Baseball may be America’s favorite pastime, but football is certainly America’s favorite sport.

Lucky for us, it has returned in all its glory.

I enjoy football, truly, but more than that I love all the wonderful things that come with it: the fall weather, the changing leaves, the fans always sporting their teams, Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and all the way through Super Bowl Sunday.

For me, football has always been a big part of my life. My brother played since he was young, starting with flag football and playing up through his senior year of high school. For most of it, I was on the sidelines either as a cheerleader or as a supportive sister at each and every game.

I won’t say I’m a die-hard fan or that I know all the plays and penalties, but I can stay pretty well in tune with a game.

Being on the sidelines, you pay enough attention to know and start to pick up on the rhythm of it, at least enough to know the proper cheer to call. Over time, I figured out what first and 10 meant and why it was good. I also started to understand the names of different positions and what their role is, though by no means would I say I’m an expert.

This year, however, I’m excited to see how the Lions do — sorry, Dad.

We’ve always been Green Bay Packers fans in our house. However, my dad is from Detroit and my mom is from metro Detroit, so I’ve never understood the obsession with the Wisconsin team, especially since my grandma on my dad’s side is such a huge Lions fan. I followed along just to be a part of the family, and, as I used to say, because I liked living in my house.

I also have never really cared enough to dedicate myself to a certain team. Usually, I just enjoy watching a good, competitive game between whichever teams are capable.

The Lions-Packers game was always the most intense for us, and we loved it when they would play on Thanksgiving Day. Surrounded by family and food, there was always enough blue and green in the room to feel the competitiveness in the air.

Nevertheless, I remain a Packers fan because I love my family. But, I also love Detroit, and since the Lions have never been so good, I do hope to see them go far — dare I say all the way?

But, for now, I’m ready for the temperatures to drop, the leaves to change, and all things comfy and cozy to return in the fall.

I’m excited to see what fall is like in northern Michigan.

I moved to Alpena in November last year. Unfortunately, everything was dead and grey by then. It was almost immediately time for winter boots and jackets when I arrived.

So it’s been a pleasure to see summertime in northern Michigan, which Kid Rock has always been singing about how beautiful it is. And he was right.

The water was so blue and clear. Temperatures, even on the hottest day, never seemed suffocating, especially when by the water.

Alpena specifically showed how much it had to offer with a handful of festivals, several opportunities for live music, relaxing and never-too-crowded beaches, and the way the town really seemed to come alive the past few months.

Despite the attractiveness of summer, it’s time for fall, and I’m excited to see what the season will hold.

Fall has always been my favorite season, aesthetic-wise. The reds, yellows, and oranges put a real-life filter on the world, so beautiful, comforting, and unique.

The fall smells, foods, and beverages might just be the best part, though. My fall candles have already been brought out, and the summer scents have been pushed to the back. Nothing beats a cup of warm cider and fresh donuts from a cider mill. All things pumpkin spice are back and I welcome them with open arms.

It’s almost time to bring out the candy corn and caramel apples, too. And, after that, we’ll have plenty of pumpkin pie, turkey, stuffing, sweet potato casserole, and all the other magnificent things on the Thanksgiving table.

So bring on the football, trick-or-treating, apple picking, pumpkin carving, falling leaves, and more.

I’m ready to put on a sweater and watch a game.

Torianna Marasco can be reached at 989-358-5686 or tmarasco@thealpenanews.com.