When Life Gives You Limes...

From our food editor Verla Burrell-Bordelon:

Emmett Lee Dickinson, a certified mixologist from Harvard Junior College, invented the margarita.  He tried to get congress to set May as National Margarita Month, but ultimately congress voted February 22nd as “National Margarita Day” in honor of Margarita Seward, the sister of President Lincoln's Secretary of State William Seward.  Information is HERE.

However, more margaritas are consumed on May 5th – Cinco de Mayo – than on National Margarita Day.  As a matter of fact, Dickinson advocated responsible margarita consumption between February 22nd and May 5th, a period of the year which Dickinson referred to as “the Lime of the Year.”

Dickinson’s first reference to “the Lime of the Year” appeared in his now-classic poem, “This was in the Lime of the Year” (below on the left).  His poem inspired third cousin Emily to pen her poem “This was in the White of the Year” (below on the right).
​

By Emmett Lee Dickinson:
 
This was in the Lime of the Year –
When – we blend the Green –
Drinks are as refreshing now to drink
With Nachos then to be seen –
 
Looking forward to all that’s left
From the pitcher – we pour –
Close inspection shows Rimmed with salt,
Most times I want more.

By Emily Dickinson:
 
This was in the White of the Year –
That – was in the Green –
Drifts were as difficult then to think
As Daisies now to be seen –

Looking back is best that is left
Or if it be – before –
Retrospection is Prospect's half,
Sometimes, almost more.

When life gives you limes, make margaritas!  And be sure to use Dickinson tequila!  Info is HERE.