Lifescapes: The top 8 sounds of summer

Let’s face it – summer has the best sounds of all the seasons. While some are super obvious seasonal fixtures, other sounds resonate on a more personal level. Maybe you will agree.

Crickets/cicadas/whatever they’re actually called

If you could sell sounds like candle scents, I think the sounds of summer insects could be appropriately labeled “childhood.” Hearing the insects’ symphony is a total throwback to simpler days.

The hum of the air conditioner

I’ll be honest, I’m not a fan of the AC because I’m too cold most of the time. But there is something about the background hum of an air conditioning unit that provides instant comfort. This sound is only outranked by the sound of a box fan.

The sounds of neighbors through an open window

I have a neighbor who probably spends 8-10 hours per day gardening. Ninety percent of the time, she is playing a mix CD on her boom box. This CD contains a combination of Andrea Bocceli hits, ABBA songs, and Christian hymns. I’m being completely honest when I say I love hearing this orchestra of tunes and gardening tools.

Summer storms

Unless they cancel your baseball or pool plans, storms are basically unbeatable in the summer soundtrack department. Best paired with a library book and cozy sweatshirt.

Carnival rides

Where I grew up, my town hosted a summer carnival and food festival for one week every summer. I lived close enough to be able to hear the mechanics of the roller coasters and the screams of people riding the tilt-a-whirl. It was the perfect set of sounds that allowed me to feel included in the fun from the comfort of my own home.

The way the wind rushes through car windows on the road

Whether you’re on an old back road or flying down the expressway, the wind rustling through car windows is decidedly summery. Again, only outpaced by the sound of the wind while you ride a bike or rollerblade.

Outdoor cafes

Even if you’re not at the café or dining outside, it’s always energizing to walk past a restaurant and hear people enjoying their time on the café patio. People have the most fascinating conversations, and sometimes they’re even more fascinating out of context as you walk by, enjoying the summer night.

Kids

Whether they’re playing tag, bouncing a basketball, or screaming with their friends (why did we all shout at the top of our lungs back then?), it’s officially summer (and you’re a kid again, too) when you hear the kids outside.

Flip-flops on the pavement, people’s keys jingling from their pockets, backyard gates opening and closing, the click-clack of dogs’ nails against the sidewalk, neighbors calling to each other across the street, sprinklers rotating,

…and all of the other sounds you aren’t outside long enough to hear in the winter months.

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