Well I spent an evening playing around with the suggestions and I now have a good feel for the what to do and what not to do. Yes, after numerous tries I got the hang of it, the timing of the fades and the levels and I did get quicker and learned what to look and listen for. I had a blast and and ended up with a product I can live with. I am sure many of you have tried to explain how this is fun to your significant others, I get the "thats nice dear" comment and put my headphones back on.
Again thanks to all for the guidance and support, the old dog did learn a new trick, the pup on the other hand is still headstrong.
Tim