“The days go by, the days remain the same, dwindling
down to a precious few as I try to write my name
In the book of passing days, the book of water. Some
days I go fishing, usually unsuccessfully, casting
gently across a small stream that flows along beneath
some overhanging trees or through a field of cows.”
~ John Koethe 

One thing about small town life in Saluda is we have kids. And dogs. And a rooster or two. Sometimes a red wagon loaded with kids rolls by my house, and I smile to myself. You hear and see much from a front porch: vignettes of life dance by on the sidewalk, an expanse of green trees embroidering the horizon, blue sky overhead.
Yes, red wagons bring back memories, and are a reminder of what matters most. Red wagons, basketball thumping, dogs, roosters crowing, mockingbirds trilling, kids playing outside: all a part of the web of life. We need those things that connect us, the years, the turning of time: living here in town, I get a glimpse of many story lines along the sidewalks. There are young, middle-age, old folks; dogs, cats sunning on porches, ancient pick-ups, tractors, golf carts along low-slung cars that cost as much as a modest house. It all comes together as part of the thread that knits community together.
Last week, my doorbell rang: this time, two grinning (and adorable) eight-year-old boys bearing a huge jar of Milkbone® dog treats with a “Welcome to Saluda, River!” sign taped around it. Now, River the rescue pup has made himself quite at home around here, and has been trying to live up to being the resident guard Shar-Pei of the house. However, wise boy that he is, once he spotted the  treats, no growls or barks were to be heard. Tail wagging, he made fast friends with his two visitors (and the treat jar).
What I love most about Saluda:the fact that little boys come to my door with a jar of treats to make the new ‘baby’ welcome. The fact that others leave off gift bags of dog

presents for him, ask about him. That red wagons roll past on the sidewalk. It’s the way our town is: that folks care about each other, furry or not: and another reminder that there is good in this world – right there in front of me: standing on a sunlit porch, two young boys carrying a jar of Milkbones® with joy and innocence in their eyes.
Ellen Ogden Hefley is visiting Saluda from Natchez, Mississippi. Congratulations to Bo Moore, son of Anita Odgen Moore; Bo recently started a new job in San Francisco.
At Saluda Community Library, 44 West Main Street: bring kids to enjoy summer programs: on Friday, July 27 at 2 p.m. it’s Mark Daniel, Magical Storyteller, “READasaurus on the Loose.” The summer’s finale is Wednesday, August 1 at 2 p.m.: “Pajama Party, Movie and Craft Program.” Wear jammies! Call 749-2117 for information.
Our Saluda postmaster, Cindy Keeter, is retiring. A drop-in retirement reception for Cindy will be at the Saluda Center at 64 Greenville Street, hosted by the Women’s Club of Saluda on Tuesday, July 31 from 3-5:30 p.m.
Also at Saluda Center, there’ll be community potluck and bingo night with Archie Hardy as caller on July 30 at 6 p.m.
Meals On Wheels can always use volunteers; inquire with Donna Carson at Saluda Center 828-749-9245 or stop by, check out the art exhibit while there. If you’re over 60 and are in need of a good hot meal delivered to you, they’re glad to assist. Did you know that medical supplies can be loaned as well?
Saluda Tailgate Market continues at West Main Street public parking lot on Fridays from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Fresh local offerings: rain or shine.
Happy July Birthdays to Doris Marion, Debi Thomas, Linda Poole, Rheta Foster, Nancy Weinhagen, Tosh Miller, Lisa Obermiller, Kathy Thompson, Bill Jameson, Emily Rose Ford and Jeremy Ford.
Thank you, dear readers for reading this column: each and every one of you is appreciated and your comments are valued! If you have something of note, feel free to contact me at bbardos@gmail.com; or 749-1153. You may also visit my website at bonniebardos.com or find me on facebook.