Even though some of the worst flooding in Melrose is a block away, we're fine

Right down the hill, the parking lot of the supermarket has eight inches of water in it. In the parking lot of the condominiums next to it, there are cars in water over their tires. Apartment buildings nearby are being evacuated, and there have been sporadic reports of plumbing backing up in disgusting ways.

None of this has, however, directly affected our home, baruch Hashem, and knock on wood. We're at the top of the hill where all this is happening at the bottom. We may be the only people in Massachusetts on my friends list who don't need a sump pump. If anyone is flooded out, bring over a sleeping bag -- we can probably give you a dry spot to sleep in.