Yep, it's finally here.

Pack away those swimsuits and flip-flops. Stow the SPF 60 and the Hawaiian shirts.

The shorts, too, go in that "Summer" bin, along with other flowery, feathery, light-colored and lightweight clothing.

Let's reach in the other bin. You know, the one marked "Autumn."

What's in here?

My favorite hat to wear while watching football, for one. Actually I have several favorites and a few new ones. There's the West Virginia University old gold and blue hat -- did I tell you my alma mater is ranked in the preseason Top 10 in just about every poll? Such a ranking always strikes fear in the heart of a true college football fan, especially when it is not a yearly occurrence.

Such a high preseason ranking means one of two things -- either they are very good and will be very good during the season, or, they are over ranked and will disappoint their fans once again.

I remember when I bragged quite about my alma mater nestled in the rolling hills of northern West Virginia, just a quick trip on Interstate 79 from the Pennsylvania state line.

A quick story: I was dating a girl at Penn State University and got to see WVU and Penn State play at Penn State's home field. At that time, the mid-1970s -- WVU hadn't won a game against Penn State since I had been born.

At the end of the first QUARTER Penn State was pounding West Virginia, 31-0, and it got worse.

So when I look at the Mizzou fortunes Saturday as many of our readers will be doing, I know all about that fan thing. I hope Mizzou enjoys an opening-game victory.

That takes care of Saturdays in the fall. What else is in my "Autumn" box?

Oh, there's that thick, warm cable sweater, perfect for a night campfire or just a walk in more pleasant temperatures.

And, there's the scarf for when winter's chill returns. But wait, I'm getting a little ahead of myself.

How's about a rake for the leaves? I know. Rakes are passé. Everyone, and I mean everyone, uses a leaf-blower now.

What else? Pumpkin-scented candles, lots of Earth-tone-colored clothing, another hat, this one a dress hat for church suitable for those fall downpours that occur when the church bells ring Sunday morning.

I'm just about to the bottom of the box. Oh yes, there it is. The pigskin. Poor oblong spheres needs air. Ah, the feel of the football on my fingers. How many sandlot games, bruises, "Mud-bowls" I've played in over the years -- no matter my age, the weather or the level of the competition.

Yep. High school, college, professional football. I might as well admit it.

I've been hooked on football since Johnny Unitas and Bart Starr began zipping aerials down a mud-and-some-grass field.

My pigskin obsession will take me right up to when it's time to open the "Winter" box. You know, that one with the broken string of Christmas lights dangling outside.

Enjoy your Labor Day. Yep. Tuesday will be upon us far too soon. Have a hot dog or burger on me. Make mine well done.

Mason is the editor of The Marshall Democrat-News. Spectrum appears on Friday.