The rain. I lovelovelove the Oregon winter rain, in all its forms: mist, drizzle, downpour. I love knowing it's what makes this place go green and rampant all spring and summer long. even in "drought" years; I love the sound of it on my bedroom roof. I love the way the overwintering birds splash and play in the puddles on my back patio.

And yes, along about February I begin to crave sunshine, but it will come, and the two-inch spikes of daffodil and tulip shoots peeking up in my garden carry that promise.