Comparisons

One of the first things a first-time guest will say is, "How quiet it is here."  In comparison to life in the city, it is just that, but it really isn't quiet at all.  There are those rare occasions when it is absolutely silent, usually right around sundown, and then the quiet is noticeable.  Most of the time some bird or other is calling, yelling, screeching, cawing, chirping, and every rooster in the neighborhood is proclaiming his domain.  Yesterday a bluejay down in the barn made me jump when he told me loudly(!) to step away from the bucket so he could get his breakfast.  Even in the dark, owls whoo-whoo as they do flybys at night.

There are other sounds, as well.  Chainsaws and weed-whackers, tractors either mowing or spreading weed or mold killer in the vineyards, once in awhile a car passing by or a motorcycle revving up, or a semi-truck hitting the Jake brake going downhill clear over on E-16.  The kids up the road come blasting by on their dirt bikes, usually around 8 p.m. in the summer.  At least their parents know where they are.  Thankfully, police and/or ambulance sirens are rare.  A helicopter flying overhead is cause to look up. 

Dogs, big and small, sound off all over the hills at all times of the day or night.  Coyotes yip and yodel (haven't heard them so much lately).  Mares on the adjoining property announce their availability, and the stud answers.  Now and then, when the wind is right, I'll hear cattle on a far-away ranch mooing.  And, of course, Shaddup stands on daily lookout with his incessant yipping.  Shaddup!!

It's the time of year when the wineries bring in live bands for entertainment and we all get the benefit of music and singing.

All things are relative, but, no, it is not quiet here.