My little song for today....

"I simply remember my favorite things, and then I don't feel so bad"

So many things to do today, but that's all I got on my mind! Bring it on!

Any Excuse for a Party!

This Sunday is the 84th Oscar Awards. Did you know that some people have Red Carpet Parties? What the heck do you do at a Red Carpet party? Do you dress in a gown ? Do you serve appetizers and give out goodie baskets? Do you have a fashion show and decide the best dressed? Tell me what the heck does one do?

I don't pay much attention to the awards, as most of the movies that are nominated I have never heard of! Maybe I just don't get out much but how do they decide who is up to win an award? I have to believe they are a bunch of snobby people. People that wouldn't be caught dead in a Kevin James or Tim Allen movie. It is very rare that a comedy wins.

At the 2010 awards "The Kinds Speech" won as best picture, 2009 "The Hurt Lock" and in 2008 "Slumdog Millionaire"....WHAT? Where was I when these movies came to the local theater?

One of the most popular and longest running movies "The Wizard of Oz" never won an Oscar. I have to believe that "The Academy" was too snobby to watch a film about witches, small people and a girl named Dorothy.

If you are planning your own "Red Carpet" party, I hope you have a good time. I hope all those snobby movies, you went to see, are nominated and perhaps wins. As for me, I will be watching another channel and see the outcome, of the awards, on Monday. I am sure I will say "I've never heard of that movie!"

Anything for a party!

Just a crazy thought that popped in my head for today. Gotta get busy and clean my own carpet...and NO it is NOT red!

Come again if ya wanna know....the thoughts of a family warden.

Countdown To The Opening of Redneck Season

Daytona 500

Well, it is only just a few more days till us proud rednecks will welcome the beginning of Nascar season! Woo-Hoo! The Daytona 500 will be ran on Sunday, February 26th in Daytona Florida.

It was 53 years ago today, February 22nd, that the first race was ran in Daytona. In 1959 the race was actually ran on the beach in Daytona. Today the race is held at the speedway in Daytona. The total acreage is 480 with the infield being 180 acres with a 29 acre lake . That is huge! Wayne and I actually got to visit the track and was able to walk around it and take pictures in Victory Lane. You would not believe what a high banking that track has...it was impossible to walk from the bottom of the lane to the top...really!

Back in 1959 the winning speed was 135 mph...today that speed is 191 mph. The prize money, paid out in 1959, was 67K plus, today the winnings are 18 million plus!

The Daytona is like the Super Bowl or World Series to Nascar fans. When a driver says they have a Daytona 500 win it is like having a Super Bowl Ring. It is one of the most anticipated races of the year and to win it is a honor. The late Dale Earnhardt took 19 years, of racing, before he could claim the title of a Daytona 500 winner, and he was a great driver.

Come Sunday, my husband and I will have the surround system on and the Daytona 500 roaring in the living room. We will drink a few beers and cheer our driver on (Dale JR) until the big wreak comes and takes him out! We will keep watching and hope our second choice wins and hope Jr does better the next race. We will probably fix Nascar snacks just like all you folks fix your Super Bowl snacks.

Some people say what can you see in cars going around and around in circles? Well, what the heck do they see in hitting a ball into a small hole, hitting a ball with a bat, trying to get a ball in a basket or across the goal post? It is a sport and it is a very dangerous and grueling sport. It takes just as much talent as any person who is considered a great athlete.

I will leave you with a few Redneck/Nascar jokes and I hope you all tune in Sunday for the Great American Race....and if you don't have a driver cheer for Dale Jr!

You think the last four words of the National Anthem are "Gentlemen start your engines"

You have the words Nascar in your wedding vows.

You spell out Nascar in Christmas lights.

You can remember the entire Nascar schedule but can't remember your wifes birthday, kids birthdays or anniversary.

You think heaven looks a lot like Daytona Beach.

The word "bank" makes you think of turn three at Daytona.

N eurotic

A utomotive

S ports for

C razy

A ss

R ednecks

Don't Ya Just Hate It?

Well, I was so dang excited to get a new camera for our trip, this Fall, to Cancun. I have always just had a small digital 10 mega pixel camera. I am not a great photo taker but wanted something better for our trip. Well, now own a 14 mega pixel, 36 X optical zoom bridge camera! I LOVE IT.....BUT it is still sitting in the box. Don't ya just hate to get something new and don't even know how to use it? I can turn it on and operate the zoom...that's it!

I have the manual downloaded...all 75 pages of it! I keep promising myself I will sit down, with my camera, and learn all there is to know. So far I haven't found the time. Maybe it's because November seems like a lifetime away and surely I will know all about it by then! I was so excited to get it and now I am bummed out cause I have to spend so much time learning about it!

