Starless

Soft rain falls, ceases, then falls again. No rushing beat of downpours yet, but only gentle pattering, and the merest trickling sounds from the rain gutters. The cold air smells fresh, though for a while the damp scent was augmented by the odor of skunk. I am surprised at how quickly it has turned cold. A few days ago there was still sweltering heat, and tonight feels like December. Most remarkable is the quiet. I stand outside and hear, very faintly, the bark of a dog at some great distance, and the dripping of raindrops from the trees, and even the sound of an oak leaf landing on the pavement. A faint ticking comes from the electric meter, and I hear the rush of blood in my own head. Two nights ago, all such sounds were masked by the katydids and crickets. How close the warm nights were, and how vast is the chilled world. It is not the cold alone that makes me shiver.

Mild

A few katydids survived last night's inclement (delightfully inclement) weather. I hear them now, chirping away, blissfully unaware of their impending doom. I suppose they're a lot like us, after all. I doubt that their song will continue late tonight, as the temperature is dropping rapidly. The day was mild, filled with pleasing cloudscapes that invited me to enjoy the oblivion which gazing at them induced. I shared the afternoon with squirrels, who have been energized by the crispness of the air. They scampered about, explored the trees, and chattered to one another while the sun shone. Now they and the birds have retired for the night, the sky has been cleared of clouds, the first stars are emerging, and only the katydids and the passing cars of a few late commuters disturb the peace of evening.

Nature has been kind today, but people and things have been screwing up. The paper didn't come this morning, and I was unable to find the number to call to get a replacement. The plumbing is behaving badly, and I fear that the pipes might need to be snaked. My Internet service has been reluctant to give me a connection, and it took me almost ten minutes just to fetch the e-mail. The cable was out for a while, too, and is now providing considerable fuzz and frequent static. Is it any wonder I prefer weather to unreliable devices?