Our Vacation Pictures 12-2009 Reno/Mammoth

Our vacation this year was a short 5 days to Reno Nv and Mammoth Ca, two of our favorite place to go and just relax and get away from the fast pace of our lives. We left on Sunday 12/13 it was cold 29 and for us that is COLD...by the time we got to Tonapah NV about 4 hrs out the road where icy and covered with snow and ice, but once we got out and down the mountain area it cleared up and the trip was nice.

We stay at the Peppermill in Reno which is a really nice hotel. They just built on a new tower called Tuscany which I was thrilled as it looked just like Italy it was beautiful, our suite was very nice and comfy for relaxing with a hot tub the size of New York lol (hmmm) anyway it was great.

We enjoyed a day at the spa which is one of the best we have been to we had a couples massage which was wonderful, I highly recommend the Peppermill for those of you looking for a good place to stay when in Reno.

Then it was onto Mammoth, my all time from childhood favorite place of the face of the planet. There is just something mystic about Mammoth Mountain, which I have know since I was a baby. My family spent every summer from the time I can remember vacationing at June lake or lake Mary or the Twin Lakes. My wonderful cousin Marty has a condo in Snow Creek which we stay when there and it's GREAT....surrounded by the High Sierras is breath taking. I think I could live there maybe lol it's that beautiful.

This is one place I highly suggest to those of you looking for a new place to go if you haven't been to Mammoth its worth the 1/2 day drive from So. Calif.

Hope you enjoyed my vacation update.

Ciao for now

We Are Off On Vacation

From Track Side with Melli & Other Stuff

Hi All, Brian and I are off for a week to Reno/Tahoe NV then to Mammoth Ca...for a very much needed vacation. It's been a year this week that we were at Virginia Beach with our best friends Gary and Maria who we miss a lot and wish we could be holidaying together again.

Lake Tahoe and Mammoth are my favorite places to go other than Norfolk Va LOL.

Have a great week, and I will post our road trip as we go.

Love to you all and Ciao for now

Melliepooh

From Track Side with Melli & Other Stuff

Today I learned of a dear friends passing, Paul Hart. Ann is his wife whom I went to Villa Park HS Orange, Ca they were HS sweethearts and married, had wonderful kids and grandkids and died way way to young. Paul was the class of 69, played football and just an all around great guy...I'm just so sad he's gone and makes me feel so luck I'm still here....seems like those we love and care about are passing away and I'm not ready for this, not Paul. He was in good health, it's just so shocking.

Annie, I know you follow me here, our thoughts and prayers are with you and your precious family, no words can we say will ease the pain, but with time it will get easier. I know you moved back to Orange and I wish I was there to just talk.

God bless you and call me anytime

Melanie and Brian

STOP!!!! Windows 7 May Not Be For Your System

Track Side with Melli & Other Stuff

Our good friends in Norfolk Va Gary and Maria have always been the *go to* couple for good advice and visa verse, so today I called Gary (lol he loves my calls) and asked him what he thought of MS 7, and what I learned surprised me, but made sense after we talked. I was all excited about up grading my home system until he said that he wasn't for mine as I don't have Vista, I have just XP Home :( I was bummed but I'm very happy with my system.

Now, what Gary shared was that a friend of his has test MS7 on several PC's and found that it's a great up grade for Vista (which was a nightmare for MS) 7 is like a HUGE patch for all the problems Vista presented.

Gary went on to explain that my printer may not work and most of my files will be moved and finding them would be rather challenging lol and I just don't do computer challenges, nope, nada lol.

So folks all my buddies, family do NOT upgrade to MS7 if you DON'T have Vista and THANK YOU Gary for that very very important information.

I'm SO GLAD I called him and asked what he thought and as usual he lead me in the right direction.

Have a great weekend, we are off to Martinsville for the Cup race this weekend just 5 races left and it's anyones chase and Jimmys to lose (Pleaseeeeeee lol)

Let me know your thoughts on this as Gary follows my blog and feel free to leave questions for him to answer.

7 Races to go

From Track Side with Melli & Other Stuff

Just 7 more races until the end of this season. At this point Mark Martin is still leading by a mere 18 points but he's leading and I'm hoping they will hold that lead. Jimmy Johnson is coming on strong as he usually does during the chase. With Tony Stewart winning today he's also very serious about winning his 3rd championship. That's all for now I will post more soon.

Ciao for now

Our Wedding Chapel

This is a picture of the Candlelight Wedding Chapel where Brian and I were married 11-13-1982 in Las Vegas NV. This pretty little chapel was moved to the Las Vegas Historical Museum in Henderson NV. When Brian showed me the article I was swept back to that weekend we were married, what fun we all had. the area now is as you all know grown beyond anyone's wildest imaginations. It was a small town, with nice hotel/casinos with wide open spaces, not like it is today. We all stayed at the Hilton and when I say all I mean all 22 of our friends and family that dove to Vegas to share in our day and what fun we had.
The Candlelight will be rededicated on 11-14 (my birthday) our 27th anniversary is the 13th and Brians 50th Birthday is the 16th WOW what a great weekend it's going to be.
I am planning a small get together with our friends and family to celebrate our anniversary and the Chapel's re dedication.
I will post more pictures soon
Ciao for now

From Track Side with Melli & Other Stuff

It's been 8 years since that horrific day 09-11-01 and one that we should never, ever forget. We have a wonderful country the grand USA to live, we have the freedom the what we want. We have gotten complacent again, our guard is down the timing is right to catch us off guard again, it's going to happen I don't want to think it or say it, there are those that want to see this country destroyed and will stop at nothing to make it happen namely BIN LAUDEN did we forget what he did 8 years ago? We can't forget the images of that day, if we do God help us all. We are not paying attention due the CRAP with economy that's what the terrorist want, they want us all distracted.

