Idioms of the week:

In the long run

In the same boat

Lessons February 2026 Week 1

On January 1, 2026, Birch Bay, Washington, attempted the largest Polar Bear Plunge.

On December 13, 2025, Norway broke the record with 3,134 participants.

More than 4,910 people participated in the New Year Polar Bear Dip in Birch Bay.

Participants had to wear a swimsuit and shoes, enter the water when directed, remain waist-deep for 60 seconds and then exit the water when directed.

Everyone wore a bib with a microchip used for calculating how many people entered the water.

January 30 is Croissant Day.

The croissant originated in Austria.

This pastry was introduced to France in 1839.

French bakers improved the recipe by making it light and flaky.

The word “croissant” is French, meaning “crescent” as in “crescent moon”. 

Croissants can be served with a sweet or savory filling.

“In the cards” means “likely to happen.”

A promotion is not in the cards for him since he makes so many mistakes.

“In the doghouse” means “in trouble.”

He is in the doghouse after coming home drunk at 2 a.m.