BY KYLE LOVERN

This time of year, as we transition from the “dog days” of summer to the milder days of autumn, fills me with mixed emotions.

Those hot and humid days of late summer are tough, especially as you get older. Many love the fall of the year and say it is their favorite of the four seasons.

The milder days and cooler nights are more comfortable. Soon our foliage along the mountains will be mixed with different colored leaves of red, orange and gold — making for some beautiful photos.

As the Labor Day weekend passes by, the last long holiday weekend of the summer months, we will slide full force into fall. Even though the calendar says autumn does not officially start until Sept. 21, the meteorological winter has started, according to the TV weather forecasters.

For me, I do love fall. However, I know what is around the corner – winter. I am not a fan of the short, cold, cloudy and gloomy days of winter. It gets dark by 5:30, thanks to daylight saving time.

For some, those short, gray days can even lead to SAD (seasonal affective disorder). After all, sunshine and being able to get outside for cookouts, outdoor sports or swimming makes us feel better. It is a proven fact that our moods can really change when it comes to the weather and changing seasons.

Think about how great you feel when spring comes, the days get warmer and you start to see flowers bloom and the trees “green up.”

The Christmas season is great, but after the first of the year, we have at least 8 to 10 weeks of our coldest and snowiest days of the year.

The best part of those winter months for me is basketball season.

I don’t like being snowed in or cooped up and not being able to get out and go places.

But let’s get back to fall. Like many of you, I enjoy football season. I love the cooler temperatures and always enjoy Halloween and Thanksgiving holidays that come in the fall months.