If November on Nantucket is the season for commercial scalloping and Thanksgiving, and December is Christmas and the Stroll, then what are the winter months of January, February and March known for? The "Old Farmer's Almanac," that annual old-fashioned chronicle of how to live by nature's rhythms, predicts "teeth-chatteringly cold" for those deep winter months this season. For those who were on-island last year, that is heart-sinking news. Last winter was one of the roughest in recent years, with consecutive days and weeks of high winds, frigid temperatures and frequent snowstorms. The island was isolated for days at a time on several occasions when winds whipped up the waves in the sound to such a fury that boats were canceled and the air was so turbulent that planes stopped flying. And now the OFA says we could be in for more of the same. Islanders and those transplants from the mainland who have lived here a long time are matter-of-fact about the realities of living on Nantucket. Always keep an eye on the weather forecast several days before you have to travel and be prepared to go ahead of time. Personally, I love a good storm, as long as it is not life-threatening and doesn't tear the roof off anything. Growing up on the island I remember the kerosene lanterns that sat on the top shelf of our kitchen, ready for the next winter storm and power outage. The electricity supply was far less reliable then and losing the electricity was commonplace. There was also a box of Carnation instant powdered milk in the cupboard, as if we would perish if we didn't have our daily glass of milk, and a packet of yeast in the refrigerator. I don't remember my mother ever making bread, for any reason, but we did have to drink that nasty powdered milk from time to time. The sense of adventure of living on an island 30 miles at sea continues today, and the feeling is heightened in the winter during a storm. Sometimes we don't have a boat for days and the stores run low on produce, bread and milk. But no one goes hungry. A few years ago we had a three-day blow with no service from boats or planes for as many days. Store shelves got pretty bare and at least one restaurant closed, putting out a sign that said. No Boat. No Booze. No Food. Closed! On day four, the seas calmed and boats and planes ran again, bringing supplies to the island. Life goes on. Enjoy your winter wherever you are and embrace the beauty, and sometimes the ferocity, of the season. Marianne R. Stanton Editor and Publisher