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Here's a little update.
Rocketry-----still no mojo. Next launch date for me is April 13 & 14. Prolly go as a spectator though.
Music.........I have 1 - Cannon delay pedal, 1- Guyatone Flanger (actually was the better of 6 others) and a boutique overdrive that is being assembled as we speak. This guy makes a few of the most awesome pedals I've ever heard. The crunch is like tube preamp and sounds almost like real tubes . I'll have to make you a short video so you can hear.
Mushrooms.......MOLD!!! I'm battling friggin MOLD! I am keeping it at bay but is slowly creeping across my Mycelium layer. 1st harvest gave me 4 lousy but huge shrooms, 2nd flush came in like a tsunami with a bunch of em, 3rd flush just getting started.
Health........Other than the fact that I seem to be falling apart, I feel great lately. Finally comfortable in the changes in my routines and working with them. The Docs are setting me up for this TIPS procedure which if it works, I could see a reduction of outpatient visits down from every 10 days to around once a month. If it doesn't work, then it just doesn't. No repercussions.
Hang in there, bro.
 
Gary,
I’m sorry I haven’t called you lately to see how things are going. Thanks for the update. Cool that you’re getting back into music; hopefully you’ll get back into rockets also, but it’s more important that you enjoy what you do.
 
Sorry to hear that about your health Gary. You’ll get through this, you’re a tough guy. You’ll be in our thoughts and prayers. In the meantime use music to sooth the pains until you get back into rocketry. Go see your friends at Rembert in April and catch up with them even if you don’t fly.
Thanks Andrew. But the reality is, there is still no cure for Cirrhosis. Except for a liver transplant. I'm all better about it in my head anymore. Fact is, I can't really complain about it because it's my fault.

Now, the music has always been an escape for me, or an adventure. I'm just glad it came back to me. Rembert is indeed on the calendar. It would just be wrong for me not to go just because I have no ambition in flying or RECOVERING! I always have a great time when I browse the flight line and butterfly my way around some. I rarely get to do that very much as I'm always busy prepping for flights.
 
Gary,
I’m sorry I haven’t called you lately to see how things are going. Thanks for the update. Cool that you’re getting back into music; hopefully you’ll get back into rockets also, but it’s more important that you enjoy what you do.
Steve, I feel certain it's far from over. Just a little glitch. I have some great builds in progress that I haven't laid hands on since October that I really wanted to bring this year. Just didn't have the motivation.
 
As you know Gary, my mojo took a break for about 1 1/2 yrs. I got it back now. Yours will be back also. And by our exchange of emails, you know some of my physical ailments. It may sound crazy, but you have been an inspiration to me to fight the fight and don't give in to the pain. Its goes back to just when you think you (self) has got it bad and life has dealt you a shitty hand, you hear about an even shitter hand dealt to others. My brother died of brain cancer and NEVER complained once . Guys like my brother and you are an inspiration to others. Thanks DOOD!!!
 
Sorry to hear about the troubles.

For me: just work has gotten in the way of my hobby - Damn work.
 
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Wow Gary,,
I had no idea you were going through such a difficult time..
Wait,, went through,, cause it's over now..
I sure am glad to hear you're at the tail end of this..
You feel better man..
Enjoy whatever floats your boat in this moment..

Teddy
 
Somewhere around May 17, I am pre-scheduled for this Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt...aka T.I.P.S. Hope it works. I'm getting really tired of all the hospital visits & GI specialist.
On a brighter note (pun intended) I really didn't like the Fender Amp so I bit the bullet on what I REALLY wanted.
Below is a Marshall Origins 50 watt tube amp. The guitar is an all American made Paul Reed Smith that fits my hand perfect. About the pedals, (left to right) that boutique distortion, a flanger & the Cannon echo that has way too many bells & whistles. I almost went with an Orange amp, but the Marshall was way less expensive. Now if I can get past feeling like crap all the time, I'll get motivated to play it.
I still have a ways to go to know the amp better. The amp has no onboard effects which made the price way less expensive. When you buy into all those onboard effects, you're pretty much stuck with them. I never found any onboard effects for any amp, that measured up to my expectations. So the "Plain Jane" Marshall was the preferred option. Opinions??

