Ah, the peaceful night-time comfort sounds of cows bellowing, cats fighting, dogs barking, roosters crowing, and crickets, uh, cricketing, once again soothe me into gentle slumber. The wind rustling in the swaying palms is a gentle symphony. It is Mother Nature's White Noise and it shouts with clarity and volume in my neck of the woods.
Recently, while visiting family in Oregon, I was lying in bed wondering why I couldn't fall asleep. Ah! It was too quiet. I slid out of bed and crept to the window, opening it wide, expecting the unleash the nightsounds into the confines of my bedroom. Alas, the only comforting noise I heard was the distant clackity clack of a train rumbling through town, followed by the blast of the horn echoing eerily across the lake. But after it had passed...silence.
It made me realize that I didn't appreciate what I had at home. Something that could distract my brain from the continual and persistent ringing in my ears that has afflicted me for going on 30 years.
The theme song from an ancient TV show keeps rattling about my head: Green acres is the place for me, farm livin' is the life for me. Country spreadin' out so far and wide. Keep Manhattan, just give me that countryside". I can still picture Eddy Albert and Ava Gabor in their dilapidated farm house...
Okay, I may not be completely a country girl. I only want to hear the animals, not take care of them or smell them. I barely keep my houseplants alive. But there is something extremely comforting about letting those nature sounds lull you to sleep at night. It makes you more a part of it, more in tune with it. So, good night, Bessie. Sorry your udder is full or your little calf has been taken away from you, or perhaps you need a mate. In any case, thank you for the midnight serenade!
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