One of the best things about growing up in Kansas was that this state had four distinct weather seasons.

It used to snow – a lot – when we were younger. I remember numerous blizzards roaring through the flatlands. The cold eventually gave way to springtime, and the thunderstorms would come rolling through. Summer was a great time for kids and young adults because of all the outdoor activities. Fall was welcomed just to cool things off. 

I enjoyed them all. Not so much today. Keep your winters and keep your summers. I’ve since become a fair-weather old man.

This past spring was especially nice. We were gifted a spring that was reminiscent of years past. The warm, not hot, wet weather stuck around for a couple of months, and it was awesome. Then summer heated up and made up for lost time. I really don’t enjoy the heat any longer. It’s too hot.

But to me, winter is even worse. I dislike the cold even more than the heat and it stays around entirely too long, as well. And it’s a law you must remove snow from your sidewalks. It wasn’t so bad when we were getting paid for it.

These past few days have been amazing. This cooler than normal weather is just perfect. With the rain mixed in, it’s a win-win. And now that we’ve been treated to a small sample of what’s ahead, I’m ready for it to stick around for a couple of months.

I do realize we’re not done with the heat, but the cool has given me good thoughts. It has allowed me to think ahead to the pleasant days that await us.

As I was sitting on my  front porch Sunday morning, sipping on a cup of black coffee with both dogs leaning against me because of the thunder, I thought of all the reasons I love fall and fall weather. I was in a good spot. Even though it will be hot again for a while, I was able to look ahead. 

These are some of the things I saw in the near future:

• The obvious first choice is cooler temperatures. No additional explanation needed.

• Being able to sit on the front porch. Most summer days and evenings, it’s not until the sun goes down that we can sit on our west-facing front porch. This is tough because we have an active block with kids and friendly neighbors that like to stop by and visit. We miss them when we are in back on the deck — where the sun isn’t melting me.

• Football is back. I love football at all levels – high school, college and professional. We enjoy having people over on game days and trying to outdo one another on tailgating foods. My 8-year-old grandson, all 49 pounds, has started tackle football in Wichita. Not sure I’m ready for that. I hope he is.

• The baseball playoffs and World Series are getting close. 162 games make for a long season, but these guys won’t mind playing for a few more weeks. I sure won’t mind watching a few weeks longer. Please Royals, I will appreciate it more if it’s you I’m watching.

• Hoodies. One of the best items ever made. A perfect early fall evening was made for hooded sweatshirts. A perfect late fall afternoon was made for hoodies. You can’t have too many hoodies. 

• The leaves start turning colors from green to fiery red, orange and yellow. Beautiful. I’ve witnessed the Aspens change in Colorado but a fall trip to the Northeast to experience those colors is on my bucket list. 

• Fall weather is perfect for spending time at the fishing lease. Nothing like catching a few bass and catfish, enjoying an adult beverage, listening to football on the radio, grilling, and just hanging out with friends and family. These are great weekends.

• This one is kind of out of the blue, but I enjoy fall harvest. It is so cool to watch the silage pits and the high moisture corn pits being built. The tractor drivers that are skilled in this field make it look easy. But let’s not forget, we all need to be courteous to one another on the roads and highways. None of us own the road.

• Dove hunting. I don’t do it any longer, but I have great memories of being close to water and picking off dove as they approached.

• I also really enjoy the smell of a bonfire, fire pit or chiminea pouring out wood smoke. But there’s just something extra special about the smell of a wood-burning fireplace in your neighborhood.

• Bugs die. This is another one of my favorites. Mosquitoes, flies, moths, fleas, ticks and most every other kind of insect die a slow, cold death. 

Hopefully, you can tell my feelings for fall. But again, the best thing about fall is summer is over and it isn’t winter yet. 

As I near retirement, I need to find a place that has spring and fall weather year-round.

— Keith Lippoldt