Darlings of Fast Food ? Our Family Chef Would Perish the Thought..

Taco trucks seem to be the hamburger stand de rigeuer. At least that's how I've come to see them. A hip way to get authentic food quickly. While our cousin hasn't lived in the U.S. in years, his craving for this simple dining experience had not wavered. Rick requested we hit a taco truck on his first day here.

Scrumptious street-style tacos!! soooo yummy...

The interior (^ where we did not eat) was wildly colorful and displayed vintage posters that I found oh so photographable!


No pictures of the food - but I did get the cousins sitting together ~

Did I mention that our days revolved around where to take Rick to eat?

 No, we didn't eat the chickens!

Again - no capturing of the organic food take-out excursion, just a glimpse into where we dined....
our BACKYARD...

Here's the part where there was no way in hell I was going to have a professional chef try to slice&dice with my unsharpened cutlery, nor try to find a pan that would suit his needs. Let alone attempt a meal prep in a kitchen the size of some closets......  uh uh

lamb was a fave pick

We happily chose our own customized pleasure cartons of edibles from Whole Foods. Then, I did supplement and served a homemade galette from plums off of our trees. (the least I could do)
And, believe me - I don't think I impressed the cousin!

We listened to stories of Japan...

and opted for ~ a la mode~  just to top off the evening with more goodness ! ....

When Last I Left You...

As I was saying, breathlessly, and while I hop, skip and jump with excitement - Oh, what a beautiful morning, oh what a beautiful day....

                                                                       Part Deux

Gobs o'goodies more to show ~



{stained glass window embedded in decaying barn siding}



Geesh, Wilder Ranch - you sure do deliver!

Flashbacks of Aran Island (Ireland) cliffs while I stood on these bluffs and watched the pounding surf.

Fancy footwork would be necessary to get to any of the beaches here. The entire area is left to wildlife - no humans allowed to build castles in the sand.

Left the bluffs behind me, plowed through the crop fields, and over some mighty ol' train tracks to find my way back to "START".  I let the wind take me where it may...

Une petite Shoppe Francais!  ADORE!!

Then what to my wondering eyes should appear? A miniature taco shop, and many bottles of beer! Set in a courtyard.... just in time for lunch and a foot rest. Divinity!

Top that Huell Howser!!

Shooting a Canon

The new girl in town - my camera - is a Canon. I shall fire many rounds from her! She truly is a blast!I will aim my Canon at other people - not usually enemies!... okay, enough puns for now....
I am loving this camera. Reminds me of my young years toting a big 35mm camera around my neck. I used to be something akin to a family historian. Well, maybe I just fancy myself far too much - but, I did take zillions of pictures, own many lenses and should have owned stock in Kodak film. Here's the new kid in town:

For now she goes everywhere I go. Gotta test and try!! Today's field trip was out to dinner for my Birthday.
Hubby took me for a Mexican tapas, "nearly gourmet" dinner (big splurge for us). It was divine!

handmade,warm tortillas with dipping sauces (salsa)

pozole soup on a rainy night!

seared scallops and....  OH MY!

The side dishes with my meal were pure heaven! One was potato and corn topped with black beans. The ultimate though was the mixture of chayote squash, corn and green beans! Have no idea what the thin sauce was (other than delicious). My Mexican Grandmother used to make a similar recipe. My Mom passed it on to me. When I've looked for a name to this dish, and again when I asked tonight, it is merely called calabacitas - meaning little squash. I will be sure to make it more often! Maybe I can sneak the sauce recipe from the chef at Consuelo's??!