The sun sets at 4:40 pm now, and I get out of five; my free time is perpetual darkness. Daylight savings time is the official start of winter in Seattle National Forrest. Perma-dark means having extra lights and spare batteries, but it also means cold. There's no sun for warmth, except going out for lunch, and even then, if it's clear enough to see the sky, the southern sun is weak.

Commuting by bike isn't bad, as long as it isn't raining. This is when driving tends to be the most miserable. I'm cold when I step outside with my bike, until the exercise warms me up, but I'd be cold in the car until the engine warms, too.

There are fewer bikes on the road at rush hour, and the rack downstairs is usually empty. On the other hand, there's one other brave (sometimes) bike commuter, and this guy isn't even locking his bike these days. I guess no one will steal one if they have to ride away in the cold...