Let’s begin with one of the most annoying aspects of our Boston abode: the drumbeat of a rainstorm as it falls on the air conditioner unit that hangs outside the bedroom window. I will never complain about having a bay window in the back of our condo; I’m told they are a luxury in Boston. But I need to find a way to combat the loud drumming of water falling on the metal AC. It is incredibly loud, like a snare drum that magnifies every drop of water, drilling it into your head in some mild form of water torture. Once in a while, it’s soft enough to be a comfort, but anything more than a sprinkling has it sounding off like a half-time show. I’ve thought of putting a piece of shag carpet out to lessen the impact, but I don’t want to make it too inviting for birds or other critters. Suggestions are welcome.
Now onto one of my favorite aspects of the Boston abode: sleeping with the windows open in the fall. When the nights just start turning cooler and the breeze blows in from the ocean, it’s time to open the windows and air out any remaining stuffiness of summer. I love hunkering down in a fuzzy robe, sitting by the window, and allowing the wind to rustle the curtains and remind me of how cozy the condo can be.
A few weeks ago I had the lucky circumstance to be in Boston and experience both extremes. The first night was ravaged by a storm, and I was awakened at about 3 in the morning by the rattling and pounding of rain upon the air conditioner. Tossing and turning in bed, I cursed the timing of the thing, even if I was glad to get it over with before the start of the next day. After getting its tears out, the next night was breezy and cool, but not taking any chances on a 3 AM wake up storm, I moved myself out onto the couch, which I will sleep on once in a great while. The front windows were open and the fountain in the middle of Braddock Park was trickling its water down in the most soothing fashion: the exact opposite of the tumult of the night before. Soon the fountain will be turned off for the season, and I was grateful to be there at that moment. A thick, plush blanket was all I needed as the night turned colder. The sounds of gently falling water and the occasional whisper of a breeze masked the distant noise of the city. Alone in the condo, I felt a profound feeling of peace settle over me as I settled into sleep.
