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

He Said, Nascar Said The War on Words re: Jeremy Mayfield

This is my second post on this issue with Jeremy Mayfield Nascar driver regarding him aledgealy not passing his drug test 3 weeks ago. I am re-posting my personal thoughts, they are mine, no one else's and if I say something that you don't agree with that's fine, but I'm stating fact on drug testing and PMI (Protected Medical Information).
As has been reported in the press for the past 3 weeks or so, Jeremy tested positive for an unknown substance and was suspended by Nascar May 5th. Jim Hunter Competition Director held a news conference and announced that Jeremy and two other crew members were suspended the crew members are not on his team.
From the time this was announced to today, it's turned into a SH__T storm, finger pointing, attorneys now involved on both sides.
Questions as to weather Nascar has the right to disclose this information, according to Jeremys camp, he didn't know they were going to make that announcement.
Nascar officials say they notified Jeremy of the impending news conference.....
Jeremy told the press he didn't receive any lab results from the lab that did the testing.....
Nascar released they notified Jeremys people on 3 different occasions of the results.....
All the drivers, except for Kasey Kahne who stated on Nascar Now tonight he doesn't care, as he eats normal food, and drinks Budweiser only, so he doesn't have anything to worry about, Hmmm.
This is the mother of all HE SAID, THEY SAID!!!!!
The drivers are concerned about this, they want to see a list of what is and what is not accepted.
Now, this is where it gets really ugly....the questions I asked WERE, does Nascar have the right to disclose PMI to the media without the knowledge of the person involved? I said no they don't and I was informed I am wrong (For which I say!!!!) IN WHO's BOOK??? I also was asked by someone if this was a HIPAA violation??
I said that I thought it would be, as I've worked in the Medical Field for 31 years and patient confidentially is the utmost priority in my field. There are very strike guidelines that must be followed when releasing patient information....
Then I was asked "It doesn't matter they didn't TELL what the drug supposedly was" ...who gives a crap about WHAT it was, but HOW it was released to the press.
That is my main issue, but being the peon that I am, and don't know @#$@@ about PMI and HIPAA, I guess Nascar is right to breach a patients PMI, sorry that I was so short sighted.
Thats all I'm going to say on this, I do however want to wish Jeremy all the best during this very rough time. I feel for people that go though situations like this, being found guilty before having your day in court (so to speak) before being found guilty.
Again, please let me reinterate this is my personal opinion, and I do have them. I don't want to ruffle anyones ego's here, but I feel that this whole situation was handled very poorly.
Well shall see what we shall see as to how this is going to end.
Ciao for now

Happy Birthday Maria Hugs

This is Maria my best friend and like a sister to me she is the one I talk about and her hubby Gary who grew up with my hubby, they are also best buds.
Here, we see Maria's Birthday present from Gary with is a cool Barbie like bicycle cruiser, and if you notice in the back she owns a PT Cruiser, so this bike really fits.
Gary, your a good husband :) and Happy Birthday Maria hope you had a great day.
Love you

Cont Now It's Your Insurance Information

When was the last time you sat down with your other half and went over your insurance benefits.?? Bet never and it's been a very long time, I understand, really I do. For the best part of 30 years I have been an Insurance Verification Specialist at the 3 Hospitals I've worked for, it's a very complicated position, and you need to stay up on all the changes with hundreds of policies.
Here are some helpful tips to make your life so much easier when using your insurance.
1. Keep a current insurance card with you at all times, which includes all family members covered.
2. It's your responsibility to know what your out patient co pays are IE: ER visits, Radiology, out patient surgery, Lab (very important, do you have to go to a specific lab??)
3. Make very sure you obtain prior authorization for any/most out patient procedures, there are very few insurances that don't required prior authorization. Don't relie on the Physicians office to get the auth, you need to call the pre-certification phone number on that back of your insurance card to make sure the auth process has started.
I know of procedures that were done without the prior auth the procedure was denied, and the patient ended up being financially responsible for all charges. Trust me you do not want that kind of bill, oh no you don't.
4. Check your EOB (Explanation of Benefits) sent by the Insurance Co of total charges and what you will be financially responsible for.
5. If you are admitted to the hospital, make sure you check your itemized bill that all hospitals send to you. Do a line by line item check, highlight those charges you feel weren't done or you question. Call the Business Office of the medical facility you were admitted and discuss it with their rep's.
6. This is very important.....DO NOT TAKE PERSONAL BELONGINGS TO THE HOSPITAL... I can't be clear enough on this. It is not the Hospitals responsibility to keep track of your personal stuff, ER is different, the staff with put all your things in an envelope and they put in a safe until your are discharged. To avoid that, give all your stuff to a family member, things disappear in Hospitals folks, don't have the false sense of security just because it's a Hospital.
7. Last but not least, ASK questions I can't say it enough, ask questions for anything you or your family don't understand. The Medical Ind. today is a very complicated machine, it's even harder for our Senior Community to understand all the confusing roads one has to take today to get any thing done. Be a patient advocate for a family member or friend, one day we will all need that, so be prepared.
Let me know if you have any questions on the Medical Durable Power of Attorney, and the Insurance comment, I will be more than happy to help.
Ciao for now

