In Other Words with Dave
There we were at the Home & Garden Show, standing in front of the perfect bathroom display: a gleaming white freestanding tub, a floating double vanity with beautiful stainless fixtures, and a glass-enclosed shower. Alison said, “Our bathroom could look like this.” And just like that, our bathroom remodel went from “someday” to “apparently this…
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In Other Words with Dave
Ah, March. It’s time to clean out those flower beds and reorganize the garage. Dig through the pantry for ancient relics (I’m looking at you, minced clams from 2018), load up the car with things we don’t use, clothes that don’t fit, and Christmas gifts we can’t regift – then drop them off at the…
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In Other Words with Dave
Alison loves to hang out with her friends – every day. She catches up with them while in her car, while she’s at the grocery store, and when she is relaxing at home. Like any relationship, it’s taken years to really get to know her friends. And thanks to the magic (or witchcraft) of internet…
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In Other Words with Dave
A friend of mine recently retired, so I asked him to lunch to see how this new phase of life was going. He gently corrected me. Retired guys don’t do lunch—they do early morning coffee. I’ve been officially schooled. We met for coffee. He’s turning 65 this year, the age when AARP follows up, and…
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In Other Words with Dave
Dear Santa, it’s me, Dave — longtime believer, occasional rule-breaker, and certified good boy (pending your final review). I’m sending this letter early this year, before Alison finds a way to edit it. I’ve been on my best behavior this year…mostly. I’ve learned that the turbo boost button in my car should only be used…
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In Other Words with Dave
At our house, Thanksgiving dinner rarely includes the traditional turkey, stuffing, green bean casserole, and something made of yams. We’ve served ham a few times, which was always easier. Last year, we decided to try something non-traditional and simple: a big pot of chili with a full “chili fixins” bar. It was relaxed and delicious…
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In Other Words with Dave
Life’s gotten a lot better since I adjusted my social media algorithms. I was overwhelmed with negative news, people’s opinions, and ads for stuff I don’t need. I changed some settings, and now my feed feels lighter, brighter, and oddly peaceful. It’s amazing what happens when you stop doomscrolling and start hobbyscrolling. My formula is…
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In Other Words with Dave
Have you heard about macros? No, it’s not short for macaroons or macaroni. I know—disappointing. Macro is short for macronutrient: the three main categories of nutrients you eat the most—protein, carbohydrates, and fats. And if you like math, you’re going to love macros because there’s a lot of counting involved. This might be the next…
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In Other Words with Dave
You know how coastal trends usually take a while to arrive in Oklahoma? Like gluten-free bakeries, bike lanes, or those mixed-use neighborhoods where you can live above a juice bar and walk to hot yoga? Yeah—well, they take even longer to reach my household. Which brings us to pickleball. Alison and I are finally pickling……
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In Other Words with Dave
I visited an old friend during a recent trip to Orlando, Florida. It had been decades since we’d seen each other. Our meeting place was set: We were to reunite outside the Comic Strip Cafe at Toon Lagoon in Universal Studios. Alright, that’s clear enough; I can handle that. Alison had gently encouraged me over…
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In Other Words with Dave
Father’s Day, 16 years ago. I opened a gift bag to find a sheet of paper covered in my five-year-old granddaughter Aubrey’s hand-drawn artwork. It was a Father’s Day card accompanied by a questionnaire her teacher helped her complete. Aubrey’s answers painted a portrait that was both wildly inaccurate and surprisingly heartfelt. According to five-year-old…
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