I've never seen the movie Sleepless in Seattle, but I know how it feels to be sleepless in New Smyrna Beach and the problem is not loneliness.
Living on U.S. 1 or North Dixie Freeway has its good and bad points. The advantage from a business point of view is visibility. The disadvantage is the noise. And no time is that more exemplified than during the 10-day motorcycle rally known as Bike Week.
I live in an old house that is up on cinder blocks. When those Harleys ride by, the noise is piercing, especially at night.
I can literally feel the vibration under my feet when I sit in front of my computer.
Don't get me wrong. I'm a big fan of Bike Week and I knew of the noise potential when I bought the house.
My first experience with the biker vibrations was last October's Biketoberfest, the much smaller and shorter festival.
I love the bikes and the bikers are great. I just dislike the noise.
My father, who is an avid motorcycle rider, jokingly gave me some earplugs, but they didn't work.
Sure, my good friend Peter Mallory doesn't have a problem with the noise. After all, he lives in a gated community off the beaten path. I live 20 feet from U.S. 1.
Thank God, there's one day left.