We live in a very noisy world. We are constantly being pummeled by sounds of one sort or another. Most are oblivious to this, particularly those who live in cities. Me, I am sound sensitive.

Here on the home front, it’s pretty quiet. It used to be even more so, but the area has become more populated, and people are a noisy lot. The wind, it was relentless, although it was bothersome on just a few occasions, particularly late at night when I was trying to fall back asleep.

We got a foot of snow last night and woke up to a winter wonderland. I waded in knee deep snow to the horse enclosure – they were milling around like they usually do, but there wasn’t much poop lying around. It was buried under the snow.

I was struck by the quietude – Raudi coughs once in the morning, as I put her hay down. And all three snort a few times. The snow muffled the sound of their hooves on the ground. And all around me, it was quiet.

I am lucky to live here – there are not many places in the Mat-Su Valley in which it’s this quiet. I’m going to have to keep this in mind if and when we move. I have two places in mind – nearby, in Sutton, and far away, in New Mexico. I may hang out in these places before we commit to purchasing property because I don’t want any noise-related surprises.

I can’t imagine living next to a busy road or a freeway. Everything has a price, and those places may be cheap because they are noisy.

Speaking of noise – today I was interviewed on Big Cabbage Radio, as a part of their Pick.Click.Give promotion. I got word that they were signing people up yesterday. I didn’t waste any time – I signed up for today, at noon.

Noon was a bit early for us because Pete is a late riser – and is usually the case we were pressed for time getting to town. I walked in the door right on time and was escorted to the studio by Mike M. who had me take a chair in the room, which was about the size of an audiologist’s test area. I noticed that the walls were covered with quilts. I wondered if they absorb sound.

Mike adjusted the controls and then we both spoke to one another – the microphones were a reminder that this was an interview and not a regular conversation.

The on-site interview was way different than the phone interview. I focused on Mike and watched what he was doing. He focused on me – and I made it a point to smile often. I think that my responses to his questions were quite good, if I do say so myself. My best line was at the end when he asked if I had anything else to say. I said that Pick.Click.Give was beneficial to the community – hoorah, hoorah. I will always wonder why this came to mind. I seldom have instantaneous insights.

Pete is wearing headphones and making dinner. He is a noisy cook. I should be more grateful.

Next: 7. 1/7/26: Cold Weather