January is...

(from a prompt: "What is the best part of January?")

January is... strangely warm. The ground has thawed after a long December of freezing temperatures. I have to wipe off the dogs' feet when they come in from outside. The kitchen floor has muddy pawprints. The days have been rainy and cloudy, reflecting my mood.

But I did see the sun today, if only briefly.

The best part of January is the new year of hope it offers.