Comfort and Joy
First of all, thanks for all the kind comments on yesterday’s post.. I made the error of sitting in Starbucks to do my blogging- I should have read those comments in the privacy of my own home. Hopefully my reading glasses hid my teary, swollen eyes. Anyway! Life goes on. I’m still one of the co-hosts of Tuesday Topics, with Jenn from Runs With Pugs. This week’s topic is “Show Us Your Year in Photos.” As usual… I’m veering from the topic (is anyone surprised?) I’m going to talk about some things that are bringing me comfort right now. First of all… these two rascals. You guys. I cannot even imagine how hard it would be to lose a pet if they were your only one. When I think of coming home to an empty house and seeing the food bowl and pet toys… I know many of you have gone through this, but it seems almost unbearable. Luckily I still have cats to feed and litter boxes to scoop. Last night my husband and I were sitting on the couch, talking about how sad we were. Then Muffin came and sat on my lap, and Foxy jumped up into his! How did they know we needed cuddles??? Next up. Who can resist presents? I got a package in the mail from Engie, who was my secret Santa this year!!! How hilarious are those dish towels (and… how true, especially this year). And the “Foxy” ornament… I love it so much. BUT LET’S TALK ABOUT THESE PEANUTS. “Congregational” peanuts: the ingredients read “premium Virginia peanuts, Kosher salt, peanut oil, one hour hand labor.” I think they sprinkled some kind of magic on them, because they are SO FRICKIN DELICIOUS. If I had to guess, I would say it’s because they’re fried in peanut oil- usually when you buy “roasted” nuts in the store, they’re fried in some cheap oil and they always taste slightly rancid to me. These are crisp, fresh, and salty. They almost make me want to move to Wisconsin (although Engie says they’re only available on a very limited basis, which makes it even more special that she snagged a bag for me). One last thing. On Sunday I had planned a 20 mile run, but I didn’t feel like doing it. I just didn’t have the mental energy to plan a route, fill water bottles, and get all the fuel together. But I also didn’t exactly NOT want to do it, either. I knew I would feel worse if I let myself lie around all day. My husband suggested that I just try it and see what happens. I set off with a water bottle and some tailwind, and ended up running 14 peaceful miles. Link Up With Tuesday Topics Welcome back to Tuesday Topics, as Jenny, from Runners Fly joins Jenn at Runs With Pugs to co-host this link-up! Please join us every week for a new topic! Write on our weekly prompt or choose your own topic! Make sure to add your post to the link up, link back to your hosts, and comment on the other shared posts! Join us next week —> What are your goals for 2026? You are invited to the Inlinkz link party! Click here to enter Top photo by Mark Casey on Unsplash