I read about this awhile ago but only got desperate enough to try it yesterday. I wrapped my head in plastic wrap and smeared peanut butter all over my forehead. It wasn’t some headache cure or skin treatment, it was a ploy.

Wren screams when I try to trim her nails, because one time three years ago I cut one too close. She’ll quietly let the vet do it if I’m out of sight, but with Dr. Vincent gone it’s too expensive and too far to drive as often as she needs it. So I hung her up in her cozy front-pack, donned reading glasses, set a small lid of styptic powder nearby just in case (but I was ever so careful), and stood where she could reach my forehead with her tongue. There was just enough peanut butter on there to keep her distracted long enough for me to clip all her front nails with nary a peep out of her. And it made me laugh, so it was a win all around.

Another small success was a perfect loaf of sourdough, and though this is the usual outcome, it’s been awhile since I baked one. I’m grateful for small domestic successes.