Ready for an Outer Banks Weekend, 12/8/2023
Dec 08, 2023
Hello Fresh
Several years ago we tried a subscription meal delivery plan to spice up our dinners. With Bonnie and I hustling in the kitchen for an HOUR(!) we made some pretty good food for which the kids quickly dismissed as being "just OK" if not declined entirely. There was no way in heck I was gong to slave for an hour to make a meal, only for my kids to turn up their noses and demand I make something else for them. Needless to say, we cancelled the subscription and went back to Kraft Mac and Cheese. Afterwards, I discovered that the biggest friction point (meal preparation) could be significantly improved with the right subscription company. The second friction point (meal preference) could also be improved and very flexible if we shopped around a little.
After minimal research we found Hello Fresh and things couldn't be better. Meal preparation takes about thirty minutes, cooking skills required are very basic, and everything you need (except oil, salt, and pepper) comes in the bag. Most importantly, the kids are enjoying it. In addition, I love not having to shop for obscure grocery items and there's very little waste.
If there's one thing that annoys me, they keep telling me I can give "free" meals to my friends. Too good to be true? Yes. If you "give" your friends a free meal they have to enter their credit card to cover shipping AND, unless they cancel the promo, they will be automatically enrolled in the subscription, at which point, my friends will no longer answer my texts, emails, or phone calls. On top of that, I'll be kicked off their Christmas card list. In essence, I'll be shunned. No thanks, Hello Fresh. If I'm going to be incommunicado with my friends I can accomplish that with a more personal faux pas from the heart.
Song I Have On Repeat
Tenth Avenue Freeze-Out (Live at The Shrine, L.A.), by Bruce Springsteen
This version popped up on my Alexa speaker when I asked for Springsteen music and it literally stopped my in my tracks. There's something about the energy he brings that always makes him better in concert.
History Lesson: Old Christmas, Hatteras Style
This article explains some vintage holiday traditions on Hatteras Island.
Outer Banks Basketball
Special shout-out to First Flight High School boys basketball, led by Chad Williams, for hosting another great tournament, Good Guys vs. Cancer. If you're unfamiliar with this event it has turned in to a highly visible showcase for basketball. You have to watch the highlight video to get a true feel for the excitement generated in the First Flight gym. It has competition from all over the state as well as Virginia. Teams that normally wouldn't play each other (private vs. public) go head-to-head for bragging rights and proceeds go to the fight against cancer.
THINGS TO DO
12/9/2023, 1st Annual Holiday Hustle
One of my problems with a foot race, besides the pain and suffering, is the time of day they usually start (early, weekend mornings). Actually, that's part of the suffering too. Fear not, sleepy heads, this 5k starts at 3:45 pm which means you should be done in time for Happy Hour!
12/17/2023, Soundside Holiday Market
Another opportunity to support your local vendors and do some Christmas shopping.
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Merchandise
Don't forget to order your Outer Banks merchandise to show your affection for the OBX and help support this newsletter. It also makes a great Christmas gift.
Have a Great Weekend,
John Van Lunen
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