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Exactly 35 years ago also on Chinese new year eve, a snow storm hit metropolitan Boston area with little warning causing thousands of cars stranded on highways and almost all businesses were shut down for a week before things are restored to normal. This time with modern technology, we were warned almost one week ahead of time. People stocked up on food and fuel and hunkered down. The governor order all private and commercial vehicles off all road for 36 hours with $500 fine and one year in jail for offending vehicles so that all snow clearing and emergency vehicles can operate freely with no impediments.  The storm dumped over 24-30 inches of snow accompanied by near hurricane strength wind and high tide which still caused flooding and damages along the coastal area. Over 400,000 households lost electric power due to falling trees. This means no heat even for houses heated by oil and gas since electricity is still needed for ignition and blowers.  But since we had time, shelters were set up all over the state for people to keep warm. All in all, there were no reports of human suffering. There also are no trains, airplanes, buses, and subways operating in the region. We were fortunate to have continuous electric power and except for being home bound but with no inconveniences. We also had to cancel some meetings and a special new year eve banquet with friends in a restaurant.  Internet and wi-fi operate without interruption and I can still post this blog and assure our friends in China that we are OK.