The 15 True Phases Of Surviving A Maine Winter

We've had a few mild days, but that doesn't mean winter won't be on the way. Even Maine's mild winters include some snow and with that snow comes some very predictable behaviors. The temperatures and the actual snowfall amounts might change, but the phases of a Vacationland winter do not. So, if you're new to the state this is what you can expect. Those who have been here a while will probably have most of this etched into their memory already!

1. The first snow predictions start rolling out.

But, we all know there's nothing to worry about. it's a beautiful sunny day. And it's 50 degrees! How could we possibly see snow this week? And, anyway, even if the snow does come — we're Mainers. What's a little snow?!

2. The sky gets dark, making us wonder if maybe we actually might see a flurry or two.

That 50-degree day gave way to a 38-degree day, which does seem sort of peculiar. And, the sky seems a little darker than I remember it being this morning. It smells a little like it might snow. But, good thing I'm a Mainer. Nothing to worry about here. I'm ready for anything! Especially since it'll probably just be a dusting.

3. The weather people get more specific and finally tell us to expect a dusting.

We can handle a dusting! What's a little snow on the windshield in the morning? It's barely worth getting out the snow scraper. Just grab the Gazetteer and wipe it away.

4. The mind invents snow situations that are good.

A dusting is okay, but snow is so beautiful maybe it would be nice to get a lot of it. The trees look so magical and the land is so quiet. Yes, snow might be nice. BRING ON THE SNOW.

5. It becomes clear that a trip to Hannaford might be necessary.

I'll just pick up a few essentials. It's so easy to stop in on my way home from work. I'll grab some bread, some milk, and maybe a few beers. This is going to be a great snow day! Light snow, a fire in the fireplace, work cancelled, nothing to worry about.

6. Time to start wondering if the kids will have a snow day.

Perfect! They'll go outside, play with the neighbors and I'll have some peace and quiet. Maybe I'll even get this year's holiday card photo with the backdrop of perfect snow.

7. The grocery store is out of food, making you wonder if this snow storm might actually be something. Are you underprepared?!

So far things have been calm, cool and collected. A dusting is predicted, but you assume there might be an inch more than that. You can't ever trust the weather report, after all. But then you walk into the store to find that everyone else seems to be in a panic. Have you underestimated what's coming? Where's all the bread?!

8. It begins snowing around 9 p.m. By 10 p.m. there's a foot of snow.

This is a little bit above average. But they predicted a dusting. How could this be? I blame the weather report for the fact that I'm not prepared to run the snowblower.

9. Twenty minutes pass...

Things have gone from a dusting to inches to full on blizzard. Why wasn't I told about this?

10. Well, that escalated quickly.

I've woken up to snow tunnels for streets.

11. A tree falls on something and someone somewhere is now missing power.

It's inevitable. Especially after the prediction of a "dusting." The fact that there's a tree on my neighbor's car would indicate that this is slightly more than a "dusting."

12. The realization that your snow day is becoming a snow maintenance day, or...

13. Or, alternatively, you may be at the phase where nobody in a position to make decisions about closing the office has made any decisions about closing the office.

And so, while they make their way to work in an easy way, we shovel. And shovel. Because, let's be honest, we're still going to work.

14. At least the skiing will be good this weekend!

Once we've dealt with the blow that a Maine blizzard can bring, let's imagine ourselves IN it. If you can't beat 'em, join 'em!

15. And, eventually, the slow and calming realization that no matter what there's nothing like the beauty of a Maine winter.

As long as you can get through the shoveling, the "dusting" and the kids with nothing to do you'll be fine!

To continue your winter preparations, consider adding these 10 activities to your to-do list. They're all fun and not a single one includes going to the mall to get your photo taken with Santa!