Where I live, the average is a mere 32 inches or so. This year, we ended up with 42 inches. Plus, it's cooler here than say, Oklahoma, although it can get hot. The weirdest thing is how dry this winter has been so far. By this time last year, and the year before for that matter, we were running out of places to pile snow. One of my kids moved to Olympia, WA recently. That locale seems to be getting plenty of moisture lately! I think 'effective precipitation' is really the key, as others have already pointed out. Overall, I think we're seeing fewer "three day rains", where it comes down slowly but for a long time. It's all big downpours now, with the accompanying runoff. But with this current drought, gotta wonder where we're headed for the next growing season. +oM

When we moved to the mountains of southcentral PA (bordering Michaux) I swore we wouldn't feed the deer. Until they decimated all of the hostas and whatever else the previous owners had planted. We bought an automatic corn feeder and as long as my husband doesn't let it go empty I've relatively little damage. But!!!! All it takes is one night, just one night of no corn in the feeder for the deer to nearly clean me out. But it has shown me what they will stay away from...herbs. So I've been planting herbs around the plants they prefer. Most of the time, not always, they will only eat the part of the plant(s) farthest away from the herb so I've not been totally decimated of hostas just mostly. I've also tried another spray (1c milk, 1 egg, 1T veg oil, 1T dish detergent to 1 gallon of water) that has also helped as long as I spray it on new growth and flowers. Regarding the milorganite, I didn't have to do much research on that stuff to not want to even handle it or want it near any water supply. And since I have a dog that likes to eat natural fertilizers I don't want that risk of him getting sick. My last resort will be the fence, but two acres is alot of fencing. I've always wondered do people who have to deal with deer ever get used to them? This is only my third year. Karen

dedtired, Hints for seasickness... 1.) Look off the stern instead of the bow; 2.) Fix your eyes on the horizon instead of looking a few feet ahead of the boat (you'll be out of sight of land); 3.) Sip on cold Diet 7-Up; 4.) Many people do fine underway; but when drifting they start feeling queasy. Whale watch boats stop frequently for whale sightings. While drifting, stand at the gunnel stanchions & hold on to a rail if it's rough rather than sitting down...much better. Actually, more people get seasick in calm water than in rough seas (within limits, of course!) When there's good wave action your body gets into a rhythem. In calm seas, there's just a slight up/down, up/down that gets to some people. Beam seas are the worst! That side-to-side motion can do in even the saltiest of seamen! Since I've been a boater, I can't imagine WHY people stick babies in cradles! Inhumane punishment, IMO! Also, if you're focused on looking for the blow spouts of whales your body won't notice the rolling sensation nearly as much. We need Lori. She's more local to Newport...I'm about an hour away. But here's a place to start...a fun lunch spot in Newport is the Red Parrot. Allow about an hour just to read the menu & make your selection. It's also a great place to people watch. And go hungry! Parking is tricky. Don't be a hero & try to find a parking spot on one of the side streets...it's mostly "Residents Only". Just pay your $15 & chock it up to a good day in Newport. You can also rent the most adorable two-seater scooters in Newport. The shopping is one of two things...either touristy or very expensive boutiques, gallery quality art, designer jewelry, home decor, etc. There are also some great bookstores. History lesson on Newport: Did you know that most of early Newport was built with slave labor? Most people don't realize the extent Newport relied on slaves. The wonderful granite cobblestone roads, the houses, the ships...all slave labor. By 1770, the entire workforce was slaves mostly from Ghana. They came as children & were different than the southern plantation slaves. In Newport, most slaves lived in the same house as their owners often slept in the same bedroom as the owner's kids. They were taught skills & became highly trained. By 1830, most Newporters had freed their slaves. They went on to found businesses, become councilmen, teachers, policeman, fireman, & held high offices. But they came to America as slaves. End of history lesson. Follow the signs for Ocean Drive/Mansions & go to Brenton Park. It's right on Ocean Drive. On weekends, it's a popular place to fly those huge kites in different shapes. The water is right across from the parking (free). Actually, you could just sit in your car & stare at Newport Channel for hours watching the boats. You'll see many huge international & corporate yachts. The rocks at Brenton Park are also a popular dive spot. Look for small boats with a red flag floating in the water near the boat. The red flag means, "Diver Down". When's your trip? /tricia Here is a link that might be useful: The Red Parrot

I love it here in Lancaster county PA! I have 1 acre and taxes are just over 3,000 a year. We get virtually no natural disasters. We are 2 hours away from Chesapeake Bay, 3 to beach, 1.5 to Philly, 3 to NYC and 2 to the mountains. We have great healthcare all around and many very nice retirement communites. Our economy here is currently very stable compared to some other areas. The scenery, architecture, history, and cultural events will keep you active for years. You will find it very conservative, church going crowd for the most part. We do get full enjoyment of 4 seasons. I have 2 family owned groceries within 10 minutes and Walmart,Target and CVS are within reason (no Publix at all, sorry) - but lots and lots of roadside produce! Even plenty of places that raise beef, pork and poultry you can have custom cut. Still can find lots of garages and small repair shops that will work on a hand shake and let you pay next week. I love it here, wouldn't move if I could.