A Few of my Favorite Things

This is by NO MEANS an exhaustive list.  And I'm not going to put the obvious things, but rather some things I really enjoy, and think maybe some of you might enjoy too.

This American Life ~ a friend of mine put me on to this radio show years ago and I've not stopped listening to it yet.  I think it gives a fantastic insight into the paradox of world we live in, touches the heart & mind and the, by far consistently the best story telling I have ever, ever heard.

The Rozell Family Blog ~ Brian & Steph really deserve a blog post all their own.  But let me say out loud (as I've mentioned it on numerous occasions) that Brian is one of the best writers I know.  Even if I didn't know him, I would read his work and buy anything he published.  And on top of that, he's got a fantastic photographer's eye.  He and his dynamo wife live in Fairbanks Alaska working as school teachers and living out an adventurous life. 

Fajita Fiesta; Fresno, Ca ~ In a city dominated by Mexican food, this gets my vote as the best.  There are two locations of this family owned restaurant in Fresno.  For my money, when in town, visit the one at Divisidero and Van Ness.  Sit on the patio and tell Mira that the Watson's say hello.

Mama's Cafe; San Francisco, Ca. ~ I'm not a morning person.  I can think of only two reasons why I'd get up at 5 in the morning.  And the reasons are completely unrelated.  One of those is to head down to North Beach, the northeast corner of Washington Square, past the chinese people doing Tai Chi, is Mama's Cafe.  The line will stretch out the door and up the street, but don't be daunted.  Stand in it and wait.  And bring cash, because Mama doesn't take plastic.  The best breakfast place in the world.

Kings Canyon / Sequoia National Parks ~ These two parks are in the same stretch of mountains as their more popular brother Yosemite.  And though they don't have the same post card vista from the Valley, there's still a ton that I love about these two.  They're gorgeous, accessible and with less traffic and Yosemite.  Lisa and I spent lots of time in these mountains, not as much as we should have or wanted to, but each time we leave excited we came and sad we have to leave.

Anne Lamott ~ From time to time, there are books or authors that I read and then, re-read and re-read.  Anne is that author for me in this season of my life.  I was initially resistant to reading her because I thought, 'she's just a women's author.  I don't want to read about menopause'.  But I couldn't have been more wrong about her.  Her wit and insight is poignant.  She's not for everyone, but she's for me and I can't put her books down.

Cafe con Leche ~ Lisa introduced me to this little cup of heaven on my first trip to Miami.  Basically its cuban coffee and milk and something else that makes it taste out of this world.  I don't know if the Cubans stir the milk & coffee with their fingers or what it is that makes it so awesome, but I can't get enough of it.  In a world increasingly dominated by starbucks, Miami is one place that doesn't seem to be buying it (or drinking it).  There's still cuban coffee stands on every corner.  And that makes me very, very happy.

Lisa's Cuban Cooking ~ I'm not just saying this.  Lisa is a great cook.  Especially when she's whuppin up something from her Abuela's special recipes.  Ropa Vieja, Picadillo, Arroz con Pollo, Flan...She's a great cook.  We enjoy eating out (as you can tell from my other favorite things) but, given a choice, I pick Lisa's cuban cuisine over anything else.  

Flying Fish / Trolley Cars; Memphis, TN ~ Ok, this might be cheating but for the Watsons often this is a package deal.  Flying Fish is a fantastic little catfish joint in downtown Memphis.  Nathan loves going to flying fish.  Its fun, funky and kid friendly which, in my opinion is a pretty good description of the Watson family.  Flying Fish is also a block from the trolley cars which float around downtown Memphis.  So, often we'll take in some catfish then hop a trolley and roll around one of our favorite downtowns.  

So, there you have it.  I though maybe I'd list a top 10, but I'm sticking with 9.  If another comes to mind, I'll add it.  But, give some of these a try.  And share some of your favorite things as well.