By the Park: Archdale Public Library

I can now understand why many people have left the leaves to the wind...

The Washington Post offered "sound" reasons to muffle the blower, a popular yard tool used this time of year. The decibles of sounds we hear were compared to the blower, which was listed at 74 decibles. One of the most painful is a jackhammer, registering at 130 decibels and a snowmobile's volume registers 100!

The design of some leaf blowers are being modified by their manufacturers to reduce the sound volume, which is similar to a vacuum cleaner at 70 decibles. Rice krispies came in at a whisper, registering 30 decibels!

The weather changes shouldn't keep you from the great selection of (garden) books that are available anytime of the year. Don't forget to peek in on the bird books for suggestions on their winter diet!

Now, where's my rake?? Carol