The Sounds of Silence

For the last four hours, the power has been out in my neighbourhood. It's amazing how much buzzing we become accustomed to as part of our idea of "silence." With no power, there was also no computer humming, no refrigerator buzzing, no fountain dribbling (yes, you'll be surprised to know, as I was myself, that I have a fountain in my house, a birthday present from an old and dear friend who made it from her own bare hands.) The sound of all those things not running was quite eerie. Further, there was no opportunity to listen to music or the radio, no way to cook food or get a shower. So I got to read the paper and read a little more a book I have to review for a journal. But reading the paper just wasn't the same. Usually my Saturday savouring of the Globe and Mail is a guilty pleasure, something I take time that I shouldn't be taking to do. Today, it was there to do because of all the other things I couldn't do. Very strange.

And oddly, I've felt like a prisoner in my own apartment, even though I live downtown in a city that's pretty bustling on a Saturday. I did get up and go the the market (Halifax has a wonderful Saturday morning Farmer's Market), but that's something you can do beforeyou shower and get ready for the day. I've been waiting, not so patiently, for the electricty to come back on so I can shower, eat something good, and get on with the day.

And what a day it is! Finally, we are getting spring and warm temperatures. I think it's time to leave the house to enjoy the sunny day and all its other sounds.

But what a very weird day so far.