Hot summer days continue to drift in and out, from hot to hotter, and then back to hot again. Nights are still very warm, but lovely as the midnight hour approaches...
I have so much to tell you that I am getting behind in what I can jam into one blog post. I'll have to save some of my tales for next time. I am still addicted to making the tin can-dle holders from the previous post. They looked so pretty last night...
I even made a large one out of an old rusty paint can. Perfect ambience lighting for our summer grilling adventures...
My basil, Chinese Parsley and rosemary are crazy plentiful. Which inspires me to-
Throw together some summer salads to accompany our flame cooked dinner.
The air fills with the delicious aroma of grilled goods, as we stand around and chat, and get bitten by ants who share tiny jolts that make us dance around in spurts of pain...
Why two little ole people have 3 grills puzzles me. Alas, we choose a small one for our dinner, and then move on to sharing our melodies...
Me on piano, he on bass - not necessarily playing at the same time. I go through a song book and improvise. It's like, name that tune. My favorite game. Song after song, we laugh and sing.
I play some older tunes that I have never heard, but can play all the same. I suppose that is the good thing about being able to keep time and read music. I am not Liberace of course, but I am okay. Although, my 4 year old self did not find amusement in forced piano lessons of the technical variety. I am ever grateful for those unrelenting parents, who sent me to my piano teacher every year of life that I lived under their roof starting at age 4. The piano is a huge part of who I am, and I can't imagine my life without it...
Anyhow, I am veering, big surprise ;)
I have oodles of things to share. I started this post yesterday at 9 a.m., but all sorts of things have gotten in my way. Yesterday was such a bizarre & random day.
Anyhow, I wanted to take you to a desert wonderland, before I forget. Would you like to come along? I hope I don't bore you on my wee visits to places...
It was a surprise of sorts. Mister Lovee said we were going to a place in the Tortolita mountains. Truth be told, I think these mountains get totally taken for granted...
As we drove and drove, we came upon a tunnel...
The sky was holding buckets of water that it would splash on the earth sporadically.
Through the tunnel we ventured, and emerged to the sight of a desert wonderland...
Right outside the tunnel was a huge windmill, and tiny signs of human life here and there. We came upon a stone cottage.
Guards would not only approve us going through the gates, we were to be escorted by a little white SUV to our destination...
In to Saguaro Ranch we went, driving for what seemed like forever...
But it was a good forever because the view was incredible...
Caves in boulders and Saguaros everywhere...
As we approached a building, giant clouds started drifting rapidly towards us. The building said, "General Store." How charming I thought...
I turned to my right and saw the city lights start to twinkle. Rain poured down on us...
A gorgeous girl appeared by my window holding the hugest umbrella I have ever seen in my entire life. It was a black Mary Poppins style umbrella, only it was 5 times the size of a standard large umbrella.
She was ever so kind and greeted me, then took me on to the patio, while a young man went out with a monster umbrella for Mister Lovee...
As I stood there, people swarming me, asking me if I wanted a cocktail, etc. etc. I thought - "You know, even if it is just once a year, everyone should take an evening of enchantment and go out and be treated like a princess."
I am one of those people that would choose my garden over a night out on the town. I was sooo glad Mister Lovee dragged me out. My soul needed a little of this, and I didn't even know it...
We went inside and took our cozy places. We were the only people there, as it was early, around 6 p.m.
The rain was just the perfect icing on the cake...
There was a fabulous bar that I didn't photograph. There was also a cigar bar, where fellas came in and chose a cigar, then went outside to smoke and have drinks on the patio.
Mister Lovee was being very pushy, in a nice way, for me to order anything I wanted. What a funny little character I thought...
We had calamari as an appetizer (which was piled beautifully on the plate in the shape of a fish) and so much other delicious stuff. Our entrees were beyond words. I had to take most of mine home. Our dinner was incredible, and I got to enjoy it the next day...
In between courses we escaped outside to just stare...
The gentleman who took care of us was called BJ (or was it DJ?). He was delightful and took us onto the roof before dessert...
On the roof there is a huge grilling area, with a more casual fare for families with children. Burgers and such. And of course, more views...
