Dear Readers,

By the time you read this, we could be up to our waists in snow.

At least that is what the forecasters at the National Weather Service and The Weather Channel say. When they use words like “historic” or “epic” to describe a snowstorm, they get my attention.

The power company has called in the reserves, our state and local snow plow crews are at the ready. Our public officials have urged us to stay home. I don’t always agree with our public officials, but in this case, I think it is a good idea.

When these people all warn us to be careful, I think it is a good idea to listen.

We dusted off the lanterns and bought some new batteries, just in case. I have plenty of gas for the old reliable snow blower that lives in my garage courtesy of a good summer friend who said he would never need it in Florida.

We got some extra food. With her usual dose of foresight, my bride has made a charge of split pea soup, some mushroom/wild rice soup and a big pot of chili, so we are not going to starve.

I sorted through the garage and found the snow shoes, just in case. Not that I anticipate using them.

Early this morning, as the word got out about our impending storm, we got calls from friends and relatives checking on us. I think they were a bit disappointed to learn the sun was out and we were just fine. My brother, who lives on the edge of Lake Ontario in what is considered the snow belt, didn’t bother to call. I guess he just thinks it is our turn to get snowed in.

Just in case the Internet goes down, we have puzzles and books a plenty. The cribbage board is in the drawer under the game table.

Having been stuck in blizzards before, including the latest Boston storm that closed the city, and, of course, the Blizzard of 1978, we know what to do.

Best advice? Be careful and keep in touch with your neighbors.

While you may be OK, your neighbors might need a hand.

And if there is one thing I am sure of in this world, in our little community, neighbors always can count on their neighbors.

Best of luck to all.