maple Ludwig kit for sale. Powerful. (Ludwig solid set for DD full respect DD opinion.) Surprising was the snare. Solid sound. Had been looking for 3 piece kit till heard that snare. Oh yes, you will be mine someday.
Talked to Donn and mentioned Billys clinic October 4th at Guitar Center. After a lot of begging Donn reluctantly agreed to maybe have Billy do a Master Class.
Truth is Donn said he would love to have Billy do a clinic. Told Donn I would call Billy and have him get in touch on the possibility. I thought how hard can it be to get a hold of Billy? Easy like Sunday morning I am sure
That evening:
-Called Billy and left message in my solid 20 pack a day habit sounding voice... Donn wants him if possible.
-Billy called back and left message... solid, he would check with DW the next day. Billy mentioned the best time to reach him.
-Called Billy at best time left another message.
June 5th-
-Billy called and left message checking in.
-Called Billy and left a message checking in from his checking in.
-Billy called left message he will be doing master class at Donns evening of Oct 5th. He mentioned that slamming Navin is the best feeling.
-Called Billy left message very powerful on the master class and no worry calling me back. Agreed sentiment concerning Navin was spot on solid. (My inner monologue speculated Billy answers only when he is good and drunk.)
-Billy called and left message telling me to please stop leaving messages.
-Called Billy and left message telling him to maybe try and pick up once in a freakin while.
-Billy called and left message I can go straight to hell.
-Called Billy and left message that I was indeed in hell trying to get a hold of him.
-Billy called and said you might as well get use to it cancer boy cause youll be there sooner than later.
-Called Billy and left message Big Time was truly overrated crap and he can eat my wifes cooking.
-Billy called and I happened to answer---- total silence ensued for 7 minutes. Billy then broke into songsinging, Two Less Lonely People by Air Supply.
Trapped in the magic of the moment I joined in. After completing all four verses we both sobbed like newborns. Voice cracking Billy said an emotionally heartfelt Goodbye.
June 6, 2007-
Peggy arrived home from 3 days at Camp Casey with Donna. We head out and grab some shirts for Tahoe.
She asked while driving if I had talked to Billy. Still surprisingly sensitive to what had transpired with Billy I asked her, Just what in the hell is that supposed to mean?
New shirts were necessary because the prednisone and steroids are laying it on thick everywhere. I have an appointment in 3 weeks to see a specialist about an expensive first phase synthetic experimental in Burbank Ca. (35 pounds and still have not had a solid meal.)
I will be leaving around 7am tomorrow. Between now and then will need setup drums and dial in memory locks. Taking my Yamaha Oak drums. Tyler will meet me at 7AM.
June 7th 2007-
On the open road heading for Nevada... very powerful!! I started driving but didnt last long.
I tried to eat some solid food colossal blunder. I started puking like Yamaha Evans at a NASA Toga party.
Tyler is driving and we are watching Paul McCartney DVD. Abe Laboriel is soul solid.
I have a massager going on my back constantly. I was resolute not to bring my electric wheelchair. Over the last few weeks the 2 to 3 hours a day of PT have me walking with cane about 15-20 minutes. Solid.
Despite the fact while traveling I am in Defcom 1 puke mode. I experience pure exhilaration knowing Ill soon be on a stage playing music. I sing aloud joyously Diana Ross Im Coming Out. This startles Tyler who swerves suddenly... nearly clipping a passing semi.
I ride a rollercoaster of emotions recalling the last 4 months. I mourn friends now gone who shared the same floor with me. My eyes feel heavy recalling Peggy and the girls faces on evenings we had to say goodbye.
The many days a thick glass window separated us while in isolation.
We all put on our finest spirited smile.
The cloud of uncertainty darkened our morale when doctors would let it fly how dire my condition had gotten... again. But that acknowledgment also came with the elation of enjoying every minute of what we could control.
I remember my daughters little hands on mine. I remember scores of hugs, kisses, tears and feeling unconditionally loved.
I gaze up at the road ahead. A tear breaks free. I wipe it away quickly while pretending to yawn.
Tyler didnt detect itwhew! That was close.
I continue to experience various states of emotion recalling the recent past. Laughing at some recollections and groaning out loud at others. I am filled with a powerful feeling, Life is Good.
June 7th 2007-
6AM I am on my hotel rooms bed exhausted waiting for the shot of fentynal I just gave myself to kick in. The pain is severe and I am shaking like a wet dog drenched in sweat. I hope to not go in breakout mode. Breakout mode means I go unconscious. How did I get to this point?
