In Other Words with Dave
In 1976, on the Fourth of July, I was a 13-year-old kid standing on a rooftop in New Jersey with my family, watching hundreds of tall ships from around the world sail down the Hudson River toward New York Harbor. The event was called Operation Sail 1976. This massive gathering of ships was the centerpiece…
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In Other Words with Dave
His name was Winfield Miller, and even after 50 years, Father’s Day still brings back vivid memories — his little black Corvair with red interior, building model tanks and airplanes together, laughing over the Sunday comics, and the heartbreaking progression of Lou Gehrig’s disease. I was 14 years old when he died. I was adopted…
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In Other Words with Dave
The Go-Go’s, an all-female pop band from the early ’80s, told us, “Vacation, all I ever wanted.” Apparently, they’ve never met the Miller household circa 2026. Because for the first time in a long time, we don’t really want to go anywhere. It’s become a popular question: “Any trips planned for this summer?” Our friends…
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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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