We’ve turned the corner and I smell spring in the air, at least some days. There’s still a lot of snow and ice to melt, but our driveway is clear and we’ve had some above-freezing days with blue skies to lighten our hearts. Next week, it’s projected a day or two in the high 60s, which is seasonably warmer than normal, and early spring rains, all part of the crazy weather patterns of extremes after a very cold and snowy winter.
A diversion or two, please
It is the time of year where we still need diversions, excuses to get out of the house, a little push out of our hibernation. We are always hopeful for a good movie, but there hasn’t been a lot to tempt us at The Majestic in recent weeks. We grabbed all the grandchildren and headed to the sea shore for a few days to celebrate my and my grandson’s birthdays. We had some lovely meals, a spa day, and even attempted a walk on the snowy beach. Perhaps February and early March are not the best beach weather.
Let’s dress up
This weekend, we’re attending a program at our local public radio/television station, a sneak peek at The Forsytes, which premieres on Masterpiece March 22. We’re encouraged to attend in period attire, and partake of tea and Victorian refreshments, before a presentation on Victorian costume design. A nice afternoon out is promised, but I’m not sure what I’m going to wear! Maybe just a special hat. Vermont Public is also sponsoring a storytelling presentation, and a dance party to support its budget and a local arts program.
Lots from which to choose
The Flynn Center has a full line-up of performances and events from which to choose this month including All the Rivers, which is a global ensemble featuring over 20 international musicians from 10 countries now living in Vermont, and singing in six languages weaving musical traditions from around the world. This concert will benefit our local immigrant and asylum seekers community. Really looking forward to this one.
Extremes
The theater will also present the ballet Giselle performed by National Opera and Ballet of Ukraine next week. A treat for sure. However, if we decide on something a little more quirky, The Flynn is sponsoring its annual Trout Parade, part of family night. It’s description: “Spring is coming and we’re getting excited for the second annual Burlington Trout Parade! Join local artist, activist and poet Uncle Erok to create parade art that celebrates our beautiful watershed.”
The free and entertaining skies
While it is fun to get out this time of year, there’s always something fascinating happening in the night sky and you don’t even have to leave the house. This week, we were treated with a total lunar eclipse, and beautiful red moon. My husband woke me up a little before 6 a.m. to view the spectacle, already well in progress. He took the photos. Clear skies meant a good viewing as the earth’s shadow slowly obscured the moon, which turned more and more orange/red as it progressed. We were glad for the clear skies since the next total lunar eclipse won’t happen until July 25, 2029.
As the eclipse moved to total, the sun had begun to lighten the ski and the moon (appropriately the full blood moon) started to dip, so the red color vanished before our eyes. But it was definitely worth the watch, and sacrifice if a few minutes extra sleep!
Warm days, but nights still cold
The warm days and cold nights mean the sap in running in the maple trees and this year’s crop is already in progress. The cold nights part of the equation keeps us craving winter comfort food, but perhaps with a lighter touch. I bought some lovely Italian orzo this week, I know, not very local, but really delicious pasta. I wanted it to feel more like summer, so I added a lot of lemon.
Always options
Orzo is the funny little pasta shaped sort of like rice. You could also use any small pasta in this dish, or even real rice! And you can swap the dill for another favorite such as parsley or mint. No arugula? How about watercress, or baby spinach? There are always options, and you can also toss in other delights such as sliced olives or artichokes. Maybe some crumbled feta while it is still warm. It’s all good! Best of all, the dish comes together in the time it takes to make the (very tiny) pasta.
Orzo with lemon and sun-dried tomatoes
- 8 oz. (230 g.) orzo
- 2 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
- 1 leek, sliced thinly
- 2 cloves garlic, sliced thinly
- ½ cup dry white wine
- 1 oz. (30 g.) sun-dried tomatoes, sliced
- ¼ cup finely chopped sweet red pepper
- Juice and zest of two lemons
- ¼ cup freshly chopped dill
- Two large handfuls of arugula or other tender green
Prep all your ingredients and put water on to boil for the pasta. Toss in the lemon carcasses, and some salt, just to add a bit more flavor to the cooking water.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and add the leek over medium high. Once it starts to color, reduce the heat, add the garlic, some salt and pepper, and let this cook until the leeks are softened. Deglaze with the wine and toss in the sun-dried tomatoes and peppers. Turn heat to low and barely simmer.
Drop the orzo in the boiling water and follow the time instructions on the package. Once it is cooked add to the pan with the vegetables, toss in the lemon zest and juice, the dill, the arugula, and a little of the orzo cooking water if it needs to loosen up. Taste for seasoning, and once the arugula is wilted, literally in seconds, you are ready to serve.
Serve in a bowl or platter, and garnish with whatever you like: some charred lemons or tomatoes, more fresh dill, a little parsley if you like, and a sprinkle of Parmesan. I had a lovely little bunch of cherry tomatoes I grilled lightly to top it all off. So good.
This is tasty hot or cold the next day as a salad, with a little extra vinaigrette added since the pasta does suck up any liquid while sitting.
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Sunrise on the coast March 1, 2026.
Great photos of the eclipse! And the orzo dish looks delicious.
Thank you! My husband took the photos, I made the dish! It all worked out well.
Orzo’s one of my favorite pastas! I enjoy it simply: butter, salt & pepper – with some peas thrown in for color.