I want to be able to take great pictures of sunsets, sunrises, the beach and all the wonders of Cancun. I wanna zoom , zoom, zoom!

So folks, what I'm sayin is don't ya just hate it when you look forward to getting something new and it's still sitting in the box? Perhaps waiting for someone to install it for you, hang it, find a place for it or just simply having to follow the instructions to use it properly!

Yep....I just hate it! I hate the fact that I have something brand spankin new and all I know how to do is turn it on!

I need to learn soon so I can practice with it and know exactly what to do and also good enough to explain to my husband just in case he wants to zoom in on some beauty at the beach!

SO....I will be spending the next few days learning all about my exciting camera and perhaps someday soon post some fabulous photos!

Well, those are the thoughts of a family Warden this 20th day of February 2012.

I'm Ready, Are you?

It is just Thursday, but all I can think about today, is the weekend. You would think I have something exciting planned but I don't...NA-DA! Did I work all week and deserve a much needed weekend...NA-DA! I just like the weekends. I like when hubby is home and we get to spend a little time together...especially this weekend. You see we get every other weekend alone and this is it! The other weekends, out of the month, we have a grandkid and her Mom here. Those weekends are not much fun. We usually spend our time at the kitchen table just to stay out of the way. We would go in the bedroom and watch tv but always fall asleep.

My hubby deserves a quiet weekend. He gets up at 2:30 AM each day for work and has at least a 12 hour day. He retreats to bed at 7PM....I would too if I was up WAY before the crack of dawn! SO...this weekend is OUR weekend. We will do a little drinkin, play cards, play Wii golf and watch the Bud Shoot Out. Yes, redneck season has begun! I am so excited, just like you folks who wait for the Super Bowl or baseball season to begin!

We will probably go out to eat, Saturday afternoon, as we skipped last weekend (Valentine's) because of the below freezing temps. I am just so dang excited. You folks with an empty nest have it made. Someday I pray my nest will be empty. We will have been married 35 years and we have had 2 1/2 years alone! You can see why our, every other weekend, is such a great time to look forward to.

Well, that's this wardens thought for today. GO DALE JR! Check back often if ya wanna know...the thought of a family warden

Who Did This?

Does anyone ever REALLY notice? Does everyone think there is a fairy living in this house? Do they think she comes out at night or when they are at school and work while I am taking my nap? Do they ever stop and thank that fairy?

Who washed my clothes? Who made my bed? Who cleaned the bathroom? Who did the dishes? Who made dinner? Who cleaned my room? Who cleaned the house? Who vacuumed the carpet? Who took out the trash? Who bought my favorite chips? Who dusted? Who ? Who? Who?

I DID! YOUR MOM, YOUR WIFE, YOUR NANA!!! IT WAS ME, ME, ME!

Do you ever feel like it is noticed? Do you really feel appreciated? Well, take time out and say thanks! Thanks for everything that is done for you....even the little things. You may think that your Mom (Nana or wife) sits and watches tv all day, reads a book or naps. Well, if you believe in fairies...maybe she does! As for me, I know the truth!

Well, just a thought in my head today, as my grandkid is home from school and ain't nothin gettin done! Where the hell is that fairy?

Check back soon if ya wanna know.....the thoughts of a family warden.

Where Has Time Gone?

I use to spend time looking in the mirror. I use to stand for 10 or 15 minutes brushing my long blond hair and applying a small amount of makeup. I even use to stand in front of the mirror naked and think "Not too bad!" Now, I was never a super model or a sexy bomb shell....I was just right. I had always wished I had bigger boobs and maybe a little taller but I really never complained. I liked the way I looked and was pretty confident.

Well, time has passed. Those days of looking in the mirror, and liking it, are long gone. The mirror is my enemy. I hate that thing on the bathroom wall! I hate that the mirror catches this old lady stepping out of the tub NAKED! "Oh Lord!" is all I can manage to say followed by a small scream! How did I get this way?

I always wanted bigger boobs, when I was younger...well, now I have them! Of course they hang down to near my belly button and I HATE them..sure wish I had smaller boobs. I am never satisfied with my hair. I always have a bad hair day! I sure wish I had that long blond hair that I use to spend hours brushing!

When I was younger I use to use a little makeup, just for color and a glow. Nowdays it would take a quart to cover this face of mine! I don't use much makeup as it gets down into the wrinkles and looks terrible!

And the naked part? All I can say is "OH LORD!" followed by a scream! I use to have a waist, no rolls, no hangin belly, no saggin boobs and no cottage cheese on my legs! Why can't that dang bathroom mirror be a fun house mirror and show me all stretched out and tall and skinny?

