Favorite Things (not writing related)

This is a common addition to other authors’ newsletters. It seems like a good idea. After all, we have to stop writing, plotting, outlining, and daydreaming sometime ...

Hello Fresh

Yes, there are pros and cons, but here’s the thing. This older fart, who has been cooking for over 50 years, has learned a lot just by making these recipes.

If you’re the cook in the family and tired of cooking the same old thing, well worth a try.

If you’re a cook, you will easily handle the extra work for the sauces, etc., and also be able to make the recipes again from the recipe cards you have collected.

Liliac

I have listened almost exclusively to classical guitar for years. For decades. I do occasionally check out something new. Liliac is one of my new favorites. The Cristea siblings’ heavy metal band is amazing.

Melody Cristea, the lead singer, has a voice that is hard to describe. Incredible, powerful, and unique. That’s a start, but you must hear it to believe it.

While they are all amazing musicians, a large part of the band is their father, Florin Cristea, who produces and manages the band.

Recommended covers (they have original music as well):

Enter Sandman

Crazy Train

I Hate Myself for Loving You

Holy Diver

Somebody to Love

These are ALL arguably better than the original versions.

I was never a fan of Metallica, but having made a point of listening to their original version of “Enter Sandman”—it’s lame as hell compared to Liliac’s version.

The Salt Banker

The Salt Banker in Clark’s Harbour, Nova Scotia, is CLOSED.

Kababji

Kababji was located in Burnside, Nova Scotia, years ago. It’s back! In Dartmouth, and better than ever.

530 Portland St, Dartmouth, NS B2Y 4V6 (no website as such)

This is some of the best Lebanese food I have ever had. Great service and bang for the buck. We often split a Kafta platter between the two of us.

ALL HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

Okay, this was fun, but harder than I thought it would be. This shows how all-encompassing writing (and reading) has become in my life. Cool.