It was a lovely time indeed. Poor Mister Lovee got stuck eating two desserts (I had a couple small tastes), I just couldn't muster one more bite. But I will tell you, the crème brûlée (my fave in the world) was better than anywhere on the planet. And I thought I already had my favorite crème brûlée place.
The second dessert was berries tossed in pepper, inside a fried tortilla, atop some sinful ice-cream, then drizzled in a vinegar that has been cooked so long that it turned into a chocolaty syrup. You couldn't even taste the pepper or the vinegar at all.
A glorious evening...
The music was fantastic also - It was a night to remember, and a night I didn't want to come to an end...
The place? McClintock's in Saguaro Ranch. Truly a magical experience... A wonderful place for Tucson and Marana to cuddle under its wings...
And, since were are on the topic of fun places in the Tucson Area - have you been over to visit the lovely Nicole at Kirei Nest? She lists all sorts of places with fun shopping spots, gift ideas and cozy retreats.
She asked me to do a little tid-bit on Tucson so, here is a list of Welcome Basket Ideas. You can also find a list of places around Southern Arizona that will knock your socks off (I hope). If you can't see the pictures on the above links, click on Nicole's main site and scroll down to "Locale Lovelies: Arizona {Tucson}, Part Two" - the pictures will be there.
Well, I guess that's all the food for thought I have for now. There are little faces waiting for me...
Paint me, paint me....
Much more, very soooooon ;) :) Along with more parcel love. OH HOW I adore parcels!! I hope you are all doing wonderfully ♥
♥,V
{{{SIIGGHH}}
Veevala dahling
i just need to be a dragonfly in your world for a day....watch you make even the most mundane cans become works of inspiring art...whip up delicious morsels....play lovely music games.....get dressed up and ride through magical underground caves...and emerge in some sort of paradise where you and your man are the only thing that matters besides comfort, food, and rain......
ah.
Posted by: Rhonda Roo | July 28, 2009 at 01:36 PM
I *LOVE* creme brulee. I get it at every restaurant I can. I don't have an absolute favorite place, though there was this french restaurant in Montreal that we would go to frequently and the maitre 'd would always serve our creme brulee by giving me a HUGE spoon and my husband a *teeny* spoon. then we would all laugh and he would deftly replace the rediculous spoons with two normal sized ones. It made me happy everytime.
I've even tried making it myself but i don't have a torch so it's less brulee and more custard scorched by the broiler... :)
Posted by: Erin | July 28, 2009 at 01:36 PM
You can tell Mister Lovee that he can whisk us away with you anytime. Such a sweet Lovee he is! The views are amazing and it looks like a really wonderful place. Charming and quaint and cozy and luxurious. Thank you for sharing your soiree with us!
Enjoy the day!
xox
Erin
Posted by: Erin Prais-Hintz | July 28, 2009 at 01:42 PM
Sounds like wonderful, enchanted evening - your impromptu concerts AND the special dinner out! And those lanterns of yours are so pretty. Lovely images! xoxox
Posted by: Paris Parfait | July 28, 2009 at 01:46 PM
I'm cleaning a can right now so I can try your can-dle holders. :)
That photo from inside the tunnel is fantastic!
And the berries in pepper & vinegar dessert really intrigues me!
Posted by: Molly | July 28, 2009 at 02:15 PM
A Fanciful evening to be sure...thank you for taking us along...those skies are just not to be believed.
sweet sweet Mr Lovee!!
x..x
p.s.
I'm going to look at the tin can post, we made tin luminarios when Tess was little....a good idea to revisit!!
Posted by: Stephanie | July 28, 2009 at 02:17 PM
Oh how fantastic! I can't remember a time where I was whisked away to be treated as such...how funny. I am actually sitting here searching my memory and find nothing in there...I may have to remedy this indeed...I did have a lovely pizza lunch in Flagstaff where we were surprised with not one but 2 large slices...either that, or they considered their slice to be that large!!
I shall now go do an interpretive rain dance, as we have been without rain for a couple of days, and it's too humid for the swamp cooler to work properly...harumph!