I pray that our sweet Lord with protect us all and help us get this precious country back on track which is * IN GOD WE TRUST *.

God bless the loved ones and all of us that are still mourning the massive loss of life on that normal Tuesday back on 09-11-01, let's not repeat history.

Ciao for now

Race To The Chase (Nascar)

From Track Side with Melli & Other Stuff

The Chase for the Sprint Cup Championship is just about to begin, there are only 4 races left until the top 12 start the mad dash for cash and the big trophy which ends the 2nd week of Nov. baring any canceled races which has happened in the past.

The usual suspects are in the top tier right now and my guy Mark Martin is in 12th after the HUGE mistake on the fuel calculation he ran out with 2 laps tg (to go) as did Jimmy Johnson. Jimmy could afford the hit, but Mark couldn't and he's now on the brink of falling out of the top 12.

I know that he follows my blog so I'm going to be positive and look on the bright side, and the only was to go now is UP we have to go UP UP UP ^ ^ ^ ^. Bristol is this Sunday and he hasn't been to this track since 2006 his last full time year, before he went part time for 2 years, so...he needs to just finish that sucker in one piece and in the top ten. I have a felling this will be a good weekend for him.

Once again I am going to do my yearly rant on the Chase....IT SUCKS!!!!!! Just let them ALL race until the end and may the best car/driver/crew win the big prize. But Brian France being who he is will never change this format, he thinks it's great for us the fans. I don't remember him asking me what my feelings were about it, but he now knows my feelings lol, which I have shared with him on more than one occasion while they where here in Vegas.

It's good to see Jr finally hitting his stride and getting in his racing groove, I think he will be just fine. He has had a lot on his shoulders for many years, I have a feeling the dark cloud is gone and Jr will be a force to deal with in the future.

Now for the HOT WEATHER here in Boulder City, yep its still HOT lol and will be for the next 6 weeks UGH!!!!!

Brian is all healed and is ready to get back to work, he really needs to get back to work trust me on this he REALLY needs to get back to work LOL and you all know what I mean.

That my rant for today let me know if you agree about the Chase!!

Ciao for now

Update On Me As Requested

From Track Side with Melli & Other Stuff

As requested I will update you on my new job at St. Rose Hospital DeLima Henderson NV...I work per diem (on call and fill in for open hours) in Admitting which includes the ER. To be very honest being back in the ER was a shock to my system as I've been in the back ground for many years either in management or administrative.

When I was laid off from the local hospital I was devastated and very frightened that I wouldn't be able to get another job with the way the economy had crashed, but with a lot of faith and prayer I was hired within 3 months and started my new job June 1st I was and am thrilled to be working back in a Catholic environment.

I had to get back into my *go* mode which is not stopping from the time you hit the door of the ER until the shift if over. I was a little overwhelmed at first but I soon found myself back in the *groove* responding to codes ect like back in the *old* days.

The pay is good, but you work for your money today, with the high unemployment, and uninsured patients, we are so busy due to the fact that we see everyone regardless of the ability to pay. Most hospitals do, but the care at St. Rose is hands down the best in the state which I'm very proud to be a part of.

I'm hoping for a permanent position soon, there is one opening up sometime either this month or Sept. which I've been asked to bid for. YEAH!!! God is good, he answered my prayers and continues too daily.

As for my outside interest, my husband Brian and I love to travel, spend time with friends, and love Nascar and have for years. I grew up with motor heads in the family, fast cars were the norm, including my mother who had a LEAD foot.

My brother Rodney was and still is at 60 something lol a speed FREAK and Will only drive FORDS. I love to listen to him complain about Chevy blah blah blah, if it's built in this sweet country then I love it. We drive Chevy's LOL we have owned them all from Vettes to what we drive now Caddy for me and Avalanche for Brian, also in our barn is the 2002 Dale Earnhardt Monte Carlo which came out right after he passed away in 2001, we plan on keeping it.

I love writing my rants here and over at Foxspots.net, I am also on Twitter and why I did that I will never know LOL.

Well that's the update on me and thanks for asking :)

Ciao for now

From Track Side with Melli & Other Stuff

Denny Hamlin won the rain delayed race at Pocono congrats to him and his crew, but it wasn't an easy win, the last 20 laps was a crash, bump fest which is good racing. It seems to me that Denny has to have something happen in the background for him to pick it up and win. He was set on winning this race due to his grandmother passing away last week and he did it for her. To stay in the top tier in Cup you must stay that focused not just when something happens to fire you up. Hendrick struggled all day Jimmy was 2 laps down with a car that was running on only 7cs, Mark struggled keeping his butt in the top ten, Jeff was ok and finished in the top ten, and Dales struggles continue, but there may be light at the end of his dark tunnel, I see thing turning around for the 88.

