Southwestern Fiesta for Two

On Cinco de Mayo, I wanted to surprise

Ramblin' Man with a Southwestern Fiesta for two. 

He was leaving town for the rest of the week, 

and I wanted to make things special. 

As newlyweds, we lived in Tucson, Arizona

for two wonderful years. 

We rented a tiny adobe brick house

right on the edge of the Saguaro National Park.

We lived among wild pigs, jack rabbits, coyotes, tarantulas, 

roadrunners, scorpions and lizards.
Oh, and did I mention
rattle snakes?

But when the sun set on the mountains, 

lighting the desert on fire, 

the only word to describe it

was 'magical'. 

At any highpoint, you could see mountain range

after mountain range. 

At night the whole universe hung in the sky. 

It was ancient and mysterious, 

and I have pined for it ever since we left. 

I have collected a few precious mementos

to remind me of those wonderful, 

carefree days. 

Just a few little treasures to enjoy

whenever I want to make things festive. 

This charming vintage cloth belonged to my Mom.

It is faded and soft from wear,

but dear to my heart.  

My Dad brought it home with him when 

he was stationed at Albuquerque, New Mexico

for boot camp in the Army/Air Force during

the early 50's. 

The 2nd day after he came home from serving his time, 

he nearly ran my Mother over, driving past her house

in his red Ford convertible. 

He was driving a friend home 

and asked, "Who was that beautiful girl?" 

The rest is history:)

Whenever we travel to Arizona, 

(It has been a few years :()

I find a little something to take home 

with me. 

This little dish is perfect for guacamole. 

And who doesn't need a hand blown shot glass 

with a tiny cactus inside? 

It comes in handy for a tall, cool, 

tequila sunrise! 

(I decoupaged the tray with a napkin from Tuscon.)

A little grenadine to make the 'sun rise'....

Muy bueno! 

Salsa and guacamole. 

I have the most delicious recipe for guacamole

that a sweet neighbor gave me then. 

Classic Guacamole

2 lg ripe avocados, mashed

1/4 cup finely chopped onion

2 Tbsp lemon juice (1/2 lemon, squeezed)

2-5 drops hot pepper sauce, if desired

1 clove minced garlic or 1/4-1/2 tsp garlic powder

1/4 tsp salt and a dash of pepper

1 med. tomato, chopped

2 Tbsp finely chopped green chilies (from a can)

or

1 sm. fresh chili, chopped

2 Tbsp finely chopped cilantro

Mix together and enjoy! 

These bright towels were last summer's finds

 at my local home goods store. 

I am serving Taco salad ..... 

With all the fixin's! 

Just a little fiesta for two. 

Creating new memories from the past. 

The best thing about memories....

is making them! 

xoxo

Wishing you many memorable moments

today, Dear Friends. 

xoxo 

Today I am linking with: Rooted in Thyme - Simple and Sweet Fridays