Food For Your Medical Well Being

This is a touchy subject, Living Will and Medical Durable Power of Attorney are you prepared for an emergency when it comes to your health? I would say that 1 in 5 people in this country today do not have a medical durable power of attorney or living will, which is what I'm going to touch on today.
First, go to your google search engine and type your state example http://www.nvdurablemedicalpowerofattorney.com/ here you will find for you state specific all the information and forms *free* to print out right there at your desk. This is very important if you are hospitalized or in an accident, it gives the medical staff your information of what you want in case there is a chance you will not recover. Don't please don't put the burden of that decision on your family without discussing it and letting the one person you choose to make those decisions for you.
Yes, it takes time to get this information in order, but what a relief it is once it's completed, a weight is lifted.
I also suggest that your will is updated this is so important for those that have substantial assets again, this is your directive as to how you want your estate divided up, and please don't forget the family pets, they are often forgotten, and often they are left at animal shelters, which is heart breaking, so get busy and get it done. I know, this is very time consuming but it needs to be done.
Last but not least, don't forget when doing your Will to pick someone you trust and has agreed to be the Administrator of the Will, one who will be fair and not in the middle.
I have just spent the best part of two weeks completing the above and that included renewing our passports, which again is now necessary for travel in Canada, Mexico and parts of the Bahamas.
It's a lot of work, but you all know your information just sit down and get it done, it's Spring and this is the time of year to get organized. Just one more little thingy, FYI, when you renew your drivers licence you will now need to provide your birth certificate as proof of identity. When they take your picture it's now done with (Facial Recondition) it will take 10 days after completing the paper work and it's approved to receive it, this is all now thought Homeland Security.
Shewwwwwwwww that's a lot of information thrown out there all at once, it's important to me that you have the tools for a organized life and future.
Read on, I have more information lol

And The Winner Is???? (Nascar All Star Race)

There you have it Tony *Smoke* Stewart won tonight's Nascar All Star race, what's so cool is it's his first All Star win and his first win as a owner/driver WTG Tony and crew.

And what a race it was, for that matter what a great speed week Charlotte NC had, all the hooplala that is All Star week, just had a Cinderella Story ending. As I sat in my living with my husband Brian who was yelling for Jeff to win and was giddy when he took the lead and crying with he lost it lol (sorry honey). But, I could see with Kyle Busch it was going to get ugly and it did, Jeff lost it, slid in the front stretch infield then hit the wall (he's fine). Kyle wasn't able to do much after that, then my guy Mark had wicked loose issues with his car, but salvaged a 6Th place finish, Dale Jr had a respectable 10Th and Jimmy J with was down do to a wreck.
That is what makes this week and Saturday night racing so much fun to watch, it's a non points race, just a dash for cash, and a cool million for grand prize winner.
Again, WTG Smoke on a great win you are so deserving of it
Ciao for now

Nascar All Star Weekend Is Here

Super cool pictures of the Bad Boys of Nascar and I had to add Dale Sr as he was the Intiminator and totally the bad boy of Nascar back in the days when Nascar was true racing, not like it is today, septic!!! JMHO (just my humble opinion)
This is the week that most fans look forward to as it's our weekend to be honored for supporting our favorite sport. Charlotte becomes Nascar Dinseyland lol so to speak, lots and lots of fun things to do and see. All the shops open up for tours and every know pop star are playing all over the city.
Charlotte is the place to be this week, it's nothing but eye candy for us fans lol and oh I almost forgot the FOOD is out of this world, the BBQs ect.
I wish I could be there this week just to take in all the hooplala it's magic and for those of you that have been, let know how you liked it and what you did.
My pick to win, hmmm let me see!!!! tap tap tap (I'm thinking) tap tap tap......MARK LOL and I don't care about 2nd on down, so there you have it, Mark to win again.
Ciao for now and God bless this precious country

Brian and I are sending our best HAPPY BIRTHDAY's to our best friends Gary and Maria down Norfolk way have a great day you guys.