All in all it was a good race with only 5 weeks left, it's going to be very intense with the top 12 racing to stay there until the Chase begins, let the racing being.

Side note...Brian is doing well after surgery and is almost back to normal thank the good Lord.

Ciao for now

Kissing the Bricks *Again*

From Track Side with Melli

What a great ending to a long race Sunday at the Brickyard where Nascar spends a few days on the hollowed grounds of one of the greats racing tracks in the world.

The Indy or Brickyard has almost 100 years of history and now Nascar has itched its small part of the history as to being the only non open wheel racing league to race at the Royal Crown of racing. I have to say that I was working in the ER Sunday, the TVs went down, and the call went out to Cox to GET IT FIXED pronto. I work with several ER Docs that are just crazy about Nascar as I am, and with small flat screens in each treatment area watching a race isn't a problem, so when the cable went down I thought there was going to be another emergency lol all got fixed and I watched the last 20 laps and boy o boy I needed O2 at about this time lmao, I hear this "MELLLLIE!!!! get in here your lil guy is LEADING this damn thing" LOL well, I was with a patient and got over to the flat screen when I could and yeppers he was then I'm hearing the very upset Juan Pablo Montoya yelling that he got robbed for the speeding penalty, and that hurts.

Jimmy took the lead, with Mr. Mark right on his butty kissing it for 10labs OMG I just had to walk away and not watch and get busy doing what I love to do.

Jimmy ended up winning by 2/100th of a sec, Mark lost by 2/100 of a sec oh well, he was very happy and had a blast, plus he got the coveted pole which at the Brickyard is a big deal.

Mark is now 9th in the points and we need to keep going up up up.

I'm hearing that the Brickyard may be no more for Nascar as a scheduled race, as AAA is not going to be the primary sponsor starting next year. When the crappy economy I'm not surprised, I'm sure they are looking in earnest for a title sponsor.

The Brickyard is one of the biggest purses from to 43, finishing last will pocket a team 200K and that for some is a lot.

As for the Jeremy Mayfield deal, it's sad to see a talent go down the way he is going down...as of Sat of this past week they sold off the hauler and cars, they only thing left is shop inventory which I'm sure will be sold soon.

I just can't get why some that are doing so well, turn to drugs ext, I just don't get it and I thank God I never had that problem....in all my 57 yrs I have never tried anything including pot, I just feel the need for it, and if my mom and day and other of my Italian family ever found out, I wouldn't be sitting here ranting here LOL.

Have a great rest of the week, keep cool, keep the water close until the hideous summer of HEAT is over lol.

Ciao for now

Hugs to all and God is so good

From Track Side with Melli & Other Stuff

Here we are again for the 4th time this year with Mark Martin #5 Hendrick Motorsports it just amazing to me to watch Mark after 30 years have a year like he's having. Last night he won at Chicagoland win #4 and is back in 11th in the points. That is what I'm having a hard time getting my head around, the compitation in Nascar today is so stiff which shows with Mark only coming up 2 spots after a win.
He's not a shoe in for the chase, not yet, remember what happend to Kasey Kahane 2 years ago? He won 6 races in 07 and didn't make the chase due to him being inconsistant the last 10 races to the chase, thats why you see the top 12 not top 10 because of all the outrage he wasn't in the chase with 6 wins.
It doesn't matter how many wins you have, if your team isn't spot on, hitting all their marks during the race, the engine shop spot on with the power plants, and all the planets alligned, there isn't any guarentee the team will make the chase.
I'm excited for Mark and crew, but for now until the end of this season they can't miss, its spot on time...Mark is driving better than I've seen in along time. Thats due to him being happy and having fun. Mark is not a points driver, he races to win every race, and if that puts up in the top tier then so be the points as he said last night.
I couldn't watch the entrie race just the last 60 as I was working in the ER, but LOL Dr. Clark has the flat screen tunned to the race so it was hard NOT to watch and I could see Mark was almost lapping the field, I didn't watch not wanting to jinx his run.
Then...our best friend in Norfolk GARYYYYY was texting me a blow by blow LOL which was hard to focus on my work, but I did and all was well when I got home.
We went to dinner at Sunset Station when Mark crossed the finish line man o man was there a HUGE cheer from just about everyone by the sports bar LOL.
Let's just see if Mark/Crew can keep up this momintem I bet he can :)
Ciao for now

Monsoon 07-03-09

Man o man that was fun lol a monsoon blew through Boulder City yesterday with 60mpr winds and flash flooding it lasted about 3hrs off and on. Thunder/lightning the whole show. We had friends and family on Lake Mead when it hit they are fine, but my cousin Martys boat didn't fare so well, it has a hole in the back, but they are fine. Have a great 4th
Ciao for now

Happy Birthday American May God Bless You and US...this is one of the greatest places to live. To be free FREE to believe what we want to worship where we want. This country for 100+ years has fought hard to stay free under GOD and will continue the fight for freedom.
The picture of the our nations flag stirs such proud emotions, tears and a smile knowing that I live on the best part of this wonderful planet called Mother Earth.
The beautiful face of the Eagle is the national symbol of strength and also the shadow of fear for those that have harmed her and continue to try and harm her, she will NOT let that happen, and if it does, there will be retubution.
This picture I got right after 09-11-01, let's us not for a second forget that horrible day, let the memories linger to be the constant reminder we can never has a United Nation let our guard down, never ever again will that happen.
There has been enough blood shed over that last 100 years on our own shores and it's time to stand United under God and protect what is ALL of our FREEDOM.
Some today are trying to take that away, but it will not happen....just look at the Flag, the Eagle, and God's almight hand protecting us, what a wonderful feeling.
Thank you Dear Dear Flag for what you stand for thank you for OUR FREEDOM.

