My SlideShow!

The End of an era?

It's been quite a 'tense' and busy past few months! Dad has been fighting cancer for a number of years, and he finally gave up Monday around 2200 or so. He went quite peaceful, one minute he was breathing and the next he wasn't.

I had been caring for him, pretty much 24/7 since he became 'bedridden' since a bit before Christmas. He was in LOTS of pain, at the end, wearing 3 duralgesic patches, taking approx 3mg of Morphine every 3 hours or so, along with Lortab 10's, Valium, Nueroton as well as a few other things.

I don't know how I will 'handle' it without him, as he's been my best friend for a long time, as well as the BEST father/dad anyone could EVER hope to have!

I hated to see him in the kind of pain, and was relieved that he's no longer laboring under it...but how my mom and myself will cope is yet to be seen.

Here's a copy of his Obit:
Clayton, Clarence Madison "C.M."

Age 73 of Fayetteville, TN. passed away to our Lord on Jan 30, 2006, in his home, under the care of his family. Preceded in death by his parents, Roy and Bessie Caldwell Clayton. He is survived by his wife, Belle Moon Clayton, and his son and daughter in law, Scot and Cari Clayton of Fayetteville, his daughter and son-in-law, Ed and Beth Clayton McCracken of Hendersonville, TN., 7 grandchildren and 1 great-grandchild. Surviving brothers and sisters include Johnny Clayton of Fayetteville, Earl Clayton of Decatur, AL, Ervin Clayton of Harvest, Al., Zelma Fudge of Nashville, and Mildred Mullins of Nashville.

Mr. Clayton was a retired Logistics Supply Specialist of Redstone Arsenal. A memorial service will be held at the Maranantha Baptist Church, 187 Old Huntsville Road in Park City. TN on Friday, 3rd of February, 2006 at 3 pm. with Pastor Tommy Graham officiating. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the American Cancer Society or to the Hospital Home Health and Hospice Organization at 1797, Wilson Pkwy., Fayetteville, TN. 37334.

TGiving Already Gone?

Wow!
Can't believe Turkey Day has already come and gone!
We, as most folks, I guess, had WAY too much food. I've been eating the obligitory Turkey Sandwiches, but am about tired of them. Will probably end up giving it to Murray (my dog).
Took my usualy PICS for my Xmas cards. I will proably use this one. It is minus my oldest daughter, and granddaughter, but Kathleen is almost IMPOSSIBLE to get for pics...I think it's on PURPOSE!

You'll notice William Thomas Riker (my cat) in the pic....sad...he got run over a few nights later...I sure will miss him..

On a lighter note, little Ronnie James (far right) was picked as Student of the Week, at school this week. He'll get his pic in the paper, etc.

I also took a few pics of Mary, Scott, and Natalia, as it's VERY hard to get Mary Jo in front of the camera anymore.




Got a Heart DVD the other day, from a friend of mine...it was shot in 76, at a college in Washington...good stuff...so I'm listening to a bit of old Heart now. They really had some great stuff in the early days!

New Week?

Wow!
First Katrina, and then Rita.
Last few days a bit rough here for me, with all the rain, and moisture. It usually puts me down for a few days. In bed most of the day....but got up, took a shower, ate a bite or two...took my meds...thank heaven for them!

Little Ronnie took 'advantage' of my status today. He had his backpack FULL of stuff, like DVD's, cases, remotes, etc. He's a mess s0metimes.

Watching O'Reily now...damn good show tonight. What a guy...he doesn't let anyone get away with crap!

Mom's still NOT doing too well, I was hoping she would be improving my now. She spends most of the day in her recliner. Dad isn't doing all that great either. He's on alot more meds now, and it's harder for him to get around. Don't know how much longer they will be able to handle things themselves.

Not something I really want to think about, but it's still going to happen anyway.

Busy Weekend!

Seems like this weekend has been a VERY busy one. Jackson, Ronnie, Scotty, and Ryan were here all weekend.

Kathleen, my oldest daughter came by today, and helped do some mowing. I was hot, and muggy here too...all weekend. I'm definitely ready for the Fall!

