Michael and I have traveled to Vigo, Spain and tasted fresh sardines. Vigo is a charming sea town on the northwestern coast in the Galician region. Vigo is known for its sardine canneries and when reading a sardine can label, one may easily find sardines listed from this great location. In the early 1900’s, sardine cannery production was high. A special fork utensil was invented to gently lift sardines from the can. The seven prongs are short but the width of the fork is 2½ inches wide and the sardine fork is curved to cradle the delicate fish.

Sardines are most versatile. Serve the fish as hors d’oeuvres on a decorated plate for dining impact. For flavor, sprinkle the fish with a dash of fresh lemon juice, balsamic vinegar and chopped herbs. Sardines are perfect for spring’s sun-kissed picnic food or sardines can be served as a quick appetizer. Kelly McBride Loft

Don’t forget that Thursday, April 18 is National Poem in Your Pocket Day
Poetry has always held a special place in my heart. From reading Emily Dickinson poetry since I was eight to a lifetime of writing, poetry has been a safe place to preserve my thoughts. If you have never taken the time to attend or to read poetry aloud in a poetry reading, it is an opportunity worth seeking. My favorite reading has been in the wine caves, by candlelight, in Burgundy, France with friends. Poetry readings are a paradox of wholesome simplicity and intellectual complexity. Here is a poem that I wrote and that I share with you for National Poem In Your Pocket Day:

“Remembering”

I remembered to write that note to you today
as the sunset paints reflections
that still punctuate the day’s squinted confusing gaze

The day’s ambassador belongs to the forgotten wren
who feverously flits to gather its wit against the day’s toil
She looks up briefly at me, taking note that we have much in common

I grasp for the moment’s last rays of sunshine
that keep the day’s worthy thoughts safe
Safe from the toil of closure

Let me shake off the sleepiness that disturbs my thoughts of you
as I hold my pen high
I remembered to finish that note to you

As I recollect this day as plain and inconspicuous like the wren
But only because it is compared to You The day’s last rays of light belong to you, as I begin to remember…Remember You Forever.
by Kelly McBride Loft © 2012