-Earlier-
We made the 900 mile trip to Reno in solid time. After starting out driving The Nausea hit hard and long. Zofran only tickled it. I would not be able to drive again. Very unPowerful.
Side Note: On a positive note I have become a powerful Grand Master Vomiter through the years. I can puke generally without the loud noises poodle novices yield.
Tyler was impressed equally at the amount of puking and the solid silence surrounding it.
In all my years of pukingthis day was pure puke gold.
Powerful puke perfection had been achieved yet again. amen
Scheduled was a 2 day show at Boomtown. Jerry and Kathy had most of the gear already on stage when we arrived late. Knowing they would prefer to sound check that evening I went at it with Tylers help. I did more bending and very light lifting than I should slammed more morphine to try and keep up.
The cancer flared in my back and joints. I had Tyler spread my gear (not rear CPThrasher) where my drums would be setup. I had brought more cymbals than needed because a drummer friend for Circus Circus was buying a few.
Everyone was exhausted from the trip and ready to retire. I insisted they head for bed and Id be fine. I would take my time putting away my cases, cymbals and assorted gear that wasnt being used and store in the dressing room. It was located 5 steps behind where my drums were being setup. After persuading them Id be fine they left grudgingly.
I sat on my throne until mustering the might to stand then Id quickly grab the item and take the few steps and set it safely back stage. This went on for 45 minutes. The cancer pain was severe.
I then set up another stool so I could rest between those 5 steps. My body was spazzing severley.
Stage left, I laid on my back for 35 minutes.
I struggled but managed to get up on my throne and scan the collective mess still left to be put away.
I was fraught at the ominous situation. I still had 9 cymbals laid out etc.. Looking at it all with my body very much in the redthe word Cant crept into my brain.
I flipped from the pain, drugs and exhaustion. I began throwing up blood. UGH.
I started weeping as I sat there helpless looking at all the things, I could not do. There was not a soul around. I was trembling exceedingly from the pain and worry. Defective feelings were in the main. Such an easy undertaking for most was an impossible charge for me.
I managed to call my wife. I tried to keep it together but lost it. Leaving expensive cymbals and gear unprotected felt horrendous. It looked so easy to move. Peggy wanted to call the crew but I made her swear she wouldnt. I just wanted her to think clearly for me. I apologized over and over for being a burden to her.
Peggy had me grab my black blankets (used to cover my drums when setup on stage) and cover all the gear on the floor. I managed that after some time.
I then headed to grab my room key from the front desk. I stopped to rest on the casino slot machine stools every 15 seconds. Upon seeing me the front desk personnel straight away asked me to sit down. I collapsed on the over stuffed sofa. Peggy had called the front desk. Very Powerful.
Following a substantial amount of time waiting for my meds to peak I had my key and was off to drive my Suburban as close to my room as possible. I turned down the help of security guards feeling guilty to have someone push me. I was also concerned the Hotels wheelchair would be to small. (My manual wheelchair was in my car.)
I made it outside the convention center hallway and parked. A 5 minute walk was for me a 90 minute marathon with numerous stops. I made it to my room and proceeded to stop the breakout pain by giving myself a shot. Fireworks went off in my body for the remainder of the night. I called Peggy and fell asleep to Barney on the TV. Spasms kept waking me.
Drifting off for the 78th time I contemplated whoever thinks Life is Good is an idiot!
June 8th 2007-
Very sore but feeling a powerful placebo effect to play drums. 9pm
Finally I was behind the drums. They had a sound check without me earlier. First song was Rainy Day Feeling.
For inner ears I brought a new pair M-Audio IE-30 Professional Reference Earphones. Upon taking them out of the box I noticed right away the right earphone piece was broke. Drastad! Oh well, I had shure E3 for back up if needed.
I decided to try and use the IV-30 left ear piece and keep the right ear live. I used the new adaptor that came with Iv-30s. I counted off andthe hell?
It sounded like crap. Something was way off. I managed to play a Rolling Stone Medley and the Animals We got to get out of here, with nothing more than an echoing click and extremely distorted lead vocal.
Very unPowerful.
I found an old adaptor and plugged that in. Powerful!! A bad ear piece and adaptor attachment did not even come close to ruining the experience of playing drums again.
