Firsts

Sure, there’s a first time for everything.  But as we mature, settle into our routines and take the safer route, those firsts are few and far between.  Over this past Thanksgiving Holiday, I felt fortunate to have experienced 3 “firsts” - one planned and two spontaneous.  The first first was dry brining our 20 pound turkey.  I was intimidated - if I didn’t do it right, we’d have dried out turkey.  Turns out, it wasn’t as hard as I thought.  Lots of kosher salt, brown sugar, lemon rind, dry rosemary and bay leaves.  Mix, rub under and on the skin and in the cavity, let sit for 2 days in the fridge.  Our bird came out juicy and delish!  My second first was doing a cold plunge in the Atlantic Ocean when it was windy, 40°outside and 50° in the water (more on this below).  Exhilarating!  And my third first was shaking hands with President Biden not once, but twice at the tree lighting ceremony in Nantucket.  After the program ended on Main Street, the Secret Service came over to our spot on the sidewalk and cleared a path for Biden and family to enter the store next to us.  Next thing we know, the most powerful man in the world is smiling and engaging with us, and even giving advice to my 10 year old niece (“Don’t talk to guys 'till you're 30.”).  Now all I want are more firsts.