One of my favorite social media guilty pleasures is complaining about the weather in New York. I know, I know: I will hear about being Zen-like and accepting it for what it is — or about leaving for a better climate. I get it. But I stay for many reasons, not the least of which is my whole family (or what’s left of it) and all my friends are here. Besides, there is something special about the changes each of the four seasons bring with them, including their own sights, smells, and sounds.
Since it’s spring, or at least what passes for it in New York, we’ll focus on that. Well, the weather is as mercurial as the people who live here. Just a few weeks ago, the temperature dropped from 92 F to 40 F within just three days! I believe it’s one of the factors that make New Yorkers what they are famous for: resilience.
But there is also a beauty to spring that goes beyond the spectacular bloom of trees and flowers that, at times, is simply breathtaking. With that explosion of life comes the wonderful colors of all that new growth. I love the word verdant to describe spring because it seems that almost overnight the view of the world goes from black and white to brilliant vibrance. But don’t forget the allergies that also come with that bloom. After all, this is New York and everything comes with a price.
And, of course, there are the sounds associated with the season. The birds return in massive numbers and provide a cacophony of harmonies to greet every sunrise and sunset. A gentle breeze often brings windchime sounds from my backyard alive with soothing effect. And there is the sounds of life itself — music, conversation, and laughter — returning to my neighborhood, too. We live in a very traditional one in Nyack. The homes are modest with small, tidy, well-kept yards. It’s also very ethnically mixed with many Latino families. It’s impossible not to interact. Perhaps that’s why my partner and I like it so much here.
The weather has improved enough to allow me to sit on my patio in my cozy backyard and just listen to the sounds of my ’hood. And how wonderful they are. Yes, there are the birds – all kinds of them — making a racket at my feeder. But there are also the sounds of people – all kids of them – living. Of course, barbecuing has begun. How I love the wonderful aromas and music that come from my neighbors’ yards! The only thing that could make it better would be for them to invite us over to enjoy some of that wonderful-smelling food.
Oh, and there’s laughter, too. The laughter of children, who are everywhere. Across the street, three young brothers play together and have a blast in their small, grassy yard. Next to us is a beautiful family: a mom, dad, and twin boys about eight- or nine-years old. The boys get so excited when they see me and call out in unison: “Fwank!” They play together in their own yard as a family virtually every evening. Behind us is another, larger family that has wonderful cookouts with great food, Tejano music, and plenty of kids running, playing, and laughing.
It’s wonderful.
I remember reading a social media post some time ago about an older gentleman who was complaining about the kids in his condo complex making too much noise when they played outside. After all, the man said, he paid a lot for his privacy. Fair enough. He’s entitled. But it’s a mindset that I’ll never truly understand. To me, winter is mostly silent. Some enjoy it for that absence of sound. But I get excited when Persephone returns to earth. Life, with all the sights, smells, and sounds, fills the streets. And the world is good again.
Frank LoBuono is a Nyack resident, photographer, blogger and retired CBS News journalist.
Editor’s note: The views expressed in this article are those of this independent writer and not the Nyack News & Views editorial staff. We welcome submissions from anybody who is interested in publishing their thoughts, ideas and perspectives about issues facing our community, both large and small. Please send submissions to info@nyacknewsandviews.com.
Photo credit: George Pejoves