I guess I am just down in the dumps thinking about getting older. Thinking that I hate my face, my hair and my body! The confidence is gone! Sometimes depression sets in. There is a solution...DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT! I can't turn back the ageing process but I can do something about the hair and body. I just think God that my family and husband love me just the way I am. I just have to learn to love myself.

Well, that is the wardens thoughts for today...well, everyday I think those same thoughts. Perhaps Springtime will lift me from this slump and make me more determined to make a change....my family and myself will just have to deal with the way I am for now.

Check back again and I will let ya know ....the thoughts of a family warden.

Sure wish Nana had a Magic Wand

I love when the grandkids come and visit in the SUMMER but

Winter is quite a different story. In the summer we can get out in the yard, play games , swim or fish in the pond. In the winter it is watch tv, play a game or EAT! My grandson, Zack, has to be the hungriest kid I know! We can eat lunch, and 10 minutes later he is looking in the cabinet for something to eat. When he looks, he sees something like this...

"Sorry Zack, Nana hasn't gone shopping lately." He always manages to find some crackers and is satisfied ...until 15 minutes later. Does he think I have a magic wand and next time he looks it will look like this?

The same goes with the frig. I have no idea why he looks so often, cause nothing new is gonna appear! (I have to admit I catch myself doing the same thing at times)

"Well, Zack, let Nana wave her magic wand and next time ya open it TA-DA!"

Wouldn't that just be great? I hate telling them that nothing else has appeared since they opened it 5 minutes ago, or to quit letting the cold air out of the frig, or decide what you want and get it!

A magic wand would be great as a Grandma. I would use it to feed my ever hungry grandkids and make them happy. Heck I could use that magic wand on all sorts of things like dishes, laundry, cleaning, exercising, fixing meals...the list could go on and on!

Well, not sure if I was made to be a blogger but it is kinda fun....Stop by again if ya wanna know....the thoughts of a family warden.

Itching For A Change

Winter, is not over yet, but I am ready for a change. Not just a change in temps but a change in my everyday living space. I always feel better when I can rearrange something or change out some drapes or add some small, inexpensive, item to brighten things up. I have been in the mood lately to rearrange the living room. My problem is the tv and the stand and all the things that go with the tv. The tv is not heavy...it's everything else! I would ask my husband to help me but he will probably get mad....after all it has only been in every spot in the living room! I can just hear him say "Are you SURE this is where you want it THIS TIME?" Well, I am gonna try and do it myself with the help of these handy little Dollar Store gadgets...

They show these on tv...they can even move a broken down car, in the garage, from one side to the other....heck, it surely will work on a tv stand and all the stuff that is in it or on it!

I am excited to give them a try, this afternoon. I just have this strong feeling that I am gonna be really disappointed in this product. I can almost hear myself cussing and talking to myself!

So off this computer and to the living room! I have this mental picture of my husband walking in, after work, and being amazed by what I have done ALL by myself! The dogs will be happy also as I have plans for the couch to be sitting under the picture window and they can look outside all day. I sure hope I can make myself and the dogs happy this afternoon!

The next blog I post I will leave a PS and let you know if the dogs are enjoying the view!

So, come back again if ya wanna know.....the thoughts of a family warden.

What's For Supper?

Have you ever tried to think of something new to fix for supper? Something easy? Something the kids would like? Well, I have a few
quick and easy solutions. I can't guarantee that they are healthy, but they are tasty and fast. Tasty and fast can go a long way when you are a working Mom or just don't wanna be in the kitchen.

One of my personal favorites, is a grilled cheese sandwich and a bowl of soup.

In the winter, it is one of those at least once a week meals. You can get those sandwiches grilling on the stove, open a can of soup and in less then 10 minutes you are ready to sit down and eat. I really don't think you can go wrong, with this meal. The first grilled cheese was introduced in the 1920's but it was an open faced sandwich. In 1960, someone decided to use 2 slices of bread, and we have what we love today! I am sure this meal will be made once this week. Nothing quite like a grilled cheese with a bowl of chili.

For the working woman, there is the ever useful crock pot. Who hasn't used one to create a mouth watering meal? It is a one dump pot. Just put your entire meal in and turn the temp to low, and while you are working all day it is cooking. When you walk in the door, after work, you can smell of great aroma and have the satisfaction of knowing that supper is ready to be served! Who doesn't like that?

There are all kinds of great recipes to be found. I do not work but I still use this a few times a month when I am busy or just wanna have a lazy day. The first crock pot was invented in 1970. I remember mine was the ever popular avocado green back in the 70's. So, look up a great crock pot recipe and surprise your loved ones with a great meal and NO work!

