“Have you ever noticed a tree standing naked against the sky,

How beautiful it is?

All its branches are outlined, and in its nakedness

There is a poem, there is a song.

Every leaf is gone and it is waiting for the spring.

When the spring comes, it again fills the tree with

The music of many leaves,

Which in due season fall and are blown away.

And this is the way of life.”

~ Krishnamurti 

Welcome to early February Saluda news and notations! With a case of winter doldrums brought on by cold gray stretches, it’s been time to count blessings. My frozen car did not want to start after an icy day or two: I gave thanks for AAA and the hardy souls who venture out to get stranded folks like me up and running again. Despite the freezing chill, the driver who came to the rescue had no jacket on. I was huddled close to the car, as if I could get warmer — bundled like an Eskimo on an ice floe while he reassured me that he wasn’t cold at all. It just made me shiver all the more looking at his short-sleeved shirt.

In the meantime, River dog decided to do ‘wardrobe upkeep’ for me: those Shar-pei fangs happily shredded one of my favorite thrift-shop sweaters. Rather than throw the old friend out, I got scissors and created leg warmers and a snazzy vest to match as River proudly watched his handiwork being appreciated. (How many people have such a fashionista pooch?) When I wore the “new” outfit out in public, it was a big hit: people were admiring the leg warmers–wanting to know where I’d gotten them. I had to spill the beans about the fang treatment and old sweater. That got some big smiles!