We List The Sure Signs That Fall Has Hit Casper

Inevitably, cooler temperatures will call for me to wear pants...occasionally. Let's face it. I didn't get into a slacker occupation that pays slightly more than minimum wage so that I could dress up. That said I also don't enjoy shivering on the job, so compromise was in order. I'm in the process right now of stocking up on dress pajamas.

Cooler temperatures mean that the game you know and love are making their way down to the lower elevations. The babies reared over the Spring and Summer can now survive on their own, and we are able to participate in keeping Wyoming's wildlife lean, mean, and manageable. You know who you are. Save me some jerky.

This is just par for the course when you sell ice cream in Casper. Where you have on average only three months when temperatures range in the 80s or higher, making it a go in the ice cream business is a risky one. It certainly helps when you can branch out into other areas such as burgers, hot dogs, specialty items, or other fare. Seven months out of the year we can just pluck a tongue-sticking icicle from our roof or enjoy a delicious snow cone from our front yard. Just avoid the dog flavoring.

Another cool thing about living in the Rockies is that snow doesn't just appear in Winter. In fact, it's been known to happen in Spring, occasionally Summer, and especially Fall. Yep, 'bout mid-September's when we see our first flakes. It's ususally a heavy, wet blanket that downs a few power lines and a few leaf-laden tree branches. It serves to remind plants and flowers that they're supposed to die. Tomato alerts are issued, and people have to be reminded how to drive in the wet slush all over again. I'm a sight to behold this time of year because I'm still wearing shorts, but with a long-sleeve flannel, galoshes, and brush/scraper in my hand.

The appearance of colder weather isn't all bad. For one, it allows you to restock your CD collection that was lifted a few months ago when your car was unlocked. Yep, happy days for us and our cherished car treasures. It's not nearly as fun to commit crimes in 20 degree weather, plus the sloppy conditions make it more difficult to run from law enforcement. Ever try to tag your turf in a 40 mph crosswind? The downside - shoplifting is back in fashion.

This time of the year in Casper, we can wake up to frost; enjoy sunshine for most of the morning followed by some clouds, light rain turning to sleet accompanied by thunder and then a few snow flakes, then bask in more sunshine and 75 degrees until sunset...when you'd better have a coat if you're outside, because it gets downright nippy. You actually have to experience it to believe it! You can be so hot one minute standing under that October Sun and then when a cloud passes through - you're shivering. With these sudden changes in atmospheric pressure, a lot of people can also expect to become ill. So always on the agenda for this time of year - flu shots. They're recommended, advertised, and available everywhere but the tire stores. It's a good idea. Be prepared and get one.

This is another part of the change in seasons that I actually enjoy. Summer is filled with just about every kind of gnat, locust, june bug, miller, moth, and mosquito out there - and most of them like to spend their evenings hovering around my porch lights. They can't get enough of that heat and camaraderie during the evenings. Sometimes you need netting just to walk in my front door. This is why I love that the bugs can't handle the drop in temperature. They fly south, go off to incubate, hibernate, or whatever they do, and finally leave me and my poor outdoor lighting alone. Bye bugs. Die bugs.

You have to admit that there's nothing like sitting in front of a toasty fire on these chilly evenings. Still it's kind of funny because during the time when you absolutely don't need a heating stove; that's when these businesses have to push the hardest and offer you the best deals. Nothing like sweating yourself silly and burning your hands as you unload one of these babies in July. It just goes without saying that our heating friends are relieved to see we're back, and that we still need them.

Admit it! Somewhere in this town, you've already seen the signs that Santa Claus is on his way...in three months! In this tougher economy, local businesses are clamoring to be the first to grab your present-buying attention. It's one of those things where we're trying to save by picking up discount Halloween costumes and candy at the same time that sparkling ornaments and snow globes can be found in the next aisle. And of course the kids love the reminder! It just leaves us shaking our heads, because we're always getting sold something! The good news is that no one really wants to utter the "C" word until at least early November for fear of getting their tongue bow-tied. Happy Holidays!

Sometimes I wonder if I'm the only one bugged by this. A lot of my favorite places to eat, that just happen to have great soups, stop selling them during the Summer months. I'm Cowboy Troy. I don't think I should be punished for wanting a creamy, steaming cup of clam chowder in August. I eat chile year 'round! Wendy's is getting sick of me and vice versa. That's just how I roll. Once fall arrives, though, I'm back in business. Thank goodness!

Our sports mean a lot to us, and arguably none more than football. Whether it's getting bundled up to take in a game in person complete with some awesome tailgating, watching our kid make his mark at the high school level, or just taking one in from the relaxing comfort of our favorite armchair, this awesome game engulfs us this time of year. And no other sport gets us as jazzed. (except maybe curling) There are pools, contests, special months, the numerous championships. It even makes us forget that it might be snowing and freezing outside, with plenty of soup, no bugs or new graffiti, limited white legs, heaters, game in the freezer, Santa, and ice cream if you want it...because it is fall, after all.