upload_2019-5-9_16-40-15.jpeg
 
Somewhere around May 17, I am pre-scheduled for this Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt...aka T.I.P.S. Hope it works. I'm getting really tired of all the hospital visits & GI specialist.
On a brighter note (pun intended) I really didn't like the Fender Amp so I bit the bullet on what I REALLY wanted.
Below is a Marshall Origins 50 watt tube amp. The guitar is an all American made Paul Reed Smith that fits my hand perfect. About the pedals, (left to right) that boutique distortion, a flanger & the Cannon echo that has way too many bells & whistles. I almost went with an Orange amp, but the Marshall was way less expensive. Now if I can get past feeling like crap all the time, I'll get motivated to play it.
I still have a ways to go to know the amp better. The amp has no onboard effects which made the price way less expensive. When you buy into all those onboard effects, you're pretty much stuck with them. I never found any onboard effects for any amp, that measured up to my expectations. So the "Plain Jane" Marshall was the preferred option. Opinions??

View attachment 382482
Hey Gary, I certainly hope your medical procedure goes well, I definitely don't know enough about that to comment otherwise, but I'm thinking strong thoughts for you. Having been in a band or two (I started playing bass back in the mid-70's) I can venture an opinion on your rig. A PRS and a 50 W tube Marshall? Are you kidding me man? You are ready to shred and kick some serious tail. Try not to crack the drywall. Rock on!

Jim
 
Hey Gary, I certainly hope your medical procedure goes well, I definitely don't know enough about that to comment otherwise, but I'm thinking strong thoughts for you. Having been in a band or two (I started playing bass back in the mid-70's) I can venture an opinion on your rig. A PRS and a 50 W tube Marshall? Are you kidding me man? You are ready to shred and kick some serious tail. Try not to crack the drywall. Rock on!

Jim
I wanna thank everyone for the well wishes. And as for the rig, I have never owned any brand new gear until now. All my life it's been used. Sam Ash had the amp shipped straight to my door (at no extra cost) and I got the guitar from Guitarwishes here in Lincolnton, and they're giving me free set-ups for as long as I own the guitar. The owner knew well that I was a veteran musician so he dismissed the usual 3 year period they give to most customers. Not too shabby, eh?
 
That's a great combination. Starting from a basic tube amp is the way to go. Learn its sound and ease in the effects you enjoy.
PRS makes some great necks and solid workmanship. Good luck with everything. [emoji106]
 
Yes, best of luck with your procedures. Prayers for you sir!
 
Prayers up. Hope your music brings you joy!
I don’t do the TIPS procedures, my partners do. It can make a huge difference. You have my best wishes.
 
Sorry to hear about your troubles. Wishing you health. Music is indeed a great distraction at times.

I find it very ironic that your mushrooms are suffering from mold. The Traveling Wilbury's song "Cool Dry Place" comes to mind :).
 
Stick with the low sodium diet and keep the stools moving with the lactulose. Five times a day if necessary. Sometimes the serum ammonia goes up and that can make you feel out of it. I’ve seen people where the ascites (abdominal fluid) goes away with a TIPS catheter and it’s a hell of a lot easier than the open spleno-renal shunts they did in the 80’s where one had to be cut open from stem to stern for an open surgery. TIPs is pretty standard and a lot easier on a person. You’ll likely not notice what’s going on. Also religiously avoid EtOh.
Take the aldactone if prescribed and if ammonia becomes a problem there are tricks with antibiotics so don’t lose hope. Follow the regimen and you can do well for many years
 
Why haven’t I been posting build threads this winter??? Simply because I have done nothing in the shop since early to mid September. Yup, my mojo flew completely out the window. Had an accident on Sept 1st that put me in the hospital, and a few weeks later I came down with some god-awful 10 day bug/virus, whatever!! Which is when my liver decided to erupt (it was already in bad shape). Now I am a regular visitor at the local hospital every 10 days to get fluid drained from my stomach area.

The whole change has put me in limbo it seems. I see where a lot of folks bail on their rocketry when s**t hits the fan but not this guy. I know this is temporary and I’ll be back in the swing at some point. So don’t be expecting any “sellouts”.

On the other hand, a delightful replacement has taken hold. A few of you know about how I hung up my 6 strings and got out of the music business around 20+ years ago. THAT mojo had been dead a long time until recently. Long story short, I have invested in some new gear and borrowed a guitar from a friend and soon I’ll be adding the last edition to the investment which is this little jewel below. And FWIW, I have no intentions of going back on the road. And I also never thought I’d break this horrible chain that kept me from wanting to play. I’m really looking at owing this fine piece of work.

