What's in a name?

I've always called these extreme winter life-threatening events Arctic blasts.

This is the worst one in two decades in the Chicago area and I'm perversely thrilled that it has a name, the Polar Vortex.

Pearl who lives much farther north than here linked me to the Wikipedia page which made my chilly morning:

A polar vortex (aka Arctic cyclone, sub-polar cyclone, Frigid Twister, and a circumpolar whirl)... 

I'm liking Frigid Twister and Circumpolar Whirl myself. The pictures don't do it justice.


   

Wouldn't you know it, it's believed to be caused by global warming.

So far, we're doing just fine. It's warmed up to -3 and the winds have dropped to 15 mph, so I'm heading out to the grocery store. I have some serious cabin fever.

I've already made one batch of soup and when I get back I'm making another and I'm going to bake something, anything, just to have the kitchen warm and cozy when my husband gets home from work.

My daughter is thrilled to have two extra days of Winter Break from school, but I guarantee, come June, when school gets out two days later to make them up, she won't be so happy about all this.

So whatever you call this, it will pass. Until then, hope we all stay warm and cozy.