the weather has been stormy here in Seattle. walking the dog yesterday meant risking the storm. the streets were nearly empty, as most folks were bundled up inside, and I was eager to get back home myself, but when the dog stopped and sniffed, I stopped too. Although we were getting soaked standing there, I took a deep breath in and was rewarded with the intoxicating tinge of wood smoke carried on the rain-swept wind. the scent was quintessentially October in Seattle: rain and maple leaves and fire, underscored by the damp piney freshness of the evergreens.