Rick is really good at making sure that the necessary elements of life are in place well before they are needed.

For instance, before I knew we were actually going to require ten pounds of un-shelled peanuts from Costco in our tiny condominium, presto! There he was, jogging up to the check-out counter just in time to plunk the monster bag on to the conveyor belt.

“Look what I found!” He grinned like he had just walked in from the bush with a winter’s supply of venison dragging in the snow behind him.

We were provisioned for peanuts from Thanksgiving through the Super Bowl. We still have about 6 lbs. left.

The only problem with being well-provisioned is that in small homes, you tend to run shy on storage space. Add “enough” peanuts to “ample” paper towels, multiply by the correct number of “just in case” light bulbs, and divide by 1150 sq. feet, and you get the picture.

The thing is, I’ll never complain.

Because in addition to a well-provisioned pantry and sundries shelf, Rick is also really wonderful at making sure I’m always all stocked up in the other important stuff.

Like words of affection and encouragement, frequent gestures of small kindnesses, a funny comment that I never see coming, or a strong arm slipped gently around my waist before we stroll past threatening dogs on our walk…

Those other things that strain our cupboards on occasion? They’re just peanuts.