Posted by: sadira | July 28, 2009 at 02:23 PM
Ohhhhhhhhh what a magical time. This place was amazing and I am sure just a wee bit romantic with the lovely view :)
LuLu~*xoxo
Posted by: LuLu | July 28, 2009 at 02:49 PM
Oh Vanessa! I'm so glad that you and Mr. Lovee had such an enchanting evening dinner together! You're pictures are beautiful! We are without rain up here...our monsoons have decided its too hot to stay and play, so seeing the rain in your pictures gave me a smile! Enjoy your magical garden lights - even the basil is smiling sweetly! : )
xo
Velvet Brick
Posted by: Velvet Brick | July 28, 2009 at 02:57 PM
What a gorgeous trip and destination. I keep trying to get my Hubby to take a trip to Arizona, maybe someday we'll go.
Take Care,
Tracy M.
Posted by: Tracy M. | July 28, 2009 at 03:30 PM
Pictures of sky, clouds and mountains are beautiful. I enjoyed going on your lovely date with the two of. The desserts sound and look delicious. I'm all about the desserts!
Posted by: Shell | July 28, 2009 at 03:35 PM
I love the tunnel and the darkening skies!
Posted by: Lori Anderson | July 28, 2009 at 03:56 PM
sounds heavenly, the pictures are beautiful. Your mr lovee is a romantic isnt he? lucky you. my husband is bringing me home a pizza tonight! Perhaps he should fly me to arizona for an evening at McClintocks! yes, I think I shall tell him that!
have fun painting!
hugs
vivian
Posted by: vivian | July 28, 2009 at 04:14 PM
Oh what a magickal evening you had! Just what you deserve!!
You truely are an inspiration to get creative! I'm going to get my other half to make the holes in my can-dle holders (I have a wound on my hand that won't let me), though he doesn't know it yet hehe!
***Blessed Be***
Posted by: Marrissa | July 28, 2009 at 05:25 PM
Mr. Lovee is such a LoVe! It all sounds simply devine. When it cools off, we will definitely be taking a trip down your way. You are the best advertisement for Tucson. Did you know that infantry soldiers only sleep about three to four hours a night? PFC Ryan is wonderfully wearing me out!
**kisskiss** Deborah
Posted by: Deborah | July 28, 2009 at 05:58 PM
What a lovely evening Mr. Lovee planned for you...how sweeeeet! And those faces, even sweeter. Can't wait to see them in all their painted glory V!
Jamie :)
Posted by: AForestFrolic | July 28, 2009 at 06:03 PM
V~
Oh wow!! The Tortolita Mountains...so beautiful!! And what a lovely dinner you had with Mr. Lovee. What a nice surprise. And that dessert.....oh my :-)
Have a wonderful week Miss V..........
Kylee
Posted by: Kylee | July 28, 2009 at 06:57 PM
funny how mister lovee waits for you to photograph his food... what a kind and understanding soul he is:)
lovely
Posted by: icantsew | July 28, 2009 at 07:01 PM
These are a few of my favorite things, la la, la... Good thing you can't hear me sing, but, your fun summery world made me feel like these things would be great fodder to tell dear Julie Andrews. It was such a delight to read. Thanks dear.
Posted by: amy faldet | July 28, 2009 at 09:20 PM
Thanks so much, Vanessa!
My goodness, your second dessert sounds incredible! And I may have to go back and update your pick list with your *new* top creme brulee love :)
Posted by: Nicole | July 28, 2009 at 10:33 PM
heavenly creme brulee, that delicious looking salad and that amazing dessert....
WHY OH WHY DID I HAVE TO READ THIS WHILE HUNGRY!!???
(I hope my dad gets home REALLY soon or else I'll start dinner without him!!!)
Posted by: Alexis Lozano | July 29, 2009 at 04:40 AM
Que lugares mas bonitos para descansar y conectarse con la naturaleza.
Las farolas con las velas divinas...dan un clima muy romantico.
Yo uso albahaca para mis ensaladas veraniegas.
