The first snow of the season always seems to catch us a bit unprepared and rusty in our skills, whether it involves how to drive or how to clear the streets and sidewalks.

But when the first snow of the season piles up enough to warrant a winter storm warning and is followed by strong winds, the remedial learning curve is that much more difficult.

There was no "practice" snow. Just as some city trucks used for plowing still had leaf collecting equipment attached to them, many residents still had rakes resting where snow shovels needed to be.

The good news about the snow is that it covered up the leaves many of us hadn't finished raking. The bad news is that the snow will melt and the leaves won't.

We shouldn't need "practice" to remember basics such as turning on headlights when visibility is poor, clearing snow away from those headlights as well as taillights and slowing down in snowy weather.

Remembering how to handle a skid, properly use antilock brakes and maneuver through piles of slush might take a little longer.

The key word is "patience."

Be patient with yourself and allow extra time to reach your destination. Be patient with other drivers, some of whom may be teens or others with limited winter-driving experience. Be patient with state and city crews trying to clear streets.

We have had our winter wake-up call. Put the kitty litter in the trunk and the extra blanket in the car.

We hope state and local governments are prepared, too, with sufficient money set aside for plowing and salting streets in these tough economic times.

Exercise good judgment in deciding whether to venture out when stormy weather is predicted or has occurred. But don't panic at the first flake. It's only snow - and it's only December. Odds favor us receiving a lot more "practice" before spring arrives.