Quiet Day

Karen's right, as usual, "People can work in their yards." And, some people need equipment to do the work. But...

I was reminded of this yesterday. I am surrounded on four sides, maybe more, by some of the loudest yard equipment in the world, it seems. I couldn't get Cody to sleep/nap--each time he dozed off, some other ear-splitting racket started up. I couldn't hear myself think (which might be a good thing!) I even just went for a walk to escape the noise.

In the summer, we don't like to close up the house. We have only had central air for a few years and use it maybe half a dozen times each summer. We stay cool enough. But when the Jumbo Jets, er, lawn mowers come out, we have to shut up the house, closing all windows and doors, if we want to talk, gab on the phone, or even listen to the radio or tube. Hearing the gangsta rap music from the main drag a quarter mile away is one thing; this is another.

I don't begrudge the landscaping businesses their machines. After all, it's their business and are often done in a short while. And, neighbors have a right to own what they want; that, too, is their own business. But that's not the point. That someone can do something doesn't mean someone should do something. For example, one can run a stop sign, esp if there are no police officers around. But the driver shouldn't run it, except, of course, in a real emergency.

OK, people can have yard equipment. I'm not a 21st Century Luddite. I have a power mower, not self-propelled, but it does make some noise. But, that's about it. Nothing else used on a regular basis, all four seasons. In part, that's because I enjoy the physical work, shoveling snow, clipping/trimming the grass with old-fashioned clippers, etc. If others prefer machines, fine. Except....

Do their tractors have to be as loud as 747s? Their weed-whackers and, esp, leaf blowers are even louder. I don't live next to the airport. It's not my fault if they "need" tractors, blowers, etc.; in fact, if they need them, most likely, whose fault is that?

Perhaps, since government is in the business of telling everyone and everything what's best, there should be a law proclaiming one or two days a week to be "Quiet Day(s)." On these days, it would be illegal to start up the noisemakers. We could hear ourselves talk and even think; the kids could take their naps.

Of course, I'm being facetious (note all 5 vowels are in order in that word!), but still getting a dig in on two of my pet peeves: noise/laziness and government.

Out to work in the yard.... Ha Ha.