Besitos amiguita
Posted by: Jorgelina | July 29, 2009 at 06:17 AM
lovley! :)
Posted by: Carrie | July 29, 2009 at 06:52 AM
Oh what a magical journey you have had. Filled with wonderful sights, sounds and tastes. Hooray for Mr. Lovee!! In my journeys, we just found a wonderful Italian Rest. that served authentic dishes. Oh yum!!! And a beautiful space as well. Super white, crisp linens on every table!! Fabulous!
Hugging you
SueAnn
Posted by: SueAnn | July 29, 2009 at 07:16 AM
I love the tin can-dles, and that you and mr. lovee enjoy life so much and live it to the fullest.
What a fabulous place McClintocks looks like and that surrounding area is beautiful - I love the desert, it has such an otherworldly beauty, and your photos caught it perfectly. What else is in that gated area besides the restaurant? How fabulous to get an escort to the place, from your car, and all the buzzing around you. It's fun to be a princess sometimes. I say this as a like-minded garden dweller!
Thanks for taking us along, it was wonderful.
xo Isa
Posted by: Isa | July 29, 2009 at 07:34 AM
Oh so lovely, and dreamy...all this desert, and dessert magic!! :) But most dreamy of all are your dearies awaiting paint!!
Posted by: marjorie | July 29, 2009 at 08:47 AM
[...Long longing sigh...]
How I love our little visits. =-}
Posted by: Wendy | July 29, 2009 at 10:05 AM
WOW, the view there is incredible! It makes me a little envious you get to take in all the lovely sights, but I don't think I could handle the heat waves. All of those dishes and desserts look wonderful, and your dollies at the end of the post were just too precious. I wonder if one might ask the other, "Darling, do you think I'm a bit pale?" Can't wait to see them when they're all painted up.
XOXO,
~Krista
Posted by: Krista Komis | July 29, 2009 at 10:41 AM
What fun!!!! Such a lovely adventure .... thank you for taking us with you.... the food looks faaaaaaaaaaabulous..... the scenery deeeeeelightful....
The restaurant beeeeeeaaaaaauuuuuuutiful!!!
Cant wait to see those darling baby faces hopefully before they get sold
LOTS OF HUGS
JO
Posted by: JO | July 29, 2009 at 10:59 AM
any night that ends with creme brulee is enchanted! Your Mister is a loveee indeed!
Posted by: Johanna | July 29, 2009 at 11:29 AM
i adore the dolly mouths, such a perfect shape they are. i promise myself to have a go every year, but i am useless with anything remotely 3d.
your images are to die for as always. i imagine such blissful evenings out there.....sometimes i feel as though i already know such landscapes, but common sense tells me i cannot.
x
Posted by: louise (art and ghosts) | July 29, 2009 at 11:29 AM
what a delightful evening!! thanks for taking us along...it was way fun. i really enjoy your blogs. i love the way you PLAY! thanks for inspiring me and letting me in on your secret imaginings. they are sooooo much fun.
Posted by: shari | July 29, 2009 at 03:04 PM
paint me
paint me
paint me, too
with
broad strokes
of inspiring imagination
and
with
de*lish photos
of yummy food
underneath
a wide desert sky,
a wide deSSert sky...
:-)
paint me that always ♥
paint me
Posted by: somepinkflowers | July 29, 2009 at 05:25 PM
That was quite a magical evening. Thank you for sharing pictures...gorgeous place.
Posted by: Misha/DawaiOser | July 29, 2009 at 07:33 PM
Uh-oh-ah! LOVE the can-dle holders! Superb idea! Cheers, Julie
Posted by: Julie | July 30, 2009 at 04:54 AM
What a wonderful date night! We have a McClintocks in California. I'm not sure it's the same owners though. We go there when we visit the coast and it has an ocean view instead of a desert view.
Posted by: Betty @ She's Sew Pretty | July 30, 2009 at 10:34 AM
YES I want to come along, are you kidding me! I want to see the desert, eat dessert and talk to the talking flowers oh yeah.
Posted by: Maria-Thérèse | July 30, 2009 at 04:05 PM
We were in Sedona during monsoon season, and we adored the skies. These photos take me back there. It was beautiful. The sunsets were beyond belief. For me, they rivaled Hawaiian sunsets. It's a gorgeous country.
Posted by: Chris | August 12, 2009 at 02:58 PM