Remember this as the temperatures change in Iowa

The first day of fall in in 2021 came on September 22. That means cooler temperatures all throughout the Midwest and in Iowa.

It's easy to get uncomfortable, complain about the constant gray skies, and shudder in fear at the thought of 50-degree weather.

But, as Iowans, we've seen much, much worse. Just eight months ago Des Moines experienced the coldest temperatures of the year, -17 degrees. Yeah, uh, hard pass.

In 2020 (the worst year many of us have experienced), the lowest temperature was -10 degrees. In 2019 it was -19 degrees.

In other words, let's keep these cooler temps in perspective. Sure, it's 70 degrees today, but weather will soon take a turn for the worst, and we need to appreciate it while we've got it. Temperatures aren't the only thing changing. There's many more transitions to come as we traverse towards autumn.

Fall can be truly great for a lot of reasons. I'll name a few:

• Enjoying a cold beer next to a fire with friends.
• Football season is a live and well, and the UNI Panthers are damn good. The Hawkeyes aren't bad too, I suppose.
• The changing in regards to fashion trips anyone's trigger -- flannels are officially in style. It's time to show off those new jeans. Pull-overs are officially back. It's hoodie season. Sweet Jesus, I love hoodie season. Sweatpants. I repeat --  SWEATPANTS.
• The tree leaves changing colors will always be absolutely gorgeous, and may be the prettiest physical feature we've got in the Hawkeye State (no, corn doesn't count).
• The food -- especially come Thanksgiving. Pumpkin pie with whip cream, turkey, green bean casserole, mashed potatoes and gravy, fresh baked buns. The list can go on and on.
• Halloween will be here soon enough. After dressing up as such for my nephew's third birthday (seen below), I'll be Spider-Man this year.

It's going to be tough to say goodbye to summer, but there's so much to look forward to. Let's be grateful for what we've got.