We worked on the drum room some also, and I did a bit of 'tweaking' on the drum acoustic/mixing/eq, etc. with Scotty playing drums.

Also, did some video editing, and some music CD's for the boys.

Cari ordered Pizza last night, so we all munched out a bit. Wow, the 'big boys' can really put it down. They could clean out a house full of food in No time!

I also took Jackson to a birthday party of one of his school mates. They had lots of food, games, and one of those big air blown-up jumping jack things. He had a great time, and everyone said he was REALLY well mannered. Made me proud of him.

Ronnie James 8th Birthday!

Ronnie James’ 8th Birthday!

I can’t believe that little Ronnie James is already 8 years old. He had a nice little party at school, but we also thought we’d have some cake and ice cream here, with Jackson, and my little granddaughter, plus a few animals!

Petrol!

I went to a small local 'mini-mart' type station yesterday to fill up my van. They were all OUT of regular, and premium, so I paid $2.85 for mid-grade. They have only about 20 pumps, with most of them 'bagged', but were selling petrol as fast as they could ring it up.

I'm sure it's a bit more today!

Shocked!

I've been unable to post lately, here...just basically been stuck to Fox News, watching all the events unfold before, during, and after Katrina!

Another Weekend

...and another week or two gone...sure moves quickly....

Not much going on around here, been so hot, that it's good to just stay in the AC and
'veg out'!

Murray doesn't even want to stay outside. He just about knocks me down, trying to get into the Studio, as it's nice and cool in here.

Kathleen (my oldest) was just here doing some weed-eating, and trimming/mowing around in places that the Kubota can't get to easily.

Had a bit of a rough night, so was sort of sluggish this AM, and trying to catch up on News and Email. Noticed I hadn't taken the time to drop by the Blog here and write a few words. Time sure gets away from me, if I don't watch it.

LTR

Slow Sunday Morning

Another Sunday morning....been a bit slow today. Had a 'not so good' night, and I'm not feeling like doing much today. Ronnie and Jackson are in playing with the PlayStation, and I'm lying on the sofa in the Studio Listening room just watching Fox News...haven't even had any coffee this AM!

Aquired a couple of neat collectables the other day.



These should look cool for display in the Studio. Well, I think I'm going to get a bit motivated and get up and make me a pot of coffee. Maybe that will get the blood moving a bit . It is a bit cooler today, not even 80 yet....hard to believe, of course it's NICE and COOL in here!

Another week!

One of my daughters, Natalia got a 'new' car. She's VERY excited about it, so I thought I'd take a few pics. She was out waxing and cleaning on it...it's a Infinity G20.

She was a bit 'grungy' and didn't really want me to take any pics of her...but, as you can see, I did anyway! ;-)

I updated some stuff in the Control Room, so I took another pic of the desk area, to put up on the Studio website.
My only granddaughter, Teana, visited yesterday, and stayed with me most of the day today. She seems to LOVE the tractor, I guess as most kids do...so I just HAD to take a few pics!

Morning - Sunday

Up early...made some coffee...got the paper..and watching Fox News...trying to catch up.

I had a bit of a shock a couple of days before, when I went up to get the morning paper.

I found one of my Siamese cats, Samson, lying by the sholder of the road, dead! It appears he was run over by the paper person!
...anyway, I was a bit shocked, and saddened...now, it's just his brother Thomas left.

Our animal population has fallen quite a bit lately, it seems. One cat, and one dog.

We've had a few days lately that the temps are a bit more moderate. It's been in the 80's and 90's...MUCH better than the 3 digit stuff!

At least now, the kids can play outside without have a heatstroke!

I've gotten alot of good feedback on my latest Mastering work for Tracy G's new CD, 'Erector Pili'.

LTR

Tracy G - Erector Pili Samples

Well, I got the Final Mastered version off to Tracy today.

I talked to him yesterday, and he said it was cool to let you guys hear a sample or two....so hear they are:

http://ronniejamesdio.org/Sample_One.mp3

http://ronniejamesdio.org/Sample_Two.mp3

http://ronniejamesdio.org/Sample_Three.mp3

http://ronniejamesdio.org/Sample_Four.mp3

ENJOY!

