14 Comments
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Naomi Kanakia's avatar

Am loving these Henry-in-America posts. I grew up in DC and had many close friends who lived in Arlington, so I know it well! You're making me feel very nostalgic, which is quite a feat since you're describing DC in August.

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Henry Oliver's avatar

I love writing them! I bet this was a great place to grow up

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D. Luscinius's avatar

Most of the little free libraries I see are dumping grounds for unwanted books, but I have gotten a few treasures, including Seneca’s letters!

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Henry Oliver's avatar

One man's unwanted book is another man's Mitt Romney memoir

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Marston Quinn's avatar

It's not going to be cheaper, but the best quality food tends to be at the farmers markets! Very much hoping to get a dispatch from you on the American version of that particular shopping experience.

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lindamc's avatar

…and there’s a fantastic one on Saturday mornings by the Arlington courthouse!

Whole Foods and smaller markets like Streets have milk/cream in glass bottles without additives.

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BDM's avatar

Trader Joe's & Aldi are I think the places to go for budget conscious, healthy shopping (but I've never been to Aldi). Can't wait to hear about how the Little Free Libraries of Arlington are mysteriously populated with copies of Elizabeth Jenkins and Samuel Johnson…

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Henry Oliver's avatar

Wherever I go, I preach the gospel of the great Sam

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Evan Goldfine's avatar

Have you been to Trader Joe’s? 90% store brand white-labeled, higher quality product. Produce isn’t as good as other markets and don’t get the meat/chicken, but great value and quality for shelf stable foods, frozen foods, and general staples.

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Henry Oliver's avatar

That wasn't my experience, but maybe I wasn't looking properly, will try again...

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Zina Gomez-Liss's avatar

It seems like America is currently suiting you. I’ve lived in DC, Maryland, California, and Massachusetts, but I’ve also traveled a bit in the middle of the country. There’s a lot of truth to what you’re seeing. Hope your entire stay is happy and welcoming!

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Karl Straub's avatar

Sorry. My country douses everything with sugar, when we can’t figure out how to stuff something with it. It’s a source of great annoyance to me that peanuts come in the “honey roasted” option.

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Roderick Ganiard's avatar

"Everything I write is now free. The paid tier is for archive access only."

So why can't I read this post? I love your site, but I am retired and can't afford the equivalent of a newspaper subscription for every columnist!

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J. F. Riordan's avatar

Don’t buy coffee creamer. Buy heavy cream or half and half. No sugar.

You may need to change where you’re shopping. Have you met my friend, Emily Chamlee-Wright? She’s a down to earth person who will help you find the lay of the land…like where to shop…or else her husband will!

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