So many times I’ve thought these very thoughts while observing all that is around me, just being in the world, feeling life brush against my cheek.

On a early Saluda morning heavy with mountain mist, scarlet and gold spark against silver veils hanging low over trees.

High up, a handsome black crow perches indolently on a dead branch: the sculptural shadow against tree and sky is elegant, a work of art: I watch him, cautious that River and I don’t get beaned by a falling limb. Mr. Crow looks stately but precarious up above us, the branch frail under his weight.

Finally he flies off, low over a field, cawing, cawing. It’s not too cold yet, which I’m grateful for. Soon, it’ll be time to drag houseplants inside; not a favorite chore! I’d already demoted an orchid to the back porch — knowing it wouldn’t survive through winter in this house.

A few minutes ago, I couldn’t bear it anymore, the orchid was brought inside for a reprieve, watered and petted: I just didn’t have the heart to toss it just yet. It’s easier to downsize clothing and ‘stuff’ but not so easy for plants.

Community:

Saluda Tailgate Market continues until Oct. 25 from 4:30-6:30 p.m.; many town businesses are open later on Friday. It’s a great time to visit the tailgate market, shop, and enjoy music.

The last o’ the season Top of the Grade Concert is Oct. 25, 6:30-8:30 p.m. at McCreery Park; bring chairs, food available. Aaron Burdett along with Sound Investment will top the season off with some great sounds! Come a bit earlier to hear accordion music at 6 p.m.

Saluda Welcome Table is every Tuesday, dinner served from 5:30-7 p.m. in the fellowship hall of Saluda United Methodist Church; all welcome, donations appreciated.

On Oct. 17 at 6 p.m., join SCLT for a free chili dinner at Saluda Fire Department, a program about kudzu control and special guest speaker Saluda native Becky Shropshire who will talk about her search and rescue dogs.

The next Walk in the Woods is Oct. 20 to enjoy Saluda Nature Park; meet at Saluda Library to carpool, 2 p.m. More information about SCLT and these events can be found at saludaclt.org or 828-749-1560.

Come enjoy the Art and Music Fair supporting local artists and craftspeople at Nostalgia Courtyard, Oct. 20. Also, there’ll be an OktoberFest at Maggie’s Old Saluda Store at 1487 Ozone Drive from 4-8 p.m.

Saluda Garden Club meets Oct. 21 at 10 a.m. at Saluda Library.

Blue Ridge Contra Dancing Tuesday, Oct. 22, 7 p.m. at the Party Place & Event Center.

There’ll be community potluck and bingo, Saluda Center, Oct. 28, 6 p.m. Bring your favorite dish to share.

Mark your calendar for the Saluda Halloween Stroll, Thursday, Oct. 31, 3 -6 p.m. on Main Street; Saluda police will be on hand to help keep it safe and fun for little ones.

It’s not too early to get your tickets for the annual Saluda United Methodist Church’s delicious turkey dinner on Nov. 9 from 5 – 7:30 p.m. at Saluda School’s cafeteria. You can call Terry Baisden at 828-749-3789 or email terrybaisden@tds.net for more information.

Happy October Birthday to Patricia Case, Joan Barker, Gary Corn, Aaron Bradley, Amanda Burrell, Lisa Orr, Marilyn Prudhomme, Bubba Dawson and Kirby Jackson.

Thank you, dear readers for reading this column. It’s my goal to make you feel as if you were enjoying a ‘Saluda Time’ visit on the porch swing and warmly welcome in our small town of Saluda whether you live here or not, dreaming of being here, or are visiting.

Please feel free to contact me at bbardos@gmail.com; or 828-749-1153. You may also visit my website at bonniebardos.com for more writing and art, or find me on facebook.