Triple Digits really suck!

Wow, I can do without these 100 degree plus temps! It was 102 yesterday in the shade! That will put it above 112 or so, usually...Good thing I picked up some new AC units for the studio. I can usually keep the Control Room below 70!

Murray doesn't EVEN want to stay outside much...he's a bit spoiled!

Looks like the Shuttle is finally going up today! Hope so!

Also scored some 'new' Vinyl yesterday. A Near Mint promo copy of Dio - Dream Evil



Also got a copy of Dehumanizer on Vinyl, which I didn't even know existed.
















Looks like I'm shipping Tracy G's new CD back to him today. The mastering is complete, and I think it kicks some serious ASS!
I talked to him yesterday, and he's VERY anxious to hear it!

LTR

Yikes!

I hadn't realized that I didn't 'check in' for several days!

This bloody weather will rain, every day, is killing me!

I'm sitting here at 0630 listening to Tracy G's new CD that I'm working on. I'm checking out some of the Mastering, indexing, crossfades, etc.
Sounds pretty killer!

I need to call him today, though, and chat a bit about some of the details.

Got a nice cup of coffee...been up all night, and I'm NOT sure if I have my little Grand Daughter today, or not...guess I'll find out shortly.

Ole Sammy, one of my cats, is sleeping here on the sofa, beside me while Tracy G is blasting in the Studio Listening Room JBL's!

Guess it's a pretty good thing that there is alot of soundproofing here, as I never know when I will messing around in here, and there is a house about 75 feet maybe to the west of the Listening Room!

Well, think it's time for a refill.

LTR

'Door Work'

Another bit of a rough day, but did get a chance to do some 'door work' here in the Studio.





One is made with Cherry, and I still have to finishe it, and the other one is some VERY cool Cedar! I wish I had some more that that Cedar, it's really pretty looking!

Rough Couple of Days!

Sorry, I haven't checked in, but had a rough couple of days. This damp weather with Hurricane Dennis, didn't suit me at all! We need the rain, but my metal back didn't!

Anyway...feeling a bit better. I might be up to working a bit on Tracy G's new CD. I'm doing the Mastering, and it's pretty cool stuff, but wanted to be on a bit of a more 'even keel' before I tackled it.

Temps have cooled down a bit, so I've been able to shut down several of the A/C units in the studio...the new one I have installed for the Control Room, is working great. It's keeps it about 68 to 70, and that's FANTASTIC for the 'operator' as well as the equipment!

LTR

Another weekend!

Another weekend, and another bloody hot day! I had a BIG problem getting up today. Hurting alot, and I expect it will be awhile before I'm back up and running on 'all cylinders'!

Jackson is grounded for a week, so he can't play his PlayStation...and man, is he bored! He was running in and out all day, driving me crazy!
I got Tracy G's new CD in the mail today, to do the mastering on. I haven't had a chance to listen to it yet, but I'm anxious to 'get my hands' on it!

We are supposed to get alot of the Hurrican Dennis rain starting tomorrow, into Monday. Probably be alot of flooding, wind damage, etc. especially in the lower areas. We are up pretty high here, at about 1000 ft. ASL.

Watching the show on Discovery called "The Repossessors" about professional Repo agencies. Pretty interesting stuff.

Seems like, if I'm watching TV, it's usually on the History or Discovery Channel!

London 'Cries'!

Woke up this AM hearing all about the bombings in London. What a shame, though, a bit surprised that only 40 folks are dead. It could have been MUCH worse!

Took me a while to be able to get up this morning. I went yesterday and picked up 3 more AC units for the studio. I'm not supposed to pick up anything much really, and the guy that had them, also had Spinal Fusion, so we were both in a bind. I'm sure he's paying for it today too. I'm having to double up on some of my meds. I felt like a BIG Semi ran over me, and will probably be down for several days, but got 3 nice units, that should handle most of the studio. One unit I need to pull out and send BACK to the shop, and one of the new units will temporarily replace it. It's in the control room, and that one is critical, with all the equipment heat, etc.

