February 13, 2021 - Day 8

 Prompt: Continue the story "For once the fulgent sun was not a welcome sight..."

(Yes, this actually was the prompt for the day.)

Response: For once the fulgent sun was not a welcome sight as the greater Seattle area was finally getting long-awaited snow. 

    The PNW is known for its rainstorms and almost-constant drizzle but snow is a less frequent sight, especially in the Seattle area. Normally I long for the warm, dazzling sun come late Spring and into Summer. Summer is never long enough here in the PNW; in fact its barely long enough to get a good base tan. I'm definitely a summer gal, ready for outdoor adventures to parks, hikes to waterfalls and simply sitting outside reading a good book after ending work for the day. But today, I do not long for Summer but relish the cold, crisp air and the soft white powder accumulating at my feet. Even without the sun, the day is bright and cheery as light reflects off the white blanket covering the ground and the sound of laughter trails down the street as children crash their sleds at the bottom of the hill. There is also a sense of calm and quiet that comes with the snow, though I'm not sure why. It's peaceful to watch it glistening at dusk, all the children home for hot chocolate and warm beef stew. Snow changes the pace of life and it's a pace a quite enjoy. So for this weekend, I bid the dream of sunny warmth goodbye and instead rest beside the cozy wood-burning fireplace flickering in the dark; looking forward to the adventures a snowy Sunday will bring.

February 2, 2021 - Day 7

Prompt: Elmore Leonard famously advised not to start a novel with a description of the weather. Break that rule and write about today's weather.

Response: Today's weather is why every out-of-stater thinks Seattle is the rainy city. Water droplets fell down in a constant pattern of disarray. Gray billowing clouds filled the sky, with tiny peaks of sun as the atmospheric wind shifted the puffs. Puddles forming in gravel driveways reminds owners of the neglected summer project of a french drain. Chickens huddle under a structure, darting out to grab the quick bug or worm and trying to dodge the water droplet. The dog runs outside to relieve himself, takes a quick drink from a nearby puddle on the pavement and is right back at the door wanting to come in, with muddy paws and wet-dog smell. This weather causes drowsiness in a morning Zoom meeting and is reminder to be grateful for the wood-burning stove keeping the house warm and cozy. Just before sunset, the clouds part with noticeable space between each puff and the sun streams through, a reminder that the dreary is always followed by the bright and cheerful. Not enough time for a quick family walk before the sunsets but the peak-a-boo sun was a refreshing end to the day.