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As I sent the previous email with photos I realized that it is a size monster that without broadband may be a problem.

I am sending the text below and will put the photos on our website. you can access it by going to www.rsdodge.info/Jan_05.htm as soon as I link it. dd

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At 11:16 AM 1/25/2005, you wrote:

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Hi Donna: We are fine, however, the greyhounds don't like the snow much. I have been able to clear the driveway by hand so we can get the Suburban out of the garage. The driveway to the North stays clear because the wind blows the snow away. The only real problem is the side yard which we use as a dog run. I spend more time keeping the potty site clear than anything else. the pictures below will orient you, I am sure.

The pictures you saw on the news are from Hull Mass. Sophie's nephew Lenny had a home there right on the waterfront and the wind if in the right direction drove the water onto their front porch. We are well protected on our beach strand island and quite high on the dune. In fact we are not in a FEMA flood zone designation, which helps with the insurance premiums.

We are enjoying the weather, since we don't have to go anywhere with a time constraint. It's easy to reschedule a visit to the sisters and nephews till a later time. In the largest storm (the worst since 1972) we only had about 8 inches in front of the garage and about 5 inches on the driveway. The drifts on the other side of the house (dog run) were three to four feet. It tends to be warmer here on the beach and the snow generally is less than in town 4 miles inland. The town is very good at clearing the streets and during the major storm the plows and sand/salt trucks worked all night. The main problem is that a berm forms at the juncture of the street and driveway and that needs to be cleared. The subzero temperatures are no fun, but then we don't walk on the beach this time of year. Our desert dogs hate the snow and ice and so I have an emergency area in the workshop off my basement office for them if need. We have avoided the flu and avoided the shots also. I have taken a leaf from Granpdad Archie's book and wear my long johns religiously and of course come in and change after snow shoveling. I even use the long johns when I go to the gym to work out. Grandad wore them summer and winter and usually changed two or three times a day when he was working. It really is true the older one gets the more careful one gets. What was that saying on my scotch tape dispenser........"One grows too soon old and too late smart!" Take care yourself, hope the mountains don't wash away! Cheers! dick

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January 2005, three major storms and about 18 inches at the beach. Inland up to 38

View from 3rd floor balcony before storm

Surf is up .... Noreaster coming (from 2nd floor balcony)

After the Noreaster Jan 5, 2005. The snow was falling horizontally (winds 65 mph) and mostly blew inland.

First Task to open the grayhound run.

Actually when the sun comes out things thaw out quickly. The Path to the beach (hilltop) is 3 feet deep.

The driveway is a piece of cake with the light fluffy stuff.

If I scrape it after each storm, the worst part is the plow berm which freezes if left alone.

Tis time to get a lot of stuff in the house done..........

....Like painting the engine compartment.