BTW, I meant to mention that I came up with a name for my new dog, via the Official Dio Message Board. His name forever will be 'Murray'! He seems to like it!

Hope everyone had a great 4th!

Hope everyone had a great 4th! I cooked some great filets on the grill, wow, they were delicious!
We all a pretty good day...and then came last night...wow, had a bit of a rough night. Guess that what happens...have to pay for everything! :-(

Watching Fat Albert - The Movie now, and little Ronnie James just LOVES it. He's jumping all around and having a great time. Jackson likes it too!

I did a little mowing this morning, but not up to doing much else.

Tracy G Update

Tracy called yesterday, and said his new CD is finished, and it's on the way to me for Mastering! Can't wait to get my hands on it! The samples I've heard are just awesome!

Today, I've been feeling a bit better. We all went for a bit of a ride today, and dropped by Mary Jo's house. (My 1st and 3rd ex)

She had some clothes for Ronnie James and Jackson.

We also went out and ate Mexican for Lunch (and my Breakfast) It was quite filling!

I was glad to get back here in the studio, and out of the car, even though the big Merc is quite comfortable, riding in vehicles just doesn't go well with my Hardware! :-(

Pretty hot again today, temp around 95 in the shade, with index at three digits! :-(

Another Bloody Hot One!

Another hot day, so we all stayed inside most of the day. Jackson played his PlayStation as usual, and Ronnie James watched the tube, and played with Jack some. My new 'visitor' stayed in with us too. He doesn't appear to like the hot weather either!

A guy came up from Huntsville today from the Kubota place to make an adjustment on the tractor. I didn't get any grass mowed today either. Hope it's a bit cooler tomorrow.
Haven't really felt good since the doc visit, I think the steroid injection affected me some. I don't seem to have an appetite, and I'm a bit sick to my stomach most of the time.
...but I'm getting a bit hungry, so thought I'd order some Pizza tonight! Waiting on it now.

LTR

Down Day?

Guess today, was pretty much a 'down day' as we used to say...I stayed on the sofa most of it. Had a new visitor here, though. He just showed up last night, and decided he liked it here, I guess. He's a pretty fellow.
It was hovering in the 3 digits today, temp wise, so guess he liked it alot here in the nice cold Studio Listening Room! It's fairly late now, and he's still asleep on the floor at my feet, now. Wish I knew his name.

The heat index today, was way over 100, and that's NOT fun. Hope it cools a bit tomorrow. Summer is here! :-(

Wednesday?

Doc visit well ok today. Jack and I decided to drive the 'Beast' in today. It needed a bit of a stretch anyway, plus Jackson just LOVES riding it in. It's LOUD, HIGH, and quite FAST, so what's NOT to like!

Doc said that my blood work looked great!
My right elbow is still giving me a fit, so he decides to stick a big needle in it, and shot some steroids and pain meds. Jackson went with me today, and he didn't actually 'like' watching the needle work, but he didn't wimp out either. After the 'shot' I had a nice little 'lump' there before the 'stuff' was absorbed. The elbow feels a bit better, but he said it would probably take quite awhile to really heel. Too much 'crazy' drumming in my youth, and I'm paying for it now...Guess it was worth it! ;-)

Spent most of the rest of the evening on the sofa, though. Trip to town, usually does it to me, and I think the steroids must have made me a bit sick.

Just checked out this cool show on Discovery, called Top Gear. Pretty cool UK show about the guys testing fast cars. You can't go very wrong with that!

LTR

MD Visit Today!

Just got little Ronnie James off on the bus, and thought I'd write a note or two this morning.
It's already 75 and a bit humid, with another 90 degree day on the way.

I've got a MD appointment this morning, lab work, etc. Never liked going to the doctor, but guess no one really likes it.

Finally made it up to Radio Shack yesterday, and picked up a few needed things. It was good to get out. Seem like I don't get out much anymore.

My van is down, until I get the starter fixed. Stupid GM starters. Never did care for them! :-(
So....that means I can't take my PowerChair anywher until I get it up and running. Guess, it's just me and my cane for a bit! :-(

Well, I need to get off my butt, and take my morning meds.

