Always an Alaskan, Aki never shies from rain or even wind but probably prefers calm, sunny weather. We have such an early holiday gift today. While rain washed our streets clean last night, snow frosted Mount Juneau and the Douglas Island spine. We leave the house just as the sun bursts through channel fog to light up the new snow. Aki pulls on the leash while I try to photograph Mt. Juneau. She wants to visit a Scottie dog that casts a long shadow as he enjoys the sun. I walk with my poodle mix over to the Scottie. Normally friendly, the little gray guy snaps at Aki. Does he worry, like the ancient Britons and sometimes me, that the short days of winter will never end; that summer will never come.