By Bonnie J. Bardos

“Season of mists and mellow fruitfulness,


Close bosom-friend of the maturing sun;

Conspiring with him how to load and bless

With fruit the vines that round the thatch-eves run;

To bend with apples the moss’d cottage-trees,

And fill all fruit with ripeness to the core…”

 

~ John Keats, excerpt from “To Autumn”

 

Spikes of goldenrod and early-fallen leaves lie under a morning mist along the peaceful lanes of Saluda. Fall slips into town, pulled along on September’s purple and gold skirts. Late summer roses bend lazily in the garden as more graceful spider webs drape overhead, shimmering in the breeze.

 

Spiders start their October decoration early, and somehow I always forgive them, creatures of the earth they are (your local curmudgeon does not forgive the early Christmas decor in the stores though, but will forgive the spiders, yes indeed).

 

Bright patches of mums make their own sunshine on a damp day; a lone squirrel stops and watches me and River dog on our lazy morning meanderings.

 

Mr. Bright Eyes and bushy tail is out collecting nuts, but my pockets for once, are empty. Twitching his tail, our squirrel friend scampers off: he’s got more important things to do. Plump acorns have been jumping and dancing on the sidewalk down the street, maybe there’s some left there, he’s thinking. I’ll pick up a couple if he’s left any behind, bring them in and put them on the easel for inspiration, along with a yellow mum or two. Maybe it’s time for a cup of hot tea as well, I think. River agrees, as long as there’s a dog treat involved. Maybe two.

 

Saluda Tailgate Market is Friday from 4:30-6:30 p.m. at the city parking lot off Main Street.

 

Saluda Welcome Table is every Tuesday, with dinner from 5:30-6:30 p.m. in the fellowship hall of Saluda United Methodist Church.

 

Keep up with all that Saluda Community Land Trust (SCLT) does by visiting saludaclt.org or calling 828-749-1560. On Oct. 4 at 2 p.m. meet at Saluda Library parking lot to carpool to the Round Mountain picnic to see one of SCLT’s newest projects, and take a mild stroll or a more strenuous hike (your choice) along with enjoying a fall picnic. Contact Chuck Hearon for more information at 828-817-0364, 749-9886 or chearon@skyrunner.net

The Annual Antique & Vintage Show fundraiser to help with “Pave Pace Park” will be on Sept. 26, from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. in downtown Saluda. On Sept. 27, the “Cruise In For A Cause” will be held from 12 – 4 p.m. For more information or to request a vendor application to be a part of the Antique & Vintage Show contact the City of Saluda at 828-749-2581 or Tangie Morgan at 828-749-1514.

At Saluda Center, there’s a community potluck and bingo on Sept. 28, 6 p.m. Bring a favorite dish to share with others and a friend!

Don’t forget to mark your calendar for the Artists’ Autumn Fair at Nostalgia Courtyard on Oct. 10 from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

You can help support our Saluda School by donating box tops at collection boxes located at the library, post office or school office.

Happy September birthday to Wayne Thompson, Connie Woodruff, Courtney Hoots, Merci Weitzen, Dale McEntire, Joni Rauschenbach, Sonya Monts, Linda Kaye Hayes, Carol Kenfield, Debbie Fisher, Leslie Jespersen, Linda Mintz, Sheila Billeter, Cary Pace, Ross Arrington, Hop Foster, Chuck Hearon, Alexia Timberlake, Jason Justus and Clark Thompson.

 

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 front porch swing watching sparkling spider webs drift in morning sun. Please feel free to contact me at bbardos@gmail.com or 749-1153. You may also visit bonniebardosart.com for more writing and art, or find me on Facebook.