Sounds of Silence

A friend of mine has her daycare provider out of town for the week, so I'm watching her toddler for a few days. My toddler has been ecstatic, the baby has been fascinated, and I've been exhausted.

Astonishingly enough I have managed to get all three of them down at the same time. The husband is out of the house on various errands, and silence rests upon us all. It's so great.

I've always appreciated silence. There's just something so weighty and rich about the quiet that comes from having all the electronic noisemakers turned off. The television, the radio, the stereo - I'll turn 'em all off and then turn off the air conditioner, the fans, the washing machine, the dryer, the dishwasher, and just sit there, taking in the wind, the birds, a distant lawnmower, voices from other people's yards and open windows.

Soon, everyone will be awake, and the shrieking, squealing, giggling, yelling and screaming will recommence. Hopefully not too soon. I'm enjoying this.