LTR

Monday Addition/ Tuesday

After the big breakfast, I started to run down quick, and spent most of the day on the sofa. Guess the rain got to me after all. We needed it though. The SOD is LOVING it!

I finally felt a bit better in the evening, so got up and did some woodworking. Mainly working on the inside door to the Studio Listening Room. I'm using mostly cherry, so I think it will look pretty cool, though, NOT as good as the awesome cedar that I used on some of the other doors.

I still need to run into Radio Shack, and pick up a few things for the studio, but depends on how I feel a bit later. Jackson is at his usual station, playing his new Star Wars Lego PlayStation game. Little Ronnie James is at school, and is due in around lunch time.

It's a bit cooler today (Tuesday), as it's only 81 right now...much better than the 90's that we've had!

LTR

Ronnie James Missed his bus! :-(

Little Ronnie James missed his bus for school this AM. It was about 10 minutes earlier than I anticipated, and we were in the Studio, so I couldn't hear it blow, etc. I happen to look up at one of the security cams, and notice it pulling away. Guess, he'll just have to stay home with Dad, today! ;-)

It rained again last night, just after I had watered, wouldn't you know...at least I didn't have to water today!

Just ate a great breakfast with homemade biscuits, yummy! Ronnie ate pretty good also.

Jackson is in the Studio Addition playing his new PlayStation Star Wars Lego game. That's just about what he'll do all day, if I let him! He's definitely addicted to that PlayStation...guess lots of kids his age are!

What does Lucy have to do with anything?

Nothing...I just NEVER need an excuse to look at her! Isn't she cute?!

PICS Today - Nice Shower - Green Grass/Trees!

This is some of the SOD we put down the other day. It's looking much better. The little showers seem to help!

This is a shot of the back yard, north, showing how green the trees look!
This is the big old Oak in the front yard. At least 100 years old!
A shot of the front yard, the grass and trees sure are green, huh?
Pretty Mimosa Tree in the front yard, blooming! They sure smell nice, too!

I really Hate Sheetrock!

I just NEVER liked Sheet Rock! Anyway, I was having to work with it a bit today. I put some on the inside door to the listening room's outside skin...make sense? ;-)
I needed to add a bit of mass to it, and though I prefer to use OSB, or something like that, I had some spare sheetrock!

Is this a cool vehicle or what? I definitely want one!

It's Batman's new Batmobile, btw, in case you didn't recognize it! ;-)


Isn't she a cutie? This is my little grand-daughter, Tianna!

Seared Animal Flesh!

Man, oh, man!
I just had a awesome filet, grilled on the outside grill, with baked beans, fresh green onions from the garden, and salad. Wow! I'm SO full....Though I could haven eaten another filet easily! Nothing like that seared Beef flesh! Yummy!

Sunday Morning

Normal sunday morning here at Clayton Acres. It was a bit drizzly, so that kicks my butt. That bloody moisture really messes with my 'hardware'!

As soon as the rain stopped, it turned HOT and Humid!

Jackson is playing his new PlayStation game, Star Wars something, and little Ronnie is running around playing with stuff.

Listening to a cool Ronnie James Dio interview now...he's calling in from Spain.

LTR

Saturday!

Greased the Kubota early this AM, in anticipation for mowing today, but just didn't feel up to it, so after watering the SOD, I took it easy for most of the day. Feels like it's going to be a rough night. Hope not. I've had enough of them.

Hey, just remembered I did build a tow bar hitch for the Kubota the other day, didn't take long at all. Just a bit of welding, grinding, etc.

Morning

Woke up around 0200, and couldn't go back to sleep, so got up, caught up on a bit of email, did some work in the Studio, made a few cables, watched a bit of tube, took some meds, went up to the mailbox and got the morning paper! Let's see, and it's just 0500 now.

I 'slacked' yesterday, as I wasn't feeling well, so today will probably be a busy day. It rained a bit yesterday also, and we needed it, so I'm sure the lawn will really jump, and need to start being mowed!
The Sod definitely needed the natural rain! We've been watering it at least twice a day, since it's been dry and bloody HOT!

