A profusion of pink roses bending ragged in the rain speaks to me of all gentleness and its enduring. ~The Collected Later Poems of William Carlos Williams

Welcome to mid-June Saluda notes and notations: along with a bustling downtown, our Saluda gardens are lush and green with busy bees and birds… a couple days ago, I walked in my jungle of a backyard to pick flowers. Like mille-fleur, thousands of soft lavender-tinted fever few blossoms sprang up suddenly in view what an unexpected delight on a summery June morning!

With school out soon, and kids needing something to do, remember the Saluda Community Librarys Make A Splash summer reading program that runs from today, June 16-July 28. For more information about&bsp; this, or other programs at the Saluda library, call 828-749-2117.

A little bird told me that Ray McLees in Tryon is thrilled to hear there really is a stool marked for him at Wards Grill. Clark Thompson will close on the building this week, and we are SO happy and pleased to have someone step up to take over this heart-of-Saluda landmark, with some wonderful new additions coming. When you see what kind of building development Clark has done in Pensacola, Florida, you realize here is someone who appreciates and loves old buildings and history. You can see some of his thoughtful work and planning at his website: www.thompson-briggs.com

Karen Johnson is enjoying visiting grandchildren these June days, and many others have family and friends heading into town for visits. Before we know it, July and Coon Dog Day will be here. Are the days, months, and years getting faster, or is it just all my imagination?

Reminder Note: Keep in mind that the Saluda tailgate market is on Fridays at the city parking lot off Main Street&bsp; (follow the signs) from 4:30 to 6:30 with local produce, flowers, homemade soup, breads, and all manner of goodies. Friendly folks all around; stop by and visit. The smiles are free, and its nice to see little kids, old folks, dogs, and all sorts enjoying Saluda breezes and socializing. &bsp;

The Saluda Senior Center at 64 Greenville Street will have an Art Reception on June 18th at 5:00 for talented local artists Marguerite Hankins and Bill & Anne Jameson, so please plan to attend, or get by to see the exhibit during the month of June. Also, come enjoy a community potluck at the center on June 24th at 6:00 with the gospel group, Reflection of Grace. Board members are: Judy Ward, Bill Klippel, Brenda Bohannon, Joe Marley, Anne Jameson, Melanie Talbot, Neill Bultman, Edie Campbell, Margaret Sease, Henry Bright, Betty Wilkerson, and Bob Bailey. Directors are Donna Carson and Judy Moore. The Senior Center isnt just for seniors….we can all enjoy the many offerings! Meals On Wheels volunteers always needed and appreciated.

The annual meeting of Saluda Medical Centers Board of Trustees begins at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, June 17th at the Saluda Senior Center, which is next door to the medical center. Light refreshments will be served, and a presentation will be given on accomplishments and goals resulting from the development of the five year strategic plan. The public is invited.

Dont forget to send those birthdays in! Again, I promise: no age mentioned.

Thank you all for your remarks and feedback about this column: it just makes my day knowing someone out there reads it.

I want you to feel like youre sitting out in the front porch swing drinking tea and enjoying birds and flowers with me. Come on in, visit awhile!

Keep in mind if you have something of note for this column, feel free to e-mail me at bbardos@gmail.com; or call me at 749-1153.&bsp; You may also visit my website at bonniebardos.com