Joey Lagano Win 1st Race at NHIS

From Track Side with Melli & Other Stuff

<Lagano and Tony Stewart ct of Foxspots.net is just to cool. Joey being one of the youngest driver at (19) to win a cup race. Even though it was a rain win, it's a win and they will take it anyway they can get it. Tony was as proud of punch to see the kid get the win and was one of the first in the winners circle to congratulate him. They Mark Martin came by to give the kid who he discovered 5 years ago while racing in quarter midgets, with his own son Matt. Mark said way way back then that Lagano was going to be the best driver Nascar has seen since Dale E and Gordon, time will tell. Lets see if he can take the checkers on dry asphalt, I'm sure it's coming.

Mark is still in 11th by a mere 3 points, it's time for the #5 Chevy Crew to step it up, it's crunch time boys, it would be a heart breaker for Mark and team if he didn't make the chase after winning 3 races to date. If Mark makes the Chase and I'm sure he will, Kyle and Mark will share the top spot I think not sure, I will look into that. It was good race all in all, I did notice the thinning crowds, I'm sure it's due to millions of folks being out of work, but Nascar will (I hope) grow even stronger as the tracks in the circuit are lower the prices which makes sense.

Not going there about Kyle, nope not gonna do it, it just gets me red headed lol.

I'm trying to stay cool as it got to 107 here in Boulder City NV today (UGH) and don't ask why are we living in the desert if I don't heat!! WORK lol 16yrs ago when the bottom fell out of the California economy I was laid off from a large Catholic Hospital in Orange lol I was offered a job here in BC took it, four months later I was laid off, I could go on, that's why we are here...Brian has a very good secure job with his company, so here we stay.

Ciao for now

Kasey Kahne Wins at Sanoma

From Track Side with Melli & Other Stuff

Congrats to Kasey Kahne for his win at Sanoma Nascar's first road race of the season. It was good to see Richard Petty in the winners circle as the car owner.

The trophey is a very cool one too, its made from win cork as that is wine country that was very cool.

I wasn't happy to see that Mark dropped from 8th to 11th, they just couldn't get that car right and with all the bumping and grinding it was a challange to just get around the track yesterday lol but thats road racing which I love.

Ciao for now

Happy Fathers Day Daddy

I posted a Happy Fathers Day to my dad Jerry and father in law Rob and for some reason it didn't post. Both Brian and I want to wish our fathers a wonderful day. For me father's day is every day my dad Jerry has always been very special to me.
Since I was a little girl I have had a close relationship with him for that I'm blessed. Today he's 89 and still very active and I'm blessed to still have him around to remind me of how great life is. Life is how we make it, I try to start every day with a smile and prayer and make it the best I can.
My father in law Rob is just one of the sweetest men, always there if you need anything, he's retired but still very busy with helping with the grand kids. Brian is also very blessed to have a great day, they are very close.
So, to both our father's Happy Fathers Day we love you
Brian and Melanie

Ok Enough is Enough of Kyle Busch

From Track Side with Melli & Other Stuff

Busch cited Mark Martin and current points leader Tony Stewart as an example of how fickle the points standings are this season.
"You look at Mark, he was 34th at the beginning of the season about ready to fall out of the top 35 and here is eighth in front of us now," Busch said. "He's had the success that he's needed in order to bring himself back up through there. Tony has been the same way; he runs top-10 every week. That's the way we were last year.
"The same things would fall our way, and we had luck going our way really well. And this year has just been a struggle to get finishes knocked out every week and go on a string of top-10s."

The above quote is from Kyle Busch after this past weeks meeting he had with JD Gibbs and his crew chief, it's all blah blah blah to me. Let me say this about the whole Kyle thing, he's the most unprofessional, spoiled rotten, self centered little snot I've ever seen. This young man doesn't GET IT, he is so self absorbed in HIMSELF to consider who is paying him big bucks to drive in the top tier of Nascar Sprint Cup, it's the M&Ms and all the other sponsors that have stuck it out with him, but I'm thinking that they are probably looking to spend there very hard earned money on someone who will appreciate what they have.

With today's economy in the tank, the worst it's been in 50 years, national unemployment at a all time high 10% and rising, he just doesn't get it!!!! If I were his parents I would be mortified of the way he act's in public after a race he didn't win, and IF I was his mother, that boy and I would have a very coming to Jesus conversation and I mean in a hurry. Every time that little chit did his crude walk away stomp after a race, he would get a Tony Dinozo (NCIS) lol slap on the back of the head, and he would turn his butt around because I would be kicking it, and make nice nice with the media, sponsors and most importantly the FANS who are paying to see a good race.