One of my old stand bys, is Hamburger Helper. When the kids , were younger, we had plenty of that and the kids loved it! It was simple and inexpensive. Just brown the beef, drain, add a few ingredients to a skillet and ta-da...supper! Don't be afraid to try this simple meal....most of them are delicious! Hamburger helper was introduced in 1971. The media did not think it would last....well, they were WRONG! Today Hamburger Helper has over 60 flavors. These include their tuna and chicken helpers as well. Use one of these boxes of "Miracle Meal" and a salad, on the side and you have a tasty and affordable meal. I am sure out of 60 flavors you can find several that you enjoy.

Thanks for letting me share my simple meal helpers. I know that grilled cheese and chili are on my lunch list today. It is cold and foggy and nothing like a bowl of chili and a gooey buttery grilled cheese.

Check back, when you have time, if ya wanna know....the thoughts of a family warden!

Can you find me a Doctor?

I am in a despairing hole. A hole filled with food, dust,clutter,fat,laziness and no motivation. Most days I feel like I will never be able to climb from this hole. Where did this hole come from? Well, I dug it MYSELF! If I knew of a Modern Day Frankenstein I would perhaps have him do some quick surgery and bolt my head to a new body. One filled with motivation. Motivation could help me climb this cluttered hole.

I have dug some pretty good sized holes before but this one feels like the Grand Canyon of Missouri! I don't know how long, or if, I can find my way to the top. I blame it on winter, stress, finances, kids, dogs, pizzas, laziness, being 57....heck, I have every excuse in the book! Where, or where can I find a modern day Frank Maker? I would have him take this head of mine and transport it to another body. One filled with motivation and will power.

The picture, on the left is what I dream of. I have never been a runner but I know, for a fact, that runners are motivated, healthy and not lazy. It takes dedication to run each day. I have bad knees, so I guess I have a good excuse....but the fact is, I have never been a runner!

I love walking but find that hard to do also. My tread mill got plenty of use a couple of years ago and I know for a fact that it works. I know that if I ate healthier and lost a few (dozen) pounds I would be able to walk with not as much pain. So Dr. Frank, if you are reading this, this is the body I want. A body of a runner!

Now, for the picture on your right. (Sorry I am new at this and got my pictures off track..I am learning and now know what I did wrong)

EAT HEALTHY FOODS! That is a biggie for me. I love all things that are not healthy. I do love salads but they sure go good with spaghetti, cheese bread, hot wings and so on. I also say each year, just like my sister, that we just can't wait to have a garden and fill up on fresh veggies! Well, that last a few weeks. We also say we could live off of cucumbers and vinegar and sliced tomatoes ...yeah, right! Sometimes I wish I had the life style of a vegetarian ...of course donuts and chips would come under that category! Speaking of eating healthy, now is not the weekend to do so. Super Bowl Weekend! My husband and I are not big fans but that is a good reason to pig out on Sunday...it's the American thing to do! So Dr. Frank, give me taste buds that only enjoy healthy foods. Give me taste buds that hate chocolate, pizzas, donuts and chips!

So folks, I am still at the bottom of this hole trying to figure out a way to get to the top and escape. I know Dr. Frank is not going to come knocking at my door and neither is Bob Green. I need help. I need motivation and I just got to find those things on my own. I dug this hole, now it is up to me to climb on out and celebrate a healthy lifestyle!

Have a great Super Bowl weekend everyone and tune in again if ya wanna know...The thoughts of a Family Warden.

Maxter

As you all know, I am known as the family warden. If you mention The Warden, in my family, they all know who you are talking about. I myself think of me as Maxter....a cross between Maxine and Walter.

You might ask why? Well these two characters are old, crabby and have a sense of humor. That's ME! I can't say that I am proud of it, I just think it happens when you get older. We have finally learned to use are voices and speak up for what we want or voice our opinions. I try not to be rude but I try to let my voice be heard. Don't it drive you crazy for people to be standing in Walmart (in the middle of the aisle) visiting? "Hey, could you two move and go sit and have coffee somewhere?" OR what about the person who has 75 items, in the checkout, and waits till everything is rung up, the cashier announces the grand total, THEN they dig into their purse to get their checkbook out and commence to write! WHAT? Did they not know they were at WalMart? They could have already had that check out and written everything in but the total.....COME ON! I literally don't say some of the things I am thinking out loud for fear they may beat me up! I just say them to myself or to the lucky person I have dragged along with me!

Oh I could go on and on but I think you get the idea.

Maxine and Walter may be mean and crabby but they tell ya like it is with a little humor. I hope that most people find the humor in me...not just the old and crabby! I really am a sweet person!

Well, as you can see I had no subject for today....think goodness I have not gone public! LOL

So if ya wanna call me Maxter, that's fine by me.

Well, come back and check me out again if ya wanna know the thought of a family warden.