I encroached on Elizabeth Large’s dining turf. Now, to complain about winter, she encroaches on science turf. Coming full circle, I can, by stepping on her toes again, tell her what winter is good for:

Toddies.

Put a teaspoon of sugar in a good, stout drinks glass, squeeze the juice of a quarter to half a lemon into it, stir till the sugar is dissolved, and leave the spoon in the glass. Pour in a quantity of boiling water, to taste, no more than a cup. The spoon will radiate some of the heat away so that the glass doesn’t shatter. Add a healthy glug, again, to taste, of bourbon (Old Forester is a fine bourbon ordinaire). Sip. Repeat as needed.

If you lack the fortitude for the unadulterated toddy, brew a mug of strong black tea and add the ingredients as above.

Though you should really support the economy of my native Commonwealth of Kentucky by using bourbon, I will not denounce you if you substitute brandy or rum.