Drink up!

 Today is National Hot Tea Day, and, as a matter of fact, January is National Hot Tea Month.  This all makes a great deal of sense.  I can't imagine celebrating Ice Tea Day in January but hot tea is just about the most soothing thing I can think of.  I have been a tea drinker all my life.  When I was a child, especially in the cold of winter, my brothers and I always had hot tea, with milk and sugar, with breakfast.  My mother was convinced that we shouldn't drink coffee until we were adults but tea was perfectly ok for children.  Who was I to argue?  I have mentioned my tea habit (I drink at least four cups a day) to various doctors, and without exception they have said it is good for me.  These days I drink it without sugar but it's still really good.  And, I'm proud to say I've been able to pass on the habit to my grandchildren (all nearly adults now).  When they stayed with me in their younger years I served them hot tea with milk and sugar, my mother's recipe, and they still request it when they come to visit.  One more thought; drink tea with milk (two percent or skim is fine) but not cream.  Cream is too heavy and adds a funny taste, in my opinion, and others seem to agree with me.  When I've been served tea in England, Scotland and New Zealand it has always been served with milk.  Just a fun fact.  Drink up and keep warm.