Noise in the 'Hood

So, as an urban neighborhood dweller, I've gotten used to some noise. There are at least two leaf blowers going as I write this. I often hear the banter of my neighbor's urban chicken flock in the mornings - or afternoons. Seems chickens don't have regularly scheduled meetings.

Anyway, now that it's getting to be summer, I'm sure I'll hear more noise. Dogs bark, including mine. Kids yell and scream when they play. People drive by with radios blasting and windows down. Maybe there will even be revived construction noise from the supposedly-opening-soon-but-actually-don't-have-money-and-can't-break-ground museum site down the street.

Whatever. It's all part of the urban neighborhood landscape.

What's funny to me though, has been the email "noise" on the neighborhood listserv about the noise outside. People complain about the drive-by, window-rattling bass, the lawnmowers, the dogs, you name it.  Some of their complaints may be legitimate. But personally, if some little person isn't pulling on my sleeve wanting something or if all three of my fellow family members aren't talking to me at once, I consider it downright peaceful — even if there's a 747 landing overhead.

I guess "peace and quiet" are relative terms.