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Gearing up for an awesome autumn

It's hard to believe that four days ago, I was sweltering in shorts and a tank top at Janesville's Labor Day parade.

Yesterday, I actually put on slipper socks when I got home from work.

But I'm not complaining. Fall is my favorite season. And here are my top 10 reasons why:

1. Apple picking. Fresh apples are my absolute favorite part of fall. They’re even better, of course, when you pick them yourself. And there’s so many ways to enjoy them! Apple pie, apple cider, apple crisp, caramel apples…Ah, a little taste of heaven.

2. Hooded sweatshirts. The hoodie might be the greatest clothing innovation since blue jeans. I must have spent 10 minutes in front of my closet yesterday deciding which hoodie to wear for sitting on the couch watching “Law & Order." I also really love sweaters, scarves, jackets and hats, so fall is the perfect time for me.

3. Cuddling. No one wants to snuggle on the couch when it’s 95 degrees outside. But as the temperature drops and you resist turning on the heat, what better way to stay warm than to curl up with that special someone?

4. Hot drinks. My mouth is watering for some tea, hot cocoa or cider. Preferably to be enjoyed while cuddling on the couch.

5. Pumpkins. Choosing that perfect pumpkin is almost as good as picking apples. As a kid, I always picked a round, squat pumpkin, while my sister picked a tall, oval one. I love seeing the rows of cheery orange vegetables just waiting to be carved. Plus, I look forward all year to Culver's pumpkin shakes.

6. Baseball playoffs. True, the baseball season is almost over, but at least we get the excitement of the pennant race and the World Series. And it looks like the Brewers might actually be part of the postseason this year! (Cross your fingers and your toes!)

7. My birthday. OK, most of you out there in cyberland probably don’t care about this one. But I care, and it’s my list, so I’m going to include it. It's Sept. 24, in case you're interested.

8. Fall foliage. They make me sneeze and clog my sinuses, but man, I love fall leaves. A tree perfectly tinted in yellow, brown and red can make you glad to be alive.

9. Fall TV. I've waited all summer to find out if Pam and Jim get engaged in "The Office." Just a few more weeks!

10. College football. The NFL is OK, but give me the Big Ten any day. My Wildcats are usually at the bottom of the heap (and not on TV), but I cheer for them anyway. And I still consider myself a Badger, having grown up in Wisconsin and married a UW-Madison grad. Except when Wisconsin plays Northwestern. Then I’m Wildcat through and through.

What do you love about fall?