I played in a pair of $20 REI socks as usual. I cannot feel the pedals with shoesthe socks give me some sensation of the pedal.
As I played song after song in a state of euphoria I reflected on whoever thinks Life isnt good is an idiot!
June 9th 2007-
Noticed 2 big things that are helping me. First is the new DW tractor seat hydraulic throne. I own the roc-soc, tama and pork pie. However for me the DW Throne is exactly what I needed. I love this throne. Very Powerful!
I had lasted 15min max drumming before leaving on this trip. The DW throne arrived the day before I left. Saved my Billy Ward Big Time butt!!
Second is these t-shirts and dress shirts that keep sweat off. Very Powerful. The t-shirts and dress shirts were from JC PENNEY. Solid.
We had a solid crowd second night. Surprised how little morphine and percocet I took to drum. Solid.
We had a crew take down equipment. Load out was easy like Sunday morning Life is Good.
June 10th 2007-
Right Hand has 4 blisters and swelling. Solid to feel like a drummer again. Bought Tyler lunch for all his help.
Rode the Lifecycle for an hour. If I dont keep that up I regress from being able to walk.
Noticed the Treadmill was closed.
Saw Jerry as I was leaving and he waved me into his room. Apparently the treadmill was so loud outside his room he had cut the cord during the night. He did not realize a security cam caught the whole thing.
Note to self: Try and bribe security with all I have and own to get copy of that tape. Solid.
Said I would take the fall for him but my 6 foot 3 to his 5 foot 6 and my cane and limp might make thatcomplicated.
June 11th 2007-
Week of shows starts today in Tahoe! Very Powerful!
I had arranged for cone down radiation treatment at St Marys hospital in the morning thinking we had day off. Talked to others and decided to keep appointment. Driver picked me up at 6am. Spent 2 hours in radiation. Brought my face mask. Arrived back around 11am.
Threw up a few times and not in solid puke form like the trip down.
My drums felt SOLID in Tahoe. Throne higher than before. 24x17 bass, 13x11 tom, 16x16 fl tom. K hi hats. Billy Ward Signature 11 X- Hat. 17 A fast Crash left. 21 sweet ride. 16 Dark K thin. 14 Ozone with inverted splash. Various cowbell, blocks, LP jingle sticks, Shakers etc. All you can handle my brothers and Glynes and Aja.
Exploded a Pearl Shaker during set. Tyler is a powerful tech. He picked up the bead remnants and put back in shaker. All thousand of them despite my pleading not to worry. Very solid.
Bought Tyler a gift for efforts.
Tried eating solid food. Seems ok so far. We have free reign buffet here.
Floor seemed to be jumping up at me last set. Long but solid day drumming and playing music. Big crowd. Zz zz zz
June 12th 2007-
Have I mentioned how much I love this DW throne? Powerful. Woke up to HSN and bought the digital camera they were displaying. Ez pay is the best feeling Peggys wrath will be waiting for me at home.
Finished a few books and sent postcards to girls. Glad I decided to do 3 weeks and not the 5 week Harrah's production.
Right hand looks like an oven mitt.
Hardest part each night is getting up 5 steps on stage. So far no falls. Close call at Boomtown but getting it dialed in. Solid.
LOVING every minute behind the drums! Listening to playbacks shedding solid light. Have been given a lot of powerful gifts from friends.
I am so proud to tell everyone about the 402. How it came to be and who from. That drum has soul. That drum sounds solid. That drum represents so many solid people.
Life is Good.
June 13th 2007-
Pretty much lay low each day until time to play. Conference calls for my other day job start early.
Last night got back to room and my key would not work. Drastad! Tyler has connecting room but he was off at the slots. Drastad again!
Tahoe is 80 degrees and stunning. This weekend opening boat season. Looking to go South Shore day off if my body can hang. Have solid garden spot view of pool from my room.
Was determined earlier to swim a few laps at pool.
Swore I heard Blue Oyster Cults Godzilla playing as entered the pool area. Put my right foot gingerly into water onto first step while holding steadfastly on rail and SHAZAM! Hello Slipperyville! I did a triple lindy with the right side of my body landing in the pool and the left side on the concrete deck. My left leg was at an angle it had not been since I was 1 years old.
From my shins running down to my big toe on my left leg is an inch wide bruise, cut with road rash. The swelling prevents any thought of shoes.
Sometimes you just have to laugh. Sometimes you just have to drum.
Life is Funny! Life is Good!
Slog On, Forrest
