The rain pounded hard this morning. Rain fell for the past several days, and a wake formed on the sides of my wheels from the standing water on a good part of my route. It hasn't rained like "Seattle rains" much in the three years I lived here. I think it is only appropriate that the rain is falling so much now, and it happens to be the month I joined the "Ride the Rain Challenge" for commuters. My ears feel deafened during most of my commute from the din of cars and trucks driving by. For about 10 seconds this morning, silence wrapped me during a rare stretch with no traffic around. I got to hear the pitter-patter or the rain falling on my jacket and ground. That sound is one of the most wonderful things about rain. I crave that noise. Months of rain can go by in the city, and I don't hear that noise. I am so grateful I got to hear this sweet and simple treasure.