It can snow. I mean really snow. Not all years though. It’s like what Forest says “You never know what you're gonna get”. Rain, snow, wind, cold, warm, 1”, 24”, icy, hail… It will vary too regardless where in Maine you live. Meteorologists can’t predict it either, so don’t always rely on them. The last snowstorm Kittery, or Northern Mass, was hit the hardest!

Being prepared for potential snow means having a roof rake. Yes, a roof rake. It’s a thing. Unless you have a tin roof, we rake ours to prevent it from collapsing on us.

Make sure your mailbox is secured! If this means hanging it from a tree limb, cementing into the ground, placing in front of a bolder, using chains or swings - or simply making sure its far enough away from the road or higher than the average plow, you will want to do that. Otherwise the plow will take it down with the hesitation of a black fly during a spring picnic.

Sand, or salt. Yes, during winter. And not for fun or dinner, but for your driveway and walkways. Laying either of these on icy areas will help you feel less like you’re on a treadmill, or better yet a backwards slip and slide.

Driving tips - first we’ll start with tires. Make sure you have good tread! This may mean getting a separate set of 4 tires. Yes, another set of tires, made special for winter. Or some folks put chains on their existing tires. Or it may be time to invest in some new all season tires. Either way, make sure they have good tread - this will keep you on the road and off the person in front of you. When driving through a snow storm, keep your high beams off! They will only blind you more. You’ll already be guessing where the road is and if you’re even on the right side. Low beams will help you do that better.

Winter is not a season, but a lifestyle here. After a while (some of us learn quicker than others) that you figure out to care less about fashion and more about practicality. Invest in warm, real boots, quality mittens that you can wash the inserts to, and comfy practical hats - even if they have flaps, cause those flaps work.

Car care - you mine as well sign up for a car wash membership because you will be washing your car a lot in the winter. And undercoating isn’t an option - it’s car survival.

Love to be outside! Unless you are going for the vampire look by spring time, you will want to learn to love outdoor activities. If you follow tip #6, you’re good. Maine is not known for its indoor options either. There is plenty to do! If you need ideas, refer to 20 Things to Do During Maine Winters.

Get some rubbers. For your feet. In other words, mud boots. You will need them.

Spring will gradually happen. I mean gradually. You may even begin to wonder how you offended mother nature and wonder why it’s messing so hard with you. One sunny afternoon you’ll be grillin, soaking up the rays, and the next shoveling 6” of snow off the same patio. Getting the pool ready for summer while having a snowball fight. Trust, it’s a thing:

Mud will be your new flooring. Your driveway, your car, your dog, your soul — all mud. You’ll start rating roads by how deep your tires sink. And whatever you do, don’t park on any lawns or off any pavement.

You won’t be the only one eagerly awaiting the thaw, you will have competition…May flies. There isn’t a bug spray to repel them either. You can always get a fashionable head net, or just swat them away like the rest of us.

Be prepared for your wardrobe to look confused because you will be wearing snow boots with a t-shirt or shorts with a sweater. You can’t put away winter gear just yet either.

Planting - after the last frost date is what they say. Good luck with that here. This is not a thing in Maine. Our weather patterns will have your head spinning. You can start your seeds inside until you know it’s safe, build a mini greenhouse for starters, look for the first full moon, or take your chances.

Spend every minute you can outside! Just like the other seasons, summers aren’t guaranteed. If you have a sun, get out and soak it up. Don’t forget the sunscreen though. You’ve been inside for 6 months, so you are vulnerable.

Go to a lake and to the ocean. We have many lake beaches and some beautiful ocean beaches, enjoy them all.

Learn to work around bug season. Mosquitos aren’t our state bird for nothing. Also, watch out for beach seagulls. They will steal your food. Quite literally, hide your food at all costs - even when eating it. Our seagulls are not intimated by you at all and they will eat your food right out of your hand - or behind your back. Don’t say you weren’t warned.

Invest in air conditioning. Our summers are anywhere from 2 weeks to 4 months long, but trust when it gets hot, it gets hot. Humid hot too. Heat pumps are the way to go up here.

Take the money you save from using as much heat and electricity this season to save up for heat and electricity this winter.

Keep your eye on the weather. Obsessively. One summer day can be 75 and perfect and the next 100 and sweltering.

Enjoy it as much as you can! See as much as you can. Maine is a beautiful state. Fish, swim, wander, drive, eat lobster, and just relax.

Take this time to think about winter. Get your heat pellets, oil, cords of wood. Whatever have you. Cause up here, we hibernate. Oh, and don’t forget to winterize your boat, 4 wheelers, and swimming pool to avoid the coming freeze.

Speaking of preparations, get your winter gear ready! Skis, snowmobiles, plows, fishing gear, clothes, generators etc! You don’t want to do this when you need it, so do it now.

Drive around if you haven’t already. Fall is a beautiful time of year and our trees put on showing. The Height of Land is a wonderful drive.

I hope you like apples. sawdust and pumpkins! Tis the season.

Fall is also known as hurricane season. Wind and rain and loss of electricity. If you invest in a generator, it won’t be money wasted.