If you’ve been paying any attention to old PK lo these many years, you may have picked up on the fact that I’m a sun lover. As in, if it was sunny every day of the year, I’d be super-duper thrilled.

But that being said, I have become a huge fan of autumn over time. Why? Several reasons which include but are not limited to:

• Candy and caramel apples. Call me kooky but they’re awesome. Both of them. All of them. Period and yum.

• Pumpkins. Now, for me, it’s not the actual oversized orange squash that does it. No, It’s everything else that has been birthed as a result. Think candles, pies and even pumpkin spaghetti.

And yes, I can be Italian and still love pumpkin spaghetti, aka, pumpkin squash. Shoot, even jack-o-lanterns are super-super cool. Just sayin’.

• The colors. Say what you want — and I get that it means, sadly, the leaves are dying — but the oranges, reds and even browns are so very beautiful in their own right. Spectacular, even!

• The trends. For instance, this is the only time of year that apple cider is a No. 1 thirst-quencher, am I right? Not to mention the plethora of flavored coffees and teas (et al) that appear in autumn as special fall selections.

More yum.

• The weather. Yes, yes, as mentioned, it’s cooler but it’s also way cool, you know what I mean?

That is to say that after a long spell of super-hot and muggy (and often, buggy!) months, it’s finally time for a little respite. Just sayin’.

• The clothes. Yep, it’s finally time to bust out the scarves and shawls. Ooh, and fall boots! Think brown and suede little numbers, in my humble opinion.

• The food. Yesh, yeah, I know it’s most often associated with Thanksgiving but let’s face it, pumpkin pie with all the toppings sounds not too shabby in any season, am I right?

• Football. Yes, I realize it’s baseball which showcases “the boys of summer,” but, at least in my family, football season rules, yo.

Oh, and forget about the Browns and Steelers argument, I’m all about the Buffalo Bills, in case you were curious? Hee!

• Apple picking. What, I told you I love apples in all shapes and forms. So, sue me!

• Bonfires. Sure, I haven’t been to one since I was in high school, but that doesn’t make them any less amazing, so there!

• Oktoberfests. Self-explanatory.

v The candles. I’m sorry but I’m just a sucker for all the cool variations of apple and, of course, pumpkin, spiced and scented candles that are oh so prominent right about now.

I suppose I’m just an optimist, but fall seems like that special time of year which is the prelude to everyone’s all-time favorite season: Christmastime.

In case I’m not convincing, just flip on the Hallmark Channel on any given fall day and you’re likely to witness a super-cute fall movie with some sweet subtext like long-lost pals who realize they are actually in love. Yes, I’m a Hallmark fan. Shocking, right?

Here’s the fall in all its glory, my friends. I hope you enjoy it as much as old PK!

Kimerer is a columnist with lots of love for the autumn solstice. Contact her with YOUR favorite time of year at pkimerer@zoominternet.net.