View attachment 375131

FWIW Gary, you may want to check out my son's offerings on Ibanez Guitars.
He does rebuilds and customization's.
Not sure of his web site, but he has a Face Book Page.
 
Stick with the low sodium diet and keep the stools moving with the lactulose. Five times a day if necessary. Sometimes the serum ammonia goes up and that can make you feel out of it. I’ve seen people where the ascites (abdominal fluid) goes away with a TIPS catheter and it’s a hell of a lot easier than the open spleno-renal shunts they did in the 80’s where one had to be cut open from stem to stern for an open surgery. TIPs is pretty standard and a lot easier on a person. You’ll likely not notice what’s going on. Also religiously avoid EtOh.
Take the aldactone if prescribed and if ammonia becomes a problem there are tricks with antibiotics so don’t lose hope. Follow the regimen and you can do well for many years
From what I know, this procedure starts at your neck and down to the liver where the re-routing will occur. This leaving a possible minimum scar on my neck. Better there than guts splayed open with a big body scar. And OMG! I love hearing other success stories. The more I hear the more I'm looking forward to it. Thanks again everyone.
 
From what I know, this procedure starts at your neck and down to the liver where the re-routing will occur. This leaving a possible minimum scar on my neck. Better there than guts splayed open with a big body scar. And OMG! I love hearing other success stories. The more I hear the more I'm looking forward to it. Thanks again everyone.

Yup, be glad this is not 35 years ago! :)
 
Gary,

I hope the best for you, I'm new here but I've seen that you are an avid member and have contributed so much to this site and rocketry in general.

Sorry to hear about the things you are going through, and as a fellow musician (drummer) I'm glad you have the guitar to release some steam!
Some days the music is the only way to release......

Prayers for you Brother!!!
 
Gary, best wishes and I hope the TIPS mod does what it's supposed to. Glad to find out you're a musician! I've been a pianist all my life but have dabbled in guitar for a while now. Hope you keep that guitar mojo going.
 
Just so you all know, I didn't start this thread looking for any sympathy....unlike what I have seen here in the past. Well wishes and prayers are gladly accepted. So thank you all.

As far as the mushrooms go, the threat of mold is inevitable when your growth chamber lacks sufficient sanitizing. Even the pros have issues sometimes. So apparently "I missed a spot". And for the record, mushrooms require about 45-50% humidity in a filtered air flow environment when you are growing them indoors. Dry is not recommended. Fortunately I was able to carve out the infected areas to keep it from spreading too fast. I didn't do as well as I could have I suppose.
I figure I should wait until after the surgery to start another batch. Right now I'm neck deep with all kinds of physicians and a plethora of hospital visits. I want to be in much better shape and more time on my hands before I start my next batch.
 
Best of luck with your procedure! I've been put through a couple of different kinds of wringers in the past couple of years medical-wise.

I got started in guitar electronics about 9 months ago. A friend had played (electric) guitar as long as I've known him. Last year I saw an article about using an inexpensive single-board computer as a kind of distortion effect. This has led me down one rabbit hole after another. I really didn't want to learn guitar, just wanted to play with stuff. I've now got an Ibanez Strat-copy, and a Fender bass. I've got a little dinky practice amp, but I'm looking at building a cabinet for a couple of 12's. So far, the pedals I've built include a FET buffer, a TS-808 clone (improved), a May-style treble booster, and an Ibanez-clone compressor. Next on the build pile is a pedal that uses a Belton Digital Sound Effects Module from Small Bear.
 
Sorry to hear about the health problems Gary. I haven't been around TRF all that much lately (and then mostly in the glider threads) so wasn't aware of what you were going through. Glad you've rediscovered guitars/music to help get you through this thing. You're a pretty tough and positive guy so I have no doubts that you'll do well with your procedure. Get better soon!
 
Thanks Eric. Been a while since I saw you at a launch. Looks like my first launch of the year will be at the NEW Freedom Launch now being held on Memorial Day weekend. I, for one, totally approve of the date change. This should have been done years ago because we all know how stifling Labor Day weekend can be. I made this suggestion to the club 3-4 years ago and it got frowned upon. But since Crazy Jim took a seat with the leadership, he is making some changes and I'm totally onboard with him.

Providing all goes well with my surgery and such, I should be there, but just a spectator. Pretty sure I won't be capable of any retrievals, so I'm leaving my rockets at home. Hope you plan to attend.
 
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