Yes, I would, and I just might do that if I am at a track that he pulls that crap, and I promise you all that would be the LAST time he does the Kyle Stomp away, trust me on this. I don't want to hear assult or whatever, that's the problem with him now, he didn't get his butt kicked growing up and I'm sure he needed it. (I wouldn't lay a hand on him I was just saying how frustrated I am seeing him pull that crap) for the record.

The reason that Mark Martin has gone from 34th to 8th in the points is 1) his crew respects him 2) he's good to his crew he's apart of the TEAM 2) Alan Gustufson his CC adores the guy and is working his guts out to give Mark what he needs to win 3) Rick Hendrick is right behind him supporting him 4) Last but not least he's a gentleMAN, he is blessed for this second resurgence in Cup and winning at 50 and he LOVES his fans and lets them know it all the time.

As for Tony Stewart doing so well in a start up organization, it's back to respect for team and crew, Tony is well respected, he has had his issues in the past, but let me tell you, Tony is a KIND MAN he has a heart the size of the US and it shows and he's happy with himself, plus he doesn't have anything to prove that's why he's running in the top ten every week as is Mark.

With that said, and I've said enough already, Kyle will NEVER be the kind of MEN Tony and Mark are EVER. He's too self absorbed in himself to see past his own shadow which is sad, the kid can drive a car, but sorry to tell ya, it take a whole lot more today to just DRIVE a Cup car, it takes the whole package.

Self respect, respect for others, a giving person, patient under stress, being cool under the pressure of the constant grind in Nascar, giving to the fans and on and on and on. Kyle doesn't possess those traits.

I have lost all respect for him and it will take a miracle to get it back, which in his own words, he doesn't CARE!!!! He will start caring when the money stops and at 24 that will be the wake up call he needs to get it together.

And, for the first time I have copied this to Couch Gibbs and Kyle PR Rep, I want them to see what a fan of Nascar has to say about their little Darling. I wait for a response, but I'm so sure I will not get one.

That it's on that rant, sorry but I had to get it off my chest ENOUGH IS ENOUGH.

Ciao for now

Mark Martin Wins #3 at MI

From Track Side with Melli & Other Stuff

Wow, what an ending at MI tonight, I was stunned stupid lol to say the very least when Mark crossed that checkred line first, I was shaking my head in disbelief like most of us watching and also over joyed that the God of Nascar shinned on Mark and won his 3rd race this season which makes his total in Cup wins 38. He's the 17th all time winner in Cup and is now has the most wins this season.

The media has made such a huge issue of Mark being 50 and still competitive and winning, if you watched the race, Bill Elliott 53 who runs a limited schedule with the Wood Brothers Racing finished 13th. So, those of us over 50, me included feel better now than I did in my 30s and 40s, I am where I want to be and happy with life. Mark and Bill are there too, they don't have anything to prove to anyone, they are Champions who are 2 of the most respected drivers in Nascar history. The younger drivers look up to them for guideness in a very rough sport, it's tough to win a race and when they do, they know it may be there last as the competition is so tough now, it's very hard to win.

The best year in wins Mark had was 1998 the year of Mark Martin and Jeff Gordon, between those two guys they won 20 of the 32 races, Mark 7 and Jeff 13 who went on to win the championship over Mark by 300 points lol even with all those wins Mark was behind the 8 ball 300 points, the Mark and Jeff show man that brings a smile to my face.

But, this is hands down the very best year for Mark, he's a different man. Older, mature and happy he's at a good time in his life with his family right beside him. I saw Arlene today and she was beaming, she has always stayed in the background for much of Mark career, but today, she was right there beside him and what a cute couple they make.

This coming weekend we are headed to Sanoma aka Infanion road course just outside SF Calif. it's one the most beautiful tracks Cup goes to.

It sits high up in the wine country with the beautiful Pacific Ocean in eyesight, this will be a great race and Mark is a roadie as they say, he loves road courses.

Well, that's it for my Trackside rants, I'm going to bed tonight a happy women as it's been a very nice productive day and to top it off Mark and crew won yet again.

Ciao for now

And Another Thing!!!!!

From Track Side with Melli & Other Stuff

The pressure is on several teams to kick it up about 10 notches, Kevin Harvick is one of them...that team hasn't been able to get going this year and the points time clock is ticking before the Chase starts in Oct. it will be here quicker than we think. I could hear the frustration in Kevin's voice tonight when he was interviewed on Track side Live.

Mark Martin in one point (1) out of 12th which he slipped to after last weeks race at Pocono, what a disappointment, running in the top 10 most of the day and to lose the car at the end is what kills your chances at the Championship, the #5 crew needs to really kick it up too, its show time, they need to be spot on until the chase starts and on if he's got a chance to win the Cup.

The other stuff to my rant......What about Ms. Calif being dethroned for her personal thoughts on gay marriage????? She has every right to voice her opinion and the last time I looked we live in the United States of AMERICA which spells FREEDOM to express our thoughts, but I guess that's not the case with the Ms. USA folks aka the Donald.

Seems to me that this country is tilting to the far left and those of us on the right or the Christian Conservative are being punished for our personal opinions?????? Hmmm, that's like the folks who live in Russia, China and other communist countries, not here.

Sara Palin spoke up today with Matt Lauer on the Today Show about her feelings about the joke David Letterman made about something to do with statuary rape, which really hit a cord with her, and she has EVERY right to voice her concerns about the message a jokes sends out on a very violent act.

