You didn’t leave without a hug, or a feeling you were loved. Between the two of them, Saluda got a gift.

The day Bill passed away, I watched the winter sunset fade softly into pink and silver gray over the mountains: tears and sadness overcame me that he wouldn’t be here to watch it too. Suddenly the innate knowledge that he was somewhere painting that very sunset with a wry smile, brown eyes sparkling, paints at his side…I knew it would be alright, that he’s close by in every sunset, every garden that blooms.

Saluda Welcome Table is every Tuesday, dinner will be served from 5:30 -7 p.m. in the fellowship hall of Saluda United Methodist Church. All welcomed; donations appreciated. Get to know others throughout the Saluda community and share a meal!

Saluda Community Land Trust (SCLT) is sponsoring plots in Robinson Community Garden on Henderson Street. Two more sign-up days are available: March 13 with potluck dinner and the final sign-up on April 10. Contact Marilyn Prudhomme at 828-749-9172 or Carolyn Ashburn at carolyn@skyrunner.net for more information.

Art Notes: Calling all artists: get your application in for the 10th annual Saluda Arts Festival to be held May 18; visit Saluda.com for more details. Applications must be post-marked by March 15.

Business Notes: Saluda Truckstop and Plaza on Ozone Drive near I-26 is open serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. L & L Landscape has opened on Ozone Drive, and the owner of Nantahala Brewing Company will be opening a tap room in downtown Saluda in May.

Happy March Birthday to: Faye Chandler, Genell Jespersen, Charlene Pace, Valerie Mintz, Sheldon Mintz, Curtis Pace, Anita Odgen Moore, Lloyd Thompson, Charles Weinhagen, Kevin Kerr, Catherine Ross, Jane Fox and Greaton Sellers.

As ever, thank you, dear readers in Bulletin land for reading this column!

The goal is to make you feel like you’re enjoying a hot cup of tea with me — your comments are always wanted and valued. Feel free to e-mail me at bbardos@gmail.com; or call 749-1153.  You may also visit my website at bonniebardos.com.