LadyD Books: Orange Pekoe and Ninja Sunrise: Skywatch Friday

Wikipedia says, "Orange Pekoe, is a term used in the Western tea trade to describe a particular genre of black teas (orange pekoe grading). Despite a purported Chinese origin, these grading terms are typically used for teas from Sri Lanka, India and countries other than China; they are not generally known within Chinese-speaking countries. The grading system is based upon the size of processed and dried black tea leaves."

All I know is that after having a cup of tea one morning, I looked out through the sliding glass door (we have 9 foot sliders) and saw this amazing October sunrise and thought of Orange Pekoe tea. Do you have a favorite tea on your list? I drink all kinds since I find it relaxing and warms your soul.

Orange Pekoe is also a Japanese music duo which formed in 1998, and had its first major debut in 2002, with the single "Happy Valley". The band is named for orange pekoe, a type of tea. I can imagine the people down in the valley of this photo will be warmed by the sun for another day.

Orange Pekoe Tea Benefits

1. Orange pekoe tea may help prevent and possibly reverse artery clogging

2. Tea contains antioxidants, including the TF-2 compound, which may stop the spread of cancer.

3. The anti-cancer compound TF-2 suppresses the Cox-2 gene, which can trigger inflammation. TF-2 is found in orange pekoe and other black teas.

4. orange pekoe tea may help treat many respiratory diseases with a chemical called theophylline. This stimulant helps expand the airway, making breathing easier.

Read more: Orange Pekoe Tea Benefits | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/about_5389934_orange-pekoe-tea-benefits.html#ixzz28zbhUGcM

Ceylon Tea comes from the country that today is known as Sri Lanka. Twinings Ceylon tea is made using the finest quality high grown teas from the Dimbula region in western Sri Lanka. In the 1870s, Ceylon became a major tea producing area after the coffee crop failed. Its tea is still referred to as "Ceylon" despite the country changing its name to Sri Lanka in 1972 following independence.

Ceylon orange pekoe

The calligraphy and handcrafted Japanese porcelain cups are a fun way to drink tea. I have some English tea cups that are a delightful way to share with my granddaughter at our tea party.

I love the mountain grown black tea leaves with a rich fragrance. As I looked out at our avocado tree silhouette, I was reminded of a library book I've been reading to my grandson. It's about Swords.

The Friday 56

Book Description

Brave men and women have taken up the sword since ages of old, and a fascination with this formidable weapon grips dedicated followers to this day. Here is a celebration of swords and swordsmen that spans time and place — from ancient warriors such as Beowulf to medieval knights; from stealthy ninja and samurai to legendary maidens of war. Illustrated with breathtaking intricacy, SWORDS reflects the passion of a true devotee, offering lavish background details on design and use as well as exquisite spreads showcasing specimens in all their shining glory.

Page 56: Ben Boos book, Swords. (for ages 10 and up)

"In feudal Japan there was a special class of warriors. Their element was darkness, and their murderous techniques relied on stealth, speed, and deception. These nocturnal spy-assassins became known as the ninja. The ninja did not record their achievements, so most stories about them are considered apocryphal. Likewise, none of their weapons have survived, but rumors and legends about their deadly implements abound."

I highly recommend this one for boys and men. Lots of wonderful info on swords and richly illustrated. I didn't realize just how much history is wrapped up in this formidable tool of war; the symbolic power of the sword. On a lighter note, I have fond memories of my children and now grandchildren building forts and tents, playing with their wooden swords. Of course, now they use plastic ones and glow sticks!

I especially like Chapter 3: War Maidens

Here we discover a great female fighter, Queen Boudicca of Britain, who faced the overwhelming Roman legions to fight for her people's freedom. She proved that the sword in the hand of a war maiden is as fearsome as the sword in the hand of any man.
Swords: An Artist's Devotion