I agree, it's good for the goose but apparently not good for the gander...like I have said before we are on a crash course to hell if we don't wake up and start acting like the true Americans we are and get back to the values this country was founded on, God, Family, Country regardless of how so many try to change it, it will never be any other way, and that's my rant on that.

Ciao for now

Spot Light On A Dear Friend Sheila Diane

Let me introduce you to Sheila whom I've know for over 30 years. We worked together at St. Josephs Hospital Orange Calif. in the ER. I worked there 16yrs and of those 16 yrs I was in the ER 10. From the day we met we had a special bond, I loved working with Sheila, things went smoothly when she was there. I have such wonderful memories of the grand days working in a great hospital with the hands down best ER Doc's and nurses that graced the earth.
I learned so much from her over the years, for instance I love scrap booking due to Sheila, before it was all the craze. She also taught me how to use a camera the right way.... I think my fondest memories and I'm giggling thinking about it was her idea to go buy pretty sheets, and use those sheets as wall covering. It was amazing how beautiful my bedroom looked after we did that, plus I used the same print for pillow shams and comforter I know it sounds crazy, but it's being used today in new homes, and I may do it again with the one wall in my bedroom this fall when we paint the inside of the house.
Sheila is one person that I have stayed in touch with all these years and know that she is always there if I need to talk and just catch up.
I know when she reads this she is going to be floored, but that's the fun of surprising your friends, Sheila a great lady and I'm so blessed to have her as a life long friend.
I will spot lighting those that have touched my life so don't be surprised if your picture appears one day:)
Ciao for now

Tony *Smoke* Stewart Win Pocono Race

From Track Side with Melli & Other Stuff

Wow, I'm so jazzed to see Tony Stewart #14 win at Pocono today, it was strong all day and I had a gut feeling he was running this race like a Cheetah in the grass just waiting for the right time to really put the hammer down and GOOOOOOO and boy oh boy, did he go. Cousin Carl (Edwards) #99 was biting at his butt but didn't have it to overtake him. It was very hard to pass on the long straight aways, with this track being 2.5 miles and flat it's not what you would call a momentum track, just being up front is what you want here.

I was also good to see Chevy did well today as they do most Sunday, that may end next weekend as Nascar is at MI which is the House of Rousch (Breath Gary, it has been dominated by Roush for years, look it up LOL) so if Hendrick plans on beating the Roush gang they best step it way up a notch cause Biffle and Carl LOVE this upcoming track.

With that out of the way, I need to just touch on Mr. Kyle Busch winning last night in the Nationwide series at Memphis, what he did to the Gibson Guitar in the winners circle was a little off setting, he did the Ozzie Osbourn stunt by smashing it on the ground for his crew!!!

Now, knowing the general feeling of Nascar fans, I thought to myself when I saw it, OH MY, that boy is going to get beat lol.

So, I hit the net going to http://www.foxsports.com/ and http://www.nascar.com/ and there it was, not 15mins after he won. No congrats just this lead in that Bad boy Kyle was up to it again by smashing the guitar.

I've even gotten a e mail or two or three about it asking me what I think, and this is what I have come up with. First off, Kyle is only 24 years old, he's at the top of his game at a very young age, he's a driving machine and a winning machine, the kid lives to race and again let me restate this he's (24). He's acting like any immature young adult acts and I'm glad that he is doing it and not worrying about you or I think about it, because to be quit honest with you all Kyle doesn't care what we think about him, that's just the way he is, so I say either ignore his childish behaviour or stop watching Nacsar and I don't think you will do that.

Ciao for now

Moving Forward

From Track Side with Melli & Other Stuff

Good morning, this is the Other Stuff side of my blog....I completed my first week at St. Rose Hospital Henderson, to say it was a fast paced, very hectic week would be an understatement but it was good. I really like being on the go again, and training in the ER is like going back to a home that your familiar with. The busy pace of the ER is always present, I am training in ER Admitting, which involves registering all patients seen in the ER.

I like it, there is a good feeling there and team work is the key word. There's lots of smiling faces even with it being so busy, and it makes for a less stressful work place. Being a Catholic facility there is a feeling a peacefulness when you enter the building, the presences of God is very much present.

For 16yrs I worked at St. Josephs Hospital Orange Ca, and the familiar atmosphere was a welcome change for me.

With my first week done, I now have an idea how things flow, I'm looking forward to getting back to work on Monday and I'm finally moving forward.

More later have a great weekend

Melanie

Jimmy Johnson & Team 48 Win Dover

From Track Side with Melli & Other Stuff

Congratulations to Jimmy Johnson & team Lowes for their win today at Dove which was one of the best races I've seen in awhile. It was a dog fight between JJ and Smoke (Tony Stewart #14) it looked there that Tony was going to get his first point cup win, but it wasn't to be as his tires went away with 3 laps to go.

Tony gave it all he had and he said the best car won today YEAH Chevy...stay tuned to Tony he's going to get that win before this thing is over, he's now the points leader, which comes after 560 races (2005). That is a feat in itself as he's the first owner/driver to lead the points since 05 WTG Tony.

As for this years coverage starting out with Fox, they nailed it in my opinion, with Mike Joy, Larry Mac and DW, that is a team that I'm going to miss the second half of the season which starts next Sunday with ESPN. Congrats to Fox on a great job and I can't wait to have them back in 8mos which is Daytona lol.