Love ya

It's a New Day

It's a new day for me as I am now an employee of St. Rose Hospital Henderson NV I start June 1st, I'm very excited. Today I did all the paperwork signing and that took about an hour, what was so surprising was how nice and welcoming the HR staff was to me.
They made you feel at home and for me this has been 16 year journey, which now ends and starts if that makes sense. I worked for a big catholic hospital in Orange Calif. St Joseph Hospital and was laid off in 1993.
St. Rose is very much like St Joe's and I have to say, walking into the hospital today to say HI to my new co-workers and being greeted with warm smiles, handshakes, made it feel like I was finally back home.
I'm really looking forward to getting started, it's a good salery....I'm starting PerDiem which means I work varied shifts (12hr) that's ok too, as I need to get my foot in the door, then work on getting on full time with benefits.
Being 50+ it's not fun to start over in the job market, I'm older, my body isn't wanting to work the long hours, I don't have that *Hair on Fire* attitude climbing the corpt ladder. I found out the hard way, once up on top, it's a very long ride/fall down and damnit it hurts.
So, for now I'm happy just working and having fun.
Have a great day
Ciao for now

Links I follow

I haven't figured out how to get the links I've posted here to work, they seem to not work, oh well....
I follow Nascar.com, Foxsport.com, Thatsracing.com I friend of mine has your blog there under Kathy's Pit, it's really good go look. Jayski.com is the staple for finding out the skinny on anything Nascar or racing.
I will post my other fav links

As I Was Saying...!!!

Seeing Mark Martin who just turned 50 win his second race this year has inspired me and I'm sure many other's over 50 to look at ourselves in a newer and younger light, which we should. 50 today is the new 30 we have seen the stats for the past few years the AMA did a study with reference to us over 50 and how we are coping.
WE ARE JUST FINE thank you very much, if it hadn't been for US over 50 there wouldn't be the 30 somethings out there. We are the gate keepers of youth, of doing what he want and not have to get 30 friends approval. We are wiser, more focused, and care what we do, how we treat others.
We take our jobs be it professional or at home very seriously....we have a maturity and clear vision on what needs to be done and we go and do it, no strings attached. We are paying it forward, giving back. I just listened to Bill Gates Sr. interviewed on the Today show with son Bill Jr. and I was flabbergasted that he was a grounded kid growing up in Seattle with normal, hard working parents, with 2 other bothers and sisters, he's normal, well lol in the world of genius' (geek squad) his father instilled the simple values as did his mother, do unto other's as you'd have them to unto you, never burn a bridge you may need to cross in the future, never lie, and keep yourself out of your own (me) circle. What a great dad...Gates Sr. was Lear/Gates aviation back in the 60's.
So, my rant is that I'm sick and I am SO tired of hearing and seeing at every corner that us Seniors lol 50+rs are quit capable of having a great life, work, family and YES WIN races in the top dog series of Nascar. Mark doesn't know it yet, (I have sorta told him) he's an inspiration to thousands of us folks a half century old.
Well, that's that on that and I feel soooooo much better getting that off my chest :)

Ciao for now

2nd Win for Mark Martin @ Darlington

Wowwwww WTG Mark and Crew on his 2nd win in four races at Darlington the track that's too tough to tame or as she is well known The Lady In Black.
She proved again what a tough one she can be most of the field of 43 cars had the Darlington stripe which is usually at or around turn 4. This is due to the egg shape of the track and the WHIP effect you get coming out of turn 4 to the front stretch, it's nasty and only the best of the best (Which Mark is lol) can get through or around it 400 laps later with not a single scratch, just amazing.
Mark Martin is in the best shape of his life physically and mentally and being the big 50, which the media has just gone stupid over, saying they are just amazed that Mark can keep driving and winning at 50 almost turns me into a red head, and I feel a rant coming on.
Mark is now 11th the points and I see him doing very well, by making the Chase....I'm not even thinking about the Championship as it's eluded him for nearly 25yrs, it's a heart breaker to be so close 4 times and not win it, you get to a mind set that making the Chase and doing the very best you and crew can is good enough.
But, my dear race fans, I see that fire in his face, a fire I haven't seen in many years, so it wouldn't surprise me if Mark wins it, but I'm not going there lol.
I would also like the see Kevin Harvick (Happy Harvick) get back on track, I saw that maybe this weekend as finished with a top 15 which is good after they went through the CC (crew chief) and crew was switched with Casey Mears....we will have to wait and see if that change is going to enhance the teams, Richard Childress has done this before, he knows what he's doing, I wish them luck.
That's it for me tonight
Ciao for now

To Our Mother

Today is Mother's Day, happy Mother's Day mom (my mother in law) she is much more than just a mother in law Ann is my best friend, she is a wonderful lady and mother to Brian and Kevin. For me mother's day is everyday not just one national observed day, let's all show our mother's and father's the love a respect they deserve. And that's that on that :)