The Wonders of Honey

This past weekend, the local county fair was held here in Foster, RI. It's called Old Home Days, and it's for young and old alike, and always held on the last weekend in July. Every year I make a point to stop at the honey booth and buy local honey. This year was no exception. I sampled different varieties using mini plastic spoons, and decided upon the darkest which the gentleman behind the table told me was his least favorite because it tasted like the "M" word. Huh? Oh, it tasted like molasses. Now I thought that was a good thing and decided it was my favorite. Anyway, there are many different types and flavors but all tasty and good for you.

When growing up, I remember my mom and dad drinking a concoction of honey, apple cider vinegar and warm water. Mom made it for the two of them to sip during the day. It was good for them, she told me, as she had seen it in Prevention Magazine. I've learned in the years since that honey has many medicinal qualities including a remedy for arthritis. I love honey in my coffee, in my tea, and on my toast. When I have a sore throat, I eat spoonfuls. When I need a pick me up, I eat a spoonful, or when I just need a sweet fix. It's the one food that never spoils.

I read the book, Thank you, Mr. Falker by Patricia Palacco, to my students at the beginning of the school year. It's a story of how a young girl can't read until her 5th grade teacher takes the time to teach her. This story is about Patricia herself as a young girl. I love how the students come to understand that this girl who once couldn't read now writes and illustrates beautiful books for children. This is my favorite line from the story: "...Honey is sweet, and so is knowledge, but knowledge is like the bee who made the honey, it has to be chased through the pages of a book."

Ah...the wonders of honey.