Memories

Funny how memories can be tied to intense sensory triggers . The fragrance of fresh-baked bread , a relative's favorite perfume , a just-mowed lawn , evergreen trees...each brings vivid memories . Sounds are also triggers...the spring calls of peepers , the cries of sea gulls , certain music , the deep rumble of 50's muscle cars . When I was growing up , we lived a block and a half from a bay beach . Summer brought the sounds of power boats speeding across the water . Somehow , living inland doesn't afford those nautical noises . And so , when I moved here , a lovely summer nap - windows open and light breezes wafting in - was brought to a surprising end . There are times when a sound can gently creep into our slumber to rouse us . The process is slow...often before the brain can properly identify its origin...and so it was that day . What was heard was " boats on the bay " ... bringing a smile and contentment at the dear familiar sound . Reality intruded when , upon becoming fully awake , the sound was properly identified as that of commercial riding mowers employed by the community in which I live ! Comfort can sometimes come in surprising packages !