Now, as for ESPN I have watched other sporting advents with them and they are pretty good what I like about ESPN is they switch to PIP screen during commercials so we don't miss any part of the racing action that is a huge plus.

As for my guy Mark Martin he did pretty good today except for the hiccup in the pits but he motored that puppy back up to as high as 2nd near the end and was a contender for a 3rd win, but his tires too went away finishing 10th which kept him 12th in points with a nice lead.

Next week they are off too Pocono PA, which is going to interesting that's a another tough track.

Ciao for now

P.S Gary, I hope your now happy lol

A Fun Time With Loverboy

From Track Side with Melli & Other Stuff

This is the *other* stuff, stuff lol... A grand time was had by all us oldies but goodies at the Loverboy concert at Sunset Station Henderson NV. The picture posted is curtisey of Loverboy website www.loverboy.com it's really the only one I could fine that resonated what these guy from Canada did for the music world with there very distinctive sound. I have to say that the memories of the late 70's brings a huge smile to my face and Loverboy was one of the reasons. Seeing them come out on stage (79 LA Forum) with there skinny little bodies, poured into those red leather chaps (no bottoms lol) and red vests with the bandannas and the HAIR OMG, they were just to much for this *good Christian girl* to take in all at once lmao!!!

I danced so much last night that I pulled a muscle in my right buttox LOL I'm soooo serious just ask Brian who keep laughing about it.

I from this day forth, going to dance and get this OLD bode back into shape lol that hurt lol.

It's so cool to go and see the bands of yesteryear and go away feeling renewed, and yes, even young again. Age is a state of mind and I refuse to grow up, and I plan on staying young in my heart, head and yes body lol

Have a great day and leave me a note as to who your favorite bands of yesterday!!!

Ciao for now

Happy Birthday Daddy

From Track Side with Melli & Other Stuff

The pictures posted are of Dad and I in Nov 08 the 2nd one is of mother and daddy in1980.

89 years ago my father Jerry was born on June 1st 1920 in Batesville, Ark (oh my where Mark Martin was born too, we may be related lmao,JK).

We are sending daddy lots of love and happy to yous from your family...I just pray I'm in half the shape he's in now at his age.

He's still sharp as a tack, works out everyday, doesn't move that fast but keeps moving which is the key. I'm proud to have a dad like him, he's always been my hero and always will be, he's a kind wonderful man with a very rich military and aviation history.

I'm starting to journal his life which is going to take along time to record, once it's all done I'm going to have it put in book form for the family and friends.

Happy Birthday Daddy we love you

Your lil messy America

Mellie

This Weekend In Nascar-Dover

From Track Side with Melli & Other Stuff

This week in Nascar was jammed packed with news from the ongoing battle of wills between longtime friends and once partners Bruton Smith and Humpy Wheeler (former GM/President) of Lowes Motor Speedway. According to Nascar Scene Humpy wants the 5mil owed on his retirement which he feels is due him. Bruton Smith says, not so fast and has no idea per him what Humpy is talking about lol, oh here we go again with the HE SAID.....HE SAID!!! LOL stay tuned on this one.

The meeting on Tuesday hasn't been talked about except from a statement from Brian France saying it was a good meeting, that a variety of issues where discussed from the COT (car of today), the drug testing policy (being updated) the lower TV ratings and just an all around town hall type of meeting, I'm sure more about this will be coming stay tuned on this one too.

Dove is a one mile track that's a real bear, a driver has to hit his marks every single lap, this is a race the race track race not race the other drivers.

The big news I guess is Tony Eury Jr. has been replaced as Dale Jr's crew chief that decision was made by Rick Hendrick yesterday, which I'm sure was very hard, but this is big business and he needed to get this driver and team moving in the right direction, good luck to Dale Jr. I'm hoping this will get up front again.

And, last but not least, Jeff Gordon is having back problems which was reported 2 weeks ago, he had an injection in his back to help with the pain, this is a temporary fix for this type of problem and I see him not continuing in the 24 after 2010, and why would he? He's got more money than Trump lol has 4 Cup Championships, he has a wonderful little girl and wife, think it's time to have fun, and save his back.

That's the haps for this weekend have a great one

Huggers and Ciao for now

Happy Birthday Gary

To our best friend the other half of Maria is Gary, happy Birthday bud, hope you have a great one, and is it the big 50??? LOL Just wondering
Huggers

The Race That Finally Ended Coke Cola 228

At last we have a winner and a first time winner at that, congratulations to David Reutimann aka Rudy. With a wash out on Sunday literally the rain just wouldn't go away. To being rescheduled for today Monday at 12:00 EST, and again a delay due to rain, then the moment of silence for all our of Vets past and present at 3:00pm, then another rain caused caution.
Rudy, Ryan Newman, Robby Gordon decided to stay out and chance it, great call on their part after waiting 2hrs under cover, Nascar called the race as official as they completed 228 laps and Rudy was the winner. That is really neat to see and he was so excited as was car owner Michael Waltrip who was giddy as that's the first Cup win as an owner.
Now, for the interesting Nascar Town Hall mandatory meeting for all driver, crew chiefs, owners and others to answer any and all questions in regards to problems inside the garage area, and I'm sure it's going to get ugly.
Questions on the drug testing policy is at the top of the list....I'm sure the excessive fine for single team owner of $200K for an engine infraction will be a hot button.
The report of the first full year with that BIG POS car they (media and everyone else) refer to at COT (Car of today).
And I'm sure track owner Bruton Smith who Nascar's number Nemesis because he wants what is best for the fans has a bunch to say LOL, yaaaaaaa think!!!!!!
So, that is the haps for this past weekend....Brian and I had a great time just hanging out and visiting with our part time neighbors from Calif.
I also got a very good movie review from my best sister Maria on the new Star Trek flick she said it is awesome.
So, we shall see what we shall see after this meeting tomorrow, at least they are having the meeting to try and get problems out on the table. Work them out and move on!!!!!
Ciao for now

