Many
folks know I can be fascinated by noises. Anything from how the
level of sound seems to change over the course of a day to the
things outside that defy discovery. Now spring has made a definitive
turn into warmer weather around here, which leads to an overwhelming
arrival of random distractions.
Why
the spring?
Well,
I suppose the big thing is that I’m sliding outside a bit more.
Also opening the windows around the house. I’m encountering things
that either escape my notice or simply don’t happen when the world
is bundled up on a frigid late January day.
Couple
across the street have an adorable little girl. About four years
old. And she appears to me to be every bit of exhausting, inquisitive
and cute that you would hope for and expect. A few months ago,
I didn’t hear a thing when she joined her mother on a walk to
the mailbox. Now, her laughter cascades into my house whenever
something catches her attention.
Earlier
today, a truck managed to stump me.
We
get trucks down our road all the time. In fact, nearby, a dirt
road breaks off of it and down behind many of the houses. There
are a couple of golf courses built up not too far away. Not short
walking distance not too far, but regardless of which combination
of turns you make to leave the house you will end up passing a
few holes of one or two of them. The dirt road is slightly lengthy,
but it leads to a place that has easy access to all of the golf
courses. One ownership group, so they use the area to store sand
and other materials for the courses.
It
isn’t that uncommon to have a truck on that road any time of year.
But in the spring, as the courses are being set up and prepared
and opened, there can be a parade on some days. Plus, every afternoon
during the school year, a bus uses the edge of the road as a place
to turn around.
But
today, as I looked out the window expecting to see a truck moving
along the road, I saw nothing. Heard the noise though.
And
it’s strange because you do get used to the different vehicles
that come into the neighborhood. I know when the mail arrives.
I recognize the deliveries arriving at my house and those nearby,
and have reached a point when I know what company it is bringing
the packages based on the timing of their routes.
Helicopter
flew overhead today. Wonder if it was for a lesson. There’s a
small airport nearby where people can go to learn how to pilot
planes and helicopters. There are also at least two businesses
that have helipads, and if you watch the flight direction you
can usually figure out where they’re headed (and even who might
be onboard).
Last
night I slept with the windows open. Woke up at one point, a soft
sound of leaves and branches being gently disturbed echoed across
the yard. Looking outside, dimly lit, in the distance I could
make out the shapes of three deer leaving my yard and entering
the brush.
Outdoors.
A magical place, especially at certain times of the year. Whether
it’s the deer crossing a field or a group of kids yelling “car”
and taking their toys to the edge of the road until it passes.
Magical.
I
may not find what I’m expecting to see from time to time. Doesn’t
matter, because more often than not there is a little reward.