Lots of cold winter weeks have passed, I struggle with satisfying my creative urges and working a lot of hours each week. Energy levels zapped, watching my dvr tv series keeps me sane. I know that making things energizes me, but it is so hard to drag myself to my sewing room. With prom looming, hemming my daughter's dress as well as girlfriend's dresses will keep me in there.
I play saxophone in a wind ensemble, it is one of the creative things I make time for. Recently I had the honor of playing for our band directors' funeral, as he requested. He was a generous benefactor to the music programs of the local parochial schools. He started our group over 10 years ago, and it has grown to well over 40 instrumentalists. He was a smallish man, but had a very big heart, and his directing bands and groups has been a big part of his life. He has touched many, and we as a wind ensemble, hope to continue on in his honor. I recently also joined our community band, and had a performance last week for a small group from my town. We will be playing at our local gazebo this summer a few times. We are popular with the older set, but hopefully we can inspire the next generation with our music.
Refashioning has really taken over lately. Some of the shirts we sell at my retail store have the look of layering. It is an easy way to add life to shirts that have gotten too short from too hot dryers. And in the case of some of my shirts, a simple addition of gauzy polyester or nylon give just the finish. All you need is a zigzag stitch, some gauzy fabric and a shirt you want to add to. Experiment with the stitch and your shirt, most have some spandex or rayon, that can get stretched out if you pull too hard, but won't stretch enough, if you don't use a zig zag. Try this technique with your own t shirts and sweaters.I continue to follow a number of Pinterest pinners and boards, so much inspiration there, so little time! One of my favorite meals in anything with Risotto. Here is a recipe that I have tried in the past, and the Costco frozen version almost comes close! Here it is lifted from Allrecipes.com
Lemon Asparagus Risotto
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Submitted By: stefychefy
Photo By: naples34102
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"The bright, fresh flavors of asparagus and lemon permeate this creamy rice dish. Try not to rush this dish, it's worth the wait."
INGREDIENTS:
20 fresh asparagus spears, trimmed
4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 small onion, diced
1 stalk celery, diced
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
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1 clove garlic, minced
1 cup arborio rice
1/2 cup dry white wine
1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon lemon zest
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DIRECTIONS:
| 1. | Place a steamer insert into a saucepan and fill with water to just below the bottom of the steamer. Bring water to a boil. Add asparagus, cover, and steam until tender, about 5 minutes. Cut asparagus into 1-inch pieces; set aside. |
| 2. | Heat chicken broth in a saucepan over medium heat; keep at a simmer while preparing risotto. |
| 3. | Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook and stir onion and celery until vegetables are tender, about 5 minutes. Season with salt and black pepper. Stir in garlic and arborio rice; cook and stir until rice is lightly toasted, about 5 more minutes. |
| 4. | Pour white wine into rice mixture, stirring constantly, until liquid is evaporated, about 5 minutes. Stir chicken broth into rice, one ladleful at a time, allowing liquid to absorb completely before adding more while stirring constantly, about 20 minutes. Add asparagus and stir. |
| 5. | Remove from heat and mix in Parmesan cheese, lemon juice and lemon zest. Serve immediately. |