Oh, And Some Food For Thought

I want to share a fast, easy and very tasty dinner suggestion....get a package of pork chops, the kind you like, I prefer the thicker pork chop. Season with your favorite spices I use lemon pepper with a pinch of garlic salt pepper and Emerils spice which I use on everything just about lol. With 1tbs of butter and a little olive oil, heat pan and cook 5Min's both sides covered. While cooking I sprinkle a dash of the spices again as I turn the chops. I have 2 of the most finicky men in my house Brian and Daddy, OMG they are so fussy, and they both gave it 2 thumps up LOL YEAHHHHH.

For desert I melted Ghirardelli Chocolate in the microwave for 30 secs to start take it out stir then for just 15 seconds finish melting. Now, go get those wonderful strawberries with the melted chocolate dip the tops, put on a baking sheet with wax paper, put them in the fridge for a couple of hours to chill and enjoy ummmm ummmmm soooooooo good.
Ciao for now and hope I made you all hungry LOL

A Marathon Race Day

This is the time of year for all of us who love auto racing get out fill as it's the mother of all racing marathons, starting in Monaco for the Monte Carlo 400 it was won by Jensen Button, I have no clue who he is as I don't follow F1 (sorry don't kill me lol). I'm sure Monaco is a beautiful place from what I've seen on TV and read. Anyway, onward I go with the days happenings....

There was a Cinderella Story Ending for Helio Castroneves who won his 3rd Indy 500 which was good to see. But I have to say that during the race there were a couple of nasty crashes, in which one drive Miaria ??(sp) was injured with 2 broken vertebrae in his back, and earlier in the race during a caution pit stop, his pit area caught fire but was ok thank God, then the accident. It was reported on Fox sports he won't need surgery he will be fitted for a back brace and will be discharged tomorrow.

As for the Sprint Cup race it's been postponed due to rain it will run tomorrow Monday 05-25 at noon EST.

So that's the haps in the racing world have a continued good Memorial Weekend....just one side thought here, the pre-race show for Nascar was the best I've seen in years.

Ciao for now

For All Heros Who Have Served Then and Now

Memorial Day is my favorite holiday of the year or one of them....it's a time we pay our respects to all of our serviceman and women serving our country, protecting all of us and some dieing for the precious freedom we all enjoying living here the wonderful USA.

There is not place on Gods earth that is more of a blessing than here and we take advantage of it, we forget the wars that have been and are being fought for that freedom.

How many times a day do you stop, just stop, sit down quietly and thank God for all we have, and pray for the safety of those serving?

I look at my father and I swell with such pride knowing his rich history of service to our country during WW11 on the USS Radford 42-45. I listened to him tonight talk to one of the few survivors left of his shipmates, Mr. Jim Ramsey a wonderful man too, he's had health issues, and I could hear the concern in Daddy's voice while they talked and reminisced of their time together on board ship.

Take the time this weekend to call someone you know that has served our country or city ect, let them know how much they are appreciated.

Send a note via snail mail with a stamp and stationary the whole works, and put in the mail box, to that good friend, brother,sister, father or mother that has given so much of themselves for OUR Freedom.

Daddy, to you I say *You are my hero* and always will be.

Have a wonderful weekend, and put ole glory out and let her fly and she rings the bells of freedom.

Ciao for now

The Beauty of Spring Is Finally Here

I love spring time it's the happiest time for my yard and garden it's right before the very hot summers and after the very cold winter, and my little darlings are so happy. I have been potting my annuals and just bought another Bougainvillea (purple) she is now sistered up with two other red ones and what a lovely trio they make.
Living in the high desert, it's very hard to grow the plants I grew up with Orange Co as they can't take the heat, thank Goodness Boggies love the heat and do well.
I prepped my planter garden in the back yard and just the smell of fresh earth put a smile on my face, and of course I talk to all my little sprouting wonders lol.
There's nothing that calms the soul than going outside and tending to the plants and yes, talking to them. My family of Quail, Finch, Doves, migrating Cardinals, and lots of others birds are also a sweet treat. The covey of baby Quail are just to precious and the parents are so loving and protective of their youngins.
Then we have Peter and Molly (darling cottontail Rabbits) who are just to cute. It's amazing how Gods little creatures all know the pecking order and cohabitate in peace, wouldn't it be wonderful if us humans used them as the benchmark for peace and getting along with everyone?
Well. I need to get back to my yard, it's warm today but not screeching hot, I need to get the Boogies in there new big pots. I will post more pictures later.
Ciao for now