“You can’t force simplicity; but you can invite it in by finding as much richness as possible in the few things at hand. Simplicity doesn’t mean meagerness but rather a certain kind of richness, the fullness that appears when we stop stuffing the world with things.”

~ Thomas Moore

I remember a colorful little plaque hanging above my mother’s plate collection that simply said, “Use it up, wear it out, make it do, or do without.” That plaque was on my mind today as I toted a screw, florist wire and a pair of pliers out to the mailbox to patch it up one more time. The mailbox’s red flag had flopped permanently to half-mast, the rusty door had come unhinged, and it just seemed time to either buy a new box that wasn’t falling apart, patch ‘er up, or do without.

To be honest, finding a new mailbox that will actually survive a few years is a monumental task. I really didn’t want to spend the money, hunt through Lowe’s for a suitable candidate or have to deal with putting the whole enchilada up on the post, which probably would need replacing, too. (You know how one thing leads to another!)

These days, mailbox flags are usually plastic or have parts of plastic (code word for junk). The box metal isn’t overly sturdy — one bash and things are over. Now and then, I’ve applied a hammer to crimp the door tighter so it wouldn’t fall open, but the limp flag problem almost was a sinker for a trip to Lowe’s. Most boxes have two holes, and if you purchase a replacement flag, it’s a good bet that the flag you buy will not fit those holes. Oh no. That’s too easy. You have to make a template, drill a hole, and pray you got it right. If not, you’re back at square one.

So, in the name of patch it up, I did buy a replacement flag, got it home, realized it would not fit ever — drill or no drill. Today, I went out in the soggy day and did battle. Make it do, patch it up, I muttered to myself. Rube Goldberg could not have been prouder! Despite on-coming cars, I managed to get the new screw inserted, wire the flag and pound the door a bit to fit tighter. Of course, this means stepping back to the sidewalk 50 times as cars whiz by. You take your life in your own hands if you’re trying to jerry-rig a mailbox on my street. Patch it up! Make it do! At least for one more week…

Saluda Tailgate Market is open on Fridays from 4:30-6:30 p.m. at the city parking lot off Main Street. Saluda Welcome Table is every Tuesday with dinner served from 5:30-7 p.m. in the fellowship hall of Saluda United Methodist Church. All are welcome; donations accepted.

Saluda Community Land Trust (SCLT) benefits from your donations or time as a volunteer for their many community projects. Community swim days continue on Wednesdays at Twin Lakes. “Walks in the Woods” are on the first and third Sundays each month. For more information, contact SCLT at 828-749-1560 or visit saludasclt.org.

Saluda Train Tales are held at Saluda Historic Depot (HistoricSaluda.org) on the third Friday each month through October. The next one is August 19 at 7 p.m. Charlene Pace and Greaton Sellers will talk about Saluda’s boarding houses, hotels and inns from the past. The depot is open Thursday through Sunday, noon – 4 p.m.

The next Top of the Grade concert at McCreery Park features Bob Sinclair and the Big Deals on August 12 from 7-9 p.m.

Saluda Garden Club meets August 15, 10 a.m. at the pavilion in McCreery Park. Bring yard flowers/greenery and old vases/jars to make floral arrangements for Autumn Care and local businesses.

Saluda Sympathy goes to the family of Willard Pace.

Happy August birthday to B.J. Kent, Linda Kaye Haynes, Paul Stoney, Jen Pace, Zack Pace, Don Mintz, Caroline Tindal, Nora Ward, Samantha Ward, Reeda Ward, Natalie Aabye, Verlie Murphy, Peter Eisenbrown, Coleman Bradley and Ryan Bradley.

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