We’ve had fun. We sledded when we would’ve been chipping ice. We skied when we would’ve shoveled. We turned our faces to the sun multiple days in a row.

The cynics among us said we’d have to pay the winter piper at some point.

But we partied on in our 30-degree bliss.

Now the mild-winter party’s over, according to our prognosticators. At least for a little bit.

We’ll face down single digits, combined with wintry blows this weekend. We’ll get a decent snow dump. We’ll get all the things our winters are usually filled with, that procrastinated in getting here this year.

We thought it might be helpful to remind ourselves how to “northern Michigan,” as we’re out of practice.

Don’t travel if you don’t have to. Visibility will be down and roads slick. Stay inside, warm and cozy. If you venture out, dress in smart layers, and keep your hat and gloves on. If you work outside, don’t push yourself too hard. Take breaks.

Know that pale fingers, toes and spots on the face, and numbness are signs of frostbite. Shivering, drowsiness and memory loss are associated with hypothermia. Wet clothes can speed this condition along. So can wind chill, as the wind wicks away warmth from our body.

Make sure heaters are in good condition, ventilating properly and that you have operating smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.

Check on isolated neighbors, family and friends.

We could keep going, but it’s all coming back now. Knowing how to northern Michigan is a bit like riding a bike. We may wobble a bit in the next few days, but we’ll weather the storm.