“We have lived our lives by the assumption that what was good for us would be good for the world. We have been wrong. We must change our lives so that it will be possible to live by the contrary assumption, that what is good for the world will be good for us. And that requires that we make the effort to know the world and learn what is good for it.” ~ Wendell Berry
Around the stroke of midnight last Friday, restless me had wandered back downstairs. I checked email, munched a little taste of banana bread, took River dog out one more time, figuring at some point I’d get sleepy.
Swoosh; swoosh…an inexplicable breeze stirred over the ceiling, peacock feathers fluttered in their vase over the mantel. Puzzled, wondering if this was a tremor starting, or cosmic something-or-other, I peered around the dim room. Circling round and round up high, there was my little friend Bat Man. Inside. How did YOU sneak in, Bat Man, I asked: my only fear was injuring him in trying to get him out. Bats can be a little trickier than birds to remove: birds spot an open door or window and fly out quickly. Bats are on sonar, intently circling at night, so need more guidance.

Opening doors to outside and night sounds, putting a flashlight pointed up to serve as Bat Signal, then steering my little friend toward open doors carefully, it took me a good 30 minutes. All this time River was a good helper: he quietly stood in the room where Bat Man was and let me know where our visitor went: he didn’t bark, maybe because I remained calm. We were all happy to get our midnight visitor out safely. (Maybe Bat Man just wanted a bite of banana bread too, come to think of it.)

Over the years, I’ve reminded folks that birds, bats, bees and other critters are beneficial. Although we don’t want them moving in with us, they’re valuable friends to appreciate, to study, and to learn more about. It doesn’t hurt to treat them with respect and a bit of reverence either. I didn’t have to throw a towel over Bat Man, go berserk screaming, or beat him with a broom. When I looked up at him in soft light, I could see the delicate wings, how light and fragile. Now he’s back out on mosquito patrol.

Saluda Tailgate Market is Friday from 4:30 – 6:30 p.m. at the city parking lot off Main Street; local and fresh. Many Saluda businesses are open later on Friday evenings.
Saluda Community Land Trust has family swim afternoons at Twin Lakes (a conservation property of SCLT) on August 20, 27 and September 3. Enjoy peaceful “Walks in the Woods” on August 17 at Lazy Girl, a trail through the Bradley Nature Preserve; meet at Saluda Library’s parking lot at 2 p.m. Donations to support SCLT are always appreciated. SCLT’s phone is 828-749-1560; (saludaclt.org)
“Top of the Grade Concerts” are the second and fouth Fridays through October, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. at McCreery Park at the Ella Grace Mintz stage area.
There’ll be a community potluck and bingo night at Saluda Center on August 22, 6 p.m.
Saluda School starts on August 25. Parents and students are invited to drop by the school cafeteria, August 21, 2 – 4 p.m. to meet teachers and visit classrooms.
Veterans will treated to a free breakfast at Ward’s Grill on August 28 from 8 – 10 a.m. Thank you to Judy Stroud, State Farm, and Cathy Jackson Realty for helping sponsor this event.
Mark your calendar for the annual Charlie Ward Memorial Pig Out, September 13, 5 – 7:00 p.m. in the pavilion at McCreery Park.

Happy August Birthday to B.J. Kent, Linda Kaye Haynes, Cindi Miller, Paul Stoney, Jen Pace, Zack Pace, Don Mintz, Caroline Tindal, Nora Ward, Samantha Ward, Reeda Ward, Natalie Aabye, Verlie Murphy, and Peter Eisenbrown. Please add your name to the list; don’t worry: no ages mentioned unless you’re under 2 or over 100!

Thank you, dear readers for reading this column. It’s always my goal to make you feel like you’re having a porch swing visit in a small town called Saluda. If you have something of note, feel free to contact me at bbardos@gmail.com; or 828 749-1153. You may also visit my website at bonniebardos.com or find me on Facebook.