Well, I would not complain if I was served a bowl of that simple lusciousness!
I am bedazzled by your cooking expertise and culinary artistry! I’m in! 💞☕️✌️☕️
Thank you my friend! I listened to Vivaldi while I made this. Perfect pairing.
The orzo is beautiful!
Thanks Mimi! I love the texture, and it’s so nice soaking up the lemon.
Lovely pictures! And I am always happy to try new recipes with Orzo!
It’s a fun pasta, and so quick to cook!
Your orzo dish looks divine!
Thanks Jan! It was really tasty, and great for lunch as a salad as well.
Gotta try this~
I think you’ll enjoy it!
How cool you got to see the moon eclipse!
It was really beautiful, and worth the bare feet on cold floor!
It sounds like a delightful place to live and experience a well-balanced life! The orzo dish looks wonderful, and I enjoyed the video–great addition.
Thanks Suz! I’ve been playing with that slow-mo setting and I really like it!
Lovely post & pics, D. The Forsytes is on my list!
Can’t wait!
You have some fun things to look forward to over the next little while. I nearly saw the Lunar Eclipse but I just had to go to bed. It must have happened shortly after so you were a lucky lady. Mine would have been about midnight-ish. Your Orzo dish looks very tasty, video was a nice touch. I like Orzo as a hot dish and it’s lovely as a salad as well.
Thanks Mary! We’re keeping busy, and have lots to look forward to. The eclipse was pretty cool, loved the red! I would have missed it if not for my husband dragging me out of bed, so I really was lucky.
Live orzo too, hot or cold!
What a beautiful plateful of food. 😋🧡😍
Thank you! We like to start with the pretty!
Without a doubt, Dorothy! 🍃🦋
Beautiful photos of the eclipse!
Love the orzo dish!
Thanks Ronit!
I love Orzo. I love lemon. Great combination.
Great photos of eclipse! It was fun to watch.
It really is a lovely performance by the glorious moon!
Lots happening around your neck of the woods – so much to look forward to. It’ll be fun dressing up too… Maybe you’ll post a pic! Speaking of which, the eclipse images are quite special. As are the pics of the recipe – looks tasty and nutritious.
Thanks my friend! There’s always something inspiring about gazing at the sky!
Those flavors are the perfect blend of winter ending and spring beginning. Also, great photo of the eclipse!
Thanks so much! I really love this transition time!
Beautiful images of the eclipse…I have very recently discovered orzo and love it thank you for sharing this recipe…enjoy your dressing up if thats what you decide to do my choice would be Giselle as it is my favourite ballet…x
It’s one of my favorite ballets as well Carol! Already have the tickets!
Enjoy I am envious no ballet here maybe in Bangkok I will wait until my UK visit x
Something to look forward to my friend!
Indeed,Dorothy x
Nice capture of the eclipse. Love orzo, especially with lemon.
Thanks Karen. The lemon really lifts it up!
What a lot of cultural choices you have! Wonderful! Our driveway is not yet free of ice and snow, but it’s getting there. I really like orzo, and your recipe sounds so good. And, yes, nice captures of the eclipse.
Thank you all around! The eclipse was really cool!
It sounds like you’ve had lots of diversions, lucky you! The eclipse photos are great, though I’m sure they don’t do justice to seeing it in real time. I was crazy enough to set an alarm for one last year and stood out in the yard at 3am. Can’t wait to hear about the period events, and especially to learn what you decide to wear! 😁
I have a couple of Victorian tops, but no skirt any longer alas. I might contrive something, or just don an outrageous hat!
Yes, to celebrating your week of cultural wonders and Mediterranean flavors!!!
A good way to welcome spring!
This is so full of wisdom, seasonal changes, that mimic the world, and that sun! I love reading your stories. Happy birthday my friend. I’m so glad you got to spend it with your grandkids. How wonderful. And by the way, orzo is my favorite pasta. I printed this one out! Thank you Dorothy, you always deliver. Hugs, C
Ah, thanks my friend! It really was a treat to be with all of them, and just enjoy getting away.
We were so lucky to get three stunning pink and red sunrises! The best gift indeed!
Your weekend event sounds like it’ll be great fun! I love seeing people dress up in period attire. The lunar eclipse was really spectacular, you got some great photos. Lastly, I love orzo, and I have almost all the ingredients to try making your dish. I don’t have any leeks, but I have onions. I think I know what I’m making for dinner tomorrow night…. Thanks for sharing another great recipe!
It will be delicious with onions! I used leeks because they were in my crisper and I had run out of onions!
You have so many things to do for entertainment Dorothy! What beautiful pictures of the eclipse that your husband took. I stay up late every day until 4-5 am. I walked outside at 4:00 am and it was completely overcast! I swear we never get to see the good things like this and never the Northern Lights!
It’s always a crap shoot with those clouds!!!
Orzo is so yummy and comforting after a big day of adventures. Cheers!
Thanks! It was great the next day too, cold as a salad.
I’m so glad spring is in the air! This recipe sounds so good–love the combination of lemon with sundried tomatoes!
Thanks Nancy! The lemon and sun-dried tomatoes do play nicely!
What fun, Dorothy! I just watched the previous version of the Forsytes. It sounds as if the new one takes different liberties with the characters.
Can’t wait to see the rest of the episodes! It looks well done.