“Peace is always beautiful.” Walt Whitman, “The Sleepers”

Every time we pick up a magazine these days there is an article about the health benefits of tea. There are many: heart health, cancer protection, weight management, allergy relief, diabetes, arthritis, and heart disease protection. Research also suggests that tea may play an important roll in cardiovascular disease. The Tea Council of the U.S.A. compiled information on these benefits of tea. Antioxidant seem to be the key word that attracts consumers.

Tea is an ancient beverage steeped in history, romance and loved by many. The color, flavor and healthy aspect send a positive message. Tea has the power to heal the mind and the heart. Tea is also a caregiver. After a fever or after days of being sick my mother always brought me a hot cup of chamomile tea. “Ug” I thought but it helped. The tea was sent from Greece. It was strong.

Tea has experienced a burst of popularity in the United States, and there is a tremendous variety to choose from: Organic Teas, Black Teas, Green Teas, White Teas, Oolong Teas, Flavored Teas, decaf Teas, Herbal Teas and Fruit Tisanes. The leaves to make these teas come from the same plant. Flavor variation depends on where the plant was grown and how the leaves were treated. The taste depends on how long the leaves were fermented.

Case Western Reserve University researchers found that epigallocatechin gallate, an antioxidant in green tea, may block enzyme activity that promotes joint damage. Add lemon juice to prevent eGCG from breaking down during digestion.

I am going to try to start a love affair with tea. I need all the healthy help I can get. I must share a teacup of friendship, chatting, laughing and having fun with daughters, granddaughters and daughters-in-law. (I must warm up my teapot and teacups.)

Great chefs teach us not only how to cook but how food brings people together, how food does equal love.

Here are some life lessons from the kitchen written by Candace Karu.

These are Candace grandmother’s top kitchen tips for all good cooks:

• Clean as you go.

• Use fresh ingredients.

• Read a new recipe through twice before you start to cook.

• Sharpen your knives often.

• Simple is better.

• A little wine for the chef never hurt.

Summer is passing and we are into August. For teachers that means prepare for the new school year! Once a teacher always a teacher.

The York County Retired Educators Association held their Annual Meeting at the York Community College in Wells. I was amazed at how large the school is and what a beautiful campus. Very easy and safe to approach.

It was wonderful that about 66 members attended. Plans for upcoming events were discussed.

President Warren introduced the newly elected President of MEA-R, Kay Grindall, who brought greetings from the MEA-R and spoke briefly of her background.

President Grindall installed the newly elected officers for the 2019/ 2021 term: Janie Bradstreet, recording secretary, Bobbi Gallant, assistant treasurer, Shirley Jones, vice-president, Joan Warren, president, Carol Scott, corresponding secretary, and Carol Mitchell, treasurer. Gail Brayman is editor of the newsletter, doing a wonderful job.

Looking forward to a successful year.

Comments are not available on this story.