Buffalo Soup & A List Of Firsts

Nothing is better than a hot bowl of soup on a chilly night.

This soup is about as easy as it gets. Brown organic ground buffalo meat, saute onions (1/2 and onion) and garlic (3 cloves minced), add them to a pot. Cover with organic beef broth. Add fresh organic vegetables such as carrots, green beans, broccoli, and frozen peas. Add fresh herbs, I used rosemary and oregano. Bring to a boil and simmer until veggies are aldente. Season with kosher salt and pepper. 

This new life adventure we’re on has racked up a lot of firsts for me. I’ll admit I like to have a somewhat quiet and predictable life. This has been anything but that, but at the same time it’s been so much fun and we’ve experienced a lot in a short amount of time. Last night marked a biggie on the list of firsts for me:

The first time camping by myself 

Yep, unfortunately Tony cannot stay on vacation forever.  This is a first I don’t wish to experience again. It was spent with me sandwiched between two dogs under the covers, a cat that wanted to sleep on my head, bad dreams, weird noises, and a huge rain storm. I’m happy that Tony returns today…I think I’m going to be in need of a nap!

Abigail keeping an eye on the owner’s cats.

The first time traveling further east than Colorado 

Because flying to and staying at Disney World doesn’t count. I have loved seeing parts of the many states we’ve traveled through on our way to New Hampshire.

The first time winging it on a major trip

My husband just wanted to “go”. Most of the time I like to plan and map and be prepared. I can’t say I’m a fan of “winging it” but I did it, and that’s all that counts.

The first time going through a toll booth that cost more than a quarter 

The last time I went through a toll was before I was a teenager. And I’m pretty sure people were up in arms because they raised it to twenty five cents, or maybe it was even as low as a dime…I can’t remember. We spent over $100 driving on tolls driving from Washington State to New Hampshire. It made me wonder how people who are on an extremely tight budget manage if they have to commute through tolls every day. I believe our most expensive one was $24.00.

The first time on a turnpike

I had no idea what one even was…until we were already on it and I had to pee. I guess basically it’s a “toll road” and if you want to get off and on to do your business you have to pay twice.

The first time in REAL traffic. Chicago at rush hour.  

WOW. 

The first time at Mount Rushmore

It was a really amazing experience and I’m so happy we took the time to see it.

The first time I’ve ever been away from our son for more than 1 week…in his entire life 

Thankfully he tolerates me “checking in” frequently. (And posting childhood pictures of him on my blog.)

The first time in my life I have not lived in the same town as my mother

It’s weird not to have her just a quick 5 minute drive away. 

The first time I’ve ever eaten long neck clams

And I didn’t even think to get a picture of them! They were good, but I did have to ask about the neck just to be sure. Here’s a picture off the internet (courtesy of The Alcoholian)

Just kidding of course! That is a type of long neck clam but the ones I ate for lunch looked more like the one below. (Photo courtesy of KFG Wild Foods) They were very flavorful but by the time I neared the end of the bowl, it started to get to me and I’d had enough. It’s a lot of clam.

The first time I’ve ever purchased a house without even seeing it in person

May seem crazy, but it worked out just fine. 

The first time using navigation on my new phone and driving by myself in a completely unfamiliar area

It was nerve-wracking and I didn’t get lost…but still, I have to wonder…can you ever really trust those things? Isn’t just an old fashioned map the best way to go? I’m using Telenav right now, if you have an iPhone 5 and have any better suggestions, please let me know! 

The first time going without a bathtub to sit in and read every night

It’s been more than two weeks! Now to some of you non-bathtub lovers, this may seem trivial.  But those of you who use the bathtub and a book as a heavenly ritual every night to stay warm and mentally stable, you know exactly where I’m coming from. I seriously don’t think I’ve been warm once since the last time I got out of a bathtub. And mentally stable? Well, that probably depends on who you talk to. Ha! The first second I can, I am jumping right in the tub in our new house, which by the way is a jetted tub. Ahhhh…serenity now.

We have thoroughly enjoyed our adventure over to this neck of the woods. It comes at a fantastic time in our lives and we were ready for it. That helps when you make a major life change. Friday we do the final walk through on our new house (that will be the first time I’ve seen the inside), and sign the final paperwork. More exciting times ahead and I can’t wait to get started on my Christmas baking! Yesterday I made Toasted Coconut and Pecan Haystacks. You can find the recipe here. Super easy!