Ten Things You Better Have To Survive A Minnesota Winter

Here we go, another winter in Minnesota. And although we have been through this before, it never hurts to have a little refresher on the things that will make your life more bearable during the deep freeze. You don't want to skimp on these. Here are the things you cannot survive without in the Land of 10,000 Lakes this winter.

1. A shovel.

That is if you want to keep your sidewalks, driveways, and steps clear so you can get around this winter.

2. Warm gloves or mittens.

A nice cup of coffee, cocoa or tea won't hurt either, but numb or frostbit fingers just plain suck.

3. A reliable vehicle.

Few things are a s painful as heading out to work or school, turning the key, and nothing happens. Our lives depend on going places. Make sure you can get there.

4. Long underwear.

In Texas they call 'em long handles. In Minnesota we call them essential. Few things add more warmth in the bitter cold than a pair of these babies. (And we recommend you put a shirt on.)

5. A crock pot.

Sure, in theory we love the mythical hot dish, but when it comes to throwing together supper in the morning before work so you can walk in the door at the end of the day and smell that ready-to-eat 'smell,' the crock pot is a MN essential.

6. Cold meds.

Sorry, but it's gonna happen. "This year I'm not going to get a cold." Also trending, "I can't wait until I get my pet unicorn." Have the DayQuil on hand.

7. Good, warm boots.

Because nothing sucks more then painfully cold or wet toes. Nothing. (No, not even that.)

8. Ice scraper.

You don't want to get caught with a coat of ice on your windshield, and nothing but credit card as a weapon. (We know, you've tried it.) The Macy's card is for buying new gloves. Get an ice scraper.

9. Jumper cables.

Nothing will make you feel more helpless than not having them -- or more heroic than having them and knowing how to use 'em. (And it's so easy.)

10. A sense of humor.

Nothing ever goes as planned. Your ice scraper will break. Your car will get stuck. Your son will get his tongue stuck to the flag pole. We're 'Minnesota Nice' and like ducks, we let it all roll off our backs. Get too serious about it all and you're doomed (with Mother Nature laughing in the background).

You betcha!