The Betster knows. We’re in what the weather nerds call a transitional maritime zone, sort of a fancy way of saying, “Could be wet and warm, could be cold and dry.” Here in lower Cook Inlet, She Who Makes the Weather likes to pitch us a changeup now and then. We Homeristas aren’t like the New York Yankees, though. Nothing surprises us.

So when Ma Nature actually grants us fall weather that feels like fall weather, we know what to do. Take off the raincoats. Put on the hiking boots. Grab a chainsaw and put in your winter supply of wood. Or, if you’re feeling adventurous, head for the hills and go see all those moose that laid low during hunting season.

We’re Alaskans. Here in the land where anything can happen — even some of that s-n-o-w — we’re ready. Bring it on! Weather, schmeather. Rain, sun, snow, variety is the lice of spife, just like these Best Bets:

BEST BUG EYED MONSTER BET: They’re weird and strange with their big eyes and funny looking heads, those aliens. We’re not talking The Grays, but invasive species — weird crabs and stuff that have snuck into lower Cook Inlet. Learn about them from 3-5 p.m. today at the Alaska Islands and Ocean Visitor Center when the Kachemak Bay Research Reserve holds yet another of its cool Discovery Labs.

BEST GO JUMP IN A COLD BAY BET: Don’t try to tell Christie Hill off by telling her to go jump in a lake. She’ll look you straight in the eye and say, “And shall I put you down for a $25 pledge?” Homer’s premiere Polar Bear Plunger is already lining up donations for the next American Cancer Society Polar Bear Plunge in Seward. You can help her out by making this week’s movie date the 6 p.m. Friday showing of “Black Dahlia” at the Homer Theatre, a fund-raiser for her cause.

BEST SMELLS LIKE IRELAND BET: Ah, the rolling hills, the heather, the quaint little pubs and that sweet sulfur smell of coal. Yeah, sometimes Homer seems a bit like the old country. With more coal projects on the horizon, Alaskans could be smelling more coal. Good or bad? Join the Pratt Museum’s Community Conversation when Deland Anderson facilitates the discussion from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Friday at the museum.

BEST PAY IT FORWARD BET: Jeff Middleton is the kind of guy who, when a seasoned citizen casually mentions she needs a new outhouse hole dug, shows up the next day with his backhoe and lickety split she’s good, no charge. Like so many of us, he doesn’t have that premier health plan, and with some medical bills and stuff, well, his friends are going to help him out. Head out to The Dirtball at 5:30 p.m. Saturday at the Homer Elks Lodge, a fund-raiser with music, dinner and live and silent auctions.