There is an interesting book I can't remember the title of about a man who goes blind in his 30s, and he talks about being out in different weathers. For instance, when it rains, one thing that happens is that the world takes shape, because of the echoes off the buildings and trees, and so on. He says that new snowfalls are deadly because they muffle all the sounds, and they are treacherous for the blind. I love snowfalls in the city, and wasn't trying to wreck your thought, Neil, but it reminded me of that soundlessness.
yours, Peter T.