Polar Vortex

January 6, 2014
Today has been noisy. The frigid wind has been whipping around the house and causes the siding to crack and pop in resistance to the cold force. Snow plows thump thump by on Rt 61 but do little good at clearing the road. We left our chimes out on the porch; I hear the deep tones of the large pipes playing their tunes. Smaller chimes ring continuously, losing their battle against the wind. I also hear the ching ching of the money leaving my pockets to pay the gas bill for the furnace that clicks on every few minutes. And the loud sudden pops the furnace makes heating then cooling. Even after 40 years here, I still jump at the gunshot sounds.
Today we also hear the little voices of Ricky, Riley and the joyous screams of Vera as she learns to pull herself up to stand at the couch. They spent the day eating, playing, napping and watching tv. The Brady Bunch show held their attention today for awhile. Ricky and Riley couldn't figure out why Bobby wanted to run away from home. And we played restaurant that required the use of the pink refrigerator. Their running in a circle routine is hampered by the chairs I use to block the furnace register that gets hot enough to melt shoes.
Now as the evening progresses, my FB friends begin posting local temps that are -7, -11, -4 with wind chills of 40 below.  Jennifer points out that today it was warmer in Alaska. My brother Roger, from Arizona talks of boating in the sun. Brenda and Kristen comment on how cold it will be in Florida with lows in the 40s. Then I watch the tv weather and learn a new phrase "polar vortex". Sounds like we are in a Stephen King novel. Makes me think of "The Shining" and the massive storm at that hotel. And the weather lady warns of weather quakes. The loud noises and booms I hear tonight might be the earths rapid expansion as it freezes and cracks or a window cracking or even damage to walls or siding. Scary stuff. The softer sounds will be my joints and bones cracking as I try to stand this cold.
The deep freeze is expected to last thru Wednesday. We are in a Level 3 in Huron County. Only emergency road travel is allowed. Schools and businesses are closed. Even Pepperidge Farm, RR Donnelley, and MTD sent employees home today and will be shut down 3 or 4 shifts. Jennifer said Bowling Green is closed also. Leah called to check in and told me that I75 and Rt 25 and Rt 23 in that area and around Toledo were closed. Unheard of. The news says the records from 1994 will be broken. I remember that cold and am thankful to God that Gary and I do not have to get out for work. And that my family is still safe and warm.
Tomorrow, Gary and I will blow bubbles into the cold air to see if they really freeze. And then snuggle under the warm covers. Oh-rain by Friday.