I'd forgotten the peace, the quiet...

Since May 17, our street has been open only to local traffic due to the closure, repair, and retrofitting of a bridge a couple of blocks south. This bridge, which hovers over a local and important greenbelt creek, was designed by the same man who designed the infamous "Galloping Gertie". That bridge, which spanned the Tacoma Narrows, is famous for having swayed and shaken violently enough in the 1930's to eventually break apart and fall into the waterway below. This disaster was caught on tape and is dragged out of stock and aired periodically by the local TV stations when other such disasters occur. Needless to say, I am thrilled that our bridge is being strengthened especially since it is a valuable north-south route in the city.
That said, I am amazed daily by the quiet and the cleanliness which has fallen on our roadway. The quiet is obvious. There are virtually no cars. What few there are invariably have to turn round after another block south and return in search of another route over the creek. The quiet is so "loud" that I can hear birds I would not otherwise have known were around. Also, being a newshound, I almost always have a radio on and, while mowing or weeding outside, listen via headphones to music. Now, I find that I am still so amazed by and intent upon listening to the silence, I turn the radio off and no longer use the headphones while outside. I simply cannot get enough of the quiet, the peace! And, of course, the air is so much cleaner and better smelling. Boy, are we going to be spoiled by this year of heaven given us by the bridge work!
I also find that, personally, I am more peaceful. I think the quiet has instilled in me more relaxation. Whenever I get my blood pressure taken, I visualize certain roses in my yard in order to remain calm, still, at peace. When I do this, my reading is normal or low. Given how peaceful I've become since the road has closed, I've posted the two roses I visualize and offer them to you the viewer for peaceful, relaxing contemplation. The pink is called Cornelia and the peach is named Westerland. Enjoy and breathe!