Soundscape moments
Living in the country, sounds are important. I do have the plus of a quiet house, and no close neighbours. A tractor, heading down to the lower field? I notice. A large truck, loaded with spuds heading for the packing plant? I notice. And that sound, reminiscent of playing children? I notice. Except that today it was geese, getting away for the winter.
We live on a major flyway (better than a highway, for sure). Lots of odd little chirpy birds stopping by for a rest. And the occasional goose. Such moments are a high point in an otherwise quiet afternoon. There’s also those strange barks, which I blame on foxes. Our dog doesn’t seem to care (deafness).
We do have to handle other sounds. A delivery van. People walking by on the road, as they complete this leg of their “Island Walk”. A fog horn. Even better, a fog horn, on a passing ship. All pieces of what R.Murray Schafer called the soundscape.
In my dimming world, sounds are rather important. Dropped my spoon? Finding the dog (with his clicky toenails)? Remembering to check the refrigerator door? All important. Yes, I heard that. I’m fortunate, in that I was too lazy a drummer to ruin my hearing. A risk, believe me. Never had to go to war, and stand too close to a cannon. Another risk, missed.
Am I rambling? Maybe. Blame it on this being close to supper time. I’ll post, soon. And then move on to other things. Still have to stay awake until dark. Not my dark; the sun is going down.