LTR

Lincoln LS

I'll admit that I'm a big car nut, and have always been, but I was a bit surprised when I drove the loaner Lincoln LS Thursday. The local Ford dealer owed us a detail on the new sportier we just got, and when they came out to pick it up, they brought a loaner Lincoln LS. At first look, it was nothing special, but was jet black (one of my fav colors) with VERY dark windows, 50 series low profile tires with huge disc brakes. I got in and the wheel, seats and petals moved into position apparently remembering the last person.
Jackson and I took it out for a test spin, and I was a bit shocked! I haven't driven anything quite like that since my 5.0 Mustangs. It's VERY quick, and will stop SO quick that the negative G's hurt! It's a VERY exceptional vehicle.

Morning

Been out early, watered the garden, the new Sod (man, that stuff really sucks up the water), made some coffee, and worked on some DVD stuff in the studio, all before my first cup of joe! ;-)

Trying to catch up on the email, News, etc.
Cari (my ex) dropped by and brought the new rabbits some treats! They seem to appreciate it. She let Sammy in (one of my siamese cats) and he's lying down beside me here on the sofa in the Studio Listening Room. He thinks I should be loving on him instead of typing on the laptop! ;-)

LTR

Tracy G Update

Just got off the phone with Tracy G. He is approx 2 weeks away from finishing up the final touches on his new CD, and then I get it for the final mastering! Can't wait! From what I've heard it's kicking!
Here's the new CD Cover also. He's got it finished.

Bamboo Hallow!

Wow, made a trip to north AL today. There is a place called Hallow Bamboo, or Bamboo Hallow, anyway, acres and acres of Bamboo of all different varieties that will survive in North America. It is the largest growth in North America. I thought I was setup for how it would look, but was EXTREMELY surprised. I still can't get over how the place looked. It's amazing that it will grow here. Some of the bamboo was 60 feet tall, and over 6 inches in diameter! We were shown 'shoots that were over 30 feet, and they had grown in MONTHS!







Can you say, SOD?

We put almost a whole pallet of Bermuda Sod down yesterday, around the new sidewalks, and wheelchair ramp. That stuff is a bit heavy! It's going to look nice, though, when it all grows up/together, etc.

Got in some new music, from a band called WinterHawk. My Scandenavian friend Torben, recommended it to me...it's some pretty cool stuff. You can definitely tell what band those guys where/are fans of! They have a lot of the RUSH sound in almost all their tunes on Revival.

I'm listening to some Riot - Fire Down Under this AM to get my blood pumping. We are planning a little 'run' down south to check out a Bamboo farm, and maybe pick up some shoots to plant.

Haven't had a chance to go through all my email yet, so probably won't get to it to much later today.

I also need to make a quick run to Radio Shack today, and pick up a few supplies for the Studio, but doubt, I'll make that either.

LTR

Riot Day?

Man, this has definitely been a 'Riot' day...I'm currently audtioning Riot's Sons of Society. Nothing has really caught me so far, but may get into it as I listen more.

Busy morning so far. Got up early AGAIN! Couldn't sleep!

Drove over the a BIG outdoor Flea Market type thing, and picked up some LP's (Old Heart, Crue, Kansas, etc.). Most were in pretty rough shape. :-(

Jackson went with me, and he had a good time. He bought himself a cool looking cap with a skull in flames on it, and some small stuff. He thought he was big stuff buying with his own money, etc.
We also picked up a couple of cute little black rabbits! Just what we need, a couple more animals around here on the 'compound'!

Stopped at Sonic and pigged out on a big juicy burger...YUMMY....LOVE that seared animal flesh! ;-)

LTR

Riot - Born In America

Not even 0700 and I'm listening to Riot - Born In America. It's pretty good, but NOT as good as Fire Down Under!

Father's Day went pretty well, hope everyone else out there had a good one!

I was just outside, doing some watering, got the paper, and waiting on the coffee in here to finish. Caught up quickly on email, AMD, etc.

Finished a couple more of LP to Digital Transfers yesterday, so today, I think I'll do some 'fun' stuff for me in the Studio! ;-)

Found out this AM that Anubis Gate's new CD is due out in September. Can't wait for that!

Headed to the coffee machine......